Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA 

• Hainan Updates Preferential Tax Policy to Retain and Attract Global Talent: Hainan province has refined its preferential income tax policy for high-end and in-demand professionals, aiming to further attract talent for its Free Trade Port (FTP) construction. Officials stated that the initiative has notably boosted modern services and high-tech sectors. The Ministry of Finance and the State Tax Administration extended the tax break through 2027, but the latest update makes the rules more flexible while strengthening oversight. Talent can now include “reasonable” off-island trips, vacations, and training in their 183-day residency requirement, though they must still reside in Hainan for at least 90 days. The change is designed to accommodate industries with strong ties to mainland and global markets, particularly after the launch of island-wide special customs operations in December. The revised scope now covers aerospace, shipping, and offshore oil exploration, with streamlined, automated applications ensuring accessibility. Officials emphasize the balance between talent attraction and regulatory risk control as Hainan pushes forward with its FTP vision.

• China Reaffirms Call for Dialogue as Speculation Grows on Possible Putin–Zelensky Meeting: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has again stressed that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path to resolving the Russian-Ukraine crisis. Responding to questions about possible talks between Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky, Mao said China does not engage in “hypothetical speculation,” but reaffirmed Beijing’s consistent and clear stance since the start of the conflict. Mao emphasized that China is neither a party to nor the creator of the crisis, yet has upheld an objective and fair position. She cited President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal, which underscores respect for sovereignty, adherence to the UN Charter, consideration of all nations’ security concerns, and support for peaceful settlement efforts. She further stated that Beijing has issued a position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, dispatched special envoys for shuttle diplomacy, and initiated the “Group of Friends for Peace” at the UN.

• China Honors 2025 “New Era Good Youth” Role Models: Six central departments including the Office for Spiritual Civilization Construction and the Ministry of Education hosted the 2025 National “New Era Good Youth” advanced deeds release ceremony on August 19, in Ningbo, Zhejiang. Fifty outstanding youths and groups were recognized for their achievements in academics, cultural promotion, scientific pursuits, community service, and moral leadership. Themed “Chasing Light, Youth,” the event highlighted inspiring stories through films, performances, and storytelling, presenting young role models who embody patriotism, diligence, and well-rounded development. Guests such as national moral model Cui Yiwen and role models of the times Qian Haijun and Chen Liqun encouraged the honorees to uphold lofty ideals and contribute to society’s progress. The recognized youths also issued a nationwide initiative, urging peers to pursue dreams, love learning and labor, embrace gratitude and innovation, and grow into well-rounded citizens prepared to realize the Chinese Dream. The youths further highlighted that they strive to be New Era Good Youths who love the Party and the country, are diligent and studious, and are well-rounded, always ready to realize the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

• Tibet Unveils 2 Billion Yuan Boost for Livelihood Projects: The Tibet Autonomous Region announced an additional 2 billion yuan ($280.4 million) to fund ten new livelihood initiatives in 2025, supplementing the 14.8 billion yuan already allocated for 28 ongoing welfare programs. The measures focus on income support, childcare, elderly care, and healthcare improvements, with seven schemes covering all residents and three targeting vulnerable groups and social contributors. Key highlights included free neonatal medical insurance, childcare subsidies for families with children under three, higher pensions, winter heating aid for low-income households, and enhanced health checks for high-altitude workers. Authorities highlighted  that the programs aim to ease the most pressing daily burdens, especially for those living in harsh environments. 

• 156th China-Laos-Myanmar-Thailand Mekong Patrol Launched: The 156th joint patrol and law enforcement operation on the Mekong River officially began on August 19, with China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand deploying seven vessels and over 100 officers. Three Chinese boats 53101, 53108, and the newly commissioned 53109 set off from Jingha Police Wharf in Yunnan’s Xishuangbanna Prefecture to join coordinated missions across designated river sections. Commanders from all four nations met beforehand at the joint headquarters, reaching consensus on full-line and segmented patrols, as well as joint training. The operation will include information exchanges in Banbong, Myanmar, where agencies will assess the regional security landscape and strengthen strategies against drug trafficking, telecommunications fraud, and online gambling.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Medical Collaboration Gains Praise on Doctors’ Day: On China’s eighth Doctors’ Day, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei medical collaboration became a trending topic online, drawing netizens’ attention for making healthcare more accessible and efficient across the three regions. At Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Dongzhimen Hospital, Chief Physician Lu Jian’s busy routine in the acupuncture department symbolized the dedication of countless medical professionals who serve tirelessly. Hospital leaders emphasized how high-quality resources, technology, and expertise are now being shared across regional borders, breaking down barriers that once limited patient access. The initiative has already shown tangible benefits: patients in Tianjin and Hebei can now access specialized treatments without long journeys to Beijing, while doctors enjoy improved training and research opportunities. On Weibo, the topic “Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Medical Collaboration Makes Medical Access More Convenient” quickly trended. Many users praised doctors’ hard work, with comments such as “Respect to the angels in white” and “Resource sharing is the best tribute to patients.” Some netizens also urged continued investment in grassroots healthcare, showing both gratitude and cautious optimism about lasting improvements.

INDIA WATCH 

Guancha Reports China-India Special Representatives Meeting on Border Issue: On August 19, China and India held the 24th meeting of Special Representatives on the Boundary Question in New Delhi, with Wang Yi and Ajit Doval leading the discussions. Both sides described the talks as “comprehensive and fruitful,” underlining the importance of the Kazan consensus between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi, which had set the tone for a more stable trajectory in bilateral ties. The article highlighted Wang Yi calling for dual-track progress, enhanced trust, and pragmatic cooperation to resolve issues and create favorable conditions for better relations, and  by marking the 75 years of diplomatic ties. On the other hand, Doval reaffirmed the one-China policy. According to Guancha, the meeting is being framed as evidence of a “strategic stabilization” in China-India relations. The article highlighted that both sides see the boundary issue not as an isolated problem but as part of a larger framework of mutual trust and regional cooperation. It emphasized Modi’s planned participation in the Tianjin SCO Summit as a sign of India’s willingness to re-engage constructively. From an Indian perspective, the talks are significant but approached with caution. While Delhi values the current calm along the border, analysts stressed that progress must translate into tangible outcomes, as past commitments have not always reduced ground-level frictions. 

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.