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NEWS IN CHINA

• Chinese Commerce Minister Meets German Vice Chancellor: On Tuesday, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, in Berlin. According to a statement from China's Ministry of Commerce released on Wednesday, the two officials engaged in a frank and comprehensive discussion on various topics, including the European Union's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles. Wang expressed concern that the European Union's tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles could significantly undermine trade and investment collaboration, negatively impacting both China and Germany. He emphasized that such measures would not only disrupt the economic relationship between the two nations but also have broader implications for bilateral cooperation. Wang underscored the importance of resolving this issue swiftly and in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations to prevent a further escalation of economic and trade tensions between China and the EU. He stressed that finding a fair and mutually beneficial solution would help maintain stability in international trade relations. Habeck affirmed Germany’s commitment to free trade and expressed support for investment from Chinese automotive and parts companies. He voiced opposition to the EU's tariffs on electric vehicles from China. Additionally, Habeck stated that Germany would encourage the European Commission to work towards a suitable resolution with China in order to prevent escalating economic and trade disputes.
  
  
• China tests next-gen fighter jet on carrier: China's next-generation carrier-based fighter jet, referred to as the J-35 by military analysts, has begun trial operations on the People's Liberation Army Navy's aircraft carrier, CNS Liaoning, according to a report by China Central Television. In a video released by the state broadcaster on Friday, Zhang Naigang, a senior noncommissioned officer aboard the Liaoning, remarked that "the new fighter jet landed on the carrier as my military career is nearing its conclusion." Zhang Naigang shared with CCTV that the new aircraft made its first landing and takeoff test on the CNS Liaoning on a clear, fine day, and described it as visually impressive. He compared the event to the first takeoff of the Navy’s current carrier-based fighter jet, the J-15, recalling the similarity of the experience. Zhang Naigang, who leads the Liaoning's aircraft operations support, confirmed the trial of China's new carrier-based fighter jet, though without details on the aircraft or tests. He expressed pride in witnessing its first takeoff. The J-15, in service for over a decade, is China’s only carrier-borne fighter. However, military analyst Song Zhongping noted that while the J-15 rivals Russia's Su-33 and the U.S. F/A-18 Hornet, it cannot effectively counter stealth aircraft. He emphasized the need for China to develop a new jet to meet future challenges from advanced naval forces.
  
  
• Chinese Researchers Unveil Chang'e-6 Lunar Samples: A joint research team from several Chinese institutions published the first-ever study on lunar samples brought back by the Chang'e-6 mission in the journal National Science Review on Tuesday. This groundbreaking paper not only addressed a long-standing gap in the study of the Moon's far side but also offered direct insights into its early evolution. The research, led by prominent Chinese institutions such as the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Space Administration Lunar Exploration and Aerospace Engineering Center, examined the physical, mineralogical, and geochemical properties of the returned lunar samples. Historically, over 380 kilograms of lunar samples were collected from the Moon's near side through six U.S. Apollo missions, three Soviet Luna missions, and China's Chang'e-5 mission. The Chang'e-6 mission is the first to retrieve 1,935.3 grams of samples from the Moon's far side, specifically from the South Pole-Aitken basin near the Apollo impact crater. This region, with its thin lunar crust, may reveal ancient materials from early impact basins. Particle analysis indicates a bimodal grain size distribution, suggesting the samples were mixed from different sources. The Chang'e-6 samples contain basalt and non-basaltic materials, offering key insights into the Moon's ancient impact history, far-side volcanic activity, and interior composition.
  
