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NEWS IN CHINA

• China and South Korea Discuss Supply Chain Stability and Trade Expansion: Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan in Gyeongju on Saturday to discuss strategies for maintaining industrial and supply chain stability amid global economic uncertainties. Wang emphasized the need for both nations to enhance coordination through established mechanisms such as the industrial supply chain cooperation hotline and export control dialogues. He urged deeper collaboration under multilateral frameworks like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Wang also called for an early resumption of negotiations on a China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), highlighting the importance of safeguarding free trade and regional economic integration. Minister Kim reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to accelerating the second-phase negotiations of the China-ROK FTA and strengthening local-level trade and investment partnerships. Both sides agreed that closer cooperation will be vital in ensuring resilient supply chains and fostering long-term regional stability, reflecting their shared interest in reinforcing Asia’s economic interconnectedness.
  
  
• China Accelerates Autumn and Winter Planting Amid Weather Challenges: China’s major grain-producing regions are racing against time to advance autumn and winter planting, with authorities rolling out region-specific measures to ensure stable grain production. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, over 30% of winter wheat, China’s key autumn crop, has already been sown, as sowing across the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain gains momentum. In Hebei, nine provincial guidance teams and over 60,000 agricultural technicians are providing precision field services, with winter wheat sowing nearing completion. Neighboring Shandong is taking advantage of the limited sowing window, promoting straw return, soil preparation and late-sowing techniques to offset the impact of persistent rainfall. More than 12 million mu of winter wheat have been planted so far. Anhui has also deployed 16 working groups to supervise frontline operations, ensuring effective implementation of planting measures. Despite wet soil and extended sowing periods in some areas, the Ministry has launched a 60-day campaign “Fight Autumn Floods, Rush to Sow Wheat, and Promote Strong Seedlings to safeguard the country’s grain security and ensure a solid start for the next harvest.
  
  
• Xi Jinping announces Shenzhen to Host 33rd APEC Summit in 2026: President Xi Jinping announced that China will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, marking the third time China will host the forum. Speaking at the handover ceremony of the 32nd APEC Summit, Xi highlighted APEC’s vital role in driving Asia-Pacific economic growth and cooperation, emphasizing the goal of building an “Asia-Pacific community of shared prosperity.” Xi noted that the 2026 summit will focus on deepening regional cooperation in key areas such as the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), digital economy, connectivity, and artificial intelligence. He described Shenzhen as a “modern international metropolis” whose rise from a fishing village symbolizes China’s reform and opening-up achievements. Leaders attending the ceremony expressed strong support for China’s upcoming APEC chairmanship, calling it an opportunity to energize regional development. The “APEC China Year,” they said, is expected to further enhance economic integration and deliver tangible benefits to people across the Asia-Pacific.
  
  
• China’s Qinling Antarctic Station Nears Completion, Set to Boost Polar Research: China’s fifth Antarctic base, Qinling Station, is entering its final construction phase and is scheduled for full completion by February 2026, according to CCTV News. The 42nd Antarctic expedition, comprising dozens of engineers and technicians, is advancing interior decoration, electrical systems, and new energy installations under extreme polar conditions marked by continuous daylight and harsh weather. Led by the China Railway Construction Engineering Group, the project employs shipbuilding outfitting techniques to assemble prefabricated, eco-friendly components designed for minimal environmental impact. The station’s calcium silicate materials are durable, fire-resistant, and moisture-proof, ensuring a service life of over 50 years. Qinling Station’s standout feature is its high intelligence system including smart storage that tracks supplies and alerts Chinese teams in real time, and an integrated safety platform capable of detecting hazards within 10 seconds. The completed station will significantly improve data transmission and communication stability, strengthening China’s capacity for glacier and atmospheric research in Antarctica.
  
  
• China and Russia Strengthen Investment Ties with New Cooperation Framework: China and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic collaboration during the 12th meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee, co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in Beijing. Ding emphasized that under the strategic guidance of Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, both nations will focus on improving the quality and efficiency of joint investments, reinforcing their “comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.” He outlined a four-point proposal urging the two sides to target key sectors, enhance coordination, expand new investment fields, and foster a more open, business-friendly environment. Manturov echoed Ding’s remarks, affirming Russia’s readiness to strengthen the committee’s role in advancing major projects and cultivating new economic growth drivers. Both leaders witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements, marking another step toward integrating their economies amid growing Western sanctions and shifting global trade dynamics.
  
  
• China and Kuwait Pledge Deeper Strategic Cooperation Ahead of 55th Diplomatic Anniversary: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng held high-level talks with Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah in Kuwait City on Saturday, reaffirming China’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Kuwait. Han emphasized Kuwait’s pivotal role in the Middle East and highlighted it as a key strategic partner in China’s regional diplomacy. With 2026 marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Han proposed expanding cooperation in energy, high technology, and political trust while jointly advancing multilateralism and the voice of the Global South in global governance. Crown Prince Sabah underscored Kuwait’s strong support for China’s core interests and expressed readiness to accelerate bilateral projects. He praised China’s balanced stance on international issues, particularly its principled position on Palestine, and welcomed closer multilateral coordination. Sabah also noted that President Xi Jinping’s recent meeting with U.S. President Trump sent a positive signal for global stability. Earlier, Han attended an official welcoming ceremony hosted by the Crown Prince.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Yang Guofu Malatang Faces Backlash Over 28 Yuan Bean Sprout Price: On November 1, Chinese social media erupted after the hashtag #YangGuofuMalatangRespondsTo28YuanPerJinBeanSprouts# trended on Weibo, sparking nationwide debate over rising food prices. The controversy began when customers noticed that a portion of mung bean sprouts at Yang Guofu Malatang, a popular hotpot chain, was priced at 28.8 yuan per jin (500g) , a figure many pointed out was even higher than prices at its competitors. According to news outlets, the confusion stemmed from stores listing prices per 50g or 500g, misleading diners into underestimating actual costs. In response, Yang Guofu’s headquarters clarified that pricing varies across outlets due to differing regional costs and that no uniform national policy currently exists. The issue quickly went viral, with netizens flooding Weibo comment sections with frustration. The incident reflects growing online sensitivity to food inflation and how rapidly consumer sentiment can shape brand perception in China’s digital landscape.

INDIA WATCH 

Chinese media reports on India’s Enduring Energy Struggle Between U.S. Pressure and Domestic Realities: China Economic Net’s recent commentary, highlighted India’s persistent dependence on imported oil amid renewed tensions with the United States. It stated that there is diplomatic confusion surrounding Washington’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to halt Russian oil imports, a claim swiftly denied by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The media outlet noted that India’s firm response, prioritizing consumer interests over political pressure, underscored its determination to pursue energy security on its own terms. The report also delved into the structural weaknesses of India’s energy landscape, noting that nearly 85% of its crude oil was imported. Historical policy failures ranging from rigid price controls to monopolistic state management were cited as long-term impediments to energy self-reliance. It described India’s energy dilemma as an “unbearable burden,” reflecting deep-rooted industrial and policy inefficiencies. From an Indian perspective, however, this external scrutiny overlooked New Delhi’s pragmatic balancing act of diversifying suppliers while sustaining affordable energy for its growing population. Indian commentators argue that energy sovereignty, not Western approval, guides its decisions, reaffirming India’s pursuit of autonomy in an increasingly polarized global energy market.

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.