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NEWS IN CHINA

• Xi Jinping, Putin Reaffirm Strategic Ties in Call Focused on Ukraine Crisis: Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Putin’s request, according to CCTV. Putin shared Russia’s assessment of the ongoing Ukraine crisis and recent contacts with the United States, praising China’s constructive role in promoting a political settlement. He reaffirmed that the Russia–China comprehensive strategic partnership will remain unchanged under all circumstances and expressed willingness to maintain close communication with Beijing. Xi reiterated China’s principled stance, stressing that complex problems have no simple solutions. Regardless of developments, China will continue to advocate for peace and dialogue, while welcoming Russia–US engagement to improve relations and advance political resolution efforts. Both leaders emphasized their high level of political trust and strategic cooperation, agreeing to deepen bilateral ties. They also discussed preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, pledging to ensure that it is friendly, united, and results-oriented, while promoting the SCO’s high-quality development.

• China’s Top Court Issues Guiding Opinions to Boost Private Economy: The Supreme People’s Court (SPC) has released its “Guiding Opinions on Implementing the Law on Promoting Private Economy,” outlining 25 targeted measures to strengthen judicial protection for the sector’s healthy growth. Divided into five key areas, the Opinions emphasize equal legal protection, guidance on lawful operations, strict and impartial justice, and improvements to judicial systems. They aim to address challenges such as financing barriers, overdue payments, and protection of technological innovation, while promoting fair market competition and the orderly growth of emerging industries. Measures include issuing judicial interpretations, publishing typical cases, and standardizing governance within private enterprises. The SPC also pledges to safeguard property rights, rectify wrongful enterprise-related cases, optimize litigation services, reduce dispute resolution costs, and enhance mechanisms for punishing dishonesty while repairing credit. The initiative seeks to integrate the spirit and principles of the new law—effective since May 20 into all court work. The SPC vowed to continue advancing these reforms to create a stable, fair, transparent, and predictable business environment for China’s private sector.

• China Confirms PM Modi’s Attendance at SCO Tianjin Summit: China has officially welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi decision to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced on Friday. According to Indian media, Modi will visit China at the invitation of Chinese leaders on August 31 and participate in the summit, which will be held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Guo confirmed that leaders from over 20 countries, including all SCO member states and heads of 10 international organizations, will join the event. Describing it as the largest SCO summit since the organization’s founding, Guo said the gathering will be a platform for deepening solidarity, enhancing coordination, and promoting dynamism among member nations. “China warmly welcomes Prime Minister Modi’s participation,” Guo stated, adding that with joint efforts, the summit will yield fruitful results and mark a new stage of high-quality development for the SCO. The meeting is expected to strengthen regional cooperation and address shared challenges in security, economy, and connectivity.

• Beijing Eases Housing Purchase Curbs, 80% of New Projects to Benefit: Beijing has announced a major adjustment to its housing purchase restriction policy, effective August 9, allowing eligible families to buy an unlimited number of homes outside the Fifth Ring Road. The move, jointly issued by the city’s Housing and Urban-Rural Development Commission and Housing Provident Fund Management Center, is expected to directly benefit around 80% of new housing projects, which are mostly located in outer districts. Under the new rules, both Beijing residents and qualified non-residents with at least two years of tax or social insurance contributions can purchase without limits outside the Fifth Ring Road. Restrictions within the core area remain unchanged. The policy also boosts housing provident fund support, including raising the maximum second-home loan from 600,000 to 1 million yuan, lowering down payments, and increasing loan limits per contribution year. Analysts say this relaxation could ease inventory pressures, spur market recovery, and may influence Shanghai and Shenzhen to follow with targeted policy adjustments in their suburban housing markets.

• China Hosts Record-Breaking World Robot Conference: The 10th World Robot Conference opened in Beijing, showcasing over 1,500 products from more than 200 Chinese and foreign companies. Running until August 12, the event features record participation from humanoid robot manufacturers, drawing strong visitor interest. Organizers reported that the number of international supporting organizations grew from 12 to 28, with hundreds of foreign delegations attending. More than 100 new products will debut this year, nearly double 2024’s total. Exhibits span three themed halls, Innovation, Application, and Technology featuring global industry leaders like Kuka, Yushu Technology, and CITIC Heavy Industries. Fifty humanoid robot makers are displaying lifestyle-oriented innovations, from quadruped robots to smart lawn mowers. China, the world’s largest industrial robot market for 12 consecutive years, produced 10.52 million service robots in 2024, up 34% year-on-year. Coinciding with the conference, Beijing saw the launch of one of China’s first humanoid robot 4S stores, offering direct sales, parts, repairs, and interactive demos of products like robot butlers and the humanoid “Einstein.”

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

• “Adopt a Calf for Concert Tickets” Scheme Sparks Heated Debate: A unique ticketing scheme for Chinese superstar Yi Yangqianxi’s sold-out Shanghai concert on August 2 has gone viral on mainland social media. The “Adopt a Calf” initiative, launched by Xiangyang Public Welfare Development Centre in Hunan, offers premium seats to fans who pay up to 120,000 yuan (US$17,000) to adopt 12 calves, aiming to boost cattle farmers’ income. Tickets for Yi, also known as Jackson Yee, sold out in seconds on July 24, with some reselling for 80,000 yuan on secondary markets. Fans soon discovered that adopting calves could guarantee prized “infield” seats, bypassing the ticket rush. The calves will be raised by farmers and slaughtered in about two years, with adopters receiving beef products, raw beef, or their investment back with potential profits. The scheme has split public opinion on Weibo and Douyin. Supporters praise its creative rural support model, while critics call it “elitist” and accuse organisers of exploiting fans’ devotion.

INDIA WATCH

• SCMP Reports on India’s Balancing Act Amid US Tariff Pressure: The South China Morning Post reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin was described by Modi as “very good” and “detailed,” focusing on Ukraine and strengthening bilateral ties. The conversation comes as New Delhi navigates sensitive geopolitical and economic crossroads, continuing discounted Russian oil imports while facing escalating US tariff threats. According to SCMP, the discussion underscored India’s long-standing relationship with Moscow, rooted in Soviet-era cooperation, as well as its economic benefits from Russian crude, which have saved billions in import costs. However, with US President Donald Trump giving India three weeks to find alternative suppliers or face tariffs doubling from 25% to 50%, Modi is under mounting pressure, the article argues. From an Indian perspective, the call highlights New Delhi’s balancing act between strategic autonomy, economic necessity, and growing Western scrutiny. While reiterating support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, Modi also signaled unwavering commitment to domestic interests, especially farmers, a politically critical constituency.

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.