CiCM 1st May 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

David Perdue Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to China Amid Escalating Trade Tensions: Former U.S. Senator David Perdue was confirmed as the United States’ new ambassador to China, as bilateral tensions continue to rise over trade and strategic competition. The appointment represents the installation of a close ally of President Donald Trump at a critical diplomatic post. Perdue’s appointment comes as the Trump administration ramps up tariffs on Chinese imports, part of a broader effort to realign trade relations and pressure Beijing on longstanding economic grievances. During his April 3 confirmation hearing, Perdue pledged to prioritize results-driven diplomacy and pursue a fair and reciprocal trade relationship with China. Perdue’s business background, including leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies and time spent living in Asia, was cited by the administration as key qualifications. President Trump, announcing the nomination in December, said Perdue would play a central role in implementing U.S. strategy toward China during his second term. The confirmation also coincides with discussions on a potential Senate delegation to Beijing later this year. Perdue becomes the 14th U.S. envoy to Beijing, taking the role as Washington seeks to recalibrate its approach to China in a more confrontational era.
China Launches Nationwide Crackdown on AI Misuse: China has initiated a sweeping three-month national campaign to combat the misuse of artificial intelligence, aiming to promote the safe and regulated development of the AI industry. Led by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the campaign is divided into two phases targeting illegal AI practices and harmful content. In the first phase, authorities will focus on eliminating unregistered generative AI services and unauthorized use of biometric data, such as facial and voice features. The crackdown also targets individuals and organizations that create or sell AI tools like deepfake tutorials, voice synthesizers, and face-swapping software, especially when these tools are used without proper labeling or consent. The campaign also emphasizes protecting vulnerable groups, intensifying scrutiny of AI-related content that misleads students and patients or disturbs financial market stability. The second phase will target the removal of AI-generated content spreading misinformation or harmful material related to education, healthcare, justice, and finance. Special attention will be paid to impersonations of experts, celebrities, or historical figures for fraud or online manipulation, as well as content that infringes on the rights of children or deceased individuals. The administration has urged local cyberspace departments to recognize the dangers posed by AI misuse and strengthen inspections on online platforms, reinforcing the government’s commitment to responsible AI governance and digital safety.
Chinese Vice Premier Stresses Continued Poverty Alleviation, Disaster Prevention in Agriculture: Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for sustained efforts to consolidate the country's poverty alleviation achievements while strengthening agricultural disaster prevention to ensure a successful summer grain harvest. His remarks came during a research trip to Shaanxi and Henan provinces from April 28 to 30. Liu also emphasized the need to support local industries with distinctive strengths to create employment and improve rural incomes. He advocated targeted development initiatives to empower farmers and promote rural revitalization. With winter wheat entering a critical growth stage, Liu visited fields in Weinan and Luoyang, urging authorities to intensify technical support and implement precision irrigation to mitigate drought conditions.. The vice premier also visited healthcare and childcare facilities, highlighting the need to strengthen infectious disease prevention, expand the role of traditional Chinese medicine, and improve basic health services.
Hubei Court Upholds 20-Year Prison Sentence for Former China Football Coach Li Tie: The Higher People's Court of Hubei Province has upheld the 20-year prison sentence handed to Li Tie, former head coach of China’s national men’s football team. Rejecting his appeal, the court affirmed the original ruling issued in December 2024 by the Intermediate People’s Court of Xianning. Li, 47, was convicted on multiple charges, including both offering and accepting bribes in connection with his roles as head coach of the national team and earlier managerial positions at local clubs. According to the verdict, between 2019 and 2021, Li exploited his position to influence player selection, match outcomes, and contractual decisions, receiving illicit payments totaling over 50.89 million yuan. He was also found guilty of committing bribery offenses between 2015 and 2019 while managing various club teams. The case drew widespread attention in China, as Li was a high-profile figure in Chinese football and previously played professionally for English club Everton. Li’s defense argued that he was not a state functionary and therefore should not be subject to harsher penalties reserved for public officials under Chinese anti-corruption laws. However, the court dismissed this claim, determining that his position within a national team placed him within the scope of state-affiliated functionaries. Under Chinese law, bribery by state functionaries carries a significantly harsher sentence from more than 10 years to life imprisonment compared to 5 to 15 years for non-state actors. Following the appellate court's decision, Li retains the right to apply for a retrial with the Supreme People’s Court within six months, as permitted under Chinese legal procedures. Li was first placed under investigation in November 2022 and stood trial in March 2024.
China Lifts Sanctions on EU Lawmakers Amid Strained Transatlantic Ties: China has lifted sanctions on several European Parliament lawmakers and their families, signaling a diplomatic overture toward the European Union as tensions with the United States escalate following Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The move, announced in a closed-door meeting by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, is seen as Beijing’s attempt to improve relations with Brussels and potentially revive stalled cooperation, including a frozen investment pact. The lifted sanctions, originally imposed in 2021 in retaliation for EU measures over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang, had targeted lawmakers such as Raphael Glucksmann, Miriam Lexmann, Michael Gahler, and Ilhan Kyuchyuk. While sanctions on these sitting MEPs and members of the Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights were lifted, others such as retired German MEP Reinhard Buetikofer and various think tanks remain blacklisted. Despite this diplomatic thaw, EU officials downplayed any immediate revival of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, citing unresolved issues around human rights and industrial overcapacity.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Social Media Reacts with Outrage and Grief to University Student’s death in Septic Tank: The tragic death of 22-year-old university student Xiao He after falling into a septic tank at a temple fair in Gansu has triggered widespread grief, anger, and calls for accountability across Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo. The hashtag #FemaleUniversityStudentDrownsRetrievingPhoneFromSepticTank has drawn tens of millions of views. Many users have emphasized that the tragedy was not a result of personal recklessness but a failure of basic public safety infrastructure. A widely shared comment stated that the tragedy could have been avoided if the rotten wooden board had been replaced or even a warning sign posted, this could’ve been prevented reflecting outrage over negligence by authorities. Another trending sentiment is frustration with bureaucratic finger-pointing, as users highlight how local authorities and the sponge city office have refused to accept responsibility for the safety hazards at the site. Commentators have condemned what they see as a rush to demolish the evidence, namely, the septic tank without answering the family’s calls for transparency. Media outlets and opinion bloggers are urging a nationwide inspection and reform of rural infrastructure, especially abandoned wells and dry toilets. Several posts are calling for legislation mandating the clear marking or sealing of such dangerous areas. The overwhelming tone across platforms is one of heartbreak and collective reflection, as citizens demand systemic changes and greater responsibility from local governments.

