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NEWS IN CHINA

• SCO Members Hold Joint Cyber Anti-Terrorism Exercise in Xinjiang: Delegations from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) participated in the Tianshan-2026 joint cyber anti-terrorism exercise in Urumqi, Xinjiang, to strengthen cooperation against online terrorist threats. The exercise focused on evolving forms of terrorism, including its globalisation, digitalisation and use of advanced technologies. The drill simulated scenarios in which terrorist, separatist and extremist groups used online platforms to spread extremist ideologies, recruit members and coordinate attacks across SCO member states. Participating teams worked together to identify cybersecurity risks, track suspected targets and support offline law enforcement operations. The exercise, designed around practical operational needs, included multiple training scenarios that enabled participants to exchange experience, improve coordination, strengthen mutual trust and enhance joint capabilities in combating cyber terrorism. Delegations from SCO member states commended China's organisation of the exercise. Chinese officials said the exercise would further deepen practical cooperation among SCO members and contribute to regional security and stability.
  
  
• China, Argentina Renew Currency Swap Agreement for Five Years: China and Argentina have renewed their bilateral local currency swap agreement for another five years, reinforcing financial cooperation and supporting the use of local currencies in cross-border trade and investment. Under the renewed agreement, the swap line remains at 130 billion yuan, while its equivalent has been adjusted to 28 trillion Argentine pesos to reflect exchange rate changes. The agreement may be extended further with the mutual consent of both sides. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) said the renewed arrangement will help deepen financial cooperation, facilitate bilateral trade and economic exchanges, and support the stability of financial markets. The renewal extends the currency swap agreement signed in 2023, maintaining the existing 130 billion yuan swap line while updating the peso equivalent based on currency movements.
  
  
• China Expected to Become the World's Largest Travel and Tourism Investment Market by 2036: According to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), China is expected to become the world's largest travel and tourism investment market within the next decade, with investment projected to reach $402 billion by 2036. The country's tourism investment is also expected to rise from 2.3 per cent of total national investment in 2025 to 3.7 per cent by 2036. The sector's growth is supported by continued investment in airports, high-speed rail, accommodation and visitor services, along with policies such as expanded visa facilitation and improved tax refund measures to attract more international visitors. In 2025, global travel and tourism investment exceeded $1 trillion, with China, the United States, India and Saudi Arabia accounting for nearly half of the total. International overnight arrivals also reached a record 1.54 billion, with China among the countries recording the largest increase. China's tourism industry is forecast to grow 5.3 per cent in 2026, with an average annual growth rate of 6.5 per cent over the next decade. By 2036, the sector is expected to nearly double in size to $3.5 trillion, further strengthening its position as a leading global travel destination.
  
  
• Ministry of Civil Affairs Launches Campaign for 11th 'China Charity Day': China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has announced a nationwide publicity campaign for the 11th "China Charity Day", encouraging charitable organizations, businesses and individuals to participate in initiatives that support public welfare and improve people's livelihoods. The campaign, themed "Promoting Charity Culture and Practicing Charity for the People," aims to strengthen charitable engagement through activities in government institutions, businesses, rural areas, communities and households. According to the ministry, the campaign will highlight the contributions of charitable organizations in areas such as employment, elderly and child care, disability support, education, healthcare, rural revitalization and the Healthy China initiative. It will also promote awareness of China's Charity Law and related regulations to encourage lawful and transparent charitable activities. In addition, authorities will publicize recipients of the China Charity Award and other local charity awards to recognize exemplary contributions and encourage broader public participation. The ministry also called for continued community-based charity initiatives, including assistance for vulnerable groups such as older adults, children, people with disabilities and job seekers. Charitable organizations are encouraged to support emergency relief efforts, including flood control and disaster assistance, while expanding neighborhood-based volunteer and mutual aid activities.
  
  
• Canton Fair Expands Global Partnership Network Ahead of 140th Session: The China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC) has expanded the global partnership program of the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), signing new cooperation agreements with overseas institutions and renewing existing partnerships. The program now includes 231 institutions from 110 countries and regions, aiming to strengthen international trade cooperation and attract more overseas buyers. At the signing ceremony held in Guangzhou, three overseas organisations joined the partnership program, while three existing partners renewed their agreements. Representatives from participating organisations said the initiative would enhance buyer organisation, supply-demand matching, trade facilitation and market development, creating new opportunities for businesses in China and other international markets. The CFTC said global partners would be encouraged to recommend qualified buyers, organise professional purchasing delegations and participate in regular online and offline matchmaking events. In return, the Canton Fair will provide dedicated support services to facilitate business cooperation. The 140th Canton Fair is scheduled to take place in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, covering an exhibition area of 1.55 million square meters with 75,700 standard booths, continuing its role as a major platform for international trade.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Discusses Cybersecurity Review of Palo Alto Networks Products: A Weibo post discussing China's decision to conduct a cybersecurity review of products sold by Palo Alto Networks in the country has attracted significant attention online. The post stated that the review was launched by the Cybersecurity Review Office in accordance with the National Security Law, the Cybersecurity Law, and the Network Security Review Measures. It said the review aims to ensure the safe and stable operation of key information infrastructure, prevent potential cybersecurity risks, and safeguard national security. The announcement generated widespread discussion among Weibo users. Many expressed support for the review, with one user commenting, "Support strict investigation, must be strictly investigated," and another also added, "Must be reviewed." Other users took similar calls for a thorough investigation and viewed the review as an important measure to strengthen network security oversight. Some also noted that cybersecurity companies should be subject to security reviews.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Discusses India's Ethanol Fuel Policy and Its Impact on the Auto Industry: An article on Guancha discussed India's accelerated rollout of its E20 ethanol-blended fuel policy, describing it as part of the country's broader strategy to reduce oil import dependence and strengthen energy security. According to the article, the policy has generated debate among consumers over fuel efficiency, vehicle performance and compatibility with older vehicles, although the Indian government maintained that fuel quality issues were limited. The article stated that India views ethanol blending as a long-term strategy to promote energy independence, support domestic agriculture and reduce crude oil imports. It added that industry estimates suggest India may eventually increase the ethanol blending ratio to E30, depending on infrastructure and raw material availability. It concluded that while the policy has created opportunities for the ethanol industry and automobile manufacturers, it has also raised concerns over production capacity, vehicle adaptation and consumer confidence, making the balance between energy goals, industrial development and user experience a key challenge.