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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Refutes Philippine Claims Over South China Sea Incident: China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly rejected Philippine allegations of “dangerous maneuvers” and “interception” by Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal. Responding to a Bloomberg query, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian asserted that Huangyan Island is China’s inherent territory and accused the Philippines of intruding with multiple coast guard, government, and so-called fishing vessels, alongside military aircraft entering its airspace. Lin emphasized that these actions “seriously infringe” upon China’s sovereignty, threaten maritime peace, and are of a grave nature. He said China’s response, including “necessary measures in accordance with the law,” was both reasonable and legitimate to safeguard its territorial and maritime rights. Beijing maintained that the root cause of tensions lies in Manila’s “deliberate infringements and provocations.” China called on the Philippines to immediately halt such actions and avoid challenging its “firm resolve” in defending its rights. The remarks come amid heightened South China Sea frictions, with each side accusing the other of undermining regional stability in contested waters.
  
  
• China Denies Secret Deal With Houthis, Calls for Red Sea Safety: China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to reports suggesting a secret agreement between Beijing and Yemen’s Houthi rebels to spare Chinese ships from attacks in the Red Sea. A New York Times report noted that Chinese car carriers have continued to transit through the Red Sea and Suez Canal without incident, while European and Japanese automakers have rerouted via Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Some experts claimed China had secured protection through Iran, a Houthi supporter. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian rejected speculation, stressing that the Red Sea is a vital global trade route for goods and energy. He reiterated China’s opposition to harassment of civilian vessels and called on all parties to safeguard navigational safety in accordance with international law, while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Red Sea littoral states. Lin emphasized that China, as a “responsible major country,” has actively worked to de-escalate tensions and remains committed to restoring peace and stability in the region.
  
  
• Beijing Prepares for 2025 CIFTIS With Record Global Participation: The countdown has begun for the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), set for September 10–14 at Beijing’s Shougang Park. Nearly 70 countries and international organizations will join, with over 800 enterprises 330 of them Fortune Global 500 or industry leaders confirmed to participate. Australia, the guest country of honor, will send its largest-ever delegation of about 60 institutions and companies, focusing on finance and consumer sectors. Anhui Province, the guest province of honor, will showcase advances in quantum communication, new energy vehicles, and cultural exports under the “Beautiful Anhui” banner. The event’s internationalization rate will surpass 20 percent, featuring 24 of the world’s top 30 service-trade economies. Highlights include over 130 product launches from more than 70 firms, such as Alibaba and Schneider Electric. Organizers have scheduled 170-plus forums, including the Global Services Trade Entrepreneurs Summit, under the theme “Global Services, Shared Prosperity.” Since 2012, CIFTIS has been a key platform for advancing global service trade cooperation and innovation.
  
  
• Yangtze River Delta Leaders Meet in Zhangjiang to Drive Industrial Upgrade: The “Hard Technology Reshaping Traditional Manufacturing” dialogue between leaders of listed companies in the Yangtze River Delta opened in Zhangjiang Science City, bringing together over 80 corporate executives, officials, and academics. Guided by Shanghai’s municipal authorities and hosted by multiple business and industry groups, the event aimed to integrate cutting-edge technology with the region’s manufacturing base. Nantong Mayor Zhang Tong praised Shanghai’s leadership in regional integration, highlighting Zhangjiang’s role as a national innovation hub with top laboratories, global companies, and talent. He pledged deeper cross-regional cooperation, joint industrial projects, and new platforms linking Shanghai and Nantong. Speakers stressed listed companies’ rising role in R&D, patents, and industrial collaboration, with 2024 revenues hitting 72 trillion yuan. Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business Dean Li Haitao urged firms to navigate global challenges through innovation and strategic vision. Zhangjiang officials unveiled a five-point action plan to accelerate its growth into a world-class science city, signaling a future where advanced technology and traditional manufacturing power the Delta’s high-quality development.
  
  
• CPC Issues Revised Regulations for Party Schools to Strengthen Cadre Training: The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) released the revised Regulations on the Work of Party Schools (Administrative Colleges), accompanied by a notice urging nationwide implementation. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Regulations aim to fully implement the spirit of the CPC’s 20th National Congress and its Second and Third Plenary Sessions. The updated framework enhances the training system and operational mechanisms of Party schools, reaffirming their role as the primary channel for educating cadres and party members, and as a central platform for ideological and theoretical development. The notice directs Party committees at all levels to ensure strict adherence, management, and supervision of Party schools, aligning their work with central policies, fostering high-quality development, and promptly reporting major progress or recommendations to the CPC Central Committee.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Shanghai’s Robotaxi Push Captures China’s Imagination: Shanghai’s latest move to expand autonomous taxi services has become one of the hottest topics on Chinese social media, reflecting the nation’s enthusiasm for smart mobility. At the recent World AI Conference, the city granted eight new permits for Robotaxi operations, with companies like Pony.ai and Apollo Go leading the charge. CGTN’s coverage, featuring reporter Bi Ran’s smooth and safe 5.9 km ride in Pudong for just 25 yuan, resonated with viewers. The combination of lidar, high-definition maps, and AI-driven navigation impressed many, who praised China’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technology into daily life. Online discussions highlighted pride in China’s AI leadership, with netizens noting that the country’s rapid policy support gives it an edge over US counterparts. Some expressed cautious optimism, raising concerns about safety and job impacts, while others welcomed the convenience, especially in congested cities. Goldman Sachs projects the Robotaxi market in China will grow from $54 million in 2025 to $47 billion by 2035, potentially covering 25% of ride-hailing demand, an industry shift the public is eager to witness.

INDIA WATCH 

CGTN Frames India–US Trade Rift as Economic Clash Amid Tariffs, Russia Ties, and BRICS Politics: CGTN has spotlighted the escalating trade tensions between India and the United States, framing the issue through a primarily economic lens. The outlet underscored concerns over Washington’s newly imposed tariffs, a 25 percent “reciprocal tariff” on Indian goods, alongside further punitive measures tied to India’s engagement with Russia and membership in BRICS. CGTN noted India’s substantial trade surplus of $45.7 billion with the US and described several of Trump’s criticisms, such as India’s high import barriers, as “more than acceptable” from India’s economic standpoint. This portrayal mirrors domestic sentiment: while New Delhi may ultimately acknowledge and work to reduce longstanding trade barriers, the delivery and tone of US rhetoric have elicited strong pushback. India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a pointed rebuttal, comprehensively detailing US and EU trade flows with Russia to contextualize India’s decisions.

Prepared By

Lipun Kumar Sanbad

Lipun Kumar Sanbad, a postgraduate student of Politics and International Relations from Pondicherry University and a History and Political science graduate from University of Delhi. From the past three years working as a freelance researcher in the domain of global peace, conflict and security studies, and defence studies.