CNAD-#37- 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: 2024-04-27
????China Internal??
?? Xiamen Torch Electric Industrial Park, also known as the Schneider Electric Xiamen Industrial Park, commenced construction in Xiamen, Fujian Province, aiming to become Schneider Electric's largest manufacturing facility for medium voltage equipment globally.
With an investment of approximately 1.2 billion yuan, the park, developed by Xiamen Torch Group, will include a research and development (R&D) office building and a factory spanning 110,000 square meters.
Expected to be completed by 2025, the park will be leased by Schneider Electric, doubling its production capacity over the next five years. Vincent Bruneau, Vice President of Global Supply Chain China at Schneider Electric, emphasized the park's significance as a major R&D centre and manufacturing hub to serve the global medium voltage market. Bruneau highlighted the company's optimism about the Chinese market and its commitment to expanding operations in Xiamen, noting that some products manufactured in the park will be exported to countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
?? In 2023, China witnessed a significant surge in fixed-asset investment (FAI) within its waterway network, with a remarkable 20.1%increase compared to the previous year. This surge amounted to a total investment of 201.57 billion yuan (about 28.37 billion U.S. dollars). Notably, Southwest China's Yunnan Province emerged as the leader in investment growth among provincial-level regions, registering an astounding year-on-year increase of 192.2%. Following Yunnan's lead, East China's Shanghai Municipality and Northeast China's Liaoning Province also experienced substantial growth in investment within the waterway network. However, in contrast to this growth, FAI in China's road network slightly decreased by 1%, amounting to 2.82 trillion yuan for the year.
??Science and Technology??
?? China successfully launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship, carrying three taikonauts to the Tiangong space station for a six-month mission. Atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, the spaceship took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. After separating from the rocket, it entered its designated orbit, with the crew reportedly in good shape. The mission involves a fast, automated rendezvous and docking with the space station.
The crew includes Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, with Ye serving as the mission commander. Ye has previous space experience, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu are embarking on their first space journey. The crew will conduct over 90 experiments in various scientific fields using the station's facilities.
The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held a remote seminar chaired by Wang Huning, discussing the deepening application of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors to advance high-quality development of modern industries.
Since 2012, the CPC Central Committee has recognized AI as a key driver for the technological revolution, industrial transformation, and overall productivity growth.
This approach has led to significant advancements in AI technology innovation, industry development, and application across modern industries, fostering new quality productive forces and promoting high-quality development. Participants emphasized the importance of political advisors staying abreast of AI development and conducting research on crucial issues like promoting basic AI research and original innovation. They suggested strengthening research and independent technological innovation, exploring multi-scenario applications, developing vertical and industrial large models, and promoting integrated AI development through high-level, large-scale applications.
?? Cedrik Neike, a Siemens AG managing board member, sees Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a crucial tool for human-machine collaboration in the industrial sector. In an interview at Hannover Messe 2024, he emphasized AI's role in streamlining tasks, detecting errors, and fostering innovation. Neike believes AI can empower individuals without technical expertise to contribute ideas and build smarter applications effortlessly. Despite concerns about job displacement, he believes AI will unleash productivity and create new employment opportunities, citing the emergence of roles like "AI Engineer." Neike envisions AI amplifying human potential, accelerating product development, and improving productivity. He emphasized Siemens' commitment to the Chinese market, highlighting recent investments in Chengdu to meet China's digitalization needs and support its green initiatives.
?? Beijing is actively promoting scientific and technological innovation to maintain its attractiveness to global investors, as demonstrated by signing deals worth over 61 billion yuan at the Invest Beijing Conference, a part of the ongoing 2024 Zhongguancun Forum.
These projects cover 11 industrial sectors, significantly focusing on science and technology for people's livelihoods, such as carbon neutrality and medical health.
One notable collaboration unveiled at the conference is the Zhongguancun Science City -- Malaysia MRANTI Science and Innovation Cooperation Platform, reflecting the deepening partnership between Malaysia and China in science, technology, and innovation. Additionally, 231 investment projects in advanced and emerging industries, including information technology and artificial intelligence, were announced at the conference, totalling nearly 90.22 billion yuan. Stephen Perry, president emeritus of Britain's 48 Group Club, highlighted the transformative role of AI, big data, and the internet in shaping human services and manufacturing, noting that some multinational companies are considering establishing new divisions in China due to its conducive environment for product development.
??Business China??
