CiCM 11th November 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China Releases Baselines for Huangyan Island: China released baselines outlining the delimitation and declaration of territorial seas in the waters adjacent to Huangyan Dao island. According to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, releasing the baselines by the Chinese government was a natural step to countermeasure the Philippines' domestic legislation, and is consistent with international law and common practices. This move was in response to the Philippines' introduction of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippines Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act enacted on Friday, which were perceived to be infringements to Chinese territory. Additionally, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) conducted patrol enforcement exercises in the region. A CCG statement claimed that the Philippines has routinely dispatched law enforcement vessels and aircrafts and public service ships to provoke the Chinese side, seriously infringing on Chinese territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
China's New Preschool Education Law Aims to Enhance Teacher Qualifications and Child Safety: China's new preschool education law, unveiled on November 11, 2024, by the Ministry of Education, aims to enhance the quality of kindergarten teachers and staff. Key provisions include mandatory registration with educational authorities, background checks, and health exams for all personnel. The law prohibits individuals with criminal histories, such as abuse, sexual assault, drug use, and serious ethical violations, from working in preschools. It also mandates equitable compensation, ensuring that kindergarten teachers receive salaries and benefits comparable to those of primary and secondary school educators. Additionally, the law emphasizes comprehensive training plans for preschool staff and strict accountability for inappropriate behaviors, such as physical punishment and humiliation of children.
China-Russia Strategic Security Consultation to be Held: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jian announced that Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, will attend the 19th annual China-Russia strategic security consultation and the 9th meeting of the China-Russia law enforcement and security mechanism from November 11th to 15th. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with Shoigu on current problems of international and regional security, as well as a range of issues on bilateral cooperation. The Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, Chen Wenqing, will also meet with Shoigu to discuss issues of combating extremism, terrorism and transnational crime. The aim of the meetings are to have in depth communication, enhance mutual trust, and to follow through on the important consensus reached.
China’s Space cargo Shuttle Enters Design Phase: China’s newly unveiled its space cargo shuttle, the Haolong, has entered its engineering development phase, after having completed its design phase, according to its chief designer. The highlight of the ongoing Airshow China 2024, the Haolong space shuttle is developed by Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute under the government owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). The space shuttle aims to further reduce cargo transportation costs involved in the operation of China’s Tiangong space station. It is a reusable model that can ferry materials back and forth between the space station and the Earth, according to the deputy General manager of AVIC.
Xi Jinping on China-Latin America Relations: President Xi Jinping congratulated the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum, which kicked off in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He said that at present, the Global South is developing with strong momentum and playing a significant role in human progress. He further stated China’s willingness to work with Global South countries to advocate for true multilateralism and a multipolar world. He further spoke about China-Brazil ties, and how he aims to enhance their friendship. Xi Jinping is set to visit Peru for the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and Brazil for the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit. He noted that in the past years, the China-Latin America community with a shared future has continually achieved new results, and a new era of mutual benefit and equality has emerged.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Man Detained after Faking Wealth Online; Sparks Conversation on Inequality: A man in China was detained after flaunting his fabricated wealth on social media. On his Douyin account, he showcased luxury cars, jewelry and antiques, and even posted a screenshot of his bank account with 2.4 billion yuan or USD 335 million. He also suggested influential connections by sharing a letter of appointment and a photo with the People’s Liberation Army’s officials. Subsequently, the Ghuizhou internet police revealed his deception, and authorities have detained him for disturbing public order and cyberspace regulations. The incident reflects mounting frustrations over wealth disparity in China, with many seeing such online displays of affluence as out of reach. The incident also highlights the power of social media in shaping perceptions, raising concerns about how easily individuals can fabricate lifestyles to manipulate public opinion. Moreover, it calls for the need to study and understand the challenges China faces in balancing online freedom with regulation in the digital age.

INDIA WATCH

Indian Solar Industry’s Need for Technological Innovation: Chinese news outlet Global Times published an article on India’s solar energy sector, and the need for solid technological achievements in order for it to succeed. The article states that the Indian government’s push for growth in the renewable energy sector has been interpreted by the Western media as a challenge to China’s dominance in the green supply chain. It cites the Wall Street Journal, which published an article about the Indian energy conglomerate, Adani Group, and its bid to set up an entire solar supply chain with indigenous manufacturing products. The author writes that while India’s efforts in developing a robust domestic solar energy sector is commendable, the prosperity of the industry does not only depend on localized manufacturing capabilities. The reason behind the global success of China’s solar products, the article states, is not its significant production scale, but rather continuous technological advancements. The author then provides the example of China’s production technology for high-purity silicon materials needed for the photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cells. The article goes on to comment that China’s innovative technology and widespread applications drive the growth of the solar energy industry and help its sustainable development goals. Further, the author writes that India’s continued reliance on China’s solar products stems from China’s technological innovations that are of high quality and low costs. The article concludes that for India to make its domestic solar sector competitive with China, it needs to invest in solar technology research and development, and create an environment that encourages private companies to intensify their independent research and innovation capabilities.

Prepared By

Veda Jain

Veda Jain is currently a third-year student at Flame University, majoring in International Studies and minoring in Literary and Cultural Studies. She has a strong interest in modern Chinese politics and is keen on analyzing the dynamics of Indo-China relations.

Trishala S

Trishala S is a Junior Research Associate at the Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). She holds a degree in Sociology with a minor in Public Policy from FLAME University. Trishala’s research interests lie at the intersection of socio-political dynamics, family and gender studies, and legal frameworks, with a particular focus on China. Her work examines the effects of aging populations, gender disparities, and rural-urban migration on social welfare, labor policies, and the integration of migrants into urban environments. She is also the coordinator of ORCA's Global Conference on New Sinology (GCNS), which is India's premier dialogue driven China conference. She can be reached at trishala.s@orcasia.org and trishalasasianandkumar@gmail.com.