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NEWS IN CHINA

• CPC Political Bureau Reviews 15th Five-Year Plan Draft, Sets Date for Fourth Plenary Session: The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee convened a key meeting to deliberate on major issues concerning the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development. Presided over by Xi Jinping, the meeting finalized that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will be held in Beijing from October 20 to 23. The Political Bureau reviewed feedback gathered from within and outside the Party on the draft “Proposal on Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan,” agreeing to submit the revised version for discussion at the upcoming plenary session. The meeting emphasized that the consultation process fostered broad participation and consensus, with the draft recognized for accurately assessing China’s development stage and challenges, and providing a strategic blueprint for modernization. Leaders stressed the importance of upholding the Party’s centralized leadership, prioritizing high-quality development, deepening reforms, expanding openness, balancing market and government roles, and integrating development with security. The meeting reiterated that the Party’s self-revolution remains crucial to driving Chinese-style modernization and achieving sustained national progress.
  
  
• Xi Jinping Calls for Systematic Promotion of Religion’s Sinicization and Adaptation to Socialist Society: The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held its 22nd collective study session, focusing on systematically advancing the Sinicization of religions in China. President Xi Jinping presided over the session, stressing that religions must integrate deeply with Chinese culture and align with socialist values to ensure harmony and long-term national stability. Xi emphasized drawing from historical experience and strengthening institutional governance, grassroots management, and legal frameworks to effectively guide religious adaptation to socialist society. He stated that religions in China can thrive only when rooted in Chinese civilization and imbued with its 5,000-year-old traditions.Xi called on religious communities to strengthen their “five identities” national, cultural, historical, ethnic, and religious and to actively contribute to China’s modernization efforts. He called for reforms within religious organizations to embody Chinese characteristics in doctrines, rituals, and governance, while promoting self-management and self-discipline. Xi also stressed the importance of governing religious affairs by law, improving legislation, and strengthening law enforcement. He directed Party committees at all levels to enhance leadership, deepen research, and form a united force to advance Sinicization across the country.
  
  
• China Issues New Guidelines to Boost Rural Language and Writing Development: The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs have jointly released the Guidelines for the High-Quality Development of Rural Language and Writing to advance rural revitalization and educational reform. The document aligns with the goals of the Outline of the Plan for Building a Strong Nation through Education (2024–2035) and emphasizeds five key areas. First, it promotes the widespread use of Mandarin and standardized writing, encouraging high-level adoption and improved language education. Second, rural schools and kindergartens are urged to prioritize national language instruction and serve as models for their communities. Third, the guidelines encourage enriching rural linguistic culture through cultural events, improved environments, and talent development. Additionally, the plan integrates language development with local industries under a “language and writing + X” model, addressing public language needs. It also strengthens governance through coordinated action across counties, towns, and villages. Authorities are instructed to tailor policies to local conditions, avoid superficial projects, and foster a diverse, inclusive language ecology that supports rural revitalization.
  
  
• China Urges US to Respect One-China Principle, Defends UN Resolution 2758: China reiterated that the Taiwan issue lies at the heart of its core interests, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun describing it as the “first red line” in China-US relations. Responding to reports, Guo stressed that the one-China principle forms the political foundation of China-US ties and must be upheld. Guo also addressed recent statements by US lawmakers accusing China of misrepresenting UNGA Resolution 2758 to isolate Taiwan. He emphasized that the resolution, adopted in 1971, restored China’s lawful UN representation, confirmed Taiwan as part of China, and legally rejects the notion of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.” Citing historical agreements like the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation, Guo stated that attempts to challenge the resolution undermine the post-WWII international order. Highlighting that 183 countries maintain diplomatic ties with China based on the one-China principle, he affirmed that Taiwan’s future lies in reunification, promising security and development for its people.
  
