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NEWS IN CHINA

• China urges US to stop targeting Chinese students and scholars calling for an end to discriminatory actions: China’s foreign ministry publicly called on the United States to halt what it describes as politically driven and discriminatory law enforcement actions against Chinese students and scholars studying or working in the US. Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed deep concern over a pattern of incidents in which Chinese students and researchers have been subjected to repeated questioning, harassment, arrests, and charges by American officials under broad national security claims. Guo emphasised that these actions are not based on genuine evidence and have caused real harm: disrupting academic and cultural exchanges, infringing on the legitimate rights of Chinese citizens abroad, and tarnishing the US’s reputation for fairness and openness. China’s government is now urging the US to match its words with real action, to stop presuming guilt and treating Chinese scholars as suspected threats simply because of their nationality. China also called for improved conditions that would make the US truly welcoming to international students. In a direct message to Chinese citizens currently in the US, the ministry advised them to remain alert to their personal safety and legal risks. At the same time, China pledged to continue defending the rights and interests of its students and academics worldwide. China is calling out what it sees as unfair treatment of its students and scholars in the United States, highlighting the negative impact on people-to-people ties and urging the US to restore trust and openness. The message is both a defence of citizens’ rights and a push for better, more respectful exchanges between the two countries.
  
  
  
• China and Latin America strengthen Human Rights Cooperation, emphasising 'Shared Future' and Global Governance: Over 130 experts, officials, and representatives from China, Latin America, and the Caribbean gathered in São Paulo, Brazil, for the second China-Latin American and Caribbean States Roundtable on Human Rights. Centred around building a "Community with a Shared Future," the event highlighted the growing collaboration between the two regions in advancing human rights and contributing to global governance. Participants exchanged ideas on promoting ethical use of digital technology, green development, and more equitable human rights practices worldwide. Chinese scholars and leaders called for stronger cultural exchanges and joint efforts to find practical solutions to global challenges. It launched a new research and cooperation network dedicated to China-Latin America-Caribbean human rights issues. This gathering marks a significant step in creating a more united, respectful partnership to tackle common human rights concerns and promote sustainable development. 
  
  
  
• Shaolin Temple's Head Monk Shi Yongxin under criminal investigation for Embezzlement and Misconduct, Defrocked amid major scandal: The Shaolin Temple, a 1,500-year-old Buddhist monastery in Henan Province famed as the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu, publicly announced that its abbot, Shi Yongxin, is under a joint criminal investigation by multiple government departments. Shi, 60, faces serious allegations including embezzlement of temple funds and assets, maintaining long-term improper relationships with several women, and fathering at least one illegitimate child. These actions were deemed to have seriously violated Buddhist precepts and tarnished the reputation of the Shaolin Buddhist community. The Buddhist Association of China has revoked Shi Yongxin's clergy ordination certificate, officially defrocking him, and condemned his behaviour as highly damaging to the image of monks and the wider Buddhist community. The temple's authorities promised transparency and further updates as the investigation proceeds. Shi Yongxin, originally Liu Yingcheng, earned the nickname "CEO monk" for his leadership role in transforming the Shaolin Temple into a commercial enterprise with kung fu shows, merchandising, and global branding. The scandal has stirred widespread public attention and discourse across Chinese social media, reflecting shock and calls for integrity in religious institutions. 
  
  
  
• China unveils its research on Lunar Samples from Chang'e-6 Mission shedding light on Moon's far side mysteries: Chinese researchers have published new findings based on lunar soil samples brought back by the Chang'e-6 probe, the first-ever material collected from the moon's far side. These studies, conducted by top Chinese institutions and published in Nature, revealed differences between the moon's near and far sides, providing fresh insights into the moon's formation and geological history. Unlike the dark, basalt-rich samples brought back from the near side by Chang'e-5, the Chang'e-6 samples are lighter and contain abundant anorthosite,white highland rock,reflecting the rugged, mountainous terrain of the far side's South Pole-Aitken Basin. By analysing tiny rock fragments, the researchers discovered the lunar mantle beneath the far side, once thought to hold water, possibly, is extremely dry—the driest ever measured on the moon. This new data helps solve long-standing puzzles about why the moon's two sides look so different. The research also sheds light on the moon's volcanic activity and magnetic field history on the far side. Scientists expect further discoveries as they continue studying these samples. 
  
