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NEWS IN CHINA

• China’s Golden Autumn Harvest Boosts Rural Revitalization Across Regions: Across China, the golden autumn season is painting a vivid picture of prosperity from red hawthorns in Hebei to apples in Gansu and seaweed in Fujian as local specialty industries fuel rural revitalization. In Jinzhou, Hebei, 13,000 acres of hawthorns are ripe for harvest. Through the “cooperative + base + farmers” model, the city has adopted high-yield varieties like Big Star and Mianqiu, ensuring staggered market launches and stable prices. The annual output now exceeds 30,000 tons, raising farmers’ incomes by over 15,000 yuan per capita. Tourism, driven by the Hawthorn Picking Festival, further strengthens the local economy. In Tianshui, Gansu, despite heavy rains, drones and over 300 transport vehicles were deployed to rescue the apple harvest, helping farmers secure nearly 500,000 tons of produce. The city’s 1.31 million mu of apple orchards now yield over 3 million tons annually, worth 15.6 billion yuan. Meanwhile, in Fuding, Fujian, 22,000 mu of seaweed farms are in peak planting season. Using advanced radar monitoring, farmers ensure high yields, with the industry’s value expected to reach 2.4 billion yuan this year.
  
  
• China and the U.S. Reach Preliminary Consensus in Kuala Lumpur Trade Talks: China and the United States concluded a two-day round of economic and trade consultations in Kuala Lumpur, co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Jeffrey Bessant, along with Trade Representative Greer. The talks, held from October 25–26, followed earlier phone discussions between Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden. Both sides engaged in candid and constructive discussions on key issues including U.S. Section 301 measures on China’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors, tariff suspensions, fentanyl-related enforcement, agricultural trade, and export controls. They reportedly reached a preliminary consensus on mechanisms to address these mutual concerns, pending domestic approvals. He Lifeng emphasized that mutual benefit and cooperation remain the core of China–U.S. trade relations, warning that confrontation would harm both nations. The U.S. side also acknowledged the bilateral trade relationship as “the most influential in the world”, expressing readiness to strengthen collaboration. Both countries agreed to maintain close communication through existing consultation mechanisms and promote stable, sustainable economic ties that benefit both nations and global growth.
  
  
• China and Singapore Elevate Ties Toward “High-Quality” Cooperation: Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s two-day visit to Singapore on October 25–26 marked a milestone in bilateral relations as both nations agreed to deepen cooperation in digital economy, green development, AI, and infrastructure. The visit, China’s first by a premier in seven years, celebrated the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties and signaled a shift from “quantitative expansion” to “qualitative upgrading,” according to experts cited by Global Times. During meetings with Acting President Eddie Teo and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Li highlighted China’s readiness to strengthen trade and technological collaboration, supporting modernization in both nations. Multiple agreements were signed covering digital economy, transportation, food safety, and third-party cooperation. Addressing the China-Singapore Business Forum, Li linked the visit to China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), emphasizing institutional openness and ASEAN cooperation as key to sustained growth. Analysts noted that the partnership now represents a model of “forward-looking co-creation,” reflecting mutual trust and adaptability amid global economic shifts, with Singapore reaffirming confidence in China’s long-term economic prospects.
  
  
• CPC Central Committee Holds Symposium with Non-Party Members to Draft 15th Five-Year Plan: The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a symposium at Zhongnanhai on August 27 to solicit views from leaders of democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and non-Party representatives on the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. President Xi Jinping presided over the meeting, emphasizing that the plan must align with China’s goal of “basically achieving socialist modernization” and focus on scientific and technological self-reliance, common prosperity, and national rejuvenation. Xi underlined that the 15th Five-Year Plan period marks a decisive phase for consolidating progress toward modernization and urged efforts to remove development bottlenecks, boost innovation, and strengthen resilience amid global uncertainties. Representatives praised achievements under the 14th Five-Year Plan and proposed measures for expanding domestic demand, enhancing industrial systems, fostering innovation, ensuring energy and food security, and deepening cross-strait integration. Xi called on non-Party groups to continue offering insights to support high-quality growth. Senior Party leaders Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, and Ding Xuexiang attended the symposium alongside other top officials.
  
