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NEWS IN CHINA

• Xi Jinping’s Envoy Attends Djibouti Presidential Inauguration: On 9th May, Losang Jamcan, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and special envoy of President Xi Jinping, attended the inauguration of Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who was sworn in for his sixth term following his re‑election. During the ceremony, Losang Jamcan conveyed Xi Jinping’s congratulations, noting that under the guidance of both leaders, the China‑Djibouti comprehensive strategic partnership has steadily advanced. He emphasized China’s readiness to work with Djibouti to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen traditional friendship, expand practical cooperation, and promote further growth in bilateral ties. President Guelleh expressed appreciation for Xi’s gesture of sending a special envoy and asked that his greetings be conveyed to the Chinese leader. He reaffirmed that China remains a trusted partner for Djibouti and voiced his commitment to strengthening solidarity and cooperation. Guelleh highlighted the importance of enhancing exchanges across multiple fields, maintaining close coordination in international affairs, and elevating Djibouti‑China relations to new heights.
  
  
• China–ASEAN Forum in Hainan Calls for Stronger Blue Economy Cooperation: Officials, experts, and business representatives from 14 countries convened a meeting in Haikou, Hainan, to discuss deepening China–ASEAN blue economy cooperation under the RCEP framework. The dialogue highlighted the growing urgency for regional collaboration as global uncertainties reshape economic and maritime dynamics. Speakers emphasized that China and ASEAN have become highly interconnected partners, making the blue economy a crucial area for expanding shared interests. Gao Fei of China Foreign Affairs University noted that Hainan is well‑placed to serve as a strategic hub for maritime cooperation, neighborhood diplomacy, and long‑term stability in the South China Sea. Chi Fulin stressed that building a China–ASEAN blue economy common market would strengthen supply‑chain integration and enhance resilience against external shocks. Former Indonesian minister Rokhmin Dahuri called for deeper cooperation in connectivity, sustainable fisheries, blue carbon ecosystems, and marine innovation. Li Mingjiang of Nanyang Technological University highlighted future opportunities in marine environmental protection, renewable ocean energy, port development, and digital shipping. Indonesian scholar Yose Rizal Damuri highlighted the need to embed sustainability into trade rules and develop clean, low‑carbon maritime logistics, noting that greener shipping will be essential for the region’s long‑term blue economy growth.
  
  
• Premier Li Qiang Presides Over State Council Meeting: Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting, focusing on consolidating economic stability and ensuring a strong launch for the 15th Five‑Year Plan (2026‑30) on Saturday. The meeting emphasized the need to fully leverage macroeconomic policies with proactive, front‑loaded measures to improve efficiency. Strengthening domestic circulation was highlighted, with calls for better coordination between supply and demand and upgrading both sides of the market. The meeting also prioritized the need to expand the service sector’s capacity and quality. Infrastructure development featured prominently, with directives to accelerate the construction of water networks, advanced power grids, computing power systems, next‑generation communication networks, underground pipelines, and logistics facilities. On social well‑being, the meeting urged stronger efforts to stabilize employment and reinforce the social safety net. Delegates stressed advancing basic research while addressing risks in real estate, local government debt, and small and medium‑sized financial institutions. Workplace safety oversight was reinforced to curb major accidents. The session also reviewed progress on the national comprehensive transportation system and studied measures to mitigate local debt risks. Additionally, it also approved draft regulations for implementing the Mineral Resources Law, signaling a comprehensive approach to governance and reform.
  
  
• China’s Tansuo‑1 Returns After Landmark Deep-Sea Expedition: China’s research vessel Tansuo‑1, carrying the manned submersible Fendouzhe, arrived in Guangzhou after completing a 156‑day Pacific mission under the Global Hadal Exploration Program and the first China‑Chile joint deep‑diving expedition to the Atacama Trench. Covering more than 40,000 kilometers, the voyage marked a major advance in China’s deep‑sea science and international cooperation. The mission involved 83 researchers from six countries, which include China, Chile, Germany, Denmark, Canada, and Spain, who conducted systematic studies in the Atacama and Mussau trenches. Fendouzhe performed 63 dives, including 50 beyond 6,000 meters, collecting thousands of biological and geological samples and capturing high‑definition imagery. Discoveries included the deepest chemosynthetic ecosystem in the southern hemisphere, diverse hadal snailfish species, and seabed fault structures linked to historic earthquakes. Expert Wang Peng highlighted that Fendouzhe’s success stems from breakthroughs in titanium alloy materials, control systems, and acoustic positioning, enabling precise navigation under extreme pressure. He noted a “double dividend”: deep-sea technologies inform industries such as aerospace and nuclear energy, while ecological findings enhance our understanding of life’s origins, climate forecasting, and disaster prediction. The mission also strengthened global data sharing, talent training, and long‑term seabed observation, highlighting China’s active role in ocean governance and scientific collaboration.
  
