CiCM 4th April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Beijing to Impose Additional Tariffs on U.S. Imports: In a retaliatory move against the US imposing an additional 34% tariffs on Chinese imports, Beijing is set to impose 34% reciprocal tariffs on all products imported from the US. The tariffs are to take effect on April 10 as announced by the custom tariff commission of the state Council on Friday. The commission stated that existing bonded zones as well as tax reduction and exemption policies are to remain the same whereas new additional tariffs will not be reduced or exempted. In a parallel move, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs in a joint statement also announced Immediate export restrictions on seven key medium-to-heavy rare earth elements crucial for manufacturing high-performance magnets used in defense, aerospace, and green energy technologies. The elements have dual-use nature in military and civilian industries, and are listed as samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium. Chinese authorities stated that the move is in compliance with global norms and is necessary to protect national security.
China detains three Philippine Nationals on Suspicion of Spying: On Thursday, China detained three Philippine nationals on suspicion of espionage following the earlier arrest of five Chinese nationals by Manila on the allegations of spying. The state news broadcaster CCTV identified the individuals as David Servañez, Albert Endencia and Nathalie Plizardo who have been said to be recruited by a spy master who goes by the name of Richie Herrera.Coupled with the longstanding territorial dispute between the two nations in the South China Sea, the incident has led to heightened tensions among the two nations with the Chinese embassy in Manila issuing a travel advisory warning its citizens about frequent harassment and targeting of Chinese businesses by Philippine law enforcement agencies.
Probe Opened into DuPont for Alleged Monopolistic Practices by Chinese Authorities: China’s top market regulator, the state administration for market regulation, has announced an investigation into DuPont China Group, a subsidiary of the US science and technology firm Du Pont. The investigation was launched on Friday following a series of countermeasures against President Trump’s executive order on reciprocal tariffs and will probe into the allegations of suspected monopolistic practices by the company in violation of China’s Anti-Monopoly law.
Commemorative Events held across China to Honour Martyrs on Qingming Festival: The Qingming festival also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is celebrated as a day of remembrance and paying tribute to honour ancestors by visiting and cleaning their graves and making ritual offerings symbolising the continuity of familial bonds. During the Festival, Chinese people across the world pay homage to the Yan Emperor and Yellow Emperor, revered as the common ancestors and founders of Chinese civilization. As a celebration, various commemorative events ranging from post 95 volunteers recounting stories at martyrs cemeteries to events using digital technology to recreate sites during the wartime were organised. Meanwhile millions of netizens also paid tribute by offering virtual flowers on live streams while schools organised activities to enable teenagers retrace the steps of their fallen heroes.
Chinese Universities Surpass US Counterparts in AI Ranking: According to recent research, over the past three years, Chinese Universities have surpassed their US counterparts in artificial intelligence Research output. According to the website AIRankings, which analyses worldwide research ability, Peking University has successively topped the list of institutions ranked by AI research output since 2022 while also ranking number one in terms of research paper publications in 2024. Chinese institutions, led by Peking University, with Tsinghua University and Zhejiang University following closely, have secured half of the spots among the top 10 in the field whereas only two universities- Carnegie Mellon and UC, Berkeley from the US ranked in the list.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

China’s Gen Z Embracing AI Reveals Public Survey: A recent survey by social platform Soul has revealed that 95% of Chinese Gen Z respondents are now using AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek for academic or work-related tasks. This marks a rapid integration of artificial intelligence technologies into daily life. Additionally it was also found that nearly half of the respondents also used AI to meet their emotional needs, forming friendships or even romantic relationships with virtual companions. According to a survey, 23.8% of Gen Z respondents have a deep understanding of AI, a significant rise from just 3.5% in 2024. Students have been increasingly using AI to learn basic concepts, do initial research, write programming codes and to refine ideas adopting a human-AI teamwork approach. Despite this integration of AI in daily lives one third of users have also reported AI related anxiety regarding concerns of data security, threat to personal privacy, misinformation, inability to keep up with rapid advancements and potential job losses.

INDIA WATCH

China launches Anti-Dumping Probe into Imported Medical Tubes from the US and India: On Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced an anti-dumping investigation into the imports of certain CT (computed tomography) medical X-ray tubes originating from India and the United States. The probe comes at the request of China’s domestic CT tubes manufacturers who have complained that growing imports from India and the US are being sold in the Chinese markets at unfairly low prices affecting their market share. Preliminary evidence has shown that imports from 2022 to 2024 have grown by 13 % leading to the suppression of domestic products, and losses for the domestic industries leading to operational difficulties for local manufacturers. Given India’s growing presence in the global medical market, this investigation is significant for India whose domestic manufacturers have benefited due to broader access to international markets including China. The development highlights a protectionist approach towards strategically and economically important sectors by China.

Prepared By

Ipsha Bhalsagar

Ipsha Bhalsagar, an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering graduate from the Government College of Engineering, Nagpur, blends her technical expertise with a passion for international relations, diplomacy, and design. Currently a Content Intern at The Indian Netizens and a Design Intern at IFPD, she explores geopolitics while contributing creatively. She has authored research on India’s maritime security and participated in global roundtables and workshops. With experience in content writing, public speaking, and data visualization, Ipsha is keen on bridging technology and social sciences, aspiring to enhance research through data-driven insights in diplomacy and international affairs.