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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Issues New Guidelines Set to Regulate School Meal Providers: Chinese authorities have released the country’s first national standard for managing school meal services, set to take effect on December 1. Issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation, the guidelines apply to companies supplying meals to kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools nationwide. Providers must appoint a chief food safety officer, assign full-time safety staff, and use dedicated vehicles with GPS tracking. In the event of a food safety risk, companies must immediately initiate a recall and report the incident to local regulators. Each food batch must be accompanied by inspection and testing reports, and all major ingredients must undergo comprehensive testing at least once a year, with a focus on safety indicators such as pesticide residues.
  
• European Council President and European Commission President to Visit China for 25th China-EU Leaders' Meeting: In a joint agreement between China and the European Union (EU), European Council President Charles Michel Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit China on July 24. During their visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet both EU leaders, while Premier Li Qiang will co-chair the 25th China-EU Leaders' Meeting alongside them. The upcoming meeting will provide a valuable opportunity to discuss trade, climate action, and other pressing international issues, aiming to deepen mutual understanding and collaboration between China and the European Union.
• Wang Yi Holds Talks with Croatian Foreign Minister: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the visiting Croatian Foreign Minister to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation across multiple areas. During the meeting, both sides emphasised the importance of deepening political trust and expanding collaboration in trade, culture, and international affairs. Wang Yi highlighted China's openness to developing partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests. At the same time, the Croatian Foreign Minister expressed support for China's key initiatives and a desire to promote closer people-to-people exchanges. This diplomatic engagement is part of China's broader efforts to enhance relationships with European partners and foster multilateral collaboration in addressing global challenges.
• China’s Urban Unemployment Rate Averages 5.2% in H1 of 2025: In the first half of 2025, China’s national urban surveyed unemployment rate averaged 5.2%, marking a slight 0.1 percentage point decrease from the first quarter, indicating a generally stable employment situation. Local governments have implemented a series of supportive measures aimed at fostering characteristic industries and actively creating jobs. These include increasing employment subsidies, encouraging entrepreneurship, and promoting startup-friendly environments. Many young people have responded by actively seeking diverse employment opportunities or starting new businesses, contributing to job creation. In response to rising graduate numbers and external economic pressure, a multi-channel “employment security net” is in place. The central government allocated 66.7 billion yuan for employment subsidies targeting key industries. Regional governments lowered unemployment insurance fees, cutting 45.6 billion yuan in corporate costs in the first quarter alone. Continuous job fairs and recruitment campaigns have released over 10 million job positions, while university initiatives expanded job opportunities by more than 4.7 million. 
  
• China’s Certified Civil Airports increase boosting nationwide connectivity: China has expanded its network of certified civil airports to 263 by the end of 2024, Transport Minister Liu Wei announced at a press conference. This growth represents an addition of 22 airports since the conclusion of the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016–2020). More airports mean better connections for millions across cities and rural areas, encouraging business, tourism, and cultural exchange. This growth is a part of China’s broader goal of building world-class transport hubs, with airports increasingly evolving from simple transit points into vibrant gateways welcoming domestic and international travellers. In recent years, airports such as Beijing’s Daxing International have set passenger records and launched new services, including pet terminals and cultural exhibitions, demonstrating how airports are becoming more user-friendly and culturally engaging spaces. 

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

China Faces Sweltering "Sanfu Tian" Heatwave, Netizens Share Health Tips, Work Concerns, and Adaptation Stories: China is experiencing its annual "Sanfu Tian" period—traditionally the hottest, most humid stretch from mid-July to mid-August, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C in some regions. It has led to surges in electricity demand, affecting agriculture, industry, and daily life. Workers in construction and manufacturing face increased health risks, and authorities have urged precautions to prevent heatstroke. On Chinese social media, especially Weibo, users actively discuss coping with the extreme heat. Many share traditional health practices: "dampness-removing and weight-loss exercises," "light fasting," and foods like mung bean soup, watermelon, and herbal teas to stay cool and healthy. Some refer to Sanfu Tian as the "golden period for weight loss," highlighting increased metabolism and dieting discussions. In medicine, "Sanfu paste" (a topical herbal remedy) and "winter disease, summer treatment" have become popular among netizens for seasonal health maintenance. Tourism sees mixed effects: water-based activities become more popular, but overall travel may decline due to the discomfort of extreme heat. Netizens' comments such as "I've started wearing a cooling vest just to survive my commute. The heat is no joke this year.", and "Hats off to the delivery drivers and outdoor workers. They deserve hazard pay in this weather." The "Sanfu Tian" heatwave is a yearly physical and social challenge in China, uniting netizens in shared adaptation, health tips, humour, and concern for vulnerable workers. Discussions reflect traditional practices and modern struggles, with calls for better urban planning and worker protections as extreme heat becomes more intense and frequent.

INDIA WATCH

India’s Trade Delegation returns home from the U.S., Trade Deal expected by September or October, Reports CGTN: On July 21, 2025, India’s trade team concluded its visit to the United States and returned home, signalling meaningful progress toward finalising a trade agreement, CGTN reports. According to NDTV as cited by CGTN, both sides are optimistic that the deal will be completed by September or October this year. The negotiations covered key issues such as tariff reductions, market access, and cooperation in technology sectors. The article highlighted that the Indian officials stressed the importance of balancing trade growth with protecting domestic industries, while the U.S. emphasised strengthening economic ties and fair trade practices. Businesses in both countries have welcomed this development, eager for greater certainty amid fluctuating global trade conditions. The report further noted that once the deal is sealed, it is expected to boost bilateral trade volumes, encourage investment, and open new avenues for cooperation.

Prepared By

Yasheeta Sulakhe

Yasheeta Sulakhe is a Research Intern at the Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). She holds two master’s degrees: one in International Relations & Strategic Studies from the University of Mumbai. She is currently pursuing another in China Studies at Somaiya School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Her academic focus spans India-China relations, comparative political thought, and the impact of classical strategic texts like Sun Tzu’s Art of War and Kautilya’s Arthashastra on modern foreign policy. Her research interests also include contemporary China, climate change and territorial disputes in South Asia. She has participated in the Chinese Bridge Indian Youth Delegation Program and cleared three levels of the Mandarin HSK exam. Outside academia, she is an experienced volleyball player and coach, and holds an NCC ‘C’ Certificate.