CiCM 27th-28th April 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Joint Plan to Enhance National Digital Literacy by 2025 Released: Four government agencies, including the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the Ministry of Education, have jointly released a plan to boost national digital literacy and skills by 2025, with the goal of strengthening its digital workforce and economy. The agenda includes developing a comprehensive digital talent cultivation system, expanding the digital economy, and building a more inclusive digital society. Priorities also encompass creating smarter digital lifestyles, promoting cyberspace safety, and fostering multi-party and international collaboration. The plan specifically emphasizes expanding the application of Artificial Intelligence and improving its governance. The key targets for 2025 include raising digital literacy levels, establishing a robust digital skills training system, expanding digital resources, growing the digital workforce, narrowing skills gaps, and fostering a more inclusive and safer digital environment.
State Council meeting discusses Water Resources, Child welfare and Nuclear Development: A State Council executive meeting, chaired by Premier Li Qiang, addressed river and lake protection, along with measures to elevate welfare for children facing difficulties. The meeting emphasized a targeted, scientific, and law-based approach to pollution treatment, and coordinated efforts to enhance water resources, aquatic environments, and ecosystems. It stressed addressing problems at their source, strengthening monitoring, and curbing excess emissions.Regarding child welfare, the meeting prioritized children's development, advocating for improved service systems for their living, medical, education, and mental health needs. The draft healthcare security law was approved in principle for submission to the National People's Congress. The meeting also approved nuclear power projects, including one in Sanmen, Zhejiang, while underscoring the importance of adhering to the highest global safety standards in construction and operation, and enhancing safety supervision capacity.
Chinese FM holds phone calls with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held phone talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar regarding recent tensions with India following a terrorist attack in Kashmir. Wang said China is closely following the developments, stressing that combating terrorism is a shared responsibility of the whole world while reaffirming China's consistent support for Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts as an “ironclad friend”. Wang said that China fully understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests, and advocated for a swift and fair investigation, emphasizing that conflict harms both nations and regional stability.
China Reviews Draft Arbitration Law to curb Fraudulent Activities: A revised draft of China's Law on Arbitration has been submitted for a second reading, seeking to curb fraudulent practices and strengthen international cooperation. The bill proposes stricter oversight, mandating the rejection of claims involving fabricated evidence or malicious collusion aimed at harming national, public, or individual interests. It also focuses on improving the foreign-related arbitration system by aligning with international norms to enhance credibility. Key revisions include provisions for increased exchanges and cooperation with overseas arbitration institutions and participation in international rule formulation. The draft also outlines stipulations for the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitration awards within China, with applications filed at intermediate people's courts based on the respondent's location or relevant connection to the dispute, to be handled according to international treaties or the principle of reciprocity.
Tax Refund Threshold Reduced to Boost Inbound Spending: The State Council Information Office has announced new measures in a press conference to reform its departure tax refund policy, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for overseas travelers and boost inbound spending. A key change is the lowered minimum purchase threshold to 200 yuan at a single store on the same day. Refunds will be available through multiple channels, including mobile payments, with the cash refund limit increased to 20,000 yuan. The plan also outlines expanding the number of tax refund stores in key tourist areas and diversifying product offerings to include more Chinese brands and specialty items. Promotional activities will support the sales of local signature products. These changes, along with a recent shift to a refund-upon-purchase model, intend to stimulate inbound consumption and support economic growth.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Ele.me's Aggressive Promotions Stun Netizens Ahead of Holiday: Popular Chinese food delivery platform Ele.me has launched surprisingly aggressive promotions, distributing substantial red envelopes and in-app coupons, leading to drastically reduced prices that have bewildered users. This move has triggered widespread amazement and discussion on social media platforms like Weibo. Industry observers speculate that Ele.me is initiating a significant marketing push in anticipation of the upcoming May 1st holiday, a peak consumption period in China. Netizens reported substantial savings through daily hidden red packets, suggesting the possibility of affording high-value items like Apple products over time. The users shared examples of their cost-saving on Weibo, like how they were able to order meals typically costing around 100 yuan being purchased for 7.6 yuan and small lobsters for 5 yuan instead of the usual 40-50 yuan.

INDIA WATCH

SCMP reports UN request to India and Pakistan for ‘Maximum Restraint’: The South China Morning Post reported the United Nations’ urge for “arch-rivals” India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint as the attack in Kashmir was followed by 3 consecutive nights of gunfire exchange. The article includes how India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism following a recent attack in Kashmir where gunmen killed 26 people but Pakistan denies involvement. The Indian military conducted naval drills and continues to search for those responsible for the April 22nd attack in Pahalgam and the police have issued wanted posters for three men, identified as members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, an United Nations designated Terrorist group.

Prepared By

Iklavya Dev

Iklavya is currently a Second Year student pursuing undergraduate degrees in Multimedia Communication and Political Science from K.C. College, Mumbai and Indira Gandhi National Open University respectively. He is deeply interested in the realms of Public Policy, Governance and International Relations, and aspires to broaden his horizons in the same through interactive working experiences and research. His research work includes various subjects ranging from Indian Foreign Policy and Defence Studies to Social Issues and Constitutional Law.