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NEWS IN CHINA 

• CPC Issues Notice to Advance Study and Implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building: The Central Leading Group for Party Building has released a new notice calling for comprehensive study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, framing it as a guiding framework for strengthening Party governance in the new era. The document highlighted that Xi Jinping addressed core questions about how to build and govern a long‑term Marxist ruling party. The notice emphasized that Xi Jinping’s thought enriches Marxist Party‑building theory by integrating Marxist principles with China’s realities and cultural traditions. It outlined its significance for reinforcing the “two establishments,” upholding the “two safeguards,” advancing theoretical innovation, and ensuring long‑term progress in Chinese‑style modernization. It called for a deep understanding of key principles, including the Party’s leadership as the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics, strict Party governance, political construction as the foundation, and cultivating strong Party spirit. The notice also stressed the importance of building high‑quality cadres, strengthening anti‑corruption efforts, and improving organizational systems. Party committees at all levels are instructed to prioritize training, interpretation, and practical application, while avoiding formalism, and turning learning outcomes into concrete actions to advance Party building.
  
  
• China Releases New Rules on Network Data Security Risk Assessments: The Cyberspace Administration, together with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Public Security, released the “Measures for Risk Assessment of Network Data Security”, which will take effect on August 20, 2026. The measures are intended to standardize network data security risk assessment activities, improve data security management mechanisms, and support data development utilization through stronger security safeguards. The measures defined the scope of application, assessment mechanisms, and departmental responsibilities. Under the new rules, entities processing important data must complete annual risk assessments and conduct further reviews whenever significant changes create potential data security risks. The rules also allow organizations to conduct assessments independently or commission third-party agencies and assessment agencies are required to make fair and objective judgments and promptly notify data processors. In addition, entities processing important data must prepare and submit risk assessment reports in line with regulatory requirements. The measures also provided channels for organizations and individuals to report violations during risk assessment.
  
  
• China Criticizes G7 Call to Reduce Reliance on Chinese Rare Earths: China voiced opposition to the G7’s plan to lessen dependence on Chinese rare earths and other critical minerals, urging the group to avoid using exclusive frameworks that could disrupt the global trade system. Responding to remarks made at the recent G7 summit, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China remains committed to maintaining the stability and security of international supply chains for critical minerals. He stressed that all countries should contribute positively to safeguarding the smooth functioning of these supply networks. Lin also defended China’s export control measures, stating that the country’s efforts to improve and standardize its export control system are consistent with international practices. He emphasized that such measures are intended to support global peace and regional stability while fulfilling non-proliferation responsibilities. China, however, maintained that cooperation and stability in global supply chains should remain a shared priority and called on all parties to play a constructive role in preserving the international trade order.
  
  
• Eight Departments Unveil Action Plan to Accelerate AI-Driven Consumer Growth: Eight government departments, along with the Ministry of Commerce, have jointly issued the “Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Artificial Intelligence + Consumption”, outlining 17 measures. The plan is aimed at expanding AI adoption across consumer goods, services, and commercial sectors. The plan is to address gaps between technology supply and market demand while promoting broader integration of AI into everyday life. In the consumer market, the policy has encouraged the development of intelligent consumer electronics, has supported the growth of the humanoid robot industry, and has promoted platforms for launching new AI-powered products. It envisioned a connected ecosystem linking people, vehicles, and homes through technologies such as brain-computer interfaces and augmented reality. The measures also focused on five key areas including household services, elderly care, cultural tourism, accommodation and catering, and education. Proposed initiatives include the use of AI-powered management and safety systems in elderly care facilities, deployment of nursing and rehabilitation robots, and improved hotel services for overseas visitors through AI applications. In addition, the plan has promoted AI integration in retail, e-commerce, and logistics to improve operational efficiency and consumer experiences.
  
  
• Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing Calls for Industrial Innovation and Standardization During Fujian Visit: Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing conducted an inspection tour to Fujian Province from June 16 to 18, focusing on the development of key industrial chains and the role of standardization in supporting high-quality growth. During visits to enterprises and institutions in Xiamen, Quanzhou and Fuzhou, he reviewed progress in sectors including new displays, advanced materials, electronic components and medical equipment. Zhang emphasized the importance of strengthening the resilience and security of industrial and supply chains by advancing targeted research and development in critical technologies. He called for greater investment in basic research, enhanced original innovation capabilities, and closer integration of industry, academia, research, and application. He also highlighted the need to support leading enterprises, foster specialized and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, and cultivate high-level engineering and technical talent. He called for improved standards in traditional industries, accelerated development of standards for emerging sectors, and stronger safeguards for products linked to public health and safety. During the visit, Zhang also urged local authorities to strengthen flood and typhoon preparedness, enhance monitoring and early-warning systems, and strictly implement safety measures to reduce risks during the ongoing rainy and typhoon season in southern China.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Lalamove Anti-Monopoly Compliance Crackdown Sparks Debates on Weibo: A post with the hashtag #SAMRSupervisesLalamoveComplianceRectification# is going viral on Weibo after the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced oversight measures requiring freight platform, Lalamove, to implement a series of anti-monopoly and compliance reforms. According to the post, regulators ordered the company to stop using algorithms that allegedly drove freight rates down unreasonably, abolish mandatory exclusive vehicle sticker requirements, lower commission rates, refund unreasonable fees to drivers, and strengthen protections for drivers’ rights and interests. Many users welcomed the intervention, arguing that “platform companies should earn reasonable profits while ensuring fair treatment for drivers and cargo owners”. One user questioned whether “commission rates charged by outsourcing companies could also be regulated”. Some users argued that the “rectification should serve as a model for stronger oversight of ride-hailing and delivery platforms through regular inspections and monitoring”. Several other users raised concerns about invoicing practices, asking whether issues related to “receipts and invoice issuance” would also be addressed. Others called for investigations into competing freight platforms, particularly Yunmanman, claiming its “information fees and business practices were also excessive”. Several users commented that “stronger enforcement was necessary to curb monopolistic behavior, protect drivers’ livelihoods, and maintain fairness”.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Discusses Strain in India-US Relations Following Modi-Trump Meeting at G7 Summit: An article in Guancha discussed the recent strain in India-US relations following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Indian PM Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit on June 17. The article noted that the meeting, the first in 16 months, was aimed at easing strained ties, with Trump reportedly promising an upcoming visit to India. It highlighted that Modi raised concerns over the safety of Indian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump did not express remorse, only stating that such incidents “happen from time to time.” The article noted that India has formally protested the incident, summoning US diplomatic officials. It further pointed out that tensions have been building, including past US tariffs on Indian goods and recent trade negotiations tied to India reducing Russian oil imports. It also underscored the US military’s decision to revert the Indo-Pacific Command’s name back to Pacific Command. According to the article, public and political reactions in India to the US Navy strike on the Indian merchant ship and the lack of an apology from the United States over the incident have been sharply critical, with opposition leaders accusing the government of being overly subdued. The article cited Indian analysts, who suggested that the incident may push India toward greater strategic diversification and reduce reliance on single partners.