CiCM 20th October 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Hong Kong Hosts Opening of International Organisation for Mediation: The International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), headquartered in Hong Kong, officially opened on October 20, drawing nearly 200 delegates from 37 signatory countries. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying highlighted that the IMI’s establishment from signing to full operation within five months represents rare speed in international institutional development, showing global trust in China’s mediation initiative. Hua emphasized that the IMI aligns with China’s vision of global governance and the rule of law, helping Hong Kong evolve into a “city of mediation” IMI Secretary-General Zheng Ruohua said the body upholds multilateralism and aims to become a global public good, offering mediation for inter-state disputes, cross-border investment and commercial disputes. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee pledged full support, stressing the city’s strength as a “super connector” between China and the world. Representatives from countries including Pakistan, Kenya and Venezuela hailed the IMI as a historic step toward fairer international order and stronger peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms.

China to Begin Direct Maternity Allowance Payments to Individuals: 25 provincial-level regions in China will directly distribute maternity allowances to individuals from November 1, covering nearly 90% of the country’s social insurance areas, the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) announced on Monday. Provinces including Jiangxi, Anhui, Shaanxi, Liaoning and Jiangsu have already implemented or formally announced the reform, simplifying access for mothers. Previously, maternity allowances during maternity leave were routed through employers, risking delays, deductions or misuse. Direct payments will now go straight to employees’ social security cards or bank accounts, ensuring timely and full receipt of benefits. Experts say this move strengthens women’s rights, reduces family financial burdens and promotes workplace gender equality by easing employers’ advance-payment obligations. The reform also benefits gig workers and freelancers who previously lacked a fixed employer. Administrative procedures have been streamlined, removing requirements such as birth permits and marriage certificates. In 2024, China spent 143.178 billion yuan ($20.09 billion) on maternity insurance, with an average allowance exceeding 26,000 yuan per insured female employee.

Chinese Economy Reports 5.2% Growth in First Three Quarters: China’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5.2% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday. The third-quarter growth stood at 4.8%, showcasing consistent recovery momentum. Industrial output rose 6.2% year-on-year, with equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing posted growth rates of 9.7% and 9.6%, respectively. Foreign trade also showed resilience: total imports and exports increased by 4%, with exports jumping 7.1% year-on-year while imports dipped slightly by 0.2%. The services sector contributed 60.7 percent to GDP growth, led by information, software and leasing services, which grew over 9 percent. Fixed-asset investment declined 0.5 percent due to weak real estate activity. The job market remained stable, with an average urban unemployment rate of 5.2 percent. Meanwhile, China’s consumer price index (CPI) slipped 0.1%, but core CPI excluding food and energy rose 0.6%, indicating moderate inflation pressure. Retail sales of consumer goods went up by 4.5% in the first three quarters, whereas value-added service output rose by 5.4%. Online retail expanded 9.8 percent, while rural consumption slightly outpaced urban growth. Per capita disposable income reached 32,509 yuan, up 5.1% nominally and 5.2% in real terms, with rural incomes rising faster than urban. Consumption expenditure grew 4.6 percent, with services accounting for nearly half of total spending.

Beijing Welcomes Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire and Calls for Continued Dialogue: China has welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, expressing support for ongoing efforts to stabilize the region. Speaking on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that both countries are China’s “traditional friendly neighbors” and highlighted the importance of maintaining regional peace. The ceasefire, announced by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, was brokered with the mediation of Qatar and Turkey. It calls for an immediate halt to hostilities and continued talks to ensure its long-term sustainability. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the agreement and stated that the next round of talks will take place in Istanbul on October 25. Guo praised the contributions of all parties involved in facilitating the ceasefire and reiterated China’s support for continued dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He expressed hope that the talks would lead to a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, safeguarding stability in both countries and the broader region. China also affirmed its willingness to collaborate with the international community to advance constructive Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

China Launches 60-day Campaign to Safeguard Wheat Production Amid Autumn Floods: The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has launched a 60-day national campaign aimed at combating autumn floods and accelerating wheat plantation to ensure healthy seedling growth before winter. The initiative, running until the winter solstice on December 21, focuses on stabilizing wheat acreage and strengthening pre-winter field management to secure next year’s grain output. The ministry has deployed seven working groups and scientific teams to major winter wheat-producing provinces across the Huanghuai and Haihe regions—key grain belts affected by recent excessive rainfall. These teams are providing on-site technical guidance, resolving local bottlenecks and promoting adaptive farming techniques such as moisture-resistant and late-sowing methods. Authorities emphasized that operations will be tailored “region by region” and “crop by crop”, ensuring scientific coordination of flood recovery, replanting and field management.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Hong Kong Cargo Plane Crash into the Sea Sparks Intense Online Reactions: A UAE cargo flight UAE9788 from Dubai crashed into the sea while landing at Hong Kong International Airport, after overrunning the north runway. The Boeing 747-400F reportedly struck an airport ground handling vehicle before sliding into the water. one person on the flight was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department immediately activated emergency services, and the airport’s North Runway was closed for safety investigations. The accident quickly went viral on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, where hashtags such as “#HongKongCargoPlaneCrashesIntoSea” trended for hours. Many users expressed shock over the rare nature of such an accident in Hong Kong’s otherwise efficient aviation system, while others praised the quick response of rescue teams. Some commenters raised concerns about the fitness of older cargo fleets still in operation, urging authorities to review safety regulations.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Analyses Growth in India's Russian Oil Imports Amid U.S. Pressure: Chinese media platform Cailian Press reported that India's oil imports from Russia surged to approximately 1.8 million barrels per day in the first half of October 2025, reversing a three-month decline. This rise is attributed to increased domestic demand and a price reduction on Russian crude. The article argues that Indian refineries have been operating at full capacity to meet festive season requirements, contributing to this rebound. It states that despite U.S. President Trump's claim that Prime Minister Modi assured him of India's intent to halt Russian oil purchases, Indian officials have denied such discussions. The article also cites analysts who suggest that Trump's statement regarding India-Russia oil trade may be more of a pressure tactic related to negotiations rather than an indication of an upcoming policy change. It claims that the decline in India's Russian oil imports from July to September was largely caused by seasonal factors, such as increased maintenance at public sector refineries, rather than due to tariff pressure.

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.