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NEWS IN CHINA

• Chinese Experts Call China‑Russia’s Air Patrol a Systematic, High‑Readiness Deployment: The Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that China and Russia carried out their 11th joint strategic air patrol over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the Western Pacific. During the mission, both sides emphasized adherence to international law and the Ministry stressed that  “no violations of foreign airspace were committed. According to a video released by China’s Central Television (CCTV) military channel, this year’s patrol featured deeper system integration including Chinese-deployed H‑6K bombers, multiple fighter escorts, electronic warfare and reconnaissance aircraft, plus KJ‑500A early warning and YU‑20 refueling aircraft. Russian forces contributed Tu‑95 bombers and Tu‑142 patrol aircraft. Analysts noted that Chinese fighters carried live munitions and used advanced electronic intelligence and jamming systems, underscoring high combat readiness. Japan scrambled fighter jets and voiced “serious concerns,” though Chinese experts criticized Tokyo for overreacting while simultaneously conducting close surveillance of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) naval activities. The PLA Navy reported that Japan repeatedly harassed the Liaoning carrier group during recent far‑sea training, prompting China to maintain heightened alert. Chinese analysts argue Japan is creating tension to justify military expansion and constitutional revision, urging regional vigilance.
  
  
• China Urges EU to Deepen Dialogue and Take Balanced View of Trade Relations: Chinese officials and policy experts have called on the European Union to adopt a more comprehensive assessment of bilateral economic ties, arguing that focusing solely on the goods trade deficit presents an incomplete picture and could encourage protectionist measures. The remarks followed the EU's recent summit, where leaders pledged continued engagement with China while strengthening trade defence instruments. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China does not intentionally pursue a trade surplus with the EU, stressing that trade flows are shaped by market forces. She argued that assessments should also consider services trade, investment returns, supply chain integration and export restrictions, warning that "de-risking" policies could ultimately increase costs and weaken Europe's industrial competitiveness. Chinese experts highlighted that nearly half of China-EU trade consists of intermediate goods, reflecting deeply integrated supply chains, while European investment in China continues to grow alongside expanding cooperation in green technologies, digital industries and electric vehicles. China's Ministry of Commerce stated that recent trade talks with the European Commission were constructive and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to resolving differences through dialogue, strengthening pragmatic cooperation and promoting stable, mutually beneficial economic relations.
  
  
• Wang Xiaohong Urges Stronger Innovation and Industrial Upgrading During Jilin Visit: Wang Xiaohong, Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and State Councilor, carried out an inspection tour in Jilin Province from June 25 to 26, calling for deeper implementation of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives and national development plans. He stressed that Jilin must seize strategic opportunities, strengthen innovation, and accelerate the creation of a modern industrial system to support the revitalization of Northeast China. In Changchun and Jilin, Wang visited factories and technology‑driven enterprises to understand production conditions and the use of advanced materials and technologies. He emphasized that economic growth must be anchored in the real economy, with priority given to automobiles, petrochemicals, new energy, new materials, and biomedicine. He urged upgrading traditional industries while opening new pathways for emerging and future industries. Wang highlighted the need for enterprise‑led innovation, stronger basic research, and breakthroughs in key technologies, alongside improved intellectual property protection. He also called for a fair and standardized law‑enforcement environment to safeguard business rights and enhance the business climate. He concluded the visit by stressing that development and security must advance together, urging thorough risk inspections and stronger safety measures to ensure stable, high‑quality growth.
  
