IN FOCUS
By Keerthana Nambiar

China’s film industry: Transformation under the CPC

On 22 January, the Economist published an article on how Chinese propaganda films became watchable. The article focuses on how the Chinese film industry churns out big-budget films with close cooperation to the Communist Party’s propaganda assembling support for the Party. 

The commentary looks into the following:
The lesson learnt
The CCP is known for censoring all films in China until recently wherein they allow market-driven comedies and dramas still within the limit. The article states the example of the movie “The Founding of a Republic” released in 2009 which was the first movie of the trilogy released on the 60th anniversary of the founding of Communist China. The movie turned out to be a big flop making the party change its tactics and started collaborating with serious filmmakers working out to make propaganda look like entertainment with a huge viewer base.

Building on successes
In 2021, in order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party, the government ordered “every cinema in the country to schedule at least two screenings each week of films that are ‘patriotic,’ noted The Economist. The policy also included schools booking cinemas for students and discounting ticket prices aiming for a full house, overlooked by the officials. Nationalistic flicks such as ‘Wolf Warrior 2’ and ‘The Battle at Lake Changjin’ have boomed patriotism among the people. Last year, the China Film administration published a new five-year plan for 2021-25 of becoming ‘strong film power’ that releases “masterpieces that manifest Chinese spirit, values, power and aesthetics” with the capacity of “ten major films” every year. 

Competition with Hollywood
In the late 1980s and 90s, when Hollywood was re-admitted into the People’s Republic of China, it was seen as an opportunity by the US to promote Western ideals in an authoritarian system. Over the years, the Chinese film market surpassed the American film industry in Beijing asserting itself aggressively in the entertainment business. The Economist says: “Worsening tensions between America and China, coupled with the pandemic, which has made China more insular, may explain the reduction. The authorities often hold up foreign blockbusters for months to help a domestic rival sell more tickets”.

CCP garnering nationalistic fervor
The Communist Party is always trying to insert itself where culture is involved. This gives the Party a huge aperture “to win the loyalty of the young.” Casting China’s famous film stars and musicians serve as the poster for the Party. It is no secret that the government has shifted its approach to indirect incentivization rather than directly intervening with the economy of the film industry. This helps keep patriotic films in the mainstream. 

References:
“How Chinese propaganda films became watchable,” The Economist, 22 January 2022
“Regulator rolls out 5-year plan for movie sector,” China Daily, 11 November 2021

IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha and Avishka Ashok

INTERNAL
Massive celebration takes place in Macao for Spring Festival
On 6 February, a report published by Global Times covered the festivities in Macao for the Chinese New Year amid COVID-19 restrictions. The article reported that a large “dancing golden dragon” zigzagged through the lanes of Macao with an enthusiastic parade performing various traditional dances and showcasing traditional attire. Additionally, there was also the representation of a tiger as the year brings along wishes for “turning the Fortune by the Mighty Tiger” and the Olympic rings to mark the opening ceremony of Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing as well. (“Macao celebrates Chinese New Year amid COVID-19 pandemic,” Global Times, 6 February 2022)

Global Times on President Xi Jinping hosting world leaders amid the Olympics
On 6 February, Global Times reported on Chinese President Xi Jinping hosting the world leaders amid the Olympics. According to Global Times, the high level of attendance by the foreign leaders shows the widely shared support for the Games and China’s ability to deliver it despite the “challenging time.” Along with the Games, President Xi conducted bilateral meetings with the presidents of several countries promoting cooperation. (“Xi hosts world leaders amid Olympics,” Global Times, 6 February 2022)

NDRC publishes article on China’s inflation pressure
On 6 February, the National Development and Reform Commision (NDRC) posted an article on their WeChat account regardin the inflation pressure in China. NDRC says that the inflation pressure is expected to maintain moderate expansion in 2022. NDRC noted: “Amid high inflation pressure around the world, China has made a contribution to balancing supply and demand in international markets and stabilizing global prices,” reported Global Times. It also states that China would be implementing monetary policies of coal, iron ore and steel with strengthened market supervision. (“China to see moderate CPI growth in 2022 despite global inflationary pressure: NDRC,” Global Times, 6 February 2022)

REGIONAL
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan
On 6 February, China and Pakistan reaffirmed the commitment to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative meeting on the sidelines of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted President Xi saying: “[Beijing] is willing to work with the Pakistani side to align development strategies, promote the in-depth development of the CPEC, ensure the smooth implementation of major projects, and expand the fields of science and technology, agriculture, social and people’s livelihood.” (“China and Pakistan renew belt and road pledges in aftermath of Balochistan attacks,” South China Morning Post, 7 February 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
Argentina signs agreement to officially join BRI
On 6 February, Global Times reported that Argentina officially signed an agreement to join BRI with China near the 50th anniversary of China-Argentina diplomatic ties. Argentine President Alberto Fernandez met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics 2022. After the meeting, the two leaders released a joint statement that focused on encouraging China-Latin America cooperation through comprehensive strategic partnership. The Memorandum of Understanding between Argentina and China mentioned policy communication, connectivity, greater trade cooperation and people-to-people exchange, third party markets and other provisions. (“Argentina officially joins BRI in major boost for China-Latin America cooperation,” Global Times, 6 February 2022)

UN Secretary-General urges China to allow human rights envoy to visit Xinjiang
On 6 February, South China Morning Post reported that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the opening ceremony of Winter Olympics 2022. During the meeting, Secretary-General Guterres urged the Chinese President to allow human rights chief Michelle Bachelet to make a “credible visit” to Xinjiang. The same was reported in a UN readout as: “The secretary-general … expressed his expectation that the contacts between the office of the high commissioner for human rights and the Chinese authorities will allow for a credible visit of the high commissioner to China, including Xinjiang.” (“UN chief urges China to allow ‘credible’ Xinjiang visit by rights envoy,” South China Morning Post, 6 February 2022)

China’s Foreign Minister meets WHO chief for Olympics opening ceremony
On 6 February, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the Director-General of World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for the opening ceremony of Winter Olympics 2022 held in Beijing. The WHO chief praised the Games for bringing solidarity, peace and hope to the world during this grave pandemic period. He also appreciated China for its role in helping the world fight COVID-19 through vaccines and medical assistance. He also raised hope for the goal to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world population against the pandemic. Chinese foreign minister showed determination to the cause of providing vaccines, especially to developing countries. (“Chinese FM meets WHO chief,” Xinhua Net, 6 February 2022)

President Xi congratulated Queen Elizabeth II on 70th anniversary of accession
On 7 February, Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Queen Elizabeth II on the 70th anniversary of her accession to the British throne. In the congratulatory message, President Xi commented on Queen Elizabeth II supporting the Britain-China relationship. Xi expressed his desire to deepen friendship and mutual trust between the two countries. He added that together they can make contributions to the global challenges and promote development, peace and stability. (“Xi congratulates Queen Elizabeth II on Platinum Jubilee,” Xinhua Net, 7 February 2022)