Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA

• ​Wang Yi Holds Talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister on Bilateral Cooperation: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, stressing deeper bilateral cooperation and greater coordination on global issues. During the meeting, Wang said both countries should strengthen exchanges at all levels, expand cooperation and contribute jointly to world peace and development. He highlighted the steady growth of bilateral relations, underscoring that political trust has deepened and cooperation has expanded into green and innovative sectors. Wang further emphasised increasing bilateral trade, finalising a China-Norway free trade agreement at an early date, and deepening collaboration in clean energy, electric vehicles, green shipping and the circular economy. While discussing global affairs, Wang called for stronger cooperation in defending multilateralism, promoting peaceful dispute resolution and improving global governance. Eide reaffirmed Norway's commitment to the one-China policy and expressed willingness to expand cooperation with China in trade, green economy, environmental protection and maritime affairs. The both sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, the Middle East and other regional and international issues.
  
  
• Xi Jinping Issues Instructions on Disaster Relief Amid Severe Flooding: Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued important guidelines on flood control and disaster relief following severe rainfall, strong winds and related disasters in Guangxi, Hubei, Gansu and other regions. President Xi noted that recent extreme weather has triggered reservoir collapses, landslides and other disasters, resulting in significant casualties and economic losses. He called for all-out efforts to carry out search-and-rescue operations, treat the injured, resettle affected residents, and prevent secondary disasters to minimise casualties. While describing the current flood control situation as serious and complex, President Xi urged local authorities and relevant departments to fully implement existing disaster prevention measures, avoid complacency, strengthen accountability, and intensify inspections of rivers, lakes, reservoirs and geological disaster-prone areas. He also called for increased monitoring, early warning systems and emergency preparedness to safeguard lives and property. Premier Li Qiang also instructed national disaster management authorities to closely monitor rainfall and flooding, strengthen early warning mechanisms, investigate disaster risks and implement comprehensive flood prevention and relief measures to prevent major secondary disasters.
  
  
• China Expands Humanitarian Assistance to Venezuela, Calls for End to US Sanctions: China has announced additional humanitarian assistance for earthquake-hit Venezuela, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating that the Chinese government will provide emergency relief supplies worth 100 million yuan (US$14.7 million), in addition to previously announced cash assistance. According to Mao, the first batch of 80 tonnes of aid, including generators, water purifiers, tents and blankets, has arrived in Venezuela. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil thanked China for its assistance, describing the importance of the supplies for people displaced by the disaster and called it a reflection of the countries' strategic partnership. In addition, Mao reiterated China's opposition to unilateral sanctions not based on international law and urged the United States to lift its sanctions on Venezuela to facilitate post-earthquake recovery.
  
  
• China Unveils 15th Five-Year Plan to Build a Strong Tourism Sector by 2030: China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has released the 15th Five-Year Plan for the Construction of a Strong Tourism Country, outlining the country’s vision for high-quality tourism development by 2030. The plan, approved by the State Council, aims to establish a more modern tourism system and further strengthen tourism as a pillar of the national economy. According to the tourist data, domestic residents' travel has reached 8.3 billion, and the total expenditure of domestic tourism has reached 7.7 trillion yuan. The tourism sector is expected to play a greater role in boosting domestic demand, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. The plan also seeks to improve tourism public services and enhance visitors’ overall experience. It further highlighted tourism’s role in promoting China's global image and fostering cultural exchanges. Key priorities include optimising tourism infrastructure, expanding high-quality tourism products, stimulating tourism consumption, improving governance, strengthening tourism exchanges with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and deepening international tourism cooperation.
  
  
• China Expands Employment Support, Aligns Education with AI-Era Job Market: China is expanding employment support measures and reforming higher education to better prepare young people for an evolving labour market shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security organised a month-long online recruitment campaign by bringing together more than 5,000 internet companies, offering over 200,000 job vacancies through livestream recruitment events featuring major technology firms such as JD.com, Tencent, ByteDance and Alibaba. Companies also provided career guidance, salary information and virtual workplace tours to jobseekers. With 12.7 million college graduates expected to enter the workforce this year, the government has launched a nationwide employment support campaign running from July to December that will offer career counselling, vocational training, internships and job-matching services. Local governments and universities have also introduced targeted employment assistance and increased industry partnerships. The Ministry of Education has also expanded "micro-major" programmes focused on AI and other strategic industries to equip students with industry-oriented skills and better align talent development with future labour market demands.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to Guangdong Flood Warning: A viral post on Weibo states that the Provincial Hydrological Bureau has issued a red flood warning for the Xijiang River section amid worsening flood conditions. The post noted that authorities have coordinated reservoir operations, strengthened inspections of vulnerable infrastructure and directed local governments to evacuate residents from flood-prone areas in advance. The post quickly drew widespread attention from the online community. Many users commented that Guangdong had been experiencing heavy rainfall and unusual weather this year, while other users urged residents to stay safe and take care of themselves. A few users called on authorities to strengthen precautionary measures, commenting, "Do a good job of protection in advance to ensure the safety of the people." Some users encouraged everyone to cooperate during the crisis, commenting, "Let's all work together!" The majority of the users suggested taking stronger precautions across Guangdong, while others expressed their hopes for everyone's safety.

INDIA WATCH

​Guancha Discusses Rising Number of Indian Researchers in Japan: An article on Guancha discussed the growing number of Indian researchers travelling to Japan under a government scholarship programme, that aims to strengthen scientific cooperation between the two countries. According to the article, in fiscal year 2026, Japan expects around 1,000 Indian applicants, nearly 20 times the number recorded two years ago. The article attributed the increased number to the "Lotus Project," launched by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) in 2024, which enabled Indian doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers to conduct research at Japanese universities and public institutions. It also highlighted that the Japanese government provides up to 3 million yen per participant to cover living expenses, while India bears the travel costs. The article highlighted the mutual benefits of the initiative. Japan's strengths in chemistry and materials science are expected to attract Indian researchers and support India's manufacturing ambitions, while Japan stands to benefit from closer collaboration with India's expanding pool of talent in artificial intelligence and information science.