  
• China Publicly Exposes Three Cases of Misconduct to Reinforce Official Accountability: The Central Leading Group for Performance Education and the General Office of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection have publicly disclosed three cases of misconduct involving local governments. The cases were jointly released by the Central Leading Group for the Study and Education on Establishing and Practicing the Correct View of Performance and the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The first case involved Nanning, where local authorities allegedly inflated fiscal revenue by using state-owned enterprises' funds in repeated land transactions, artificially increasing reported government income by 2.83 billion yuan. In Xincheng District, officials were accused of misrepresenting a landscape project as drainage infrastructure to secure nearly 56 million yuan in special treasury bond funding, resulting in ineffective construction that also impaired flood-control functions. Meanwhile, Xiaoshan District was found to have illegally increased hidden local government debt through financing platforms while falsely claiming the liabilities had been resolved. Authorities said the cases reflected distorted performance incentives, misuse of public resources, and weak risk management. They called on officials nationwide to prioritize long-term public interests, strengthen financial discipline, prevent hidden debt accumulation, and ensure major projects and fiscal management comply with central government regulations.
  
  
• He Lifeng Calls for Tech Innovation and Industrial Upgrading During Sichuan Inspection: Vice Premier He Lifeng visited Sichuan Province from June 25 to 28 to assess technological innovation, industrial development, foreign trade, and major infrastructure projects, while calling for stronger efforts to support high-quality economic growth. During visits to Chengdu, Deyang, and Mianyang, he inspected equipment manufacturers, specialized technology enterprises, and logistics facilities to evaluate progress in innovation and industrial transformation. He emphasized the need to accelerate breakthroughs in key core technologies, strengthen self-reliance in science and technology, and improve the resilience and security of industrial and supply chains. He also called for deeper collaboration between enterprises, research institutions, universities, and both state-owned and private companies to drive innovation and develop competitive industrial clusters. The Vice Premier stressed the importance of promoting digital and intelligent industrial upgrades while fostering new productive forces suited to local conditions. He also urged greater use of the China-Europe Railway Express and the Western Land-Sea New Corridor to expand foreign trade and strengthen inland economic openness. In addition, He called for enhanced risk prevention in key sectors, better coordination between development and financial security, and timely policy responses to challenges faced by local governments and businesses.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER 

Weibo Users Debate Lithuania’s Shift in China Policy: A post with the hashtag #LithuaniaPaysThePriceForProvokingChina# is going viral on Weibo, sparking discussions over Lithuania’s reported shift in its China policy following political changes in the country. The post highlighted the resignation of Lithuanian Prime Minister on June 23, following Lithuania’s “suspended” cooperation negotiation with Taiwan. It claimed that Lithuania has paused negotiations with Taiwan on an economic cooperation plan after a new governing coalition signaled interest in restoring relations with China to a level comparable with other European Union members. It also revisited the deterioration in China-Lithuania ties after Lithuania allowed the establishment of the so-called “Taiwan Representative Office” in 2021, arguing that the decision led to diplomatic tensions, trade losses, and international isolation. Online reactions largely framed the developments as” evidence of the costs of challenging China on issues related to Taiwan.” Many users argued that “Lithuania had only reconsidered its position after experiencing economic and diplomatic consequences”. One user remarked that “such countries must be made to pay the price, otherwise more countries will follow suit.” Another user commented that Lithuania “realized its mistake only after the pain had set in.” Several users suggested the policy reversal came too late, while others argued that simply changing political leadership was insufficient to rebuild trust. Some users also criticized Lithuania for suspending its cooperation with Taiwan, claiming it had failed to honour earlier commitments. 

INDIA WATCH 

Guancha Discusses India-US Trade Talks and Planned Trump Visit: An article in Guancha discussed that the United States and India are in the final stages of negotiating a bilateral trade agreement, alongside preparations for a possible visit by US President Donald Trump to India early next year. Citing statements by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the article noted that Rubio plans to visit India later this year to finalize arrangements for Trump's trip, which could also coincide with a meeting of the Quad grouping comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. It argued that both sides are seeking to inject fresh momentum into bilateral ties following recent engagement between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. However, the article stressed that the renewed diplomatic outreach comes against the backdrop of persistent strains in India-US relations. It pointed to US tariffs imposed on Indian goods over New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, Washington's growing engagement with Pakistan, and the recent deaths of three Indian sailors in a US naval strike in the Gulf as sources of friction.