CiCM 29-30th November 2025

NEWS IN CHINA

Wang Yi Meets with UK Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser: Wang Yi, Director of the CPC Central Foreign Affairs Commission, met UK Prime Minister's National Security Adviser, in Beijing on 28 November. Wang urged the UK to adopt a long-term view of bilateral relations, approach China's development with goodwill, and pursue a constructive, pragmatic China policy. He called on London to engage directly with Beijing, address differences through dialogue, and prioritise cooperation as the foundation of ties. Wang reiterated China's firm stance on Taiwan and urged the UK to uphold the one-China principle while jointly safeguarding the post-World War II international order. The UK adviser affirmed that the Labour government seeks a stable, coherent, and strategic relationship with China.
Central Bank Vows Ongoing Crackdown on Illicit Virtual Currency Activities: The People's Bank of China reported that virtual currency trading and speculation have resurged, fueling illegal financial activities and creating new risk-prevention challenges. Authorities reiterated that virtual currencies, including stablecoins, lack legal tender status in China, and any related business activities constitute illegal financial operations. Stablecoins pose particular risks as they bypass customer identification and anti-money laundering requirements, making them susceptible to money laundering, fundraising fraud, and illicit cross-border transfers. The central bank pledged to strengthen monitoring capabilities and crack down on illegal activities to protect public property and maintain financial stability. Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid engaging in virtual currency trading.
China National Space Administration launches Commercial Space Department: China's National Space Administration (CNSA) established a Commercial Space Department to oversee and accelerate the country's commercial aerospace sector. A recent civil servant recruitment posting confirms the department has commenced operations. The department aims to integrate products, talent, standards, and infrastructure to build a sustainable commercial aerospace ecosystem. Shandong Province, with its industrial base and launch capabilities, is positioned as a key hub. CNSA also released the "Action Plan for Promoting High-Quality and Safe Development of Commercial Spaceflight (2025-2027)," the first national-level guide for the sector. The plan emphasises policy coordination, industrial alignment, expanded commercial applications, and international participation to consolidate China's global leadership in space technology.
Xi Jinping Emphasizes Enhancing Long-Term Systems for Cyberspace Governance: Xi Jinping highlighted the need to strengthen cyberspace governance. Xi emphasized the establishment of a good online atmosphere while speaking at a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. He pointed out that there has been a marked improvement in the online environment since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, due to the attempts to strengthen the mainstream values, opinions, and culture online. Xi stressed the importance of cyberspace regulation as the center of the nationwide regulation and promoted the comprehensive system within the framework of the direct management of the CPC Central Committee. He has called upon the internet platforms, independent journalists and internet service providers to take social responsibility, spread positive energy and be involved in ideological direction, moral growth and cultural inheritance. He‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ cautioned about the presence of detrimental online content. Besides, Xi recognized that innovations such as AI and big data might cause issues, but they could also open up new ways to improve governance. Xi called for the cooperation of various countries to put an end to cybercrime and make cyberspace safe and accessible for all.
China Halts Brazilian Soybean Imports, Shifts to U.S. Amid Safety Probe: China has halted the imports of soybeans from five Brazilian exporters after inspectors found wheat coated with a banned pesticide mixed into a shipment headed for Beijing. The suspension, announced by China’s customs authority and confirmed by Brazil’s agriculture ministry. The problem was discovered when Chinese inspectors checked the vessel Shine Ruby, which was carrying about 69,000 tonnes of soybeans. Inside the cargo hold, they found around ten tonnes of wheat treated with a chemical allowed only for seed protection and considered toxic if eaten by people or animals. The‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ finding was viewed as another violation of regulations because wheat from Brazil is not permitted to be imported into China. The case was labeled by China as a major infringement of its food safety regulations and the suspension was said to be a measure to ensure the health of the public and the safety of the goods arriving.‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ The order took effect immediately on Thursday. It applies only to the specific plants involved, meaning other facilities run by the same companies can continue exporting soybeans to China as usual.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Makeup-Triggered MRI Glitch Sparks Heated Discussion on Weibo: A viral Weibo hashtag #WomansMRIScanInterruptedTwiceDueToMakeup sparked widespread discussion after a 29-year-old woman in Fujian experienced two failed MRI scans due to abnormal facial imaging. The scans proceeded normally once she removed her makeup. The examining doctor suspected heavy metals in her cosmetics or setting powder interfered with the imaging. The incident, reported by Jiupai News, raised public concerns about ingredients in common cosmetics. Thousands of users expressed shock, with many demanding to know which brands contain metal oxides. "Please tell us what cosmetics have heavy metals so we can avoid them," one comment read. Others raised concerns about potential health effects from long-term exposure, while some urged consumers to "sue the company immediately." Several users advised removing makeup before medical tests to avoid interference. Responses combined alarm with calls for greater transparency and regulation in the cosmetics industry.

INDIA WATCH

Four People Killed in Residential Building Fire in India: Xinhua reported on 30 November that at least four people, including one woman, died in a residential building fire in Delhi's Sangam Vihar area, with several others injured. The blaze originated in a ground-floor shop late Saturday evening before rapidly engulfing the four-storey residential structure above. Fire tenders responded to the scene, with firefighters requiring over two hours to bring the flames under control. The incident highlights ongoing fire safety concerns in Delhi's densely populated residential areas, where ground-floor commercial establishments in mixed-use buildings pose particular risks.

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.