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NEWS IN CHINA

• Xi Jinping Visits Troops Ahead of Spring Festival: Xi Jinping inspected the combat readiness and mission performance of China’s armed forces via video link at the Bayi Building in Beijing. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, Xi conveyed sincere wishes to officers and soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the People’s Armed Police Force, civilian personnel, reservists and militia members. Xi also held a video conference with nine units from different branches of the military, including the army, navy, air force, rocket force, aerospace, cyberspace, information support, joint logistics and armed police units. Commanders reported on their combat readiness and mission execution. Xi praised their high morale and training, and urged troops to focus on realistic combat training and improving operational capabilities. He noted that the past year had been extraordinary, with the PLA deepening political rectification and strengthening discipline. Further, Xi called on all units to remain vigilant, handle emergencies effectively, and ensure national security during the Lunar New Year.
  
  
• Li Qiang Calls for Accelerated AI Innovation: Premier Li Qiang called for stronger efforts to integrate technological innovation, industrial upgrading and the real-world application of artificial intelligence (AI). He described the sector as a crucial driver of new quality productive forces and high-quality development. Speaking at a State Council study session on AI, he emphasized the need to accurately assess global AI trends and push for breakthroughs across the full innovation chain. He called for expanding AI deployment in a wide range of practical scenarios and accelerating its large-scale, commercial use. Li stressed the importance of forward-looking planning for emerging technologies, improved coordination of critical resources such as data, computing power and electricity, and international cooperation in science and technology. He also highlighted the need to strengthen AI governance by refining legal frameworks, policy systems, technical standards and ethical norms. Additionally, Li called for fostering an open and inclusive innovation ecosystem and building a stronger, multi-disciplinary talent pool to support China’s long-term AI ambitions.
  
  
• China Issues Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Public Utilities: State Council Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition Commission issued new guidelines to curb monopolistic practices in the public utilities sector. The “Guidelines on Anti-Monopoly in the Public Utilities Sector” aim to safeguard fair competition and protect consumer and public interests. Public utilities such as water, electricity, gas and heating contain natural monopoly segments and some operators have been found extending their dominance into upstream and downstream competitive markets or restricting or excluding market competition. Authorities noted that due to the sector’s regional and policy-driven nature, monopolistic conduct shows distinct patterns and impacts. The guidelines comprised seven chapters and 50 articles, summarizing enforcement experience and clarifying standards for identifying monopolistic behavior. It addressed six key areas, including defining relevant markets, determining market dominance, and identifying monopoly agreements and abuses of dominance. The document detailed common violations such as restrictive trading, tying arrangements and unreasonable conditions, particularly in gas, water and electricity supply. It also encourages enterprises to strengthen compliance systems, supports industry associations’ roles, and calls for improved channels for public supervision.
  
  
• Beijing Issues Plan to Build Unified National Electricity Market by 2035: The General Office of the State Council issued new “Implementation Opinions on Improving the National Unified Electricity Market System,” outlining a roadmap to establish a unified, open and efficient national power market by 2035. The document stressed breaking regional barriers and market segmentation to promote smooth circulation of electricity resources nationwide. According to the plan, a unified national power market system will be in place by 2030 and fully established by 2035. The reforms aim to optimize nationwide power resource allocation, improve cross-regional trading mechanisms, and build a comprehensive spot market that better reflects price signals and balances supply and demand. The Opinions outlined five priorities, including optimizing cross-regional power trading, strengthening spot and long-term markets, accelerating ancillary services and green power markets, and creating a standardized retail market. The plan also proposed establishing unified trading rules, pricing mechanisms, and technical standards. It further emphasized strengthening market governance, improving credit systems, enhancing risk prevention measures, and improving policy coordination to ensure stable and orderly market operations.
  
  
• NDRC Moves to Stabilize Food Supply and Prices Before Spring Festival: The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) conducted an in-depth assessment of the supply, demand and price situation of essential commodities to safeguard market stability. Together with the Ministries of Civil Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Commerce, and the State Administration for Market Regulation, the NDRC issued a joint notice outlining measures to ensure adequate supply, stable prices and basic living support for vulnerable groups. The plan emphasized boosting winter agricultural production through improved field management and disaster prevention. Authorities also moved to enhance distribution by linking wholesale markets, supermarkets and online platforms with major production areas. The “green channel” policy for transporting fresh agricultural products is also planned to be fully implemented to speed up inspections, ease road bottlenecks, and ensure smooth logistics. On the consumer side, government reserves of vegetables will be released to meet pre-holiday demand, and affordable sales will be promoted through retail networks. The notice stated that market supervision will be strengthened to curb inflated prices.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Red Envelope Craze Sweeps Spring Festival: On the eve of the 2026 Spring Festival, the hashtag #WeiboRedEnvelope# went viral on Weibo, as platform-wide red envelope campaigns ignited a nationwide online frenzy. What began as a festive giveaway quickly evolved into a powerful promotional tool for celebrities and drama marketing. Several stars used red envelopes to engage fans directly. After facing lip-syncing controversy, Li Yitong distributed 50,000 yuan in red envelopes, a move many netizens described as “open-minded” and sincere. Peng Yuchang handed out red envelopes for nine consecutive days to promote his new drama, blending fan appreciation with publicity. Singer Chen Chusheng also drew attention, with fans praising his Lunar New Year performances with one user commenting “No pandering, only breakthroughs!” and applauding him for “conquering the stage with his sincere voice.” Another user wrote that he “redefines music competition with his sincere voice,” while a few others commented that his songs capture “hard work and heartfelt moments in ordinary life.” Beyond individual celebrities, Weibo partnered with CCTV, gaming companies, and entertainment figures to launch card-collecting games and Spring Festival photography contests, tying red envelopes to interactive campaigns.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Highlights Recent Strategic Dialogue as Sign of Warming in China-India Ties: An article in Global Times discussed the latest round of the China-India Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi. According to the report, Chinese and Indian senior officials held friendly and in-depth exchanges on bilateral ties, regional issues and multilateral cooperation on the sidelines of the BRICS Sherpa Meeting. The article highlighted remarks by Qian Feng, director at Tsinghua University’s National Strategy Institute, who stated that the dialogue marked a continuation of the ongoing thaw in relations at the start of 2026. He noted that sustained high-level communication reflects efforts by both sides to implement the strategic consensus reached by their leaders and gradually rebuild political trust. Qian added that amid global uncertainty and change, it is important for China and India, as key members of the Global South, to strengthen coordination on regional and global issues to sustain the improving bilateral momentum. It also cited Indian media describing the meeting as a step toward “gradual normalization.” Further, Qian noted that while differences remain, including border concerns,  both sides have shown a willingness to manage them and expand cooperation, thereby signaling continued improvement in bilateral relations. The article also cited experts who added that if the current positive trend continues, more concrete steps could be introduced in the near future, including easier visa procedures, expanded direct flight connections and stronger people-to-people exchanges. 

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.