CiCM 21st April

NEWS IN CHINA

China and GCC Launch First Forum on Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation: China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened their inaugural Forum on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology in Chengdu, Sichuan province. Hosted by the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), the event brought together senior officials and nuclear experts from both China and GCC member states to explore avenues for collaboration in civil nuclear energy. CAEA Director Shan Zhongde underscored China’s comprehensive nuclear capabilities and reiterated Beijing’s commitment to supporting GCC countries through platform development, project execution, and specialized training. GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised China’s initiative in promoting constructive dialogue on the peaceful application of nuclear technology. He reaffirmed the GCC's strategic focus on peaceful nuclear development, calling for deeper cooperation in areas such as nuclear safety, technological innovation, and sustainable regional growth. A key highlight of the forum was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the CAEA and Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission. The agreement outlines joint efforts in nuclear safety and security, nonproliferation, emergency preparedness, and technical training. It also includes the formation of a joint working group to advance bilateral cooperation.
Ministry of State Security Warns Against Risks of Scanning Apps: On April 21, China’s Ministry of State Security issued a public alert over the national security risks posed by internet-based scanning applications. The warning follows a serious breach involving a government official who used an online scanning app to digitize confidential meeting minutes. The files were automatically uploaded to cloud storage, which was later compromised through brute-force attacks, resulting in the leak of 127 classified documents over a three-year span. These documents reportedly circulated on foreign social media platforms. Officials emphasized that most scanning apps rely on cloud-based processing, meaning sensitive files are transmitted over the internet multiple times, increasing the risk of interception. The Ministry also cautioned against malicious apps disguised as scanning tools, particularly those downloaded from unofficial sources. In response, authorities urged the public, especially those handling sensitive or classified materials, to avoid scanning, storing, or transmitting such content via online platforms. Instead, they recommended using only security-certified applications with robust data protection standards.
China Unveils Nationwide Initiative to Promote Work Ethics: China has launched a new national campaign aimed at strengthening work ethics and enhancing public morality, as part of a broader effort to build a more principled and professional society. The initiative is outlined in a guideline jointly issued by 10 central government departments, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The guideline seeks to blend traditional Chinese values with contemporary workplace standards, fostering a culture of diligence, integrity, fairness, and empathy. It defines the core elements of “new era” work ethics as hard work, honesty, a commitment to justice, and human warmth in professional settings. To institutionalize these values, the plan includes integrating work ethics education throughout all stages of schooling to help students form sound perspectives on work, career, and responsibility. It also establishes mechanisms to reward individuals and organizations that demonstrate exemplary conduct, while denouncing unethical behavior. In addition, the guideline calls for stronger legal and regulatory frameworks to reinforce ethical standards across industries and create a social environment that supports moral conduct in the workplace.
China and Indonesia Launch 2+2 Dialogue to Strengthen Strategic and Security Partnership: China and Indonesia have inaugurated their first-ever Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue, marking a significant step toward deepening bilateral strategic and security cooperation. The high-level “2+2” talks were co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun, along with their Indonesian counterparts, Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie. Wang Yi described the dialogue as a milestone in building a “China-Indonesia community with a shared future,” with implications for both regional stability and global cooperation. Defense Minister Dong emphasized China’s readiness to expand defense ties through stronger institutional frameworks and deeper strategic coordination. Indonesia, for its part, highlighted maritime security and regional peace as key areas for collaboration.The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a comprehensive strategic dialogue mechanism, alongside agreements focused on maritime security. They also committed to launching consultations on arms control and disarmament, while expanding cooperation in cybersecurity, transnational crime, and law enforcement.
Beijing Ramps Up Services Sector Opening to Boost Global Confidence: At a press conference hosted by the State Council Information Office on Monday, Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji unveiled a newly approved Work Plan for Accelerating the Comprehensive Pilot Program for Expanding Opening-up of the Service Sector. The plan introduces 155 pilot tasks across critical areas, including telecommunications, health care, finance, tourism, and green development. Key reforms include lifting foreign ownership caps in app stores and internet access services, allowing short-term practice by foreign doctors, and enabling foreign investment in non-profit healthcare and eldercare institutions. Meanwhile, foreign-invested travel agencies will be allowed to offer outbound tourism services, and new logistics models will be introduced to facilitate exports of new energy vehicles and batteries. The plan has now expanded the ongoing pilot programs to include nine additional cities, such as Ningbo and Xiamen.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Social Media Reacts to Pope Francis’ Death with Tributes and Reflection: The passing of Pope Francis has ignited widespread conversation across Chinese social media, particularly on Weibo, where the hashtag #PopeFrancisHasDied quickly began trending. Many netizens praised Pope Francis for his progressive legacy, highlighting his commitment to interfaith dialogue, advocacy for peace, and support for marginalized communities. State-affiliated outlet Huanqiu amplified international media coverage, portraying Pope Francis as a moral leader and cultural bridge-builder. The commentary emphasized his global stature and humanitarian values, resonating with Chinese audiences across ideological lines. Sentiment on Weibo was largely respectful, though some users noted the geopolitical dimensions of his death, including speculation about how the next pope might reshape Vatican diplomacy particularly toward China and the Global South. Overall, the online discourse reflects deep respect for Pope Francis’ humanitarian legacy, admiration for his moral clarity, and curiosity about the future of the Catholic Church in a changing world.

INDIA WATCH

China Daily Editorial on U.S.-India Relations and China's Position: A recent editorial in China Daily sharply criticized the United States’ trade policies and strategic outreach in Asia, focusing on the U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s ongoing visit to India. The article framed the visit as a calculated attempt by Washington to coerce New Delhi into aligning more closely with efforts to economically isolate China. The editorial cautioned India not to be swayed by promises such as tariff reductions, especially as the U.S. continues to label India a "tariff king" and a trade offender, even under Prime Minister Modi’s cooperative posture. The piece also noted India’s internal economic and policy challenges, including recent protests and visa-related tensions, which complicate its foreign policy calculus. In contrast, the article highlighted warming China-India ties, citing recent military disengagement agreements and robust bilateral trade in FY 2023–24, which reached $118.4 billion. Urging India to prioritize its relationship with China, the piece portrayed the China-India partnership as mutually beneficial and vital for regional peace and stability. It concluded with a call for both countries to reject hegemonism, champion multilateralism, and work toward inclusive economic globalization, especially as they commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties.

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.