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NEWS IN CHINA

• Xi emphasizes the importance of netizens opinion in shaping 15th Five-Year Plan: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the active incorporation of public opinion particularly into the formulation of China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). His directive follows an online campaign conducted from May 20 to June 20, which collected over 3.11 million suggestions from across the country. Praising the high level of civic engagement, Xi described the initiative as a model of “whole-process people’s democracy.” He urged government departments to carefully study the collected ideas and integrate valuable insights into national planning. Xi emphasized the importance of Party committees and local governments engaging deeply with citizens’ lives and aspirations to ensure development plans reflect real public needs. Since their introduction in the 1950s, China’s Five-Year Plans have guided key national strategies. The 15th edition will chart the country’s course through 2030, addressing goals across economic, social, technological, and environmental sectors.
  
  
• China Charts Economic Roadmap for Late 2025: Chinese authorities unveiled a strategic plan for the second half of the year, prioritizing three key areas: stimulating domestic demand, fostering tech–industry integration, and addressing industrial overcapacity. The government plans to inject 69 billion yuan in treasury bond funds to support a consumer goods trade-in scheme, along with fresh subsidies to encourage consumer loans. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology aims to expand innovation platforms and incubators, especially in robotics and IoT. Simultaneously, overcapacity issues in sectors like EVs and solar panels will be tackled through stricter regulation, aiming for rational pricing and sustainable competition.
  
  
• Harbin Entrepreneur Conference to Drive Innovation and Revitalize Northeast China: The 2025 Entrepreneurs Sun Island Annual Conference opened in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, spotlighting “New Quality Productive Forces” as a central theme. This national-level gathering brought together leaders from government, academia, and industry to promote innovation-driven growth and economic revitalization in northeast China. Liu Hui, deputy secretary of the Heilongjiang CPC Committee, emphasized the province’s rich scientific resources and strong industrial base, urging participants to support its sustainable development. Liu Jian, vice president of Xinhua News Agency, highlighted the event as a catalyst for deeper economic reform and broader global engagement. Hosted by Xinhua News Agency and Harbin Modern Culture and Tourism Investment Group, the three-day conference features multiple forums on smart manufacturing, digital intelligence, and the low-altitude economy. With a focus on intelligent manufacturing, evolving consumer habits, and new industrial ecosystems, the event aims to boost high-quality development and reinforce northeast China’s strategic role in national modernization.
  
  
• Beijing Activates Top-Level Flood Emergency as Red Rainstorm Alert Issued: Beijing has launched a Level I emergency response for flood control, the highest in China’s four-tier system, after upgrading its rainstorm warning to red on Monday, according to the municipal emergency department. The Chaobai River’s main stream and its management areas in seven districts, Yanqing, Huairou, Miyun, Shijingshan, Mentougou, Fangshan, and Fengtai, along with Shunyi and Tongzhou, are now under Level I flood control measures. The rest of the city remains on Level II alert, the second-highest tier, the local flood control department reported. District authorities have been instructed to remain on high alert, prioritizing public safety above all else. Officials emphasized the need for swift, high-quality, and coordinated efforts in flood control, disaster relief, and post-disaster recovery to minimize losses to the greatest extent possible.
  
  
• Brazil Hails China Partnership in Green Transformation and BRICS Cooperation: Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin Costa emphasized the growing strategic partnership between Brazil and China in driving green development and industrial modernization. Speaking to People's Daily, Costa highlighted China's key role in supporting Brazil's clean energy transition through investments in infrastructure and green transportation, including the development of Brazil’s new energy vehicle sector. He noted that Chinese companies are increasingly establishing local factories, bringing not only capital and equipment but also integrated technological solutions that enhance Brazil’s industrial competitiveness. Costa stressed the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and education to build a strong talent pipeline for emerging industries. He also praised China’s “Green BRICS” initiative, calling it a vital direction for sustainable development and greater cohesion among BRICS members. According to Costa, such cooperation strengthens the voice of the Global South and contributes to shaping a fairer, more balanced international order.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Renowned Historian Xu Zhuoyun Passes at 95, Final Post on Wartime Sacrifice Moves Millions: The death of renowned historian Xu Zhuoyun at age 95 in the U.S. on August 4 sent shockwaves across Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin, where he had recently become a beloved intellectual presence. Netizens flooded online spaces with tributes using trending hashtags such as #FarewellXuZhuoyun, #HistorianOfThePeople, and #LastPostStillAboutResistance, catapulting the news into the top five Weibo trends. Xu's last Weibo post from July 24, recounting the Sichuan Army’s sacrifice during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, was widely reshared and mourned. Many users found it profoundly moving that even in his final public message, Xu focused on national memory and historical reflection. Comments praised his unwavering patriotism, gentle wisdom, and dedication to educating younger generations. Some wrote, “His body weakened, but his mind never left history.” The sentiment online reflected a deep reverence for a scholar who made history accessible and emotionally resonant.

INDIA WATCH

China Applauds India’s Strategic Autonomy Amid Trump Tensions, Global Times Reports: Chinese state media, Global Times, spotlighting India’s sharp rebuttal of Donald Trump’s recent trade and energy tirade. India’s continued import of Russian oil has been framed in China’s media as a sign of “strategic sovereignty” and was portrayed as both rational and courageous. Commentators like Qian Feng and Lü Xiang lauded India's stance as “economically sound” and “diplomatically mature,” contrasting it with what they see as erratic American unilateralism. Beijing’s press subtly suggested that India’s frustration with the U.S. could soften its China stance, an interpretation Chinese analysts clearly welcome. Prime Minister Modi’s “Make in India” speech and NSA Doval’s visit to Beijing were cited as further signs of recalibrated foreign policy. However, view this with caution. While they acknowledge the tactical necessity of keeping diplomatic channels open with China, they remain wary of Beijing’s motives, particularly attempts to wedge India away from the West for its own geopolitical gain.

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.