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NEWS IN CHINA 

• Xi Jinping and Tokayev Pledge to Deepen China-Kazakhstan Cooperation: On June 16, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Astana Presidential Palace, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. President Xi highlighted that both nations are at crucial stages of development and called for expanded cooperation in trade, investment, energy, high technology, and green development. He emphasized the importance of aligning national development strategies, deepening Belt and Road collaboration, enhancing cultural exchanges, and boosting security, defense, and law enforcement cooperation. Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to advance strategic mutual trust and elevate the partnership to a new level. He also voiced support for closer cooperation with China in multilateral platforms such as the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The talks concluded with the signing of over ten agreements covering trade, science, customs, tourism, and media, marking a new phase in the bilateral relationship.
  
  
• Chinese Foreign Ministry Responds to U.S. Remarks on Huawei Towers in Panama: In response to recent statements from the U.S. Embassy in Panama about replacing Huawei telecommunications towers with “trusted U.S. technology,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun issued a counter argument at a Monday press conference. The U.S. framed the replacement as an effort to “counter malign Chinese influence” in the Western Hemisphere. Guo condemned the U.S. for long-term surveillance, cyber operations, and interference throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, which he said have fostered insecurity and distrust in the region. He also highlighted that Panama’s president has demanded the U.S. halt interference in the country’s internal affairs. Furthermore, Guo emphasized China’s support for the independence and autonomy of Latin American and Caribbean nations, advocating for cooperation grounded in mutual respect, equality, and benefit. He stressed that China does not seek geopolitical competition or spheres of influence. “Latin America and the Caribbean are not anyone’s backyard,” Guo stated, urging the U.S. to abandon its hegemonic approach and instead prioritize peace, stability, and development in the region.
  
  
• China and Central Asia to Forge New Belt and Road Cooperation Blueprint: On June 16, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced that China and Central Asian countries will outline a new framework for collaboration at the upcoming second China-Central Asia Summit. Guo emphasized that Central Asia, the birthplace of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has been a leader in advancing its high-quality development. Since 2013, trade between China and Central Asia has surged by 116%, reaching 674.15 billion yuan. Key infrastructure projects, including oil and gas pipelines, highways, railways, as well as initiatives in the digital economy and green transformation, have further strengthened regional ties. The summit will focus on enhancing connectivity and fostering a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.
  
  
• NPC Standing Committee to Hold 16th Session from June 24–27: On June 16, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), presided over the 45th Chairman’s Meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The meeting scheduled the 16th session of the Standing Committee to take place from June 24 to 27. The upcoming session will deliberate on a broad legislative agenda, including proposed revisions to key laws such as the Public Security Administration Punishment Law, Anti-Unfair Competition Law, Maritime Law, Civil Aviation Law, Fisheries Law, and the Organization Laws for Villagers’ and Urban Residents’ Committees. New legislation under review includes draft laws on social assistance, medical security, public health emergency response, and legal education and publicity. The Standing Committee will also review the 2024 central government accounts, the State Council’s audit report on budget execution and financial management, and a report on the development of new productive forces. Additionally, members will consider a proposal to ratify the Convention on the Establishment of the International Court of Mediation, and will address personnel appointments and dismissals.
  
  
• 17th Straits Forum Held in Xiamen, Boosting Cross-Strait Exchanges and Integration: The 17th Straits Forum convened on June 15 in Xiamen, Fujian Province, under the theme “Expanding People-to-People Exchanges and Deepening Integrated Development.” The event featured 56 activities spanning cultural, youth, economic, and grassroots sectors, and attracted over 7,000 participants from Taiwan. Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, emphasized the importance of safeguarding peace and advancing national reunification. He reaffirmed the mainland’s strong support for Taiwan compatriots and its commitment to promoting deeper cross-Strait integration. Wang stressed that these efforts aim to enhance the sense of gain, happiness, and belonging among people in Taiwan. Former Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Ma Ying-jeou, who also attended the forum, expressed that the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations is a shared aspiration on both sides. He voiced hope for expanded exchanges and cooperation, grounded in the common political foundation of the 1992 Consensus and opposition to "Taiwan independence."

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens Celebrate RedNote x Taobao x Tmall Partnership as a Game-Changer for Seamless Shopping: Chinese social media is buzzing over the launch of the Red Cat Plan - a new partnership between Xiaohongshu (RedNote), Taobao, and Tmall. Netizens are hailing the collaboration as a game-changer that’s transforming the online shopping experience. The integration allows users to jump directly from RedNote posts to product pages on Taobao and Tmall, removing the need to switch apps or manually search for items. Influencers and KOLs have already begun embedding direct purchase links into fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content, streamlining the path from inspiration to purchase. Livestream sellers on RedNote have reported faster conversions, crediting the simplified shopping process. Users are celebrating the added convenience, with popular comments like: “Finally, no more switching apps!” and “RedNote is becoming my one-stop shop for everything.”

INDIA’S WATCH 

Air India Flight from Hong Kong Returns Mid-Flight, Lands Safely Amid Technical Alert: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI315 from Hong Kong to New Delhi returned mid-flight and landed safely on June 16, following a suspected technical issue, Global Times reported. The article noted that the aircraft took off at 11:59 a.m. local time and landed back in Hong Kong at 1:18 p.m. No injuries were reported, and airport operations remained unaffected. Air India confirmed that the return was a precautionary measure prompted by indications of a possible fuel-related issue, and the aircraft is currently undergoing technical inspection. Moreover, the piece highlighted that the flight tracking platform FlightAware documented the aircraft’s return, with visual data confirming the mid-air turn. Screenshots of the flight path circulated widely across Chinese media outlets, including Global Times and Xinhua, which linked the event to broader safety concerns surrounding Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet. In response, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an enhanced safety inspection of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny following the June 12 crash of flight AI-171, which involved the same aircraft model. India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation reaffirmed its commitment to global safety standards, noting that the inspection drive is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and uphold international aviation best practices.

Prepared By

Aastha Pandey

Aastha is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at Amity University, Noida. She holds a Bachelor's degree in the same discipline from the University of Delhi, Dyal Singh College. Additionally, she has completed a diploma in International Relations and Affairs, further strengthening her academic foundation. Aastha is the Co-founder of Mudra by Aashi, a socially conscious fashion brand that actively supports animal welfare. Her commitment to social causes is also reflected in her experience interning with Saarthi NGO and volunteering as a COVID-19 relief coordinator. Deeply passionate about Asian geopolitics, She aspires to contribute to ORCA by writing insightful, research-driven newsletters that reflect her academic rigour and dedication to international affairs.