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NEWS IN CHINA

• Embassy Warns of Security Risks in Bolivia’s Capital: On December 21, the Chinese Embassy in Bolivia issued a warning following a violent robbery targeting a Chinese national in La Paz. The individual was confronted by several masked attackers and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. After receiving medical care, he is reported to be stable. The perpetrators stole a substantial amount of cash and valuables, and local authorities are investigating the incident. The embassy acted swiftly and coordinated with local law enforcement. It also visited the victim to provide support. It emphasized continued monitoring of the investigation and collaboration with the Bolivian police and the Chinese community to provide protective measures for Chinese nationals living or travelling in the country. Officials advised Chinese residents to exercise caution while in public and to remain vigilant. Officials also warned against carrying substantial amounts of money or valuable items while traveling. They recommended that traveling in groups, particularly during late hours or in crowds, can reduce vulnerability. Additionally, the embassy encouraged people to stay informed about the local environment, report any suspicious activity, and contact the authorities immediately in case of any emergency. Local police emergency numbers were also provided to Chinese residents in case of an emergency.
  
  
• All-China Federation of Trade Unions Convenes Meeting to Improve Service Stations: The All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) held a video conference in Beijing to coordinate and advance the construction and management of trade union service stations nationwide. The meeting emphasized that these service stations are a vital platform for trade unions to serve workers in new forms of employment, particularly outdoor and frontline workers. Trade unions at all levels were urged to strengthen daily management, improve operational standards, and enhance overall service quality to ensure the stations better meet workers’ needs. Xu Liuping, Secretary of the Party Group, Vice Chairman, and First Secretary of the Secretariat of the ACFTU, attended the meeting and outlined specific requirements. The conference emphasized the importance of improving supervision, addressing operational shortcomings, and expanding publicity so that more workers can access union services. Additionally, the report stated that the ACFTU formulated a comprehensive work plan to optimize the layout of service stations, strengthen their operation and management, and raise service efficiency. 
  
  
• China Unveils New Regulations on Internet Platform Pricing Practices: China has introduced new rules to regulate the pricing practices of internet platforms. This marks a significant step toward fostering innovation and ensuring the healthy growth of the digital economy. The National Development and Reform Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the Cyberspace Administration of China jointly issued the rules, which aim to bring transparency and fairness to how platforms and merchants set prices. The rules guide pricing behavior, encouraging fair competition and safeguarding merchants’ rights to independently determine their prices. Importantly, platform operators are prohibited from imposing unreasonable restrictions or attaching unjustified conditions to merchants’ pricing decisions. These measures strengthen consumer protections by requiring clear price labeling, promoting transparency in dynamic and differentiated pricing, and regulating services such as password-free payments, automatic renewals, and unsolicited deductions. These steps are designed to protect consumers’ rights to information and strengthen trust in the platform economy. The rules will officially take effect on April 10, 2026, with major platforms having to conduct mandatory self-inspections to ensure compliance with the new standards.
  
  
• China–Africa Cooperation Called on to Strengthen Livestock Industry: Leaders and experts have called for stronger China-Africa cooperation to grow Africa’s livestock industry. The call came during a forum held at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event was organized by the Mission of China to the AU and the AU’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources. The forum focused on sharing knowledge between African and Chinese experts. During the event, Moses Vilakati, AU commissioner for agriculture, stated that livestock is vital for rural families as it supports food security, trade, and jobs. He warned that without change, the sector will struggle, and incomes for pastoralists will fall. Jiang Feng, head of China’s Mission to the AU, noted China’s success in livestock production and technology and urged deeper cooperation in governance, technology exchange, and enterprise partnerships. Additionally, Chinese experts shared solutions in smart farming using AI and IoT, new methods to fight animal diseases, and designs for safe vaccine factories. These methods aim to support Africa’s goals in improving animal health, production, and trade.
  
  
• Shanghai to Launch Ten Gaming Measures with Annual Subsidy of 50M Yuan: China’s gaming industry is entering what officials call a “big year for games” in 2025, marked by major international releases and a surge in high-quality content. Sun Shoushan, who is chairman of the China Audio-Visual and Digital Publishing Association, noted that Chinese games are increasingly becoming a “cultural calling card,” offering an important window for the world to understand China. According to the 2025 China Game Industry Report, the domestic game market reached new historical highs, generating 350.789 billion yuan in actual sales revenue, a 7.68% year-over-year increase, while the user base grew to 683 million, representing a 1.35% increase. At the policy level, Shanghai announced comprehensive measures to support industry development, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. These include strengthening intellectual property protection, building incubation parks, lowering startup costs, and launching “Measures for Supporting Newly Established Game Companies” with one-stop services. Shanghai will also establish industry investment funds, combat piracy and infringement, and build a world-class gaming and esports cluster. The city plans to promote overseas expansion, cultural internationalization, cross-industry collaboration, and the growth of globally influential esports events to drive cultural, economic, and technological innovation.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Zero-Tariff Imported Cars in Hainan Going Viral on Chinese Social Media: A viral post on Chinese social media is warning users to beware of illegal merchants claiming they can help individuals buy “zero-tariff” imported cars in Hainan after the island’s customs closure on December 18. The post is leading to trends like #ZeroTariffCars, #HainanFreeTradePort, and #BewareOfScams. The post highlighting eye-catching prices—such as a BMW X5 dropping from 600,000 yuan to 350,000 yuan or a Porsche Cayenne falling from 1.2 million yuan to around 600,000 yuan—sparked excitement, with many netizens joking about “booking flights to Hainan to buy cars.” However, official rules make clear that the zero-tariff policy does not apply to personal consumers, only to qualified enterprises using vehicles for commercial purposes under strict conditions. Public reaction online has been a mix of disappointment, sarcasm, and frustration. Many users poured cold water on the hype, commenting, “Don’t think too much about good things,” and “These bargains are for you to look at, not to take.” Others expressed regret or humor, saying, “I would’ve bought it if I even had 600,000 yuan.” Some comments shifted toward broader criticism, with users noting, “This just shows how heavy the taxes are,” while others bluntly stated that “it’s only for companies that can make money for Hainan.” The overall sentiment suggests growing doubts toward viral “too-good-to-be-true” deals and heightened awareness of scams disguised as policy loopholes.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Discusses Western Hopes for India to Counter China, Flags Doubts Over New Delhi’s Naval Power and Strategic Will: An article published on the Chinese media platform Guancha by Qi Qian examines growing Western expectations that India could help “contain” China, particularly in the Indian Ocean. Citing a Financial Times report from December 19, the article notes that the United States and European countries increasingly view India as a key partner in securing supply chains and maintaining “Indo-Pacific” security. Indian officials have echoed this confidence, portraying India as both a continental and maritime power, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing naval expansion and shipbuilding during Indian Maritime Week aboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. However, Qi Qian highlights that Western experts remain skeptical. Their concerns focus on whether India can modernize its navy fast enough and whether New Delhi is willing to confront China when its core interests are not directly threatened. Several Indian officials reportedly admitted that India would not intervene in scenarios such as a Taiwan crisis, stating bluntly, “This is not our battle.” The article also points to structural challenges, including India’s slow submarine modernization and limited shipbuilding capacity compared with China. Despite ambitious investment plans, experts cited by Guancha argue that India is unlikely to fundamentally alter the naval balance in the Indian Ocean, where China’s capabilities continue to expand.

Prepared By

Neha Maurya

Neha Maurya is a fourth-year undergraduate student at FLAME University, pursuing a major in International Studies with a minor in Public Policy. Her research interests lie in strategic studies, governance, and education policy. She aspires to engage in work that links research insights to policy outcomes.