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NEWS IN CHINA

• China’s Eight-Point Decision: A Model for Effective and Accountable Governance: China’s nationwide campaign to implement the Eight-Point Decision marks a major step in strengthening governance and Party discipline. First introduced in 2012 after the 18th CPC National Congress, the policy tackles bureaucratic inefficiency, curbs official extravagance, and promotes integrity and accountability within the Communist Party of China (CPC). By cutting lavish banquets, unnecessary meetings, and redundant documents, the initiative reshapes Party culture toward frugality, pragmatism, and people-centered governance. Rigorous accountability mechanisms including public reporting and disciplinary supervision ensure zero tolerance for violations and turn good governance principles into enforceable standards. At the grassroots level, cadres now conduct on-site visits and focus on resolving citizens’ real issues, which has deepened public trust and strengthened Party unity. Globally, the Eight-Point Decision is influencing governance reforms, notably inspiring Tanzania’s ruling party to adopt similar anti-corruption and efficiency campaigns. This demonstrates China’s growing role in shaping inclusive, people-oriented global governance models.
  
  
• China Unveils 200 Marine Cooperation Projects to Aid Small Island Nations: Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced that China will launch 200 marine development cooperation projects over the next five years to help small island developing states (SIDS) strengthen their sustainable development and ocean resource management capacities. Speaking at a high-level Global Development Initiative (GDI) meeting on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, Li emphasized China's commitment to inclusive global growth and blue economy partnerships. The projects will focus on areas such as marine conservation, climate resilience, fisheries, and coastal infrastructure, aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Li urged stronger international collaboration to address the challenges faced by island nations, including rising sea levels and limited economic resources, reaffirming China’s role as a partner in global sustainable development.
  
  
• China, UN Vow Joint Push for Global Governance Reform Under GGI: Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to work with the United Nations to advance the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) and build a fairer international order. Meeting UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s 80th session, Li said GGI, introduced by President Xi Jinping at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, offers “China’s wisdom” for reforming global governance. Li pledged deeper coordination with the UN to strengthen peace, development, and human rights while warning against unilateralism and protectionism undermining the UN’s 2030 Agenda. He urged the Global South to unite against “bullying and hegemony” and called for stronger global development cooperation, free trade, and inclusive growth. China vowed to align its development with global progress and remain a stabilizer for the world economy. Guterres praised GGI’s alignment with UN values, recognizing China as a key pillar of multilateralism and supporting efforts to reform global governance and expand Global South representation.
  
  
• Li Qiang Calls for Peace, Cooperation and Justice at 80th UN General Assembly: Chinese Premier Li Qiang addressed the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, marking the 80th anniversaries of both the UN’s founding and the victory in World War II. He urged nations to uphold peace, solidarity, and fairness as global guiding principles, warning against unilateralism, Cold War mentalities, and power politics that threaten international stability. Li outlined China’s vision for a just world order through President Xi Jinping’s four major initiatives Global Development, Security, Civilization, and Governance. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to multilateralism, equitable development, and peaceful conflict resolution, citing China’s role as the largest peacekeeping troop contributor among UN Security Council members. Highlighting global economic slowdown, Li criticized protectionism and called for inclusive globalization. He pledged stronger cooperation on climate action, AI governance, and cultural exchange, announcing China’s 2035 climate goals and new global partnerships, including a $10 million Global South-South Development Facility and a UN sustainable development center in Shanghai.
  
  
• China Showcases Engineering Power with Record-Breaking Aerospace and Infrastructure Feats: On September 27, at 8:40 PM Beijing time, China successfully launched 11 low-orbit internet satellites aboard a Long March 6 modified carrier rocket from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, marking the 597th mission of the Long March series. The next day, the nation’s total submarine oil and gas pipeline length surpassed 10,000 km, making it the world leader. The Bohai Sea now holds China’s densest submarine pipeline network, exceeding 4 km per 100 sq km, with 200 km of new pipelines built this year. The network is projected to reach 13,000 km by 2030, with potential future use for hydrogen transport. On September 28, Guizhou’s 625-meter-high Huajiang Gorge Bridge, the world’s tallest and longest-span mountain bridge, opened, reducing travel time across the gorge from two hours to two minutes. Meanwhile, Zhejiang successfully erected the first 80-meter, 2,800-ton box girder for the Hangzhou Bay Cross-sea Railway Bridge, part of a 29.2-km, 350 km/h high-speed railway due by 2027.
  
