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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Launches Anti-Dumping Probe into U.S. Chips, Industry Body Voices Strong Support: On September 13, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain analog chips from the United States, along with an anti-discrimination probe into U.S. measures targeting China’s integrated circuit sector. The China Communications Enterprises Association (CCEA) quickly voiced full support, stressing that the move is essential to protect the legitimate rights of China’s information and communications industry. The association criticized Washington for repeatedly overstretching the concept of national security and abusing export controls and “long-arm jurisdiction” to impose unilateral restrictions on Chinese firms. Such measures, it argued, have disrupted global semiconductor supply chains and threatened fair competition. CCEA pledged to mobilize member companies to assist the investigation and provide necessary data, while urging the international community to resist protectionism and sanctions. It highlighted the need for global cooperation, industry chain collaboration, and technological innovation to sustain growth. The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting R&D, boosting competitiveness, and advancing a stable and efficient global semiconductor ecosystem.
  
  
• AI and Innovation Take Center Stage at CIFTIS Education Services Track: Beijing hosted the education services track of the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) from September 10–14, where over 55 domestic and international institutions showcased the latest in smart education. Drawing more than 10,000 daily visitors, the exhibition highlighted three “new” aspects: technologies, products, and cooperation. AI-powered tools such as Yuanli Technology’s ink-screen math device, Shangruitong’s recess robot, and Beijing Education Academy’s smart classrooms demonstrated how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching and learning. Exhibitors stressed that these innovations can bridge gaps between urban and rural schools, advancing equitable education access. Personalized solutions also stood out. Intelligent terminals like the “Jingwa” series monitored posture, physical fitness, and mental health, while iFlytek’s Spark Grading Machine automated homework evaluation across disciplines. These applications aim to improve student well-being while easing teacher workloads. Beyond technology, collaboration deepened. Initiatives like the Beijing “New Education Map,” Feixiang Planet’s nationwide AI curriculum, and Fangcao Education’s early childhood programs marked significant expansions. Strategic agreements on university technology transfer and AI applications further anchored long-term partnerships. The fair highlights AI’s growing role in balancing personalization, scale, and quality in education, positioning CIFTIS as a platform for charting the future of smart education.
  
  
• China’s IP Conference Highlights Data as a Strategic Asset: At the 14th China Intellectual Property (IP) Annual Conference in Beijing, data was spotlighted as a new form of intellectual property central to the digital economy. Themed “IP in the Digital Age”, the two-day event drew over 8,000 participants and 160 international and domestic experts, with discussions spanning AI, biomedicine, integrated circuits, and cross-border IP protection. Officials revealed that in 2024 China produced 41.06 zettabytes of data, representing 26.67% of the global total equivalent to more than 13 million complex 3D animated films. The digital economy’s core industries contributed over 10% of China’s GDP, with the national data market surpassing 160 billion yuan ($22.4 billion) in transactions. Hu Wenhui, deputy commissioner of the National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), stressed building an IP system suited for the information era, balancing institutional and technological support. Since 2021, CNIPA has launched pilot programs in 17 provinces, processing 58,000 data IP registration applications and issuing nearly 30,000 certificates, with enterprises driving over 90% of filings.
  
  
• Wang Yi Meets Slovenian National Council Chairman Rotlic: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Slovenian National Council Chairman Marko Lotrič, stressing China’s commitment to a development path rooted in socialism with Chinese characteristics. He underlined that China’s model combines Marxist principles with its cultural traditions and modernization goals, emphasizing peace, openness, and win-win cooperation. Wang highlighted China’s pursuit of green and sustainable development, expansion of high-level opening, and contribution to building a shared future for mankind. Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s view that all nations, regardless of size, are equal, and praised Slovenia as a valued partner. He encouraged stronger bilateral cooperation in trade, multilateral coordination, and the political settlement of disputes. He also urged Slovenia to support the one-China principle while stressing that Europe’s current challenges are not caused by China. Lotrič praised China’s modernization achievements and the rapid growth of bilateral trade and cultural exchanges. He expressed readiness to deepen cooperation across multiple fields and confirmed plans to attend the upcoming China International Import Expo, voicing support for Xi Jinping’s global governance initiative.
  
