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NEWS IN CHINA

• Wang Yi Holds Strategic Talks with SCO Leadership and Key Regional Partners: On July 16 in Tianjin, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate meetings with SCO Secretary-General Yermekbayev and the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Iran. Chinese state media, People’s Daily, highlighted these engagements as part of China’s proactive leadership under its rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Wang emphasized deepening multilateral cooperation, regional security, and connectivity initiatives like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Each counterpart praised China’s role and expressed support for the upcoming SCO Tianjin Summit. Notably, Pakistan and Iran reiterated strong alignment with China on geopolitical issues and security collaboration. From an Indian viewpoint, these meetings reflect China’s growing strategic consolidation in the region through the SCO, a grouping that India co-members but often approaches with caution due to differing interests, especially regarding security narratives and China-Pakistan alignment. The event underscores China’s ambition to shape the regional order via consensus-building among like-minded nations.

• 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo Opens in Beijing: The 3rd China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo officially opened in Beijing on July 16, 2025, under the theme "Connecting the World, Creating the Future." The event featured over ten activities, including matchmaking sessions and product launches, aiming to foster international collaboration in global supply chains. Notably, 170 overseas delegations from major economies and emerging markets attended the event, more than double the number from the previous edition signaling heightened global interest in China’s role in supply chain resilience. During the Expo, the "Beijing Initiative" was unveiled, urging the global business community to uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure stability in industrial and supply chains, and promote a cooperative, open international environment. Additionally, the "Global Supply Chain Promotion Report" and the inaugural release of four key supply chain index matrices were introduced. These measures aim to present a “Chinese solution” for advancing stronger, greener, and more resilient global supply chain cooperation.

• Shandong Launches Strategic Push in Mineral Exploration: Shandong has unveiled a new round of strategic actions to boost reserves and production of key strategic minerals. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, the province has added 583 tons of gold, 144 million tons of rich iron ore, and 2.12 million tons of crystalline graphite, with gold and iron ore additions ranking first nationally. For the first time, lithium has also been discovered in the province. Valued at over 500 billion yuan, these mineral gains mark a “double breakthrough” in both new resource discovery and reserve expansion. Chinese media highlighted Shandong’s leadership in mineral exploration, highlighting eco-friendly technologies, AI-driven geological mapping, and energy-saving rigs. With 576 green mines, Shandong leads China in sustainable mining practices. Shandong’s proposed plans reflect China’s aggressive self-reliance in critical minerals, especially lithium and rare earths, a domain of global competition for energy transition resources.

• China’s Top Court Highlights Crackdown on Motor Vehicle Emission Fraud: The Supreme People's Court released three typical cases addressing illegal activities in motor vehicle emission inspections, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and the rule of law. The move aims to raise public awareness, guide the inspection industry to comply with regulations, and promote green development. One case involved a motor vehicle inspection company in Hunan’s Xinhua County, where false certificates were issued for over 400 vehicles using emission-cheating software. The court imposed a fine of 300,000 yuan and sentenced the responsible individuals to prison. In another case, a car rental service in Zhejiang tampered with emission systems for profit. Civil litigation resulted in compensation for environmental damage, underscoring the principle of "damages must be compensated." A third case saw a Xiangyang-based testing firm penalized for falsified reports, with the court enforcing administrative penalties. These rulings demonstrate a firm judicial stance against environmental violations in the transport sector.

• State Council Executive Meeting Advances Domestic Demand, EV Oversight, and Immigration Reform: Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting to chart policy priorities for strengthening China’s domestic economic circulation. Key measures included boosting consumer demand through the replacement of old goods, expanding investment in new quality productivity sectors, and removing barriers that hinder household consumption. The meeting emphasized refining policy precision, strengthening interdepartmental cooperation, and enhancing support to local governments and enterprises. Audit rectification was also addressed, with officials urged to ensure accountability and implement systemic reforms to improve fiscal discipline. In response to irregular competition in the booming new energy vehicle (NEV) industry, the Council called for tighter price monitoring, enforcement of payment terms, and higher product quality standards to foster long-term, orderly development. Additionally, the meeting approved a draft amendment to China’s entry-exit regulations for foreigners, signaling potential reforms in immigration and residency administration to align with broader economic and international engagement goals.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

• Chinese Social Media Speculates on Indian Pilot Error in Air Crash: A preliminary U.S. investigation into the recent Air India crash has triggered a social media storm in China after black box recordings suggested the captain may have accidentally turned off the fuel switch cutting supply to both engines and possibly causing the disaster. The revelation, first reported on July 16, shifted the investigation’s focus from mechanical failure to pilot error. On Weibo, the news quickly became a trending topic, sparking heated public debate. Hashtags like #IndianCaptainTurningOffFuelSwitchMayCauseCrash surged in popularity, each garnering millions of views within hours. Netizens expressed shock, concern, and criticism, with some calling for stricter international flight safety protocols. The topic trended on platforms like Weibo, Douyin, and Zhihu, with users questioning pilot training standards and aviation oversight, while awaiting Air India’s official response. The story continues to unfold under intense public and media scrutiny.

INDIA WATCH

• Chinese Media Highlights Kashmir Ambush: Chinese state media outlet Reference News reported on the ambush of an Indian Army patrol in Jammu and Kashmir, where four soldiers, including an officer, were killed. Citing Reuters, the Chinese coverage emphasized the rising violence in the region and contextualized the incident within the broader India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir. Notably, the portrayal remained factual but subtly echoed international narratives around contested sovereignty, focusing on the “shift” of militant activity to Jammu and the complexities of infiltration. The ambush underscores pressing national security concerns and the continued threat posed by cross-border militancy. Indian authorities assert Pakistan-backed infiltration is driving such violence, allegations China’s media covered without criticism but without validation either. While India mourns the loss and bolsters counter-insurgency efforts, the Chinese framing, strategically neutral yet geopolitical, reflects Beijing’s careful balancing act in South Asian affairs, advancing its own interests.

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.