CiCM 18th December 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

China Launches Pilot Funding for High-Risk, Non-Consensus Research Projects: China has launched a pilot program to support high-risk, non-consensus scientific research, with three major projects selected in the first batch for proposed funding, according to the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). The selected projects focus on areas including new particle detection in nuclear transitions, synthetic artificial cells, and mechanisms of planetesimal formation in the early solar system. The initiative aims to encourage original and potentially disruptive research in areas described as scientific “uncharted territory.” The program follows recent policy guidance calling for greater support for high-risk, high-value basic research. Unlike conventional funding mechanisms, the selection process adopts an extended interactive review format, allowing in-depth discussion between research teams and expert panels without fixed time limits. NSFC officials said the pilot mechanism will be further refined to foster an environment conducive to original innovation and to strengthen China’s long-term basic research capacity.
China’s 15th South Sudan Peacekeeping Contingent Returns After Completing Mission: China’s 15th peacekeeping contingent to South Sudan (Wau) returned home on December 18 after completing a one-year United Nations mission. The first group of 164 personnel arrived in Zhengzhou on a chartered flight. Deployed in December 2024, the contingent consisted of an engineering unit and a medical unit. The engineering team was responsible for road rehabilitation, airport maintenance, camp construction, defensive works, and humanitarian assistance, completing more than 330 kilometers of key supply routes — the longest among UNMISS engineering units. The medical team provided healthcare services to UN personnel, conducted water quality monitoring, and managed medical waste. Over the past year, it treated more than 1,900 patients and carried out various humanitarian activities, including medical outreach and donations.
Commerce Ministry Approves General Licenses for Rare Earth Exports: China has approved some general license applications for the export of rare earth–related items, the Ministry of Commerce said on December 18. Speaking at a press briefing, ministry spokesperson He Yadong said that following China's implementation of export controls on certain rare earth items, relevant authorities have provided policy guidance to domestic exporters. As exporters accumulate experience with compliance and application procedures, some Chinese companies have met the basic requirements for applying for general export licenses. He added that the authorities have received and approved a number of general license applications submitted by Chinese exporters, marking progress in the implementation of the export control system.
China Urges U.S. to Halt Arms Sales to Taiwan, Citing One-China Principle: China has urged the United States to stop what it described as a “dangerous act” following Washington’s approval of a large arms sales package to Taiwan worth approximately $11 billion. At a regular press briefing on December 18, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the U.S. decision violates the one-China principle and the three China–U.S. joint communiqués. He said the move undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and infringes on China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Guo said China firmly opposes the arms sales and called on the United States to honor its commitments and immediately cease military support to Taiwan. He added that China would take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests, reiterating that the Taiwan issue remains at the core of China’s core interests and a key red line in China–U.S. relations.
Large Undersea Gold Deposit Discovered off East China Coast: The Chinese government has announced the discovery of a large undersea gold deposit off the coast of Yantai in east China’s Shandong Province, according to local government sources. The deposit is located north of Sanshan Island in Laizhou City. Preliminary surveys indicate that the deposit contains cumulative gold reserves exceeding 3,900 metric tons, accounting for roughly 26 percent of China’s total identified gold resources. The find is described as the largest undersea gold deposit discovered in Asia to date. Shandong Province is one of China’s major gold-producing regions. In November 2023, provincial geological authorities reported that the region contained approximately one-quarter of the country’s identified gold reserves. Further exploration and assessment of the newly discovered deposit are ongoing.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens React to Reports of “Ghost Sound” Psychological Tactics: Chinese social media users reacted with a mix of disbelief, dark humor, and irony to media reports claiming that Thai forces used loud “ghost-like” sounds at night as a form of psychological pressure during ongoing clashes near the Cambodia–Thailand border. On Weibo, many users responded by joking about horror films, questioning whether the sounds were real, or describing the tactic as “psychological warfare.” Some compared the reports to historical examples of sound-based intimidation in past conflicts, while others commented on the increasingly “surreal” nature of modern warfare. Despite the humorous tone of many comments, several users also expressed concern about the impact of such tactics on civilians, particularly children, reflecting an underlying unease about the human cost of the conflict.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Analyzes Foreign Capital Outflows from India: Chinese state media outlets have reported growing concerns over foreign capital outflows from India, despite India's strong GDP growth figures. According to Economic Daily, India’s economy expanded by 7.8 percent in the first quarter and 8.2 percent in the second quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year, but foreign direct investment and portfolio inflows have declined sharply. The report cited IMF assessments that rated India’s economic data quality at a relatively low level, which it said has affected international investor confidence. It also pointed to falling manufacturing investment, regulatory uncertainty, and external pressures such as U.S. tariffs as contributing factors. Additionally, Chinese media noted that while domestic investors have cushioned stock market volatility, capital outflows have added pressure on the Indian rupee and raised concerns about long-term economic sustainability.

Prepared By

Chieh-Ju Chen

Chieh-Ju Chen (Nikita), currently an MA student at the Graduate Institute of International Politics, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Taiwan. Her research focuses on refugee and immigration studies, with interests in South Asia and Indian studies, and a comparative perspective on regional dynamics in Asia.