CiCM 24th December 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

Liaoning Innovates Land Management Reform, Reduces Approval Time by 69%: The Liaoning Provincial Department of Natural Resources, in order to improve the efficiency of land use approvals, has carried out a series of “modular” management reforms for providing approval for construction land. The province has approved more than 3,000 hectares of construction land so far this year, guaranteeing the land needs of nearly 700 projects. The reforms require natural resources departments at all levels to intervene in a “direct reporting” system, significantly shortening the approval time. The land use review content has been divided into 16 units, each of which is reviewed and reported independently. To avoid the problem of asynchronous approval of land and forest use, the local government department has decided to integrate same or similar work content and implement parallel processing work. Moreover, prerequisites have been subjected to joint review through a conditional commitment method to achieve real time information sharing. The new model also judges possible bottlenecks and difficulties in the approval of project land use, adhering to the principle of “service before approval”.
Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou High-Speed Rail to Open: The Yangtze River Delta's new high-speed rail line, linking Shanghai, Suzhou, and Huzhou, will begin operation on Thursday, according to the China State Railway Group. The 164-kilometer railway line, designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h, will cut travel time between Shanghai Hongqiao and Huzhou from nearly two hours to just 55 minutes. This line connects eight stations, including Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai Songjiang, Suzhou South, and Huzhou, enhancing intercity connectivity in the region. As part of the "Yangtze River Delta on Rails" initiative, it aims to bolster regional integration and economic growth. The railway is expected to boost local mobility, improve access to industries and markets, and strengthen the region's comprehensive transport network. By facilitating smoother transit and supporting high-quality development, the project underscores the Delta's ongoing efforts toward infrastructure advancement and economic cohesion.
Symposium Marking 70th Anniversary of Legal Publishing House Held: A symposium celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Legal Publishing House was held in Beijing. Li Mingzheng, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, delivered a keynote speech. As New China's first professional legal publishing organization, Legal Publishing House has promoted legal knowledge, showcased achievements in rule-of-law development, and contributed to the dissemination of legal culture. The symposium emphasized implementing directives of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee's on enhancing the socialist legal system and cultural reforms. Participants stressed practicing Xi Jinping's thoughts on the rule of law, upholding Marxism's guiding role, and ensuring ideological integrity in legal publications. The meeting called for advancing legal awareness, promoting justice, and building a capable talent pool for legal publishing. Officials from the Supreme People’s Court, Supreme People’s Procuratorate, and Chinese Law Society attended the event.
Central SOEs Invest 2 Trillion Yuan in Emerging Industries in 2024: From January to November, China's centrally-administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) invested 2 trillion yuan ($278.26 billion) in strategic emerging industries, marking an 18.7% year-on-year increase, according to official data released by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. Emerging industries accounted for over 40% of central SOEs' total investment for the first time. During this period, central SOEs achieved an added value of 9.3 trillion yuan, with annualized labor productivity rising 3% and R&D expenditure intensity reaching 2.6%. In 2025, central SOEs aim to enhance core functions, boost competitiveness, and drive innovation through reforms and structural optimization, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission stated.
Date Announced for 2025 National People's Congress: The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) voted and approved a decision to schedule the third session of the 14th NPC for March 5, 2025. This key legislative event will take place in Beijing, as per the decision made by the Standing Committee. In addition, the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) also held a chairman’s meeting, during which it was recommended that the third session of the 14th CPPCC will be convened one day earlier, on March 4, 2025. These sessions will bring together China's top legislative and political bodies, where discussions on national policies, economic strategies, and other critical matters will take place. The announcements set the stage for the upcoming sessions, which are highly anticipated for the discussions they will spark regarding China’s future economic direction.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Netizens Praise Xiaomi's New Partnership with NIO: Xiaomi Auto’s announcement of a partnership with NIO to integrate their charging networks has received positive feedback from Chinese netizens on Weibo. The collaboration on starting a charging and energy replenishment network adds 14,000 NIO charging piles to Xiaomi’s charging map, allowing users to view real-time data and charge through the Xiaomi Auto App by scanning a QR code. Netizens were quick to express their approval, with one commenting, “Xiaomi is no longer pretending; it’s teaming up with NIO, Xpeng, and Ideal. Soon, Xiaomi car owners can charge anywhere!” Others appreciated the convenience of the expanded charging network. “With 14,000 NIO, 9,000 Xpeng, and 6,000 Ideal charging piles, it’s never been easier to own an EV,” one user shared. Some also looked forward to Xiaomi’s own supercharging network, calling the partnership a major step toward a better EV experience. This collaboration highlights Xiaomi’s dedication to enhancing the EV ecosystem in China by offering users access to an extensive and growing charging infrastructure.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Article Highlights Growing Challenge of Facing J-10C Jets from Three Directions for India: An article in Guancha states that news of Bangladesh considering purchasing China's advanced J-10C fighter jets has sparked concern in Indian defense circles. It points out that with Pakistan already deploying the J-10C and China's own fleet stationed near the border, India could potentially face a three-pronged threat from these advanced aircraft. The article claims that the J-10C is celebrated for its air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, equipped with cutting-edge radar systems and long-range missiles. For Bangladesh, acquiring these jets would mark a significant upgrade from its aging fleet and strengthen its air combat readiness. Reports suggest Bangladesh plans to purchase 16 units, further aligning its defense ties with China. According to the article, this development adds pressure on the Indian Air Force, already stretched thin by aging aircraft and limited Rafale fighters. Indian media reports have raised alarms about the J-10 C's deployment along both the China and Pakistan borders, suggesting it could outmatch India's existing air power. The article argues that if Bangladesh follows suit, India's air force may need to reassess its strategy to counter a potential three-front challenge. Beyond military implications, Bangladesh's deeper ties with China highlight a shifting regional balance, complicating India's influence over its neighbors. For India, these developments underscore the urgency of modernizing its air force and strengthening its regional alliances.

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.