  
• Shanghai Hosts 2025 World Laureates Forum: The 2025 World Laureates Forum opened in Shanghai on Saturday, gathering around 150 world-renowned scientists under the theme “Science in Future.” The three-day event includes 25 laureates of prestigious international awards among them four Nobel Prize and four Turing Award winners alongside 16 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Discussions at the forum center on the future trajectory of global science, tackling issues such as fundamental research, transformative technologies, integrated innovation, international cooperation, and governance in scientific advancement. A key highlight this year is the inclusion of over 100 young scientists from China and abroad, emphasizing mentorship and cross-generational collaboration. Established in 2018, the World Laureates Forum has evolved into Asia’s most influential platform for high-level scientific exchange. By fostering dialogue between elite researchers and emerging talents, the forum continues to position Shanghai as a global hub for scientific innovation and international collaboration.
  
  
• China to Deepen High-Level Opening-Up and Strengthen Cooperation with Singapore: Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-level opening-up and a better business environment during a China-Singapore business roundtable in Singapore on Sunday. Joined by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Li emphasized China’s intent to further ease market access, treat domestic and foreign enterprises equally, and address business concerns proactively. Highlighting 35 years of strong bilateral ties, Li noted that the visa-free agreement and upgraded free trade pact have created new opportunities for growth. He outlined three priorities promoting collaborative innovation, expanding tripartite cooperation through platforms like the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, and jointly shaping global industrial and digital rules. Li also underscored that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan will focus on innovation-driven and sustainable growth, providing foreign enterprises with vast opportunities. Gan, in response, stressed Singapore’s readiness to deepen trade, green, and digital cooperation, marking 35 years of diplomatic relations. Business leaders from both sides expressed optimism about China’s economic prospects and pledged to boost investments and collaboration across key sectors.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Eastern Theater Command Air Force Conducts Intensive Combat Drills Near Taiwan: In a recent large-scale exercise, multiple units under China’s Eastern Theater Command Air Force carried out intensive combat-oriented training operations. The drills focused on reconnaissance, early warning, air interdiction, and precision strike missions. According to CCTV Military, several J-10 fighter jets flew in formation toward designated target airspaces, while H-6K bombers engaged in simulated confrontation exercises over the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan. The military emphasized that the operation reflects its “solemn commitment to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The training video released on Weibo by CCTV Military quickly went viral, attracting millions of views under hashtags like #EasternTheaterCommandAirForceCombatTraining# and #SoldiersMustPractice#. Many Chinese netizens hailed the drills as a strong message of deterrence and national confidence, praising the Air Force’s combat readiness. Some comments described the operation as “a clear display of strength amid regional tensions,” while others stressed pride in the modernization of China’s military capabilities. The trending discussion underscores growing public attention toward the Taiwan Strait and China’s resolve to defend its strategic interests.

INDIA WATCH 

Guancha Comments on Indian Doctor’s “Surrender to China” Plan: Chinese media Guancha recently covered an unusual proposal by an Indian academic, Dr. Dew, who suggested that India should “surrender to China” for 5–10 years, allow Beijing to rebuild its infrastructure, and then “win independence again” within two decades. Published under Guancha’s “Panda” opinion column, the article interpreted this remark not as literal advocacy but as a symbol of India’s internal frustrations with slow development and governance inefficiencies. The commentary noted that such provocative statements, though exaggerated, highlight an emerging sense of urgency among Indian thinkers regarding economic modernization and institutional reform. From an Indian perspective, many netizens and scholars viewed Dr. Dew’s words as satirical commentary rather than submission rhetoric, emphasizing the need for pragmatic policies and long-term planning. Analysts added that this discussion mirrors India’s ongoing introspection about its global competitiveness amid China’s rapid rise.

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.