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NEWS IN CHINA

• Beijing Sets Development Priorities for New Five-Year Plan: Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended and addressed the seventh plenary meeting of the 20th Capital Planning and Construction Committee. He outlined key priorities for the capital’s development as China begins implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan. The meeting called for strengthening Beijing’s role as the “four centers,” including its functions as a political, cultural, international exchange, and innovation hub, while improving public services and governance. Officials stressed optimizing the layout of central government functions and improving the administrative environment. The meeting also highlighted coordinated development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, including orderly relocation of non-capital functions and support for the development of Xiong'an New Area. The meeting emphasized on a people-centered approach with a focus on improving public services, modernizing urban governance, and advancing infrastructure such as transportation systems and urban renewal projects. Chaired by Yin Li, the session reviewed key policy documents for 2026, aiming to ensure effective implementation of Beijing’s long-term development blueprint. 
  
  
• Wang Yi Meets Pakistani Foreign Minister Dar in Beijing: Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing to discuss the situation in Iran and Middle East tensions. Wang welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts, stressing they align with the common interests of all parties. The two sides exchanged views on international and regional issues, with Wang expressing support for Pakistan’s unique role in easing tensions and resuming peace talks. He emphasized China’s readiness to work jointly with Pakistan to end hostilities, create opportunities for dialogue, and open the window for peace. On bilateral relations, Wang noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic ties, urging both sides to implement the leaders’ consensus and advance the building of a community with a shared future. Dar reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations, pledging to strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. Dar thanked China for supporting Pakistan’s mediation, noting that the conflict has disrupted energy supplies and harmed developing countries. The two sides also proposed five measures, including an immediate ceasefire in the Gulf region, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, protection of civilians and non-military infrastructure, safeguarding of key shipping routes, and adherence to the United Nations Charter to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East. 
  
  
• China Targets Major Expansion of IoT Industry by 2028: China has set an ambitious goal to grow its core Internet of Things (IoT) industry to over 3.5 trillion yuan (around $505.8 billion) by 2028, according to a newly released action plan by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other authorities. The plan outlines key development targets, including the formulation or revision of more than 50 advanced industry standards and increasing the number of IoT terminal connections to 10 billion. The IoT sector, which connects people, machines, and objects through advanced sensing and communication technologies, is expected to play a vital role in bridging the digital and physical worlds. To drive growth, the plan highlights five major focus areas, which include upgrading IoT devices, improving platform services, expanding application scenarios, strengthening network infrastructure, and fostering a supportive industrial ecosystem. 
  
  
• China Issues Action Plan to Upgrade Textile Industry Standards: The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the State Administration for Market Regulation have jointly released the “Action Plan for Standards-Led Optimization and Upgrading of the Textile Industry (2026-2028)”. The plan aims to strengthen the textile industry’s competitiveness by improving the quality and international alignment of standards. By 2028, more than 300 national standards will be formulated or revised, covering areas such as diversified adaptation, digital transformation, green and low-carbon development, and health and safety. The plan outlines seven key tasks, which include enhancing adaptability to consumer demand, leading digital transformation through IoT and AI integration, promoting green and low-carbon development, improving product safety, raising the quality of standards, strengthening implementation effectiveness, and deepening international integration. To ensure implementation, the plan calls for financial, talent, technical, and policy support. Measures include funding incentives, building a multi-level talent pool, establishing consulting platforms, and linking standards with government procurement policies. 
  
  
• Beijing Unveils 2026 Plan to Strengthen Worker Development: The China National Agricultural, Forestry, Water Conservancy and Meteorological Workers’ Union held joint meetings in Beijing with the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. Together, they approved a 2026 joint work plan. The plan sets priorities in ideological and political guidance, innovation, and worker rights protection, while also expanding cooperation in the forestry and grassland sector and with overseas Chinese communities. It builds on achievements from 2025, such as naming the top ecological forest rangers, launching a national online craftsman academy, holding vocational skills competitions, and establishing nearly 200 service stations in border areas under the “Warm Borders, Green Environments” initiative. In 2026, the focus will include worker education programs, cultivating role models, organizing speech contests, online learning, and sand control competitions in the “Three-North” project area. Joint efforts with the Overseas Chinese Federation will emphasize assisting border regions, enhancing employee skills, and supporting overseas Chinese farms through technical aid, innovation studios, and targeted research to address workers’ needs.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER 

Weibo Buzzes Over Meng Wanzhou’s AI Strategy for Huawei in 2025 Annual Report: A post with the hashtag #MengWanzhouHuaweiAnnualReportSpeechOnStrategicFocus is going viral on Weibo following the release of Huawei’s 2025 annual report on March 31. The post highlighted remarks by Meng Wanzhou, deputy chair of Huawei, who emphasized that in the AI era, Huawei is doubling down on its “cluster plus supernode” capabilities and enhancing both training and central inference computing power to build a stronger AI infrastructure foundation. Online reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many users praising Huawei’s technological direction and ambition. One user commented that “Huawei's high technology is amazing,” while another commented, “Huawei's continuous innovation in technology is truly amazing.” Several users expressed confidence in the company’s future, with one stating that “in the era of computing power, Huawei is a trustworthy partner,” and another noting that “Huawei's AI strategy makes the future smarter.” A few comments noted that computing power combined with efficiency demonstrates Huawei’s ambition, while others expressed confidence that the company will continue to improve steadily over time.

INDIA WATCH 

Global Times Highlights India’s Nationwide Census Amid Social Debate: An article published in Global Times discussed India’s decision to begin its nationwide census on April 1, marking the first such exercise since 2011 after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It noted that more than 3 million civil servants will conduct door-to-door surveys over the course of a year, recording personal information, housing conditions, employment, and income. The article emphasized that, with India now the world’s most populous country at 1.46 billion people, this census holds particular significance. The article highlighted that India will, for the first time, provide an online reporting platform, allowing citizens to submit information digitally before on-site surveys are conducted in two phases. It noted that the first phase will focus on housing and living conditions, while the second will record social and economic parameters. A key point of debate identified in the article is the inclusion of caste data, with critics arguing it reinforces outdated hierarchies, while supporters see it as essential for welfare targeting. It also noted that caste information was partially collected in 2011 but never fully released due to accuracy concerns. 

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.