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NEWS IN CHINA

• Beijing and Hong Kong Authorities Conduct First Joint National Security Operation: In a significant development, Beijing’s Office for Safeguarding National Security conducted its first publicly known joint operation with Hong Kong's national security police, investigating a suspected case of collusion with foreign forces. The operation, carried out on Thursday, targets six individuals and one organisation alleged to have violated the National Security Law between November 2020 and June 2024. Authorities reported that the individuals are suspected of colluding with foreign countries or external forces to endanger national security. The operation involved coordinated interviews and raids on the suspects’ residences and the organisation’s office in Kwai Chung, where bank documents and electronic devices were seized. While no arrests or charges have been confirmed, the individuals were ordered to surrender their travel documents under court-issued notices. This joint action follows Hong Kong’s recent enactment of subsidiary legislation strengthening the city’s domestic security framework. The new legal provisions compel full cooperation from all government departments with Beijing’s national security office and criminalise the disclosure of investigation details without lawful authority. The law also designates certain premises used by the national security office as restricted zones. The Office for Safeguarding National Security, established in July 2020 after the imposition of the Beijing-decreed law, is currently constructing its permanent base in Tai Kok Tsui. Authorities have affirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration and ensuring strict enforcement of national security laws in Hong Kong.
  
  
• Residents Evacuated in Hainan as Typhoon Wutip Nears: Authorities in China’s Hainan province have evacuated tens of thousands of residents as Typhoon Wutip, the first typhoon of the year, approaches the southern coast. As of Thursday evening, over 16,500 people were relocated from construction sites, low-lying flood-prone areas, and regions at risk of flash floods. In addition, all 30,721 fishing vessels in the province have returned to port or found safe shelter, with more than 40,000 fishermen brought ashore as a precaution. Typhoon Wutip, which has continued to intensify, prompted Hainan’s meteorological service to maintain a Level III typhoon alert as of Friday morning. The storm’s center was located over coastal waters near Ledong Li Autonomous County at 10 a.m. Friday, with maximum sustained winds reaching 28 meters per second. Heavy rain is forecast for many parts of the province by Friday evening. Wutip is expected to move northward at 5 to 10 kilometers per hour, with little change in strength. It may make landfall or brush the coast between Ledong County and Dongfang City as a severe tropical storm later in the day, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall. Local authorities continue to monitor the storm closely and have urged residents to stay indoors and follow safety advisories.
  
  
• 110,000th China-Europe Freight Train Marks Milestone in Trade Connectivity: China’s 110,000th China-Europe freight train departed for Moscow this week, in its efforts to strengthen land-based trade links with Europe. The train, carrying 55 containers of home appliances valued at nearly 20 million yuan (about $2.79 million), exited via Erenhot Port in Inner Mongolia, China’s largest land port on the China-Mongolia border. Departing from Qingdao in Shandong province on Tuesday, the train is expected to reach Moscow in approximately two weeks. Erenhot Port, a key hub on the middle corridor of the China-Europe freight service, now operates 73 routes linking China with over 70 hub stations in more than 10 countries and regions, including Germany, Poland, and Russia. Since 2013, over 19,000 China-Europe trains have passed through the port. 
  
  
• President of Supreme People’s Court Conducts In-Depth Judicial Research in Qinghai to Enhance Trial Quality and Dispute Resolution: From June 10 to 12, Zhang Jun, President of the Supreme People’s Court, led a research delegation to Qinghai to promote the implementation of the Central Committee’s Eight Provisions and improve the quality and efficiency of judicial trials. Emphasizing a problem-oriented and people-centered approach, Zhang urged courts to resolve disputes substantively and fairly, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law. Courts in Qinghai showcased effective grassroots initiatives, such as community-based legal outreach, pre-trial mediation centers and collaboration with governance bodies to resolve conflicts early. 
  
  
• China Reaffirms Support for Iraq Amid Middle East Tensions, Calls for Diplomatic Resolution on Iran: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China’s support for Iraq’s sovereignty, peace, and development amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Responding to U.S. moves to evacuate non-essential personnel from the region, particularly Iraq, Lin emphasized that such issues fall under Iraq’s internal affairs and should be handled through peaceful means. Lin also addressed concerns over the Iranian nuclear issue, stating that China continues to advocate for its resolution through political and diplomatic dialogue. He affirmed China’s willingness to maintain communication and coordination with relevant parties to help ease tensions, uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and contribute to regional peace and stability.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

AI Ban During Gaokao Sparks Heated Debate Online: China’s bold decision to disable major AI tools during the 2025 Gaokao,  the country’s college entrance exam, has ignited a wave of online debate, with netizens fiercely divided over whether the move is a necessary safeguard or an overstep in the age of technology. From Weibo to Xiaohongshu, hashtags like #AI禁用高考 (AI Ban Gaokao) and #公平还是退步 (Fairness or Setback?) surged as users reacted to the Ministry of Education’s decision to block photo-recognition and chatbot functions on apps like Alibaba’s Qwen and Tencent’s Yuanbao between June 7–10. Many supported the crackdown, calling it a fair move to ensure a level playing field for the 13.4 million students competing for university seats. “This is about merit, not machine,” one Weibo user posted. Others emphasized that in rural areas where access to advanced AI tools is already limited, the ban may actually help bridge the digital divide. However, critics were quick to voice frustration. Some students complained that they couldn’t use AI for non-exam-related queries either, affecting their regular studies. Memes and jokes flooded Douyin, with users quipping: “AI didn’t take the Gaokao, but it sure got punished like it did.” Another viral post read, “AI is banned from helping students but welcomed to spy on them, classic.” Netizens highlighted the irony of China’s AI ban when the Gaokao students couldn’t use AI tools, yet authorities relied on AI to monitor cheating

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Ambassador Expresses Condolences Over Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic plane crash involving Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad. Writing on X, Xu stated, “Our hearts go out to the passengers and their families. We stand in solidarity with all those affected in this difficult time.” Responding to inquiries from a Global Times reporter regarding the presence of Chinese nationals on board, the Chinese Embassy in India confirmed that, according to the passenger list released by Air India, no Chinese nationals were among those on the ill-fated flight. Air India reported that flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs and was involved in an accident shortly after take-off. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 242 people, comprising 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals.

Prepared By

Aastha Pandey

Aastha is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at Amity University, Noida. She holds a Bachelor's degree in the same discipline from the University of Delhi, Dyal Singh College. Additionally, she has completed a diploma in International Relations and Affairs, further strengthening her academic foundation. Aastha is the Co-founder of Mudra by Aashi, a socially conscious fashion brand that actively supports animal welfare. Her commitment to social causes is also reflected in her experience interning with Saarthi NGO and volunteering as a COVID-19 relief coordinator. Deeply passionate about Asian geopolitics, She aspires to contribute to ORCA by writing insightful, research-driven newsletters that reflect her academic rigour and dedication to international affairs.