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NEWS IN CHINA

• Xi Addresses Opening Ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference: Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the High-level Conference on Artificial Intelligence Global Governance in Shanghai. In his address, titled “Joining Hands to Build a Fair and Reasonable Global Artificial Intelligence Governance System,” Xi emphasised that while artificial intelligence presents significant development opportunities, it also poses governance, security and ethical challenges that require international cooperation. Xi outlined four proposals for global AI governance: promoting openness and innovation through cooperation and open-source development, strengthening risk management to ensure AI remains safe and under human control, fostering mutual learning among civilisations by aligning AI with shared human values, and enhancing multilateral global governance under the United Nations while supporting developing countries in narrowing the digital intelligence gap. Xi further noted that the country’s core AI industry has surpassed one trillion yuan in value and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to balancing AI development with regulation and ethical standards. He also announced new international initiatives, including 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries and expanded AI cooperation platforms, marking the launch of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation headquartered in Shanghai.
  
  
• China Calls for Civilian Protection and Renewed Peace Talks on Ukraine at UN Meeting: China’s Permanent Mission Counsellor to the United Nations, Teng Fei, urged greater protection of civilians and renewed peace negotiations during a UN Security Council Arria formula meeting on Ukraine convened by Russia. Condemning the attacks on innocent civilians, he called for compliance with international humanitarian law, avoiding actions that could escalate the conflict, and ensuring the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure. Teng said the situation in Ukraine remains deeply concerning. He noted that the prolonged ground conflict has intensified, causing significant civilian suffering while making prospects for peace talks increasingly difficult. Teng reaffirmed China’s position by stating that Beijing supports all efforts to achieve peace. He encouraged the relevant parties to demonstrate political will, resume dialogue and negotiations, and work towards a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. He further added that China has consistently maintained an objective and fair position on the Ukraine issue. China has continued communication with all parties and will remain committed to facilitating dialogue and supporting a political resolution to the crisis.
  
  
• Xi Issues Instructions Following a Mountain Collapse in Chongqing: Chinese President Xi Jinping issued important instructions after a mountain collapse in Hanqi Street, Pengshui County, Chongqing, causing multiple people to be buried and missing. Xi called for scientific and efficient search and rescue efforts while emphasising the need to prevent secondary disasters. He also instructed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and handle post-disaster relief and recovery work effectively. Xi urged officials to promptly investigate the cause of the collapse, strengthen the identification and elimination of geological disaster risks, and enhance disaster prevention measures to safeguard public safety. He stressed that authorities at all levels should reinforce safety responsibilities, improve monitoring and early warning systems, and conduct thorough inspections to minimise future risks. Premier Li Qiang also issued instructions directing relevant authorities to support Chongqing’s rescue operations, provide medical care to the injured, assist affected residents, and prevent further disasters. Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing travelled to the site to oversee rescue efforts. Local authorities have mobilised emergency response teams, with search and rescue operations and post-disaster response efforts currently underway.
  
  
• Chinese Vice Premier Calls for Accelerating Inner Mongolia’s Role as Northern Gateway for Opening Up: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng called for accelerating the development of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as a key gateway for China’s opening up to the north during an inspection tour of the region. He emphasised the need to advance the high-quality development of the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone, strengthen port-driven economic growth, and deepen international economic and trade cooperation. During his visit to the pilot free trade zone and several land ports, he inspected customs clearance operations at railway and highway ports, the functioning of China-Europe freight trains, and the development of international logistics centres. He further urged efforts to increase bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation while advancing the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor. He also called for the accelerated development of high-level connectivity infrastructure, greater promotion of cross-border e-commerce and logistics, and the transformation of the corridor economy into a hub- and industry-based economy. In addition, he emphasised the importance of advancing green and smart industrial transformation, upgrading sectors and exploring coordinated development between computing power and electricity resources.
  
  
• China Expands ‘Cloud Owl’ Operation to Combat Cultural Relics Crime: China’s Ministry of Public Security and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage convened a meeting in Beijing to advance the nationwide “Cloud Owl” special operation, which is aimed at combating and preventing crimes involving cultural relics. The meeting directed local public security and cultural heritage authorities to strengthen coordination, enhance the protection of cultural relics, and increase law enforcement efforts. Authorities were instructed to prioritise cracking down on the theft of nationally and provincially protected cultural relics, illegal excavation of archaeological sites under the guise of “treasure hunting,” online trafficking of cultural relics, illegal resale through auction channels, smuggling, and deliberate damage to heritage sites during construction projects. The meeting also called for improved safety inspections, timely reporting of risks, stronger community participation, and greater public awareness of cultural heritage protection laws. Since the launch of the “Cloud Owl” operation on May 15, Chinese authorities have opened more than 170 criminal cases related to cultural relics, arrested over 390 suspects, and recovered more than 2,700 cultural relics, including over 230 precious cultural relics, underscoring Beijing’s intensified efforts to safeguard the country’s cultural heritage.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to Foreign Ministry’s Rejection of U.S. Election Interference Allegations: A viral post on Weibo discussed Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian’s response to U.S. allegations that China interfered in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The post stated that, during a regular press conference,  spokesperson Lin dismissed the allegations as purely fabricated and malicious slander. The post further noted that he reiterated China’s long-standing position that it adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and has no interest and has never interfered in the U.S. election. It also highlighted Lin’s remarks urging the United States to reflect on itself, and stop making unfounded accusations against China. The post quickly drew reactions from Weibo users. One user commented, “They are all unfriendly to China. What's the point of interfering?” Another wrote, “It's 2026 now, and I'm still turning over the old account for 2020.” While some users commented, “Old American narcissist.” Other users noted that similar allegations tend to re-emerge during every U.S. election cycle and questioned their credibility. Some argued that the United States should accept electoral outcomes rather than revisit past claims, while others suggested China should adopt a more proactive approach in countering such accusations instead of responding defensively.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Discusses India’s Campaign for Permanent Seat of Non-Member of the United Nations Security Council: An article on Guancha discussed India’s increased diplomatic efforts to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-2029 term. According to the article, through this initiative, New Delhi is seeking broader international support ahead of the 2027 election. It also stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need for greater representation of developing countries in global affairs during his address to the Indonesian Parliament in July, a message that aligns with India’s push for UN reform. It further added that several countries, including the United States, Austria, and Fiji, have backed India’s bid, while New Delhi has strengthened ties with developing nations through initiatives such as the Voice of the Global South Summit and development cooperation programmes. The article also noted that India faces competition from Tajikistan, which has secured support from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The article underscored some analysts’ view that diplomatic influence and size do not guarantee victory in Security Council elections, citing recent unexpected outcomes. The article concluded by noting that despite these challenges, India’s previous eight terms on the Council and extensive UN experience provide it with an advantage.