Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA

• China Advances as Global Tech Powerhouse During 14th Five-Year Plan: China’s science and technology sector has made remarkable progress during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), according to Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Yin underscored China’s strengthening foundation to become a global technological leader. In 2024, national R&D spending surpassed 3.6 trillion yuan ($506 billion), up 48% from 2020, with R&D intensity reaching 2.68%, higher than the EU average. China also leads globally in R&D personnel numbers. Basic research funding rose to 249.7 billion yuan ($35.7 billion), a 70% jump from 2020, while China ranked first worldwide for five consecutive years in both international patent applications and high-level journal publications. Strategic scientific capabilities also expanded, with steady progress in national laboratory construction and stronger performance by universities, research institutions, and leading firms. Regionally, Beijing, Shanghai, and the Greater Bay Area emerged as dynamic innovation hubs, with the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranked top among 100 global innovation centers. China’s global innovation ranking climbed from 14th in 2020 to 10th in 2024, reflecting its push for technological self-reliance and long-term competitiveness.
  
  
• CPC Meeting Reaffirms Commitment to Xi’s Eight-Point Regulations: The Central Guidance Group for the Study and Education on Implementing the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulations, along with the Central-level Working Group, held a summary meeting in Beijing on Thursday. Shi Taifeng, Politburo member and deputy head of the Central Leading Group for Party Building, delivered the keynote speech, while Liu Jinguo, CPC Central Secretariat member and deputy secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, presided. The meeting reviewed the campaign aimed at strengthening discipline, curbing formalism and bureaucracy, and deepening work style reforms. Officials highlighted that under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the program emphasized political learning, precise supervision, and strict enforcement. Party members at all levels reportedly gained “profound political training” and enhanced Party spirit, improving overall governance efficiency. Shi stressed that the conclusion of this campaign is not an end but a new beginning. He called for perseverance in upholding the Eight-Point Regulations, promoting long-term effectiveness in Party conduct, and ensuring strong discipline to support China’s modernization and national rejuvenation.
  
  
• Shanghai Launches First Round of Subsidy Coupons for Appliance Trade-In: Shanghai will issue its first batch of subsidy coupons under the “old-for-new” home appliance and furnishing trade-in program starting this Saturday, September 20. According to the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, residents can register between 9:30 a.m. on September 20 and 8:00 p.m. on September 22 through designated online platforms by selecting product categories and authorizing personal information. A notarized lottery will determine successful applicants, who will be notified via text message and the original registration channel. Winners must claim their coupons between 9:30 a.m. on September 25 and 11:59 p.m. on September 26. Each coupon remains valid for 14 days and can be redeemed online or offline at participating merchants. The Commission emphasized that only one coupon can be used per order, and they cannot be exchanged for cash, used for deposits, or resold. Coupons can be combined with merchant discounts. Refund rules stipulate that while paid amounts are reimbursed, expired vouchers will not be reissued. Eligibility is restricted to individual consumers within Shanghai, with location tracking required for verification.
  
  
• China Pledges Closer UN Cooperation to Advance Four Global Initiatives: China reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United Nations and advancing the implementation of its four major global initiatives, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced at a press briefing on Thursday. The remarks came after UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised China’s initiatives as aligned with the UN Charter and supportive of multilateralism. Lin stressed that China “appreciates Secretary-General Guterres’ comments” and will continue to act as a builder of peace, a defender of order, and a provider of global public goods. The four initiatives Global Development, Global Security, Global Civilizations, and the recently proposed Global Governance Initiative were outlined by President Xi Jinping across key platforms, including the SCO Plus Conference and BRICS Summit. They emphasize balanced development, dialogue over confrontation, inclusiveness among civilizations, and a people-centered approach to governance. Marking the UN’s 80th anniversary, Lin underlined that China, as a founding and permanent Security Council member, will work with the international community to safeguard peace and drive shared prosperity.
  
