In Brief
INTERNAL
Officials to Control Bride Prices in Rural China
On 05 February, according to a commentary by The Straits Times, titled “Jiangxi official advocates regulation as a way to control bride prices in rural China,” Ms Lan Wen, a member of the Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, advocated a solution to introduce a certification system for rural matchmakers against the escalating bride prices persisting in rural China. Lan Wen said that despite the popularity of online dating apps, many unmarried youths in rural China still rely on traditional matchmakers. She further said that their reluctance is due to factors like economic conditions, education levels, marital perspectives, and adherence to traditional customs. The practice of bride prices is widespread in China where the groom provides gifts to the bride’s family for marriage. She emphasized the need for strict supervision and law enforcement are needed to combat improper profiteering in the matchmaking industry. (“Jiangxi official advocates regulation as way to control bride prices in rural China,” The Straits Times, 05 February 2024)

Premier Li Qiang says China is open to foreign talents
On 04 February, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China is open to all foreign talents around the world. His remarks come after he meets the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award winners and representatives of foreign experts. He listened to the expert opinions and suggestions on China's development and government work. Experts from Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Russia and other countries made speeches on scientific and technological innovation cooperation, green development and personnel training. Li said that China presents a vibrant opportunity and will enable foreign experts and talents to participate in China’s development and modernization. (“China open for foreign talents around the world: Premier Li,” CGTN, 04 February 2024)

Chinese nuclear fuel engineer Li Guangchang suspected of corruption
On 04 February, according to an editorial in the South China Morning Post titled “Chinese nuclear fuel engineer Li Guangchang caught in anti-corruption net targeting ‘high-risk’ areas,” by Amber Wang, Li Guangchang, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said in a statement that a member of the science and technology committee of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is suspected of committing serious violations of discipline and law. The investigation comes within less than a month after Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered a crackdown on corruption in “high-risk” areas such as energy and state-owned enterprises. On 08 January, during the CCDI’s third plenary session, Xi said that there should be “absolutely no mercy” in rooting out the problem. Li’s case follows multiple crackdowns in China’s military-industrial targeting senior officials such as in aerospace-defense enterprises. (Amber Wang, “Chinese nuclear fuel engineer Li Guangchang caught in anti-corruption net targeting ‘high-risk’ areas,” South China Morning Post, 04 February 2024)

Xi Jinping delivers speech on strengthening party vision
On 02 February, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech to the troops stationed at North China’s Municipality for the upcoming Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year. He is also currently the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). He said that the troops at Tianjin have implemented and excelled in the work assigned by the CPC  Central Committee and the CMC. He also congratulated the troop's performance in its flood relief efforts at Tianjin. Furthermore, he stressed the need to fully implement the Party’s vision of strengthening the military and military strategy and achieving the goals set for the centenary of the PLA in 2027. (“Xi Jinping inspects troops stationed in Tianjin, extends festival greetings to all servicemen,” CGTN, 03 February 2024)

ECONOMY
Chinese housing market hit with weak demand
On 03 February, according to an editorial in Nikkei Asia, titled “Housing glut leaves China with excess homes for 150m people,” by Yusho Cho, China's housing sector faces a crisis due to weak sales and growing inventory. China’s housing demand will see a sharp decline due to shrinking populations and rising living standards. In 2023, the amount of residential floor space sold totalled 940 million sq. meters, down about 40 per cent from a peak of 1.56 billion sq. meters in 2021. According to experts, in China, the number of first-time new home buyers in their 30s stood around 220 million in 2020 and will witness a sharp decline to below 160 million in 2035. China’s housing glut is creating pressure on international commodity prices as the housing prices are in tandem with property investment. (Yusho Cho, “Housing glut leaves China with excess homes for 150m people,” Nikkei Asia, 03 February 2024)

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
China to install monitoring equipment’s to hold projects funded by the government accountable
On 05 February, according to an editorial in BBC titled “China can now monitor government-funded projects 24/7,” by Annabelle Liang, firms will have to install monitoring equipment for their projects that have received at least 30 million yuan (USD 4.2 million) of government funding. This rule comes as the government aims to support the crisis-hit real estate sector. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in a statement that it was moving to "regulate the implementation of projects and the use of funding". Ben Harburg from MSA Capital says that the rules are part of the government’s measures to ensure that the Chinese developers would not breach their trust earmarked for the completion of the projects. Harburg also said that the property sector is the critical sector for China’s economy in which the provincial governments mainly depend upon this sector to drive employment and meet growth targets. (Annabelle Liang, “China can now monitor government-funded projects 24/7,” BBC, 05 February 2024)

