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NEWS IN CHINA

• Xi Jinping Stresses Basic Research as Foundation for Innovation: President Xi Jinping attended a symposium in Shanghai focused on strengthening basic research. In his speech, Xi highlighted that fundamental research underpins the entire scientific system and is essential for breakthroughs in technology. He urged greater investment, stronger planning, and more effective measures to enhance China’s capacity for original innovation and to build a solid base for becoming a science and technology powerhouse. Xi noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has made significant progress in basic research through improved layouts, increased funding, and institutional reforms. With global competition intensifying in cutting-edge fields, he stressed the urgency of advancing original and disruptive innovation. He called for integrating education, science, and talent development, improving training mechanisms, and supporting young researchers. Xi also emphasized expanding funding, building major scientific infrastructure, fostering open and tolerant research environments, and strengthening integrity. He urged deeper international cooperation to address global challenges such as climate change and health. The symposium was attended by senior Party leaders, ministers, scientists, and representatives from universities, enterprises, and research institutions.
  
  
• China, US Discuss Ties; Wang Yi Highlights Taiwan as Key Concern: Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing that the Taiwan issue touches on China’s fundamental interests and remains the most sensitive challenge in China-US relations. Wang noted that communication between the two heads of state has long provided strategic direction and stability to bilateral ties. He stated that maintaining this stability aligns with the interests of both nations and the broader international community. Addressing Taiwan, Wang urged the United States to uphold its commitments and take responsible actions that would contribute to peace and open avenues for cooperation. Rubio described the bilateral relationship as one of the most significant globally and acknowledged the importance of leadership-level engagement. He stressed the need for continued dialogue, mutual respect, and careful handling of disagreements to support long-term stability. Both sides also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues, including developments in the Middle East.
  
  
• China Releases Working Paper on Japan’s Nuclear Plans, Calls for Global Vigilance: China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a working paper expressing concerns over Japan’s nuclear policy direction. It called on Tokyo to strictly follow the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and adhere to its long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles, which include not owning, not developing, and not permitting the deployment of nuclear weapons within Japan’s territory. The document highlighted that in recent years, some Japanese officials have publicly discussed revising these principles, raising concerns about a potential shift in policy. It also pointed to Japan’s updated security strategies and a steady rise in defense spending over more than a decade, warning these trends could signal a revival of militarist tendencies. China urged Japan to draw lessons from history, remain committed to its pacifist stance, and avoid actions that could lead to rearmament or nuclear weapons development. It further called on the international community to remain vigilant regarding Japan’s intentions and to exercise caution in nuclear cooperation. China also encouraged the International Atomic Energy Agency to enhance monitoring and verification efforts to ensure Japan’s nuclear activities remain strictly peaceful.
  
  
• Chinese Defense Ministry Responds to Nuclear- Powered Aircraft Carrier Speculation: China’s Ministry of National Defense has addressed recent speculation surrounding the possible development of its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, following the release of a promotional video by the People’s Liberation Army Navy. At a regular press briefing, spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang stated that China’s aircraft carrier development is always planned comprehensively, taking into account national security requirements and advancements in equipment and technology. The speculation emerged after the name “He Jian” featured in the navy’s promotional video. The name has drawn attention due to its phonetic similarity in Chinese to the term “nuclear vessel,” commonly used to describe nuclear-powered warships. Responding to the interpretations, Zhang refrained from confirming any specific plans and instead offered a nuanced remark, quoting a literary expression that “as the saying goes, there are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people’s eyes.”
  
  
• China Launches Four-Month Campaign to Regulate AI Applications: The Cyberspace Administration of China has announced a nationwide four-month campaign titled “Clean Up the Internet: Rectifying the Chaos in AI Applications” to strengthen regulation of artificial intelligence services and safeguard citizens’ rights. The initiative will unfold in two phases, targeting both technical compliance and content governance. The first phase focuses on AI service violations, including failure to register large-scale models, weak security and filtering mechanisms, risks in training data, AI data poisoning, improper labeling of synthetic content, misuse of AI for unauthorized activities such as face-swapping or voice-mimicking, and inadequate oversight of open-source models. Authorities aim to reinforce source governance and ensure platforms meet regulatory standards. The second phase addresses harmful content generated by AI, such as distorted cultural works, false information, impersonation, violent or vulgar material, exploitation of minors, and organized online trolling. It also targets illegal AI products and services offering prohibited functions. Officials stressed that local cyberspace administrations must enforce responsibilities, supervise platforms, conduct thorough self-inspections, and improve long-term governance mechanisms. 
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Expulsion of the Former Chairman of Securities Regulatory Commission Sparks Debate on Weibo: A post with the hashtag #FormerChairmanOfTheChinaSecuritiesRegulatoryCommissionYiHuimanExpelledFromPartyAndPublicOffice# is going viral on Weibo following the official announcement that Yi Huiman has been expelled from the Communist Party and removed from public office over serious disciplinary and legal violations. The notice stated that Yi engaged in misconduct, including abuse of power, accepting bribes, and improper influence in appointments and financial approvals. Authorities described his actions as severe violations with significant negative impact, leading to confiscation of illegal gains and transfer of his case for criminal prosecution. Online reactions have been strongly critical, especially among small and individual stock market investors. Many users expressed anger over financial losses, with one commenting that Yi had “made him lose a lot of money,” while another stated that his actions had caused significant harm and suffering to stock market investors” Some users questioned accountability, questioning who would compensate for investor losses. Others criticized systemic issues, as one user remarked that “people had expected to benefit financially, but in reality, the gains went to the wrong individuals." Several users called for broader investigations, urging authorities not to “let him get away.” A few comments reflected confusion on how such actions went unnoticed for so long, questioning for more details about the allegations.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Discusses India’s Position on BRICS Push for Alternative Payment System: An article published in Guancha discussed India’s role in ongoing BRICS efforts to develop a cross-border payment system independent of Western financial infrastructure. The article noted that BRICS countries are evaluating a digital payment framework aimed at reducing exposure to US dollar volatility, sanctions, and tariff pressures. It highlighted that the upcoming BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi in May, ahead of the September summit, is expected to prioritize payment connectivity and trade settlement mechanisms. According to Guancha, the Reserve Bank of India has proposed allowing cross-border transactions among BRICS members to be settled in local currencies, including the Indian rupee. The article suggested that this reflects India’s interest in reducing reliance on Western-dominated financial channels. It also noted that analysts view the plan’s feasibility as dependent on how effectively BRICS countries can balance financial autonomy with potential geopolitical sensitivities, particularly from the United States. The article further highlighted that a decentralized BRICS payment system could enhance resilience against external economic shocks and reduce dependence on dollar-based systems. 

Prepared By

Neha Maurya

Neha Maurya is a fourth-year undergraduate student at FLAME University, pursuing a major in International Studies with a minor in Public Policy. Her research interests lie in strategic studies, governance, and education policy. She aspires to engage in work that links research insights to policy outcomes.