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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Calls for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire, Condemns Weaponization of Aid at UN: At a recent UN Security Council debate on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Fu Cong, delivered a forceful statement condemning the "weaponization of humanitarian aid" and attacks on civilians in Gaza. He called for independent investigations and accountability for these violations of international law. Ambassador Fu warned that the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people presents a profound challenge to global justice and humanity’s collective conscience, urging urgent international action. He sharply criticized the "militarized aid distribution mechanism" backed by the United States and Israel, arguing that it violates fundamental humanitarian principles and further endangers civilian lives. China reiterated its call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, rejected any unilateral measures that contravene international law, and urged the revitalization of the two-state solution. Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Fu reaffirmed China's commitment to working with the global community to end the conflict, ease the humanitarian crisis, and pursue a comprehensive, just, and enduring resolution to the Palestinian question.
  
  
• Xi Jinping Chairs Key Economic Meeting, Emphasizes Unified National Market and Marine Economy Development: President Xi Jinping chaired the sixth meeting of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, highlighting two strategic priorities: building a unified national market and advancing the high-quality development of China’s marine economy. In his dual role as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Commission, Xi underscored that both initiatives are essential to achieving China's new development paradigm and promoting high-quality growth. Xi stressed that a unified national market is fundamental to China's long-term economic resilience and modernization, calling for coordinated implementation efforts. The Commission outlined a framework known as the "five unifications and one opening," encompassing unified systems for market access, resource allocation, infrastructure, public services, and regulatory enforcement—alongside a broader commitment to opening up the domestic market. In parallel, Xi emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening the marine economy as a pillar of "Chinese-style modernization." He called for innovation-driven development, industrial upgrading, and ecological protection in maritime sectors. Key initiatives include expanding offshore wind power, deep-sea fishing, and port integration; advancing marine science and technology; and actively participating in global ocean governance.
• Beijing Issues Flood Alert Amid Torrential Rain Forecast: Beijing has activated a Level IV flood emergency response as the capital braces for heavy rainfall from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. The Beijing Emergency Management Bureau issued the alert to strengthen flood preparedness and coordinate emergency response efforts. In response, the city's flood control office has directed all relevant departments to implement emergency measures and maintain close surveillance of localized downpours. The rainfall is part of a broader weather system impacting the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, with precipitation levels in some areas expected to reach between 100 and 160 millimeters. Authorities have warned of heightened risks of mountain floods and geological disasters in the Taihang and Yanshan mountain ranges, along with potential traffic disruptions caused by urban waterlogging. This regional alert comes amid a wave of extreme weather across China. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has renewed a blue alert for rainstorms across 14 provinces and regions, predicting widespread torrential rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes, particularly in north-central Heilongjiang Province.
  
  
• China, Bosnia and Herzegovina Pledge Deeper Ties on 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations: China and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties as they mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The pledge came during a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday between Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Marinko Čavara, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of BiH. Wang praised the "solid political mutual trust" and "fruitful economic and trade cooperation" that have defined China–BiH relations, attributing their progress to the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the BiH Presidency. He emphasized that China stands ready to further deepen cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit. Wang also noted that the CPPCC is prepared to play a greater role in fostering closer ties between the two countries. Deputy Speaker Čavara echoed this sentiment, expressing appreciation for President Xi’s global initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. He reaffirmed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s firm support for the one-China principle and voiced a strong commitment to expanding practical cooperation in various fields, aiming to usher in a new phase of growth in bilateral relations.
  
  
• China Sees Third Consecutive Fuel Price Hike, Potential Downward Adjustment Expected: China has raised domestic refined oil prices for the third time in a row this year, with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announcing increases of 235 yuan/ton for gasoline and 225 yuan/ton for diesel, effective July 1. The adjustment translates to a rise of 0.18 yuan per liter for 92-grade gasoline and 0.19 yuan per liter for 95-grade gasoline and 0-grade diesel. This price hike will raise transportation costs for consumers and industries alike. For example, filling a 50-liter tank of 92-grade gasoline now costs 9 yuan more. In the logistics sector, heavy trucks will incur an additional fuel cost of approximately 337 yuan per 10,000 kilometers. Current fuel prices vary by region, with diesel ranging from 7.1 to 7.3 yuan per liter and 92-grade gasoline priced between 7.5 and 7.6 yuan per liter. This marks the 13th price adjustment of 2025, comprising six increases, five decreases, and two holds.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Xiaomi’s “Youth Apartments” Stir Buzz Online, Garner Praise for Affordable Housing: Xiaomi’s latest initiative to offer “youth apartments” at a monthly rent of 1,999 yuan has sparked lively debate across social media, especially on platforms like Weibo. While some users question how the rental price was calculated, many applaud Xiaomi for providing affordable, high-quality housing tailored to young employees. Lu Weibing, Xiaomi’s partner, explained that the rent was deliberately set to deliver a premium living experience at an accessible cost for recent graduates and young professionals. These apartments are designed to enhance employee satisfaction and promote a healthier work-life balance, featuring shared kitchens, gyms, movie rooms, smart home integration, and private bathrooms. Online reactions reflect a mix of curiosity and enthusiasm. One netizen praised Xiaomi’s talent retention efforts as “very well done,” while another expressed envy for incoming employees, noting that securing such quality housing in Beijing for under 2,000 yuan monthly is a rare opportunity amid steep market rents. Overall, Xiaomi’s “youth apartments” are being recognized as a meaningful step toward easing housing challenges faced by young professionals in the city.

INDIA WATCH

India's Fertilizer Crisis Deepens, Threatening Crop Output: According to an article published by The Paper, India’s agricultural sector is grappling with a severe fertilizer shortage, particularly of specialized and phosphate fertilizers such as Diammonium Phosphate (DAP). The article noted that as the world’s largest importer of specialized fertilizers, India depends on China for roughly 80% of its supply. Disruptions in imports from China are expected to reduce crop yields and drive up prices of fruits and vegetables, warned Rajib Chakraborty, Chairman of India’s Soluble Fertiliser Industry Association. Specialized fertilizers are critical for precision farming and improving crop quality, making the shortage especially concerning. Moreover, the piece highlighted that India is facing a critical shortage of DAP, an essential fertilizer for key crops like wheat and soybeans. With nearly 100% import reliance on DAP, India is urgently seeking alternative suppliers from countries including Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. However, bridging this supply gap in the short term remains a significant challenge. Farmers are already paying inflated prices, reportedly between 1,700 and 1,800 rupees per bag, despite government efforts to crack down on black-market sales.

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.