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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Builds World-Leading Meteorological Observation System, Expands Global Cooperation: China has developed the world’s largest and most integrated meteorological observation system during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), according to Bi Baogui, deputy administrator of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA). The system combines land, sea, air, and space-based technologies, featuring nine Fengyun satellites, 842 weather radars, and over 90,000 ground observation stations. China’s self-developed BeiDou sounding system has reached a world-leading level, breaking the GPS monopoly in atmospheric sounding. The country’s radar network now covers over 90 percent of densely populated areas, while severe weather detection accuracy exceeds 80 percent, enabling faster and more precise forecasts. Additionally, 35 small commercial satellites have been integrated into the Fengyun system, improving data coverage during occultation events. The CMA’s multi-hazard early warning system, MAZU, launched in July, is already operational in several countries. Currently, China provides over 100 meteorological data products across 12 categories to 153 countries and regions, boosting international cooperation in disaster preparedness and climate monitoring.
  
  
• FOCAC at 25 both China and Africa Launch New Phase of Cooperation: Marking 25 years of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Beijing Action Plan (2025–2027) has already begun translating commitments into action. Scholars Wang Jinjie from Peking University and Charles Onunaiju from Nigeria’s Center for China Studies highlighted that the new phase focuses on “small and beautiful” projects localized, high-impact initiatives that deliver quick and tangible benefits. Examples include vocational schools in Zambia that train youth from classrooms to jobs in Chinese firms, and digital rural projects providing solar power, internet access, and education across African villages. These smaller initiatives complement large-scale infrastructure like the TAZARA Railway, fostering balanced growth. Professor Wang pointed to visible progress in three fronts: advancing value-added industrialization, upgrading economic corridors, and strengthening human capital through vocational training. Both experts stressed that Africa must take ownership of the partnership by aligning national policies with FOCAC’s goals. As Onunaiju noted, “China means what it says… but one hand does not clap. Africa must walk its part to make this partnership truly transformative.”
  
  
• China Aims to Build 50 Leading Service-Oriented Manufacturing Brands by 2028: China has unveiled a comprehensive plan to accelerate the development of service-oriented manufacturing, to create 50 leading brands, 100 innovation hubs, and 20 national standards by 2028. The new “Implementation Plan for Deepening the Innovation and Development of Service-Oriented Manufacturing (2025–2028)” was jointly released by seven departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Ministry of Commerce. Service-oriented manufacturing integrates services across the entire product lifecycle, combining manufacturing and service sectors to boost industrial efficiency and innovation. The plan highlights ongoing challenges such as weak key technology supply and an incomplete standards system, calling for stronger R&D and model innovation. Key initiatives include cultivating industrial design enterprises, expanding new information infrastructure, integrating AI and computing power, and enhancing global industrial chain cooperation. The plan also emphasizes talent training, statistical system development, and policy support to ensure the high-quality growth of China’s manufacturing ecosystem.
  
  
• China Urges U.S. to Avoid Escalation in Caribbean at UN Security Council Meeting: At an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Friday, China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, called on the United States to immediately halt actions that could further escalate tensions in the Caribbean region. Fu accused the U.S. of using the pretext of combating drug trafficking to deploy military forces near Venezuelan waters, allegedly sinking vessels, killing sailors, and seizing fishing boats moves he said threaten regional peace and violate international law. Fu emphasized that these unilateral enforcement operations infringe upon the sovereignty and security of other nations, as well as the freedom of navigation guaranteed under international law. He warned that such actions not only endanger human rights but also undermine the freedom of the high seas. Reaffirming Beijing’s stance, Fu stated that China opposes any interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs and rejects the use or threat of force in international relations. He urged Washington to pursue anti-narcotics cooperation within bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks rather than through unilateral military action.
  
