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NEWS IN CHINA

• China to Launch First Yuan Sovereign Bonds in Canada: China will issue its first yuan-denominated sovereign bonds in Canada during the week beginning November 9, marking a new step in promoting the international use of the Chinese currency and expanding financial cooperation with Canada. China’s Ministry of Finance plans to issue up to 4 billion yuan (around US$600 million) in green sovereign bonds. The issuance will coincide with the second round of the China-Canada Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue, which is set to be held in Canada. The mechanism is being resumed after an eight-year pause. Canada will join Hong Kong, London, and Macao as an offshore market for China’s sovereign bond issuance. Analysts reported that the move could help broaden the investor base for yuan-denominated assets in North America and support the development of offshore yuan markets. The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration in green finance, yuan-related financial services, and other areas of economic and financial cooperation. Analysts noted that the bond sale could further strengthen financial links between China and Canada while advancing the international use of the yuan.
  
  
• China Expands Nuclear Cooperation with ASEAN and GCC: China is seeking to expand cooperation with ASEAN and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the peaceful use of nuclear technology, with a focus on clean energy, sustainable development and practical civilian applications. This cooperation is expected to cover sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection and scientific research. China has emphasised that nuclear technology can be used to improve medical services, support food production, enhance industrial processes and contribute to green development goals. China also expressed its willingness to share technical expertise, training opportunities and development experience with partner countries. Additionally, exchanges between experts, research institutions and government agencies are expected to play an important role in strengthening local capabilities and promoting the wider use of peaceful nuclear technologies. In its engagement with GCC countries, China highlighted cooperation in nuclear safety, security, technological innovation and talent development. Both sides showed interest in building long-term mechanisms for dialogue and collaboration, while exploring opportunities in clean energy and advanced technologies.
  
  
• China Launches Initiative to Safeguard Academic Heritage: China has launched a new national alliance and a specialised academic school aimed at protecting lesser-known and endangered fields of study that are facing declining numbers of researchers and students. The article noted that the alliance was initiated by the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS) and brings together 82 institutions from across China, including major universities and cultural organisations. Alongside the alliance, UCASS has also established a School of Specialised Studies dedicated to preserving and advancing these academic fields. The school will focus on subjects such as oracle bone inscriptions, bamboo and silk manuscripts, ancient ethnic scripts and historical languages including Tangut, Manchu, and ancient Tibetan. The institution will also use digital technologies to support research and preservation efforts. The new alliance plans to establish research centres, support research teams and introduce mentorship programs to strengthen academic development.
  
  
• World Media Summit Opens in Beijing, Focuses on AI and Media Future: The 7th World Media Summit opened in Beijing on November 7, under the theme of “Media in the Intelligent Age: From Consensus to Action. The summit brought together nearly 500 representatives from around 330 media organisations, think tanks and government institutions from 112 countries and regions. The event was jointly organised by Xinhua News Agency and the Beijing municipal government. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivered the keynote speech. According to the article, the discussions focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the media industry and how news organisations should respond to the opportunities and challenges created by new technologies. A key outcome of the summit was the adoption of the World Media Summit Beijing Consensus, which supports the responsible and inclusive use of AI in media development. The summit also launched the Global Media Initiative for the Joint Development of AI Application Standards, bringing together major media organisations to develop common standards for AI use, strengthen data security, safeguard information authenticity and enhance public trust in the media.
  
  
• China Advances Polar Science with 43rd Antarctic Mission: China officially began its 43rd Antarctic scientific expedition on November 7, with the research icebreaker Xuelong 2 departing from Sanya in Hainan Province. The expedition is part of China's ongoing efforts to strengthen scientific research in Antarctica and deepen its understanding of the polar environment.  The mission will focus on a range of scientific studies, including climate change, marine ecosystems, and the Antarctic environment. Researchers will conduct observations and collect data to support scientific research and environmental protection efforts. The expedition is also expected to contribute to international understanding of the Antarctic region and its changing climate. Through these expeditions, Chinese scientists aim to improve understanding of Antarctica's ecosystems and climate systems while supporting the peaceful use of the region for scientific purposes. According to the report, the departure of Xuelong 2 marks the official start of another major Antarctic research mission and reflects China's continued commitment to polar exploration and scientific cooperation. 
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to China's Expanding Delivery Network: A Weibo post highlighting the rapid growth of China's express delivery sector drew significant attention online. The post cited official data showing that China handles more than 540 million parcels daily and noted that initiatives such as "Express Delivery to Rural Areas" and "Express Delivery to Villages" have helped build an extensive logistics network covering both urban and rural communities. The discussion that followed was largely positive, with many users reflecting on how delivery services have changed daily life. One user wrote that online shopping is "really convenient" and helps solve the troubles faced by more introverted people. Another user remarked that "since the development of e-commerce and rural logistics, it feels as if a whole new world has opened up," highlighting the greater access to products and services now available across the country. Many comments focused on the benefits for rural communities. One user noted that "the significance of delivering express deliveries to villages is self-evident, making things more convenient for farmers," while another observed that "the fact that large items can enter villages shows that rural consumption is no longer about settling," suggesting that residents now have access to a broader range of goods and lifestyles.  

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Discusses Indian Firms Showcasing Products at Shanghai Expo: An article in Global Times discussed Indian companies' participation in the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. The article highlighted the showcase of products by enterprises seeking new business opportunities in the Chinese market. According to the article, Indian exhibitors displayed a wide range of products, including Kashmir cashmere scarves, handcrafted furniture, traditional handicrafts and incense. The article noted that economic cooperation continues to be a stabilising factor in bilateral relations. It added that the two economies are highly complementary, with both sides able to benefit from deeper trade and investment links. The article also stated that many Indian businesses view China not only as a large consumer market but also as a platform for accessing wider regional opportunities. According to the article, the strong participation of Indian exhibitors at the CIIE demonstrates continued confidence in the Chinese market and reflects expectations that improving bilateral ties could lead to greater economic cooperation in the future. Experts cited in the article suggested that expanding business engagement could help create new momentum for China-India relations and contribute to broader commercial exchanges between the two countries.

Prepared By

Farhat Naz

Farhat Naz holds a postgraduate degree in International Relations and Political Science from the Central University of Kerala and a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Patna University. Her research interests include international security, great-power politics, geopolitical competition, South and West Asian affairs, conflict and peace studies, and the evolving international order.