CiCM 23rd April 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China's Automobile Exports sees exponential growth: China rose to the top position as the largest car exporter globally, propelled by a significant increase in exports of new energy vehicles (NEVs), which jumped by 77.6 percent to surpass 1.2 million units. It is noteworthy that exports of electric vehicles without internal combustion engines rose by 80.9 percent. The nation experienced an increase in both the amount and value of its NEV exports, as the average price of exports went up from $19,500 in 2021 to $23,800 in 2023. Chinese cars are mainly exported to Western and Southern Europe and Southeast Asia, indicating a strong worldwide demand for them. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) estimates that sales of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) will hit 11.5 million in 2024, while total automobile exports are projected to reach 5.5 million units.
China's Job Market Steady: Adds 3.03 million Urban Jobs in Q1 2024: Official data shows that in the initial three months of 2024, China's job market remained stable, with the addition of 3.03 million new urban jobs. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced that the urban unemployment rate in March was 5.2 percent, suggesting that the employment situation was mostly steady. Chen Yongjia, an official from the ministry, viewed this as a positive beginning to the year, crediting the steady performance to both the economic revival and government strategies focused on maintaining growth and promoting high-quality progress. China aims to create more than 12 million new urban jobs each year by 2024 and plans to keep the urban unemployment rate around 5.5 percent for the year.
4 missing after vessel hits bridge in China's Guangdong: On Monday evening in Foshan, Guangdong Province, a ship crashed into a bridge, causing four people to go missing. Officials believe that the incident occurred because of improper handling of the vessel because of flooding from a river further upstream. The vessel, with more than 4,900 tons of rolled steel and a crew of 11, crashed into a bridge support, causing water to flood the cargo area. The ship ultimately capsized after hitting the ground. Seven crew members were saved, as the hunt for the missing individuals persists. As of Tuesday morning, there were ongoing rescue operations with 32 boats and more than 400 staff involved. Initial examinations of the bridge showed no significant harm to its structure, but scratches on the pillar required additional safety checks. Shipping regulations have been put in place in the area while investigations into the incident are ongoing. The crash highlights the possible dangers from navigating difficulties, particularly in bad weather, leading to continued actions to guarantee marine safety and avoid repeat incidents.
NPC Standing Committee Session commences with focus on Draft Laws and Revisions: The 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee of China started its ninth session by concentrating on examining several draft laws and amendments. This involved changes to the National Defence Education Law, Accounting Law, Statistics Law, Anti-Money Laundering Law, and the implementation of new legislation like the Energy Law and Academic Degrees Law. The changes were designed to improve different areas of governance, such as raising awareness for national defence, enhancing statistical oversight, and fighting against money laundering. Furthermore, the proposed laws aim to enhance the awarding of academic degrees, improve customs duties regulations, and promote the advancement of atomic energy and energy exploitation.
Xi Jinping's Inspects Chongqing Municipality in Southwest China: General Secretary Xi Jinping of the Communist Party of China visited several important locations during a two-day inspection in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. The list comprised an international logistics hub park, a neighbourhood in Jiulongpo District, and a digital urban operation and governance centre. Xi's goal in these visits was termed as an attempt to understand Chongqing's development in key areas. His focus was on comprehending the municipality's efforts to speed up the progress of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in western China, carrying out urban renewal projects, guaranteeing and improving the welfare of the citizens, and pushing forward the modernization of city governance. Xi's personal involvement emphasized the importance attached to these projects by the top leadership and showcased continuous backing for Chongqing's strategic position in boosting economic growth and connectivity in southwestern China.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Debate Over Dormitory Curtains Ignites Controversy Among Chinese College Students: Chinese college students engaged in a heated discussion regarding the installation of temporary curtains in dorm rooms. Although many students consider these curtains essential for privacy and comfort in cramped living areas, universities are now prohibiting them more frequently due to safety reasons like fire risks and interference with socializing. Several universities implementing recent bans have ignited a large online discussion, where numerous students have voiced their disagreement with the limitations. Universities claim that curtains increase the risk of fires, restrict airflow, and hinder social connections between roommates. Nevertheless, students argue that curtains play a vital role in packed dorm rooms by offering privacy while still allowing for social connections to thrive. While certain students followed the bans, others pushed back, emphasizing the significance of personal space and comfort in dormitory living.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese commentary on Maldives not ‘taking sides’: A recent commentary on Global Times brought attention to the overwhelming success of President Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress party in the parliamentary elections, winning 71 seats out of a total of 93. The article also went on to indicate India's anxiety over the results, suggesting a widespread strategic worry. The article indicated that the election results do not indicate Maldives 'tilt towards China, but demonstartes peoples support to Maldives' independent foreign policy. It also called out Western media's attempts to turn Maldives' internal elections into a theatre for India-China geopolitical competition. The article also aimed to criticize India's skepticism when South Asian countries cooperate with other powers, especially China and views India's mindset as the one indicating "cold war mentality." The article also portrayed Maldives' attempts to follow an independent foreign policy as a setback to India's regional aspirations. The article also went to to criticize India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and stated that this policy has turned into "India First" due to aggressive stance. The piece concluded stating that India must embrace a more open attitude towards regional collaboration by acknowledging the changing nature of the region.

Prepared By

Triveni Mahajan

Triveni is a student of Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication at Bennett University and has contributed to the field of Indian Politics Journalism.