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NEWS IN CHINA

• China and DPRK Strengthen Border Connectivity with New Yalu River Bridge: Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for deeper economic cooperation and improved cross-border connectivity between China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) following the opening of a new bridge over the Yalu River, linking Liaoning Province with North Pyongan Province. Delivering virtual remarks at the inauguration ceremony, Li described the bridge as a symbol of the traditional friendship between the two countries. He highlighted the bridge’s potential to facilitate bilateral trade, streamline customs clearance, strengthen personnel exchanges and promote economic development in border regions. He noted that the infrastructure project had received the attention and support of Chinese President Xi Jinping and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un. Emphasising the strategic importance of bilateral ties, Li stated that China’s commitment to its traditional friendship with the DPRK and its support for the country’s socialist development remained unchanged despite shifts in the international landscape. He reiterated Beijing’s willingness to strengthen strategic communication, consolidate political trust, expand practical cooperation and coordinate on multilateral issues. 
  
  
• Ministry of Finance Outlines Key Priorities for APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting: China’s Ministry of Finance has outlined four key priorities for the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for October 20-21 in Hong Kong. The key priorities include fiscal policies supporting livelihoods, digital infrastructure financing, inclusive finance adapted to local conditions, and cooperation among young finance professionals. Chinese officials highlighted the need for stronger macroeconomic policy coordination and fiscal and financial measures to support innovation and inclusive development. They also noted that advances in digital technologies and artificial intelligence are increasing demand for investment in digital infrastructure and creating a need to strengthen financial policy expertise. Finance ministers or their representatives from 21 APEC economies, alongside representatives of international organisations and partner institutions, are expected to participate. The meeting will focus on reaching consensus on key financial issues and developing outcomes to facilitate policy exchanges and share experiences across the region. 
  
  
• Shandong Unveils Digital and Intelligent Development Strategy for 2026-2030: Shandong Province has introduced a comprehensive policy framework to accelerate digital and intelligent development during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The strategy comprises a provincial digital development plan, measures to promote the data industry, and initiatives supporting artificial intelligence one-person companies (AI OPCs). It outlines 46 key tasks and 10 major projects across six priority areas, including digital industries, integration of digital technologies with the real economy, governance, infrastructure, and ecosystem development. A key priority is establishing a national comprehensive pilot zone for data elements, reforming data allocation mechanisms, and expanding digital technology applications across manufacturing, agriculture, services, and marine industries. These measures aim to improve data utilisation, strengthen industrial efficiency, and accelerate digital transformation. The province also plans to support AI OPCs through vouchers for AI models, data, and computing resources, alongside dedicated startup spaces to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.
  
  
• China Reaffirms Support for Palestinian Statehood and a Two-State Solution: Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin on the sidelines of the seventh summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), reaffirming Beijing’s longstanding support for Palestinian national rights. Wang described China and Palestine as longstanding friends and reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership. Wang stressed that the Palestinian question remains a major unresolved international issue and that a just settlement is essential for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. He also pledged that China would continue advocating for Palestinian rights on multilateral platforms and encourage international support for a two-state solution. Shahin briefed Wang on recent developments and called for the international community to avoid double standards in addressing the Palestinian question. She appreciated China’s consistent diplomatic support and humanitarian assistance to Gaza, expressing Palestine’s willingness to deepen bilateral cooperation. She also called on Beijing to continue supporting Palestinian rights and play a greater role in advancing the two-state solution.
  
  
• Beijing Expands Public Grievance Hotline to Improve Urban Governance: Beijing has expanded its 12345 public service hotline to include foreign nationals, allowing international visitors and residents to report concerns and access city services. The initiative forms part of the city’s “swift response to public complaints” reform, launched in 2019 to improve the handling of public grievances and everyday problems. The hotline integrates more than 60 service channels into a single number and operates 24 hours a day, with over 1,700 operators handling complaints related to transport, housing, education, healthcare, employment and business services. Official data indicates that Beijing processed approximately 200 million public appeals over slightly more than seven years, achieving resolution and satisfaction rates above 97 per cent. The initiative was discussed at the 2026 Beijing Forum on Swift Response to Public Complaints, which brought together more than 3,200 participants from over 70 countries and regions. The forum focused on approaches to modernising urban governance and strengthening public service delivery.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to Shenzhen’s Five-Year Citywide Ban on Vehicle Honking: A Weibo post has sparked debate over Shenzhen’s decision to ban motor vehicles from honking across the city, following a joint notice from the Shenzhen Ecology and Environment Bureau and the traffic administration of the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau. According to the post, the regulation will take effect on November 1, 2026 and remain valid for five years. It noted that violators face a 300 yuan fine, rising to 500 yuan from the third offence within a year. The post attracted online reactions from users, highlighting concerns about road safety, enforcement and the practical implications of the restriction. Some users questioned how drivers would warn others about immediate dangers, particularly when encountering electric two-wheelers in motor vehicle lanes or vehicles failing to move at green lights. Others sought clarification on whether electric bicycles would face similar restrictions. Another user sought clarity on the scope of the notice, asking, “Which areas and sections of the road are not allowed to honk the horn?” Meanwhile, some users also called for stricter noise controls, including restrictions on outdoor karaoke and loudspeakers used for square dancing.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Discusses Rubio’s India Visit and the Deepening of US-India Energy Ties: An article in Guancha discussed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s expected visit to India from October 17-22. The article noted that Rubio is expected to visit Jamnagar, Gujarat, and meet Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and other executives. It also mentioned his planned visit to Mumbai for meetings with senior Indian government officials on energy cooperation and bilateral ties. The article highlighted Reliance’s growing involvement in US energy investments, noting that US President Donald Trump announced seven months ago that the company would finance a major oil refinery in the United States. It mentioned that the facility is designed to process approximately 168,000 barrels of American shale oil daily and is linked to a 20-year fuel procurement agreement. The article also recalled previous US concerns over Indian refiners’ purchases of Russian crude oil, placing the proposed engagement in the context of bilateral energy relations. Additionally, it underscored Elon Musk’s public criticism of Ambani and allegations concerning obstacles to Starlink’s operations in India. The article also presented Rubio’s planned engagement with Ambani as reflecting the industrialist’s continued influence in Washington amid shifting commercial and geopolitical dynamics.

Prepared By

Arushi Sharma

Arushi Sharma is a Junior Research Associate at Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). She is a recent postgraduate in East Asian Studies from the University of Delhi and holds a Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language from K.R. Mangalam University. She has previously worked as a Subject Matter Expert in Mandarin Language at Unacademy. Her primary research interests focus on China's domestic politics and international economic statecraft.