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NEWS IN CHINA

• China and North Korea Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kim Song Nam, a senior official of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Beijing to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries. During the meeting, Wang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in June had provided direction for the future development of relations between the two countries. He stated that China is willing to work with North Korea to implement the key understandings reached by the leaders of both countries and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Wang also briefed the visiting delegation on the outcomes of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Kim Song Nam expressed North Korea's willingness to work with China in line with the understanding reached by the two countries' leadership. He said Pyongyang would continue efforts to maintain and develop friendly relations with Beijing. 
  
  
• Chinese Firm Begins Major Expansion of Bangladesh’s Mongla Port: China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has officially commenced construction on the modernisation and expansion of Bangladesh’s Mongla Port under the Belt and Road Initiative. The port, located in southwestern Bangladesh, is a key maritime gateway and plays an important role in trade. The project is expected to improve the country’s transport and logistics network and strengthen its connections with international markets. The expansion project will include two container berths capable of handling 20,000-ton ships, a large container yard covering about 227,000 square meters, a container freight station, an integrated command and control centre, and other supporting facilities. The project will use Chinese standards, technology and equipment, and is expected to take around 42 months to complete. According to the project developer, the upgraded port will significantly increase container-handling capacity and improve the efficiency of Bangladesh’s port system. Better links between shipping, road and rail transport are also expected to reduce logistics and trade costs, making exports more competitive and supporting economic growth. The China-Bangladesh Mongla Port Economic Zones are also under the plan alongside the Port expansion.  
  
  
• World Ocean Week Opens in Xiamen: The World Ocean Week opened on November 5 in Xiamen, Fujian Province, bringing together experts, policymakers and industry representatives to discuss marine conservation, scientific research and the future of the ocean economy. This year's World Ocean Week includes 33 events such as discussions on marine science, ocean conservation and business cooperation. Organisers also released several new outcomes, including a report on underwater mountains (seamounts) and a new ocean ecological data product to support marine research and management. A major focus of the event was the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), which came into force in January 2026. A bilingual report released during the event reviewed the agreement's significance and examined China’s contribution to its negotiation and implementation. According to the report, China participated in nearly two decades of talks and supported measures related to marine genetic resources, environmental assessments and capacity-building for developing countries. The report also highlighted the expansion of Chinese marine conservation efforts by creating protected ocean areas and restoring coastal ecosystems. China has also strengthened cooperation with other countries, signing marine agreements with over 50 partners and providing training for thousands of researchers and officials from developing countries. 
  
  
• China Revises Administrative Regulations to Streamline Governance: Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced changes to several administrative regulations as part of broader efforts to improve governance, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure that laws and regulations remain consistent with ongoing reforms. He announced the signing of a State Council decree approving the revisions and repeals. According to the State Council, the changes are aimed at cutting down on excessive formalities that can place additional burdens on officials and workers at the local level. The measures are also intended to support reforms of Party and state institutions and better align existing regulations with China's current legal framework. According to the report, provisions in 14 administrative regulations have been revised, while four regulations have been repealed. It also noted a key revision that involves regulations governing river course administration. The update brings these rules into line with the country's Ecological and Environmental Code, helping ensure greater consistency in environmental governance and water management policies. 
  
  
• State Councillor Calls for Stronger Employment and Social Support Measures: Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin has called for greater efforts to create jobs and improve social welfare during a visit to Gansu Province in northwest China from 3rd to 5th of November. Shen reviewed local economic development, employment initiatives, social assistance programmes and elderly care services of Lanzhou and Jiuquan. She stressed employment as a key priority, urging support for groups facing challenges in the job market, including university graduates and migrant workers. For the creation of jobs, she encouraged the development of industries and businesses, and called for increased vocational training to improve workers' skills. On elderly care, Shen urged local authorities to expand services in rural areas according to local needs. She further called for the development of a coordinated support system linking county-level services with both urban and rural communities. Shen also stressed the need to support vulnerable groups, including disaster-affected residents, elderly people living alone, children facing difficulties, and people with disabilities.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to Intensifying Global AI Model Competition: A Weibo post on developments in the global large language model (LLM) sector sparked discussion among users about the increasing competition between leading AI companies. The post noted that competition is no longer determined solely by benchmark performance, but also by factors such as reasoning ability, multimodal functions, ecosystem development, implementation capacity, cost efficiency and stability. It also highlighted that while several established international models continue to maintain strong overall capabilities, domestic Chinese models are rapidly improving and gaining ground. Many users viewed the growing competition as a positive sign for technological innovation and industry development. One user commented, “Industry competition is fierce, and long-distance running tests real skills”, reflecting the view that long-term success will depend on sustained innovation rather than short-term breakthroughs. Another user noted that “localisation advantages are helping domestic brands rise,” highlighting confidence in the prospects of Chinese AI models. One commenter observed that “The rise of domestically produced models and the continued strength of established flagship brands have intensified competition, making the completion of the project crucial.” The discussion reflected interest in the rapid development of both domestic and international AI models.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Discusses India's Concerns Over China's TBM Export Controls: An article in Global Times discussed India's concerns over China's export controls on Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), following remarks by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal that India would develop the equipment domestically if China did not supply it. The article noted that China's export-control measures, announced on October 19 and scheduled to take effect on November 18, apply to certain TBMs and related equipment. According to the article, the controls are linked to the dual-use nature of the equipment and require export licences rather than a complete ban. The article also highlighted India's growing need for TBMs as it expands metro, railway and other infrastructure projects. Referring to earlier delays involving Chinese-made TBMs, it underlined that communication between the two sides had helped address the issue. The article further stated that India's efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and China's export-control regulations need not be contradictory. It concluded by calling for continued dialogue and practical engagement between the two countries while cautioning against developments that could deepen mistrust in bilateral relations.

Prepared By

Farhat Naz

Farhat Naz holds a postgraduate degree in International Relations and Political Science from the Central University of Kerala and a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Patna University. Her research interests include international security, great-power politics, geopolitical competition, South and West Asian affairs, conflict and peace studies, and the evolving international order.