CNAD-#35- China's ??????????????? & Updates about ????+ ( ??????????????????????????????????)& ????
Dr. Vithiyapathy Purushothaman
Postdoc Lecturer at Shenzhen University. PhD from USTC, China, through the Ministry of Human Resource Development of India and a Chinese Government Scholarship. Associate Member at the Chennai Centre for China Studies.
Everyday Briefing: 2024-04-25
????China Internal??
?? China has allocated 110 million yuan from the central natural-disaster relief fund to support flood control and disaster relief efforts in Jiangxi and Guangdong provinces, as well as Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The emergency funds, jointly allocated by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management, include 40 million yuan for Jiangxi, 50 million yuan for Guangdong, and 20 million yuan for Guangxi. The funds will be primarily used for search and rescue operations, relocating affected individuals, secondary disaster detection, repairing damaged houses, and other relief efforts. Continuous heavy rainfall in Guangdong Province has resulted in four casualties as of Monday.
???? Changsha Library in central China's Hunan province has created an accessible reading environment for the visually impaired,
providing over 10,000 volumes of braille books and journals, more than 1,000 audiobooks, and over 300 accessible movies.
The library has reading devices such as screen reading software, braille printers, and visual aids. Additionally, cultural activities are organized to bring the joy of reading to the visually impaired group. Staff members assist visually impaired individuals in adjusting visual assistive devices and creating braille materials, ensuring a supportive reading and cultural engagement environment.
?? China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) has released public-interest litigation cases addressing noise pollution, offering guidance for procuratorates.
The cases involve car racing, public square dancing, and illegal night-time construction.
Solutions proposed include gathering evidence through environmental protection specialists for transient noise from car racing and using noise detection equipment for public square dancing and illegal construction. Procuratorial agencies employ various methods, such as witness hearings and procuratorial suggestions, to address noise problems related to illegal construction.
Since the launch of the public interest litigation campaign in 2023, procuratorial organs nationwide have handled over 940 cases involving noise pollution.
The SPP pledges to continue to combat such cases and enhance the legal framework for addressing noise pollution to improve the acoustic environment.
?? In the first quarter of 2024, Shanxi Province in China, known for its abundant coal resources, extracted 3.07 billion cubic meters of coalbed methane, marking an 11.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This output constitutes approximately 80.8% of the country's total coalbed methane extraction. Kang Yi, an official from the provincial energy bureau, highlighted
Shanxi's significant progress in expanding coalbed methane reserves and output, noting a remarkable 249% increase in annual output between 2015 and 2023.
Coalbed methane extraction offers benefits such as reducing mining risks, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviating gas shortages. Shanxi Province holds a substantial portion of China's coalbed methane reserves, accounting for about one-third of the country's estimated total.
?? China's health literacy has shown a steady increase, reaching 29.7% in 2023, up by 1.92 percentage points from the previous year, as reported by the National Health Commission (NHC).
A survey conducted by the NHC indicates that health literacy among urban residents was 33.25%, while in rural areas, it stood at 26.23%, marking increases of 1.31 and 2.45 percentage points, respectively.
Health literacy serves as a crucial gauge of economic and social progress, reflecting people's understanding of health-related issues encompassing safety, first aid, medical care, and the prevention and control of chronic and infectious diseases.
?? Qingling Group, in collaboration with Bosch Group, has deployed hundreds of hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles along the "hydrogen corridor" from Chongqing Municipality to Chengdu City.
This partnership symbolizes the growing ties in green development between China and Germany.
Established in March 2021, Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd., aims to introduce advanced fuel cell powertrain solutions to China, aligning with the automotive industry's carbon neutrality goals. Fuel cell-powered vehicles in China are expected to reach one million by 2035, according to industry projections. Bosch and Qingling's joint venture capitalizes on their longstanding relationship and Qingling's expertise in commercial vehicle applications. Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems has introduced various fuel cell power modules catering to different commercial vehicle needs, including cold-chain logistics and heavy-duty transportation, with further advancements underway.
??Science and Technology??
Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) introduced the XCA4000, the world's largest tonnage wheeled crane, at a wind farm in Hengshui, Hebei province. With a lifting capacity of 4,000 tons, it set a new record for the seventh time.
The crane lifted a 130-metric-ton nacelle, a 40-ton hub, and three 95-meter-long blades weighing 28 tons each to a height of 162 meters.
