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NEWS IN CHINA

• President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang Congratulate Vietnam’s New Leaders: President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to To Lam on his election as the President of Vietnam. Xi emphasized that China and Vietnam are a community with a shared future of strategic significance. He noted that under the guidance of leaders from both countries, bilateral relations have achieved leapfrog development, with comprehensive strategic cooperation delivering tangible benefits to both peoples. Xi stressed that amid global changes, strengthening solidarity and cooperation between China and Vietnam serves the common interests of both nations. He expressed willingness to work with To Lam to promote development, guide the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, strengthen socialist causes, and inject stability and positive energy into the region and the world. On the same day, Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Le Minh Hung on his election as Prime Minister of Vietnam. He expressed readiness to work with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung to accelerate the establishment of a mutually beneficial cooperation framework, grounded in the important consensus of the two countries’ top leaders, and to contribute positively to advancing the China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic importance.
  
  
• China Launches AI-Powered Weather Forecasting Project for Belt and Road Partner Countries: China launched a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered weather forecasting demonstration project to strengthen early-warning capabilities for extreme weather in Belt and Road partner countries, according to Chinese meteorological authorities. Approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology and led by the Earth System Numerical Prediction Center at the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), the project will establish an AI-enabled forecasting system covering short-term, medium-range, and subseasonal timescales. It aims to develop five core AI models, including intelligent multi-source observation fusion, nowcasting, and regional downscaling, alongside an integrated forecasting device adaptable to local infrastructures. The initiative includes joint research, data sharing, and on-the-ground demonstrations. The system will be integrated into MAZU, China’s multi-hazard early warning system, which is already in use in countries such as Pakistan and Ethiopia. Nine Chinese institutions and meteorological agencies from five partner countries, including Mongolia, Ethiopia, and Cameroon, are participating in the program.
  
  
• China, Australia Vow to Expand Trade and Green Energy Cooperation: Premier Li Qiang held a phone conversation with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday. He stated that China’s vast market will remain open to the world and expressed willingness to import more high-quality products from Australia. Li emphasized Beijing’s readiness to work with Canberra to expand and upgrade bilateral trade, support enterprises in cooperation based on market principles, and promote mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. He called on both sides to accelerate the review and upgrade of their bilateral free trade agreement to provide stronger institutional support for cooperation. Highlighting the potential of green development, Li noted that China is willing to deepen collaboration with Australia in clean energy, new energy vehicles, energy storage, and carbon reduction, leveraging complementary strengths to boost sustainable economic growth. Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to the one-China policy and building a stable and constructive relationship with China. He further expressed willingness to strengthen high-level exchanges, expand cooperation in trade, investment, mining, clean energy, and people-to-people exchanges while managing differences with mutual respect.
  
  
• China’s Forex Reserves Decline in March Amid Global Market Volatility: According to the data released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), China’s foreign exchange reserves stood at US$3,342.1 billion at the end of March 2026, down US$85.7 billion from February, a 2.5% decrease. SAFE attributed the decline to global macroeconomic conditions, monetary policies of major economies, and market expectations, which pushed the US dollar index higher while major global financial asset prices fell. According to Guan Tao, chief global economist, the US dollar index rose 2.4% to 99.96, while non-dollar currencies and global asset prices weakened. Wen Bin, chief economist at China Minsheng Bank, highlighted that Middle East tensions disrupted oil exports, driving up oil prices and inflation expectations, with markets even betting on the US rate hike. Pang Ming, senior researcher, explained that the decline largely reflected “accounting effects” from sharp market fluctuations. He emphasized that reserves remain above US$3.3 trillion, showing resilience. Looking ahead, experts expect exports, industrial upgrading, and RMB asset attractiveness to sustain stability, with reserves continuing to support financial security and RMB exchange rate balance.
  
  
• President Xi Jinping Urges Universities to Drive Innovation and Talent Development: President Xi Jinping called for focusing on the country’s major strategic needs and making new contributions to strengthening education, science and technology, and talent. Xi made the remarks in a reply letter to faculty and students of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, and Beijing Jiaotong University. He extended warm congratulations to all faculty members, students, and alumni of the four institutions, noting the shared roots of the four institutions. In his letter, Xi emphasized the importance of enhancing independent scientific and technological innovation and advancing talent cultivation. He urged the universities to achieve more breakthroughs by promoting closer collaboration among industries, universities, and research institutions.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users Praise NIO ES9 Debut and Push for Original Design: A post with the hashtag #ChinasHighEndAutomotiveLandscapeBeginsWithOriginality# is going viral on Weibo following the debut of the NIO ES9 electric SUV on April 7. The post highlighted China’s ambition to reach 27 million vehicle sales by 2026 and emphasized the industry’s growing leadership in core technologies such as intelligent chassis, driving chips, and operating systems. The NIO ES9 was presented as a breakthrough, combining self-developed technologies with Chinese-inspired aesthetics to define a new model of “technological luxury” and compete with established global premium brands. Online reactions were overwhelmingly positive and supportive. One user described the ES9’s capabilities as “undeniable strength,” praising both its original design and in-house technologies. Another user highlighted that the vehicle, “from exterior to interior,” reflects Chinese aesthetics, calling it a sign of growing “cultural and technological confidence." A few users emphasized that originality is the key to gaining respect in the high-end market, agreeing that “design innovation is as important as engineering strength”. Other users noted that China’s advances in core automotive technologies signal its firm entry into the global high-end landscape. Some users also expressed admiration for NIO’s consistency in pursuing “premium positioning”, while other users commented that “the ES9 represents true confidence in Chinese luxury brands."

INDIA WATCH

The Paper Highlights India’s Push for Su-57 Deal and Technology Transfer Ambitions: An article in The Paper examined India’s advancing negotiations with Russia over the acquisition and localized production of the Su-57 stealth fighter jet. It noted that the Indian Ministry of Defence is considering procuring around 40 aircraft in the short term to strengthen frontline capabilities, alongside plans to license-produce up to 100 jets through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for multiple squadrons. The article highlighted that discussions are ongoing, with Russian teams already demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities and assessing India’s production infrastructure. Russian experts cited that half of India's existing facilities are suitable for aircraft production, but they require further investment for full-scale manufacturing. The article emphasized that India is awaiting detailed cost estimates from Russia, after which decisions on production scale and timelines will be finalized. It also pointed out that the proposed model mirrors the earlier Su-30MKI program, combining direct imports with domestic assembly to accelerate capability development. The article further underscored that Russia’s willingness to provide access to the aircraft’s source code was described as a major incentive, especially in contrast to France’s restrictions on technology transfer.

Prepared By

Neha Maurya

Neha Maurya is a fourth-year undergraduate student at FLAME University, pursuing a major in International Studies with a minor in Public Policy. Her research interests lie in strategic studies, governance, and education policy. She aspires to engage in work that links research insights to policy outcomes.