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NEWS IN CHINA

• Ministry of Commerce Launches First Foreign Trade National Security Investigation: China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has launched the country's first foreign trade national security investigation, targeting imported office equipment with printing and copying functions that uses foreign-developed system software. The investigation will examine whether such products pose risks to China's national security interests in foreign trade. According to the ministry, the investigation covers imported office equipment installed with foreign driver or embedded software developed, tested or maintained by foreign individuals or organisations. MOFCOM said preliminary information suggests these products may affect national security interests, meeting the conditions for an investigation under China's Foreign Trade Law. The review will assess import volumes, the potential impact of the products, technologies and services on national security, and the effects of relevant foreign government policies and measures. Authorities may also evaluate how imported technologies influence China's foreign trade security. The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months, although it may be extended under special circumstances. 
  
  
• Foreign Ministry Criticises Japan's 2026 Defence White Paper: China's Foreign Ministry has criticised Japan's 2026 Defence White Paper, saying it promotes a "China threat" narrative and interferes in China's internal affairs. According to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, China had lodged formal representations with Japan over the document, which describes China as Japan's "greatest strategic challenge" and calls for closer security cooperation with allies and partners. Lin rejected the white paper's claims, stating that China's development follows a peaceful path and that its national defence policy is defensive in nature. He said China's military activities are legitimate and reiterated that the Taiwan issue is an internal matter, urging Japan not to interfere. Lin also reaffirmed China's claim over the Diaoyu Islands, saying their status would not change regardless of Japan's position. The spokesperson further accused Japan of failing to fully reflect on its wartime history while accelerating military expansion through increased defence spending and the development of long-range capabilities. He urged Japan to learn from history, stop justifying military build-up and avoid actions that, according to China, could undermine regional peace and stability.
  
  
• Henan Issues New Guidelines to Promote Paid Annual Leave and Off-Peak Travel: Henan province has issued new guidelines to strengthen the implementation of paid annual leave and encourage off-peak vacations. The new framework aims to protect employees' rights, stimulate consumer spending and support the province's cultural tourism sector. The notice, jointly released by six provincial departments, requires employers to ensure that employees with at least 12 months of continuous service receive paid annual leave in accordance with the law, regardless of their employment status. It calls for simplified leave approval procedures, annual leave planning and direct accountability for employers, with leading officials encouraged to take leave as an example. Employers are also encouraged to support flexible leave arrangements, including linking annual leave with weekends and public holidays to create 3-7-day vacations and, where possible, piloting a "Friday half day+weekend+annual leave" model. The policy also promotes off-peak tourism through travel discounts, cultural activities and consumption incentives while strengthening supervision to ensure compliance with paid leave regulations. Authorities will establish complaint channels, conduct inspections and introduce incentives for compliant employers alongside penalties for violations. The notice also encourages public awareness campaigns to promote a workplace culture that respects employees' right to rest and annual leave.
  
  
• Six Departments Issue New Guidelines to Standardise Employment of Court Clerks: China's Supreme People's Court, together with several central government departments, has issued new guidelines to strengthen the management of employment-based court clerks and standardise recruitment, career development and employment practices across the country's courts. Under the new rules, employment-based clerks will mainly be assigned to trial-related departments and managed through a quota system. The total number of clerks in each province will generally correspond to the approved number of judicial officers, with courts required to control staffing levels. People's courts will also be required to sign direct labour contracts with clerks, gradually replacing the use of labour dispatch arrangements. A ten-level grading system will be introduced, with salaries, responsibilities and career progression linked to each grade. Clerks will receive social insurance, housing fund benefits and other employment protections in accordance with the law. The guidelines also establish clearer supervision, training, and performance evaluation mechanisms, while encouraging courts to recognise judicial work experience when recruiting assistant judges and other public-sector personnel, thereby creating broader career development opportunities for employment-based clerks.
  
  
• ACWF Launches 2026 Grassroots Legal Awareness Campaign for Women: China's All-China Women's Federation, together with the Ministry of Justice and the National Office for Law-Based Publicity and Education, has launched the 2026 "Women's Law Popularisation at the Grassroots" campaign to strengthen legal awareness and improve access to rights protection services for women and families. The initiative supports the country's Ninth Five-Year Plan for National Rule of Law Publicity and Education and focuses on rural women, women in urban communities, women employed in emerging industries, female university students, minors and their guardians. The campaign will combine online and offline activities to promote legal knowledge and improve understanding of rights and legal protections. Authorities have encouraged local governments to adopt innovative approaches by integrating legal education with artificial intelligence, cultural and tourism events, sports activities, traditional festivals and local cultural initiatives. Activities will be held nationwide, particularly in rural areas, urban communities and universities, while encouraging cooperation between eastern and western provinces and promoting public awareness of women's and children's rights through exhibitions, educational campaigns and legal services.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to China's Countermeasures Against Six US Entities: A post on Weibo has attracted widespread attention online that discussed China's decision to impose countermeasures on six US entities. The post highlighted a Ministry of Commerce announcement stating that the measures were introduced in response to recent US sanctions on Chinese companies over alleged forced labour in Xinjiang. According to the post, the six US organisations supported or assisted the US sanctions, which China described as violations of international law and an infringement on its sovereignty, security and development interests. It further mentioned that organisations in China are prohibited from engaging in transactions and cooperation with the listed entities. The post sparked widespread discussion on Weibo, with many users expressing support for the Chinese government's decision. One user commented, "Resolutely oppose the sanctions of the United States," while another wrote, "Support countermeasures!" Other users called for restrictions on US companies that do not use Xinjiang cotton, discussed US import certification requirements related to Xinjiang products, and questioned the role of Applied DNA Sciences, one of the sanctioned entities that specialises in cotton source verification. Another user urged Chinese authorities to act proactively, saying preparations should be made early rather than waiting for the situation to escalate.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Discusses India-US Trade Tensions and Technology Security: An article published on Guancha argued that India's tougher stance in trade negotiations with the United States reflects changing strategic calculations rather than a sudden policy shift. The article said Indian officials set three key conditions during recent trade talks, including protecting agriculture, seeking tariff advantages over competitors and preventing future unilateral US tariff increases. It linked this position to recent cybersecurity incidents involving Indian technology firms, including reported data breaches affecting Tata Electronics and Yotta, which allegedly exposed confidential information related to major international technology companies and critical infrastructure. According to the article, these incidents highlighted India's deep integration with the US technology sector and raised concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities. It further argued that recent US immigration reforms, particularly changes to the H-1B visa system, could weaken India's technology outsourcing industry and reduce opportunities for Indian professionals in Silicon Valley. The article concluded that growing trade disputes, tighter US immigration policies and cybersecurity concerns could reshape India-US technology ties. It suggested that India's close links with the US technology ecosystem may provide leverage in future negotiations, while warning that continued tensions could lead to greater challenges for both countries' technology sectors.