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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Celebrates Cultural and Natural Heritage Day with Digital Revival of Maijishan Grottoes Caves: On the occasion of Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, celebrated on June 14, 2025, China showcased its commitment to preserving its ancient legacy through innovation and leadership. A key highlight was the digital transformation of the Maijishan Grottoes, where technologies such as 3D scanning, photography, and 3D printing have enabled a virtual platform, “Maiji on the Cloud” allowing panoramic online access and scaled reproductions of grotto art for off-site exhibitions. General Secretary Xi Jinping has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting and inheriting cultural and natural heritage. He has inspected key cultural sites across the country and issued important directives, urging stronger archaeological research, enhanced cultural relics protection, and broader public cultural engagement. The “Colorful World Immersive Experience of Grotto Art”, hosted by the National Museum of China, also highlighted the fusion of tradition and technology, attracting wide public interest. As “Current Affairs Micro-Observation” revisits Xi Jinping’s key remarks, this year’s celebration amplifies the call to protect China’s civilizational treasures, ensuring they inspire national pride and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
  
  
• Symposium Honors Chen Yun’s Legacy, Reinforces Commitment to Reform and Party Principles: A high-level symposium was recently held to commemorate Comrade Chen Yun, an important figure in the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and a key architect of China's economic development policies. The event saw the participation of senior officials and representatives from across the country. Liu Qi, Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Wang Zhijun, Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council, and Gong Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai, delivered key speeches. The symposium was also attended by leaders from the CPC Central Committee Secretariat, as well as officials from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the CPPCC National Committee, and the Central Military Commission. Participants included responsible comrades from central party and state institutions, the military, mass organizations, delegates from Beijing and Shanghai, Chen Yun’s family members, former colleagues, and representatives from his hometown. The symposium reflected on Chen Yun's pivotal role in Party history, his contributions to economic policy, and his commitment to Party discipline and reform. Attendees emphasized learning from his legacy to guide future governance, policy planning, and promote high-quality development. The event reinforced the importance of historical memory in strengthening the CPC’s leadership and China’s modernization efforts.
  
  
• Typhoon Wutip Makes Landfall in Hainan, Triggers Widespread Disruptions in Southern China: Typhoon Wutip, the first typhoon of 2025, made landfall near Dongfang City in south China’s Hainan Province at around 11 p.m. on June 13. Though it had weakened to a severe tropical storm, it brought maximum sustained winds of 30 m/s and a central pressure of 980 hPa, causing significant damage and disruptions across Hainan, Guangdong Province, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In Ledong Li Autonomous County, gusts reached level 10, forcing a local power plant to halt operations. Coastal areas like Tianya Haijiao in Sanya witnessed massive waves, prompting the evacuation of crew and securing of vessels. Rail services across the region were partially suspended, and schools in Zhanjiang closed to ensure safety. The South China Sea Rescue Bureau deployed seven rescue ships and four helicopters, successfully saving 12 crew members from a stranded cargo ship. In Haikou, over 4,500 tonnes of vegetables were stockpiled to ensure food supply, with local markets adapting operations to meet resident needs. China raised its typhoon emergency response to Level IV, mobilizing response teams. While no fatalities were reported, the storm caused infrastructure disruptions, economic losses, and forced widespread precautionary measures across southern China.
  
  
• President Xi Emphasizes Strengthening China-Central Asia Relations For Long-Term Cooperation: A special feature titled “Continuing the Millennium Friendship and Opening Up a Brand New Future” was released, stating President Xi Jinping’s active role in promoting friendly exchanges between China and Central Asian countries. The article talks about Xi’s deep personal involvement and long-term strategic vision in strengthening ties with the five Central Asian nations  Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Drawing on over 2,000 years of Silk Road heritage, the feature highlights key diplomatic milestones, including Xi’s multiple state visits, bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and the China-Central Asia Summit held in Xi’an. President Xi emphasized the shared destiny, mutual respect, and non-interference principles that define China's engagement with Central Asia. Economic cooperation, infrastructure development under the BRI, cultural exchanges, and educational partnerships were noted as key pillars of this enduring relationship. Xi's remarks stressed the importance of peace, connectivity, and inclusive development as foundations for regional stability. This event reflects how China views Central Asia as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, aiming to jointly build a China-Central Asia community with a shared future, rooted in trust, mutual benefit, and ancient friendship.
  
