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NEWS IN CHINA

• China's Ministry of Education Launches 100-Day Graduate Job Initiative: The Chinese Ministry of Education has issued a circular for a 100-day employment drive to enhance job opportunities for the Class of 2025 college graduates. This campaign encourages universities to develop more market-oriented positions and promote various employment support initiatives, such as job expansion subsidies and allowances for job seekers. The circular offers assistance for universities to set up employment stations with the help of local human resources departments. The ministry is prioritizing and accelerating recruitment for government-backed roles, including those for kindergarten and K-12 teachers, public offices and State-owned enterprises, with a goal to complete all recruitment by August end. Furthermore, a collaboration between 100 universities and 100 counties will focus on identifying quality job openings in high-achieving counties. Colleges are also tasked with maintaining records for graduates facing employment challenges, providing ongoing assistance to those who remain unemployed after graduation. It also includes the curb on illegal employment practices.

• China's Car Trade-in Subsidies Drive its Higher NEV Adoption: According to an auto industry report by Automotive Data of China and Dongchedi (DCar), China’s expanding subsidy program for car trade-ins has accelerated the adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs). As per the report, monthly NEV penetration in the passenger car market is projected to surpass 60 percent in 2025. Over 70% of surveyed buyers acknowledged that subsidies increased their intent to purchase. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 2.79 million passenger car trade-in transactions were recorded—a year-on-year increase of more than one million units. Trade-in replacements accounted for the bulk of subsidized sales, reaching 2.03 million units during the period. The study highlights a consumer preference for simpler subsidy mechanisms, particularly those related to direct purchases and trade-in deals. This accessibility has popularized the practice of applying for subsidies as a precondition for car purchase. Notably, over half of consumers still rely on traditional offline 4S shops for guidance and information on subsidy eligibility and procedures.

• Li Qiang Holds a Phone Call with Canadian Prime Minister: During a phone call between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, both leaders expressed interest in revitalizing China-Canada relations, emphasizing mutual opportunity over rivalry. Li underscored that the two countries have no fundamental conflicts of interest and share a history of friendship and mutual benefit. Acknowledging past diplomatic difficulties, Li called for a renewed commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect and equality. Li emphasized the complementary nature of the Chinese and Canadian economies and urged deeper cooperation in traditional sectors, while expanding into clean energy, climate change and innovation. Highlighting global instability and rising protectionism, Li stressed China’s willingness to partner with Canada in defending multilateralism, free trade and global peace. PM Carney responded affirmatively, recognizing China's importance as Canada’s second-largest trading partner. He welcomed the resumption of high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms in diplomacy and economic affairs, aiming to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture, energy and environmental protection. He also expressed Canada’s willingness to support a stable international financial and trading system, and contribute to global sustainable development in partnership with China.

• China Sanctions a Taiwanese Company with Ties to Separatist Activities: The State Council Taiwan Affairs Office in China has banned Sicuens International Co., a Taiwanese firm, from all business dealings in mainland China. This sanction is a direct result of the company's links to Shen Pao-yang, a Democratic Progressive Party legislator from Taiwan who was previously sanctioned in October for his separatist activities. Shen Pao-yang is accused of using Kuma Academy in Taiwan to promote Taiwan independence and anti-China ideologies, especially among young people. Investigations revealed that Sicuens, led by Shen's father, Shen Tu-Cheng, has been profiting from trade with mainland Chinese enterprises since 2008, sourcing goods like textiles, bicycle components and building materials from provinces such as Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Fujian for resale to other countries. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that China will not allow individuals or businesses associated with Taiwan independence separatists to profit from mainland operations.

• NEA Unveils Comprehensive Electricity Support for Private Firms: China's National Energy Administration (NEA) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to optimize electricity supply for private enterprises, aiming to establish a modern and efficient electricity services environment by 2029. This initiative, guided by the National Development and Reform Commission and the NEA, seeks to significantly reduce production and operating costs for private firms. Key measures include expanding "zero-investment" low-voltage electricity connection services and implementing strict timelines for connection procedures. Furthermore, private businesses, including individual and rural ventures, will benefit from free electricity services, with an estimated 1.5 million new beneficiaries over the next five years. To further support these enterprises, power supply firms are encouraged to offer complimentary public services such as electricity monitoring, energy efficiency diagnosis, and consulting. By promoting "energy efficiency bills," the plan aims to enable private enterprises to optimize their electricity usage and minimize expenses, aligning electricity application standards precisely with their actual demand, equipment characteristics and growth projections.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

• Chinese Netizens Criticizes Hacking Attempts by Taiwan: China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center has published a report on cyber activities of a hacker organization linked to Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party's "Information and Communication Army". The report details the group's structure, personnel, objectives and efforts to obstruct national reunification. According to technical experts, the Taiwanese hacker organization's overall technical level is low, employing simple and crude attack methods. Their attacks have been frequently detected by Chinese network protection systems. The report indicates that their self-made network Trojan programs are poorly coded, leaving behind numerous traceable clues that aid law enforcement in identifying suspects and their locations. In response, several netizens have called for severe punishments for these hackers without showing any leniency. Some people also praised China’s ability to trace back origins of hacking attempts to Taiwan. Others also criticized Taiwan that it has been overestimating its capabilities and should not make unsuccessful attempts to delay national reunification.

INDIA WATCH

• Chinese Media Speculates on India’s GDP Growth Trajectory: A Chinese news portal Sina News commented on the celebration by Indian politicians, led by Prime Minister Modi, for becoming the world's fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan amidst India-Pakistan conflict and stalled trade talks with the US. Despite being based on IMF data, the article calls this news an “economic myth” and criticizes the celebration for being politically motivated. It further states that scepticism arises from incompatible fiscal year comparisons, the negligible GDP gap between India and Japan which remains volatile due to exchange rate instability. Li Hongmei speculates that this “face-saving” act is designed to deflect attention from India-Pakistan conflict and leverage during trade negotiations with the US. The article further argues that despite the $4 trillion GDP, India grapples with extreme wealth inequality, low per capita GDP and lack of talent. Furthermore, the article emphasises that structural issues persist, including a shrinking manufacturing sector and unemployment due to heavy reliance on capital-intensive industries. It further claims that Indian businesses still rely on government support rather than industrial upgradation. Thus, the article concludes that India’s hopes of "replacing China" in global supply chains only remain aspirational. 

Prepared By

Maheshwar S Chhaunkar

Maheshwar S Chhaunkar has completed his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and History from Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi. He is currently working as an IT Assistant at CENJOWS. His areas of interest include India-China relations, Indo-Pacific affairs and Asian politics.