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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Accelerates Science and Technology Finance Reforms to Boost Innovation: China is intensifying efforts to integrate financial support with science and technology innovation, as highlighted at the 2025 Lujiazui Forum. Recent measures include establishing a sci-tech growth layer on the Sci-Tech Innovation Board and launching new standards for the Growth Enterprise Market, signaling a stronger commitment to financing innovation. Financial capital is increasingly recognized as a key driver of high-level scientific self-reliance. Since the 2023 Central Financial Work Conference, a clear roadmap has emerged, prioritizing five financial sectors: sci-tech, green, inclusive, pension, and digital finance. Additionally, the 20th CPC Central Committee emphasized building a tech-finance system aligned with innovation goals and supporting early-stage, small, and hard-tech enterprises through long-term capital. In May 2025, seven key government bodies including the Ministry of Science and Technology and the People's Bank of China jointly introduced new policies aimed at building a comprehensive, lifecycle-based financial support system for science and technology enterprises. This push has already yielded results. By Q1 2025, loans to high-tech firms rose 20% to 17.7 trillion yuan. Nearly 272,000 tech SMEs secured funding. Over 90% of 2024 IPOs were high-tech. China aims to boost innovation loans, expand patient capital, and align fiscal-financial policies to drive tech-led industrial transformation.
  
  
• Rising Global Prestige of Hong Kong Universities Reflects Success of “One Country, Two Systems”: According to the recently released QS World University Rankings 2026, Hong Kong universities have seen a notable rise in their global standing, driven primarily by strong academic reputation, which accounts for 30% of the ranking criteria. In a column published by Hong Kong’s Ta Kung Pao on June 20, Tu Haiming, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Think Tank, emphasized that this advancement is a clear achievement under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Tu highlighted that Hong Kong’s improved academic environment stems from its departure from “pan-politicization” and a renewed focus on education and research. Hong Kong universities scored 98.8 for international faculty, showcasing global appeal and central government support for world-class education. Haiming also proposed that Hong Kong should now focus on:

1. Transforming scientific research into development momentum;
2. Promoting “Study in Hong Kong” as a global education brand;
3. Building a comprehensive talent ecosystem to attract and retain expertise.

He concluded that Hong Kong’s rising university rankings mirror its broader trajectory from governance to prosperity, supported by both the central government and its citizens.

• Mohe Lights Up with Music and Culture at the 35th Northern Lights Festival: Mohe Under the shimmering summer solstice sky, the city of Mohe, China’s northernmost town, came alive as the 35th Northern Lights Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion. A high-pitched, passionate suona tune pierced the night air, setting the stage for a mesmerizing series of traditional performances. Audiences were treated to graceful dances and powerful musical acts such as “Auspicious Dragon Breaking the Light” and “Chasing the Light to the North,” immersing everyone in the magic of northern Chinese folk culture. Around a blazing bonfire, both Chinese and international tourists, including visitors from Russia, joined hands and danced joyfully. One Russian tourist, speaking fluent Chinese, exclaimed, “Dancing around the bonfire is so joyful. I will never forget it. The night in Mohe is very charming!” More than just entertainment, the festival celebrates the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. Over its 34-year legacy, the Northern Lights Festival has evolved into a cultural brand and international symbol for Mohe, attracting global attention for its blend of natural beauty, ethnic culture, and festive spirit. This year’s festivities will continue until mid-August, offering more nights of music, unity, and unforgettable experiences under the Arctic twilight.
  
  
• Wang Huning Meets Thai Parliament Leader to Deepen Bilateral Ties: On June 22, 2025, Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Vanno, President of the Thai National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives, in Beijing. The meeting reinforced efforts to deepen China-Thailand relations amid the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Wang highlighted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Petunthan reached a significant consensus earlier in February on advancing a "China-Thailand community with a shared future." He emphasized that the 50th anniversary provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen the traditional friendship under the banner “China and Thailand are one family.” Wang noted China’s commitment to solidifying political, economic, and public engagement foundations, while reaffirming the CPPCC’s role in furthering bilateral cooperation. Vanno echoed the sentiment, stressing the enduring and deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. He expressed Thailand’s support for China’s global initiatives and showed eagerness to enhance collaboration across key sectors, including trade, economy, tourism, and the Belt and Road Initiative. Vanno affirmed that the Thai Parliament is ready to intensify parliamentary exchanges with China to promote shared growth and regional prosperity.
  
