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NEWS IN CHINA

• Hefei Hosts China’s Internet Civilization Conference: The 2025 China Internet Civilization Conference, held in Hefei, Anhui, detailed the Party’s evolving strategy of ideological consolidation through digital platforms. The event, themed “Gathering the Power of Internet Civilization and Telling the Story of the Chinese Nation Community,” went beyond a call for responsible online behavior, shaping narratives around “中华民族共同体” (Zhonghua Minzu Gongtongti), or the “Chinese national community.” The conference focused on aligning cyberspace content ranging from entertainment to historical discourse with a Party-approved version of unity, patriotism, and cultural revival. The conference included discussions on AI-driven content moderation, algorithmic controls, and influencer campaigns. It also highlighted state-sponsored success stories in countering “online rumors” and “separatist ideologies,” particularly targeting Xinjiang, Tibet, and Taiwan-related discourse. Also, Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee attended the conference and delivered a keynote speech.

• China-Africa Coordination Meeting to Implement FOCAC Outcomes: The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators for Implementing Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) concluded in Changsha, China, with the adoption of the Changsha Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of both sides to deepening strategic cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso exchanged congratulatory messages, underscoring the long-standing partnership and shared goals for modernization and development. The meeting emphasized adherence to six key propositions to jointly promote modernization, the effective rollout of the "Ten Partnership Actions", and support for the African Union's Agenda 2063. China committed to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future and to promoting inclusive, sustainable globalization. A major outcome was China’s announcement to implement 100% zero-tariff treatment for goods from 53 African countries, excluding Eswatini, through an Economic Partnership Agreement. This builds on prior commitments from the 2024 Beijing Summit, with further measures on market access, customs facilitation, and technical training for least-developed African nations. China also pledged deeper cooperation in emerging fields such as green industry, e-commerce, AI, finance, and security. The sides agreed to make 2026 the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, enhancing South-South solidarity and showcasing FOCAC as a model for Global South cooperation.

• Qiqihar Roadshow Signals Shift Toward Industrial Revitalization in NorthEast China: In a push to bridge the gap between research labs and industrial floors, Qiqihar hosted a high-impact roadshow showcasing cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements in the high-end equipment sector. Co-organized by the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology, the event marked a deliberate step toward turning Qiqihar into a hub of innovation-driven industrial revival in Northeast China. This roadshow reflects China's broader ambitions under the “2025 Science and Technology Achievement Transformation Month” to realign its rust-belt regions like Heilongjiang with national innovation goals. By involving over 100 stakeholders from universities and enterprises to financial institutions, the event revealed China’s intent to facilitate not just R&D but its commercialization and capitalization. The participation of the Longjiang Angel Investment Fund and the Harbin Science and Technology Market signaled growing financial trust in regional tech capabilities. More importantly, the signed collaboration between Qiqihar Heavy Industry CNC and Harbin University of Science and Technology illustrates how targeted academic-industrial cooperation can yield market-viable products, such as the high-torque CNC rotary table.

• China–US Trade Talks Progress Towards Implementation: Top Chinese and U.S. trade officials convened in London for the first meeting under the new China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism. Led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the talks marked a major step in stabilizing bilateral economic ties. The two sides reached a principled agreement to implement the consensus reached during the June 5 phone call between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, building on progress from May’s Geneva meeting. Agreements included the removal of 91% of additional and retaliatory tariffs by both sides and a temporary suspension of remaining 24% tariffs for 90 days. Vice Premier He Lifeng emphasized, “The nature of China-U.S. trade relations is mutual benefit. Confrontation brings losses to both; cooperation brings prosperity. China will not shy away from defending its interests, but we are always open to dialogue.” China’s trade representative Li Chenggang added, “This progress enhances mutual trust and strengthens the foundation for long-term, stable relations. We hope the U.S. will continue to act in good faith.” Following the announcement, shipping volumes surged, reflecting market optimism. Both nations plan to hold follow-up consultations later this year.

• Guangxi to Recruit Graduates for Grassroots Development Roles: To foster grassroots entrepreneurship and strengthen rural revitalization, Guangxi will recruit 1,652 college graduates in 2025 under the “Three Support and One Assistance” (TSOA) program. The initiative targets sectors such as agriculture, medicine, education, and rural development. Eligible applicants include graduates from general higher education institutions from 2023 to 2025. For roles in medicine, agriculture, forestry, and water conservancy, graduates from 2021 to 2025 are eligible. Applicants must hold Chinese nationality, support the Constitution, and secure their graduation certificate by July 31, 2025. Graduates from technical schools’ advanced classes or preparatory technician programs can apply with equivalent degrees. The age limit is generally 30 but can be extended to 32 for applicants to national and regional key counties or hardship-posts. Each city must allocate at least 20% of positions to local graduates, with priority given to those from impoverished backgrounds, low-income families, or zero-employment households. Individuals with criminal records, disciplinary actions, ongoing investigations, dishonesty listings, or previous TSOA experience are barred from applying.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Social Media Reacts to Expansion of Visa-Free Transit for Indonesians: Indonesian citizens will be eligible for China’s 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy, the National Immigration Administration announced. Social media users have reacted positively to this policy stating it allows travelers from eligible countries to transit through certain Chinese cities without a visa, provided they hold onward tickets and meet entry requirements. With this update, the list of countries benefiting from the 240-hour visa exemption has expanded to 55. Netizens have pointed out that the inclusion of Indonesia reflects China’s growing engagement with Southeast Asia and efforts to boost tourism and connectivity. Most netizens reacted positively, welcoming Indonesians to China while others wondered when other countries would do the same for Chinese citizens. 

INDIA WATCH

CCTV Reports on Rescue of Chinese Nationals from Fire-hit Ship in Indian Waters: China’s CCTV News reported on the Indian Navy’s rescue of Chinese nationals from a Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 which suffered a sudden explosion in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Kerala. Among its international crew were 14 Chinese nationals. While the Mumbai coast guard and Indian navy rapidly responded to distress signals, six Chinese sailors were successfully rescued. Tragically, two Taiwanese nationals remain missing, prompting ongoing search operations. The news, first reported by CCTV News, underscores India’s swift humanitarian action and commitment to international maritime law and rescue norms. The news has been reported widely by various Chinese media platforms, reinforcing India's image as a responsible regional actor. From India’s perspective, such incidents reveal India’s commitment to humanitarianism and multilateral obligations and aligns with India’s broader maritime doctrine under SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), where ensuring safety at sea regardless of nationality forms a key tenet. For Beijing, the gratitude expressed via official diplomatic channels reflects acknowledgment of India’s role in the Indian Ocean Region. 

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.