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NEWS IN CHINA 

• Wu Weihua Visits Ethiopia to Boost Bilateral Cooperation: Wu Weihua, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, led a delegation to Ethiopia from April 3 to 5, at the invitation of the Ethiopian Federal Parliament. During the visit, Wu met with Ethiopian President Taye, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Café, and Speaker of the House of Federalities Agnehu. He highlighted the rapid development of China-Ethiopia relations under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries. He expressed China’s willingness to work with Ethiopia to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Wu emphasized strengthening exchanges on governance and promoting the continuous development of the all-weather strategic partnership. He also introduced China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and its comprehensive zero-tariff policy toward Africa. Ethiopia expressed appreciation for President Xi Jinping’s four global initiatives and China’s zero-tariff policy, praising achievements in bilateral relations and China-Africa cooperation. Ethiopian leaders thanked China for its long-term support for Ethiopia’s economic and social development, reiterated their commitment to the one-China principle, and voiced readiness to deepen legislative exchanges as well as expand cooperation in various fields. 
  
  
• China, Russia Call for Ceasefire in Middle East: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East. Lavrov expressed Russia’s deep concern over rising tensions, stressing that military operations must cease immediately. He urged a return to political and diplomatic tracks to address the root causes of the conflict and emphasized that the UN Security Council should play a constructive role. Lavrov added that Russia is ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China to work toward a ceasefire and an end to hostilities. Wang Yi noted that as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia should uphold justice on major issues of principle, adopt an objective and balanced approach, and seek broader international support. He reiterated China’s consistent advocacy for resolving international and regional hotspot issues through dialogue and negotiation. Highlighting the importance of ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Wang said the fundamental solution lies in achieving a ceasefire as soon as possible. 
  
  
• China, Thailand Deepen Cooperation in NEV Development: China and Thailand have pledged to strengthen their partnership in advancing the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, officials announced at the 2026 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (Thailand Forum) held in Bangkok, which concluded on Friday. Wan Gang, president of the China Association for Science and Technology and the World NEV Congress, emphasized that the two countries will deepen collaboration in NEV talent training, aligning talent cultivation with industrial growth. The two-day event attracted over 300 participants from the automotive and education sectors across Southeast Asia, focusing on international cooperation and coordinated regional NEV development. Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei highlighted the positive results of bilateral cooperation, noting plans to enhance policy coordination, technological exchanges, and industrial collaboration to build a resilient and sustainable NEV industry. Yodsapol Venukosess, secretary-general of Thailand’s Office of the Vocational Education Commission, praised China’s global leadership in new energy technologies and stressed Thailand’s commitment to integrating industry and education in talent cultivation. During the forum, a NEV consortium for high-skilled talent training was launched, alongside the “Chinauto” project in Thailand to promote technological exchange and industry-education cooperation.  
  
  
• China Implements Electronic Border Control Passes: The National Immigration Administration has announced the launch of electronic border control area passes, set to begin on April 15, 2026. Paper passes will no longer be issued, though existing ones remain valid until expiration. According to the announcement, mainland Chinese residents aged 16 and above can apply for electronic passes valid for up to three months through the government service platform of the National Immigration Administration, including the “Immigration Administration 12367” app and WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. Those who are unable to apply online are required to submit applications in person at county-level or higher entry-exit administration departments or designated police stations. Additionally, residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, overseas Chinese, foreigners, and mainland residents accompanied by children under 16, or those applying for one-year passes, are required to apply in person. According to the announcement, applicants may designate an email address to receive the pass or request assistance in downloading and printing it. Further, the electronic pass can be used alongside a valid identity document and holders may present it via mobile devices or printed copies during inspection.  
  
  
• China Issues New Guidelines to Boost High-Quality E-commerce Development: China’s Ministry of Commerce, along with five other departments, has issued new guiding opinions to better serve the real economy and promote the high-quality development of e-commerce. The document aims to advance high-quality growth, high-level opening-up, and efficient governance of the sector while strengthening its role in supporting the real economy. The guidelines outline 16 measures across five major areas, balancing promotion and regulation, efficiency and fairness, and vitality and order. To enhance efficiency, measures include supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, developing rural e-commerce, and fostering industrial e-commerce. Innovation-focused steps involve accelerating technological applications, promoting quality consumption, and building integrated platforms to deepen online and offline integration. To expand opening up, the plan highlights cross-border e-commerce, “Silk Road e-commerce,” institutional opening, and rule alignment. Additionally, the measures focus on financial products, data utilization, and talent training, ensuring a strong foundation for sustained e-commerce development. 
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER 

Airfare and High-Speed Rail Price Hikes Spark Debate on Weibo: A post with the hashtag #AirfaresandHighSpeedRailPricesRiseTogether# is going viral on Weibo as rising oil prices push up travel costs across both aviation and rail sectors. The post highlights that Chinese airlines have sharply increased fuel surcharges, with domestic flight surcharges rising fivefold and international routes, especially to Southeast Asia, seeing significant hikes. At the same time, high-speed rail fares have also increased by around 10% to 20% on several major routes, particularly during peak travel periods such as the Qingming Festival. Online reactions show frustration over the simultaneous rise in transport costs. Many users expressed concern that “high-speed rail fares had already been increasing even before recent oil price pressures.” A user remarked that “rail systems should not experience the same impact as airlines since electricity prices remain stable.” Another user questioned the financial logic behind rail pricing, enquiring why the tickets remain expensive despite claims that the sector operates at a loss. Some users observed that income growth does not match rising costs, stating, “prices are rising for everything except wages.” Others criticized the dearth of cheaper travel alternatives, pointing out that “slower, more affordable train options have become increasingly scarce”. However, a few users offered a more positive view, describing high-speed rail as convenient, safe, and reasonably priced despite the increases. 

INDIA WATCH  

Guancha Highlights India’s Solar Growth Amid Persistent Export Competitiveness Hurdles: An article in Guancha examined the rapid growth of India’s solar manufacturing sector alongside persistent structural weaknesses limiting its global competitiveness. The article noted that India’s photovoltaic manufacturing capacity has surged to over 210 gigawatts in 2024, far exceeding domestic demand and creating urgency to secure export markets. However, it pointed out that this push has been complicated by external and internal pressures, including a steep 126% US anti-subsidy duty imposed on Indian solar products in February, which has significantly constrained access to its largest export destination. The article highlighted that although the price gap between Indian and Chinese photovoltaic modules is narrowing, from $0.09 per watt in early 2024 to about $0.054 by March, overseas buyers still overwhelmingly favor Chinese products due to lower costs, stronger supply chains, and greater manufacturer credibility. It also emphasized that domestic policy protections, including mandated use of locally produced components, have reduced competitive pressure and dampened innovation, reflected in lower R&D spending and technological gaps. However, the article noted that, despite high demand and high margins, Indian firms remain dependent on Chinese upstream components, reinforcing cost disadvantages. It concluded that unless India significantly improves its scale, integration, and innovation, global buyers are unlikely to shift away from established Chinese suppliers in the near future. 

Prepared By

Neha Maurya

Neha Maurya is a fourth-year undergraduate student at FLAME University, pursuing a major in International Studies with a minor in Public Policy. Her research interests lie in strategic studies, governance, and education policy. She aspires to engage in work that links research insights to policy outcomes.