  
• Beijing and Pyongyang Pledge Deeper Coordination to Safeguard Shared Interests: China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic coordination with North Korea to safeguard shared interests, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with DPRK Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Beijing. Li emphasized that China views its ties with North Korea from a strategic and long-term perspective, pledging to implement the consensus reached by top leaders, advance the socialist cause, and promote mutual prosperity. He called for enhanced high-level exchanges, stronger strategic communication, and broader cooperation across economic, cultural, and diplomatic fields. The premier praised Pyongyang’s consistent support on issues concerning China’s core interests, including Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, and Hong Kong, and urged both foreign ministries to deepen coordination for stable progress. Choe Son Hui reaffirmed that strengthening relations with China remains a steadfast policy of the DPRK, aligning with both nations’ fundamental interests. She voiced strong support for China’s global initiatives and vision of a shared future for humanity, expressing readiness to boost practical cooperation and multilateral collaboration.
  
  
• China Launches Nationwide Crackdown to Regulate Legal Consulting Agencies: China’s Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Public Security, and State Administration for Market Regulation have jointly initiated a nationwide special campaign to regulate legal consulting service agencies. Running from September to December 2025, the operation aims to strengthen oversight and address widespread public concerns over fraudulent practices in the sector. Authorities will focus on tackling illegal activities such as fraud, false advertising, deceptive promises, and impersonation of licensed lawyers. The campaign will involve publicizing reporting channels, verifying key complaint clues, and investigating violations under the law. Agencies found engaging in misconduct will face strict penalties. The initiative follows extensive research into the sector’s operations and responds to mounting social feedback about unethical practices harming consumer trust. Officials emphasize that the campaign seeks not only to punish violators but also to guide agencies toward lawful, honest, and transparent operations. By restoring order in the legal services market, the government aims to enhance public confidence and strengthen the people’s sense of fairness and security under the rule of law.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Shenzhen Firm’s Leave Adjustment Sparks Online Backlash Over Labor Rights: A recent move by Shenzhen Jiangtuo Trading Co., Ltd. to cancel extra annual leave and require employees to make up missed shifts has triggered a wave of criticism on Chinese social media, especially Weibo, where related hashtags have garnered millions of views. According to Xiaoxiang Morning News, the company, founded in October 2023 with a registered capital of 500,000 RMB, has no insured employees as of 2023, raising concerns about compliance with labor laws. Its legal representative, Hu Qian, holds 99% of the shares, while Yuan Xiaowen owns 1%. The firm’s business scope includes domestic trade, import-export, and online sales. Netizens expressed outrage over what they see as a disregard for workers’ welfare, with many commenting that the company “wants labor without responsibility.” Some users called for stricter supervision, while others questioned how a company less than two years old could impose such controversial policies. The incident has become a trending topic on Weibo, reflecting growing public sensitivity toward fair labor practices, paid leave, and social insurance coverage amid China’s shifting employment landscape.

INDIA WATCH

India’s MiG-21 retirement marks both progress and persistent challenges, The Paper Reports: The Paper analyzed India’s retirement of its final MiG-21 fighter jet fleet, referring to it as both “the end of an era” and a moment for reflection on the country’s defense modernization efforts. While acknowledging the MiG-21’s long service of over six decades—despite its controversial safety record—the outlet suggested that its withdrawal highlights ongoing structural challenges within the Indian Air Force (IAF). The article noted that India’s recent $7 billion procurement of 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters signals a strong commitment to indigenous defense capabilities. However, it also pointed to concerns over production delays and engine supply issues that could affect operational readiness. According to Chinese analysts cited by The Paper, the IAF continues to face shortfalls, currently fielding 29 squadrons against a target of 42. The piece also commented on India’s continued reliance on foreign components, such as U.S.-made engines and Israeli radar systems, which it argued may limit full strategic autonomy. Looking ahead, the report raised questions about whether platforms like the Tejas, Rafale, or potential Su-57 acquisitions can effectively replace the MiG-21 fleet before regional powers move toward sixth-generation fighter technology. From an Indian standpoint, the retirement of the MiG-21 reflects both a milestone in the journey toward self-reliance and the ongoing need to address systemic delays and coordination issues within the defense 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.