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NEWS IN CHINA

• China and Nepal mark 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations: China and Nepal have celebrated 70 years since the start of their diplomatic relationship with a special event in Beijing. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Embassy of Nepal. More than 200 guests from both countries attended the reception, including Xiao Jie, vice chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, and diplomats from other nations. Speeches and discussions at the gathering highlighted the enduring friendship and cooperation between China and Nepal across various fields, from trade and education to cultural exchange. Both countries reflected on how their partnership has grown and contributed to economic development and people-to-people ties. The celebration emphasised the shared commitment to deepening this relationship, focusing on peace, mutual respect, and collective progress for the region.

• China-U.S. Reaffirm Commitment to Stabilise Trade Relations: In a recent round of economic and trade talks held in Stockholm, China and the United States engaged in candid and constructive discussions to address key issues affecting their bilateral relationship. Recent talks were positive, candid, and constructive, focusing on economic and trade collaboration. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to open dialogue as a foundation for managing differences and promoting stability between the world’s two largest economies. Chinese officials highlighted the importance of continuing consultations on trade, macroeconomic policies, and other shared concerns. They acknowledged progress made in prior meetings in Geneva and London. They agreed to extend the suspension of specific U.S. tariffs by another 90 days to ease trade tensions and support global economic stability. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce expressed optimism about deepening cooperation based on mutual respect and shared goals. Both countries aim to build on the consensus reached by their leaders to create clearer expectations and more certainty in global markets. 

• SCO Agricultural Ministers commit to tackle Food Security and Climate Challenges: Agricultural ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries gathered in Kunming, China, to strengthen their partnerships and find shared answers to common hurdles like food security and climate resilience. Officials and experts discussed ways to promote rural development, reduce poverty, and share new technologies. During the meeting, SCO leaders highlighted the importance of working together on climate-smart farming techniques, digital agriculture, and germplasm exchange to safeguard future harvests. They also praised China’s efforts to build a modern agricultural technology hub and train thousands from member countries in advanced farming methods. The ministers agreed to prioritise improving transportation and logistics to ensure agrarian products can move smoothly across borders. The meeting ended with a joint statement expressing hope for deeper collaboration, emphasising climate-resilient agriculture as a critical step toward food security in the region. India’s representative shared optimism about expanding digital farming initiatives and research cooperation with other SCO nations. 

• China unveils new branch flags for PLA, marking 98th Army Day: On the occasion of China’s 98th Army Day, President Xi Jinping announced the official unveiling of distinctive new flags for four key branches of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA): the aerospace force, cyberspace force, information support force, and joint logistics support force. These new flags, meticulously designed to reflect strategic significance and the Communist Party’s leadership, were rolled out to inspire a strong sense of pride and mission among the troops. Xi Jinping extended his greetings to all military branches, including civilian staff, reservists, and members of the armed police. China’s Defence Minister, Dong Jun, used the Army Day event to emphasise that the Chinese armed forces will remain firmly aligned with Xi Jinping’s Thought on Strengthening the Military. He highlighted a strong commitment to advancing the approach of building the military through focused political work, while intensifying efforts in combat training and readiness. Dong stressed that these measures are essential for the armed forces to successfully carry out their critical missions and responsibilities in the new era.

• Chinese Cities introduce new policies to create a more Birth-Friendly environment: Several Chinese cities, including Beijing and Hohhot in Inner Mongolia, have recently introduced new measures to make it easier and more welcoming for families to have children. These policies focus on improving support systems around childbirth and parenting, reflecting a growing effort to create a birth-friendly society in response to demographic challenges. Experts say these steps help address concerns about the difficulties families face when having children, such as financial pressures, childcare, and access to healthcare. The goal is to make parenting less stressful yet more affordable, encouraging families to consider having more children while supporting women and couples throughout pregnancy and early child-rearing stages. China’s push to balance population growth and adapt to social changes ensures long-term sustainable development. These represent a hopeful sign that local governments are taking serious steps to listen to families’ needs and build a society where having children is easier, safer, and more supported than before.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

China Summons Nvidia Over Security Concerns About H20 AI Chips Amid Rising Tech Tensions: On July 31, 2025, China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC) officially summoned Nvidia, the U.S. chipmaker, to address serious security concerns related to its H20 computing chips sold in the Chinese market. Chinese regulators cited reports from U.S. AI experts claiming these chips could have secret functions, including remote tracking, location monitoring, and the ability to be remotely disabled. The regulators demanded that Nvidia explain these potential risks and provide relevant evidence, citing the country’s Cybersecurity, Data Security, and Personal Information Protection laws. This summons came shortly after the Trump administration lifted a previous ban that had blocked Nvidia’s sale of these advanced AI chips to China. Nvidia has firmly denied embedding any backdoors or remote-control features, stating such actions would be unethical and economically unwise. The incident has sparked a wave of discussion on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Many netizens expressed anger and distrust toward Nvidia, with comments reflecting concern over foreign technology compromising China’s digital security. Some called for accelerating China’s push for homegrown semiconductor technologies to reduce dependence on American firms. Other users showed mixed feelings—some lamented the impact on tech cooperation, while a vocal group praised the government’s vigilance in protecting national interests.

INDIA WATCH

China Daily and CGTN report on India-US tensions due to Trump’s tariff on Indian imports: The United States, under President Donald Trump, imposed a 25% tariff on imports from India, citing India’s high trade barriers and its ongoing purchases of Russian oil and military equipment. This move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to pressure trading partners it sees as undermining its geopolitical stance. As reported by CGTN, Trump also announced his indifference to India’s ties with Russia. India sources about 35% of its crude oil from Russia, which has become its largest supplier since 2022 due to steep discounts amid Western sanctions on Russia. China Daily article highlights that despite recent pauses by state-owned refiners in buying Russian crude on the spot market, private refiners continue term-based Russian oil purchases. India is actively negotiating to secure Russian oil supplies for 2025 while maintaining imports from Middle Eastern producers. India’s reliance on Russian oil complicates its trade relations with the U.S., which opposes this trade due to geopolitical concerns. The tariffs challenge India’s economic growth, with experts predicting up to a 0.3% potential GDP slowdown. India remains committed to ongoing trade talks, though the tariffs add complexity and uncertainty to bilateral relations. These U.S. tariffs act as an economic intimidation to curb the rise of non-Western powers, reinforcing the U.S.’s geopolitical pressure on emerging economies like India and China. China may see this as an opportunity to deepen ties with India despite their historical differences, emphasising multilateral cooperation frameworks such as BRICS. 

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.