China

Reportedly, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs has disclosed this fourth compilation of standardized geographical designations under the moniker Zangnan, which China employs to refer to Arunachal Pradesh, a region it claims as part of southern Tibet. The roster, published on the ministry's official website, encompasses 30 additional titles for the area.

Following the footsteps of the Power Construction Corporation of China (PCCC), which ceased civil works at the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project in KP province, subsequently laying off over 2,000 workers, these companies have now paused their activities on the Dasu hydropower project. Situated approximately 300 kilometers north of Islamabad, the Dasu project, boasting a capacity of 4,320 MW, is being undertaken by China Gezhouba, financed by the World Bank.

In a released statement, the Majeed Brigade of the Baloch Liberation Army announced the successful conclusion of the fifth phase of "Operation ZirPahazag." This operation aimed to retaliate against what the group perceives as ongoing genocide in Balochistan and to thwart what it views as Chinese "occupation and exploitation" in the region.

Jaishankar, addressing queries regarding India's current stance on its ties with China during an interaction with the Indian diaspora in the Malaysian capital, emphasized the paramount importance of securing the border as a primary duty towards the Indian populace. "“My first duty to Indians is to secure the border. I can never compromise on that,”" he stated firmly.

The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has urged for a thorough investigation into the assault. In an official statement, the Embassy stated, "The Chinese Embassy and consulates in Pakistan have swiftly initiated emergency procedures, urging Pakistani authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attack, bring the perpetrators to justice, and implement tangible measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens."

Speaking at a joint press briefing in the capital alongside Enrique Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, S. Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to the region, citing its Act East policy and Indo-Pacific engagements. Stressing the importance of upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Jaishankar emphasized India's keen interest in regional developments and advocated for adherence to a rules-based order conducive to progress and prosperity.

During a statement delivered in the House of Commons, the government disclosed findings from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a branch of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), asserting that the Electoral Commission systems were likely compromised by a Chinese entity between 2021 and 2022.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, reiterated China's stance in response to remarks made by India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, who labeled China's repeated claims on Arunachal Pradesh as "ludicrous" and emphasized that the state is an integral part of India.

Regarding the ongoing boundary discussions with China, Jaishankar acknowledged the complexity of the challenge, particularly in finding a sustainable equilibrium between two rising powers with distinct histories, populations, and capabilities. He expressed India's disappointment at China's actions in 2020, which disrupted the previously established agreements and led to the Eastern Ladakh border standoff.

The report highlights Beijing's strategic objective of achieving a fully modernized national defense and military force by 2035, with aspirations for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to attain world-class status by 2049. This ambition is underscored by the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) desire to safeguard claimed sovereign territories, assert dominance in regional affairs, and extend global influence. One of the key aims is to establish a deterrent against potential US intervention in a cross-Strait conflict.