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NEWS IN CHINA

• Beijing Symposium Highlights Strengthening Executive-Led Governance in Hong Kong and Macau: The National Association for Hong Kong and Macao Studies held a symposium in Beijing, which focused on upholding and improving executive-led administration to promote effective governance in the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions (SARs). Officials from central government departments, as well as experts and scholars from the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, attended the event. Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, stressed that President Xi Jinping has clearly emphasized that both SARs must adhere to and strengthen executive-led governance. Xia noted that executive-led governance is a fundamental principle embedded in the Basic Law and an institutional safeguard for the effective implementation of “one country, two systems”. He further added that the chief executives and SAR governments must take primary responsibility for governance, and legislative and judicial bodies should actively cooperate to form a strong governance synergy. Xia also called for broad social support to foster a favorable environment for effective governance. Experts at the symposium agreed that strengthening executive-led governance is essential for maintaining long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macau.
  
  

• China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand Launch 161st Joint Mekong River Patrol: Three Chinese law enforcement vessels set sail on January 26 from the Jingha and Guanlei police wharves in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, marking the launch of the 161st China-Laos-Myanmar-Thailand joint patrol and law enforcement operation on the Mekong River. The operation combines segmented patrols with joint patrols in key and sensitive waters. Simultaneously, two Lao vessels set sail from Ban Xiangguo and Mengmo, while one Myanmar vessel departed from Wan Pong. After conducting segmented patrols, all parties converged at designated waters to launch joint operations. Ahead of the operation, law enforcement agencies from China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand held a joint commanders’ meeting and information-sharing session in Jinghong. The meeting reviewed recent security conditions in the Mekong River basin, assessed crime-fighting efforts, and agreed on the operational plan. During the patrol, the four countries will continue coordinated law enforcement actions to combat illegal activities and safeguard safety and stability in the Mekong River basin. A summary meeting will later be held in Thailand to review cooperation results from 2025 and discuss plans for 2026.
  
  

• Li Qiang Seeks Input on the 2026 Government Work Report: Li Qiang chaired a symposium to seek opinions on the draft Government Work Report and the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Leaders of central committees of various democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and non-Party representatives attended the symposium and gave their suggestions. Participants noted that China has successfully achieved its main economic and social development goals, despite complex domestic and international challenges which has led to remarkable progress in Chinese modernization. They put forward their views on improving macro regulation, expanding domestic demand, producing new productive forces, increasing reform and opening-up and improving people’s livelihoods, with a focus on priorities for this year and the next five years. In response, Li remarked that the suggestions were valuable for refining government policy and planning. He attributed last year’s achievements to collective national efforts under the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core. Li noted China must strengthen proactive macro policies and better coordinate reform and economic measures to ensure quality growth. He encouraged business groups and non-party figures to deepen research, offer policy advice and build consensus to support high-quality development.
  
  

• China Seeks Global Market Role Through High-Quality Opening-Up Measures: The State Council Information Office held a press conference on China’s business operations in 2025, outlining plans to further boost consumption in 2026. The Ministry of Commerce announced that in 2026, it will start a special consumption-boosting campaign focused on policy support, event organization and improved consumption. Measures include optimizing trade-in programs to encourage purchases of automobiles, home appliances, digital products and smart devices, advancing pilot reforms in automobile logistics, expanding prize-winning invoice programs and supporting the development of the first-launch economy. More than 20 “Shopping in China” themed events will be held nationwide, alongside city-specific and local promotional activities to create a vibrant consumer environment. At the same time, the ministry reaffirmed China’s commitment to becoming a “market for the world”, pledging to deepen high-standard opening-up and provide new momentum to global growth through high-quality development. Supportive policies for foreign investment will be improved, with equal treatment for foreign firms in consumption promotion, government procurement and bidding. Vice Commerce Minister Yan Dong reiterated China’s efforts to push forward key projects and “small but beautiful” livelihood initiatives to help BRI partner countries enhance their infrastructure.
  
  

• China Names First National Law-Abiding Model Cities: The Ministry of Justice has released the first group of National Model Cities for Law Compliance and Legal Education which includes 50 regions such as Xicheng District of Beijing and Binhai New Area of ​​Tianjin. Based on the published list, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong, Hunan, Guangdong, Chongqing, Guizhou, Shaanxi, and Gansu each have two cities or districts selected in the first batch. Cities and districts in Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Hunan, Guangdong, Guizhou, Shaanxi and Gansu have also been identified under this initiative. The initiative was launched by the Ministry of Justice in 2022 to strengthen public awareness of the rule of law. The initiative was guided by principles such as objectivity, fairness, openness, effectiveness and easing pressure on grassroots authorities. The selection followed multiple steps such as voluntary participation, screening at the provincial level, expert assessments, public opinion checks and a public disclosure process after which the first batch of model cities was announced. The ministry has been coordinating this nationwide program to promote law-abiding behavior and to encourage local governments to take model city development as a key entry point to fully implement the Law on the Promotion of the Rule of Law.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Reacts to iPhone Air Price Drop and Sell-Out: A post with the hashtag #iPhoneAirSoldOutAfterPriceDrop is trending on Weibo. The post highlights Apple’s New Year promotion on its official Tmall and JD.com stores, where the 256GB iPhone Air saw a direct price cut of 2,000 yuan. With national subsidies included, the price fell to as low as 5,499 yuan, more than 30 percent cheaper compared to its original launch price. Following the sharp discount, the model quickly sold out on JD.com, with shipments delayed until February. Public reaction on Weibo has been lively and mixed. Many users praised the price drop, saying it shows that when consumers “don’t rush to buy”, prices will eventually come down. Some called the iPhone Air a good-looking and lightweight phone that could work well as a backup device, though still expensive. Others expressed frustration, saying the sudden discount was unfair to early buyers who paid much more just months ago. There were also sarcastic comments mocking the original pricing, with users saying Apple tried to sell “cheap hardware at a luxury price”. Some questioned whether the sell-out was due to real demand or limited stock, while others joked about waiting for prices to fall below 4,000 yuan before considering a purchase.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Discusses India–EU Free Trade Deal and Its Impact on India’s Auto Sector: An article in Guancha discusses the nearing conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement after almost 18 years of negotiations. It describes the agreement as a landmark step in India’s trade liberalization. According to the article, India has agreed to reduce tariffs on imported European petrol and diesel cars priced above 15,000 euros. This reduces the duties from 110 percent to about 40 percent initially, with further plans to cut down duties later. It notes that this move represents one of India’s most radical liberalization measures so far, but there is still a possibility of final change. The article argues that India’s auto market has long been highly protected, with European cars holding less than 4 percent share and mainly dominated by local and Japanese brands. However, the article notes that electric vehicles are expected to be excluded for five years to protect domestic EV investments by Indian auto manufacturers like Tata and Mahindra. Guancha claims that the changing geopolitical situation is a key driver behind this deal as India seeks to offset pressure from US tariffs, and the EU aims to diversify away from China. The article concludes that sensitive sectors such as agriculture and steel remain a major challenge, with analysts warning that protectionism and carbon taxes could limit the agreement’s overall impact.

Prepared By

Neha Maurya

Neha Maurya is a fourth-year undergraduate student at FLAME University, pursuing a major in International Studies with a minor in Public Policy. Her research interests lie in strategic studies, governance, and education policy. She aspires to engage in work that links research insights to policy outcomes.