CiCM 12th September 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Xi Emphasizes Ecological Conservation During Lanzhou Inspection Tour: General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Lanzhou in Gansu Province on Wednesday to inspect local initiatives. Lanzhou, located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, plays a crucial role in the region's environmental sustainability. While inspecting a section of the river near the Zhongshan Bridge, Xi emphasized the importance of continuous efforts towards ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. He stressed that ecological protection should come before development and that clean waters and green mountains are invaluable assets. Xi expressed optimism about the future beauty of the Yellow River as conservation efforts progress. During his visit, he also presided over a meeting on ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin where he talked about promoting ecological protection and green transformation. Similarly, he also highlighted need to tackle urgent issues like pollution and management of important water bodies connected to the river. In addition to environmental concerns, Xi also visited a local community, where he stressed the need to prioritize elderly care and childcare in public services. Xi urged community workers to prioritize the well-being of residents by providing high-quality services, describing residential communities as the foundation of urban governance.

Wang Yi Met Putin and Doval in St. Petersburg: On Thursday, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Russia’s President Putin and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in St. Petersburg. Putin expressed his gratitude towards China for supporting Russia’s BRICS Presidency. He further reiterated that both countries have promoted cordial relations at all levels and have deepened comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in the new era. As this year marks the 75^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries, Putin expressed hope to strengthen the critical consensus reached by both leaders and promote the relationship between Russia and China to the next level. Wang Yi reiterated the “strong mutual trust” and “profound friendship” between China and Russia. Both leaders reemphasized their resolve to oppose any “unilateral bullying” and “bloc confrontation”. Both sides also discussed “six-point consensus” reached between China and Brazil for ending Russia-Ukraine war and China promised to work towards a political solution. On the other hand, NSA Ajit Doval also met Wang Yi while Doval was on a visit to Russia to meet Putin. The two sides discussed the progress made during the recent consultations on border affairs. Both sides agreed to maintain communication and implement consensus reached by top leaders from both countries. They also exchanged ideas on the stability of India-China relations, expressing a positive outlook that stability is in the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries and conducive to regional peace and development.

The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum commenced in Beijing: China's top security and defence forum, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, began on Thursday with a diverse range of deliberations on the Global Security Initiative, Global South, the security in the Asia-Pacific, issues in Taiwan strait and South China Sea, and the China-US relations. The theme for this year’s forum is “Promoting Peace for the shared future”. This year's forum has seen participation of more than 500 representatives from over 100 developed and emerging countries, with European and American scholars making up one-third of the total participation. During the discussion in the forum, Lieutenant General He Lei, former vice president of Academy for Military Sciences, reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government. He further reiterated the PLA’s Capability to defend national sovereignty, criticised the US arms sale to Taiwan, and commented on the failure of the “Taiwan Independence”. Several foreign delegates reiterated China’s importance in global security order as young military officials and scholars held discussions on managing global conflicts and security issues created by emerging technologies.

China Promotes National Childcare Services: China plans to significantly enhance its childcare services by increasing the number of nursery care slots and promoting professional talent, according to a report presented to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission, announced that the country aims to provide 4.5 nursery care slots per 1,000 people by 2025, up from the current 3.38. As of last year, China had 4.77 million nursery care slots across various settings, such as community-based childcare and employer-run nurseries. However, surveys conducted by local health authorities show that with over 30 percent of families with children under 3 needing care, the national enrolment rate is only 7.86 percent. Private institutions dominate the sector, accounting for 89.5 percent of providers, but about 70 percent operate at a loss due to high rent and labor costs, making the service unaffordable for many. Hence, despite the demand, nearly half of available childcare slots were unused last year, with quality inconsistencies deterring parents from enrolling their children. To address these challenges, China plans to renovate and utilize idle properties, encourage kindergartens to enroll younger children and support communities and employers in establishing childcare facilities. Efforts will also focus on training more professionals by encouraging vocational schools and universities to offer nursery care programs. The government believes that expanding childcare services can reduce family burdens, boost fertility rates, create jobs and promote balanced population development.

China Calls for Political Solution in Sudan: China's envoy to the United Nations, Dai Bing, urged the UN Security Council to focus more on facilitating dialogue and a political solution in Sudan, where conflict has persisted for over a year and a half. Addressing the Security Council’s draft resolution on sanctions against Sudan, Dai emphasized the need to prioritize diplomacy alongside humanitarian support to prevent the worsening crisis. Dai stated that renewing sanctions would help curb the flow of illicit arms, reduce violence and stabilize the situation. He explained that China voted in favour of the resolution as it aligns with the international community's goal of ending the conflict. However, he stressed that sanctions should not replace diplomatic efforts or become tools of political pressure. The Chinese envoy further called on the warring parties to prioritize the interests of Sudanese people, adhere strictly to international humanitarian law and ensure civilian protection. He also urged all UN member states to comply with the arms embargo and take concrete steps to help Sudan cease hostilities and achieve lasting peace. Lastly, Dai also emphasized the importance of respecting Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging international cooperation with the Sudanese government.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Death of a Chinese Man After a Dental procedure Shocks Netizens: The death of a Chinese man, surnamed Huang, 13 days after undergoing a major dental procedure, has shocked many in mainland China. Recently, Huang had 23 teeth extracted and 12 implants placed in a single procedure at Yongkang Deway Dental Hospital in Zhejiang province. Huang endured severe pain following the procedure and died of cardiac arrest just few days after the procedure. The procedure, called "immediate restoration," was performed by a dentist with five years of experience. While the cost of the operation was not disclosed, the hospital typically charges 1,500 yuan (US$210) per implant. The Yongkang Municipal Health Bureau is investigating the incident, noting the 13-day gap between the dental surgery and Huang’s death. Xiang Guolin, a director at the Hospital of Universal Love in Wuhan, noted that while there are no official guidelines on the number of teeth that can be extracted at once, 23 is unusually high. The case has left many Chinese netizens in disbelief, with some questioning the doctor’s ethics and safety of extracting so many teeth in one day, comparing it to an experiment rather than a legitimate medical procedure.

INDIA WATCH

China Daily Advocates Reform in India’s Policy Towards Chinese Investments: Recent calls by Indian officials regarding relaxing policy for allowing Chinese investments and launch of a new portal for expedited visa approvals of Chinese technicians show signs of improvement in India-China economic relations, a recent editorial by China Daily noted. Amidst worsened trade and investment relations after a “deadly clash” in 2020, the editorial claims that crackdown on Chinese companies in the last four years by India have disrupted India-China economic relations. However, the article argues that recent relaxations allowed by Indian government is a result of declining foreign investments in India and its impact on India’s ambitions to reach a developed country status by 2050. It further adds that China plays an integral role in India’s economic development despite bilateral tensions. The editorial also notes that India is an important investment destination and China wants to expand its investments across various sectors in India. Lastly, the editorial aims to suggest India that it should work towards strengthening economic relations with China by offering a transparent and unbiased business environment for Chinese companies.

Prepared By

Athul T Dharan

Athul T Dharan is a Member of CTBTO Youth Group and is currently pursuing his Master's in Political Science from the University of Hyderabad, India. He was a research intern at the Centre for Air Power Studies, Delhi. His research interests include Chinese Studies, China’s Defense policy, Arms Control, Disarmament and Intelligence. During his undergraduate studies, he actively participated in the Model United Nations and served as the General Secretary of the Global Youth Ramjas Chapter. He is an active National Service Scheme volunteer and was part of the Enactus Team, working on rural development and slum rejuvenation projects. He can be reached at athul.t.dharan27@gmail.com