Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA

• Premier Li Qiang Calls for Stronger SCO Cooperation on Regional and Global Challenges: Premier Li Qiang called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to strengthen cooperation on regional security, economic development and global governance at the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Li stated that the organisation should build on the outcomes of the September Bishkek summit and respond collectively to growing global uncertainty. Li noted that despite increasing international competition, multipolarity and economic globalisation remain major trends. He urged SCO members to uphold the “Shanghai Spirit,” strengthen solidarity and maintain a long-term commitment to peace, security and development. On practical cooperation, Li called for improving the SCO’s institutional mechanisms, expanding economic and trade ties, and strengthening regional transport networks and global supply chains. China also offered to provide further training in China for 1,000 medical professionals from SCO countries. Li further encouraged the SCO to expand cooperation with international partners and play a more active role in global governance. He stressed the importance of managing differences through dialogue, building consensus and seeking common interests. The organisation, he said, should contribute to regional prosperity while promoting peaceful coexistence and common development.
  
  
• China Reports US Warship Activity Near Xianbin Jiao, Vows to Protect Maritime Rights: The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command deployed naval forces to monitor the US littoral combat ship USS Charleston after it entered waters near Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea on October 20, according to a statement by Chinese military spokesperson Yin Gang. According to the spokesperson, the vessel operated without its approval and accused Washington of infringing on China’s maritime rights and threatening regional stability. Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe stated that the US operation was intended to challenge China’s maritime claims, test its responses and complicate its efforts to enforce control around the shoal. He also argued that Washington sought to demonstrate support for the Philippines and maintain its military presence in the disputed waters. Researcher Chen Xiangmiao noted that although similar US operations near Xianbin Jiao have been relatively uncommon, the latest incident reflects the continuing competition between China and the US in the South China Sea. The shoal has been a recurring point of friction between China and the Philippines, including a reported collision involving Philippine and Chinese coast guard vessels in September. Beijing reiterated that its forces remain on high alert to protect its claimed sovereignty and maritime interests.
  
  
• President Xi Jinping Extends Congratulations to Central Institute of Socialism on 70th Anniversary: President Xi Jinping called for stronger political training and research at the Central Institute of Socialism as the institution marked its 70th anniversary in Beijing. In a congratulatory letter, Xi highlighted the institute’s role in educating non-Communist Party representatives and supporting the development of China’s patriotic united front over the past seven decades. Xi urged the institute to strengthen political consensus, improve the quality of teaching and research, and enhance its governance capabilities. He also called for greater efforts in cultivating personnel for united front work, advancing theoretical research and communicating Party principles and policies. Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, addressed the anniversary gathering and said Xi’s message provided guidance for the institute’s future development. Wang called for sustained political education, improved training programmes and stricter institutional management. Established on October 15, 1956, the institute has focused on training non-CPC representatives and supporting China’s system of multiparty cooperation under CPC leadership. The anniversary event emphasised its continuing role in political education, research and united front work.
  
  
• China Unveils Five-Year Plan to Boost Advertising Industry: China has introduced a five-year plan to modernise its advertising industry, targeting average annual growth of around 10% by 2030. The plan was jointly issued by seven government departments, including the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Cyberspace Administration of China, to guide the sector’s development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The strategy prioritises technological innovation, digital transformation, creative development and talent cultivation to strengthen the industry’s competitiveness. It also aims to expand advertising’s contribution to manufacturing, rural revitalisation, service industries and consumer spending, while supporting the international expansion of Chinese brands. The plan calls for greater regional coordination, stronger cooperation across the advertising supply chain and deeper international exchanges. It also emphasises improving public service advertisements that promote cultural confidence and communicate Chinese stories. Alongside industry growth, the government plans to strengthen advertising regulations, improve enforcement and establish a more comprehensive standards framework. Authorities will coordinate implementation and conduct regular monitoring and evaluations to assess progress. The initiative seeks to improve advertising quality and support economic development by 2030.
  
  
• China Sets 2030 Targets for Cultural Heritage Protection: The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has issued a five-year plan to strengthen the protection and preservation of historical and cultural heritage in cities, towns and villages. The initiative aims to integrate heritage conservation with urban and rural development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. By 2030, the plan seeks to improve the protection and practical use of historical sites, strengthen preservation mechanisms and raise public awareness of China’s cultural heritage. It also aims to ensure that conservation contributes to the country’s broader urban and rural development goals. The strategy outlines four priorities, including identifying and documenting heritage resources, protecting historical areas and their surroundings, promoting the use of cultural heritage in local development, and improving institutional coordination. It also reinforces the principle that old cities should no longer be demolished, emphasising the preservation of their historical character while improving living conditions and safety. The plan encourages greater community participation in conservation and closer integration between urban renewal and heritage protection. To support implementation, authorities will strengthen legal standards, improve professional training, enhance interdepartmental coordination and expand investment and financing channels. 
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER 

Weibo Users Welcome Nationwide Medical Insurance Account Sharing: A post announcing the nationwide rollout of cross-provincial medical insurance account sharing is going viral on Weibo. According to the post, the upgraded “Medical Insurance Wallet 2.0” allows employees to use funds in their personal medical insurance accounts to support eligible close relatives insured in other provinces. The funds can cover medical treatment, medicine purchases, and contributions to urban and rural residents’ medical insurance and long-term care insurance. Many users welcomed the initiative, describing it as a “practical measure that would improve access to medical benefits across provincial boundaries.” Some users expressed support for the policy, stating that “cross-provincial sharing of individual medical insurance accounts benefits the people and warms their hearts”. Others called for broader sharing and integration between employee medical insurance and urban and rural residents’ insurance schemes. Several users praised the “initiative as a beneficial step towards making medical insurance more accessible to families living in different provinces.” Comments such as “this is a good thing” and “support cross-provincial assistance” reflected the largely positive response.  A few users also highlighted the importance of understanding the implementation rules, with a user advising people to “check the requirements for linking family members and the permitted uses of funds beforehand to avoid confusion when accessing the benefits.”

INDIA WATCH 

Guancha Discusses China’s Export Controls on Tunnel Boring Machines and Implications for India: An article in Guancha examined China’s decision to impose export controls on tunnel boring machines and other specialised construction equipment, effective November 18, 2026. The measures, jointly announced by China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs, could create uncertainty for India’s infrastructure sector, which relies on imported machinery for metro systems, highways and other major projects. Citing Business Today, the article noted that the restrictions could expose Indian infrastructure development to supply chain disruptions. According to The Economic Times, the Indian government plans to consult industry stakeholders on measures to mitigate potential effects. Indian officials maintained that road construction would not face significant delays but acknowledged possible difficulties in sourcing heavy-duty engines, cranes and tunnelling equipment for projects, including high-speed rail. The article also recalled a 2025 incident involving German manufacturer Herrenknecht, whose tunnel boring machines produced in China were reportedly held up during export to India, prompting the company to plan manufacturing facilities in India. Citing China’s Ministry of Commerce, the article stated that Beijing considers the controls consistent with international practice because the equipment has dual-use applications. The article concluded that China is willing to review export licence applications and engage in bilateral dialogue to facilitate compliant trade and maintain the stability of global supply chains.

Prepared By

Neha Maurya

Neha Maurya is a Project Assistant at Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). A recent graduate of FLAME University with a major in International Studies and a minor in Public Policy, her research interests include strategic studies, governance, and education policy. She is interested in contributing to research that informs effective policy design and implementation.