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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Secures a Historic Medal Tally in the Chengdu World Games: The 12th World Games concluded in Chengdu, Sichuan, on August 17, marking a milestone for China as host and top performer. According to Zhang Xin, deputy head of the Chinese delegation, China secured 64 medals, including 36 gold, 17 silver, and 11 bronze, its best result in World Games history. For the first time, China led both the gold and overall medal standings, surpassing all previous records. The Games featured 34 major events and 256 sub-events, with Chinese athletes winning gold in 18 of them. Forty-five athletes reached the podium, boosting the nation’s total World Games gold tally from 14 to 23. Notably, the women’s rock climbing speed relay and women’s 4x50m finswimming relay set world records. China also dominated by securing first and second places in five events. In disabled sports, 10 athletes claimed six medals, showcasing progress in inclusive sports development. Zhang emphasized that many medalists were first-time international participants, reflecting the success of China’s grassroots sports system and its growing sports industry.
  
  
• China Releases Report on Human Rights Violations in the U.S. in 2024: The State Council Information Office of China released its annual report on human rights violations in the United States, highlighting deep-rooted political, social, and economic issues. The report, covering the election year of 2024, commented that money-driven politics and partisan polarization has eroded democratic processes. It noted that campaign spending exceeded $15.9 billion, while redistricting and voter suppression laws disproportionately restricted the rights of minorities, the elderly, and low-income groups. The document stated frequent political violence, rising public disillusionment, and growing inequality as examples to support their claims. The piece noted that over 40 million Americans lived in poverty, with 13.5 percent of households facing food insecurity, while homelessness rose by 18 percent to over 700,000 people. The report also condemned the U.S. healthcare system, citing unaffordable medical costs and record opioid deaths surpassing 100,000. Gun violence, persistent racism, police brutality, and the exploitation of women and children were also highlighted as systemic failures.
  
  
• Publication of Xi Jinping’s Two-Volume Work on Comprehensive Deepening of Reform: The first and second volumes of Comrade Xi Jinping’s On Upholding Comprehensive and Deepening Reform have been published by the Central Literature Publishing House and are now available nationwide. Compiled by the Party History and Literature Research Institute of the CPC Central Committee, the collection presents Xi Jinping’s key writings on reform in chronological order. Volume 1, originally released in 2018, has been reprinted and renamed, containing 73 important contributions made between December 2012 and December 2018. Volume 2 features 92 contributions from January 2019 to April 2025, some published for the first time. The work highlights the central role of reform and opening up as the driving force of China’s modernization. It reflects decisions made at the Third Plenary Sessions of the 18th and 20th CPC Central Committees, which elevated reform to unprecedented levels of breadth and depth. Xi’s insights, rooted in Marxist methodology, provide innovative answers to why reform is vital in the new era and how it should advance, forming a core component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
  
  
• Hong Kong SAR Government Strengthens Patriotic Education Initiatives: The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government is placing patriotic education at the center of its upcoming Policy Address, according to Reference News Network on August 17. Chief Executive John Lee emphasized that in the past, discussions about national identity were limited, but with the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, patriotism can now be expressed more openly and safely. Lee released the fourth episode of his “Policy Address” short film, highlighting how National Day and HKSAR Establishment Day celebrations in recent years have seen widespread displays of national and regional flags. He described this as a welcome change that reflects growing civic pride. Patriotic education, previously outlined in his past two Policy Addresses, will continue to be integrated into daily teaching to instill a strong sense of national belonging among students. This year, marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the SAR will host commemorative activities. Exhibitions by the Hong Kong War of Resistance and Coastal Defence Museum, in collaboration with Guangdong’s Revolutionary History Museum, aim to deepen citizens’ historical understanding and strengthen patriotic values.
  
  
• Calls for Stronger Punishment and Public Awareness for Childcare Subsidy Fraud: Following the recent launch of China’s national childcare subsidy system, criminals have begun exploiting the policy by impersonating government agencies to commit fraud. Police across provinces, including Yunnan, Sichuan, and Anhui, have issued urgent alerts warning citizens against false notifications, fake websites, and fraudulent subsidy “apps.” Victims were lured into scanning QR codes, entering personal details, and providing bank verification codes, which scammers then used to steal funds. The Economic Daily emphasized the need for stronger penalties, enhanced fraud monitoring, and greater policy publicity to protect citizens. Recommended measures include keyword monitoring on digital platforms, tighter oversight of financial transactions, and swift disruption of fraud networks by public security authorities. Citizens are also urged to verify information through official government channels, which typically use the suffix “gov.cn.” The childcare subsidy system, effective from January 1, 2025, provides 3,600 yuan annually for each child under three. Applications open nationwide in late August via a unified platform. Authorities stressed that current application portals are not yet active, warning the public to remain vigilant and report scams immediately.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Social Media Debates Individual Agency and Social Responsibility: The story of 65-year-old Huang Meisheng, a former teacher and education bureau official from Jiangxi, has sparked widespread debate on Chinese social media about social responsibility and the limits of state welfare. In 2008, Huang converted an abandoned factory into De Ren Garden, a shelter-school for children orphaned or abandoned due to death, disability, or imprisonment. Over 17 years, it has supported 348 children, with 76 entering university; 57 currently live there. Often hailed online as a “modern-day role model” and compared to Zhang Guimei, Huang exemplifies grassroots educators filling critical welfare gaps. Donations and volunteer returns from former residents underline the role of community-led initiatives in sustaining vulnerable populations. The case has highlighted how individual agency, when amplified through digital recognition, can catalyse public support and supplement formal welfare institutions in contemporary China.

INDIA WATCH 

Cankaoxiaoxi reports India’s Record Defense Output Gains Global Attention: According to Cankaoxiaoxi, India’s defense output reached a record 1.5059 trillion rupees (US$17.2 billion) in 2024–2025, marking an 18% surge from the previous year. The outlet highlighted this as a milestone for India’s “Make in India” strategy, reflecting stronger local participation and reduced reliance on imports. Yet, it also stressed the underlying contradictions, India's defense sector continues to face challenges of quality, technological dependence, and emergency procurement pressures. From Beijing’s perspective, the expansion is seen not only as industrial progress but also as a driver of security dilemmas in South Asia. India’s reliance on imported components, particularly in aircraft and naval systems, undermines the narrative of full self-reliance. In India, however, the development is framed as a strategic breakthrough. Chinese commentators emphasize how domestic procurement contracts over 80% awarded to Indian companies signal a structural shift toward defense independence. Chinese media outlets stated that as per India the trajectory strengthens both national security and global credibility, positioning India as a rising defense manufacturing hub despite persistent hurdles.

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.