分类： politics

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has issued a stern warning against the Philippines’ recent ‘joint patrol’ in the South China Sea, labeling it a significant threat to regional peace and stability. The statement, delivered by Tian Junli, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, followed the Philippines’ two-day operation from October 30 to 31, which involved non-regional countries. Tian accused the Philippines of acting as a ‘troublemaker’ and a ‘disruptor of regional stability,’ emphasizing that such actions are under the PLA’s firm control. The PLA Southern Theater Command has mobilized forces to closely monitor the situation, maintaining high alert to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights. The Chinese military reiterated its commitment to defending its interests in the South China Sea, urging all parties to refrain from provocative actions that could escalate tensions.

The 91st International Forum on China Reform, held in Haikou, Hainan province, brought together over 400 experts and policymakers to discuss the critical importance of China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). The forum emphasized that this period will be pivotal for structural reforms aimed at rebalancing the economy toward domestic consumption and higher-level opening up. Hainan Governor Liu Xiaoming highlighted the significance of this era for the Hainan Free Trade Port, stating that it marks a crucial phase for deepening reform and achieving high-quality development, particularly with the launch of island-wide special customs operations on December 18, 2025. Chi Fulin, president of the China Institute for Reform and Development, stressed the need for comprehensive reforms to address structural contradictions between investment and consumption, advocating for a development model led by domestic demand. Steven Alan Barnett, former IMF senior resident representative for China, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of consumption-led growth and innovation. Former vice-foreign minister Le Yucheng outlined a strategic pivot toward ‘institutional opening,’ with Hainan’s customs operations serving as a precursor to broader reforms. Harley Seyedin, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, underscored the universal need for openness in fostering mutual benefit and high-quality development.

In a significant political development, Cheng Li-wun has been elected as the new chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party during its congress held in Taipei on Saturday. Cheng, in her inaugural address, sharply criticized the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its alleged manipulation of media to disseminate disinformation and foster societal divisions. She accused the DPP of exploiting the judiciary to suppress political adversaries, thereby undermining Taiwan’s democratic foundations. Cheng warned that Taiwan’s economic and industrial strengths are at risk of being eroded due to these internal conflicts. She emphasized the urgency of restoring normalcy, stating, ‘Taiwan has no time left. We can no longer sink further or let hatred spread.’ Cheng pledged that the KMT would take on the mission to rectify past errors, rejuvenate Taiwan’s economy, and promote peace across the Taiwan Strait. The congress also approved Cheng’s nominations for the party’s vice chairpersons. A party report adopted during the event highlighted the KMT’s longstanding commitment to fostering cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, which it believes are essential for peace, stability, and prosperity. The report reaffirmed the KMT’s adherence to the 1992 Consensus and its opposition to ‘Taiwan independence,’ vowing to maintain open communication channels to ease tensions and advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The event concluded with a ceremonial transfer of duties from outgoing Chairman Eric Chu to Cheng, attended by former KMT leaders including Ma Ying-jeou, Wu Po-hsiung, and Hung Hsiu-chu.

The ‘Dialogue between Haikou and Consulates-General of ASEAN Countries in Guangzhou 2025’ concluded on Friday, marking a significant step in strengthening regional ties as the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) prepares for its island-wide special customs operation launch on December 18. This event, now in its 17th iteration, has solidified its position as Haikou’s premier platform for international exchanges and a reliable communication channel with ASEAN diplomatic missions in China. This year’s dialogue is anticipated to unlock new opportunities for practical cooperation between Haikou and ASEAN nations. Discussions delved into the Hainan FTP’s policy advantages, development prospects, industrial planning, and investment opportunities, exploring fresh avenues for collaboration amid the FTP’s rapid development. A dedicated session highlighted Haikou’s urban development strategy and key industrial sectors, including film and television production and the digital economy. The presentations showcased Haikou’s ‘City of Six Initiatives’ development blueprint, emphasizing its strengths in industrial innovation, urban construction, and quality of life. With the imminent launch of the island-wide special customs operations, the dialogue underscored Haikou’s dedication to deepening economic and cultural exchanges with ASEAN countries, positioning the city as a pivotal gateway for regional cooperation under the Hainan FTP framework. Kim Jun-cheol, operations team officer of the Mureung Strategy Division of Donghae City Hall from South Korea, remarked, ‘Key policies such as tariff-free, low tax rates, and tax simplification at Hainan Free Trade Port are a testament to the Chinese government’s commitment to opening up to the world.’

Jin Zhizhen, a prominent political adviser in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is currently under investigation for suspected severe breaches of Party discipline and national laws. The announcement was made on Saturday by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision, the country’s top anti-corruption bodies. The investigation was disclosed online, though no additional specifics were provided. Jin, 55, hails from Jiangsu province and joined the Party in June 1991, commencing his career in August of the same year. After graduating from Dongbei University of Finance and Economics in Liaoning province in 1991, he worked across various industries in Xinjiang, including chemistry and new energy. In January 2023, he was appointed vice-chairman of the regional committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. The probe underscores the ongoing efforts by China’s leadership to enforce strict adherence to Party principles and legal standards among its officials.

The Chinese military has strongly criticized the Philippines for conducting a ‘joint patrol’ with external forces in the South China Sea, labeling it a significant threat to regional peace and stability. Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, issued the condemnation on Saturday in response to the joint activities carried out from Thursday to Friday. Tian accused the Philippines of deliberately involving non-regional countries to provoke tensions in the disputed waters, which he said has severely undermined regional stability. In response to the patrol, the PLA Southern Theater Command has deployed forces to closely monitor the situation and ensure all activities remain under control. Tian emphasized that Chinese troops are on high alert and fully prepared to defend China’s sovereignty, security, and maritime rights and interests. The South China Sea remains a highly contested region, with China asserting its claims over the area, while other nations, including the Philippines, challenge these claims. The involvement of external forces has further complicated the geopolitical landscape, raising concerns about potential escalation.