China launches commercial mission viable space rocket Jielong-3
On 03 February, The Straits Times reported that the Jielong-3, or Smart Dragon-3 was launched off the coast of Yangjiang in southern Guangdong province. The small-sized rocket can send payloads at competitive costs. It delivered nine satellites in the orbit. The launch was the third time for the China Rocket Company, a commercial offshoot of a state-owned launch vehicle manufacturer to make it ready for commercial market. President Xi Jinping has called for the expansion of strategic industries including the commercial space sector. China Rocket has said the rocket could carry more than 20 satellites at a launch cost of under USD 10,000 per kg, which is a globally competitive rate for small-lift rockets. (“China launches powerful Jielong-3 rocket, paves way for more commercial missions,” The Straits Times, 04 February 2024)

CHINA & EAST ASIA
Japan alarmed by the presence of Chinese ships near the Diaoyu Islands
On 05 February, according to an editorial in the South China Morning Post, titled “Chinese ships near Diaoyu Islands stoke Japan’s fears of Beijing vs Manila South China Sea-style clash,” by Julian Ryall, Japan is alarmed with the ongoing presence of Chinese vessels near the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. It is concerning as the area could witness a conflict like the maritime tensions between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea. On 31 January, the Japanese defence ministry said that Chinese warships had been spotted in the area and near the boundaries of Japan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) and had deployed an airborne early warning and control system aircraft, a patrol plane, and a helicopter to the area. According to some experts, China’s ultimate goal is to weaken the international perception of Japanese sovereignty over the Diaoyu Islands which they refer to as the Senkaku Islands. (Julian Ryall, “Chinese ships near Diaoyu Islands stoke Japan’s fears of Beijing vs Manila South China Sea-style clash,” South China Morning Post, 05 February 2024)

China uses pinyin translations to mark its claim in the South China Sea
On 04 February 2024, according to an editorial in the South China Morning Post, titled “South China Sea: how Beijing uses pinyin translations to Double down on Territorial Claims,” by Alyssa Chen, China has increased the use of pinyin, a romanization of Mandarin script to refer the disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea to bolster its territorial claims. This comes amid the deteriorating ties between the Philippines and China especially the incident between a Chinese Coast Guard and a few Filipino fishermen last week. The Chinese foreign ministry and the state media have increasingly begun to use pinyin by renaming the “Nansha Islands” with “Nansha Qundao” to refer Spratly Islands. Also, the Second Thomas Shoal was increasingly called “Renai Jiao” instead of “Renai Reef”. The reef is referred to as Ayungin Shoal by the Philippines. Ray Powell said that the increased use of the pinyin terms is seen as a long-term strategy by Beijing to normalize the idea of Chinese sovereignty over its maritime claims. He further added that Beijing’s neighbours will unlikely accept it and will prefer to use their local names to counter Chinese expansionism. (Alyssa Chen, “South China Sea: how Beijing uses Pinyin translations to double down on territorial claims,” South China Morning Post, 04 February 2024)

CHINA & SOUTH ASIA
Pigeon suspected of espionage gets released in India
On 04 February, according to CNN, the PETA group said in a statement that a pigeon suspected of spying for China was held in captivity and was released by the Indian officials after the group’s intervention. The pigeon was held at the Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals (BSDPHA). The PETA said that the Pigeon was captured in May 2023 in Mumbai and a message was written in Chinese on the pigeon’s wings. The police suspected it of spying which led to its arrest. The bird had been transferred to the Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The use of spy animals is not new as it has been exploited by militaries with the case of a snowy white beluga whale being suspected of being used by the Russian military in 2019. (Heather Chen and Sania Farooqi, “Pigeon suspected of spying for China released in India after PETA intervention, group says,” CNN, 04 February 2024)

CHINA & THE PACIFIC
Australian writer Yang Hengjun sentenced to suspended death sentence
On 05 February, Aljazeera reported that the Chinese government had imposed a suspended death sentence on the Australian writer Yang Hengjun. The details of the sentence are not clarified but it does state that the sentence can be turned to life imprisonment in light of good behaviour. Yang was arrested in 2019 at the Guangzhou airport on charges of “endangering national security with particularly serious harm to the country and the people.” The accused and family and friends have denied the charges. The sentencing was met with strong displeasure by Australia describing it as “unacceptable.” Yang is a known blogger and pro-democracy activist, Foreign Minister of Australia Penny Wong said: “The Australian government is appalled by this outcome,” and that Australia will respond in the strongest terms by summoning the Chinese ambassador in Canberra. (“Australian writer Yang Hengjun sentenced to death on China spy charges,” Aljazeera, 05 February 2024)

CHINA & AFRICA
Chinese companies to increase its investment in DRC’s mining deal
On 04 February, the South China Morning Post reported on the mining deal signed between China and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two Chinese companies Sinohydro Corp and China Railway Group have agreed to increase their investment in the DRC as part of their mineral for infrastructure deal. Earlier the DRC’s General Inspector of Finance issued that the profit from the deal was disproportional and that DRC was not being adequately compensated for the minerals. The report found that while the companies got minerals worth USD 10 billion, they only built infrastructure worth USD 822 million. As part of the new deal, the companies have agreed to invest more from USD 3 billion to USD 7 billion. This comes as a major win for President Félix Tshisekedi fulfilling the promises that he made in his sworn-in ceremony. (Jevans Nyabiage, “Chinese firms agree to raise investment in Democratic Republic of Congo copper-cobalt mining deal,” South China Morning Post, 04 February 2024)