  
• Xi, Keller-Sutter Mark 75 Years of China-Switzerland Diplomatic Relations: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Swiss Confederation President Karin Keller-Sutter exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland. In his message, Xi emphasized that the two countries had set a global example of cooperation between states with different social systems and development paths. He highlighted the spirit of equality, innovation, and mutual benefit that has shaped their partnership, yielding significant outcomes in both bilateral and multilateral arenas. Xi also stressed the importance of multilateralism and free trade, expressing readiness to deepen business, financial, and cultural exchanges with Switzerland while elevating the “innovative strategic partnership” to a higher level. Keller-Sutter, in her message, noted that the 2014 free trade agreement and the 2016 establishment of the innovative strategic partnership were milestones that expanded collaboration in trade, technology, and beyond. She underlined Switzerland’s commitment to strengthening dialogue and practical cooperation, reinforcing long-term friendship, and deepening engagement with China for future global stability and prosperity.
  
  
• China Delivers Its Largest Domestically Built Floating LNG Facility: China has delivered its largest domestically developed floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility, the NGUYA FLNG, in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, according to China Media Group. The massive structure measures 376 meters long, 60 meters wide, and 35 meters deep, with an LNG storage capacity of 180,000 cubic meters and LPG storage of 45,000 cubic meters. It boasts an annual production capacity of 2.4 million tons of LNG, making it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind. The NGUYA FLNG will be deployed off the Republic of the Congo, marking a milestone in China’s high-value offshore engineering. To ensure safe navigation, the Nantong Maritime Safety Administration conducted detailed safety assessments and adjusted towing plans based on tidal conditions. A record 740-meter-long towing convoy involving 14 patrol vessels, tugboats, drones, and law enforcement officers escorted the facility. Experts say this delivery strengthens China’s influence in the global LNG market, supports cleaner energy development, and offers affordable solutions for Belt and Road partner countries.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Henan Swarmed by Whiteflies, Citizens Vent on Social Media: Henan Province is grappling with a surge of “tiny white insects” that have become an unexpected urban nuisance. Known scientifically as whiteflies, these small, flying insects have multiplied rapidly due to weeks of continuous rainfall and persistent humidity, which created ideal breeding conditions. Since late August, cities across Henan have entered the peak infestation period, with local governments deploying pest control teams to mitigate the outbreak. On the ground, however, daily life has been visibly disrupted. Cyclists complain they “can’t even open their mouths” without swallowing insects, while pedestrians report clouds of white specks clinging to their clothes and hair. Videos shared on Weibo show swarms blanketing streets, sparking a wave of frustration and humor among residents. The topic quickly rose to the trending list under hashtags like #HenanProvincesAffectedByTinyWhiteInsects and #CitizensCantOpenTheirMouthsWhileCycling, drawing millions of views. Many netizens mocked the situation joking about “needing helmets with visors” to step outside while others expressed concern about hygiene and health risks. Environmental experts reassured that whiteflies pose no direct danger but acknowledged the heavy disruption to public life.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Media Dissects the Collapse of US-Led Indo-European Economic Corridor: Two years after its grand launch at the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, the US-backed “India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor” (IMEC) is now floundering. Initially hailed by Washington as a “modern spice route” to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the project has been paralyzed by the Gaza conflict, GCC–Israel tensions, and a shifting US focus. Guancha has sharply critiqued the downfall, framing it as proof of Washington’s inability to sustain large-scale multilateral visions. Analysts quoted in Guancha argued that the US “over-politicized” the corridor, tying it to fragile Middle Eastern alliances. It highlighted how the UAE and Saudi Arabia, once core investors, have withdrawn after Israel’s strikes in Doha and its West Bank annexation plans. Commentators in Guancha bluntly described IMEC as a “victim of US arrogance and Israel’s recklessness.” From India’s perspective, the project’s decline is particularly sensitive. New Delhi signed fresh investment deals with Israel to keep the corridor notionally alive, but Guancha noted India’s quiet omission of IMEC in official communiqués. The author comments that Indian analysts worry the US will tilt toward Turkey’s competing “Pathway to Development” corridor and could undercut India’s long-planned connectivity to Europe.

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.