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NEWS IN CHINA

• Xi Jinping and Frank-Walter Steinmeier Discuss Strengthening China-Germany Cooperation: Chinese President Xi Jinping met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beijing, calling for a stable and mutually beneficial partnership amid global uncertainty. Xi emphasised the importance of communication and coordination between the two countries, particularly given their roles in China-EU relations and the global economy. Xi highlighted the complementary strengths of the two economies, noting Germany’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and China’s focus on high-quality development. He identified artificial intelligence, green development, the digital economy and trade in services as potential areas for deeper cooperation. He also called for fair and transparent business conditions for companies from both countries and greater exchanges in education, culture and the arts. On China-EU relations, Xi described economic ties as mutually beneficial and said differences should be addressed through dialogue. He expressed hope that China and the EU would work together on global economic cooperation and a multipolar international order. Steinmeier reaffirmed Germany’s adherence to the one-China policy and said trade differences should be resolved through consultation. He also voiced support for free trade, World Trade Organisation rules and international law.
  
  
• China-Peru Upgraded FTA Broadens Market Access and Strengthens Supply Chain Cooperation: The upgraded protocol to the China-Peru Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took effect, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce. The two countries began negotiations on the upgrade in November 2018 and signed the protocol on November 14, 2024. The original agreement, signed in 2009, entered into force in 2010. The protocol revises seven existing chapters covering rules of origin, customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, intellectual property, trade in services, temporary entry of business personnel and investment. It also introduces five new chapters addressing standards and conformity assessment, competition policy, e-commerce, global supply chains, and environment and trade. The updated agreement establishes mechanisms to strengthen cooperation on standards and facilitate mutual recognition, potentially reducing trade costs for businesses. Its global supply chains chapter promotes multimodal transport, logistics corridors and infrastructure development. China and Peru have also agreed to begin negotiations on negative lists for trade in services and investment within two years of the protocol taking effect, with the aim of further expanding market access.
  
  
• China’s Draft Financial Law Advances to Second Reading with Expanded Regulatory Provisions: China’s draft financial law is scheduled for a second reading at the 25th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), to be held in Beijing from November 2 to 6. The draft was first reviewed in June, followed by a public consultation period from June 26 to July 25, during which the NPC’s official website received 1,127 comments and 14 letters. According to Huang Haihua, spokesperson for the NPC Standing Committee’s Legislative Affairs Commission, public submissions called for stronger protections for financial consumers and investors, improved oversight of internet-based financial activities, better risk management at local small and medium-sized financial institutions, and tougher measures against illegal financial activities. Some of these suggestions have been incorporated into the revised draft. The proposed revisions include strengthening safeguards for consumers and investors, introducing more unified regulation of asset management products and services, and adding targeted provisions for activities such as online marketing. They also propose tighter oversight of cross-border financial activities. The second reading will provide a further opportunity to review the proposed regulatory framework and the measures intended to address emerging risks in China’s financial sector.
  
  
• China Implements New Mandatory Standards to Strengthen Child Safety and Health Protection: Four new or revised mandatory national standards and regulations took effect in China, introducing stricter requirements for classroom lighting, youth sports training, children’s products and toys. The measures aim to reduce health and safety risks in children’s learning environments, physical activities and everyday use of consumer products. A revised standard on classroom lighting and daylighting sets requirements for natural light, lighting uniformity, blue-light hazards and flicker in primary and secondary schools. It also calls for regular inspections and maintenance of lighting equipment to support eye health and efforts to prevent myopia. A new code of conduct for youth sports training establishes requirements for training facilities, class sizes, instructor qualifications and safety management. It also requires courses to reflect children’s ages and physical abilities, restricts the employment of individuals with specified criminal records and introduces additional first-aid provisions for high-risk sports. Meanwhile, a mandatory standard for children’s products establishes baseline safety requirements for products used by children under 14, addressing hazards such as sharp edges, detachable small parts, strangulation risks and harmful chemicals. 
  
  
• China Advances Manned Lunar Landing Programme with Two-Launch Mission Architecture: China will adopt a “two launches, lunar orbit rendezvous” architecture for its crewed lunar exploration programme, according to Wang Xiang, deputy chief designer of the country’s manned space programme. Speaking at the 7th Manned Space Symposium in Beijing, Wang said development work for a crewed lunar landing is progressing steadily. Under the plan, separate rockets will carry the Lanyue lunar lander and Mengzhou crewed spacecraft into the Earth-Moon transfer orbit. The two vehicles will then rendezvous and dock in lunar orbit, allowing astronauts to transfer to the lander for descent to the lunar surface and scientific activities. Wang said the architecture aligns with China’s existing technical capabilities and infrastructure. Developing the spacecraft and lander separately could also facilitate standardised production and support the development of a longer-term vehicle family. He acknowledged the technical challenges involved, highlighting integrated design, system-wide coordination and interface verification as key elements of the programme. Wang also emphasised a phased approach to lunar exploration, prioritising scientific understanding and capability development before resource utilisation. He noted that technologies and experience gained through China’s Chang’e lunar exploration programme would support the crewed landing effort.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to Jiangsu’s Introduction of Robot Security Guards: A post on Weibo gained attention after reporting that residential property management companies in Jiangsu had introduced patrol robots capable of operating 24 hours a day. According to the post, the robots’ workload is equivalent to that of five human security guards, while monthly electricity consumption is approximately 200 kWh. The technology offers potential savings in labour costs and could improve the efficiency of routine patrols. The post attracted online reactions that reflected both interest in the technology and concerns about its implications for employment. One user observed, “Patrol security guards can still be used, but personnel guards are still irreplaceable.” Another noted, “The trend is here, but it has limited effect for the time being.” Another user expressed concern about the impact on workers, commenting, “Don’t be like this at the grassroots level! Leave some living space for the common people.” Other users suggested that robots could eventually replace property management staff, including managers, while acknowledging their usefulness in collecting surveillance data and conducting routine patrols. Several expressed concern that automation could reduce employment opportunities for older workers and people seeking entry-level security jobs, with one user adding, “The security guards in our community are all elderly and don't have social security.” 

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Discusses Media Coverage of China-India Border Issue: An article in Global Times examined recent media coverage of the China-India border issue, highlighting how reports of changes in military patrol patterns and alleged border confrontations have renewed public discussion. It alleged that some reports and online videos have been circulated without sufficient context, contributing to differing perceptions of developments along the border. The article linked the coverage to domestic political debates in India, suggesting that the border issue has now been featured in partisan discussions. It also analysed that Western media reporting influences some Indian coverage of China, raising questions about the diversity of perspectives in public discourse. According to the article, increasingly confrontational narratives may limit space for discussions on diplomatic engagement and dispute resolution. The article also considered the implications for bilateral relations and economic cooperation, noting that renewed tensions could affect opportunities in investment, trade and supply-chain partnerships. It highlighted the gradual improvement in relations following the October 2024 meeting between the two countries’ leaders in Kazan and referred to their subsequent meeting in New Delhi on September 12, 2026, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The article concluded that stronger China-India relations, built on mutual trust, understanding and respect for each other’s interests, could support regional stability, promote global economic growth and contribute to a more balanced multipolar world.

Prepared By

Arushi Sharma

Arushi Sharma is a Junior Research Associate at Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). She is a recent postgraduate in East Asian Studies from the University of Delhi and holds a Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language from K.R. Mangalam University. She has previously worked as a Subject Matter Expert in Mandarin Language at Unacademy. Her primary research interests focus on China's domestic politics and international economic statecraft.