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NEWS IN CHINA 

• President Xi Inspects Manufacturing Firm in Shanxi, Emphasizes Industrial Transformation: On July 7, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, conducted an inspection of Yangquan Valve Co., Ltd. in Yangquan City, Shanxi Province. During the visit, Xi observed the company’s production workshop and product displays, and engaged in a cordial conversation with employees. The visit formed part of a broader assessment of Shanxi’s progress in industrial transformation and high-quality development. President Xi’s inspection underscored the central leadership’s emphasis on modernizing manufacturing capabilities and promoting technological innovation as key drivers of China’s economic upgrading.
  
  
• Premier Li Qiang Urges BRICS to Lead Global Governance Reform: At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on BRICS nations to take the lead in reforming global governance. Speaking at the plenary session on “Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance,” he emphasized the bloc’s responsibility to safeguard world peace and promote the peaceful resolution of disputes. Li noted that the current global order is facing unprecedented challenges, with the authority of multilateral institutions declining and international rules being increasingly contested. He highlighted President Xi Jinping’s vision of global governance, rooted in consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, as a guiding principle for BRICS cooperation. Calling for greater independence, solidarity, and responsibility, Li urged BRICS to focus on development, support emerging industries, and foster inclusive growth. He announced the launch of a China-BRICS Research Center on New Quality Productive Forces and a BRICS Talent Scholarship aimed at strengthening collaboration in sectors like industry and telecommunications.
  
  
• China Hosts 2025 Digital Medical Conference in Beijing: The 2025 China Digital Medical Conference (CDHC) and the 2nd Chaoyang District Digital Medical Industry Development Forum were held at the National Convention Center in Beijing as part of the Global Digital Economy Conference. With the theme “Medical Intelligence Resonance, Double Power Leap,” the event showcased advancements in AI-driven healthcare, policy innovation, and data asset development. Nearly 1,000 participants from government, academia, hospitals, and enterprises attended. Officials emphasized Chaoyang District’s role in advancing digital health through institutional reforms, scene-based applications, and achievement transformation platforms. Key projects launched include the reprint of the Blue Book of China's Digital Medical Innovation and Development (2025) and the "Medical Data Research and High-Quality Dataset Construction" initiative, aiming to enhance disease-specific data collaboration and innovation in health tech.
  
  
• China Reaffirms Neutrality Amid India-Pakistan Tensions, Calls for Dialogue and Regional Stability: Amid reports suggesting Chinese support for Pakistan during recent India-Pakistan tensions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday reiterated that China maintains a neutral stance and advocates for regional peace. She clarified that China-Pakistan defense cooperation falls within the scope of normal bilateral relations and is not aimed at any third party. Mao emphasized that both India and Pakistan are important neighbors to China, and reiterated Beijing’s consistent support for the two countries to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation. She affirmed China’s readiness to play a constructive role in promoting stability in the region. On China-India relations, Mao acknowledged the current challenges, describing the relationship as being at a “critical stage.” She called for both sides to engage in dialogue and joint efforts to manage differences and uphold regional peace and stability.
  
  
• Xi Jinping Honors Martyrs of War of Resistance in Shanxi: On July 7, Chinese President and General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Yangquan City in Shanxi Province to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the beginning of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. At the Memorial Square of the Hundred Regiments War, Xi offered flower baskets to the martyrs and paid tribute to the fallen heroes. He also toured the Hundred Regiments War Memorial Hall, where he revisited the Communist Party of China’s leadership in uniting military and civilian forces during the anti-Japanese struggle. The visit emphasized the importance of preserving revolutionary history, educating future generations, and carrying forward the great spirit of resistance and patriotism. 

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens Applaud China’s Immersive Cinema Innovations: The Future Cinema section at the Shanghai International Film Festival sparked a wave of excitement on Chinese social media platforms like Bilibili, Weibo, and Douyin. Netizens praised the innovative blend of traditional Chinese stories with immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. Particularly, Mnemosyne, inspired by the Kunqu opera The Peony Pavilion, and AR Shadow Play: Wusong Fights the Tiger, based on Water Margin, captured widespread attention. Users described the experiences as “a poetic bridge between past and future” and “a fresh way to experience culture with modern tools”. Short videos showing audience reactions and behind-the-scenes tech demos quickly gained traction, with many calling for broader access to such installations outside of festival settings. Comments also highlighted admiration for the rise of domestic tech innovations, like personal cinema capsules and high-resolution VR headsets showcased at the event. The convergence of folklore and digital storytelling resonated strongly with younger viewers, many of whom see this trend as a promising way to reconnect with traditional culture through modern formats.

INDIA’S WATCH 

Chinese Media Attributes India's Rare Earth Concerns, Sohu Reports: An article in Sohu has noted New Delhi's growing concern over China’s dominant role in rare earth supplies. The article pointed to Indian concerns about material shortages impacting technology and defense sectors, and framed these complaints as emerging from India’s strained ties with China. Chinese media outlets have reported on India’s concerns over limited access to rare earth supplies from China, while also noting that China's export practices are consistent with global norms. Meanwhile, India has raised the issue diplomatically, emphasizing the importance of resilient supply chains. At the same time, the article highlighted, India has engaged diplomatically on the issue, emphasizing the need for stable supply chains and exploring ways to enhance domestic production and diversify sourcing options in response to global supply constraints. 

Prepared By

Aastha Pandey

Aastha is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at Amity University, Noida. She holds a Bachelor's degree in the same discipline from the University of Delhi, Dyal Singh College. Additionally, she has completed a diploma in International Relations and Affairs, further strengthening her academic foundation. Aastha is the Co-founder of Mudra by Aashi, a socially conscious fashion brand that actively supports animal welfare. Her commitment to social causes is also reflected in her experience interning with Saarthi NGO and volunteering as a COVID-19 relief coordinator. Deeply passionate about Asian geopolitics, She aspires to contribute to ORCA by writing insightful, research-driven newsletters that reflect her academic rigour and dedication to international affairs.