CiCM 21st November 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

New Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Assumes Post: The newly appointed Chinese ambassador to Ukraine, Ma Shengkun, assumed his post. Ma previously served in the Chinese Foreign Ministry as the Deputy Director General of the Department of Arms Control. He expressed confidence in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, and has pledged to promote further cooperation. Ma further noted the unprecedented changes occurring in the global landscape which present challenges to stability, global peace and development. He reiterated that China would continue to follow the path of peaceful development, and adhere to an independent foreign policy. He spoke about promotion of China-Ukraine friendly exchanges, and that he looks forward to cultivating extensive contacts, engaging in trust building and conflict resolution, and usher in a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries. He emphasised the importance of advocating for a multipolar world order marked by inclusive and mutually beneficial economic globalisation. He also called for support from various sectors in Ukraine by encouraging candid exchanges.

China's Green Electricity Certificates Issuance Witnesses Surge: China's National Energy Administration (NEA) issued 1.23 billion green electricity certificates (GECs) in October, signifying continued progress towards its carbon peak and neutrality goals. These certificates, which verify renewable energy production, included 530 million from wind power or 43.01 percent and 197 million from solar power or 16.02 percent of the total. In 2024, China issued 3.55 billion GECs, with wind and solar power contributing 1.32 billion and 681 million, respectively. The GEC system, introduced as a pilot program in 2017, plays a critical role in tracking renewable energy use and trading. By October 2024, 384 million GECs had been traded, highlighting China's leadership in the global green energy market. China's renewable energy sector continues to expand, achieving its internationally committed wind and solar power targets over six years ahead of schedule. In the first three quarters of 2024, China added 200 million kilowatts of renewable energy capacity, accounting for 80 percent of new installations, with solar contributing 161 million kilowatts and wind 39.12 million kilowatts. The country has also surpassed the 10 million annual production milestone for new energy vehicles and developed the world’s largest and most complete green energy industry chain.

Former Securities Official Expelled from the Party: Yao Qian, a former China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) official, was expelled from the Communist Party of China and dismissed from public office for severe violations of Party discipline and national laws. Yao is accused of using virtual currencies to transfer illicit benefits to evade investigation and abusing his authority for personal gain. As head of the CSRC's information center, Yao reportedly posed as a fintech expert and supported technology service providers in exchange for improper profits. The investigation found that Yao exploited his powers in IT system development and procurement to benefit others while failing in his supervisory duties. He also engaged in superstitious practices, accepted luxury gifts and banquets, and conducted corrupt transactions involving virtual currencies. Additionally, he misused car rental fees and borrowed large sums from entities under his supervision for personal investments. The authorities stated that Yao's actions constituted serious misconduct, including bribery. His Party membership and public office have been revoked, and his illicit gains have been confiscated. His case has been referred to prosecutors for further criminal investigation. He was placed under investigation in April.

41 Countries Jointly Launch Kunming Initiative for Sister Cities: The Kunming Initiative was launched during the China International Friendship Cities Conference in Yunnan province, calling on sister cities worldwide to strengthen solidarity, deepen cooperation, and build a community with a shared future for cities and humanity. Over 700 representatives from 41 countries participated in the conference. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Yunnan provincial government. The initiative emphasizes fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, cultural exchanges and mutual learning among cities to address global challenges and enhance peace and connectivity. It encourages local governments to establish platforms for collaboration, enhance trust and tackle pressing issues collectively. Yan Dong, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, highlighted the initiative as a global consensus promoting peaceful development and win-win cooperation. The conference, themed "Common prosperity and a shared future," honored 20 Chinese and 40 foreign provinces and cities with awards recognizing their contributions to sister city work and partnerships with China. Additionally, eight new sister city agreements were signed, adding to the 3,054 sister city ties China has established with 147 countries.

China Strengthens Policy Support for Foreign Trade Development: According to a notice released by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, a slew of policy measures were introduced in order to promote the steady growth of foreign trade and consolidate economic recovery. Under these measures, banking institutions are advised to optimize financial services for foreign trade enterprises, especially in areas like credit approval, loan disbursement and repayment while ensuring trade authenticity and effective risk management. According to the notice, financial institutions are encouraged to increase financing support for small and medium-sized companies based on market-oriented and law-based principles. China will also promote green trade and border trade, promote cross-border business travel, increase maritime support for foreign trade and strengthen employment services for enterprises which engage in foreign trade. Efforts will also be made to expand agricultural exports, cross-border e-commerce and imports of energy sources.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Sanitary Napkin Controversy Outrages Netizens: The controversy behind ABC sanitary napkins has gone viral on Chinese social media platforms, as netizens tested and found that the actual length of their products do not match with what was advertised. Since then, other companies selling hygiene products like Sophie, Sully, Kao, etc., have also come under scrutiny, for “cutting corners,” as netizens have taken it upon themselves to investigate the quality of their products. Many people have engaged in online discussion about how this has significantly reduced the consumers’ trust in the industry. ABC’s response to the controversy was that if people find the products unacceptable, then they shouldn't buy them, which has caused further outrage online. Also, discussions surrounding the high price of sanitary napkins have also increased, where netizens call for sanitary napkins to be included in medical insurance. Some people have opposed this proposal, as they believe that this is too big a step and could easily lead to failure.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Article Hopes for More Consensus Between India and China: Global Times published an opinion piece on recent developments in India-China relations, as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently met Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The article mentions Indian media reports which generally regarded this meeting in a positive light, as it marks the first official dialogue since the disengagement of military forces in key border areas. The article argues that recent high-level engagements, including a meeting between President Xi Jinping and PM Modi at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, have provided momentum for better relations. The author agrees with Jaishankar’s sentiments that the consensus between India and China outweighs their points of contention, and they should not let specific disagreements dominate their bilateral relationship. The article cites Qian Feng who claims that India’s reasons for seeking better relations with China include a safe and stable internal and external environment guaranteed in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a ‘New India’. The author further claims that despite attempts from the West to support India and contain China, India has adopted a more cautious stance. According to the article, Jaishankar and Wang Yi have agreed to make practical progress in resuming direct flights, easing visa restrictions and exchanging journalists. The author attempts to put an onus on India to maintain the momentum of future improvement in relations amidst these encouraging signs.

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.