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NEWS IN CHINA

• Premier Li Qiang Meets South Korean Prime Minister: Premier Li Qiang met South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-suk in Dalian on the sidelines of the Summer Davos Forum.  Li noted that the recent reciprocal visits between President Xi Jinping and President Lee Jae‑myung produced an important consensus and outlined a stronger roadmap for bilateral relations. He emphasized China’s intention to reinforce political trust, respect each other’s core interests and expand cooperation grounded in equality and mutual benefit. Li highlighted the significant potential in bilateral trade and expressed China’s readiness to accelerate Phase II negotiations of the free trade agreement. He underscored opportunities for deeper collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, new energy, biomedicine and the integration of industrial and value chains. He also called for broader exchanges in tourism, education, youth programs, media, and think tanks. Kim stated that the leaders’ recent meeting marked a new stage in the partnership. He expressed South Korea’s willingness to enhance high‑level dialogue, expand economic and technological cooperation, welcome Chinese investment and strengthen supply‑chain collaboration. He also reaffirmed support for China’s hosting of this year’s APEC Leaders’ Meeting and emphasized joint efforts to uphold multilateralism and regional stability.
  
  
• China Moves to Strengthen Central Bank Framework with Draft Amendment: China has introduced a draft amendment to the Law of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) which was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for the initial review. The proposal aims to align the PBOC’s legal responsibilities with the evolving needs of China’s financial system. The revised draft, comprising eight chapters and 54 articles, clarified the PBOC’s core functions, strengthening its governance structure and formally recognizing the legal status of the digital renminbi. It also emphasized the central bank’s role under the unified leadership of the Communist Party of China in coordinating development and security. The draft also established a clearer legal foundation for monetary and macroprudential policies, positioning them as dual pillars of financial regulation. The PBOC will lead the macroprudential framework and work with State Council departments to craft relevant policies. The amendment also expanded the PBOC’s supervisory authority over money and bill markets, enabling counter‑cyclical measures to safeguard financial stability. The draft also proposed tougher penalties for violations aimed at enhancing compliance and raising the cost of misconduct.
  
  
• Vice President Han Zheng Holds Talk with his  South African Counterpart: Vice President Han Zheng met South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Beijing. Han highlighted the importance China places on its relationship with South Africa, noting that the two nations have maintained close communication and cooperation under the guidance of their leaders. He referred to the successful ninth plenary session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission held earlier this year, emphasizing the need to translate the meeting’s agreements into concrete results. Han called for deeper political trust, expanded practical cooperation and stronger collaboration across key sectors to further elevate ties. He also stressed the importance of coordination between the two countries on global issues. He added that as fellow members of BRICS and the G20, China and South Africa can play a constructive role in promoting multilateralism and improving international economic governance. Mashatile reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening relations with China and reiterated Pretoria’s adherence to the One-China policy. He expressed support for closer cooperation in political, economic, and multilateral affairs, emphasizing the shared goal of building a stronger and more substantive comprehensive strategic partnership for the future.
  
  
• MOFCOM Releases Measures to Boost Automotive Aftermarket and Consumption: The Ministry of Commerce, together with other departments, has announced new measures to expand the automotive aftermarket and launched reforms in 40 pilot cities to stimulate automobile circulation and consumption. The new measures targeted key aftermarket segments, including vehicle modification, motorsports, RV camping, maintenance, rental services and classic cars. Authorities aimed to address regulatory gaps, improve standards, and expand the supply of quality products and services. The plan included 17 initiatives designed to remove barriers to industry growth and transform niche automotive activities into mainstream consumer markets. To support implementation, selected pilot cities will test reforms across new vehicle sales, used-car circulation, automotive services, and vehicle recycling. Other measures included easing RV travel restrictions, promoting flexible car-rental models, supporting automotive talent development, and encouraging motorsports events. Officials also emphasized the integration of automotive culture with tourism, sports, and leisure industries to create new consumption scenarios. China plans to accelerate technological innovation in new energy vehicles, batteries, automotive chips, operating systems, and autonomous driving. Authorities believe these efforts will strengthen the automotive value chain, stimulate consumer demand, and support the industry's long-term transformation and upgrading.
  
  
• China Revises Draft Law to Enhance Protections for Fire and Rescue Personnel: China’s draft law on national fire and rescue personnel was reviewed for the second time at the 23rd session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress. The revised draft placed greater emphasis on safeguarding the rights and interests of fire and rescue personnel. It proposed the establishment of a professional protection system that recognizes the unique risks and responsibilities associated with their duties, ensuring that personnel receive benefits, honors, and legal protections commensurate with their contributions. The draft also strengthened occupational health safeguards by calling for regular medical examinations, psychological assessments, and counseling services when necessary. In addition, it introduced provisions for a leave and rest system tailored to the demanding nature of fire and rescue work. To improve professionalism and accountability, the revised legislation requires personnel engaged in administrative law enforcement activities to obtain relevant enforcement qualifications. The draft further acknowledged the role of local government-employed firefighters, authorizing provincial-level authorities to formulate regulations governing their management. 
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER 

Weibo Users React to Xiaomi TV Earthquake Warning Test Error: A post by XiaomiTV is going viral on Weibo after an earthquake warning message received by some Xiaomi TV users in Beijing and nearby regions. The warning message was triggered by an internal testing error, where simulation data was mistakenly pushed into the live production system. The company issued a formal apology for the confusion and panic caused among users. Many users expressed concern over public safety implications, with one user calling it “endangering public safety,” while another said it “should be treated as a serious threat to public order.” Some users criticized the system as “far too immature” and argued that such errors highlight gaps in testing and deployment discipline. A few users also stressed that “development of safety technology should be encouraged,” questioning how innovation can progress if every experimental system is expected to be flawless. Several other users defended the company’s intent, stating that it is “commendable to focus on safety technologies,” and another user suggested that “R&D exploration cannot be 100% error-free, otherwise testing loses meaning.” Some users also emphasized that home appliance firms should prioritize safety systems, while others pointed out that despite the mistake, the quick correction and apology helped limit public concern.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Discusses India–China Engagement at BRICS Summit: An article published in the Chinese Foreign Ministry discussed the recent meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held on the sidelines of the BRICS Security Summit in New Delhi. The article noted that the exchange reflected a cautious recalibration in India-China relations amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global power dynamics. It highlighted that PM Modi conveyed warm greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, while emphasizing the civilizational depth of India and China and their historical role as major Global South powers. According to the article, Modi underscored the need to revive traditional friendship, strengthen high-level engagement, and expand pragmatic cooperation, particularly within the BRICS framework. He also expressed India’s support for China’s upcoming BRICS chairmanship and signaled willingness to deepen coordination on multilateral platforms. The article further stated that Wang Yi reciprocated by stressing the importance of implementing consensus reached between the two leaders, enhancing strategic trust, and appropriately managing sensitive issues while expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. He emphasized that stable China-India relations serve the core interests of both nations and contribute to broader Global South solidarity.