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NEWS IN CHINA

• Xi Jinping Calls for Unity, Reform and Global Cooperation at 76th PRC Anniversary Reception: At a grand reception in Beijing marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech highlighting China’s achievements and outlining future goals. Extending festive greetings to citizens, the armed forces, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese, Xi expressed gratitude to international friends supporting China’s development. Reflecting on 76 years of progress from hardship to rejuvenation, Xi underscored the nation’s resilience and the significance of commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. He stressed the importance of drawing on historical lessons to advance national rejuvenation. Xi noted China’s achievements in reform, high-quality development, and livelihood improvement amid global challenges. He announced that the upcoming Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will formulate proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan, focusing on modernization. Reaffirming the “one country, two systems” policy and opposition to Taiwan independence, Xi also emphasized true multilateralism, global initiatives, and building a shared future for mankind. He concluded by urging unity and diligence in realizing the Chinese Dream.
  
  
• China Clarifies Domestic Product Standards in Government Procurement to Ensure Equal Access for Foreign Firms: The General Office of the State Council has issued a new notice on the “Implementation of Domestic Product Standards and Related Policies in Government Procurement”. The notice stipulated that all products manufactured within China by either domestic or foreign-funded enterprises are eligible for government procurement support, provided they meet specific domestic production standards. According to the new policy, domestic products must be produced in China, with a defined proportion of locally made components and key processes completed domestically. Products meeting these standards can enjoy equal bidding rights and a 20% price advantage over non-domestic goods in government procurement. The Ministry of Finance emphasized that all enterprises state-owned, private, or foreign-invested will have equal access to these policies. Local authorities are prohibited from introducing discriminatory measures or restricting suppliers by brand or ownership.
  
  
• Global Governance Initiative Reflects China’s Vision for Multilateral Cooperation: The core principles of China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI) align closely with the UN Charter, reflecting China's support for the UN and a shared global aspiration for cooperation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a recent press briefing. His remarks came in response to recent endorsements of the GGI by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock. Guo emphasized that the initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping, advocates sovereign equality, adherence to international law, multilateralism, and people-centered, action-oriented solutions to global challenges. He added that the GGI, alongside the Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives, forms a coordinated package of international public goods offered by China, each with distinct priorities aimed at promoting global stability and collaboration.
  
  
• China Honors Chongqing Procuratorate’s Minors Protection Team as “Role Models of the Times”: The Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission has issued a directive urging nationwide political and legal bodies to study and publicize the exemplary work of the Chongqing Procuratorate’s Minors Protection Team, recently honored as “Role Models of the Times” by the Central Propaganda Department. Formed in 2004 from a single youth rights post, the team now comprises 45 posts and over 500 members dedicated to safeguarding minors’ rights. Representatives such as Mei Mei, Gong Shan, and Tang Huanran have been recognized for their commitment to Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and for balancing punishment with prevention in juvenile cases. The notice calls on legal institutions to emulate the team’s political loyalty, people-centered service, and dedication to justice. It highlights the importance of promoting socialist rule of law, fostering legal awareness, and prioritizing the well-being of children and families. Authorities are instructed to integrate these lessons into ongoing legal reforms and modernization efforts, advancing a governance model rooted in morality, justice, and innovation.
  
  
• China Launches Nationwide “Popular Science with Movies” Campaign to Merge Cinema and Science: Beijing hosted the national launch ceremony of the “Popular Science with Movies” campaign at the China Science and Technology Museum. The initiative, jointly organized by key national agencies including the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, aims to foster the deep integration of cinema and science popularization for high-quality development in the new era. A key highlight was the debut of “Outside the Window is Blue Planet”, China’s first 8K space-based film, produced by China Central Radio and Television. The film will release in full-dome and giant-screen versions across national planetariums and science museums, and be distributed globally in over ten languages. The campaign announced the creation of a Popular Science Film Library and Film Zone, bringing educational content to rural areas, schools, and communities. Bilibili also launched a short video contest encouraging creators to explore scientific knowledge in popular films, expanding science communication through digital platforms.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens Slam “Pregnancy Stickers” on SF Express Vehicles as Vulgar: A wave of criticism has erupted on Chinese social media after netizens spotted SF Express vans and electric vehicles covered with so-called “pregnancy stickers.” The stickers, playing on puns involving the word “pregnancy” (怀孕), were widely described as crude and offensive. The hashtag #NetizensComplainAboutSFExpressPregnancyStickers has garnered millions of views on Weibo, sparking heated discussions over the misuse of brand logos and public decency. Many users accused sellers of promoting a “vulgar sticker culture,” while others mocked the trend as a misguided attempt at humor. A search by Red Star News on e-commerce platforms revealed several online stores selling the stickers for 5–20 yuan, with hundreds of recent orders. However, sellers confirmed that SF Express did not officially authorize the products. Responding on September 30, SF Express clarified that the stickers were non-official and user-generated, calling them “non-malicious infringements” but emphasizing that the company encourages positive and respectful expressions. The firm also warned that unauthorized sales using its brand logo will be legally protected. The incident reflects growing public sensitivity toward brand image and social values in China’s online culture.

INDIA WATCH

India Weighs Chinese Power Equipment Amid Domestic Manufacturing Push, Guancha Highlights: Chinese outlet Guancha has highlighted recent developments involving Indian private coal power producers, who have reportedly appealed to the Modi government to ease restrictions on importing Chinese coal power equipment. Citing a Reuters report, Guancha noted that Indian firms consider Chinese machinery a practical solution for meeting capacity expansion targets, citing cost advantages and shorter project timelines. In its coverage, Guancha commented on the broader context, observing that while India’s “Make in India” initiative promotes domestic manufacturing, local suppliers currently face challenges in matching the scale, experience, and pricing of their Chinese counterparts. Chinese analysts quoted in the piece suggested this situation illustrates the tension between India’s industrial policy goals and the immediate demands of its power sector. According to the article, some Chinese users questioned whether India’s emphasis on self-reliance might slow modernization efforts, while others interpreted the potential shift back to Chinese imports as a pragmatic choice driven by economic realities rather than political narratives. The article also cited analysis suggesting that, if approved, access to Chinese equipment could significantly reduce costs—potentially by half—for stalled projects totaling 22 GW. Finally, the report pointed out that coal still accounts for approximately 74% of India's electricity generation, indicating the gradual pace of its energy transition.

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.