NEWS IN CHINA
- China Moves to Strengthen Anti-Unfair Competition Law to Address Cyberspace Misconduct: China is set to revise its Anti-Unfair Competition Law to address the rising challenges posed by rapidly evolving digital business practices. According to Huang Haihua, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (NPC), the draft amendment—scheduled for review this week—introduces clearer definitions of unfair competition in the online space, including abuses involving data rights and manipulative digital transactions. The proposed changes also target dominant tech companies engaging in exploitative practices, such as delaying payments to smaller partners. In a significant shift, the revision proposes a fair competition review mechanism to rein in aggressive rivalries among internet platforms. This legislative update aligns with China’s broader strategy to stabilize its digital economy, support smaller businesses, and promote healthy, regulated growth in online markets. If enacted, the new framework would mark a crucial step in ensuring fair competition and restoring trust in China’s internet economy.
- China Urges UN Response After US Strike on Iranian Nuclear Sites: China has called on the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action following a recent U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which it described as a serious breach of international norms. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, responding to questions about a draft resolution co-sponsored by China, Russia, and Pakistan, condemned the strike as a "grave violation of the UN Charter" and a dangerous escalation in an already fragile Middle East. Speaking on Monday, Guo stressed that the Security Council must not remain silent in the face of such actions. The proposed resolution calls for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, compliance with international law, and the launch of diplomatic negotiations. Guo characterized the draft as a "collective voice of justice" and urged all Security Council members to endorse the resolution, reaffirming their shared responsibility to uphold global peace and security.
- China Issues Heatwave Alerts as Temperatures Soar Beyond 40°C: China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC) has maintained a yellow alert for extreme heat, warning of soaring temperatures across northern and central regions. In the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei corridor, some areas are expected to surpass 40°C, while provinces including Henan, Shandong, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, and parts of Xinjiang will see highs between 35°C and 39°C. Beijing has upgraded its local warning to an orange alert—the second-highest level—urging residents to avoid outdoor activity during peak hours. The heatwave coincides with the city’s senior high school entrance exams, prompting the Beijing Municipal Education Commission to issue special health advisories for students, parents, and school staff. This sweeping alert reflects mounting climate-related pressures across both urban and rural China, with authorities calling for strengthened preparedness as extreme weather events grow more frequent and intense.
- China Proposes Tougher Measures on Juvenile Delinquency Amid Public Concern: China’s top legislature is set to conduct a third review of proposed revisions to the Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security from June 24 to 27. The draft focuses on curbing juvenile delinquency, which has risen sharply in recent years, particularly among minors who repeatedly break the law while shielded by age-related legal protections. Key changes include permitting administrative detention for minors aged 14 to 18 in cases of serious first-time offenses or repeated violations, ending the current exemption for first-time offenders. When detention is not applied, the draft emphasizes corrective and educational interventions, aligning with the 2020 Law on the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency. To tackle school bullying, the revisions mandate administrative sanctions against offenders and hold schools accountable for failing to report serious cases. The draft also strengthens procedural safeguards, such as requiring an adult’s presence during questioning and allowing hearings before detention to reinforce legal education. Additionally, the law targets the growing issue of minors in paid companionship roles, prohibiting their involvement and penalizing venue operators and organizers.
- Senior Political Advisors Convene to Push Forward Economic Reforms in Beijing: The 12th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee opened in Beijing on June 23, focusing on deepening economic reforms. Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC and a top Party leader, attended the session alongside Vice Chairman Hu Chunhua, who urged members to offer constructive input to support China’s modernization drive. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng delivered a report stressing the importance of deepening reforms to advance a high-standard socialist market economy. He outlined key areas including high-quality development, improved macroeconomic governance, further opening up, and ecological progress. The meeting highlights the leadership's emphasis on economic transformation amid evolving domestic and global challenges.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER
Bruce Lee’s Legacy Still Kicking in 2025: Bruce Lee may have passed more than 50 years ago, but his influence continues to ignite passion online especially around his unique martial art, Jeet Kune Do (JKD). From TikTok martial arts edits to philosophical Instagram reels quoting “Be water, my friend,” Gen Z and Millennials are rediscovering Lee not just as a fighter, but as a thinker and cultural trailblazer. Trending clips of Lee’s teachings like his Longstreet TV appearance are going viral for their mix of philosophy and action. Twitter users are also reigniting debates on JKD’s “formless” style vs. traditional martial arts, with many praising Lee’s rejection of rigid systems in favor of adaptability and personal growth. Anime fans are buzzing too: the reveal that Detective Conan’s Subaru Okiya uses Jeet Kune Do has sparked renewed appreciation for Lee’s legacy in pop culture. Meanwhile, game communities continue to celebrate Lee-inspired characters like Kim Dragon (World Heroes) and Fei Long (Street Fighter). What resonates most across platforms is how Bruce Lee’s ethos—self-mastery, philosophical depth, and breaking racial and martial barriers—still speaks to youth navigating identity and resistance in a complex world. As one viral TikTok put it: "He didn’t just punch hard. He made thinking cool."
INDIA’S WATCH
India, China Reaffirm Commitment to Bilateral Ties Amid Pilgrimage Resumption, SCMP Reports: Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday, as both nations reaffirmed their commitment to improving bilateral relations and maintaining border peace, according to a report by the South China Morning Post. The talks coincided with the resumption of Indian pilgrimages to sacred sites in Tibet, seen as a symbolic step in thawing ties strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. China’s Foreign Ministry said Wang acknowledged progress in bilateral relations and called for deeper communication, trust-building, and resolution of practical issues. Emphasizing the importance of seeing each other as development partners rather than rivals, Wang urged stronger cooperation and broader exchanges across sectors. Doval, in Beijing for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s senior security officials’ meeting, echoed the need to revitalize India-China ties and promote people-to-people engagement. A statement from Delhi highlighted that India raised concerns over regional terrorism, particularly referencing the April Pahalgam attacks in Kashmir, which claimed over 20 lives. Doval stressed the importance of collective efforts to combat terrorism and ensure regional stability.
Prepared By
Aastha Pandey
Aastha is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at Amity University, Noida. She holds a Bachelor's degree in the same discipline from the University of Delhi, Dyal Singh College. Additionally, she has completed a diploma in International Relations and Affairs, further strengthening her academic foundation. Aastha is the Co-founder of Mudra by Aashi, a socially conscious fashion brand that actively supports animal welfare. Her commitment to social causes is also reflected in her experience interning with Saarthi NGO and volunteering as a COVID-19 relief coordinator. Deeply passionate about Asian geopolitics, She aspires to contribute to ORCA by writing insightful, research-driven newsletters that reflect her academic rigour and dedication to international affairs.