CiCM 7th July 2023

NEWS IN CHINA

China's general administration of customs has announced a ban on the import of food from ten prefectures in Japan, including Fukushima, citing concerns over radioactive contamination. China’s General Administration of Customs has advised heightened vigilance for imported food from Japan, prompted by IAEA’s report on the release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear facility on 7^th July. The spokesperson for the Import and Export Food Safety Bureau addressed the issue following the comprehensive assessment report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Radioactive contamination in food exported from Japan has been a political issue since the Fukushima nuclear incident in 2011. China has expressed doubts over the quality of the purification equipment and the safety of the water discharged into the sea. Stricter scrutiny and enhanced supervision will be applied to food, particularly aquatic products, originating from other regions of Japan. Chinese customs officials will conduct rigorous document examinations and implement 100 percent inspection measures. On the same day, Chinese senior diplomat Wang Yi met with Yohei Kono, president of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT) in Beijing. He emphasized that China and Japan should safeguard peace and stability in Asia and maintain bilateral relations undisturbed by external distractions.
Ant Group and its associates were fined ¥7.123 billion for violating various regulations related to non-compliance with rules on publicity, access and management of the files of consignment fund products. A fine of ¥150,000 on Lin Sisi and ¥73.68 million on Ant Fund Sales has been imposed. The People's Bank of China has issued significant fines to Alipay and Tenpay as well, two major third-party payment platforms. Alipay, operated by Alipay (China) Network Technology Co. Ltd. received a warning and was fined ¥2.23 billion, with ¥830.91 million of illegal income confiscated. The general manager of Alipay, Ge Moudi, and four others also received fines. Seven types of illegal behavior were identified, including violations of payment account and liquidation management regulations, failure to perform customer identification obligations, and violations of consumer financial information protection and financial consumer rights protection regulations. On the same day, the People's Bank of China also announced administrative penalties on Ping An Bank, Postal Savings Bank of China, and PICC Property & Casualty Insurance Co. Ltd.
Chinese Vice Premier Li Qiang and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen held a meeting to discuss strengthening communication and cooperation between the two countries. Li emphasized that the correct relationship between China and the U.S. has significant implications for the future of humanity. He referred to the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Joe Biden in Bali, highlighting mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation as the basis for bilateral relations. Li expressed hope that the U.S. would adopt a rational and pragmatic approach, meet China halfway, and restore the bilateral relationship. Yellen stated that the U.S. does not seek to decouple and aims to implement the Bali consensus, emphasizing the importance of communication, avoiding misunderstandings, and enhancing cooperation in macroeconomic stability and global challenges. Experts view the meeting as a positive step towards rebuilding economic cooperation and alleviating concerns about decoupling. The visit signals the maintenance of effective communication channels in economic and trade matters, which is crucial for global stability and recovery.
General Secretary Xi Jinping traveled to Suzhou in East China's Jiangsu Province. He toured the exhibition center of the Suzhou Industrial Park, which is a prominent hub for advanced technology enterprises. He also explored the historic and cultural block of Pingjiang Road. Xi Jinping acquired first-hand knowledge of the ongoing endeavors in the construction and development of industrial parks, the scientific and technological innovations of local enterprises, as well as the preservation and safeguarding of the city's historical and cultural heritage. This inspection underscored Xi Jinping's commitment to closely monitoring and supporting the progress and initiatives undertaken in Suzhou, to foster robust economic growth, technological advancements, and cultural conservation within the region. During the inspection, Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC and director of the General Office of the Central Committee was accompanied by Li Ganjie, He Lifeng, and other officials from relevant central government departments and state agencies.
Pan Guang, a Senior Researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, Senior Advisor of China Middle East Society, and Ambassador of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations highlighted in an interview with Observer.com that while the outside world perceived China and Russia as the dual driving forces of the organization, Russia's active participation in SCO affairs may have decreased due to its domestic situation. On the topic of SCO expansion, Pan Guang mentioned that the inclusion of Iran and the potential accession of Belarus are interesting developments. He highlighted that the SCO can serve as a platform for resolving conflicts between member states. Expansion should focus on countries with fewer conflicts with existing members, and the Gulf countries might be a direction for future expansion. Pan Guang discussed the complexities surrounding Iran's membership due to unilateral U.S. sanctions while noting that Russia and Belarus do not face UN sanctions currently. He also mentioned the difficulties Israel would face in joining the SCO due to Iran's opposition. Regarding India, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the SCO, Pan Guang expressed reservations about claims that India is leaning towards the United States. He emphasized India's traditional opposition to alliances and its historic role in the Non-Aligned Movement. While India may be maintaining some distance from Russia due to various factors, it is not explicitly aligning with any particular country.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER IN CHINA

Netizens discuss Musk's Twitter limitations: Weibo had a rise in new users as Twitter revised its limits for content consumption, which sparked a migration from Twitter to Weibo of many users from Japan and other countries. Several renowned illustrators showcased their artwork and cited the recent limitations imposed on users, as well as other factors, as the reasons for their move. Chinese netizens warmly welcomed the foreign illustrators on Weibo, appreciating their artwork and providing support through likes and reposts. Some netizens speculate that foreign illustrators may not stay on Weibo for an extended period due to language and cultural differences, but the present focus is on fostering positive interaction and making them feel welcome in the Chinese online community.

INDIA WATCH

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which was attended by China’s President Xi Jinping. During the meeting it was highlighted that the organization is committed to upholding mutual respect and the principle of equality among all countries regardless of their size. The PM emphasized that connectivity is important but must respect concerns related to sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligning with India's clear position on the BRI. This highlights India's stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity. India has rejected China's SCO strategy and has refused to support the BRI on Tuesday. The Indian Prime Minister stated that SCO nations should condemn countries supporting and sponsoring counter-terrorism without explicitly mentioning China and Pakistan. India is the only member state in the SCO that does not support the Belt and Road Initiative. Moreover, Iran joining the SCO puts India in a dilemma and the future developments will have to be closely monitored by India to assess the groupings bilateral and multilateral leanings. India will have to counterbalance within the SCO by remaining close to Iran and Russia while being seen as a partner to the US and Western Europe, in terms of strategic outlook and norms. India's historical ties with Russia and its tense relations with China pose diplomatic challenges, India will have to take its next steps within the SCO in a cautious way and play any SCO developments to its advantage.

Prepared By

Akshita Pant

Akshita Pant is a post-graduate research scholar with a degree in Masters in International Relations from Amity University. Her expertise lies in the field of geopolitics, particularly focusing on China and East Asia. With a keen interest in India's foreign policy, national security, and culture, with a deep passion for understanding the complexities of international relations.