  
• China and North Korea Pledge Stronger Ties Amid Global Uncertainty: On September 28, 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Beijing to reinforce their nations’ long-standing socialist partnership. Wang emphasized that the China-DPRK friendship, rooted in shared revolutionary history, remains a “precious treasure” and a core strategic policy of Beijing. He highlighted the recent Xi Jinping–Kim Jong Un meeting as a “historic milestone” setting the blueprint for future cooperation. Both sides pledged to implement the leaders’ consensus through deeper strategic communication, governance exchanges, and practical cooperation aimed at improving citizens’ welfare and promoting regional stability. Wang criticized global “hegemonism” and thanked Pyongyang for supporting China’s core interests, including Xi’s initiatives on global development and security. Choe reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to advancing ties with China, praising its global leadership and backing its push for a multipolar world. The ministers also discussed regional and international issues of shared concern.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

“Time Theft” by Video Platforms Sparks Outrage on Chinese Social Media: A trending Weibo post by Qianjiang Video on September 27 has ignited widespread anger among Chinese netizens after an investigation by the Red Star Capital Bureau revealed that major streaming platforms Youku, Mango TV, and iQiyi have been secretly extending ad durations beyond what is displayed. Youku added 4 extra seconds, Mango TV 3, and iQiyi 2. The State Administration for Market Regulation has intervened, urging platforms to correct deceptive practices. But what enraged users most was the perception of “calculated time hijacking” with platforms profiting from every extra second while dismissing complaints as “loading buffers” or “technical errors.” The topic #MajorPlatformsShouldNotLetStolenSecondsExhaustUsersPatience# quickly climbed Weibo’s hot search, drawing millions of views. Users condemned the platforms for “treating time as currency” and “mocking user trust.” Many called for tougher regulations and public “Ad Time Integrity” lists to name violators. Commenters say this reflects a deeper commercial greed, where “ad-free memberships” still include hidden ads. The viral debate underscores growing frustration with opaque advertising tactics and calls for platforms to prioritize honesty over profit.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Analyzes Pakistan’s Bold UN Claim of Shooting Down 7 Indian Jets, Calls It “Nationalistic Posturing”; India Terms It “Ridiculous Theatrics”: At the UN General Assembly on September 26, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed that Pakistan shot down seven Indian fighter jets during the May 2025 border conflict, calling it a “decisive response” to India’s “unprovoked invasion.” India strongly refuted the claim, labeling it “ridiculous theatrics.” Guancha covered the speech extensively, describing Sharif’s remarks as “symbolic of Pakistan’s growing assertiveness in the global arena.” Guancha’s analysts viewed the statement as an attempt to project military strength and domestic unity, especially amid Pakistan’s economic and political challenges. Commentators on the platform debated the credibility of the claim, with many expressing skepticism, noting India’s strategic advantage and the lack of independent verification. Some users, however, praised Pakistan’s “courage to confront India’s dominance.” Guancha’s editorial analysis emphasized that the speech aimed more at “shaping narratives” than reflecting battlefield realities, pointing to India’s swift diplomatic rebuttal as evidence of its confidence. From an Indian perspective, observers see Sharif’s statement as an attempt to divert attention from internal crises and frame Pakistan as a regional equal to India. Indian analysts highlight that New Delhi’s focus remains on stability and counterterrorism, dismissing Islamabad’s claims as propaganda-driven rhetoric rather than factual military achievements.

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.