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NEWS IN CHINA

• Chinese Analyst Says Lithuania’s China Policy Signals “Opportunistic” Approach: Recent remarks by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda prompted criticism from a Chinese analyst, who argued that Vilnius is pursuing an “opportunistic” and inconsistent approach towards Beijing. The comments came after Nausėda linked the future of Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys to progress in normalizing ties with China, while also stressing commitments related to Taiwan. The analyst stated that Lithuania’s dual messaging reflects a “fence-sitting” posture, suggesting that the country is attempting to improve relations with China while simultaneously maintaining positions that undermine political trust. He argued that such balancing acts indicate a lack of sincerity in improving bilateral ties. According to the scholar, Lithuania’s previous decisions regarding Taiwan-related issues have already damaged relations with China, and current efforts to restore ties are being driven by economic and diplomatic pressure rather than a genuine policy shift. He further stated that attempts to benefit from both China and Taiwan at the same time are unrealistic and will not succeed. The analyst also pointed to ongoing internal disagreements within Lithuania’s political establishment, suggesting that recent statements reflect recognition that earlier policy choices were unsustainable. He concluded that only adherence to the one-China principle could stabilize bilateral relations.
  
  
• China Expresses Concern over US–Japan “Resolute Dragon” Drill: Chinese analysts have strongly criticized the launch of the Resolute Dragon joint military exercise between the United States and Japan across Kyushu and Okinawa. The week-long drills involve about 9,600 personnel and focus on island defense, combat readiness, and rapid logistics support. It also includes live-fire training, combat simulations, and the use of Japanese V-22 Osprey aircraft for casualty transport, along with participation from a Japanese long-range missile unit and naval transport vessels. According to Chinese analyst Liu Shuliang, Japan is steadily expanding its military role through closer alignment with the United States, as part of a broader shift away from its postwar defensive posture. He warned that deeper military cooperation and expanded capabilities could heighten regional insecurity and potentially trigger an arms race among neighboring countries. Similarly, Chinese analyst Chen Hong argued that the United States is actively encouraging Japan’s military expansion by integrating it more deeply into its regional security framework. According to Chen, this has enabled Japan to assume a more active role through joint military exercises and closer defence cooperation with the United States and its partners.
  
  
• Chinese Media Showcases DF-17 Hypersonic Missile for First Time: In rare public footage, Chinese state media has, for the first time, publicly shown the launch of the PLA Rocket Force’s DF-17 hypersonic missile, alongside footage of what analysts believe may be an upgraded variant of the DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile. According to China Central Television (CCTV) News, the exercise took place in the Gobi Desert and involved coordinated operations between the Rocket Force, Army, and Air Force. The drill simulated complex battlefield conditions, including electronic interference and precision strike scenarios, testing the units’ ability to operate under pressure and adapt to changing combat environments. The missile units remained on continuous combat patrol and demonstrated rapid switching between operational modes and improvements in command efficiency, and mobility. Analysts also pointed to what appeared to be a modified DF-26 system, featuring design changes such as maneuverable control fins that may enhance mid-course and terminal flight adjustments. CCTV added that China’s missile forces have evolved into a diversified system with both nuclear and conventional capabilities, with systems like DF-17 and DF-26 now regularly integrated into training exercises.
  
  
• China Releases 2026–2028 Action Plan to Boost Platform Economy Coordination: The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), along with six other departments, has issued a joint action plan aimed at improving coordinated development between large, medium, and small enterprises in China’s platform economy from 2026 to 2028. The plan focuses on strengthening cooperation in innovation, ecosystem building, and data and technology sharing, with the broader goal of accelerating integration between the digital economy and the real economy. According to the plan, by 2028, China aims to significantly raise the level of collaboration across platform firms, establish scalable models of joint innovation, and cultivate a group of specialized “single-item champion” enterprises in niche manufacturing and platform-linked sectors. It also sets targets for expanding openness, including multiple platform open lists, pilot projects, and dozens of intelligent service scenarios for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The plan highlights key priorities such as advancing AI-driven innovation, including general-purpose and industry-specific large models, improving algorithm governance, and increasing transparency in platform operations. Additionally, it calls for stricter regulation of unfair practices and better protection of operators’ rights within platforms. According to experts, it aims to help large platforms strengthen ecosystem advantages while enabling SMEs to better access resources and innovation opportunities.
  
  
• Beijing Records High Tourism Growth During Dragon Boat Festival Holiday: Beijing saw a surge in tourism during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, receiving 8.466 million visitors and generating 11.35 billion yuan in tourism revenue, according to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. The inbound tourism segment also showed solid growth, with 87,000 foreign visitors, up 31.2 percent year-on-year, while inbound spending increased 31.4 percent to 950 million yuan. The city organized around 2,000 cultural and tourism activities under the theme “Enjoy the Dragon Boat Festival and Explore Beijing,” aiming to boost festive consumption and cultural engagement. Traditional cultural events such as temple fairs, folk performances, dragon boat-related activities, and garden celebrations attracted large crowds. The performing arts sector also saw high activity, with hundreds of commercial shows staged across the city. Major festivals and theatre events contributed to a vibrant cultural atmosphere, while night-time attractions like canal-themed water shows and park-based performances added new tourism experiences. Exhibitions emerged as another key driver of tourism, with curated routes linking art shows, museums, and commercial districts, further boosting cultural consumption.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users Debate Visa Reciprocity Between China and India: A post discussing visa policies between China and India is going viral on Weibo after defending Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong against criticism from Indian netizens over visa-related issues. The post argued that China issued approximately 280,000 visas to Indian citizens in 2024 and another 85,000 during the first four months of 2025, contradicting claims that China is deliberately restricting travel. It further highlighted difficulties faced by Chinese citizens seeking Indian visas, including lengthy processing times and stringent financial documentation requirements. Users argued that “visa arrangements should be strictly reciprocal” and questioned whether Chinese citizens receive fair treatment when applying for Indian visas. One user remarked that “the vast majority of visas are reciprocal,” while another questioned the number of visas that have been issued to Indians since Ambassador Xu assumed office. Some users suggested that increased scrutiny could encourage policymakers to address perceived imbalances. Several others argued that China should tighten screening procedures for Indian visitors. A few users questioned whether “financial requirements imposed on Chinese applicants were fair and comparable to standards applied elsewhere.” Others noted that “neither side should prioritize expanding travel access if concerns over fairness and security remain unresolved.”

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Examines Indian Media Concerns Over Bangladesh PM’s First Overseas Visit: An article in Global Times discussed Indian media attention on Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first overseas trip since taking office in February to  Malaysia and China. The article noted that Indian media view Rahman’s decision to visit Malaysia and China before India as a notable diplomatic signal, suggesting a recalibration of Bangladesh’s foreign policy priorities. According to the article, Rahman will first travel to Malaysia, where discussions are expected to focus on labor mobility and employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers. It further noted that he will then proceed to China for a five-day visit, with discussions expected to focus on investment, financial cooperation, and development projects, while also pointing out that the Chinese Foreign Ministry had not officially confirmed the visit. The article noted that India has long been Bangladesh’s most important neighbor, with the two countries maintaining close cooperation across a wide range of areas. However, it stated that bilateral ties have faced setbacks since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and remain in a period of adjustment. The article highlighted that  Indian media views regional affairs through the lens of India’s traditional leadership role in South Asia, leading to concerns that closer China-Bangladesh ties could reduce New Delhi’s influence in Bangladesh. It further emphasized Beijing’s stance that China-Bangladesh cooperation is not targeted at any third party and should not be viewed through the lens of geopolitical rivalry.