  
  
• Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng meets Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson to celebrate China-Sweden diplomatic relations: Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Sweden on Monday. During their conversation, He Lifeng shared warm greetings from Chinese leaders and recalled the recent exchange of congratulatory messages between President Xi Jinping and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. Vice Premier He highlighted the steady progress in China-Sweden relations over the years, emphasising how cooperation across various sectors continues to grow and how trade exchanges have become increasingly vibrant. He expressed China's eagerness to deepen communication and collaboration with Sweden, basing their partnership on mutual respect, trust, equality, and shared benefits. He also stressed the importance of supporting multilateralism and free trade to ensure the' long-term, steady development of bilateral ties. Prime Minister Kristersson responded positively, reaffirming Sweden’s commitment to working closely with China. He noted that Sweden values free trade and economic globalisation and hopes that this milestone anniversary can serve as a springboard to expand practical cooperation across multiple areas, bringing more fruitful outcomes to the partnership between the two countries.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

China launches nationwide Childcare Subsidy to support families and boost birthrate: On July 28, 2025, China officially rolled out a new nationwide childcare subsidy program aimed at easing the financial burdens faced by families and encouraging higher birth rates amidst ongoing demographic challenges. Under this program, starting this year, families will receive an annual subsidy of 3,600 yuan (approximately 503 US dollars) for each child under the age of three. This financial support is designed to help cover early childhood care expenses and provide relief to parents juggling work and family life. The hashtags #育儿补贴 (#ChildcareSubsidy) and #生育支持 (#BirthSupport)  are seen trending on Chinese social media platform, Weibo. Importantly, the subsidy is exempt from individual income taxes and will not count as income when determining eligibility for other social assistance programs. This ensures that the most vulnerable families can benefit without unintended disadvantages. China’s government frames this initiative as a key part of broader efforts to create a family-friendly environment, alleviate rising childcare costs, and address the country’s slowing population growth. The coverage highlights that the subsidy initiative is part of China’s comprehensive strategy to respond to declining birth rates, which have become a pressing concern for the nation’s future economic and social prospects. It also points out that China’s approach contrasts with policies in some Western countries, which focus on holistic support for families rather than simply promoting childbirth targets. 

INDIA WATCH

China supports revival of Russia-India-China Troika talks as India weighs strategic benefits, reports SCMP: Interest surged in resuming the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral dialogue, after a hiatus caused by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions between India and China. South China Morning Post's latest coverage covered the development with attention to its diplomatic significance. The article viewed the troika's revival as promoting peace, security, and cooperation in Eurasia while stressing that trilateral dialogue contributes to global stability and progress. The framing of the piece was largely diplomatic and forward-looking, emphasising multilateralism and shared interests, recognising India's cautious but pragmatic approach in engaging China and Russia alongside its other partnerships. The article also noted China's official support for Russia's initiative to revive this crucial diplomatic platform, emphasising that the trilateral cooperation serves not only the three countries' interests but also regional and global peace, stability and security. Russia has been actively encouraging both China and India to agree on restarting the troika, citing improved bilateral ties, mainly the easing of India-China border tensions after years of freeze. The article also highlighted India's cautious approach and how it potentially views the revival of the troika as a potential strategic hedge amid complex global alignments. While India remains engaged with Western partners through groupings like the Quad, the author noted that New Delhi recognises the usefulness of balancing relations by participating in this Eurasian trilateral forum. The article concluded by stating that the revived dialogue could provide a platform for the three countries to coordinate on shared challenges, from regional security to economic cooperation within broader groupings like BRICS.

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.