CiCM 14th-15th December 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Average Age of China’s Workforce Reaches 39.72 Years: According to the China Human Capital Report 2024. the average age of China’s labor force reached 39.72 years in 2022, up from 32.25 years in 1985. The report, unveiled at the 16th International Symposium on Human Capital and Labor Markets, highlights trends in education and human capital across the nation. The average education duration for the working population increased to 10.88 years in 2022, compared to 6.14 years in 1985. Beijing ranked highest in educational attainment, followed by Shanghai and Tianjin, while Tibet, Gansu and Qinghai lagged behind. Regions with the highest share of workers aged 25–45 included Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangdong. In contrast, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Jiangxi had the lowest proportions. China’s total human capital in 2022 stood at 316.65 trillion yuan, a 14.4-fold increase since 1985. Per capita human capital averaged 2.743 million yuan, with urban areas significantly outpacing rural regions. The report underscores regional disparities, with Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin leading in per capita human capital, while Gansu, Hainan, and Qinghai ranked lowest. Published annually since 2009, the report employs internationally recognized methods to measure human capital trends.

China Achieves 95 Percent Utilization of Wind and Solar Energy: China has maintained wind and solar power utilization rates above 95 percent in 2024, reflecting progress in its green energy transition, according to the National Energy Administration. By the end of 2024, the country’s installed wind power capacity reached 510 million kilowatts, while solar power capacity stood at 840 million kilowatts. In the first seven months of 2024, wind and solar energy generated 1.05 trillion kilowatt-hours, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the nation’s total electricity output. China’s renewable energy sector has experienced rapid growth, with wind power capacity increasing sixfold and solar power capacity soaring over 180 times since 2013. China now contributes over 40 percent of global new energy installations annually. Chinese authorities announced more efforts to promote wind and solar power and called for deepening international cooperation at the National Energy Work Conference.

China-France Hold 26th Strategic Dialogue in Beijing: Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French President, co-chaired the 26th China-France Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on Saturday. Wang emphasized strengthening ties through four measures: aligning with the leaders’ consensus, boosting practical cooperation, enhancing cultural exchanges, and supporting multilateralism. Bonne reaffirmed France’s commitment to the one-China policy, independent diplomacy and expanding cooperation while opposing bloc confrontation. Both sides agreed to enhance coordination on climate change, sustainable development and poverty reduction, and discussed trade issues, with both sides opposing trade conflicts. The dialogue also covered global issues, including the Ukraine crisis, the Iranian nuclear issue, and the Middle East.

China Adopts Measures to Boost Silver Economy: China has introduced comprehensive measures to strengthen financial support for its pension system and foster the silver economy's high-quality development. The People's Bank of China, along with eight other authorities, released a document outlining 16 key initiatives. These include providing diversified financial services, directing more resources to rural areas and aiding individuals in financial planning for retirement. The plan also aims to expand financing channels for silver economy sectors by increasing credit support and direct financing. Efforts will focus on enhancing pension product design, improving investment management, combating illegal financial activities and raising financial literacy and consumer protection for the elderly. The government targets establishing a supportive financial system for pensions and the silver economy by 2028. To address the challenges of an aging population, China recently announced an expansion of its private pension scheme from 36 pilot regions to nationwide.

Suzhou Completes Investigation in Commerce Bureau Case: Suzhou authorities have concluded their investigation of Zhu Huan, former Party Secretary and Director of the Suzhou Industrial Park Commerce Bureau, revealing procurement irregularities and misconduct. Zhu was found responsible for bid rigging, collusion with internal suppliers and providing false information during inspections which violated Party discipline and central regulations. Consequently, Zhu was subjected to a one-year probationary period within the Party, removed from his position, and demoted to section chief. The allegations against Zhu were initially made in July by a junior bureau official, Ma Xiangyu. The alleged bid-rigging and collusion amounted to 17 million yuan (USD 2.6 million). The investigation also identified and penalized other personnel who failed to enforce regulations, supervise procurement processes and address earlier reported issues effectively. The former head of the bureau's service trade division Song Yunlong is also under investigation for alleged procurement fraud.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

"Black Myth: Wukong" Triumphs at the 2024 Game Awards: The Chinese action game Black Myth: Wukong has garnered significant recognition at the 2024 Game Awards (TGA), winning both the Best Action Game Award and the Player's Voice Award. Inspired by the classic Chinese literary work Journey to the West, the game has captured the attention of global players. A bilingual rap celebrating the game’s success has also gained traction online, with netizens emphasizing the potential of Chinese cultural intellectual properties to achieve international recognition. Numerous netizens however, voiced their disappointment that the game did not receive the prestigious Game of the Year award, despite its widespread acclaim and strong fan support.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Outlines India’s Challenges Despite Strict Food Import Standards: Chinese media outlet Sina reported that India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) recently rejected several food imports from Japan, Sri Lanka, and other countries for failing to meet safety and quality standards. Rejections included tea bags containing unapproved ingredients, moldy betel nuts and apples with insufficient shelf life. The report notes that India enforces strict regulations for imported food, requiring compliance with its 2006 Food Safety and Standards Act through a rigorous multi-stage verification process, including inspections and laboratory tests. However, it argues that despite these strict import standards, India grapples with significant domestic food safety issues. On the issue of adulteration, the report indicates that lead levels in turmeric powder in some regions exceeded safety limits by 200 times, caused by the use of harmful colorants. Even international scrutiny has also highlighted contamination in Indian spices, leading to recalls and increased global regulations. Further, the report argues that challenges such as high compliance costs, limited enforcement capabilities, and supply chain complexities hinder India’s progress in food safety standards. Lastly, the article notes that addressing these issues requires collaboration among regulators, the food industry and the public to ensure food safety at both domestic and international levels.

Prepared By

Manushka Sharma

Manushka Sharma is a dedicated second year student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese (Hons.) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). With a keen interest in international relations, particularly in the dynamics of India-China relations, Manushka brings a unique perspective to understanding cross-cultural connections and geopolitical issues. Alongside academic pursuits, Manushka aspires to make significant contributions to global affairs, leveraging linguistic skills and cultural insights to bridge gaps and foster dialogue. She can be reached at manushka82006@gmail.com.