  
• Wang Yi Meets with ROK-China Parliamentarians' Union Leader: On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kim Tae-nyeon, president of the ROK-China Parliamentarians' Union, in Beijing. Wang commended the association for its role in fostering positive relations between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK), stressing the importance of consistent exchanges between the two neighboring nations. He highlighted the mutual success and development both countries have achieved, noting their significant contributions to regional peace and prosperity, which should be deeply appreciated. Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that despite shifts in international and regional dynamics or any challenges the two countries may face, China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) should continue to adapt to the times, maintain mutual trust as good neighbors, and foster win-win cooperation. This, he said, would bring renewed energy to China-ROK relations. Wang also expressed China's willingness to expand comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation with the ROK, protect free trade principles, and ensure the stability and efficiency of supply chains. Kim and lawmakers from various political parties, visiting Beijing, noted that the ROK-China Parliamentarians' Union has broad cross-party support, highlighting the shared commitment to strengthening ROK-China relations. They expressed the Union's willingness to collaborate with China in enhancing strategic communication, expanding cooperation, and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
  
  
• China opens 12 nuclear research facilities to the world: On the afternoon of September 16, during the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, the China Atomic Energy Agency hosted a side event titled "Open Cooperation, Shared Development," focusing on the open sharing of nuclear research facilities. The event featured speeches from Liu Jing, Deputy Director of the China Atomic Energy Agency; Chudakov, Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency; Ambassador Li Song, China's Permanent Representative to the IAEA; and Yu Jianfeng, Chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation. In his speech, Liu Jing announced that, marking the 40th anniversary of China’s membership in the International Atomic Energy Agency, China will open 12 nuclear research facilities and experimental platforms to countries worldwide, including those in the global South. These facilities, including the China Advanced Research Reactor, span various fields such as basic nuclear science research, material and component irradiation testing, isotope production, reactor thermal hydraulics, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, radioactive waste treatment, and nuclear fusion research.China has reportedly established eight IAEA collaboration centers and developed strong nuclear science and technology research partnerships with countries such as France, Russia, and the European Union. Additionally, China has worked with developing countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Algeria, Ghana, and Nigeria, to set up various nuclear research facilities and joint laboratories in these regions.
  
  
  SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

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  China Dad Turns Home into Toy Castle to Distract Daughter from Devices: A father in central China, Zhang, addressed his family's phone addiction by transforming his home into a playful toy castle, complete with a pink dragon made from range hood piping. This creative endeavor quickly gained popularity on social media across the mainland. In a video shared by Henan Broadcasting System on September 11, Zhang, a 35-year-old from Zhengzhou, Henan province, explained that he wanted to provide his daughter, who is around three or four years old, with engaging alternatives to screen time, noting that toys were the perfect solution for her age group. Zhang noticed that his young daughter, Nini, was spending too much time in front of screens, so he decided to create homemade toys to "compete for her attention." The transformation of their home into a castle was not just a temporary project—Zhang has built nearly 300 toys for his daughter, including a train track running along the ceiling of their home. One commenter suggested that parents like Zhang should be encouraged to have more children, while another expressed a wish for their own child to have a father like him, adding that the dragon looked like so much fun they'd want to play, too. A humorous viewer joked about the pressure of such projects, recalling how they once had to enlist a professional funeral craftsman to help with a paper house for their child's kindergarten.
  
  
  INDIA WATCH

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  India, China Signal Thaw in Ties with Diplomatic and Border Efforts reports SCMP: The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that after years of rising border tensions, India and China were showing signs of de-escalation reported with the recent diplomatic talks. The article reported that both countries released statements highlighting positive developments following discussions between India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a Brics meeting in St. Petersburg last Thursday. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that the meeting offered an opportunity to assess progress in resolving issues along the Line of Actual Control, crucial for stabilizing and improving relations. Just hours before the talks in Russia, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed that about 75 percent of India’s "disengagement problems" with China had been addressed. Earlier that week, S. Jaishankar highlighted India's willingness for economic engagement with China during talks in Berlin with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on September 10, stating that India is open to business from China. According to the article, recent reports suggest that India might relax restrictions on Chinese investments in non-sensitive sectors like solar panels and battery manufacturing to enhance domestic production in these areas. The article also highlighted that, given India’s dependence on China for key sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and solar panels, limiting Chinese visas could impede local industries and disrupt supply chain development.

Prepared By

Pavithra SR

I am a third-year undergraduate majoring in International Relations at Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, Greater Noida specializing in gender, security, and digitalization. My interests include policy making and South Asian studies, with a particular focus on international migration, subaltern communities, and democratic studies. I am keen to conduct policy research in these areas in the future.