  
• Xi Jinping announces Key Ambassadorial Appointments and Removals: President Xi Jinping, acting in line with the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, announced a reshuffle of Chinese ambassadors to several countries, reflecting Beijing’s continued adjustment in its diplomatic corps. In the Caribbean, Fang Qiu was removed as Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, with Ren Hongyan appointed as his successor. This change underscores China’s emphasis on strengthening ties with small island nations, where Beijing has invested heavily in infrastructure and energy projects. In Europe, Fan Kun was relieved of his duties as Ambassador to Montenegro, replaced by Chen Xufeng, while Sun Linjiang was recalled from Poland. Lu Shan will now represent China in Warsaw, a post considered strategically important amid growing EU-China trade tensions and the shifting security landscape. In Africa, Jiang Feng was removed from his position as Ambassador to Niger. Lü Guijun takes over the role, tasked with managing relations at a time when Niger’s political transition and resource sector remain in global focus.
  
  
• China Urges EU to Avoid Weaponizing Tariffs in Electric Vehicle Dispute: China has called on the European Union to avoid weaponizing tariffs in the ongoing dispute over electric vehicles (EVs), urging Brussels to uphold fair competition and industrial cooperation. At a press briefing, Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong stressed that protectionism will only create barriers and distort the market, while cooperation can drive global green transformation. The comments come as EU automakers, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Renault, unveiled new low-cost EVs at the Munich Motor Show, while the EU continues to impose countervailing duties on Chinese EVs. He congratulated European companies on their €20,000 small EV launches, saying they reflect consumer demand for affordable, high-performance vehicles. He argued that Chinese EVs’ popularity stems from technological innovation and integrated supply chains, not subsidies, criticizing the EU for abusing trade remedy tools. He highlighted ongoing collaborations such as Volkswagen–Xiaopeng and Stellantis–Leapmotor as proof of the strong China-EU industrial bond. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to dialogue, noting over 20 rounds of consultations with Brussels, and urged the EU to meet halfway to ensure a stable, open market environment.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

94th Anniversary of September 18 Incident, Stirring Emotions Online: On September 18, Nanjing once again echoed with air defense sirens at 10:00 a.m., marking the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident of 1931. At the Assembly Square of the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre, representatives from various walks of life gathered for a solemn ceremony. The national flag was raised, the anthem sung, and the Peace Bell was rung, honoring martyrs of China’s 14-year-long struggle against Japanese invasion. As the sirens blared, citizens stopped in their tracks, bowed their heads, and observed silence, creating a deeply moving atmosphere. The commemoration has become a trending topic on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo under hashtags such as #Don’tForgetSeptember18th and #94thAnniversaryoftheSeptember18th. Millions of netizens engaged, sharing images and reflections. Many expressed pride in China’s resilience, while others emphasized the importance of historical memory for younger generations. Comments such as “History must not be forgotten, peace must be cherished” dominated online discussions. Videos of people halting in streets, schools, and workplaces during the siren moved viewers, with some calling it “a lesson beyond textbooks.” The online reaction reflected both grief for past suffering and determination to preserve peace.

INDIA WATCH

The Paper discusses AI-Generated Image of India’s “Nuclear Carrier”: A viral image claiming to show India’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier has been debunked as AI-generated, with China’s The Paper highlighting striking similarities to the Chinese carrier Fujian. The image, circulated by a Facebook account was found to be digitally manipulated, with blurred details and mismatched sea patterns. In its analysis, it emphasized that the Indian carrier in question INS Vishal remains at the planning stage, with conceptual design scheduled for 2026 and possible commissioning around 2037. Commentators noted that while India has long aspired to operate three carriers, shifting priorities have delayed the project. The paper noted that Indian defense observers stressed that unlike China’s Fujian, which is already advancing trials, India’s nuclear carrier ambitions are still some time away. The incident reflected both India’s growing naval ambitions and the intense scrutiny they attract from global and especially Chinese media.

** As ORCA has its Third Global Conference on New Sinology, the newsletter will be temporarily paused from 22nd to 28th September and will resume thereafter.**

Prepared By

Lipun Kumar Sanbad

Lipun Kumar Sanbad, a postgraduate student of Politics and International Relations from Pondicherry University and a History and Political science graduate from University of Delhi. From the past three years working as a freelance researcher in the domain of global peace, conflict and security studies, and defence studies.