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NEWS IN CHINA

• Beijing Criticises U.S. Move to Restrict Foreign-made Power Inverters and Robots: China has criticised the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to add foreign-made power inverters and advanced robotic devices to its “Covered List,” saying the move unfairly targets Chinese companies and products. The addition prevents related new products from receiving FCC authorisation and entering the U.S. market. China’s Ministry of Commerce urged the U.S. to withdraw the measures, accusing Washington of using national security concerns to interfere in normal trade activities. The ministry said the FCC’s continued restrictions have harmed China’s trade interests, disrupted China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and created uncertainty for global industrial and supply chains. It also criticised what it described as efforts toward “decoupling and supply chain disruption” as market-distorting and unilateral actions. China further added that if the U.S. continues with such measures, it will take countermeasures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.
  
  
• Beijing Urges Germany to Maintain Cooperation Amid Supply Chain Concerns: China has called on Germany to enhance communication and cooperation to maintain stable global industrial and supply chains. The remarks came following reports that Berlin is assessing vulnerabilities in Chinese supply chains amid potential trade tensions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasised that China-Germany economic ties are based on mutual benefit and that industrial interdependence is a normal feature of globalisation. Reports indicated that Germany is examining trade flows, supply chains, and company-level data to identify areas where China remains reliant on foreign technologies and products. Chinese experts criticised such measures as potentially politicising economic relations and warned that using supply chain advantages as leverage could harm both economies. China and Germany remain deeply interconnected, with bilateral trade expanding in 2025. Germany remained China’s largest European trading partner, while China regained its position as Germany’s top trading partner. Analysts noted that Germany faces a challenge in balancing economic competition and security concerns with its dependence on the Chinese market and warned that protectionist policies could increase uncertainty and disrupt cooperation.
  
  
• China Unveils Action Plan to Expand Grassroots Traditional Chinese Medicine Access: China has launched a new action plan to expand access to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), aiming to ensure that all residents can obtain high-quality TCM services within a 15-minute journey from their homes over the next five years. The initiative, jointly issued by 11 government departments, including the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the National Health Commission, and the National Development and Reform Commission, seeks to strengthen grassroots TCM services and improve healthcare accessibility nationwide. According to Meng Qingbin of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the plan supports the Healthy China initiative by directing more high-quality medical resources to primary healthcare institutions and enhancing their ability to treat common, chronic, and frequently occurring diseases. The plan includes seven key initiatives and 25 major tasks focused on improving grassroots TCM service networks, service capacity and workforce development. By 2030, China aims to significantly expand TCM coverage, particularly by strengthening county-level TCM hospitals. The plan also promotes smart herbal medicine service centres, strengthens TCM departments in non-TCM hospitals and encourages regulated private-sector participation in primary-level TCM service delivery.
  
  
• Military Scientist Wang Ji Awarded “Role Model of the Times” for Defence Technology Contributions: China has awarded military computer scientist Wang Ji the honorary title of “Role Model of the Times” in recognition of his contributions to defence technology and his perseverance despite severe health challenges. Born in 1969, Wang is a researcher at the College of Computer Science and Technology of the National University of Defence Technology. He has spent years engaged in military research and education, leading efforts to develop theoretical frameworks and key technologies for highly dependable software. Wang and his team developed a theoretical framework and technological system for high-confidence software, making significant contributions to enhancing the security and reliability of critical software used in major equipment systems. Despite undergoing an amputation following a serious illness, he continued his research and achieved multiple innovations recognised at internationally advanced levels. He also trained specialists in high-confidence software technology. The award recognises Wang as an outstanding representative of China’s military educators and researchers. It highlights his contributions to scientific innovation, talent development, and national defence. Military personnel were encouraged to follow his example as China continues efforts to modernise its armed forces. 
  
  
• MIIT Launches 2026 Industrial Innovation Program Targeting Key Emerging Technologies: Seven Chinese government departments have launched a 2026 innovation initiative for the industrial and information technology sectors. The program aims to accelerate the integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial development and promote high-quality industrial growth through key technology breakthroughs. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, covers 24 priority areas across six sectors: future industries, equipment manufacturing, information technology, communications, artificial intelligence, and consumer goods. It focuses on emerging technologies such as humanoid robots, embodied intelligence, atomic-level manufacturing, biological manufacturing equipment, brain-inspired intelligence, laser manufacturing, and artificial intelligence applications, including foundational technologies and intelligent products. The initiative encourages enterprises, universities and research institutions to jointly submit proposals. Priority will be given to projects with strong innovation potential, clear commercialisation prospects and significant industrial impact. The selected projects will be evaluated by third-party institutions after completion, with each project required to be completed within two years.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users Discuss Ban on Sale of Retired Military Equipment: A Weibo post discussing China’s recent ban on the sale of retired and scrapped military equipment has gained significant attention online. It highlighted that six departments had issued a notice prohibiting the circulation of military-related equipment, warning that decommissioned equipment could still contain sensitive information related to design, technology and performance. The post mentioned that improper disposal of such equipment could create security risks, including potential leakage of military information or misuse after modification. It further noted that military-related matters require strict oversight and that national security remains a priority. Many Weibo users expressed support for stricter controls, agreeing that military equipment should not enter civilian markets. One user commented, “There is no trivial matter involving the military, and national security is above all!” Another wrote, “Everyone is responsible for national security.” Some users, however, questioned how such equipment had entered circulation in the first place, calling for stronger accountability in disposal procedures. One user asked, “How did the scrapped equipment come out? Is it a matter of selling or buying?” Some users also called for stricter internal oversight, urging authorities to address loopholes in the disposal process and strengthen the management of retired military assets.

INDIA WATCH

Finance Sina Discusses India’s Kusha Missile Program as Its Push for Defence Self-Reliance: An article on Finance Sina discussed India’s indigenous Kusha long-range air defence missile program as an effort to reduce dependence on Russian S-400 systems. The article highlighted DRDO’s first successful flight test, describing it as an important technological milestone rather than a combat-standard trial. It noted that Kusha represents India’s first serious attempt to develop a long-range air defence system comparable to advanced foreign systems. According to the article, the missile family includes M1, M2, and M3 variants with ranges extending from about 120 km to 400 km. The article emphasised the system’s modular design, advanced guidance technology and integration with India’s broader air defence network. Finance Sina argued that Kusha is intended to fill critical operational gaps between existing S-400 and Barak-8 coverage. The article also outlined India’s longer-term ambition to develop interceptors capable of engaging hypersonic missiles and low-orbit satellites. However, the article raised concerns about whether India’s defence industry can meet development timelines and reliability expectations. It concluded that India will continue purchasing additional S-400 systems while pursuing Kusha as a long-term indigenous alternative, making self-reliance the program’s primary strategic objective.