???? Myanmar aims to export around 2,000 tons of coffee in the 2024-25 fiscal year, as reported by the official television channel MRTV citing the Myanmar Coffee Association. Most of Myanmar's coffee exports are directed to China and Thailand, with shipments primarily transported by sea routes and some through land borders. The Myanmar Coffee Association, composed of coffee farmers, producers, technicians, and shop owners, is actively enhancing the quality of Myanmar coffee and expanding its market presence. Coffee plantations, spanning approximately 40,000 acres across Myanmar, are concentrated in Shan State and Mandalay Region, with Arabica being the predominant variety cultivated alongside Robusta.
??? Alaa Nader Hassan, a shop owner in Baghdad's al-Sadriya market, shifted from selling traditional gas-powered bikes to China-made electric motorcycles. He believes these electric rides are environmentally friendly, technologically advanced, reduce congestion, and are economical.
The Iraqi government's decision to ban the import of fuel-powered motorcycles opened up opportunities in the electric motorcycle market.
Hassan, who has visited China numerous times for business, praises Chinese manufacturers' creativity, constant improvement, and adaptability. He prefers importing China-made electric motorcycles due to their high quality, low cost, and wide variety of choices despite the market's competition.
?? The Belgrade-Budapest railway project marked a significant achievement as the Novi Sad-Subotica section, constructed by Chinese contractors, was successfully connected in Backa Topola, Serbia. Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Milos Vucevic emphasized the importance of Chinese-Serbian collaboration in completing the railway, emphasizing its role in enhancing bilateral friendship.
Vucevic commended the joint efforts of Serbia and Chinese partners, involving over 2,000 individuals daily, as a testament to their shared commitment to progress.
Goran Vesic, Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, noted that the railway's completion was ahead of schedule, highlighting its significance in improving Serbia's transportation network. Chinese Ambassador Li Ming expressed gratitude for Serbia's support in constructing the railway, emphasizing economic and trade cooperation. Once operational, the high-speed railway will feature modern signalling and safety systems, significantly reducing travel time between Belgrade and Budapest.
???? Arctech Solar Holding Co. Ltd, a Chinese solar energy infrastructure company, has signed an agreement with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) to construct a photovoltaic production facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The factory is estimated at approximately 97,000 square meters and is projected to have 3 gigawatts (GW) production capacity, marking Arctech's second major overseas plant. With headquarters in Kunshan, China, Arctech aims to enhance its delivery capacity up to 10 GW through localized production. MODON's CEO, Majed Al-Argoubi, hailed the partnership for its alignment with Saudi Arabia's industrial development goals, while Arctech's Chairman, Cai Hao, emphasized its contribution to the company's global strategic initiatives and commitment to sustainable development.
????According to official data from the Ministry of Transport, China's cargo and container throughput at ports experienced steady growth in 2023. The country's total cargo throughput at ports reached 16.97 billion tonnes, marking an increase of 8.2% compared to the previous year. Foreign trade cargo throughput at ports also rose by 9.5%year-on-year to 5.05 billion tonnes. Additionally, China's ports handled 310.34 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers, representing a 4.9% increase compared to the previous year.
???? The 12th Macao International Travel Expo (MITE) began at the Cotai Expo in Macao, featuring its largest scale with three exhibition halls totalling 30,000 square meters and 1,353 booths. With 668 exhibitors from 54 countries and regions, the expo aims to facilitate business exchanges and explore opportunities. Lei Wai Nong, the secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR government, highlighted seven major highlights to attract exhibitors and buyers globally. China's Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Zhang Zheng, praised MITE as a tourism platform connecting Macao, mainland China, and international markets. The expo will host over 40 presentations, forums, and activities, extending its daily opening hours compared to previous years. The expo will run until Sunday, organized by the Macao SAR government's tourism office and coordinated by the Macao Travel Agency Association.
???? Chinese exhibitors at the Seafood Expo Global in Spain are enthusiastic about introducing their latest seafood products to European consumers. With nearly 300 Chinese companies participating, they aim to tap into the European market and showcase products like frozen oysters and caviar. For many companies, this is their first time at the fair, presenting an opportunity to expand their market and raise awareness about Chinese seafood offerings. Fu Wenyang, from Frosista Caviar, highlights Europe's importance, representing 40% of their production. The event featured innovations such as salmon sweets and shrimp lollipops, attracting 35,000 buyers worldwide. The presence of 281 Chinese companies reflects rapid growth, indicating China's increasing prominence in the global seafood industry.