  
• STMA Firmly Backs Probe into Deputy Director Han Zhanwu, Reaffirms Anti-Corruption Drive: The Party Leadership Group of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) convened a meeting on October 12 to express full support for the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and National Supervisory Commission’s decision to investigate Han Zhanwu, STMA’s Deputy Director, for serious disciplinary and legal violations. The move marks the latest in China’s intensified anti-corruption campaign, with 46 central officials dismissed this year alone. During the meeting, STMA officials pledged unwavering loyalty to the CPC Central Committee led by Xi Jinping, stressing the need to draw lessons, strengthen integrity, and uphold clean governance within the tobacco sector. The leadership emphasized that the probe underscores the Party’s commitment to “comprehensive and strict governance” and reflects its concern for maintaining a healthy political environment in the industry. Officials vowed to cooperate fully with the CCDI, deepen ideological education, and implement Xi Jinping’s guiding principles on Party self-revolution, aiming to build a clean, disciplined, and responsible leadership that drives the tobacco industry’s high-quality modernization.
  
  
• Chinese Embassy in Argentina Rebukes US Over Latin America Remarks: The Chinese Embassy in Argentina sharply criticized US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s recent comments on China-Latin America relations, accusing Washington of clinging to a Cold War mentality and interfering in regional affairs. Responding to Bessent’s statement reported by Bloomberg that Argentina’s president was “committed to getting China out,” the embassy said such rhetoric reveals the US’s intent to sow discord rather than support Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) nations’ development. The spokesperson emphasized that China’s cooperation with LAC countries is based on mutual respect, equality, and win-win principles, contributing to the region’s economic and social growth. Beijing’s engagement, the statement added, is welcomed by governments and people across the region as it meets shared development needs. In contrast, the embassy accused the US of long pursuing hegemonic control in the region and warned that LAC countries are not “anyone’s backyard.” The spokesperson urged Washington to focus on tangible development assistance instead of stirring trouble in others’ partnerships.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

“Wilderness Kingdom” in Lijiang Sparks Online Debate over Its Unusual Aesthetic: On October 11, a viral video on Weibo showed the “Wilderness Kingdom” scenic area in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, describing its Japanese-style artistic elements as “eerie” and “irritating to the eye.” The video highlighted installations such as the Human Centipede and the Three-Faced Girl, sparking intense debate among Chinese netizens. According to staff, the site was designed by Qiao Xiaodao, founder of the “slash youth” movement, as a fairy-tale-themed space. They clarified that the area aims to evoke a “dreamy and warm” atmosphere and that many negative impressions stem from bloggers deliberately altering video colors to exaggerate its tone. While acknowledging that some designs are “indeed exaggerated,” staff added that the site is highly photogenic on sunny days and recommended visitors learn about its concept before visiting. The topic has since dominated Weibo’s hot search, with hashtags like “#StaffSuggestTouristsFirstLearnAboutTheWildernessKingdom” and “#LijiangScenicAreaDesignsIrritatingToTheEye” drawing millions of views. 

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Analysis on India’s Balancing Act Between the U.S. and BRICS: Chinese media Guancha has recently published an analysis highlighting India’s evolving foreign policy amid the decline of U.S. hegemony and the rise of multipolarity. The report highlights how New Delhi, despite growing cooperation with Washington, has never formally aligned with the United States and continues to strengthen its role within BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). According to Guancha, India’s participation in these platforms is a strategic counter to U.S. economic and political pressure, particularly during Donald Trump’s renewed tariff policies and his attempts to weaponize energy exports. The commentary emphasizes that India’s refining of Russian crude and its re-export of fuel to Europe reveal the limits of U.S. sanctions, illustrating how New Delhi pragmatically navigates global rivalries. Analysts at Guancha also noted that Modi’s recent outreach to China through his visit to Tianjin for the SCO summit signals a recalibration of India’s diplomacy toward economic pragmatism. From an Indian perspective, this balancing act is crucial, while deepening ties with BRICS offers strategic autonomy and industrial cooperation, maintaining selective engagement with the U.S. ensures access to Western markets and technology. Guancha concludes that India’s multipolar diplomacy could reshape future Asian geopolitics.

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.