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​NEWS IN CHINA

• ​Xi Jinping Issues Important Guidelines After Fire Incident: Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered an immediate investigation into a deadly fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, that caused significant casualties. Xi directed authorities to prioritise search and rescue operations, assist victims and their families, find out the cause of the fire as soon as possible, and hold those responsible accountable. Further recalling the series of such major workplace safety incidents that occurred this year, Xi stressed the need for stronger coordination between development and safety, urging local authorities to tighten production safety measures, eliminate hidden risks, and prevent similar accidents. Premier Li Qiang also instructed authorities to carry out full-scale rescue efforts, manage the situation, prevent secondary accidents, and conduct a thorough investigation. He called on the State Council's Work Safety Commission to strengthen oversight, reinforce risk prevention, and ensure the implementation of safety responsibilities nationwide. Following the directives, China's Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched a working group to the site to oversee rescue and investigation efforts.
  
  
• ​China Unveils 15th Five-Year Plan Carbon Peak Action Plan with 2030 Emissions Targets: China's State Council has released the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) Carbon Peak Action Plan, which targets the country's roadmap to achieve its carbon peaking goals by 2030 and support long-term carbon neutrality efforts. The plan aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 17% from 2025 levels and increase the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to 25% by 2030. The Action Plan identifies five priority areas: accelerating the transition to non-fossil energy, promoting low-carbon industrial development, advancing green transformation in sectors such as transport and construction, strengthening legal, financial and technological support, and enhancing coordination between central and local governments. It also calls for steadily reducing coal and oil consumption while expanding renewable energy and improving the power system's ability to integrate clean energy. Key projects include the construction of zero-carbon industrial parks and factories, low-carbon transport corridors, clean heating and cooling systems, green lighting projects, cross-provincial power transmission, and enhanced carbon accounting mechanisms. Authorities said the plan integrates green development into economic growth while laying the foundation for China's 2035 climate commitments and long-term carbon neutrality goals.
  
  
• China’s CXMT Advances STAR Market IPO to Strengthen Domestic Semiconductor Ecosystem: Chinese memory chipmaker CXMT has released its IPO prospectus as it moves toward a listing on the STAR Market of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, marking another major step in China's push to strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry. The company plans to issue 6.688 billion shares, representing around 10% of its total share capital. The IPO is expected to raise RMB 29.5 billion, making it the largest A-share IPO of 2026 and the second-largest in STAR Market history. CXMT said the funds will support the development of China's integrated circuit ecosystem by benefiting chip designers, EDA software firms, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers and downstream application companies. According to the analysts, the listing could boost investor confidence and attract long-term capital into China's semiconductor sector. Industry experts said China's capital market reforms and policy support for high-tech firms are accelerating investment in semiconductors, AI and other strategic technologies to advance technological self-reliance.
  
  
• ​Chinese Premier Li Qiang Meets Namibian President, Pledges Deeper Bilateral Cooperation: Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Namibian President Ndaitwah in Beijing during her state visit to China, reaffirming the two countries' commitment to strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership. Li described Namibia as an important African partner and highlighted the steady progress of bilateral relations and practical cooperation in recent years. He said China is willing to align development strategies with Namibia, expand bilateral trade, and deepen cooperation in infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, and other key sectors. Li also expressed China's readiness to import more Namibian agricultural and fishery products and encouraged Namibia to make use of China's zero-tariff policy and streamlined export channels. The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in tourism, healthcare, education, science and technology, and youth exchanges. Li called for closer coordination in multilateral institutions to support multilateralism and promote inclusive global development. President Ndaitwah reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to the One-China principle and welcomed greater Chinese investment. She expressed interest in expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, mining, transport, logistics, healthcare and renewable energy, while strengthening people-to-people exchanges and multilateral coordination on regional and global issues.
  
  
• ​Chinese Delegation Attends BRICS Women Ministers’ Meeting in India: A Chinese delegation led by Huang Xiaowei, vice-president and first member of the Secretariat of the All-China Women’s Federation, attended the BRICS Women Ministers’ Meeting held in Kochi, India. During the meeting, Huang said China is willing to work with all parties to implement China’s four global initiatives, strengthen practical cooperation to empower women’s development, promote mutual learning among civilisations through people-to-people exchanges, and transform the outcomes of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women into concrete actions. Huang emphasised that such efforts would contribute to advancing a community with a shared future for humanity. The Chinese delegation also highlighted China’s achievements in women’s development and advocated for greater recognition of China’s role in promoting women’s advancement. The delegation further pushed for references to China’s hosting of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women and efforts to promote the all-round development of women to be included in the joint statement adopted at the meeting.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

​Weibo Users React to Xi Jinping’s Remarks on Strengthening Young Scientific and Technological Talent Development: A post on Weibo is going viral that discusses Xi Jinping’s remarks on treating the cultivation of young scientific and technological talents as a strategic project. The post highlighted Xi’s statement that “the future of science lies in the youth” and shared a video reviewing his instructions on supporting scientific and technological talent development. The post sparked positive reactions from the majority of users, with many expressing support for strengthening China’s science and technology workforce. Some users commented, “Pay tribute to science and technology talents, come on China,” while others said, “Devote yourself to the cause of science and technology and contribute to the construction of the motherland.” Another user added that “Scientific and technological talents are the pillars of the future,”. A few users urged that special attention should be given to talent development of the youth and commented “strengthening the country through scientific and technological talents.” Several users also expressed encouragement for young researchers and the continued advancement of China’s scientific and technological capabilities.

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INDIA WATCH

​Guancha Discusses India-Australia Talks Highlight Growing Strategic Coordination: An article on Guancha discussed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia. The article highlighted that talks between India and Australia focused on defence, security cooperation and regional developments, including China’s recent activities in the Pacific. The article mentioned that Australia, India, Japan and the United States, as members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), have sought to strengthen cooperation, particularly amid uncertainty over the Trump administration’s approach towards the grouping. According to the article, Australian sources stated that defence ties between Australia and India have accelerated in recent years, partly to demonstrate the Quad’s continued relevance. The article quoted experts as saying that China’s military activities are being closely monitored by Indo-Pacific countries, with India viewed as a key player due to its economic and strategic interests in the region. The article further underscored India’s geographical advantages, including its proximity to the Strait of Malacca, through which a significant portion of China’s oil imports pass. The article also mentioned China's recent statement that the missile test was a routine military training activity, conducted in accordance with international law and prior notification procedures.