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NEWS IN CHINA

• Premier Li Qiang Pledges to Deepen China-South Africa Ties at G20 Summit: Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its strategic cooperative partnership with South Africa during his meeting with Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Johannesburg at the 20th G20 Summit. Li emphasized deepening mutual political trust and enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, new energy, digital economy, healthcare and infrastructure. He highlighted efforts to promote South African products in the Chinese market through economic partnership agreements and the early implementation of zero-tariff policy for African countries. Li expressed hope for better protection of Chinese enterprises and personnel in South Africa, citing the nation’s role as a leader in China-Africa cooperation under frameworks like FOCAC. He also called for joint efforts with the wider Global South to promote a just and equitable international order. South African Deputy President Mashatile echoed support for deeper ties and expressed gratitude for China’s backing of South Africa’s G20 presidency, emphasizing adherence to the one-China policy. He welcomed increased Chinese investment and cooperation, underscoring the importance of people-to-people exchanges and sustainable development cooperation.
  
  
• China to Establish National Demonstration Bases to Propel Emerging Industries: China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced plans to construct around 100 industrial-park demonstration bases and 1,000 enterprise-level demonstration bases by 2035. This initiative aligns with national development strategies for 2035 and the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), targeting cutting-edge sectors including next-generation IT, new energy, advanced materials, biotechnology, high-end equipment, intelligent connected vehicles, aerospace and environmental protection industries. The industrial-park bases aim to foster large-scale, high-end industry clusters by enhancing the supply of key generic technologies and promoting the industrialization of scientific and technological achievements. Meanwhile, enterprise demonstration bases will concentrate on core technological breakthroughs, product development, original innovations, and the cultivation of new business models and application scenarios. 
  
  
• China Launches Global Fusion Program to Advance Artificial Sun Research: China set up clean energy research by launching an international scientific program on burning plasma, along with releasing the research plan for its cutting-edge compact fusion device, the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST), in Anhui Province. Nuclear fusion, replicating the sun’s energy-generating reaction, is considered the ultimate green energy source. The BEST device, China’s next-generation “artificial sun,” aims to achieve burning plasma, a self-sustaining fusion reaction, and is targeted for completion by 2027. It plans to produce fusion power outputs of 20 to 200 megawatts, generating more energy than consumed, demonstrating fusion’s feasibility for continuous electricity production. China’s major national fusion facilities, including the EAST tokamak, serve as international research hubs with partnerships across 50 countries. 
  
  
• Hong Kong Suspends Japan-Related Events Amid Diplomatic Tensions: In response to recent remarks by Japanese leaders, Hong Kong media outlets, including Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po, reported the suspension of official exchange activities with the Japanese Consulate General. A business networking event organized by InvestHK on November 18 was postponed, with Japanese consulate personnel asked not to attend. Additionally, a planned meeting between a senior Hong Kong government economic policy official and Japanese Consul General Jun Miura was cancelled. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee affirmed the SAR government’s alignment with China’s diplomatic stance, condemning Japan’s remarks for damaging bilateral relations and deteriorating the atmosphere of friendly exchanges. The government advised Hong Kong residents in Japan to maintain vigilance over their safety. The Hong Kong Security Bureau updated its travel advisories accordingly, and the Education Bureau canceled the upcoming 21st Century East Asia Youth Exchange Program trip to Japan, signaling broader societal caution and political sensitivity on the issue. 
  
  
• China Proposes Stricter Privacy Rules for Online Platforms: China has released draft regulations aimed at strengthening personal information on large online platforms, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding individuals’ legal rights and supporting a healthy platform economy. The draft, issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Ministry of Public Security, mandates that personal information collected in China be stored domestically in data centers meeting national security standards. The regulations require platforms to enhance technical measures to guard against illegal overseas data transfers and provide users with easy ways to access, correct, delete or transfer their personal data within 30 working days. Serious violations, such as data breaches affecting millions of users, could trigger mandatory audits by third-party assessors and compel platforms to relocate data storage to compliant facilities. The draft encourages adopting national identity authentication data labeling, and personal information protection certifications to elevate data security. The authorities emphasized confidentiality among all involved parties, protecting privacy and business secrets during enforcement. 
  
  
• Arunachal-born Indian Woman Was Detained in Shanghai: An Indian-origin woman from Arunachal Pradesh, transiting from London to Japan, was reportedly detained for around 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The incident happened following the Chinese immigration officers allegedly declaring her Indian passport “invalid” because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. Officials are said to have told her that Arunachal Pradesh is “part of China,” seized her passport, and prevented her from boarding her onward flight. She was eventually able to leave only after contacting the Indian Consulate General in Shanghai, which intervened and escorted her out of the country. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Xi Jinping and Trump Reaffirm Ties and Global Peace Commitment: U.S. President Trump and Xi Jinping had a telephonic conversation recently. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening China-US relations and promoting global peace. They reflected positively on their earlier meeting in Busan, South Korea, emphasizing the principle that cooperation benefits both nations while confrontation harms both. Key discussion points included maintaining stable diplomatic momentum, respecting mutual interests, and expanding cooperation areas. Public reaction on social media platforms such as Weibo revealed widespread optimism and enthusiasm regarding the constructive dialogue. Many users applauded the diplomatic progress following the Busan meeting and highlighted the importance of cooperation over conflict for maintaining global stability. Comments reflected strong support for peaceful engagement and mutual respect between China and the US. Netizens expressed hope for lasting world peace and improved bilateral relations, praising the leaders’ efforts to tackle challenging international issues. Overall, the public response underscores a broad popular endorsement of dialogue as a pathway to global stability and cooperation.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Discusses India-Canada Talks on Economic Partnership Agreement: Chinese media platform, ChinaNews, reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to resume negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The report stated that this development signals a renewed commitment to strengthening economic and trade ties after a diplomatic freeze triggered by earlier tensions. The article noted that both leaders emphasised continued and expanded cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, including negotiating a long-term uranium supply arrangement, following a 2015 contract for Canadian uranium to Indian nuclear plants. The resumption of talks comes amid efforts to repair strained diplomatic relations, build investor confidence, and enhance people-to-people exchanges. A Canadian visit to India by Carney is planned for early 2026 to further these objectives.

Prepared By

Arav Neil Dey

Arav Neil Dey is a research intern at the Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). Currently in his second year at FLAME University, he is pursuing a degree in International Studies. Driven by a fascination for global dynamics, he is passionate about international relations, peace and conflict studies, and military history. Arav especially enjoys diving into the shifting strategic landscape of China and West Asia, always seeking out unconventional perspectives and a deeper understanding.