  
• China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo Wraps Up with $11.39 Billion in Deals: The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo concluded in Changsha, Hunan Province, marking a major milestone in deepening China-Africa economic ties. The event saw the signing of 176 projects worth 11.39 billion USD, representing a 45.8% increase in project volume and a 10.6% rise in deal value compared to the 2023 session. Over 200,000 visitors attended the expo's main venue, double the previous turnout. Deals finalized or under negotiation at the Changsha site reached 2.5 billion yuan (approx. 348 million USD), while a parallel expo in Xiangtan focused on heavy machinery sealed tentative agreements worth 200 million yuan. A record 2,100 companies, including 764 firms from 43 African countries, participated. The expo also attracted 12,000 buyers from China and abroad. Notably, the event featured first-time exhibitions on China-Africa cooperation brands, African specialty goods, and the emerging fashion industries from both regions. Over 200 types of African agricultural products were sold through online platforms and retail stores. Fourteen African nations hosted exclusive promotion events. Co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Hunan provincial government, the expo drew over 4,700 companies and 30,000 participants, reaffirming China’s status as Africa’s top trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chongqing’s “Sky City” Trend Goes Viral on Chinese Social Media: A new wave of rooftop tourism in Chongqing has captivated Chinese netizens, turning the city’s “Sky City” into a trending topic across platforms like Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu. Recent viral photos and videos from the Liangjianghui Observation Deck, where photographers scramble to capture the best skyline views, have sparked nationwide attention. A photo taken by Liu Siyi (China National Radio) showcasing the stunning urban nightscape became a social media sensation, garnering thousands of reposts and comments. The Yuzhong District Culture and Tourism Committee confirmed the rapid development of high-altitude consumption spots in areas like Jiefangbei and Chaotianmen, featuring infinity pools, sky bars, revolving restaurants, and even high-altitude swings, creating a multi-dimensional tourism and leisure experience. Zhang Yunyao, Secretary-General of the Education Branch of the Chongqing Culture and Tourism Association, emphasized that for this trend to sustain, operators must focus on scene innovation, differentiated experiences, and cultural integration including enhanced use of technology like drone formations featuring local motifs and regularly updated scripts. Online, users praised the mix of modernity and tradition, calling Chongqing “China’s rooftop capital,” while travel influencers rushed to spotlight the city as the next “must-visit” destination in 2025.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Highlights Air India Crash; India Stresses Transparency and Global Cooperation in Investigation: On June 16, ChinaNews.com reported on the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 flight traveling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The plane crashed on June 12, shortly after takeoff, with 242 people on board, including crew and passengers. The aircraft collided with a dormitory complex of a local medical school, killing 274 individuals, including 33 ground personnel, according to Indian media. Photos from the scene showed the fuselage lodged atop a building, with debris scattered widely, emphasizing the crash’s violent impact. The author states that Chinese media, echoing Western outlets like AFP and Reuters, reported that both black boxes, the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have now been recovered. Indian Prime Minister’s Chief Secretary, Mr. Mishra, confirmed a full investigation is being conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with parallel assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as the aircraft was U.S.-manufactured. While the author  focuses heavily on visuals and foreign reactions, Indian authorities have emphasized transparency, international cooperation, and prompt accountability. The piece notes that Aviation Minister Naidu stated that a final investigation report will be released within three months, demonstrating India’s intent to uphold global aviation safety norms and reassure public confidence in its aviation sector.

Prepared By

Lipun Kumar Sanbad

Lipun Kumar Sanbad, a postgraduate student of Politics and International Relations from Pondicherry University and a History and Political science graduate from University of Delhi. From the past three years working as a freelance researcher in the domain of global peace, conflict and security studies, and defence studies.