This crane addresses the growing demand for larger and heavier wind turbines, ensuring safety and efficiency in wind power construction projects. Equipped with advanced technologies and a self-developed control system, it enhances safety during operation by detecting and eliminating potential hazards in real time. XCMG's advancements in high-end manufacturing include increasing lifting capacities, expanding maximum installation heights of wind turbines, and producing China's largest equipment, focusing on domestic production of key components.
??? China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced additional partners for the construction and operation of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) during the Space Day launch ceremony in Wuhan.
New partners include Nicaragua, the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, and the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences.
Agreements and memorandums of understanding have been signed between CNSA and these parties for cooperation on various ILRS-related issues. The station's construction will be in three phases, with a basic model expected by 2030, and it will operate autonomously for extended periods with short-term human involvement. The Space Day of China, celebrated on April 24, commemorates the launch of China's first satellite in 1970.
?? The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced the upcoming launch of the Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Scheduled for Thursday at 8:59 p.m. Beijing Time,
the mission will carry astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, with Ye as the commander.
Shenzhou-18 marks China's 32nd flight mission in its manned space program and the third manned mission in the development stage of its space station.
The crew will spend approximately six months in orbit before returning to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in late October.
The spaceship will dock with the Tianhe core module of the space station, forming a combination of three modules and three spacecraft. The crew will witness the arrival of the Tianzhou-8 cargo craft, and Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship during their stay. The launch preparations, including the spacecraft and carrier rocket, are completed, and the ground system facilities are in stable operation. The return of the Shenzhou-17 crew is scheduled for April 30, completing the in-orbit work handover to the Shenzhou-18 crew.
?? China's Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission, set for around 2026, will feature six scientific instruments from six countries and one international organization.
Aimed at surveying the lunar south pole, the mission will study the lunar surface environment, water, ice, and volatile elements. Instruments from Egypt, Bahrain, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Thailand, and the International Lunar Observatory Association will be deployed.
Italy's laser retroreflector arrays will enable high-precision measurement on the lunar surface, while Russia's lunar dust and electric field instrument will detect the lunar surface's dusty plasma environment. The International Lunar Observatory Association's lunar-based telescope will facilitate observations of the Galaxy, Earth, and the sky. Egypt and Bahrain's lunar hyperspectral camera will identify lunar surface materials, while a spectrometer for Earth radiation measurement, a collaboration between Swiss and Chinese scientists, will monitor Earth's radiation from a lunar perspective. Additionally, an orbiter sensor package will provide space weather global monitoring for magnetic disturbances and solar storm radiation alerts.
Notably, China's lunar landing mission is progressing smoothly, with the development of major flight products such as the Long March-10 carrier rocket, the manned spacecraft Mengzhou, the lunar lander Lanyue, and the lunar landing suit completed as planned.
Prototype production and testing are underway. Mechanical and thermal test products for the manned spacecraft and lander are nearly complete, while various rocket engines are undergoing ground tests.
Construction of the Wenchang manned lunar exploration launch site is ongoing. Proposals for a manned lunar rover and lunar surface payloads are being selected from public submissions. Training for astronauts includes mastering spacecraft and lander operations under normal and emergency conditions, lunar surface activities such as walking, driving the lunar rover, and conducting scientific investigations. China aims to achieve a manned lunar landing by 2030 as part of its challenging and innovative lunar exploration program.
??? China's orbiting space station has hosted over 130 scientific research and application projects, resulting in significant achievements, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
These projects have included manned missions bringing back over 300 scientific experiment samples, involving more than 500 research institutes globally.
Research areas encompass space life science, medicine, material science, and microgravity fluid physics, resulting in over 280 papers published in top international journals. Projects have yielded crucial advancements, including producing high-quality crystal materials, biological research aiding bone disease prevention and treatment, and testing Stirling thermoelectric conversion technology. These endeavours have led to significant technological and economic benefits with the potential for further advancements through promotion, transformation, and application.
??? The Shenzhou-17 crew aboard China's space station successfully repaired the core module's damaged solar wings during the country's inaugural extravehicular maintenance mission.
This mission, involving two spacewalks, addressed a partial loss of power supply caused by space debris impact.
