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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Introduces New EV Export Licensing Policy to Boost Quality of Exports: China has introduced a new export licensing policy for pure electric passenger vehicles, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The policy aims to enhance product quality, user experience, and brand reputation in global markets. Jointly issued by four ministries, the regulation requires exporters of electric vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to obtain official export licenses. Applications will be limited to automakers and their authorized distributors, ensuring that exports are confined to vehicles under their own brands. According to industry experts, the policy marks a shift in China’s EV export strategy—from emphasizing quantity to prioritizing quality. It is expected to curb low-quality exports, prevent unauthorized intermediary activity, and strengthen after-sales service capabilities.
  
  
• Beijing Urges Unified Global Action Against Terrorism at UN Sixth Committee: At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative Geng Shuang urged the inclusion of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliate, the Majeed Brigade, in the UN sanctions list, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated international response to terrorism. Speaking under the agenda item “Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism,” Geng noted that terrorism is resurging worldwide, creating increasingly complex challenges. He outlined three proposals: first, adopting consistent standards while avoiding double standards or politicization in counterterrorism efforts; second, strengthening international legal frameworks to ensure that all actions align with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions; and third, pursuing a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate threats and underlying causes through peaceful dispute resolution, development initiatives, and technology-driven strategies to counter emerging risks such as “digital terrorism.” He reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing global security and governance through continued multilateral cooperation.
  
  
• China and South Korea Vow to Deepen Cooperation Ahead of APEC Summit: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephonic conversation with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun at the latter’s request, reaffirming the importance of strong bilateral ties. Wang Yi emphasized that China and South Korea, as close neighbors and key partners, should enhance mutual trust, resist external interference, and expand practical cooperation. He noted that both countries will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meetings in consecutive years South Korea in 2025 and China in 2026 creating opportunities for mutual support and regional collaboration. Wang urged both sides to strengthen solidarity, uphold multilateralism, and advance the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area, aiming to foster peace, stability, and shared prosperity across the region. Cho Hyun stated that South Korea places great importance on its relations with China and is committed to expanding cooperation. He expressed hope that the upcoming APEC summit would serve as a platform to boost high-level exchanges and deepen engagement in trade, development, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
  
  
• Beijing's Foreign Exchange Reserves Climb to $3.34 Trillion: China’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $3.3387 trillion in September, the highest level since November 2015, reflecting continued economic resilience and stability amid global uncertainties, according to data released Tuesday by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. The reserves increased 0.5% from the previous month, marking a second consecutive gain. Analysts attributed the rise to the appreciation of global financial assets and solid export performance. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cut and fluctuations in the dollar also boosted the value of non-dollar assets. In the first half of 2025, China’s exports expanded 7% year-on-year to $1.7 trillion, resulting in a trade surplus of $456.7 billion. Foreign investment inflows into onshore securities reached $37.3 billion—already exceeding the total for 2024—highlighting growing international confidence in renminbi-denominated assets.Meanwhile, China’s official gold reserves increased for the 11th consecutive month to 74.06 million ounces, signaling a continued effort to diversify holdings and hedge against dollar volatility as gold prices surged to record highs above $4,000.
  
  
• China Strengthens Judicial Aid to Boost Rural Revitalization: The Supreme People’s Procuratorate and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs have jointly released eight representative cases demonstrating how judicial assistance contributes to rural revitalization. The cases emphasize accurate identification of beneficiaries, effective interdepartmental collaboration, and innovative approaches that transform short-term relief into long-term development. Beneficiaries include vulnerable rural groups such as veterans, minors, women, and persons with disabilities, as well as individuals at risk of returning to poverty due to legal disputes. To improve efficiency, authorities have established a joint judicial aid platform that facilitates information sharing, case referrals, and coordinated support. Relief measures extend beyond financial aid, integrating judicial relief funds with skills training, industrial support, and legal guidance to foster self-sustaining (“hematopoietic”) recovery and livelihood rebuilding. Looking ahead, the two departments plan to enhance coordination, broaden assistance mechanisms, and strengthen long-term poverty prevention through targeted, sustainable initiatives.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

China’s Pet Services Thrive as Cat-Sitter’s Holiday Earnings Go Viral: A story about a young man earning 8,100 yuan in 9 days by offering cat-feeding services during China’s National Day holiday has gone viral on Weibo. It has sparked heated discussions about new-age side hustles and the booming pet economy. Mr. Huan, the man behind the trend, revealed he received 292 home-feeding orders, averaging 93 yuan per visit, along with 22 short-term and 36 long-term foster cases. With nine years of experience and over 10,000 home visits, Huan’s routine includes caring for paralyzed cats, feeding strays, managing foster cats, and even working as a CBBA-certified bodybuilding instructor at night. He’s also studying IELTS vocabulary daily, calling himself a “high-energy” person. The topic #NationalDayCatFeedingEarned8100YuanIn9Days# trended on Weibo, drawing admiration and humor. Many users praised Huan’s dedication, calling him a “model of hustle,” while others joked, “Maybe cat-feeding pays better than my job.” Some also noted the rising demand for pet services in urban China as a sign of changing lifestyles. Huan clarified he never described his business as “high-end,” emphasizing, “My clients may be high-end, but my service is about responsibility.”

INDIA WATCH 

Russia and India Begin Yuan-Based Oil Settlements Amid Global Currency Shift, Guancha Reports: According to Guancha, Russian oil traders have started requesting Indian state-owned refineries to settle payments in Chinese yuan (RMB), reflecting a gradual move toward diversified currency settlements in global trade. Citing Reuters, the report noted that this change follows a recent improvement in China-India relations, with sources indicating that Indian Oil Corporation has already completed payments for several shipments in yuan. Previously, such transactions were conducted in dirhams or U.S. dollars before being converted into yuan, aligning with Russia’s growing preference for ruble-yuan settlements. Direct yuan payments are seen as simplifying the process while maintaining compliance with the EU’s oil price cap and improving supply access for Indian refineries. The report added that Western sanctions following the Russia-Ukraine conflict have accelerated Russia’s shift toward using the yuan. Russian central bank officials have expressed support for formalizing the use of the Chinese currency in trade. From India’s perspective, the move underscores a focus on economic pragmatism and energy security amid global market pressures, even as geopolitical complexities persist.

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.