CiCM 27th November 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Hong Kong ICAC Launches Probe into Corruption in Hung Fuk Court Renovations: Following the tragic fire at Hung Fuk Court in Tai Po, which claimed 55 lives, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has set up a special task force to investigate possible corruption linked to the major renovation project at the estate. The fire, which broke out on November 26 and has since been mostly controlled, severely impacted seven buildings, injuring 72 people and including a firefighter who died in the line of duty. Preliminary police investigations revealed that the rapid fire spread may have been exacerbated by flammable expanding foam used outside windows during maintenance, potentially due to negligence by the engineering management company “Hung Yip Construction Engineering Limited.” Three men connected to the company, including two directors and an engineering consultant, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The Hong Kong Department of Justice will closely coordinate with police and fire services, ensuring professional and lawful criminal investigations while also addressing related civil legal matters. Authorities are working with various societal sectors to resettle affected residents and minimize further losses.
China Prepares 3 Reusable Rockets for Historic Launches: China intensifies its reusable rocket race with three contenders, state-owned Long March 12A, LandSpace’s Zhuque-3, and Space Pioneer’s Tianlong-3, now positioned at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre for potential December debuts. These vehicles aim to achieve orbital flight with first-stage recovery about 400km downrange, supporting massive low-Earth orbit internet constellations and low-cost missions rivaling international players. Both Long March 12A and Zhuque-3 target December lift-offs for full reusability tests, while Tianlong-3 prioritizes orbit on debut. A Beijing rocket engineer noted the Long March 12A matches Zhuque-3 technically, but state influence may decide the historic first landing. LandSpace completed Zhuque-3 fueling and engine tests in October, though launches faced delays from Tiangong debris issues. Social media shows Long March 12A rollout for engine testing. Success would mark China’s reusable rocket milestone, bolstering satellite internet ambitions akin to Starlink competitors.
China Plans Integrated “Air-Space-Land-Sea-Network” Infrastructure by 2030: The Ministry of Natural Resources announced an ambitious plan to build a new multi-domain infrastructure system and develop a Chinese holographic digital Earth by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). This initiative aims to accelerate growth in geology, mineral resources, oceans, forestry, grassland, and geographic information fields. Major advances include copper discoveries in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, innovations in extracting scattered rare metals like gallium and germanium with improved recovery rates, and high-purity rare metal production. In subsea engineering, Tsinghua University-led new pipeline technologies have been applied in key projects, including the East China Sea. From July to October, the research vessel Deep Sea No.1 and Jiaolong submersible completed China’s first manned Arctic descent, pioneering dual-submersible missions under Arctic ice, setting a global first for routine under-ice deep-sea operations. The ministry pledged intensified original innovation, strategic national science deployment, and establishment of an Ocean and Land joint fund to speed landmark scientific breakthroughs and applications
China Establishes Permanent Mission to IMO: China inaugurated its permanent mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, marking a key step in bolstering global maritime governance. A reception at the Chinese Embassy, hosted by Ambassador Zheng Zeguang (China's IMO permanent representative) and Vice Minister of Transport Li Yang, drew nearly 300 guests, including IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domingues and delegations. Zheng highlighted maritime transport's vital role in China's global links, reaffirming commitment to UN-centred multilateralism and IMO support. China pledges deeper cooperation to enhance global maritime security, supply chain resilience, and high-quality development through new productive forces and high-standard opening-up. Li emphasized fulfilling international obligations, expanding ties with member states, and building a modern maritime system to aid global economic stability. Guests praised China's maritime achievements and contributions.
China’s Arms Control Vision to Focus on AI, Space and other Emerging Domains: China’s State Council unveiled a white paper on arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation. The paper spotlighted emerging frontiers such as outer space, cyberspace, artificial intelligence as new strategic security domains, advocating UN-led global governance frameworks with universal participation and amplified voices for developing countries. It also committed to strengthening domestic nonproliferation, promoting peaceful tech cooperation, and advancing inclusive economic globalization while stating that it follows peaceful development, enhancing global peace forces and multipolarity.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Public Mourns Fatalities in Hong Kong Fire, Praises Firefighters: The recent fire at Hung Fook Court, which resulted in 55 deaths and left several injured, has deeply moved social media users on Weibo. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee’s announcement that the blaze is now under control and that an emergency subsidy of HK$10,000 will be provided to affected households, alongside a HK$300 million relief fund, was met with cautious relief. Netizens flooded the platform with messages expressing sorrow for the victims and heartfelt thanks to the brave firefighters who rescued 55 people despite the extreme danger, many referring to the tragic loss of one firefighter in the line of duty. Comments such as “Thank you to the firefighters for their hard work. May they all be safe and sound,” and “May the departed rest in peace, and may the living find peace” were widespread. Many messages combined mourning with hope and resilience, emphasizing the importance of unity and support during hardship, and honouring the sacrifices made by emergency responders

INDIA WATCH

Chinese media reports on Apple’s Potential $38 Billion Fine over India Antitrust Law Challenge: Chinese media outlets reported on Apple’s potential $38 billion antitrust fine in India as a blunt enforcement of tough new rules targeting global tech giants. Apple has filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court to challenge India’s recently revised antitrust fines law, which has been amended to allow fines to be based on global turnover rather than revenues generated within India. The company stated that penalties could soar up to $38 billion, equivalent to 10% of its average global services turnover between 2022 and 2024. Chinese reports framed this as a stringent regulatory actionThe Competition Commission of India (CCI) has been scrutinizing Apple since 2022 following complaints from startups like Match Group about restrictive App Store policies, including a ban on third-party payment systems and high commission fees up to 30%. Apple denied wrongdoing and the CCI’s final verdict remains pending. This legal battle highlights the challenges in balancing consumer protection with fair business practice amid rising regulatory assertiveness toward digital monopolies in India.

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.