Brussels hosted a Chinese tech forum as part of the 2024 Zhongguancun Forum, attracting nearly 150 participants, including government officials, industry leaders, and scholars from China and Europe. Discussions centred on eco-friendly collaboration, green economy, innovative technologies, and new energy vehicles. Beijing Vice Mayor Tan Xuxiang emphasized collaboration with Europe in green technology and energy conservation. Chinese Mission to the EU's Zhu Jing highlighted opportunities for cooperation in technology research, development, and standardization, urging both sides to oppose decoupling and enhance risk management through cooperation. Salvatore Majorana of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation praised China's shift from a "quantity player" to a high-quality manufacturing hub, noting its potential to share knowledge with Europe. The ZGC Forum, founded in 2007, serves as a national-level open innovation platform and international forum focusing on innovation and development.
???China-Foreign Affairs??
???? Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Beijing, expressing the desire for U.S.-China cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Wang emphasized the importance of avoiding the Asia-Pacific becoming a battleground for major power rivalry. He urged the United States to collaborate with China to foster positive interactions in the region, refrain from forming exclusive alliances, avoid pressuring regional countries to choose sides, halt the deployment of land-based intermediate-range missiles, and respect China's strategic security interests to maintain peace and stability in the region.
领英推荐
Several high-ranking foreign officials are set to visit China at the invitation of Wang Yi, China's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During the visits of the foreign ministers from Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru to China, Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister, will hold talks with them respectively on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest.
This year marks Argentina's 10th anniversary of China-Argentina comprehensive strategic partnership. China hopes to enhance political mutual trust and deepen cooperation during Foreign Minister Mondino's visit.
Bolivia and China have grown their strategic partnership, and Foreign Minister Sosa's visit is expected to strengthen bilateral relations further.
Peru's relations with China have steadily progressed, with President Xi Jinping's meeting with Peru's President providing guidance. Foreign Minister González-Olaechea's visit will bolster bilateral ties and implement important common understandings.
? The report about the "Tibetan government-in-exile" holding back-channel talks with China was dismissed by Wang Wenbin, stating that China would only engage in talks with the personal representative of the 14th Dalai Lama, not the "Tibetan government-in-exile," which China considers it as an illegal organization violating China's Constitution and laws.
???? NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's recent comments accusing China of providing support to Russia lack factual basis, according to China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin. China denies being a party to the Ukraine crisis and emphasizes its commitment to promoting peace talks. Wang asserts that China does not provide weapons to conflict parties and strictly controls the export of dual-use articles. He points out that most of Russia's imports of weapon components and dual-use articles come from Western countries. China's trade with Russia is conducted transparently and does not target any third party, Wang adds, urging NATO to reflect on its role in the crisis and refrain from the blame game.
???? Regarding climate change, China acknowledges Germany's call for cooperation on clean technology and climate action. China highlights its efforts to exceed climate action goals and contribute to global emissions reduction by exporting renewable energy products. However, China expresses regret over recent EU investigations into China's new energy sector, which it sees as protectionist and contradictory to the EU's call for cooperation on climate issues. China urges the EU not to adopt discriminatory policies and to recognize the potential for cooperation in climate response and the new energy sector.
???? China expressed deep concern over Israel's continued airstrikes in Syria, labelling them as a grave violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, warned that such acts could escalate regional tensions. He called for restraint from all parties involved and urged major powers to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation. Regarding Syria, China reiterated its support for a political solution and encouraged the international community to promote a Syrian-led political process. China also emphasized the importance of combating terrorism in Syria while observing international law and Security Council resolutions. Geng highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Syria and called for increased assistance and non-earmarked funding support for early-recovery projects. Additionally, he urged parties in northwest Syria to facilitate positive progress in cross-line relief operations, which have been stalled for over six months. On discussions between Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Wang Yi regarding tensions in the Middle East, Wang Wenbin referred to previous statements by China outlining its positions in the region.
???? Relief supplies from China arrived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Thursday to assist the country in coping with recent natural disasters and rebuilding homes. Chinese Ambassador to PNG Zeng Fanhua and PNG Minister of Defence Billy Joseph attended a donation ceremony at Port Moresby International Airport. Zeng expressed China's solidarity with PNG in the face of recent disasters, while Joseph thanked China for its timely assistance and emphasized the strong friendship between the two countries. Joseph expressed PNG's willingness to strengthen cooperation with China to address various challenges.