Preventive measures, including manoeuvring to avoid debris, were taken to mitigate risks from increased space activities. China has improved orbit forecasting and collision avoidance, reducing false alarms by 30%. Future efforts will focus on using high-definition cameras to inspect extravehicular conditions and installing space debris protection reinforcements. Systems for monitoring leaks and responding to pressure emergencies have been implemented, enhancing astronauts' troubleshooting capabilities. China maintains open communication on space safety with global agencies.
??China Unveiled??
???? How US military presence checkmates China in the South China Sea? The video explores the strategic significance of the US military presence in Asia-Pacific, highlighting key locations such as South Korea, Japan, Guam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Australia, and India.
It emphasizes how these installations serve as critical nodes in America's global strategy, safeguarding vital interests and promoting stability.
It discusses the historical context, shifting dynamics, and implications for regional stability, underscoring the delicate balance between reassurance to allies and perceived provocation by China. It also delves into Chinese perspectives on the US' free and open Indo-Pacific strategy, which is viewed as a means to constrain China's geopolitical ascent.
The United States has deployed the Mid-Range Capability Missile System (MRCS) to an undisclosed location in Northern Luzon as part of Exercise Balikatan 2024 with the Philippine Army.
Despite assurances that the SM6 will not be fired during the exercise, China has expressed grave concerns over the US deploying medium-range ballistic missiles in the Asia Pacific and urges the Philippines to consider its security interests. In an interview, Don McLain Gill highlights the presence of Chinese militia vessels during the Balikatan 2024 exercise and its implications for Philippine-China maritime tensions. He points out that the presence is expected due to the exercise's role in enforcing international law in the West Philippine Sea, which is against the interests of expansionist powers. Despite the exercise's defence-oriented nature, China may perceive it negatively. Further, he emphasizes the Philippines' commitment to defending sovereignty while maintaining amicable relations with China. It highlights the importance of consistent messaging and a people-centric approach to regional stability.
领英推荐
Notably, in the other video titled US Enhances Military Capabilities Amid China Threat it highlighted
Notably, in DD India, the discussion hosted by Dr. Sreeram Chaulia, Dean of Jindal School of International Affairs, revolves around the perceived China's poses under President Xi Jinping's leadership. Professor Joanna Sakira, Polish scholar of International Law and Fellow at the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation & Future Warfare, Marine Corps University, USA, highlights his views on China's aggressive tactics, disregard for international law, and pursuit of spreading communism worldwide. The conversation emphasizes the Western ideologies on China's infiltration into Western societies through economic interdependence and projects the challenge of balancing economic interests with confronting China's threat to democratic values.
It also addresses China's assertiveness in territorial disputes and the importance of countries like India in countering China's expansionist ambitions. The conclusion stresses the need for a comprehensive approach perceived by the US and its allies to address China's threat, including non-kinetic dimensions like lawfare. Recently, VIF India published the Trends in Global Arms Trade & India highlighted the SIPRI report and pointed out the shifts in the global arms trade, with the US dominating as the largest arms supplier and France displacing Russia as the second-largest exporter.
China and Germany's shares declined but maintained their positions among the top five exporters. India remains the largest arms importer despite progress in domestic production.
However, India's arms exports reached a record high in FY 2023-24. Regional tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war and China's aggression, drove countries to import more weapons. The brief discusses India's evolving role in the arms trade, emphasizing increased domestic production and defence exports as steps towards self-reliance.
In an article titled India-Europe Cooperation in Semiconductors: Another Link in the Chain OORJA TAPAN highlights that semiconductors are vital for both civilian and military technologies and her views on raising concerns about overreliance on a few key players like China. She further explores the recent global events, including the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, which have highlighted vulnerabilities in semiconductor supply chains, prompting calls to diversify and secure them. The Indo-Pacific region has become a focal point for strategic alliances and initiatives to counter China's influence.
For countries like India, navigating the U.S.-China rivalry while safeguarding national interests is crucial.
Governments are exploring strategies like reshoring and friend-shoring to mitigate risks associated with overdependence on single suppliers. The "China plus One" strategy is gaining traction to diversify supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities. India, heavily reliant on semiconductor imports, faces challenges ensuring competitiveness and national security in this evolving landscape. Semiconductors are integral to modern life, used in various devices and critical infrastructure. The manufacturing process involves numerous stages and a complex global supply chain.
