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NEWS IN CHINA

• WTO Chief Highlights China’s Role in South-South Trade: World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Iweala highlighted that South-South trade has become a vital driver of global trade growth, commending China’s initiatives to promote cooperation among developing nations. Speaking at the eighth “China Project: Least Developed Countries and South-South Development Dialogue” in Geneva, she noted that over 50 percent of exports from developing countries now flow to other developing nations, with South-South trade rising from about 10 percent in 1995 to 25 percent today. Iweala pointed out that bilateral trade between China and Africa exceeded $290 billion in 2024, while Chinese investment reached $42 billion, expanding under the Belt and Road Initiative into sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, education, water resources, and renewable energy. She stressed that a stable multilateral trading system is crucial for least developed countries to seize growth opportunities. China’s Permanent Representative to the WTO, Li Yongzhe, reaffirmed Beijing’s support for WTO reform and pledged to expand market access, investment cooperation, and strengthen South-South partnerships to deliver practical results. 
  
  
• Xi Jinping Urges Loyalty, Modernization in Military: Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of strengthening political loyalty within the military and called for sustained efforts to modernize national defense and the armed forces. Xi made the remarks while attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force during the fourth session of the National People's Congress. Six lawmakers addressed the meeting before Xi delivered a keynote speech. He noted that since the Communist Party of China’s 18th National Congress in 2012, the leadership has intensified political rectification within the armed forces, achieving notable results. Xi warned that the military must not tolerate personnel who are disloyal to the Party or involved in corruption, emphasizing that the fight against corruption must be pursued firmly and without compromise. He stated that from the very start of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), stricter oversight of fund flows, power use, quality control, alongside stronger Party leadership, ideological commitment among soldiers, and systematic training for advanced combat and technological capabilities must be maintained.
  
  
• Wang Yi Highlights Commitment to Fair Global Order: Wang Yi stated that China will never pursue hegemony as its power grows and does not accept the idea that major powers should dominate global governance. Speaking at a press conference during the National People’s Congress in Beijing, Wang reiterated that China remains committed to peaceful development regardless of changes in the international environment. Wang stressed that China advocates building an equal and orderly multipolar world, adding that maintaining such a global order requires joint efforts from all countries. He emphasized that nations with greater capabilities should take on more responsibility and lead by respecting international rules, honoring commitments, and upholding international law. Wang Yi stated that China will continue to support an open and fair global economic system and contribute to global growth. He added that China aims to serve not only as the world’s factory but also as a major global market. He further emphasized that globalization should be more inclusive, expanding economic growth while ensuring fairer distribution and reducing the widening wealth gap.
  
  
• Beijing Allocates Over 100 Billion Yuan for Childcare Subsidies: China has allocated more than 100 billion yuan (about 14.5 billion U.S. dollars) for childcare subsidies as part of efforts to create a more birth-friendly society. The nationwide subsidy program, launched in 2025, provides 300 yuan per month for every child under the age of three. According to Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission, fiscal authorities across the country have secured the necessary funding, including more than 90 billion yuan from the central government. Speaking on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, Lei stated that the program has already benefited more than 33 million eligible children, helping families cover childcare costs and support children’s healthy development. Promoting a birth-friendly society is a major goal of the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which seeks to reduce the costs of childbirth, parenting and education while stabilizing the number of newborns. Officials also highlighted additional measures, including the creation of 890,000 new public-interest nursery places last year, bringing the national total to 6.6 million.
  
  
• China Pushes Tech-Driven Cultural Relics Protection: Mei Yi, deputy to the National People’s Congress and director of the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, called for greater technological empowerment in protecting cultural relics. She emphasized that advanced tools such as satellite remote sensing, drones, and digital terrain models are essential to overcome challenges posed by the vast number, wide distribution, and complex environments of cultural relics. She noted that since the 14th Five-Year Plan, the National Cultural Heritage Administration has promoted reforms in cultural heritage science and technology, achieving breakthroughs in monitoring illegal activities and environmental risks at World Heritage sites. While provinces such as Jiangxi, Shandong, and Qinghai have already adopted satellite-based monitoring systems to strengthen risk prevention. Mei Yi proposed establishing unified national standards for remote sensing monitoring, enhancing provincial-level mapping, and building regional command platforms to integrate data across departments. She also urged stronger policy and financial support, including special funds and training programs, to ensure comprehensive, intelligent, and routine supervision of cultural relics.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER 

Weibo Users React to NPC Deputy’s Push for Service-Oriented Property Management: A Weibo post with the hashtag #RepresentativeSuggestsPropertyManagementCompaniesImproveServiceAwareness# is gaining traction on Weibo after NPC deputy Fan Yun suggested that property management companies adopt a stronger service-oriented approach. Fan also proposed that official terminology be standardized from “property management” to “property services,” emphasizing that companies should view themselves primarily as service providers to residents. Online reactions largely express support towards these suggestions. One user commented that “homeowners should have greater authority over property companies.” Another user commented that “changing the contract model so that agreements automatically expire if owners vote not to renew them, forcing poorly performing property companies to withdraw.” A few users stressed that property firms should clearly recognize their role. Several commenters raised concerns about fees and poor service quality. One user proposed that “property management fees be paid at the end of the year based on service performance, with discounts applied if cleaning or maintenance standards are not met”. A few other users highlighted uneven service quality across companies, while some called for clearer regulations to ensure fees better reflect the level of service provided.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Media Discusses India’s Stance on Russian Oil Purchases Amid US Waiver: An article in Finance Sina published by Global Times examined India’s response to a reported US waiver allowing temporary purchases of Russian crude oil. Citing reports from Indian media outlets, the article stated that the US issued a 30-day waiver permitting the sale of Russian crude oil currently stranded at sea to India. The measure was reportedly aimed at easing pressure on global energy markets following disruptions caused by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which contributed to a sharp rise in oil prices. In a statement released through the Press Information Bureau, the Indian government emphasized that India does not rely on “short-term exemptions” for buying Russian oil and will continue imports through February 2026, with Russia remaining its largest crude supplier. The article also referenced remarks by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who reiterated that India’s oil procurement strategy is based on national priorities.

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.