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NEWS IN CHINA

• China’s Railway Passenger Volume Hits Record High in Jan–Nov: China’s railway network transported 4.28 billion passenger trips from January to November, up 6.6 percent year on year, marking a record high for the same period, according to China State Railway Group. The company said it optimized train operations and expanded passenger capacity to meet rising travel demand, particularly during peak tourism seasons. New ticketing products and services were introduced to improve convenience and support leisure travel, including winter tourism. China State Railway Group added that cross-border railway services also continued to operate steadily, supporting travel and exchanges with neighboring countries.
  
  
• RMB Strengthens Further as Offshore Yuan Breaks 7.04 Against the US Dollar: The renminbi strengthened further in both onshore and offshore markets on December 16, with the offshore yuan rising past the 7.04 level against the US dollar, marking a  14-month high, according to Chinese media reports. During intraday trading, the offshore renminbi climbed to 7.0371, its strongest level since October 4, 2024. In the onshore market, the spot exchange rate of the yuan against the US dollar also moved higher, reaching 7.0417, the highest level since October 2024. The central parity rate of the renminbi was set at 7.0602 on December 16, up 54 basis points from the previous fixing, marking its highest level since October 9, 2024. The simultaneous strengthening of the onshore, offshore and fixing rates reflected continued firmness in the yuan’s performance during the trading session. Chinese media noted that the renminbi has shown steady momentum in recent weeks, with exchange rate movements remaining orderly in both domestic and offshore markets.
  
  
• China to Require Registration and Real-Time Tracking for Civilian Drones: China has issued new national standards requiring civilian drones to be registered and equipped with real-time identification and tracking systems, with the rules set to take effect on May 1, 2026. Drone owners must submit identity information, product model details, serial numbers, and intended use before a drone can be activated. Manufacturers will be required to install activation control functions and remote-identification systems capable of transmitting flight data, including location and status, from takeoff to landing. Drones will be prevented from taking off if identification systems fail and must store at least 120 hours of flight data. The measures build on China’s nationwide drone regulations introduced in 2024. Official data show that more than 2.1 million drones were registered nationwide by the end of last year, nearly double the total in 2023. Authorities said the new standards aim to strengthen airspace safety and address rising violations linked to drone misuse.
  
  
• China to Impose Anti-Dumping Duties on EU Pork Imports: China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on December 16 that it will impose anti-dumping duties on imported pork and related pig by-products originating from the European Union, starting from December 17, 2025, according to Chinese media reports. The decision was made following a final ruling under China’s Anti-Dumping Regulations, which found that the imported products were sold at dumping prices and caused material injury to the domestic industry. The anti-dumping measures will be implemented for a period of five years, the ministry said. The ruling follows an investigation launched in June 2024 and subsequent preliminary findings issued in September 2025. Importers will be required to pay the applicable anti-dumping duties when the products enter China, in accordance with customs procedures.
  
  
• Wang Huning Attends Cross-Strait Entrepreneurs Summit in Nanjing: China’s top political advisor Wang Huning attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 Cross-Strait Entrepreneurs Summit in Nanjing on December 16 and delivered a keynote speech, according to Xinhua. Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said cross-strait economic cooperation offers broad opportunities and called for deeper exchanges and collaboration between enterprises on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. He reiterated support for peaceful cross-strait development and emphasized adherence to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. The summit, themed “Focusing on Transformation and Innovation, Deepening Multi-Chain Cooperation,” brought together around 800 entrepreneurs, experts and scholars from both sides. Wang also met with representatives of cross-strait business communities ahead of the opening ceremony. 

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Chinese Social Media Divided Over Reduced Childbirth Expenses: While some commenters welcomed the proposal, describing it as a “people-friendly” measure that could ease immediate financial pressure around childbirth, many others doubted its broader impact. A recurring view among netizens was that delivery-related expenses represent only a small portion of the overall cost of raising a child. Comments such as “giving birth is a small expense, raising a child is the real cost” and “even having weekends off is difficult, let alone getting married” were widely echoed. Others pointed to work pressure, long hours, housing affordability, and job insecurity as more decisive factors shaping decisions about marriage and childbearing. Some users also expressed cynicism toward policy implementation, while a smaller number suggested that long-term and direct financial support for families would be more effective. Overall, the online discussion reflects cautious reception of the proposal, with many netizens emphasizing that lowering childbirth medical costs alone may not be sufficient to address deeper structural concerns affecting fertility choices. 

INDIA WATCH

Russia–India Military Cooperation Agreement Approved: Chinese media reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a military cooperation agreement signed between Russia and India in February this year. According to the report, the agreement aims to promote and strengthen bilateral military cooperation. The agreement covers simplified procedures for port access by naval vessels, the use of airspace and airport facilities by military aircraft, and cooperation in areas including joint exercises and training, humanitarian assistance, and responses to natural and man-made disasters. The report stated that the agreement was passed by Russia’s State Duma on December 2 and approved by the Federation Council on December 10, before being formally signed into law.

Prepared By

Chieh-Ju Chen

Chieh-Ju Chen (Nikita), currently an MA student at the Graduate Institute of International Politics, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Taiwan. Her research focuses on refugee and immigration studies, with interests in South Asia and Indian studies, and a comparative perspective on regional dynamics in Asia.