IN FOCUS
By Avishka Ashok 

100 years of Communist Youth League of China

On 10 May, the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) celebrated 100 years of its foundation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The celebration was attended by President Xi Jinping, the First Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the CYLC He Junke, the Party Secretary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions Chen Gang, and other important officials and leaders. Xi Jinping also delivered a speech on the occasion. Xi referred to the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation and compared it to a relay race; imploring the Chinese youth to sincerely work towards the goal.

President Xi Jinping’s address to the CYLC
Xi’s speech put emphasis on the prevalence and importance of the CYLC and noted it as an organ that connected the Communist Party and the Chinese youth. He noted that the celebration was important to “encourage its members to forge ahead on the new journey to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation." Urging the young population of the country to provide their unconditional support to the Communist Party of China, Xi said: “The original aspiration and mission of the CYLC is to follow the CPC's leadership, fight for the people and the Party. The cause of the Party and the people entail endeavors and devotion by generations of young people.”

Xi also appreciated the youth’s contribution to the country and highlighted the slogan, “My pure love is only for China,” written by the 18-year-old Chen Xiangrong who lost his life in the military clash in the Galwan valley in India. The President also encouraged the organization and called for continued efforts towards the Chinese motherland and said: “The league should continue serving young people, fulfill its responsibility in consolidating and expanding young people's support for the Party's governance and offer solid help to the young people.” Xi also called on the party organizations at all levels to provide all support towards the engagement and development of young party members to secure the social nature of the People’s Republic of China.

Xi’s speech reflected positively within the country as well as amongst the Chinese nationals residing in foreign countries. The Deputy Captain of the political work of the 20th Chinese peacekeeping engineering detachment at Lebanon Lan Tianzhang conveyed the young peacekeepers’ message and said: “The young peacekeepers in Lebanon have been taking concrete actions to fulfill their mission and safeguard world peace. They will work hard to make more contributions to realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Other young leaders from Cambodia, Pakistan, Nairobi, Japan and Croatia also shared the Chinese nationals’ views on the occasion.

What is the Communist Youth League of China?
The CYLC is an institution that was established a year before the Communist Party of China itself, on 5 May 1920 as the ‘Socialist Youth League of China.’ The institution changed its name several times and was later renamed as the Communist Youth League of China in 1957. The CYLC is tasked with implementing the Communist Party of China’s basic policies of socialism and uniting the young population towards the Party’s efforts in achieving its national goals. The leaders of the youth league also lead the members of the organization to achieve economic development, pursue the Four Cardinal Principles, work towards social reform and self-reliance, promote productivity and progress and actively build socialism with Chinese characteristics. The institution is often considered as the training ground for members of the CPC.

As of May 2022. The CYLC consists of 73.7 million members or six per cent of China’s total population; out of which 43.81 million students while the rest are engaged in enterprises, public institutions, urban and rural communities, social organization and other fields. The structure of the CYLC is similar to the CPC and consists of a National Congress as its central authority. The institution currently possesses 3.68 million organizations across the country including the committees at the provincial, city and county levels.

Challenges faced by the CYLC
First, maintaining a united front on all issues. The history of the institution had experienced its fair share of disagreements due to the involvement of individuals coming from varied radical schools of thought. The CYLC gradually established its mottoes, policies, functions, beliefs and school of thought that aligned with the CPC in 1925. Although, the organization has come a long way since its establishment and has since streamlined its actions according to the CPC, the struggle remains with getting its members to conform to the Party’s principles and restrict radical perspectives within the body.

Second, the dwindling population. The shrinking size of the Chinese population is a cause for worry, not just from an economic and social point of view but also from a political prism. The CPC has a long history of finding political leaders from the Youth League such as Hu Jintao and Li Keqiang. A shrinking population also means a smaller CYLC which would create obstacles for China in discovering its political prodigies. Aside from creating a pool of young politicians, the institution also brings young, educated, and experienced individuals to the table.

Third, the politics within the CYLC. Even though the CYLC has maintained a unified front, there are frictions between the generational groups and with the princeling faction. The fourth-generation alumni, aged in their late 50s, are said to be leading the CPC and China on the national and international front. However, the leaders from the following generations are also considered to be flexing their power in the administration. Although the fourth generation tries its best to gel with the newest members, there are gaps in understanding and differences amongst the two.

References:
“Xi’s speech on centennial of CYLC’s founding encourages Chinese youth, ‘explained echelon formation of the CPC that keeps the Party’s vigor forever’,” Global Times, 11 May 2022
“China celebrates 100 years of the Communist Youth League,” CGTN, 10 May 2022
“Why China entrusts youth with the country's future,” CGTN, 10 May 2022
“The Communist Youth League of China,” China.org, 20 May 2003
“Communist youth league of China has over 73.7 members,” China Daily, 02 May 2022
“Overseas Chinese Youth Inspired by Xi's Speech to Strive for Better China,” All China Women's Federation, 12 May 2022
“Rise of the Communist Youth League,” Economic and Political Weekly, 25 March 2006
“The Functions of the Chinese Communist Youth Leagues (1920-1949),” The China Quaterly, December 1962

