NIAS Area Studies: Pakistan-

China Reader Daily Wire | 24 October 2026, Saturday | Vol 3 No. 165

US designates China-funded cultural centres as national security threats

Global Governance Forum discusses research centre, AI capacity-building plan and outer space governance

China sends first direct freight train to Afghanistan

Photo : Xinhua

In Brief
INTERNAL
Global Governance Forum discusses research centre, AI capacity-building plan and outer space governance
On October 24, China Daily reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called for countries to work together to implement the global governance initiative and build an equal global governance system. In a congratulatory letter to the 2026 Global Governance Forum in Xiong’an, Hebei province, Xi said the world was facing growing deficits in peace, development, security and governance and urged countries to tackle shared challenges through cooperation. Foreign Minister Wang Yi read Xi’s letter at the forum’s opening and announced several measures to advance governance reform. These include establishing a global governance research centre, releasing a progress report on China’s AI capacity-building plan and publishing a position paper on outer space governance. China will also provide training on economic, social and cultural rights and promote implementation of the agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Wang said the initiative had received support from more than 160 countries and International organisations, while over 60 countries had joined the Group of Friends of Global Governance. He called for a stronger role for the United Nations, greater representation for developing countries, reform of the international financial system and protection of the multilateral trading system.
(“ Xi: Cooperation vital for global governance reform,” China Daily, 24 October 2026 )
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/article/641629#Xi:-Cooperation-vital-for-global-governance-reform-2026-10-24

CHINA AND POLAR REGIONS
China defends countries' right to conduct activities in the Arctic
On 22 October, Anadolu Agency reported that China had urged respect for countries' “right and freedom” to carry out activities in the Arctic. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China’s work in the region aims to promote peace, stability and sustainable development, and is in line with international law. Her comments followed remarks by EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, who described the Arctic as a front line in global power competition as Russia and China expand their presence there. Mao criticised what she called a Cold War mentality, saying bloc divisions and geopolitical confrontation would not serve peace, stability or development in the region.
(“China urges ‘respect’ for ‘rights and freedom’ of countries to carry out activities in Arctic,” Anadolu Agency, 22 October 2026 )
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/china-urges-respect-for-right-and-freedom-of-countries-to-carry-out-activities-in-arctic/4097723

CHINA AND EAST ASIA
Opinion
Justin McCurry and Rebecca Bailey, “North Korea has opened up bridges to Russia and China – in which direction will it go?” The Guardian, 24 October 2026
“Dozens of trucks are now traversing the bridge linking China to North Korea, boosting trade for the reclusive regime. But it has also triggered concern that it could intensify a struggle for influence over the North between Beijing and the region’s other major power, Russia … China’s interest in buttressing its influence in North Korea is certainly reinforced by the diversifying North Korea-Russia relationship — ties that China tolerates but watches closely as they add complexity to its relationship with its provocative neighbour … North Korea stands to benefit from increased trade, but for China, the bridge could be of more geopolitical value than economic given how little trade China does with its neighbour compared with its other partners … The North’s “open” border with China contrasts dramatically with the one it shares with South Korea … the expected rise in trade across the Yalu bridge is likely to be modest at first. But it could become a bellwether for the state of Sino-North Korean ties.”

CHINA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
Vietnam and China discuss opening Bat Xat-Ba Sa border crossing
On 24 October, VietnamPlus reported that border delegations from Vietnam's Lao Cai province and China's Yunnan province held annual talks in Sa Pa ward on 22 and 23 October, agreeing on the need to advance the opening of the Bat Xat-Ba Sa border crossing. The two sides noted that the border has remained generally stable, with border guard forces closely coordinating on border management and social order based on mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They agreed to strengthen information exchanges and resolutely prevent and handle violations, including illegal entry and exit, smuggling, the illegal transport of goods, currency, and drugs, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in breach of border regulations. The delegations also agreed to keep monitoring border construction projects and address landslide-prone sections between Border Markers 89 and 90 and along the patrol road near Marker 142. They signed a memorandum of understanding in Vietnamese and Chinese, with China set to host the annual talks in 2027.
("Vietnam, China seek to advance opening of Bat Xat-Ba Sa border crossing," VietnamPlus, 24 October 2026)
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-china-seek-to-advance-opening-of-bat-xat-ba-sa-border-crossing-post354235.vnp

CHINA AND SOUTH ASIA
Karachi University proposes a Pakistan-China museum, AI and cybersecurity centre
On 23 October, CPEC Info reported that the University of Karachi(KU) has proposed establishing a Pakistan-China Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity and a Pakistan-China Museum to strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education, scientific research, modern technology, innovation, and cultural exchanges. The proposals were discussed during a meeting between KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Wasim Qazi and Chinese Acting Consul General Feng Deheng at the Chinese Consulate General in Karachi. The meeting focused on expanding academic and institutional collaboration between Pakistan and China through joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programs, technological innovation, and initiatives to promote the Chinese language and culture. Dr Qazi stressed the need to launch joint research initiatives, technological innovation projects, and professional training programs in diverse fields such as agriculture, biotechnology, food technology, maritime economy, energy, pharmacy, microbiology, and sociology. Feg appreciated KU’s contribution to promoting educational collaboration between the two countries, particularly through the Confucius Institutes. The meeting also considered establishing a Pakistan-China Museum at KU to preserve and showcase the shared historical heritage of the two countries, with the museum housing historical records, academic resources, cultural artefacts and important documents.
("KU proposes Pakistan-China museum, AI and cybersecurity centre,” CPEC Info, 23 October 2026)
https://cpecinfo.com/ku-proposes-pakistan-china-museum-ai-cybersecurity-centre/

