Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA

• China Becomes Norway’s Second-Largest Seafood Export Market: At the 19th Shanghai International Fisheries Expo (Aug 27–29), the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) and eight Norwegian companies showcased premium seafood, highlighting Norway’s deepening cooperation with China’s booming market. China has now emerged as the world’s second-largest export destination for Norwegian seafood, while its Atlantic salmon consumption ranks first in Asia. According to NSC data, from January to July 2025, Norway exported 52,100 tons of salmon to China, up 122% year-on-year, worth NOK 4.67 billion (a 64% rise). By Q1 2025, China had already become the sixth-largest global market for Atlantic salmon, surpassing Japan in total consumption despite much lower per capita intake 0.09 kg compared to Hong Kong’s 2.19 kg indicating vast untapped potential. The surge is fueled by rising demand for sushi, sashimi, and e-commerce-driven retail. Beyond salmon, China has become the largest market for Norwegian Arctic sweet shrimp, while imports of Greenland halibut and redfish grew 45% and 82% respectively. NSC officials expressed confidence in China’s role as a global growth engine for Norwegian seafood exports.
  
  
• Beijing to Host 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services: The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) will take place in Beijing from September 10 to 14, officials from the Ministry of Commerce and the Beijing Municipal Government announced at an August 27 press briefing. As one of the world’s leading platforms for showcasing and promoting trade in services, this year’s fair will spotlight cutting-edge sectors including artificial intelligence, healthcare, smart logistics, and the integration of commerce, tourism, and culture. The event will debut several emerging technologies and service-oriented solutions, positioning itself as a hub for innovation and global collaboration. More than 70 countries and international organizations are set to participate, underlining the fair’s expanding international influence. Nearly 2,000 companies have confirmed their presence at the offline exhibitions, including close to 500 Fortune 500 firms and industry leaders. With preparations nearly complete, organizers emphasized that the 2025 edition aims to deepen global cooperation, drive digital transformation in services, and strengthen Beijing’s role as a center for international trade in services.
  
  
• Jilin Province to Launch Tax Refund Policy for Overseas Tourists from September 1: Beginning September 1, 2025, Jilin Province will officially implement a tax refund policy for overseas tourists’ shopping, marking a major step in boosting inbound tourism and local consumption. The move follows approvals from the Ministry of Finance, the General Administration of Customs, and the State Administration of Taxation, in line with earlier national announcements regulating tourist shopping tax refunds. Under this policy, foreign visitors will be eligible to claim refunds on value-added tax (VAT) for purchases made within Jilin, provided the goods are bought at designated stores and carried out of China. The system will be supervised under customs and taxation provisions to ensure smooth implementation. Officials highlight that the measure will not only enhance the shopping experience of international tourists but also strengthen Jilin’s attractiveness as a destination within Northeast China. By aligning with global practices, Jilin aims to stimulate consumption, expand cross-border tourism, and contribute to the province’s integration into the wider national strategy of opening up and service-oriented economic growth.
  
  
• China Rejects U.S. Call to Join Nuclear Disarmament Talks: China firmly rejected calls from the United States to participate in nuclear disarmament negotiations alongside Washington and Moscow, emphasizing the imbalance in nuclear capabilities and strategic contexts. Responding to recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Washington and Moscow are discussing possible reductions in their nuclear arsenals and expressed hope that China would join the talks. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded that it is “neither reasonable nor realistic” to expect China’s participation. Guo stressed that the U.S., as the holder of the world’s largest nuclear stockpile, bears the “special and primary responsibility” for substantial reductions before drawing in other nations. He underscored that China’s nuclear forces are far smaller than those of the U.S. and Russia, and are maintained strictly at the minimum level required for national security. Highlighting Beijing’s long-standing “no first use” policy and self-defensive nuclear strategy, Guo reiterated that China has never engaged in an arms race and that its restrained posture contributes to global stability and peace.
  
  
• China Strongly Protests Japan’s Reported Boycott of WWII Commemoration Events: China has lodged a formal protest with Japan after media reports suggested Tokyo is urging other nations to boycott Beijing’s upcoming events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. According to Kyodo News, Japanese diplomats have approached European and Asian countries, asking them to avoid attending the September 3 military parade and commemorative ceremonies in Beijing, citing “anti-Japanese overtones” in China’s interpretation of history. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed Japan’s stance, emphasizing that the events are meant to “remember history, honor martyrs, cherish peace and usher in a brighter future.” He stressed that nations committed to peace and historical truth should have no objection to participating. Guo also reminded Japan that facing its wartime past honestly has been a key prerequisite for regaining international trust after World War II. China urged Japan to reflect sincerely on its aggression, abandon militarism, and respect the feelings of victimized nations to maintain regional peace and stability.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

AI Agents Redefine Workplace Culture Among China’s Post-00s Generation: AI agents are fast becoming the latest “must-have colleagues” in China’s offices, sparking heated debate on social media. A trending Weibo hashtag  “Everyone in the workplace has an AI cow or horse, which may become the norm”  has attracted millions of views, reflecting how post-2000s employees are reshaping work culture. For young professionals, AI tools are no longer futuristic add-ons but everyday assistants. From drafting reports and analyzing data to scheduling meetings, automation is freeing them from repetitive tasks and giving them more time for creative and strategic work. Many see this as a quiet rebellion against “involution,” China’s notorious culture of endless competition. Another trending topic, “Post-00s (Digital Natives of China from 2000 to 2009) are starting to reverse balance,” highlights how AI is helping this generation restore equilibrium between career and personal life. Netizens reacted with a mix of admiration and humor while some praised the move as a smart use of technology to boost efficiency, others playfully dubbed AI the true “super employee.”The phenomenon highlights how digital natives are normalizing AI-driven efficiency in the modern workplace.

INDIA WATCH

US Tariffs Hit Indian Exports, Guancha Highlights Growing Strategic Shift Toward China: The United States has imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods starting August 27, citing New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Covering key sectors like textiles, jewelry, footwear, and chemicals, the tariffs threaten over half of India’s exports to the US, its largest trading partner. The author cites Reuters, noting that Indian exporters expect a 20–30% decline in orders, with industries already reporting large-scale cancellations. Guancha media framed the move as a major economic shock, stressing how the tariffs undermine Prime Minister Modi’s ambition to make India a global manufacturing hub. It also noted India’s plan to diversify trade, encouraging exporters to explore opportunities in China, Latin America, and the Middle East. For India, the tariffs are a dual blow hurting employment in export-driven sectors while raising questions about dependence on US markets. It cautions that even if tariffs are rolled back, competitors like China and Vietnam may seize permanent market share. Strategically, the setback may push India closer to BRICS partners, especially China, with whom relations appear to be warming after years of strain.

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.