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NEWS IN CHINA

• President Xi Meets Russian, Uzbek and Mongolian Leaders in Bishkek: Xi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and strategic coordination. Xi said that under their strategic guidance, the foundation of China-Russia relations would continue to strengthen, with exchanges and cooperation maintaining strong momentum. He noted that the two sides were implementing agreements reached during Putin’s May state visit to China and called for closer coordination within the SCO to support regional stability and promote reform of global governance. Alongside his meeting with Putin, Xi also held talks with the leaders of Uzbekistan and Mongolia. With Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Xi called for a new “golden decade” in bilateral relations and deeper strategic mutual trust and cooperation. With Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, Xi called for greater cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, mineral resources and emerging sectors including AI and the digital economy.
  
  
• China’s Galactic Energy Conducts First Flight of Pallas 1 Rocket: Beijing-based private rocket maker Galactic Energy conducted the debut flight of its Pallas 1 liquid-propellant rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. The 52-meter rocket lifted off at 10 a.m. of September 1 and reached its predetermined orbit, according to the company. The Pallas 1 is China’s 50th type of carrier rocket and the 12th privately developed rocket model. The two-stage rocket, with an optional upper stage, has a liftoff weight of about 283 metric tons and a thrust of 350 tons. It can carry up to seven tons of payload to low-Earth orbit, targeting the needs of commercial satellite operators and large-scale constellation deployments. Designed for at least 24 reuses, the rocket is intended to provide a lower-cost and efficient launch option for commercial space companies. Galactic Energy previously developed the Ceres 1 and Ceres 2 rockets, which have completed 24 launches and deployed nearly 90 satellites.
  
  
• SAMR Implements New National Standards for Appliances, Robots and E-Commerce: China will implement 59 mandatory and 375 recommended national standards from September 1, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The new standards cover areas including household appliances, robot intelligent control, smart terminal software platforms, e-commerce and down products, with the aim of improving product quality and supporting industry development. Two mandatory standards for household appliances set requirements related to health, safety, energy efficiency and environmental protection across various stages of the product life cycle. Authorities said these measures will encourage manufacturers to better address consumer needs and protect their rights. A recommended standard for robot intelligent control systems establishes a framework covering hardware, operating systems, intermediate layers and algorithms, supporting the development and application of related technologies. Another standard outlines requirements for operating systems used in intelligent terminal software platforms, while a separate standard introduces guidelines for evaluating the reputation of e-commerce products to support more informed consumer choices. Standards covering Down Feathers and their inspection methods were also introduced to improve testing accuracy and support the quality development of the industry.
  
  
• State Council Reviews Disaster Response, Infrastructure and Investment Policies: Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council executive meeting to study the implementation of Xi Jinping’s instructions on rescue efforts following the mudslide in Jilong County, Xizang Autonomous Region. The meeting called for continued search and rescue operations, stronger monitoring and early-warning measures, and efforts to prevent secondary disasters. It also stressed support for affected families, timely information releases and international coordination, while urging authorities to strengthen risk prevention and emergency response capabilities. The meeting also reviewed the construction of urban underground pipeline networks, calling for systematic planning, improved coordination among different networks and stronger quality and safety management. On investment promotion, the meeting called for greater regulation of local government practices and efforts to improve the business environment, strengthen government services and address difficulties faced by enterprises. The meeting also reviewed a revised draft of China’s Tax Collection and Administration Law, emphasising standardised tax enforcement, improved services, and protection of taxpayers’ rights. It additionally approved a revised draft implementing regulations for the Audit Law, aimed at strengthening audit supervision and rectification.
  
  
• Chinese Police Disclose 10 Cases of Rumours Linked to Xizang Mudslide: Chinese police have disclosed 10 cases involving the spread of false information related to the mudslide at Gyirong Port in Xizang Autonomous Region, as authorities step up efforts to curb disaster-related rumours online. The Ministry of Public Security’s cybersecurity department said police across the country are targeting the creation and dissemination of false information that could mislead the public, disrupt online order and affect disaster relief efforts. Most of the cases involved fabricated death tolls, with those responsible receiving administrative penalties. In one case, a person surnamed Liu in Lhasa was penalised for claiming that more than 3,000 people had died in the disaster. In another, a person surnamed Zhou in Hunan Province was penalised for posting a video falsely claiming that the death toll had exceeded 10,000. The ministry said spreading false information about emergencies, disasters or public security incidents that disrupts public order can result in administrative detention of five to 10 days and fines of up to 1,000 yuan ($149). More serious cases that cause significant social disruption may result in criminal prosecution and imprisonment.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to Calls for a Two-Day Weekend to Address Low Birth Rates: A Weibo post discussing the relationship between low fertility and working hours has gone viral. It argued that fertility decisions are influenced not only by the financial costs of raising children but also by a lack of time. The post noted that although the statutory two-day weekend has long been established, some industries continue to normalise six-day workweeks and overtime, leaving young people with limited time for family and childcare. It further highlighted that implementing the two-day weekend alone would not reverse declining birth rates but could contribute to a more fertility-friendly environment. The post prompted discussion among users, with many linking long working hours to the pressures of raising children. One user said, “The cost of raising children is already high, but people's working hours are getting longer and longer.” Another wrote, “How can I have the energy to raise a baby without a double day off?” Others questioned whether workplace violations of labour regulations could be effectively addressed, while some called for mandatory paternity leave. Several users also highlighted difficulties faced by women with children when seeking employment and the limited time available for leisure and family life.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Discusses Tata Motors’ Reliance on China’s Battery Cell Supply: A Guancha article discussed Tata Motors’ reliance on Chinese battery cell supplies amid the expansion of India’s electric commercial vehicle market. Citing an August 30 Economic Times report, it noted that Tata Motors expects the gradual recovery of battery cell supplies from China to improve its production and delivery capacity. The company received more than 3,400 electric commercial vehicle orders in the first fiscal quarter, including around 3,200 electric small commercial vehicles and over 850 electric bus orders. The article highlighted the growing importance of battery supply as India expands electric vehicle manufacturing. It noted that while India is promoting domestic battery production through initiatives by companies such as Tata Group’s Agratas and Reliance, parts of the battery supply chain continue to rely on overseas suppliers and technology. The article argued that building a more integrated domestic EV ecosystem would require further development in areas including cell technology, manufacturing equipment, materials and upstream supply chains. It concluded that Chinese battery suppliers remain significant to India’s EV industry in the near term, particularly as the domestic electric vehicle market continues to develop.

Prepared By

Arushi Sharma

Arushi Sharma is a Research Intern at Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). She is a recent postgraduate in East Asian Studies from the University of Delhi and holds a Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language from K.R. Mangalam University. She has previously worked as a Subject Matter Expert in Mandarin Language at Unacademy. Her primary research interests focus on China's domestic politics and international economic statecraft.