  
• China’s Rural-Urban Consumption Booms with Scenic Transport Lines: In a vivid sign of rising rural-urban integration, Henan’s Yuzhouxing platform has developed over 140 direct bus routes linking scenic spots, restaurants, and shopping hubs, already serving 3.6 million passengers. According to Wei Feifei, a barbecue restaurant owner in Xinmi City, Zhengzhou, business has surged notably with the launch of these special routes, drawing steady customer traffic “one car after another.” One standout innovation is the “barbecue high-speed train” D6993, which runs from Harbin West to Qiqihar South. Passengers are treated to freshly prepared barbecue onboard, an experience that has captivated township tourists and food lovers. The train passes through several counties including Zhaodong City, Anda City, and Durbert Mongol Autonomous County, promoting cross-city consumption between large cities and small towns. Liu Xuan of the Harbin Passenger Transport Section highlighted how the frequency of trains has increased from a handful to intervals as short as eight minutes, enhancing overall travel experience. This trend reflects a broader shift: in the first five months of 2025, China’s retail sales in tourism, transport, and leisure services posted double-digit growth, signaling a strong rebound in domestic consumer activity driven by enhanced connectivity and experiential travel.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Thai Tea Trending on Chinese Social Media: This summer, Thai tea has taken Chinese social media by storm, becoming a viral sensation across platforms like Douyin (TikTok) and Xiaohongshu (RedNote) with over 750 million views. Leading the trend is YAKE & YASI’s Thai Cheese Tea, which sold 200,000+ cups in just three weeks. Its bold orange color, rich Thai tea base, and indulgent salted cheese foam, this drink has become a hit among young consumers looking for both intense flavor and an Instagram-worthy aesthetic. But it’s more than just a trendy beverage it represents a shift in generational taste. Today’s youth are moving away from subtle flavors, embracing bolder, more vibrant choices that pop on social media. Variations like Thai milk tea with boba, coconut-infused blends, and even non-dairy or low-sugar options are gaining traction, appealing to both adventurous palates and health-conscious drinkers. On Chinese social media, the craze is everywhere: users are sharing reviews, taste-test videos, and even DIY recipes, turning Thai tea into a full-blown cultural moment. Much like K-beauty or Japanese matcha before it, Thai tea is now riding the wave of soft power, becoming a symbol of cross-cultural appreciation and global influence. With official backing from Thailand’s Trade Office in Chengdu, brands are encouraged to blend authenticity with innovation, leveraging influencer marketing and visually engaging storytelling to deepen market presence.

INDIA WATCH

India’s Record Breaking Heatwave, Rising Deaths and National Preparedness:  On June 22, 2024, CCTV news reported that India has recorded over 40,000 suspected cases of heat stroke since March 1, with 143 confirmed deaths due to extreme heat, citing Indian health ministry data. The report highlights that the actual death toll could be significantly higher, as many states may not have submitted complete figures to national monitoring systems. The coverage emphasizes the severity of India’s ongoing heatwave, portraying it as a major public health crisis. It notes that temperatures have reached up to 51°C in parts of New Delhi, causing power outages, electricity demand surges, and water shortages. Uttar Pradesh emerged as the worst-hit state, accounting for 37 of the reported deaths. The Ministry of Health has issued a heatwave advisory to state governments, urging timely preparation and coordinated response to reduce fatalities. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) declared that this could be one of the longest and harshest heatwaves in India’s history, continuing for over three weeks. China’s portrayal underscores the vulnerability of India’s infrastructure in extreme weather while also noting governmental efforts to combat climate-induced challenges. It subtly reflects on India’s climate adaptation struggle, placing the crisis in the broader context of urban stress and governance limitations.

Prepared By

Lipun Kumar Sanbad

Lipun Kumar Sanbad, a postgraduate student of Politics and International Relations from Pondicherry University and a History and Political science graduate from University of Delhi. From the past three years working as a freelance researcher in the domain of global peace, conflict and security studies, and defence studies.