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NEWS IN CHINA 

• China Condemns U.S. 330 Million Dollars Arms Sale to Taiwan: China’s Ministry of National Defense strongly criticized the recently announced $330 million arms sale from the United States to Taiwan, affirming its resolve to take all necessary measures to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang stated that the sale severely violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and that it interferes in China's internal affairs and undermines its sovereignty and security interests. He emphasized that the U.S. move sends a dangerous signal, encouraging "Taiwan independence" separatists. Zhang expressed firm dissatisfaction and opposition, noting that China has lodged solemn representations with the U.S. He warned that any military support for Taiwan’s independence efforts would bring misfortune upon those involved, and the strategy of using Taiwan to contain China is doomed to fail. Zhang urged the U.S. to immediately cease all wrongful arms sales to Taiwan to prevent damaging bilateral relations and military ties. Additionally, Zhang cautioned Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party that spending public funds on weapons purchase is misguided and futile, stressing that any attempt to pursue independence through external backing or armed resistance will not succeed.

• Market Cap of Firms Listed in Beijing Stock Exchange Surpasses 900 Billion Yuan: As the Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE) celebrates its fourth anniversary, the total market capitalisation of listed firms has exceeded 900 billion yuan ($126.77 billion), marking significant growth since its launch in November 2021. Currently, 282 innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are listed, with over 80 per cent being SMEs and more than 90 per cent from the private sector. More than half of these are "little giant" enterprises specialising in niche or high-tech sectors, fueling steady growth. As of October 30, 279 companies reported an average operating revenue of 520 million yuan, with a 6 per cent year-on-year increase, and average net profits of nearly 33 million yuan, resulting in profitability above 80 percent. Officials and investors see the BSE playing a crucial role in China’s capital market landscape, expanding investment options while supporting the country’s broader industry upgrade and economic restructuring.

• China Boosts Science and Technology Education in Primary and Secondary Schools: Chinese authorities, led by the Ministry of Education, along with six other departments, jointly issued guidelines to strengthen science and technology education in primary and secondary schools nationwide. The "Opinions on Strengthening Science and Technology Education" aims to establish a foundational education system by 2030, featuring an improved curriculum, teaching reforms, enhanced evaluation mechanisms and improved teacher development. Key initiatives include building a collaborative and integrated education system to foster scientific interest and spirit through hands-on practice and developing an open curriculum ecosystem that integrates interdisciplinary knowledge to empower students to solve complex problems. The reforms also emphasise competency-based teaching, research and comprehensive evaluation, as well as upgrading teaching resources and environments to support experiential learning in real-world science and technology. An important focus lies on advancing teacher training and enhancing cooperation among schools, families, and communities to promote science education effectively. Additionally, the plan promotes extensive international exchange and multilateral collaboration to advance research and practical innovation in global science and technology education.

• Li Qiang Meets Russian PM Mishustin to Boost Bilateral Cooperation: Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow, focusing on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. Li highlighted the recent 30th regular meeting of Chinese and Russian prime ministers, emphasizing the implementation of the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. The talks reviewed progress and charted plans for cooperation across multiple sectors, including investment, energy and agriculture. Li expressed China’s willingness to welcome more high-quality Russian agricultural and food products into the Chinese market and called for facilitating Chinese enterprises operating in Russia. Both leaders agreed to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges to infuse the relationship with greater warmth and mutual understanding. The meeting culminated in the signing of several cooperation agreements, reinforcing the strong Russia-China friendship committed to inclusive economic globalization and multipolar world stability.

• China's Market Regulator Issues Draft Antitrust Guidelines for Internet Platforms: China’s State Administration for Market Regulations (SAMR) recently released draft guidelines to provide clearer compliance direction for internet platform operators, inviting public comment. The guidelines aim to prevent monopoly risks arising from agreements, abuse of dominant market positions and unfair practices such as excessive pricing and exclusive requirements. SAMR highlights that the platform economy’s rapid growth and network effects mean platform operators significantly impact market competition through rules, data and algorithms. The draft recommends regular assessment by dominant platforms to avoid anti-competitive conduct during operations. Designed as a non-binding compliance framework, the draft seeks to reduce uncertainty costs for operators and support sustainable innovation and healthy development. Industry experts view the guidelines as a pivotal step to bolster China’s regulatory framework, enhance operator compliance and further integrate internet platforms into the national economy, thereby promoting long-term and stable growth.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

​​Japan’s Military Expansion and the Taiwan Strait Crisis Stir Strong Reactions: Recent remarks by Kaohsiung City’s leader linking Taiwan’s situation to a “life-or-death crisis” and Japan’s increasing military activities have sparked heated debate on Chinese social media. Many users see these actions as consistent with Japan’s militaristic past and warn against the dangerous signals they send of Japan’s push to violate its pacifist constitution and expand military presence aimed at China. Comments on Weibo reflect a wave of anti-fascist sentiment, recalling historical conflicts and calling for vigilance against what they describe as Japan’s provocation under U.S. backing. Users call authorities to stand firm, with some advocating boycotts of Japanese goods and others emphasizing China’s readiness to respond decisively if challenged. Phrases such as “Fight back!”, “China will settle old and new scores” and “A war between China and Japan is inevitable” highlight pervasive unease. Cultural references to historical struggles and calls to remember the Anti-Japanese War demonstrate the lasting emotional resonance of these issues on Chinese netizens.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Discusses Reports of Death of Multiple Indian Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia: A tragic accident occurred in Saudi Arabia when a bus carrying Indian pilgrims collided with a tanker truck on the route to Medina, resulting in the deaths of at least 42 people. The report notes that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the swift recovery of the injured. It further states that PM Modi assured that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are fully engaged in assisting the victims and their families, maintaining close coordination with Saudi authorities. The article also mentions that India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also confirmed the accident and expressed profound shock, reiterating the commitment to support those affected through diplomatic channels. 

Prepared By

Arav Neil Dey

Arav Neil Dey is a research intern at the Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). Currently in his second year at FLAME University, he is pursuing a degree in International Studies. Driven by a fascination for global dynamics, he is passionate about international relations, peace and conflict studies, and military history. Arav especially enjoys diving into the shifting strategic landscape of China and West Asia, always seeking out unconventional perspectives and a deeper understanding.