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NEWS IN CHINA

• Former Chinese Vice Minister of Justice Sentenced to 13 Years for Bribery: Liu Zhiqiang, a former vice minister of justice in China, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after a court found him guilty of accepting bribes worth more than 42.45 million yuan (about $5.9 million) over nearly two decades, according to a ruling by the Wuhu Intermediate People’s Court in Anhui Province on July 22, 2025. Liu was fined 3 million yuan (approximately $418,000), and his illegal gains will be confiscated and turned over to the state treasury. The court determined that Liu, 62, exploited his senior positions—including head of the Ministry of Public Security’s international cooperation division and deputy minister of justice—to help others with business operations, project contracts, and promotions in exchange for money and valuables from 2007 until his investigation in April 2024. Liu was expelled from the Chinese Communist Party in October 2024 and formally indicted in February 2025. A longtime public security official from Shandong Province, Liu served for decades before being appointed vice governor and public security chief at the provincial level in 2012, and later rising to the national Ministry of Justice in 2016. His downfall is part of China’s ongoing, high-profile campaign against corruption at all levels of government. 
  
  

• China reaffirms strong support for UNESCO, criticises U.S’s withdrawal from the Organisation: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China firmly supports the work of UNESCO, emphasising the organisation’s role in advancing international cooperation, upholding world peace and common development. Guo noted that both UNESCO and many other countries have expressed regret over the United States’ decision to withdraw from the organisation,the third such US exit,and criticised the US for not fulfilling its financial obligations to UNESCO over a long period. He described this as conduct unbefitting of a major country and called on the international community to stand by multilateralism. Speaking on the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, Guo urged all countries to take concrete actions to support the UN-centred international system. 
  
  

• Ministry of State Security Warns of Underwater Espionage Threats to China’s Marine Research and Data Security: On July 24, 2025, China’s Ministry of State Security issued a public notice alerting the country’s scientific institutions, businesses, and the general public to heightened risks of espionage targeting marine research and underwater data. The Ministry warned that foreign intelligence agencies and entities have intensified efforts to steal sensitive marine information, including data from research vessels, underwater equipment, and marine resource surveys. The notice described how espionage may occur through illegal means such as hacking into data networks, intercepting satellite communications, or recruiting insiders within research institutions and maritime companies. The Ministry cited real-world examples, including attempts to disguise listening devices as marine instruments and the targeted recruitment of personnel with access to confidential data. In response, authorities are urging increased vigilance among industry employees, stricter protection of research data, and enhanced reporting of suspicious activities. The Ministry also called for stronger international cooperation to combat espionage and protect marine resources as a global public good. The warning indicated the growing concerns over China’s marine research security and the importance of safeguarding sensitive data in an era of heightened global scientific and technological competition.
  
  

• President Xi Jinping sends condolences to Putin following deadly passenger plane crash in Russia’s Far East: Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin after a Russian An-24 passenger plane crashed in the Amur Region of Russia’s Far East, resulting in the tragic deaths of all 49 people on board, including at least one Chinese citizen. In his message, Xi expressed shock at the high casualty toll and, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, conveyed deep sympathies to the families of the victims and sincere condolences for their loss. En route from Khabarovsk to Tynda with a stopover in Blagoveshchensk, the flight crashed near Tynda. The Chinese Consulate General also confirmed that one Chinese national was among the victims.
  
  

• World Internet Conference Digital Silk Road Development Forum 2025 begins in Quanzhou with Li Shulei’s Address: The 2025 World Internet Conference Digital Silk Road Development Forum officially opened in Quanzhou on July 24, 2025. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech. Li emphasised the forum’s role in promoting digital connectivity, enhancing technological exchange, and fostering shared development across participating countries. The event focuses on practical collaboration in digital economy growth, cross-border e-commerce, cybersecurity, and smart city development, aiming to support inclusive and sustainable global progress. The forum serves as a platform for dialogue and partnership, reflecting China’s ongoing engagement in digital globalisation and its commitment to building bridges for international technological cooperation under the Digital Silk Road initiative.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

President Xi's "Three Key Principles" for the Future Development of China-EU Relations seen trending on Weibo: Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Beijing, marking the 25th China-EU leaders' meeting. Xi outlined three important propositions to guide the future of China-Europe ties. First, he emphasised the need to uphold mutual respect and consolidate the strategic partnership between China and the EU. Second, Xi called for openness and cooperation while properly addressing differences and disputes. Third, he stressed the importance of practising multilateralism, safeguarding the international order based on international law, and upholding the UN-centred system. Netizens' comments included "President Xi's three points wisely focus on respect and practical cooperation. This is the way for China and Europe to grow stronger together.", "Mutual respect is the foundation! Only by understanding each other's paths can peaceful coexistence thrive.", "Open markets and fair trade are the heartbeats of cooperation. EU should heed this call to avoid unnecessary conflicts.", "Multilateralism is key in today's complex world. China and the EU can lead global stability if they stick to these principles." and "Great to see constructive dialogue, not confrontation. Hopefully, this leads to smoother relations and big wins for both sides." 

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media reports on UK and India Officially signing the landmark Bilateral Free Trade Agreement: Chinese media outlet Xinhua, reported on the recent signing of the comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on July 24, 2025 between United Kingdom and India, marking a significant milestone in both their their long-standing economic partnership. The signing of the agreement has drawn considerable attention in Chinese media, which has interpreted the development as both a tactical move by India and a potential counterpoint to China’s dominant economic role in Asia. The coverage was also indicative of how official Chinese outlets frame the deal for domestic and international audiences. The agreement is designed to boost trade and investment flows between the two nations by reducing tariffs, simplifying customs procedures, and enhancing cooperation across sectors such as goods, services, digital trade, and intellectual property. The signing ceremony, held during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, was attended by senior officials from both countries, underscoring the mutual commitment to deepening economic ties post-Brexit. The agreement reflects India’s efforts to reduce over-reliance on any single market and diversify its economic partnerships amid intensifying US-China competition. While the UK-India deal could shift some trade dynamics, China’s vast market, manufacturing strengths, and Belt and Road Initiative projects still position China centrally within Asian and global trade networks. It also viewed the FTA as a signal of India pursuing more balanced international relations, which could complement rather than directly challenge China’s interests. The coverage generally stressed continued openness in China-UK and China-India economic ties alongside recognition of changing multilateral trends. The coverage also focused on India’s “strategic autonomy” and its desire to avoid over-reliance on any major power, which resonates with China’s own rhetoric on sovereign decision-making. Furthermore, rather than portraying the deal as a direct challenge, Chinese media suggested that India’s pursuit of “more balanced international relations” is a natural response to a multipolar world order. 

Prepared By

Yasheeta Sulakhe

Yasheeta Sulakhe is a Research Intern at the Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). She holds two master’s degrees: one in International Relations & Strategic Studies from the University of Mumbai. She is currently pursuing another in China Studies at Somaiya School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Her academic focus spans India-China relations, comparative political thought, and the impact of classical strategic texts like Sun Tzu’s Art of War and Kautilya’s Arthashastra on modern foreign policy. Her research interests also include contemporary China, climate change and territorial disputes in South Asia. She has participated in the Chinese Bridge Indian Youth Delegation Program and cleared three levels of the Mandarin HSK exam. Outside academia, she is an experienced volleyball player and coach, and holds an NCC ‘C’ Certificate.