The Indo-Pacific region, the U.S., and Europe dominate the semiconductor supply chain.
Governments are restructuring supply chains to align with national security interests, with initiatives like the Chips and Science Act and the U.S-EU Trade and Technology Council. India is emerging as a semiconductor manufacturing hub, with initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission and collaborations with countries like Japan, Australia, France, and the U.S. The article finally embarks on cooperation within multilateral frameworks like SCRI, IPEF, and Quad, which are crucial for ensuring supply chain resilience and avoiding economic vulnerabilities.
In a discussion with DD India, Sana Hashmi, PhD highlights the following
India's role in the Indo-Pacific is highlighted by its actions, such as exporting BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, contributing to deterrence and stability. Notably, the opinion article What Would Modi’s Third Term Mean for India-China Relations? by Dr Scott N Romaniuk & Animesh Roul highlights the complexities of Modi's third term in India-China relations, shedding light on Chinese perceptions of PM Modi and Indian democracy. Despite ongoing tensions, President Xi Jinping emphasizes long-term strategic collaboration with India. The article explores the significance of issues like the Dalai Lama, Tibet, and economic interdependence between the two countries. It also highlights the need for cooperation on common challenges like climate change despite power rivalry and differing priorities. Additionally, it touches upon domestic challenges both leaders face, such as economic pressures and geopolitical rivalry between India and China.
???China-Foreign Affairs??
???? The US Senate passed legislation that could ban TikTok in the US if ByteDance fails to divest the app within the next nine months to a year. China's Foreign Ministry reiterates its principled position on this matter. China maintains its stance on TikTok and refers to previous statements. Additionally, China's economy showed positive signs in the first quarter of 2024, with GDP growing by 5.3% year-on-year, driven mainly by domestic demand.
International financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank have adjusted China's growth forecast for this year.
China expresses confidence in its economic trajectory, emphasizing high-quality development and opening up.
The EU initiated an investigation into Chinese market access to government procurement of medical devices, prompting China to criticize the move as protectionist and contrary to the EU's commitment to open markets. China emphasizes its adherence to WTO rules and urges the EU to stop targeting Chinese companies. China criticizes the EU's anti-subsidies investigation into a Chinese security company and urges adherence to open markets and fair competition.
Regarding China's application to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, China refers inquiries to competent authorities and highlights its commitment to WTO rules and multilateralism.
China welcomes progress made by Azerbaijan and Armenia in resolving disputes and encourages dialogue for regional peace.
On the other side, China asserts its commitment to openness and criticizes US military support to Taiwan as destabilizing. China urges the US to abide by the one-China principle and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The G7 has raised allegations of "overcapacity" in China's new energy sector. China rejects these claims, citing the sector's contribution to global green development.
China sees such accusations as protectionist and urges adherence to market principles.
Concerning recent actions by European authorities, including another investigation and raids on Chinese companies, China views these as attempts to smear China and its business practices, urging against vilification and for mutual respect and cooperation.
China's Foreign Ministry outlined five major goals ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit, including addressing issues such as Taiwan, trade, technology restrictions, and the South China Sea. Chinese experts anticipate challenges but emphasize the importance of maintaining communication channels to prevent conflicts.
Blinken's visit aims to discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues, including concerns over China's involvement in the Ukraine crisis and human rights issues.
China asserts its stance on core issues, such as Taiwan, and expects the US to respect its red lines. The visit prioritizes establishing the right perception and effectively managing differences. Despite tensions, China remains committed to dialogue and cooperation, expecting sincerity and mutual respect from the US.
???? Trade between Russia and China surged to $240 billion in 2023, reflecting strengthening commercial ties amid sanctions and geopolitical shifts. However, closer examination reveals nuances: despite the rhetoric of a "no-limits" friendship, the trade relationship may not be as exceptional as portrayed.
Russia's status between Brazil and Australia regarding GDP aligns with its trade turnover with China, suggesting a less distinctive bond.
Chinese imports from Russia, while growing, represent only 5% of total imports, indicating limited reliance on Russian goods. Similarly, Chinese exports to Russia, while increasing, are comparable to those to smaller economies like the Netherlands, signalling a trade imbalance. The recent growth in trade may be attributed to catch-up growth following sanctions-driven reorientation, with signs indicating potential plateauing in the future.
