Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA

• Global Chinese Communities Mobilize for Belt and Road Initiative in Chongqing: The first-ever Belt and Road Conference for Overseas Chinese Cooperation and Development held in Chongqing, signaling a concerted effort to harness the global influence and resources of overseas Chinese communities to propel the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forward. The conference saw the signing of 66 deals worth 43.79 billion yuan (approximately $6.13 billion). These projects are set to boost critical sectors like green energy, cross-border trade, advanced manufacturing, and the digital economy. A key outcome was the establishment of the Belt and Road Overseas Chinese Business Network. This new platform unites Chinese business organizations from 72 countries and regions, aiming to streamline global Chinese business resources and foster cooperation across trade, science, technology, and culture. The event also spotlighted ten "Overseas Chinese for Belt and Road" success stories, recognizing their significant contributions in fields ranging from new energy to humanitarian aid. Organized by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the governments of Chongqing and Sichuan Province, the conference drew over 500 overseas Chinese representatives from more than 110 countries and regions.
  
  
• China's Top Advisory Body Convenes to Chart Economic Course Amid Global Uncertainty: China's leading political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, convened a crucial symposium on Friday to review the nation's economic performance in the first half of the year and deliberate on future strategies. Wang Huning, a prominent member of the CPPCC's Political Bureau Standing Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended and delivered key remarks. He acknowledged China's resilient economic growth despite the intricate international landscape and increasing uncertainties. During his address, Wang Huning underscored several critical areas for the country's economic development. These include the formulation of objectives for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, the cultivation of "new quality productive forces" adapted to local conditions, the expansion of domestic demand, and the steady progression towards common prosperity. He urged the political advisors to actively contribute their expertise and suggestions to ensure the effective execution of these vital measures. Approximately 13 political advisors participated in the symposium, offering insights on a diverse range of topics. Their discussions spanned from strategies for stabilizing the capital market and fostering technological innovation within private enterprises to advancing the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.
  
  
• China Alarms Over Rampant Rare Earth Smuggling by Foreign Agents: China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) has issued a stern warning regarding escalating attempts by foreign espionage and intelligence agencies to steal the nation's critical rare earth resources. The MSS reported that these foreign entities are colluding with domestic criminals, exploiting shipping and delivery networks to smuggle rare earth materials, thereby posing a significant threat to China's national security. Investigations have revealed that certain countries, unable to independently produce these vital metals, are actively stockpiling them through illicit means. A key discovery involved a major contractor from an unnamed country illegally repackaging and relabeling rare metals to disguise their Chinese origin for re-export. Further tactics included underreporting content, falsifying product names, and using fragmented shipments to evade export controls. Chinese authorities have successfully intercepted these illegal flows. Foreign agents are instructing criminals to conceal rare earth composition, mislabeling high-purity elements as low-value goods like ferroalloys or even common items such as solder paste. The MSS has vowed to intensify efforts against such espionage and sabotage, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding China's strategic mineral resources.
  
  
• Australia and China To Partner in Steel Industry: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently signaled a significant shift in Australia's economic relationship with China, advocating for "green partnerships" within the global steel industry. Speaking in Shanghai, Albanese highlighted the joint opportunity for both nations to advance long-term interests by decarbonizing steel production. Officials believed  Australia's rich iron ore resources and China's industrial prowess can fuel new bilateral cooperation, transforming their traditional buyer-seller roles into a collaborative green transition. China's steel demand is undergoing a "structural transformation" toward higher-quality products, noted Su Buxin of MC-CCPIT. This shift, driven by sectors like construction and manufacturing, is expected to see manufacturing steel consumption surpass construction for the first time by 2025. Western Australia's Mines Minister, David Michael, underscored the state's commitment as a reliable partner. He emphasized the "Made in WA" plan, aiming to become a "renewable energy powerhouse" to facilitate green iron production, which will aid Chinese mills in creating green steel using renewable energy like hydrogen. This deepened partnership, including leveraging Australia's magnetite reserves for green steel, signifies a move beyond simple supply and demand, embracing a shared, sustainable future.
  
  
• China Strengthens International Economic Role via Strategic Opening: At a press conference, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao affirmed China's position as the world's second-largest consumption market and biggest goods trader, asserting its market is a shared global asset. Despite global challenges like protectionism, China aims for open and cooperative international trade in the next five-year plan. China's domestic consumption has seen robust growth, with retail sales increasing by an average of 5.5% annually since 2021 and contributing significantly to national economic growth. In terms of purchasing power, China's retail sales have already surpassed the U.S. The nation also continues to lead in online retail, car, and home appliance consumption. As an investment hub, China attracted $708.73 billion USD in FDI during this period, exceeding its target. Vice Minister Ling Ji noted that foreign-funded enterprises are crucial to China's economy, contributing substantially to trade, industrial value, and job creation. China has also improved its investment environment by lifting manufacturing restrictions and enhancing intellectual property protection.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Young Generation Honors War Heroes at Lugou Bridge, Evoking Strong Emotions: A deeply moving tribute to the martyrs of the Anti-Japanese War unfolded at Beijing's historic Lugou Bridge today, July 18, 2025. A group of students from the post-2000s generation performed the poignant song "如愿" (As You Wish), powerfully commemorating those who fought for China's independence and peace on the anniversary of the pivotal Lugou Bridge Incident. Their emotional rendition conveyed profound respect for the fallen heroes and a message of enduring hope. The song's resonant lyrics symbolized that China's current era of peace and prosperity is a direct fulfillment of the sacrifices made by those brave individuals. The event quickly gained significant attention and praise across social media, particularly on Weibo, where it was hailed as a profound act of historical inheritance and a solemn youth tribute. Online, many netizens shared that the song immediately brought them to tears. Others underscored the vital importance of carrying on the ancestors' dreams, inheriting their spirit, striving for their aspirations, and building a new era for the nation. This active engagement from the younger generation highlights their strong commitment to national history, unity, and perpetuating the spirit of resistance, demonstrating a powerful connection to the past.

INDIA WATCH

India Addresses NATO Sanctions Warning, Engages on China-Russia Relations, Guancha Reports: According to a news article published by Guancha, India has issued a sharp rebuke to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's recent suggestion of "secondary sanctions" aimed at influencing its trade relations with Russia. The article quoted India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal’s statement firmly warning Rutte against employing "double standards" on the matter. Jaiswal underscored that India's paramount concern remains securing its population's energy needs, stating, "ensuring the energy needs of our people is undoubtedly our top priority." The article stressed that India's trade decisions would be dictated by market dynamics and the prevailing global situation, adding a strong caution against any hypocrisy in international dealings. Further signaling its independent foreign policy, Jaiswal also alluded to the possible revival of the India-China-Russia trilateral cooperation mechanism. He described this platform as crucial for the three nations to deliberate on global and regional issues of mutual interest, with the timing of any future meeting to be jointly decided. This move is widely interpreted as India asserting its "strategic autonomy" on the world stage. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian echoed a positive sentiment regarding the trilateral cooperation. When queried about Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko's comments on the mechanism's revival, Lin affirmed China's willingness to maintain communication with both India and Russia to foster this cooperation, highlighting its benefits for regional and global peace and stability.

Prepared By

Maheshwar S Chhaunkar

Maheshwar S Chhaunkar has completed his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and History from Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi. He is currently working as an IT Assistant at CENJOWS. His areas of interest include India-China relations, Indo-Pacific affairs and Asian politics.