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NEWS IN CHINA

• China's Vice Premier He Lifeng to Visit UK, Co‑host Inaugural China‑US Trade Talks: China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, a senior Politburo figure, will visit the UK from June 8–13, following an invitation from London. Notably, he will co-host the inaugural meeting of the China‑US Economic and Trade Consultation Mechanism during his stay. The dialogue is set to address critical concerns including tariffs, disrupted supply chains, and investment challenges. This visit signals Beijing’s renewed attempt to recalibrate its engagement with Western powers amid mounting geopolitical and economic frictions. Hosting the first China‑US economic dialogue in a third-party country reflects a deliberate effort to present China as a stabilizing force in a polarized global order. Yet, questions remain about the sincerity and outcomes of such diplomacy, especially as US-China tensions persist in tech, security, and trade. The success of this dialogue may shape the tone of broader China-West economic relations in the coming months.
  
  
• 2025 Beijing Farmers’ Basketball Finals Energize Rural Sports: The 2025 finals of the Beijing Farmers’ Basketball League (村BA) kicked off at Miyun District’s DC Basketball Park, bringing rural athleticism into the spotlight. With eight teams from six districts competing over six days, the event is more than just a sports tournament; it is a strategic vehicle for advancing China’s rural revitalization and national fitness agenda. Organized by multiple Beijing institutions, the tournament is embedded with state priorities: encouraging social cohesion, showcasing rural talent, and integrating agriculture-themed propaganda with popular culture. Awards for sportsmanship, officiating, and MVP aim to elevate the event’s professional credibility. However beyond grassroots celebration, the league reflects Beijing’s attempt to merge rural identity with its broader ambition to brand itself as a “dual-Olympics international sports city”. The spectacle suggests a state-driven push to legitimize rural narratives within China’s urban-dominated discourse, subtly reinforcing national unity while diverting attention from rural-urban inequalities that persist.
  
  
• High‑Quality Growth Engine in Yangtze River Delta Integration: A Xinhua sourced report dated June 7 from China Daily highlights the rapid, high-level integration of the Yangtze River Delta comprising Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui now contributing around ¥33 trillion (25% of China’s GDP). Key achievements include the launch of a 1.3 km cross‑province corridor, a unified “240‑hour visa‑free” regime, and over 200 e‑government services. Innovation clusters now account for one‑third of China’s advanced manufacturing output, while research spending reaches 3.34% of regional GDP. Examples include a smart aquaculture platform in Nantong and quantum stamping in Hefei.
  
  
• China Warns Foreign Politicians to Stop Meddling in Hong Kong Affairs: A spokesperson for the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong has issued a rebuke against certain foreign politicians for what Beijing views as “interference” in the city’s legal system. Labeling the criticism as “hypocrisy and double standards,” the statement accused external actors of using human rights and democracy as pretexts to undermine China’s sovereignty and national security. Beijing's rhetoric reflects its broader push to assert legal and political control over Hong Kong amid growing global scrutiny. While the Chinese government insists Hong Kong’s judicial processes operate under the rule of law, critics argue that legal autonomy has eroded under the National Security Law. The response underscores China’s unwillingness to tolerate international censure on what it deems internal matters. Framing external criticism as geopolitical posturing, the statement reaffirms that Beijing remains unmoved by global pressure and is resolute in consolidating its governance model in Hong Kong.
  
  
• Strengthening China-Myanmar Partnership on 75th Anniversary: On the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, Premier Li Qiang of China and Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing exchanged congratulatory messages, highlighting strong bilateral relations. Li emphasized significant progress in friendly exchanges and practical cooperation over the decades and expressed willingness to deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation. Both leaders committed to promoting the construction of a China-Myanmar community with a shared future, aiming to boost development in both countries. Min Aung Hlaing reaffirmed Myanmar’s dedication to this partnership under the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, focusing on steady growth and mutual benefits for their peoples.
  
  
• International Youth Experience the Silk Road in Xinjiang: A group of international youth took part in the “Follow the Xinjiang Tour,” a project by the China Youth Federation to give them a taste of the local culture and change the way Xinjiang is seen around the world. Although it emphasizes the cultural exchange on the Silk Road, the tour also supports Beijing’s soft power goals. Individuals involved with tourism went to historic spots, dealt with communities in the area, and joined in on organized cultural events. The initiative creates the impression of both unity and diversity, but it buries Xinjiang’s human rights issues by substituting them with a peaceful, small home town atmosphere. Using youth as a tool, China aims to address the world’s criticism and highlight the idea of a peaceful and diverse part of its country. It shows how heritage tourism is being used to improve relations abroad, even though major ethical questions about the region’s administration have not been discussed.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

The Rise of Experiential Museums in China: A June 8, 2025 report in China Youth Daily highlights how museums across China are rapidly transforming into social media hotspots for Gen Z visitors. By integrating immersive technologies such as AR-enhanced exhibits, themed photo zones, and participatory makeup experiences, institutions are blending cultural preservation with entertainment. For instance, the  Henan Museum attracted 37,300 visitors over the Dragon Boat Festival, with 59% aged 18–35 and a 7% increase among those under 18. Gansu Museum reimagined its iconic Bronze Galloping Horse as a six-room thematic “living room” exhibit, while popular artifacts like the Northern Wei “holding-hands” pottery have gone viral on social platforms, often recreated in friend selfies. Relics from sites such as Sanxingdui and Shaanxi are being reinterpreted as expressive “meme-art,” resonating with younger audiences. One standout success is the National Museum’s phoenix-crown fridge magnet, which has sold over 1 million units and generated ¥100 million in just eight months. Though the souvenir blends heritage with commercial appeal, curators caution against excessive commercialization, emphasizing the importance of fostering deeper cultural engagement. The phoenix-crown magnet, now a viral must-have, has prompted visitors to flood Instagram and WeChat with selfies beside the actual crown, even strategizing queues and sharing tips online. However, critics question whether this surge in popularity stems from genuine historical interest or is simply consumer-driven, showcasing the ongoing challenge of balancing cultural promotion with meaningful public connection to the past.

INDIA WATCH 

China Calls for Restraint Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions: The Paper reported on the tensions between India and Pakistan, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s concern over the recent military developments. The article notes that on May 7, 2025, India launched a military strike on Pakistani targets, prompting a strong retaliatory response from Pakistan. Addressing the issue, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported in People’s Daily Overseas Edition, voiced regret over India’s military action according to the author and urged both nations to exercise restraint. Highlighting the significance of regional stability, the spokesperson remarked that India and Pakistan are not only immediate neighbors but also share borders with China making peace in South Asia a matter of collective regional interest. China reaffirmed its stance against all forms of terrorism and urged both countries to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. The statement reflects Beijing’s calibrated neutrality, projecting a peace-oriented image amid South Asian tensions. From an Indian perspective, such positions must be matched by balanced actions. While calls for dialogue are welcome, genuine neutrality requires consistent respect for sovereignty and regional sensitivities.

Prepared By

Lipun Kumar Sanbad

Lipun Kumar Sanbad, a postgraduate student of Politics and International Relations from Pondicherry University and a History and Political science graduate from University of Delhi. From the past three years working as a freelance researcher in the domain of global peace, conflict and security studies, and defence studies.