INDIA WATCH

Article in SCMP Discusses How Trump Tariffs and Pakistan Tensions Could Derail Warming India-China Ties: An article in the South China Morning Post highlighted the fragile state of India-China relations amid India’s pending trade deal with the United States and its escalating tensions with Pakistan. The report suggested that while relations between New Delhi and Beijing have improved following previous border clashes, emerging geopolitical pressures could complicate this trajectory. According to analysts cited in the piece, the upcoming trade agreement between India and the Trump administration in light of the recently imposed 26% tariff on Indian goods, may disrupt bilateral ties if the deal includes provisions aimed at curbing India’s engagement with China. Beijing views such terms as a potential threat, especially as the U.S. seeks to isolate China from its trading partners. In parallel, India’s deteriorating relationship with Pakistan following a deadly attack in Kashmir adds another layer of complexity. China, a close ally of Pakistan, has urged de-escalation, but how it responds, whether by pressuring Islamabad or backing it could influence the future of China-India ties. The article also highlighted India’s pivotal role in the Global South and its growing discomfort with China’s dominant posture in multilateral groups like BRICS. Experts noted that Beijing’s push to expand BRICS with anti-U.S. members may further alienate New Delhi, which resents being treated as a junior partner. Despite these frictions, both sides remain cautious. Analysts suggested that India will attempt to balance ties with both Washington and Beijing without fully aligning against either power. However, Beijing is increasingly aware that India may lean further toward the U.S. as strategic competition intensifies. The article concluded that while outright rupture is unlikely, emerging tensions could hinder China’s broader diplomatic goals in the developing world, where India remains an influential voice.

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.