  
• China Launches Central Environmental Inspections Across Seven Regions: According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, seven inspection teams under the third round of central environmental protection inspections have begun work in Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Guangdong, Guangxi, Tibet, Xinjiang, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. At the mobilization meeting, inspection leaders stressed that the mission will fully implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, Xi Jinping’s thoughts on ecological civilization, and directives from the central leadership. The inspections aim to promote coordinated regional development, accelerate the green transformation of the economy and society, and achieve tangible improvements in ecological quality. Local Party leaders pledged full cooperation, promising to provide information, coordinate efforts, implement rectifications, and ensure transparency throughout the process. Dedicated hotlines and mailboxes have been set up to receive public complaints, with operating hours adjusted for Tibet and Xinjiang. Inspection teams emphasized strict adherence to disciplinary rules, public supervision, and reducing burdens on grassroots levels. They will focus on improving the accuracy and relevance of inspection work, ensuring effective risk management, and advancing the construction of a “Beautiful China.”
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

China’s Tianzhou-10 Cargo Mission Sparks Excitement on Weibo: A post with the hashtag #6Point2TonSpaceExpressDeliveryReadyForLaunch# is going viral on Weibo, generating widespread discussion about China’s upcoming Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft mission. According to the post, Tianzhou-10 is expected to carry nearly 6.2 tons of supplies to the Tiangong space station, including a new third extravehicular activity suit designated “F,” a space treadmill, and a variety of food supplies such as apples, cherry tomatoes, green grapes, peaches, frozen steaks, and chicken wings. The mission has been described as part of China’s growing “space express delivery” system and highlights the country’s expanding capabilities in long-term space station support and astronaut living conditions. Online reactions were largely enthusiastic and supportive. Many users expressed excitement about the launch and praised the rapid development of China’s space program. Another user remarked that “after seeing reports about abundant supplies for China’s Antarctic expedition team, it was surprising to now see similarly advanced supply systems heading into space." Some users described China’s space achievements as “unimaginable,” emphasizing that Tianzhou-10 demonstrates the country’s strong aerospace capabilities and commitment to long-term space exploration. Several other users joked about “food delivery in space,” while many users highlighted the inclusion of fresh fruits, vegetables, and frozen meat as evidence of improving living standards for astronauts. Several other users simply described the mission as “amazing” and celebrated China’s technological progress.

INDIA WATCH

Sina Discusses Modi’s Economic Response to Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Rising Oil Shock: An article published in Sina discussed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and its economic implications for India. The article noted that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, has remained blocked for more than two months due to the ongoing military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, leading to surging international oil prices and disruptions in global supply chains. Against this backdrop, Modi addressed a gathering in Hyderabad on May 10, calling on citizens to adopt energy-saving measures and reduce unnecessary spending in order to help India manage rising inflationary pressure and protect foreign exchange reserves. According to the article, Modi urged the public to reduce gasoline and diesel consumption by prioritizing public transportation, carpooling, and electric vehicles, while also advocating greater use of rail freight and remote working models to improve efficiency. The article further stated that Modi encouraged farmers to cut fertilizer use by 50% and shift from diesel-powered irrigation systems to solar pumps. To safeguard financial stability, Modi advised citizens to postpone non-essential expenditures such as overseas vacations, weddings, and gold purchases, while supporting domestic tourism and buying “Made in India” products. The article further added that approximately 1,500 ships and their crew members remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, further intensifying pressure on India’s economy and foreign exchange reserves amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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.