NEWS IN CHINA
- China Highlights COP30 Deal as Key Boost for Global Climate Transition: The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) concluded on Saturday in Belém, Brazil, after one day’s extension. Li Gao, head of the Chinese delegation and Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment, said that the conference resulted in a number of significant outcomes, among which is the “Global Mutirao: Uniting humanity in a global mobilization against climate change” agreement. According to Li, this agreement was tough to crack because of the increasing geopolitical tensions, the growing trend of unilateralism and protectionism and the fact that the U.S. had withdrawn from the Paris Agreement earlier. He pointed out that its adoption is a manifestation of strong political will on the part of all Parties. This conference in particular is a very strong message to the world that efforts aimed at low-carbon development cannot be turned back and cooperation is still the only way forward, he added.
- Wang Huning Calls for Advancing Chinese-Style Modernisation on Guangdong Tour: From November 21st to 23rd, Wang Huning, chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, undertook research tours in Shenzhen and Huizhou. In his statement, he pointed out the necessity of following the teaching of Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era delivered at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He called on efforts to build consensus, gather wisdom, and consolidate strength to push forward the basic realization of socialist modernization. During his visits to private and Taiwanese-invested companies, he announced that they would be supported through the high-quality development, technological self-reliance, and cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges policy implementation. In Guoqian Village, he advocated rural industries and the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism. At Luofu Mountain, he was impressed with the need for religious affairs to be governed by law. Wang also had a meeting with CPPCC committees, where he gave advice to focus on national strategies and to raise the level of political consultation.
- China Urges Citizens in Eastern DRC to Evacuate Immediately: The official WeChat account of Consular Express reported the security concern in Democratic Republic of Congo. The situation in DRC is extremely tense and critical, especially in the four eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Upper Uele, and surrounding areas as these regions face extremely high security risks. Some have an active conflict situation with targeted violent, armed attacks and kidnappings against Chinese citizens and enterprises The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo have jointly issued a warning to Chinese nationals and businesses in the eastern part of the country, to evacuate immediately. In any kind of emergency, Chinese citizens are advised to communicate with the local police and the Chinese Embassy in the DRC to get support.
- Second Strategic Dialogue Held Between Chinese and Uzbek Foreign Ministers: On Friday Tashkent hosted the second strategic conversation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. Wang proposed that the relationship between China and Uzbekistan could be an exemplary one of close neighborhood, support, and mutual trust. He also encouraged the two sides to consider the exchange as a tool for realizing the deals between their presidents which have been already made. He conveyed China's willingness to facilitate and support the development of Uzbekistan and the 'New Uzbekistan' strategy. Wang stated that China is the largest trading partner of Uzbekistan and a major investor. In addition to that, he talked about the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project as well as diversified connectivity network and cooperation in green minerals, new energy, and high technology as some of the joint venture projects. Furthermore, Wang suggested that the countries broaden their partnership in the fields of education, culture, and tourism and, on top of that, put into practice China's experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. Saidov thanked China for its support and emphasized that Uzbekistan was inclined to pick up the governance experience from China, increase trade, deepen the cooperation along the Belt and Road Initiative, and at the same time fight terrorism, separatism, and extremism together.
- Low-Altitude Drone Logistics Route to Begin in Guizhou: The Chinese Southwestern province of Guizhou is set to launch its first low-altitude drone logistics route this year, following a successful test using a locally designed electric vertical-takeoff and landing (eVTOL) platform. On November 20th, an eVTOL of 2 tons carried emergency pharmaceuticals and local agricultural goods between Guiyang and Huangping County, covering 118 kilometres in only forty minutes, a feat that the usual route across the karst of the mountainous terrain would take more than two hours. Huo Kui, the project director of a local low-altitude economic development enterprise, reported that the flight confirmed the stability of the aircraft and its efficiency in operation, and the data derived will provide the basis of future logistics operations. The line will be extended later to include passenger tourism and commuter services. The aircraft AutoFlight V2000CG CarryAll, a Shanghai-based eVTOL, is the only eVTOL in the size category to be certified with all necessary Chinese aviation certifications. It has a carrying capacity of up to 400 kilograms and a cruise speed of 200km/h with a maximum range of 200km. Some commentators contend that this project will support the low-lying economy of Guizhou, help revitalise rural areas, and develop modern logistics.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER
Missing Manhole Covers in Sichuan Community Sparks Safety Concerns on Weibo: A video from Renshou County in Sichuan Province has gone viral on popular social media platform Weibo after showing several missing or damaged manhole covers along a community sidewalk. The clip was posted by a netizen on November 21 with the hashtag “Missing Manhole Covers Only Warning Signs” and quickly sparked debate on Weibo. The video shows that the community placed a warning sign a few meters away from the uncovered manholes, but no repairs were carried out. When the netizen returned on November 22, the situation remained unchanged. On November 23, Mr. Zheng, head of the Sansheng Community, told DaWan News that the problem is the responsibility of the county’s municipal department and that it was reported immediately. He said the warning signs were meant to prevent accidents and noted that the road section had only recently been handed over. He later confirmed that municipal workers had begun addressing the issue by filling shallow openings with soil before replacing the covers. On social media, netizens responded quickly questioning the delayed response, and expressed frustration over safety risks. Some of the notable comments included “Reminders are not enough; repairs are needed”, “The sign cost more than the manhole cover”, “A sign was erected several meters away, how is that supposed to protect anyone?” and “Has the problem even been fixed yet?”
INDIA WATCH
India Reopens Tourist Visas for Chinese, Calls for Easier Procedures: According to Global Times, India has reopened tourist visa services for Chinese nationals at its embassies and consulates worldwide. The article reported this as a major step aimed at improving relations with Beijing. This decision comes after the partial resumption of visa services in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, and is also a result of the direct China-India flights that have been resumed since October. The report states that Chinese travel agencies have responded positively to this development, mentioning that it will increase tourism. However, they mentioned the concern regarding the decision as it still can be confined to a very short period of time with complex regulations. Specialists pointed out that India should make the visa process as easy as possible, give security assurances, provide better tourism services, and advertise to attract more Chinese tourists. This initiative is a part of a ‘people-centered’ approach to enhance bilateral relations that both sides have agreed upon to restore the relationship after a four-year freeze following the 2020 LAC standoff. In the talks that took place in August, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar agreed on the significance of mutual trust, political cooperation, and people-to-people relations.
Prepared By
Neha Maurya
Neha Maurya is a fourth-year undergraduate student at FLAME University, pursuing a major in International Studies with a minor in Public Policy. Her research interests lie in strategic studies, governance, and education policy. She aspires to engage in work that links research insights to policy outcomes.