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NEWS IN CHINA

• China and Russia pledge closer military cooperation, focusing on missile defence: China’s top general, Zhang Youxia, met with his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov in Moscow to strengthen military ties, marking Zhang’s first visit in two years. Both sides reached a consensus on enhancing high-level exchanges and expanding practical cooperation, particularly in sensitive areas like missile defence. Discussions included strategic stability and shared security challenges amid rising global tensions. Russia expressed eagerness to develop a new defence cooperation blueprint with China, emphasizing mutual trust and aligned interests. Military experts noted that China and Russia’s complementary missile defence networks aim to counter threats from multiple directions, enhancing regional and global security resilience. This deepening collaboration aligns with broader political and strategic ties, highlighted by recent high-level meetings between leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, and increased joint military drills, including naval patrols in the Pacific. The partnership signals a robust alignment against US-centric global pressures, reflecting a strategic Sino-Russian unity in defence and security.
  
  
• China Pledges $3.49 Million to Support South Africa’s Fight Against HIV: China announced a two-year funding committee of $3.49 million in HIV prevention package for South Africa. It is aiming to fund through the China Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, coordinated by UNAIDS. The agreement was unveiled at a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria and focuses on strengthening HIV prevention among adolescents and young people aged 15–24, a key high‑risk group in a country with around 8 million people living with HIV and nearly 6 million on antiretroviral treatment. The project is expected to reach 54,000 young people in technical and vocational colleges across seven provinces, and will help plug gaps left by broader funding cuts. Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng framed the program as a concrete step under the Global Development Initiative and toward building a “global community of health for all,” adding that China is ready to support South Africa in creating a sustainable HIV response system through policy dialogue, technology transfer, innovative drug supply, and capacity building. South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed the funding as timely support to curb new infections among youth, stressing that every contribution matters in the collective fight against HIV/AIDS.
  
  
• China Unveils a White Paper on Climate Change: China unveiled a comprehensive white paper titled "Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality: China's Plans and Solutions." The paper has drawn widespread international attention for detailing China's tangible achievements in reducing carbon emissions and advancing a green economy over the past five years. It highlighted China's commitment to a national strategy that prioritizes environmental conservation and promotes sustainable development through systemic policies and innovative technologies. Key measures outlined include accelerating the transition to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, fostering circular economy practices, and developing low-carbon models across industry, transport, construction, and daily life. China has established the world's largest renewable energy system and has become a global leader in the adoption of new energy vehicles. The white paper also reaffirmed China’s ambitious goals under the Paris Agreement to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, with interim targets to intensify efforts by 2035.
  
  
• CPC commemorates Hu Yaobang’s 110th birth anniversary with a call to advance reform: The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a solemn symposium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 20, marking the 110th anniversary of Hu Yaobang’s birth, a prominent former leader of the Party. As part of the symposium, President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech. President Xi Jinping delivered the keynote address, praising Hu’s deep commitment to the people and his practical efforts to advance economic development and improve livelihoods. Xi called on Party members to emulate Hu’s dedication by working diligently to strengthen the public’s sense of gain, happiness, and security. Xi also highlighted Hu’s strong focus on improving Party conduct, urging all members—especially senior officials—to uphold integrity and embody the political character expected of Communists: honesty, uprightness, and freedom from corruption. Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the symposium and called for continued efforts to build a strong nation and advance national rejuvenation in all areas through Chinese modernization.
  
  
• Vice Premier He Lifeng Urges Efforts To Boost Foreign Trade: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng called for ongoing efforts to raise the quality and effectiveness of foreign trade during his recent inspection tour inHubei and Hunan provinces. He emphasized removing bottlenecks hindering the development of a unified national market and supported the growth of new business models like cross-border e-commerce and overseas warehouses. Local governments were urged to bolster confidence and tackle enterprise challenges head-on, ensuring a strong completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and a solid launch for the 15th Five-Year Plan. These efforts aim to secure China’s foreign trade sector against global uncertainties and maintain momentum in opening-up policies.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Social media discourse on Japanese militarism revival surges on Weibo: The call for action against the resurrection of Japanese militarism has engulfed Chinese social media, generating a vibrant and highly engaged discussion on Weibo. The hashtag #AbsolutelyNoResurrectionOfJapaneseMilitaryism has sparked widespread consensus on the dangers of forgetting history and the ongoing threat it poses to peace and stability. Netizens have expressed a strong collective memory of the devastation caused by past aggression and a firm resolve to maintain the post-war international order. Comments emphasized safeguarding world peace, honouring historical truths, and rejecting any attempts to erode harmony. This surge highlighted a keen societal vigilance and unity on historical remembrance and peace advocacy, reinforcing a professional narrative that echoes on public platforms with high engagement and serious discourse.

INDIA WATCH

Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Airshow, Xinhua Reports: Chinese media, Xinhua, has reported the tragic crash of a Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow, which led to the passing of the Indian Air Force pilot. According to the report, the incident marks the second known crash involving the Tejas aircraft, which is produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and powered by American General Electric engines. Furthermore, the article noted that prior to this accident, rumours circulated on social media about an oil leak while the aircraft was on the ground; however, the Indian Press Information Bureau labelled these reports as false, affirming the aircraft’s technical reliability. This incident puts a spotlight on ongoing efforts to enhance India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

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.