IN FOCUS
By Avishka Ashok

Demographic issues in China

On 3 November, the Strait Times reported that certain provinces in China were considering year-long paid maternity leave provisions to encourage the younger generations to take up procreation. Such provisions are only available in European countries like Germany and Norway. At present, the laws in the country allow the mothers to take upto 168 days of paid maternity leave. However, the law enforcement in the Shaanxi province wishes to extend this period to a year. The province is also looking to provide a paternity leave of 30 days for the third child. Following Shaanxi, 13 other provinces have also opted to offer benefits and subsidies or are in the process of amending their previous laws.

Need for such provisions 
The reforms in family laws were initiated in May 2021 when the census data showed a sharp decline in the population growth. In order to restore the growth rate, the government in China is trying to encourage its citizens to rethink their family planning decisions. However, so far, the changes are being met with resistance as people find it difficult to raise more than one child in Chinese cities where the cost of living is elevated and exorbitant. The government has so far offered subsidies, capital benefits, child-raising leaves and other conveniences; the latest of which is the extension of maternity and paternity paid leaves. 

Current Maternity law
The current laws in China allow women to take six types of leaves during her pregnancy. She is entitled to prenatal examination leaves, pre-delivery leave, lactation leave, feeding period leave and additional maternity leave. Depending on the difficulty of the pregnancy and the success, women can avail 15 to 45 days of maternity leave. China has made substantial development in protecting maternal and children’s health since the 1990s. The current maternal mortality ratio stands at 18.3 per 1,00,000 lives. In 1991, the rate used to be 80 per 1,00,000 live births. Despite these positive changes and commendable advancements in the medical industry, the Chinese people are hesitant to opt for a bigger family due to financial limitations and previously due to state-enforced restrictions. 

Other parental benefits
China also provides parents additional benefits for raising children in a now increasingly ageing population. Fathers are currently provided with a two-week-long unpaid leave who have been working with an employer for less than a year. Although paternal leaves are not standard in all Chinese cities and provinces, the government is currently reviewing its policies to make it more people friendly.

References:
“Babies wanted: Chinese province may offer a year of maternity leave,” The Strait Times, 3 November 2021
“Maternal health in China,” World Health Organization. 
“China Maternity Leave Policies,” HROne.
“Compare Parental-Leave Rules in China, India and New Zealand,” Society for Human Resource Management, 2 May 2019
“Paternity Leave in China: Regional Policies and Differences,” China Briefing, 27 October 2015

IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha and Keerthana Nambiar

INTERNAL
Beijing issues its first heavy pollution alert
On 4 November, Beijing issued its first heavy pollution alert for the fall and winter suspending outdoor school activities, factory, and construction operations. On 5 November, Reuters reported that in Beijing the visibility parts were less than 200 meters. According to the US Embassy in Beijing, the small airborne particles known as PM2.5 have reached 234 micrograms per cubic meter indicating very unhealthy air in urban areas. (“Visibility deteriorates as pollution cloaks China's capital,” Reuters, 5 November 2021)

China’s former vice minister arrested for suspected crime of accepting bribes
On 5 November, China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate ordered the arrest of former vice minister of public security, Sun Lijun for the suspected crime of accepting bribes. Sun was initially arrested in April 2020, after appearing on Chinese TV reporting. As the vice minister for public security Sun played a key role in coordinating China’s early pandemic response. (“China's former vice public security minister arrested,” Xinhua Net, 5 November 2021)

China’s NIA to tighten the borders for Winter Olympics amid the surge in COVID-19
On 4 November, China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) declared that it will strengthen the COVID-19 measures. These are for passengers entering and exiting the country on the account of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The NIA immigration authorities are instructed to set up “special areas for checks on personnel relevant to the Winter Olympics at entry and exit points and implement strict anti-epidemic measures.” The NIA has encouraged citizens not to travel unless urgent and unnecessary travel abroad to avoid the spillover of the virus. (“China to enhance border management for COVID-19 prevention in Winter Olympics,” Xinhua Net, 5 November 2021)

Famed Chinese tennis player claims sexual assault by former Vice Premier
On 4 November, Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai uploaded a lengthy post on Chinese social media site Weibo writing that she was forced to have sexual relations with former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli. Peng is a former one ranked tennis double player. The post was quickly removed from the internet and any searches related to the player have been restricted. Previously, a popular TV anchor had come forward with her experiences of sexual assault by another TV star in 2018. The former Vice Premier has not responded to the claims made by Peng. (“Peng Shuai: Chinese tennis star makes sexual assault claims,” BBC, 4 November 2021)

ECONOMY
Fresh concerns rise in property sector as Kaisa group misses payment
On 5 November, Reuters reported that Kaisa Group missed a payment installment to investors. The group said that there is unprecedented monetary pressure due to the challenging property market. The shares of Kaisa Group were halted for trading in Hong Kong. The shares reached a record low falling by 15 per cent before the suspension. The rival developer Evergrande is still pressurized under USD 300 billion debt and has sold a UK-based asset as yet another installment deadline approaches on Saturday. (Andrew Galbraith, Claire Jim and Donny Kwok, “Kaisa, units trading suspended as China property debt crisis routs developers' shares,” Reuters, 5 November 2021)

REGIONAL
China threatens to hold Taiwan supporters criminally responsible for life; seen as aggressor in region
On 5 November, a spokesperson from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said that China will hold pro-Taiwanese independence people criminally responsible for life. Furthermore, China has drawn up a list of such people which will help them enforce punishment. These punishments may include not being able to enter Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau. These people may also be cut off monetarily from the mainland. Additionally, there are also reports that state China internally debated attacking Taiwan. According to a top Taiwan security official, China will not be able to do so before 2024 when President Tsai Ing-wen’s term will end. A report printed by Asahi Shimbun also mentioned that the recent recommendation of stocking necessities is an indication that war with Taiwan is close. Mainland residents see war as unlikely but an increased panic-buying has led to such speculations. (“China says it will hold supporters of Taiwan's independence criminally responsible for life,” Reuters, 5 November 2021; “China has debated attacking Taiwan-controlled islands, Taiwan official says,” The Korea Times, 4 November 2021; “China’s advice to stockpile sparks speculation of Taiwan war,” The Asahi Shimbun, 4 November 2021)

INTERNATIONAL
Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the 4th CIIE and emphasizes on opening up and cooperation
On 4 November, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth China International Import Expo (CIIE). President Xi quoted, “Opening up is the hallmark of contemporary China.” This year marks the 20th anniversary of China’s accession to the World Trade Organization wherein China has always fulfilled its accession commitments. Along with the opening measures, Xi Jinping announced that China will “safeguard true multilateralism” and share market opportunities with the whole world. He further added that China will engage in international cooperation on green and low-carbon development. Throughout the speech, President Xi sends a coherent message of China opening up to the outside world and promises to take active participation in cooperation with United Nations, the WTO, the G20, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, APEC, and other international organizations.  (“Full text: Xi's keynote speech at 4th CIIE opening ceremony,”, China International Import Expo, 4 November 2021)

China, America may reopen consulates
On 5 November, The Straits Times published an article on a report by Politico which said that President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden are likely to agree and announce the reopening of consulates that were shut last year. This will be the biggest move to mend the US-China ties. The two leaders are said to virtually meet within this year. The report also stated that the two leaders may agree on a framework to reduce trade tensions and cooperate on climate change. (“Xi, Biden likely to agree on reopening consulates: Media,” The Straits Times, 5 November 2021)