CHINA & EUROPE
Russia and China cooperation in the use of AI for military
On 02 February, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued that both Moscow and Beijing exchange detailed assessments for the use of Artificial Intelligence technology for military purposes. They decided to form doctrinal guidelines and initiatives for the same under the Group of Governmental Experts and States Parties to the Convention on Inhumane Weapons on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the discussion was held on outer space security, AI and biosecurity. (Laura Zhou, “Russia and China compare notes on ‘military use of artificial intelligence’,” South China Morning Post, 04 February 2024)

CHINA & THE AMERICAS
The US warns against Papua New Guinea forging a security pact with Beijing
On 05 February, the US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma warned Papua New Guinea from forging a security pact with China stating that it comes with consequences. Verma said: “We’ve seen that the Chinese commitment in defence or investment comes with a high cost. That’s what we’d say to Papua New Guinea.” Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko expressed that for decades Australia and the US exercised their sphere of influence in the region and purposely deterred Papua New Guinea from finding alternative security ties. Previously he expressed that both the US and Australia are vital security partners but China is an important economic partner. Verma stressed that it wants its partners to choose security arrangements with countries that play by the rules and live to international standards, China is not one of them and suggested that there are other options. (“US official urges Papua New Guinea to reject Chinese security deal,” The Straits Times, 05 February 2024)

EAST ASIA & THE PACIFIC READER

EAST ASIA
South Korea summons Russian ambassador over their remarks on Yoon
On 03 February, the South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador Georgy Zinoviev. The South Korean ministry stated that Russia lashing out at President Yoon’s remarks would only impact their bilateral relations. He said: “It was very regrettable that Russia ignored the truth and unconditionally protected North Korea while criticising the leader’s remarks in extremely rude language, and emphasised that this would only worsen South Korea-Russia relations.” The contention comes as Yoon criticised heightened North Korean military activity and expressed that they are: “Going through fire and water solely for the sake of maintaining its hereditary totalitarian regime, while blatantly ignoring international law and UN Security Council resolutions by trading arms with Russia.” Russian Foreigner ministry called his remarks “odious” and “blatantly biased,” influenced by the US and its ally’s policy. (“Seoul warns Russia ‘rude’ remarks about Yoon’s North Korea policy would worsen ties,” South China Morning Post, 03 February 2024)

Senior citizens and women suggested enlisters part of mandatory military service
On 04 February, The Straits Times reported on the suggestions proposed for military conscript fall in South Korea. The idea was suggested by Professor Choi Young-jin from Chung-Ang University in Seoul, stating to enlist senior citizens for the army from the age of 55-75. The issue is that South Korea faces bellicose North Korean aggression in the region. He also suggested enlisting women from 2030 if they want to qualify for positions like police and firefighters. This suggestion was criticized as the country already facing an ageing demography and threatening low birth rate. (“Women, old men in military? South Korea debates solutions for looming conscript shortfall,” The Straits Times, 04 February 2024)

North Korea’s lion's share of export dependent on eyelashes and wigs
On 03 February, The Strait Times reported that North Korea's biggest export market is not of weapons and textiles but of false eyelashes and wigs. The export of these nor take up the largest share in their exports to China. They make up for 60 per cent of their annual export incurring USD 292 million. The export value of their products increased in 2023 estimated to be USD 163 million. The export market for their textiles saw a dip as they were sanctioned. The usual hike in export and profit is found by the fact that eyelashes and wigs are a few items they are not sanctioned on. (Wendy Teo, “Barred from exporting clothes, Pyongyang cashes in on fake hair, eyelashes,” The Straits Times, 03 February 2024)
 

SOUTHEAST ASIA
Returned Philippines migrants get no support from the government
On 04 February, The Straits Times reported on the trouble facing returned Filipino migrants. The report looked into the example of Madam Lucy Orteg who was trafficked and worked for eight years in Syria after which she was stranded in the Philippines Embassy for two years. The domestic enrage of the public was able to assure the homecoming of Madam Lucy but since coming back she has received no compensation. She did not receive any trauma counselling or aid in finding jobs. Lucy expressed that due to the unavailability of jobs she had to look for jobs abroad. The Philippines is the world's largest source of migrant workers and labourers. While there are Department of migrant workers (DMW) was established, they are of no help, as it only functions in emergencies and not with comprehensive reintegration aid. (“Flown back and forgotten: Filipino migrants face tough homecoming,” The Straits Times, 04 February 2024)

About the Authors
CEAP Team: Femy Francis and Akhil Ajith are Research Assistants at NIAS