India-China Relations
Chinese Envoy Calls for Improved India-China Relations, Citing Shared Civilisational Ties
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has called for renewed efforts to strengthen India-China relations, emphasizing the nations' millennia-long civilisational links. He spoke optimistically about the future of bilateral ties and cited the mutual understanding between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi as a foundation for improved communication. Acknowledging current tensions, Ambassador Xu urged broader engagement beyond governments, involving think tanks, universities, and citizens to build mutual trust and cooperation. Click here to read...
Geopolitical and Diplomatic Developments
Chinese and French Foreign Ministers Discuss Strategic Ties, Global Issues in Phone Call
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held a phone conversation to advance bilateral relations and discuss international affairs. Wang Yi emphasized the consensus reached between Presidents Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron on enhancing strategic coordination and welcomed French participation in the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. He stressed the importance of cultural and educational exchanges, reaffirmed China’s stance on the Taiwan issue, and called on France to oppose NATO's involvement in Asia-Pacific affairs. Barrot reiterated France’s commitment to the one-China policy, welcomed Chinese Vice President Han Zheng to the upcoming UN Ocean Conference, and emphasized the need for high-level exchanges. Both ministers also discussed global hotspots including Ukraine, Palestine-Israel, and Iran’s nuclear issue. Click here to read...
China-Laos Railway Boosts Thai Durian Exports, Strengthens Regional Trade Under BRI
The China-Laos Railway, a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project, has significantly boosted regional trade, particularly Thailand’s agricultural exports to China. Thai durian imports via the Mohan border checkpoint in Yunnan rose by 25% this year, due to enhanced freight capacity and streamlined customs processes. Since the railway’s launch in January 2022, transport costs have dropped 60%, reducing retail prices in China by up to 30%. This development supports Thai exporters with faster market access and benefits Chinese consumers with lower prices. Click here to read...
Military and Security Updates
New Images of China’s Sixth-Gen Fighters Reveal Stealth Features, Supersonic Cruise, and Drone Integration Potential
Fresh images of China’s sixth-generation fighter jets, the Chengdu J-36 and Shenyang J-50, have surfaced online, offering unprecedented details on design and capabilities. Analysts highlight the J-36's three-engine configuration, large internal weapons bays, and side-by-side cockpit, suggesting a long-range strike role with potential supersonic cruise. The tailless, blended wing-body designs of both jets emphasize stealth, while advanced flight control surfaces will lead to enhanced manoeuvrability. These aircraft could support drone operations and might enter limited service before Western counterparts under development. However, questions remain about their AI integration and internal tech capabilities. Click here to read...
China Showcases Export-Oriented FTC-2000G and L15 Combat Trainers Aimed at Global Market
Chinese state media has unveiled technical details of the FTC-2000G and L15 combat trainer aircraft, highlighting their cost-effectiveness, dual-role capability, and appeal for developing nations seeking to replace aging fighter jets. The FTC-2000G, based on the JL-9, features a T-shaped wing, improved radar, Mach 1.2 speed, and a 2,400km range. The L15, with advanced avionics and fly-by-wire systems, supports air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, and is also in use by China’s PLA Air Force as the JL-10. China’s ability to offer full technology transfer and support is key to their global competitiveness. Click here to read...
Economic and Trade Trends
China’s May Trade Data Falls Short of Expectations as Export Growth Slows, Imports Decline
China’s trade performance in May showed signs of strain, with export growth slowing to 4.8% year-on-year (down from April’s 8.1%) and missing market expectations. Imports declined by 3.4%, marking a deeper contraction than April's 0.2% dip. Exports to the U.S. plunged by 34.52% amid lingering trade tensions, while shipments to ASEAN nations rose 14.84%. The trade surplus rose to US$103.2 billion. Click here to read...
Technology and Innovation
China Begins Mass Production of World’s First Non-Binary AI Chip, Targeting Aviation and Smart Systems
China has launched mass production of the world’s first non-binary AI chip, developed by Beihang University. The chip merges binary and stochastic logic to overcome traditional power and architecture limitations. Built using SMIC’s 110nm and 28nm processes, the chip offers enhanced energy efficiency and fault tolerance, with applications in touch displays, flight systems, and instrument panels. Incorporating in-memory computing and a system-on-chip design, it enables parallel task handling and is being positioned for future use in AI acceleration and intelligent control systems. Click here to read...
China-Led Global Initiative to Explore Hadal Zone Gains UN Backing
China’s Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering (IDSSE) has launched the Global Hadal Exploration Programme (GHEP), now endorsed by the UN Decade of Ocean Science, to coordinate international research on the ocean’s deepest zones. Targeting trenches 6,000 to 11,000 meters deep, the program aims to advance understanding of extreme marine ecosystems. Building on China’s earlier achievements like the Fendouzhe submersible and Mariana Trench dives, GHEP will involve joint expeditions, research hubs, data sharing, and training for young scientists. It was noted that over 145 researchers from 15+ countries have already joined the effort. Click here to read...
Internal Politics and Policy Shifts
Top Chinese Legislator Calls for High-Quality Development and Ethnic Unity in Border Regions
Li Hongzhong, senior Chinese legislator and vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, has emphasized the need to foster national unity and promote high-quality development in border regions with significant ethnic minority populations. During a recent inspection tour in Yunnan Province, Li visited local communities to assess ethnic integration, rural governance, and ecological protection efforts. He called for stronger ethnic cohesion, lawful handling of ethnic affairs, and improved governance capacity to support sustainable development and social harmony in these regions. Click here to read...
Key Reports and Readings
Shanghai Forum Releases Key Report on Maritime Cooperation and Sustainability on World Oceans Day
On World Oceans Day, a bilingual report titled “A Maritime Community with a Shared Future and Sustainable Ocean Development” was released in Shanghai, jointly authored by China’s National Ocean Research Institute, Shanghai Maritime University, and other academic bodies. The report outlines China's maritime governance philosophy and proposes global cooperation through technology sharing, rule-making, and cultural exchange. The forum featured discussions on fisheries, shipbuilding, and marine sustainability, and was attended by over 20 countries. The report aims to contribute to the upcoming 3rd UN Ocean Conference and foster a more inclusive international maritime cooperation framework. Click here to read...