IN BRIEF
By Avishka Ashok and Arshiya Banu

INTERNAL
National Immigration Administration: China refutes reports on suspension of issuing passport 
On 13 May, China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) responded to the accusation by foreign media companies on suspending the issuance of travel documents and said that they were rumours that aimed to distort and discredit the country’s entry and exit policies. The NIA was referring to the reports made by news outlets claiming that China had suspended the issuing of passports to its citizens to prevent them from leaving the country. The Spokesperson said: “Such disinformation is intended to undermine the country's legal, targeted and effective entry-exit management measures introduced under the backdrop of maintaining regular COVID-19 response approaches.” (“Immigration authority refutes false info slandering China's entry-exit policies,” Xinhua Net, 13 May 2022)

Wuxi City: Authorities provide monetary prize to Nobel Laureates 
On 12 May, the Strait Times reported that Wuxi city would be offering a prize of 10 million yuan to the winners of the Nobel Prize. The decision is an attempt to attract talent in the country that is shifting its economy towards innovation-driven development. Wuxi’s offer is part of a recent trend in China; wherein cities are offering incentives such as tax cuts, rental or home sale subsidies and more to acquire the top talents in the country. Two districts in Wuxi are currently offering purchase subsidies of 3-10 million yuan where home prices are approximately 1.28 million yuan or USD 1,88,544 for a 90 square meter apartment. The trend started in 2017 as cities like Xian and Chengdu started providing attractive deals to citizens in a bid to attract skilled workers to its economy. (“Chinese city Wuxi offers Nobel Prize winners $2m housing subsidies in bid to draw talent,” The Strait Times, 12 May 2022)

Hong Kong: Government oppose China’s arrest of four individuals for colluding with Foreign groups
On 12 May, the Commissioner’s Office in Hong Kong, which represents mainland China, responded to the criticism voiced by the West on the arrest of four individuals in the city. One amongst the arrested citizens is the 90-year-old Catholic cardinal Joseph Zen. The officials opposed the criticism and said: “The persons concerned are suspected of conspiracy to collude with foreign countries or foreign forces to endanger national security - an act of severe nature.” (“China voices 'firm opposition' to Western criticism of Hong Kong cardinal's arrest,” The Strait Times, 12 May 2022)

ECONOMY 
Property industry: Another developer about to default in its repayments
On 13 May, Reuters reported that a Shanghai based developer Zhongliang Holdings was caught in a fix with fast approaching deadlines on the repayment of notes worth over USD 729 million. The company had asked for an extension for the repayment as it had failed to sell enough houses during the prolonged property downturn in China. The company’s investors are due to receive their full redemption of bonds between May and July. Analysts explained that due to the weaker value of the yuan, the company would have to pay an extra USD 1.25 million on its bonds even if it gets an extension on its repayment. The recent development has raised concerns in the country and amongst foreign investors regarding the property industry in China. (“Chinese developers' debt woes worsen as sales, yuan weaken,” Reuters, 13 May 2022)

REGIONAL
ASEAN Plus Three: Meeting of Financial Ministers and Central Bank Governors agree on greater cooperation
On 12 May, China’s Finance Minister Liu Kun addressed the video conference of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from the ASEAN Plus Three member countries and promoted financial collaboration amongst the group to deal with the global economic challenges. Liu said: “China will join hands with other member states in promoting innovation and exploring new areas of regional financial cooperation. Efforts should be made to advance the development of the Asian bond market and meet the financing needs of the region's future development.” The meeting also agreed on maintaining financial stability, long-term fiscal sustainability and protect the regional economies against risks and negative spoilers. (“China urges deeper ASEAN Plus Three ties in financial sector,” Xinhua Net, 13 May 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
The US: China asks the US to help ethnic minorities recover from their  trauma
On 12 May, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated that the US should follow through on its promise that "all men are created equal" by taking concrete steps to help ethnic minorities overcome their trauma. Zhao made the comments in response to a US Interior Department report claiming that at least 500 Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children died between 1819 to 1969 while being subjected to unfair treatment in more than 400 federal Indian boarding schools, including whipping, sexual abuse, forced labour, and acute malnutrition. Zhao pointed out that the United States was established on the horrible killing and persecution of indigenous people, and that mistreatment of Native Americans is the country's original sin, as convicted by Indian boarding schools. He said: "The dark history of Indian boarding schools is only a tip of the iceberg of the U.S.' systemic racial discrimination and human rights problems." (“China urges U.S. to adopt serious measures to truly help ethnic minorities get over trauma,” Xinhua Net, 12 May 2022)

Pakistan: China's Foreign Minister hold a virtual meeting with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
On 12 May, CGTN reported that the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the friendship between China and Pakistan will be passed down through the generations and will not be disturbed or changed by a single incident. Wang made the comments while speaking via video call with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urging the two countries to oppose any attempt to sabotage bilateral ties. The two sides discussed the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan. Wang stated that both China and Pakistan should take immediate action to deal with a series of terrorist attacks that have targeted Chinese nationals in Pakistan. (“China-Pakistan friendship will not be shaken: Wang Yi,” CGTN, 12 May 2022)

Denmark: Foreign Ministers discuss bilateral ties and future cooperation 
On 12 May, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeppe Kofod and discussed the bilateral relations and issues of mutual interests. Kofod expressed Denmark’s desire to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and reach a consensus on the Green China-Denmark Joint Programme. Wang Yi also responded positively and confirmed China’s support in working alongside the country. He said: “The Chinese side is willing to work with the Danish side to promote the healthy and stable China-Denmark relations to continue to mature.” The Ministers also discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict and clarified their position on the issue. (“Chinese FM holds phone talks with Danish counterpart,” Xinhua Net, 13 May 2022)