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NEWS IN CHINA

• NDRC Says China’s 2021–2025 Economic Growth to Exceed 35 Trillion Yuan: China's economy is projected to grow by over 35 trillion yuan ($4.89 trillion) during its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Zheng Shanjie, head of the NDRC, stated that despite global challenges, China maintained an average annual growth rate of 5.5%. Key drivers included a 50% surge in R&D spending, expansion of private enterprises (up 40% since 2020), and improvements in healthcare, education, and transport. The country also added 10,000 km of high-speed rail and ensured over 95% of citizens have medical and pension coverage. Green development has taken center stage, with clean energy now contributing over one-third of electricity use and forest coverage exceeding 25%. China’s energy intensity dropped 11.6%, equivalent to 1.1 billion tonnes of CO₂. Officials highlighted domestic demand as the mainstay of growth, contributing over 86% to GDP expansion and positioning China appropriately as it prepares for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

• China Adds Eight Taiwanese Firms to Export Control List: China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that it has added eight Taiwan-based entities to its export control list, accusing them of actively cooperating with “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. The move is framed as a legal step to uphold China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, with all exports of dual-use items to these firms now strictly prohibited. The Ministry emphasized that no exporters will be permitted to violate these controls. The decision comes amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, particularly under Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing accuses of intensifying pro-independence rhetoric and seeking foreign military backing. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, strongly backed the Commerce Ministry’s action, warning that any enterprise or individual supporting separatism will face harsh legal consequences. This escalation signals Beijing’s firm stance against what it sees as provocative separatist activities in Taiwan.

• 11th Nishan Forum Champions Harmony Among Global Civilizations: The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations commenced on July 9 in Qufu, Shandong, the birthplace of Confucius. Themed “Each Has Its Own Beauty and All Beauty Coexist – Relations among Civilizations and Global Modernization,” the forum seeks to promote dialogue among diverse cultures and explore paths toward peaceful coexistence in a modern global context. It features six sub-themes, including “The Origin and Future Development of Civilization” and “The Contemporary Value of Confucian Culture.” Running until July 10, the forum hosts over 20 events, such as keynote speeches, high-level and group dialogues, and parallel forums. The gathering brings together scholars, policymakers, and cultural experts to examine the relevance of ancient wisdom particularly Confucian thought in addressing today’s global challenges. The event underscores China’s cultural diplomacy, and efforts to develop the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).

• 10th National Paired Support Conference Reinforces Long-Term Strategy for Xinjiang Development: From July 7 to 9, the 10th National Conference on Paired Support for Xinjiang was held in Hetian, Xinjiang. Senior CPC leader Wang Huning attended and delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing the long-term strategic importance of paired support in advancing social stability, ethnic unity, and high-quality development in the region. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Wang stressed the need to address challenges in southern Xinjiang, strengthen industrialization, promote ethnic integration, and enhance education and cultural enrichment. He called for optimizing support mechanisms and maximizing coordination between supporting provinces and Xinjiang. Li Ganjie, who chaired the conference, urged all departments to align with national objectives and ensure efficient implementation. Officials from 19 supporting provinces, key central ministries, and Xinjiang units participated. Wang also visited Aksu, Hotan, and Aral to inspect local development projects and interact with grassroots communities, reinforcing the Party's commitment to sustained development in Xinjiang.

• Typhoon Danas Weakens; Zhejiang Downgrades Emergency Response to Level IV: Typhoon Danas has weakened to a tropical depression after making landfall near Ningde City, Fujian. In response, Zhejiang has downgraded its typhoon emergency response to Level IV, as announced by the provincial Flood Control Headquarters. Despite the weakening storm, authorities urged continued vigilance, especially in areas like Wenzhou, Taizhou, and Lishui, which remain vulnerable to heavy rainfall and secondary geological disasters. Residents relocated due to the storm are being allowed to return home cautiously, prioritizing safety. Fishing operations at sea are also being resumed under strict supervision. The provincial government has instructed local departments to continue thorough risk inspections and strictly implement emergency protocols to manage potential mountain torrents and landslides. While the immediate danger has lessened, Zhejiang remains on alert to minimize any further damage and ensure public safety during the post-typhoon period.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Gen-Z Escapes WeChat for Freer Expression on Weibo: As WeChat becomes increasingly crowded with coworkers, bosses, and distant acquaintances, many of China’s Gen-Z are turning to Weibo to reclaim their digital voice. A growing number of young professionals now use Weibo, once seen mainly as a news and celebrity gossip hub and a semi-anonymous space for personal expression. “At my internship, no one’s on my Weibo. I can express myself freely,” said one user, echoing a popular sentiment. This quiet social migration trended widely on Weibo itself on July 9–10, with hashtags like #WeChatEscape and #WeiboFeelsSafer gaining momentum. Posts reflect fatigue with WeChat’s performative interactions and growing anxiety over unintended audiences. Weibo, with its broadcast-like interface and looser network ties, allows Gen Z to share unfiltered thoughts without fear of professional judgment. The trend is part of a broader shift toward deeper in-person connections and digital minimalism, now quietly reshaping Chinese online culture.

INDIA WATCH

India’s $290 Million Rare Earth Magnet Push Gains Global Attention: Sina Finance’s Global Market Report covered India’s ambitious plan to incentivize local production of rare earth magnets, key components for electric vehicles and wind turbines. The report noted that India is offering up to ₹25 billion ($290 million) in subsidies to private firms over seven years, aiming to produce 4,000 tonnes of neodymium and praseodymium magnets using domestically sourced materials. It reported that major Indian conglomerates like Vedanta Group, JSW Group, and Sona BLW Precision Forgings have shown early interest. The Chinese coverage framed this as a strategic industrial shift, positioning India to reduce reliance on Chinese rare earth imports. From an Indian perspective, this initiative reflects a broader goal of self-reliance in critical minerals amid rising global competition and supply chain concerns. As Prime Minister Modi emphasized at the BRICS Summit, ensuring critical mineral security is essential to preventing geopolitical leverage through resource dependency.

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.