Challenges such as stalled pipeline negotiations and restrictions on IT equipment sales suggest that the trajectory of Russia-China trade may soon stabilize.
Additionally, Chinese financial institutions' caution regarding dealings with Russian companies amid US sanctions enforcement could further dampen future trade growth. Overall, while Moscow and Beijing emphasize their friendship, their trade relationship may not reflect the same level of closeness.
???? The 64th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) commenced in Bulawayo, featuring foreign exhibitors from 27 countries, notably including around 40 exhibitors from China. With the theme "Innovation: the catalyst to industrialization and trade," the expo will span five days, focusing on business exchanges for the first three days and open to the public for the last two. Chinese companies are showcasing products made in both Zimbabwe and China, aiming to connect with local businesses and consumers. Other participants, such as Malawi's delegation, are seeking opportunities to promote agricultural products like rice. Local exhibitors also anticipate expanding their markets, both domestically and internationally, by partnering with foreign countries. The ZITF serves as a significant platform for trade and investment, facilitating business partnerships between local and international entities.
???? Zhao Leji, Chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, congratulated Mexico's Senate on its 200th anniversary. In his speech delivered via video, he emphasized the deepening political mutual trust and fruitful practical cooperation between China and Mexico over the past 50 years. He highlighted the increasingly strategic, complementary, and mutually beneficial nature of their bilateral ties. Zhao expressed China's willingness to work with Mexico to improve strategic alignment and explore cooperation potential. He called for enhanced exchanges between the legislative bodies of both countries to enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership, consolidate social foundations, and provide legal support for cooperation. China also aims to strengthen multilateral cooperation with Mexico and Latin American countries to advocate for a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization. Zhao reaffirmed China's commitment to upholding international fairness and justice, promoting the progress of China-Mexico and China-Latin America relations, and building a community with a shared future.
???? Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export revenue surged to over $1.8 billion in the first four months of this year, marking a 32.9% increase compared to the same period last year, as reported by Vietnam News Agency citing the General Department of Vietnam Customs. Major importers during this period included China, South Korea, the United States, and Thailand.
April alone witnessed exports reaching around $539.8 million, a nearly 14.9% increase from the previous month and a 37.8% surge from the same period last year.
The Agency of Foreign Trade anticipates further growth in fruit and vegetable exports, including durian, due to more certified growing areas and packaging facilities. Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development forecasts the industry to achieve record-breaking export turnover of $6 billion to $6.5 billion this year, representing a 15-20% increase compared to last year's figures. Last year, Vietnam saw a record $5.69 billion generated from fruit and vegetable exports, marking a remarkable 70% increase yearly.
?? The first China-Latin American and Caribbean States Space Cooperation Forum commenced in Wuhan, Hubei Province, with Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing reading President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter. Zhang highlighted the progress in space cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries, expressing China's readiness to deepen collaboration in space development strategies, scientific innovation, industrial cooperation, and talent exchanges. The forum aims to elevate bilateral space cooperation, benefiting both sides and contributing to a shared future. Representatives from space agencies, universities, research institutes, enterprises, and international organizations attended the event.
??Cultural??Insights ??
?? In archaeology, AI is revolutionizing relic restoration, speeding up processes that previously took decades. For instance, at the Sanxingdui Ruins in China, AI helped experts digitally reconstruct artefacts, unlocking ancient secrets.
In the antique market, AI aids in authenticating artefacts, enhancing transparency and efficiency in transactions.
While AI still relies on human expertise and intuition, it presents a promising direction for the future, aiding in various archaeological processes and facilitating international academic collaboration. Additionally, efforts are being made to draft industry standards to protect consumer rights in AI-based product identification.
?? China is set to send a new giant panda couple, Jin Xi and Zhu Yu, to Spain next week. They will be leaving from Chengdu in Sichuan Province and will reside in Madrid for 10 years. The pandas, born in 2020, are currently in good health and undergoing quarantine procedures. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding has prepared special air transport cages and sufficient bamboo for the journey. Madrid Zoo Aquarium has upgraded its panda enclosure based on advice from Chinese experts. The previous panda pair, Bing Xing and Hua Zui Ba, along with their three Spain-born cubs, recently returned to Chengdu after living in Spain for over a decade. China and Spain have collaborated on giant panda protection efforts, resulting in the successful breeding of six cubs and various cultural activities to raise awareness.
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