NEWS IN CHINA
Probe Opened into DuPont for Alleged Monopolistic Practices by Chinese Authorities: China’s top market regulator, the state administration for market regulation, has announced an investigation into DuPont China Group, a subsidiary of the US science and technology firm Du Pont. The investigation was launched on Friday following a series of countermeasures against President Trump’s executive order on reciprocal tariffs and will probe into the allegations of suspected monopolistic practices by the company in violation of China’s Anti-Monopoly law.
Commemorative Events held across China to Honour Martyrs on Qingming Festival: The Qingming festival also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is celebrated as a day of remembrance and paying tribute to honour ancestors by visiting and cleaning their graves and making ritual offerings symbolising the continuity of familial bonds. During the Festival, Chinese people across the world pay homage to the Yan Emperor and Yellow Emperor, revered as the common ancestors and founders of Chinese civilization. As a celebration, various commemorative events ranging from post 95 volunteers recounting stories at martyrs cemeteries to events using digital technology to recreate sites during the wartime were organised. Meanwhile millions of netizens also paid tribute by offering virtual flowers on live streams while schools organised activities to enable teenagers retrace the steps of their fallen heroes.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER
China’s Gen Z Embracing AI Reveals Public Survey: A recent survey by social platform Soul has revealed that 95% of Chinese Gen Z respondents are now using AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek for academic or work-related tasks. This marks a rapid integration of artificial intelligence technologies into daily life. Additionally it was also found that nearly half of the respondents also used AI to meet their emotional needs, forming friendships or even romantic relationships with virtual companions. According to a survey, 23.8% of Gen Z respondents have a deep understanding of AI, a significant rise from just 3.5% in 2024. Students have been increasingly using AI to learn basic concepts, do initial research, write programming codes and to refine ideas adopting a human-AI teamwork approach. Despite this integration of AI in daily lives one third of users have also reported AI related anxiety regarding concerns of data security, threat to personal privacy, misinformation, inability to keep up with rapid advancements and potential job losses.
INDIA WATCH
China launches Anti-Dumping Probe into Imported Medical Tubes from the US and India: On Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced an anti-dumping investigation into the imports of certain CT (computed tomography) medical X-ray tubes originating from India and the United States. The probe comes at the request of China’s domestic CT tubes manufacturers who have complained that growing imports from India and the US are being sold in the Chinese markets at unfairly low prices affecting their market share. Preliminary evidence has shown that imports from 2022 to 2024 have grown by 13 % leading to the suppression of domestic products, and losses for the domestic industries leading to operational difficulties for local manufacturers. Given India’s growing presence in the global medical market, this investigation is significant for India whose domestic manufacturers have benefited due to broader access to international markets including China. The development highlights a protectionist approach towards strategically and economically important sectors by China.
Prepared By
Ipsha Bhalsagar
Ipsha Bhalsagar, an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering graduate from the Government College of Engineering, Nagpur, blends her technical expertise with a passion for international relations, diplomacy, and design. Currently a Content Intern at The Indian Netizens and a Design Intern at IFPD, she explores geopolitics while contributing creatively. She has authored research on India’s maritime security and participated in global roundtables and workshops. With experience in content writing, public speaking, and data visualization, Ipsha is keen on bridging technology and social sciences, aspiring to enhance research through data-driven insights in diplomacy and international affairs.