Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA 

• Xi Jinping Stresses Strict Party Governance and Deepening of Self-Revolution Principles: On June 30, General Secretary Xi Jinping chaired the 21st collective study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, reiterating the central role of strict Party governance and the continued implementation of self-revolution principles. The session focused on strengthening long-term mechanisms to uphold the spirit of the Eight Provisions and address the persistent issues of the “four winds” (formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism, and extravagance). Xi emphasized that the Party’s ability to maintain vitality and leadership, especially in the context of Chinese-style modernization, depends on its capacity for ongoing self-revolution. He urged Party leaders to consolidate their political foundation and deepen their commitment to Party spirit. Strengthening this spirit, he said, requires reinforcing ideals and beliefs, cultivating loyalty to the Party, fostering a deep sense of responsibility toward the people, upholding moral integrity, and maintaining discipline. Xi also stressed the importance of stronger power supervision, enhanced anti-corruption efforts, and accountability mechanisms under the “one post, two responsibilities” framework, which requires officials to take responsibility for both their duties and the integrity of their teams. The session concluded with a call for sincere reform efforts and the institutionalization of governance improvements to ensure lasting, systemic results.
  
  
• China Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue and Stability on Boundary Issue with India: In response to questions about the recent meeting between the Chinese and Indian defense ministers and the ongoing China-India boundary issue, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the existence of an established mechanism for dialogue between the two countries. She noted that special representatives from both sides continue to engage under a framework guided by agreed political principles for resolving the boundary issue. Mao stated that China remains willing to work with India to maintain communication on matters such as boundary demarcation, as well as border management and control. She stressed the importance of jointly safeguarding peace and stability in the border areas and expressed support for enhancing cross-border exchanges and cooperation to promote mutual understanding and regional harmony.
  
  
• Xi Jinping’s Article in “Seeking the Truth” Emphasizes Unity and Struggle as Keys to National Rejuvenation: On July 1, the 13th issue of Seeking the Truth magazine will feature a new article by Xi Jinping titled “Unity and Struggle Are the Only Way for the Chinese People to Create Great Historical Achievements.” The piece compiles Xi’s key statements and reflections from October 2016 to April 2025. In the article, Xi underscores that the accomplishments of both the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people have been rooted in unity and relentless struggle. He identifies these two elements as essential pillars of the Chinese spirit, asserting that true strength and eventual victory belong to those who remain united and steadfast in the face of challenges. Xi emphasizes that Chinese-style modernization must be a collective national effort—built on the participation, cohesion, and shared resolve of all sectors of society. He calls for expanding the broadest possible united front, urging the mobilization of all available forces to confront the risks and challenges on the country’s development path. Reaffirming the idea that “happiness comes from struggle,” Xi highlights the importance of resilience, especially amid external pressures and strategic containment. The article concludes with a call for the people to remain firmly united under the Party’s leadership, overcome adversity together, and advance national rejuvenation through collective strength and unwavering determination.
  
  
• Chinese Ambassador Calls for Cooperation between China and Australia: In a recent opinion piece published in The Australian, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian stressed that China and Australia are “friends, not foes,” firmly rejecting efforts by certain countries to promote the so-called “China threat” narrative. Ambassador Xiao criticized the use of international platforms such as the Shangri-La Dialogue, G7 Summit, and NATO Summit to propagate this rhetoric, calling it a reflection of a Cold War mentality that fosters division, accelerates a global arms race, and undermines international peace and stability. He highlighted the strong economic ties between China and Australia, noting the high degree of complementarity in their economic structures and emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation and mutual respect in the bilateral relationship.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Humanoid Robots Take the Field in Beijing, Spark Viral Debate: A 3-on-3 fully autonomous robot soccer match held in Beijing on June 29 has captivated audiences and reignited online debate over the future of AI in sports. As reported by RADII, the match featured humanoid robots equipped with visual sensors and machine learning capabilities, enabling them to pass, defend, and even take shots on goal—albeit with plenty of entertaining glitches. Clips of robots stumbling, colliding, and even being wheeled off the pitch on stretchers quickly went viral, generating both laughter and awe across social media. While the match drew attention for its comic moments, ABC News noted that it also served a serious purpose: acting as a testbed for AI coordination, real-time decision-making, and adaptability under dynamic, real-world conditions. The event offered a preview of China’s upcoming World Humanoid Robot Games this August and highlighted the country’s growing ambitions in the field of robotics and AI innovation. Online reactions were mixed, some users celebrated the technical achievement, while others humorously questioned the legitimacy of calling it “the beautiful game.” As one trending comment summed it up: “Messi is still safe… for now.”

INDIA WATCH 

SCMP Reports US Tilt Towards Pakistan Raises Concerns in India Over Regional Stability: The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s meeting with US President Donald Trump marks a notable recalibration in Washington’s South Asia policy leaving New Delhi increasingly uneasy. After years of close strategic ties under Biden’s Indo-Pacific vision, Trump’s transactional diplomacy appears to be reopening space for Islamabad. SCMP notes that this shift comes at a sensitive moment. India has positioned its US partnership as central to countering China, but Pakistan’s warm reception in Washington and accelerated trade talks contrast with India’s stalled negotiations and looming tariff hikes. The disparity has sharpened Indian anxieties about being sidelined. The article noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s preemptive call to Trump, in which he rejected any third-party role in the Kashmir dispute, reflects growing concern over a potential shift in the diplomatic status quo. At the same time, Pakistan’s strategy of hedging between China and the U.S is not without risks. As SCMP points out, this dual-track approach could complicate regional stability and force India to reassess its foreign policy priorities. 

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.