???? Representatives from Asia-Pacific countries convened at a dialogue during the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to discuss accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Co-hosted by the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the Permanent Mission of China to ESCAP and the UN in China, the dialogue titled "Renewed Efforts to Deliver on the SDGs: Working Towards the Summit of the Future" Focused on Food Systems, Energy Access, digital connectivity, and education. Zhao Fengtao from China International Development Cooperation Agency highlighted the Global Development Initiative as a catalyst for the 2030 Agenda, with support from over 100 countries and organizations. Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, shared collaborative efforts between China and Thailand in promoting sustainable development, including waste-to-energy projects, new energy industry development, and digital cooperation.
???? China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, called for a UN-led international investigation into the September 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions.
Geng expressed regret over the lack of conclusions drawn more than 18 months after the incident and highlighted Sweden and Denmark's termination of their country-specific investigations without revealing substantive information.
He emphasized the seriousness of the explosions, which sabotaged transnational energy infrastructure, and reiterated calls for an objective investigation to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent similar incidents. Geng criticized the lack of progress in country-specific investigations and urged the Security Council to launch a UN-led international investigation to uncover the truth.
?? During the upcoming May Day holiday, China's border ports are projected to experience a daily average of 1.76 million inbound and outbound trips, marking a 40.5% increase compared to the previous year, as per a forecast by the National Immigration Administration (NIA).
International airports across China are anticipated to witness heightened border arrivals and departures, with Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Beijing Capital International Airport projected to handle significant passenger traffic.
Additionally, land ports connecting mainland China with Hong Kong and Macao are expected to see a notable rise in entry-exit trips, particularly at Gongbei Port in Zhuhai and Luohu Port in Shenzhen. The NIA pledges coordinated efforts with other departments to ensure safe, efficient, and smooth port passenger clearance.
??Cultural??Insights ??
?? Kris Phillips, known as Fei Xiang in China, believes that Chinese films, music, and art can be powerful tools for international audiences to better understand China's history, culture, and values. Attending the 14th Beijing International Film Festival as a member of the Tiantan Awards jury, Phillips starred in the Chinese mythological epic trilogy "Creation of the Gods," portraying King Zhou. He sees storytelling as a means to bridge cultural divides, expressing his hope to create internationally influential blockbusters with Chinese elements. Phillips aims to follow in the footsteps of director Wuershan in bringing Chinese narratives to global audiences, believing that compelling stories can transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, inspiring curiosity and understanding about China worldwide.
?? The Chinese string quartet Amber Quartet performed their inaugural concert in Christchurch, New Zealand, as part of their national debut tour. Organized by artists from the Central Conservatory of Music of China, the concert was well-received by local audiences, featuring a blend of Eastern and Western classical masterpieces. Chinese Consul General in Christchurch, He Ying, highlighted the event's contribution to cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two nations, especially in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership. Amber Quartet, renowned for integrating Chinese folk music with Western classical music, showcased their talent and innovation during the performance. Cellist Yang Yichen noted New Zealand's significant interest in classical music. The repertoire included works by Mendelssohn and Mozart and a new piece by composer Guo Wenjing, inspired by Chinese folk songs from various regions. The quartet also collaborated with Christchurch musician Mark Menzies, demonstrating their versatility and musical excellence. Established in 2005 at the Central Conservatory of Music, Amber Quartet represents the pinnacle of chamber music in China.
?? Romania's fifth Confucius Institute, inaugurated in the northeastern city of Iasi, marks a significant partnership between "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi (UMF Iasi) and China's Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), focusing on traditional Chinese medicine. UMF Iasi's Rector, Viorel Scripcariu, lauds the institute's integration of Chinese medicine into the curriculum, expressing confidence in its success. Chinese Ambassador to Romania Han Chunlin hails the institute as a platform for cultural exchange, emphasizing its potential to deepen collaboration between the medical universities of the two countries. Vice President of HUST University, Ma Jianhui, views the institute as pivotal in enhancing educational and cultural ties. Zhao Lingshan, Secretary-General of the Chinese International Education Foundation, outlines the institute's goals, including offering high-quality Chinese education and fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Founded in 1879, UMF Iasi is a leading medical university with expertise in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and biomedical engineering.
??? A Cambodia-China paintings exhibition in Phnom Penh showcased dozens of artworks depicting both countries' scenery, culture, tradition, and Chinese calligraphy. The event was jointly organized by the Royal Academy of Cambodia and China's Jiujiang University and celebrated the Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024. Sok Touch, president of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, highlighted the exhibition's role in fostering cultural understanding and strengthening friendship between the two nations. Visitors like Phal Sreymean and Bo Sreynich praised the exhibition for promoting cultural ties and providing insights into Chinese culture, expressing hope for more such events in the future.
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