Former UNLF chairman Rajkumar Meghen is in Delhi to form a peace coalition for Manipur, urging economic integration of Kuki and Meitei communities and highlighting external involvement in the state's violence.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proposed to G7 leaders the coordination of critical mineral stockpiling, including rare earths, to counter China's supply chain dominance. This initiative, aimed at addressing supply chain vulnerabilities exacerbated by recent conflicts, is criticized for lacking vision and potentially increasing regional tensions and conflict.
Turkic states are moving beyond cultural links towards deeper economic integration, focusing on competition policy, digital cooperation, and strategic connectivity. The 3rd Meeting of Heads of Competition Authorities of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in Shusha emphasized practical implementation and cross-border collaboration to prevent monopolies and promote fair trade.
The "same-city living circles" between Xiamen-Kinmen and Fuzhou-Matsu are deepening, enhancing cross-strait integration in livelihoods and trade. Projects like power and gas connections are complete, and over half of Matsu residents have applied for a "Fuma Tongcheng Tong" card. Businesses report significant growth and expansion into the mainland market.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled a roadmap for southern India's transportation, highlighting a proposed bullet train network connecting key cities like Amaravati, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. This initiative aims to foster economic integration by drastically reducing travel times.
Beijing is pressuring Hong Kong to accelerate the Northern Metropolis megaproject before the current government term ends in less than 15 months. The 30,000-hectare project near the mainland border is meant to be an international innovation and technology hub driving economic growth and housing. Xia Baolong, Beijing's official overseeing Hong Kong affairs, has urged the business community to show patriotism through investing. The government proposes special fast-track laws to reduce land use approval from nine months to two, but enterprises remain stuck without clear application guidance.