China sends first direct freight train to Afghanistan
On 23 October, Pajhwok Afghan News reported that the first direct freight train from Linyi City in China’s Shandong Province to Hairatan Airport in northern Afghanistan departed, carrying commercial goods worth 8 million yuan. The train departed on 21 October and is expected to reach Afghanistan in 20 days. The train is carrying textiles, chemicals, raw materials, tools and construction machinery manufactured in Linyi. It will enter Central Asia through the Khargos border crossing. Goods from Shandong to Afghanistan were mainly transported by road or through a combination of road and rail transport, resulting in high costs and uncertain transit times.
(“1st direct freight train from China heads to Afghanistan’s Hiratan,” Pajhwok Afghan News, 23 October 2026)
https://pajhwok.com/2026/10/23/1st-direct-freight-train-from-china-heads-to-afghanistans-hairatan/

Sri Lanka and China agree to reduce export-related costs, increase online access to boost trade
On 23 October, Economy Next reported that Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yunnan Province of China under the trade framework of “Three Free and Three Facilitations." Readout stated that the agreement will provide Sri Lankan entrepreneurs with a package that includes free warehousing facilities, free permanent exhibition booths, online market access, customs clearance, and transport facilities to enter the Chinese market. The statement added that the deal aims to reduce export-related costs for Sri Lanka on goods like Ceylon tea, food and beverages, spices, coconut products, seafood, gems and jewellery, and handicrafts.
(Sri Lanka, China’s Yunnan sign “Three Free, Three Facilitation” to boost trade," Economy Next, 23 October 2026)
https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-chinas-yunnan-sign-three-free-three-facilitation-to-boost-trade-287734/

PLA's patrolling behaviour is disturbing LAC, says MEA spokesperson
On 23 October, The Hindu reported that India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA) patrolling is disturbing the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The spokesperson said, "As we have noted in the past, the situation in the India-China border areas gets disturbed from time to time when Chinese forces diverge from established patrolling patterns." He added that the countries are using "existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the border." He highlighted India's stance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas and, for the overall development of bilateral relations, both sides are in touch for better border management. This was in response to a question raised on Indo-Tibetan Border Police Forces (ITBP) comments on face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh.
("PLA’s patrolling behaviour keeps LAC disturbed, Govt. says," The Hindu, 23 October 2026)
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mea-india-china-lac-border-situation-itbp-dg-remarks-arunachal/article71616229.ece/amp/

CHINA AND AFRICA
China and Djibouti back Somalia’s territorial integrity and reject any Somaliland ties with Taiwan
On 23 October, AA News reported that China and Djibouti reaffirmed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and opposed diplomatic recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. The two sides issued a joint statement after talks in Beijing between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Djiboutian counterpart, Abdoulkader Houssein Omar. The statement said both sides firmly support Somalia in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They oppose recognising Somaliland as an independent entity and see it as an inseparable part of Somalia. They also oppose any collusion between Somaliland and the “Taiwan authorities”. Somaliland has lacked official recognition since declaring independence in 1991. Israel became the first country to recognise it last December, drawing condemnation from Somalia and many other countries.
(“China, Djibouti oppose recognition of Somaliland, back Somalia,” AA News, 23 October 2026)
https://share.google/0N8uqLqFpP3W1UsZZ

CHINA AND EUROPE
Countries raise concern on China Shock 2.0; Officials hint possible safeguards on plastics, says Reuters
On 23 October, Reuters reported that senior EU officials requested the bloc to begin trade negotiations with China to avoid a "China shock 2.0" and to avoid the widening trade deficit on chemical and machinery imports. Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said, “There's a very clear desire for us to move beyond that (hybrid cars) and to look at other areas, chemicals, machinery. There are a number of issues, the agrifood sector, and areas that have been mentioned.” She added that while continuing dialogue is a priority, the Commission should consider trade tools. Several EU ministers have voiced concerns over the trade deficit with China, with the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic, stating that he has listened to all senior officials voicing their concerns and hinted at possible safeguards on plastics next week. The trade deficit with China currently stands at USD 414.25 billion and is crossing over USD 1 billion a day. European industry experts have also voiced concerns over China's automobile exports and raised the alarm over Europe's struggling automobile industry.
("EU vows to fix 'China Shock 2.0' via talks with Beijing," Reuters, 23 October 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/eu-ministers-vow-tackle-china-shock-20-through-talks-with-beijing-2026-10-23/

CHINA AND THE AMERICAS
US designates China-funded cultural centres as national security threats
On 24 October, The Guardian reported that the US Department of Defence's Secretary Pete Hegseth designated several China-funded cultural centres as a threat to national security. The US has long accused the Confucius Institutes in several universities in the US of being propaganda centres. Secretary Hegseth stated that over 80 such institutes were identified and accused them of stealing intellectual property and "infiltrating the minds of American students." He also added that the Department has "systematically dismantled every single one of these organisations."
("Pentagon designates China-backed campus cultural centres a threat to US national security", The Guardian, 24 October 2026)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/23/pentagon-china-hegseth

China Reader Daily Wire | 05 November 2026, Thursday | Vol 3 No. 175

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