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NEWS IN CHINA

• Li Qiang Held Meetings With Chiefs of the World Bank, IMF, and UNCTAD: Premier Li Qiang met with the heads of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) during the “1+10” Dialogue. He noted that global trade and investment have slowed amid rising geopolitical tensions and increasing trade restrictions, adding that global supply and industrial chains are now facing greater risks. Li emphasized that China has been a key driver of global economic growth and a stabilizing force for the world economy. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, he said China will expand domestic demand, better integrate consumption with investment, and improve the balance between supply and demand to strengthen the domestic economic cycle. Li further stated that China will adopt more effective macroeconomic policies, remain committed to opening up, share development opportunities with other countries, and resolve trade disputes through negotiation. The leaders of the three international organizations commended China’s development achievements and its contribution to global growth, and said they would deepen cooperation with China in areas including trade, investment, green development, and artificial intelligence.
  
  
• German FM Travels to Guangzhou: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Guangzhou following meetings with senior Chinese officials in Beijing. While in Guangzhou, Wadephul met with executives from the German tunnelling company Herrenknecht to discuss the business environment in China. He also visited WeRide, a Chinese technology firm specializing in autonomous driving, where he observed demonstrations of the company’s Robobus, Robotaxi, Robovan autonomous logistics vehicle, and L2+ assisted-driving solutions. During the visit, he discussed WeRide’s technological developments and global expansion plans with company representatives. Wadephul also warned Europe against imposing hasty tariffs on China, cautioning that such measures could provoke retaliatory actions and undermine Europe’s innovation capacity and global competitiveness. Meanwhile, Chinese officials assured their German counterparts that concerns over export controls are being addressed and that licensing procedures are being implemented in key areas, including rare earths.
  
  
• A Symposium on the Study and Research of Xi Jinping’s Diplomatic Thought Was Held in Beijing: A symposium on studying and researching Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thought was held in Beijing. Wang Yi attended the meeting and said China must follow the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thought. He also noted that China should continue to advance major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Wang Yi noted that Xi’s diplomatic thought is an evolving and open Marxist theory which corresponds to new global challenges and offers strong ideological support for China’s diplomacy. He added that Xi Jinping has led major theoretical and practical innovations, and has brought historic achievements and major changes to China’s foreign affairs. Wang called for using the republication of the “Outline for Studying Xi Jinping’s Diplomatic Thought” as a chance to deepen understanding. He said the theory guides innovation, serves national rejuvenation, reflects public sentiment, and provides practical methods. He stressed that Xi’s strategic guidance is essential and Chinese characteristics form the foundation of China’s diplomacy. He urged the diplomatic front to strengthen theory, responsibility, and communication to support national development. 
  
  
• Chinese Vice Premier Calls for Stronger Cooperation Between China and US: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with the head of the U.S.-China Business Council, Craig Allen, in Beijing. He noted that China and the U.S. should keep on increasing their list of cooperation areas, and their list of outstanding issues. He indicated that the two presidents have exchanged telephonic conversation several times, besides meeting in Busan where they arrived at a number of significant understandings. He remarked that the two sides must operate within the strategic direction of their leaders and stay within the right direction and keep positive momentum.He Lifeng added that China is entering the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan and will continue to advance high-quality opening-up. He encouraged more U.S. companies to invest and operate in China, saying this would help ensure that China–U.S. economic and trade relations develop in a steady, sound, and sustainable manner. Allen welcomed the outcomes of the presidential meeting and said he is willing to serve as a bridge between the two countries to promote deeper economic and trade cooperation.
  
  
• China Targets Retail Sector Upgrade to Boost Domestic Consumption: China plans to promote high-quality growth in its retail sector over the next five years, with officials highlighting the sector’s expanding role in driving the broader economy. A commerce official said the retail industry will become increasingly central to strengthening domestic demand and is expected to shift toward a more quality-oriented and service-focused development model. Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping noted that while the retail sector plays a vital role in boosting consumption and supporting economic recovery, there remains significant room for improvement in areas such as network layout, supply-demand coordination, and the balance between online and offline services. Sheng also emphasized the importance of developing new business models and shopping experiences, particularly in lower-tier markets. He added that deeper integration between online and offline consumption, along with fuller use of the market’s role in allocating resources, will be essential for the retail sector’s next stage of growth.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Erupts Over Louvre Library Leak: Posts on Weibo about the serious leak at the Louvre Museum’s Egyptian Antiquities Library are going viral, with hashtags like #LouvreSuddenLeakDestroysHundredsOfDocuments# and #LouvreSuddenLeakAfterJewelTheft# trending. The leak reportedly destroyed 300 to 400 historical books and research documents from early 19th-century records of Egypt’s first archaeological excavations. The topic has sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media, with users criticizing the museum’s long-standing neglect and repeated infrastructure failures, coming shortly after a high-profile jewelry theft at the Louvre. Many netizens expressed frustration that the maintenance of the museum was ignored. Some even commented, “If you can't protect it, return it to the owner,” and “Even if it were stolen, it wouldn't be this bad.” Others mocked Western museums’ claims to safeguard cultural heritage, asking, “Where are those people who claim museums protect world heritage?” Some users also referenced past incidents, writing, “What happened to the Louvre again? Wasn't it just raided by robbers?”

INDIA WATCH

Xinhua Discusses Indian Government Response to Flights Distruption: According to Xinhua Chinese media outlet, India’s civil aviation minister, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, issued a stern warning to airlines, saying no carrier, regardless of size, will be allowed to create hardship for passengers. He made the remarks in the lower house of the Indian parliament amid the ongoing crisis at IndiGo, the country’s largest airline. The article noted that IndiGo’s operational disruptions since December 2, caused by a shortage of pilots and flight crew under the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) rules, led to widespread cancellations and chaos. Hundreds of passengers were stranded at airports, while thousands more faced delays, missing baggage, or refund issues. Under the new rules, pilots’ weekly rest period has increased to 48 hours, limiting their flight hours, particularly during late-night and early-morning shifts. Kinjarapu stated that safety in civil aviation is non-negotiable and that India adheres to the highest global standards. According to the article, Kinjarapu added that IndiGo’s operations were stabilizing, with daily flights rising from 706 on December 5 to 1,800 and expected to increase further. To ensure reliability, IndiGo will cut 400-500 flights, operating 1,800-1,900 daily instead of 2,300 flights.

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.