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NEWS IN CHINA

• China, US Launch New Round of Trade Talks in Paris: Chinese and US delegations met on the 15th in Paris for a new round of consultations on economic and trade issues, aiming to stabilize bilateral relations and support global economic recovery amid rising uncertainties. The Chinese delegation is led by He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee. According to Xinhua commentary, the talks are guided by the consensus reached between the two countries’ leaders during their meeting in Busan and subsequent communications. The article noted that the two sides have already held five rounds of trade negotiations and achieved several positive outcomes. At the most recent talks in Kuala Lumpur, they reached agreements on issues such as tariff suspensions, trade expansion, export controls and cooperation on counternarcotics. The article reiterated that China is closely monitoring the developments and reserves the right to safeguard its legitimate interests. Analysts emphasized that the Paris talks are an opportunity for both sides to narrow differences and enhance stability in global markets. 
  
  
• China Accelerates AI Integration in Healthcare: China is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence into its digital healthcare system to improve efficiency and expand access to quality medical services nationwide. Under the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026–2030, the government aims to secure a leading position in AI industry applications and promote large-scale commercialization through the “AI Plus” initiative. As part of the “Healthy China Initiative,” AI-driven platforms are expected to enhance health data analysis, support clinical decisions, and improve rural access to medical care. Experts emphasize that digital technologies can narrow the urban-rural gap and strengthen tiered healthcare services. China has released around 300 large medical models, with remote imaging services handling over 68 million cases at the county level. AI-powered diagnostic tools, smart health devices, and rehabilitation technologies are gaining popularity among both young consumers and seniors. With the AI industry surpassing 1.2 trillion yuan in 2025, integration with big data, IoT, and 5G is driving innovation across the medical chain. Experts emphasized that, while challenges persist, AI should complement, not replace, medical professionals.
  
  
• Beijing Launches Crackdown on Counterfeit Traditional Crafts Market: China has launched a nationwide campaign to combat counterfeit products in the traditional crafts market, targeting fraud involving jewelry, precious metal ornaments and rosewood products. The joint law enforcement action was announced by the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Ministry of Public Security to protect consumer rights, regulate market order and promote healthy industry development. Authorities said the campaign will focus on problems such as fake certificates, fraudulent testing institutions, counterfeit products and fake websites used for deceptive marketing. Officials noted that some businesses have been forging or altering testing reports, using fake certificates to mislead buyers and selling inferior products as high-quality goods. The crackdown will target violations across the entire supply chain, including illegal workshops producing fake reports, testing institutions issuing inaccurate results, and producers or sellers engaging in adulteration, false labeling and trademark infringement. According to the regulators, the campaign will combine administrative enforcement with criminal investigations, while exposing major cases and strengthening long-term governance mechanisms to improve transparency and consumer protection in the traditional crafts market.
  
  
• China Issues New Guidelines to Strengthen Social Work Sector: China’s central authorities have issued new guidelines to strengthen the development of the professional social work workforce as part of efforts to improve public services and social governance. The document was jointly released by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council of China. It outlines measures to expand and professionalize the country’s social work sector over the next five years. Social workers in China provide services in a wide range of areas, including community governance, employment support, youth services, elderly care, child welfare, public health, disability services, social assistance, drug rehabilitation and charitable activities. They also play roles in grassroots cultural programs, marriage and family support, and community corrections. Under the guidelines, authorities aim to achieve a more balanced distribution of social workers and significantly enhance their professional capacity. The plan also calls for expanding the pool of high-level talent and steadily increasing the number of professional positions in the sector. 
  
  
• Chinese Experts Highlight Challenges in US-Japan Deep-Sea Rare-Earth Plan: Japan and the United States are reportedly preparing to confirm cooperation on developing deep-sea rare-earth resources near Minamitorishima. According to the Japanese media, the two sides may sign a memorandum of understanding to establish a marine mineral development working group to reduce Japan’s dependence on Chinese rare-earth supplies and strengthen bilateral supply chains. However, Chinese experts noted that the plan faces serious practical challenges and is likely driven more by political considerations than industrial feasibility. Rare-earth analyst Wu Chenhui noted that deep-sea mining is extremely complex and costly, with extraction expenses estimated to be about ten times higher than those of land-based mines. He added that even if resources are discovered, the US and Japan still lack a complete rare-earth industrial chain, including downstream processing and buyers. Zhou Mi, a researcher, stated that Japan itself has limited experience in developing its own rare-earth mining and processing capabilities. Additionally, researcher Gao Lingyun emphasized that despite Japan’s efforts to diversify rare-earth partnerships with the US and other countries, meaningful results will remain difficult unless it masters the key refining technologies needed for the final stage of rare-earth production. 
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Speeding Rental E-Bikes Exposed on Weibo Spark a Debate: A post with the hashtag #315ExposesSpeedingRentalElectricBicycles# is going viral on Weibo after an investigation revealed that some rental electric bicycles can reach speeds far beyond the national limit. China’s 2025 “Electric Bicycle Safety Technical Specifications” set the maximum design speed at 25 km/h, yet reporters found rental vehicles capable of reaching speeds as high as 80 km/h, while some shop staff claimed their bikes could reach up to 75 km/h. Online reactions have focused largely on the practicality of the official 25 km/h speed limit. Several users argued that the limit is unrealistically low for daily commuting. One user commented that “25 km/h is unreasonable to begin with,” while another user asked, “Who came up with the idea of 25 km/h?” A few users stated that most buyers request speed modifications because the standard speed feels too slow compared with other road users. Some users also questioned how food deliveries could complete enough orders at that speed. Others suggested the limit should be raised to at least 40 km/h. At the same time, most users supported stricter regulation, noting that the growing number of electric bicycles already makes crossing streets dangerous to pedestrians.

INDIA WATCH

Sina Discusses India’s Diplomatic Approach to Reopening the Strait of Hormuz: An article published in Sina discusses India’s preference for diplomatic engagement with Iran as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the report, after the US President Donald Trump called on countries to deploy naval forces to escort commercial vessels in the region, India emphasized that direct dialogue with Tehran remains the most effective way to ensure safe passage. The article cites Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who stated that two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on March 14 following negotiations with Iran. The article noted that Indian authorities are actively communicating with Iranian authorities and that these efforts have already produced “some results.” According to the article, Jaishankar stressed that rational communication and coordination are preferable to inaction and suggested that broader international engagement with Tehran could benefit the whole world. The article clarified through Jaishankar’s statements that India and Iran have not reached a comprehensive arrangement and that the passage of Indian vessels is negotiated individually.  The article also noted that Jaishankar dismissed allegations that Iran had received concessions in return, stating that the long-standing relationship between the two countries forms the basis for continued dialogue.

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.