CiCM 5th July 2024

NEWS IN CHINA

China's Approach to Human Rights Highlighted at UN Event: During a side event at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the United Nations Association of China (UNA-China) discussed how China's modernization supports human rights. Panelists emphasized China's focus on the rights to subsistence and development, highlighting its achievements in eradicating absolute poverty and building a moderately prosperous society. China's commitment to high-quality development, technological innovation, and environmental protection was noted as key to achieving harmony between humans and nature. The country also promotes peaceful development through initiatives in development, security, and civilization, advocating for global cooperation and inclusivity. Speakers highlighted that China's path provides valuable lessons for global human rights, especially for developing nations. They also stressed that respect for human rights should consider diverse national conditions and development paths, rejecting a one-size-fits-all model. Concerns were raised about developed countries using human rights to suppress industries in the Global South. The event called for multilateral human rights bodies to maintain impartiality, avoid prioritizing civil and political rights over economic, social, and cultural rights, and focus on the right to development. Key figures from various backgrounds contributed to the discussion, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation.

Surge in International Arrivals to China Amid Expanded Visa-Free Policies: In the first half of 2024, China saw a significant rise in international arrivals, with a 152.7% increase, totaling 14.635 million foreign entries, according to the National Immigration Administration. The overall entries and exits reached 287 million, up 70.9% year-on-year. Mainland residents made 137 million of these trips, while Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents accounted for 121 million, and foreigners for 29.22 million. A notable 8.542 million visitors entered China visa-free, a 190.1% increase. Recent visa-free policies for New Zealand, Australia, and Poland passport holders allow 15-day visits for business, tourism, and transit. This has spurred an increase in travel and social media content from visitors. Chinese authorities also issued 12.34 million passports and 46.152 million entry permits for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Additionally, 686,000 port visas and 388,000 residence permits for foreigners were issued. Crackdowns on border-related crimes led to 18,000 cases investigated, 34,000 suspects arrested, and 41,000 foreigners apprehended, with over 10,000 deported. Authorities also seized firearms, drugs, and smuggled goods to ensure border security.

China Intensifies Crackdown on Financial Fraud in Capital Markets: China has introduced a comprehensive plan to combat financial fraud and enhance market integrity, announced by multiple regulatory bodies including the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Public Security. The new measures target fraudulent activities like illicit stock and bond issuance, false information dissemination, fund misappropriation, and debt evasion. A zero-tolerance policy will be enforced, with stringent actions against those involved in forging documents, fabricating transactions, or colluding with third parties. The guidelines also emphasize improving regulatory oversight, particularly in the misuse of accounting policies and targeting fraud in specific sectors. A proactive approach to risk assessment aims to identify and mitigate industry-specific and regional fraud risks. The framework includes holding perpetrators and accomplices accountable, with increased penalties and market bans for financial fraud. Mandatory delisting for companies involved in serious fraud and intensified criminal accountability for controlling shareholders and corporate insiders are also mandated. The plan underscores the importance of maintaining market order and investor confidence by addressing financial misconduct and ensuring robust enforcement.

Premier Li Qiang Advocates for Global Cooperation on AI Governance: At the 2024 World AI Conference in Shanghai, Premier Li Qiang emphasized China's commitment to international collaboration in AI development to enhance global progress and human well-being. Addressing attendees from governments, international organizations, and businesses, Li highlighted the theme "governing AI for good and for all”. Following the UN General Assembly's resolution to bolster international AI cooperation, Li noted the significant strides in AI since the first conference in 2018 and the challenges it poses, including legal, security, employment, and ethical issues. He called for global consensus on AI governance, stressing the need for partnerships in research, talent exchange, and safeguarding industrial and supply chain security. Li urged inclusive development to close the AI development gap and create a fair environment for AI growth. He advocated aligning development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards to ensure safe and reliable AI aligned with humanity's interests. The conference adopted the Shanghai Declaration on Global Governance of AI and launched the UNIDO Global Alliance on AI for Industry and Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Shanghai. Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi echoed the need for global collaboration to balance AI innovation with responsible development.

Shenzhou-17 Astronauts Make First Public Appearance Post-Mission: Xinhua reported that the astronauts from China's Shenzhou-17 mission, Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie, and Jiang Xinlin, met the press in Beijing on July 5, marking their first public appearance since returning from space two months ago. The crew, in good physical and mental health, has regained their pre-flight muscle strength, endurance, and cardiopulmonary function. Launched on October 26, 2023, Shenzhou-17 set a new record with the crew spending 187 days in orbit, conducting 84 experiments and producing over 200 samples. This was Tang Hongbo's second space mission, making him the Chinese astronaut with the longest cumulative spaceflight time. Tang Shengjie, the youngest astronaut in the mission, celebrated his 34th birthday in space and expressed eagerness for future missions. Jiang Xinlin highlighted the smooth execution of their spacewalks and extravehicular maintenance tasks. The astronauts will resume regular training after completing health assessments.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Foreigners Embrace Chinese Songs Through Social Media Trend: A new trend on social media is helping foreigners learn Chinese songs using phonetic transcriptions. Chinese bloggers convert song lyrics into phonetic homophones, making it easier for non-Chinese speakers to sing along, even if they don’t understand the words. This trend includes children’s songs like "Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf" and classic Chinese pop songs. Influencers like Cormac Sullivan of Canada find this method both amusing and effective, allowing them to quickly grasp pronunciation. Sullivan shared his experience of singing Chinese songs at a party, impressing his Chinese classmates and enjoying the cross-cultural exchange. This technique has also reached professional stages. On the Chinese singing show "Singer," performer Faouzia Ouihya used phonetic transcriptions to sing the Chinese song "Away," seamlessly switching languages and winning audience approval. Chinese netizens have responded positively, comparing the method to their own experiences learning English with pinyin annotations. Overall, this trend is enhancing the international spread of Chinese culture, highlighting its global appeal and influence.

INDIA WATCH

Modi's Russia Visit Highlights Tensions with China: News agency SCMP reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Russia highlights ongoing border tensions with China. Modi will skip the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and instead send Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. Analysts believe, Modi’s absence signals India's dissatisfaction with China over unresolved border disputes, especially since the 2020 clashes. Modi’s visit to Russia underscores the importance of India-Russia ties, despite Western disapproval of India’s Russian oil and arms purchases amidst the Ukraine conflict. This will be Modi's first Russia trip in his third term, emphasizing the strategic importance of maintaining strong relations with Moscow. India, wary of Russia's growing dependence on China, seeks to balance this relationship. The visit aims to address issues like military supplies and payment challenges due to Western sanctions. Analysts suggest India is adeptly balancing its international relationships, maintaining ties with both Western nations and Russia without significant fallout.

Prepared By

Kriti Rai

Kriti is an undergraduate student at FLAME University pursuing Data Science and Economics. She is proficient in C++, Python, MySQL, and data visualisation tools such as Tableau. Her areas of interest lie in building predictive models and utilising machine learning to enhance decision-making and tackle real-world challenges.