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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Responds to U.S. House Bill Supporting Taiwan’s Participation in the IMF: China’s Foreign Ministry has responded to the passage of the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act by the U.S. House of Representatives, which calls for U.S. support for Taiwan's participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including involvement in economic surveillance, access to technical assistance, and eligibility for staff positions. On Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China's position that there is only one China, with Taiwan considered an inalienable part of its territory. She stated that the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan does not meet the criteria to join international organizations limited to sovereign states. Mao urged the United States to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, and to avoid actions that could be seen as interference in China’s internal affairs.
  
  
• China Finalizes 800 Billion Yuan Investment for Key National Projects in 2025: China has finalized a total investment of 800 billion yuan (approximately $111.8 billion) for 1,459 major projects in 2025, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The funding aims to advance national strategies and strengthen security capacities in critical sectors. Key focus areas include ecological restoration and transportation infrastructure in the Yangtze River basin, the new western land-sea corridor, high-standard farmland development, water conservancy, and improvements to urban underground utilities. The NDRC also announced reforms to boost railway financing along the Yangtze River, improve utility systems, and enhance logistics planning. Additionally, 300 billion yuan in special treasury bonds has been allocated for a 2025 trade-in program, with the third tranche due in July. These efforts support China’s 5% annual GDP growth target, following 5.4% growth in Q1. 
  
  

• Xi Jinping Reaffirms Strict Party Governance on CPC Anniversary: On the 104th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping reiterated the importance of strict Party governance. Emphasizing discipline and continuous oversight, he stated, “To manage the Party and govern the Party, we must be strict to achieve true, courageous, and long-term strict management.” His message underscores the CPC’s commitment to internal discipline and ideological integrity.
  
  

• China Launches Cultural Events to Mark 80th Anniversary of Victory in Anti-Japanese War: The State Council Information Office held a press conference on July 3 to announce a series of cultural events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the State Administration of Radio and Television, the Central Radio and Television Station, and the War of Resistance Memorial Hall outlined various commemorative initiatives, including a literary evening scheduled for September 3 in Beijing, a stage art exhibition from August to October, and an art exhibition at the China Art Museum from August to September. A major exhibition titled “For National Liberation and World Peace” will open on July 8 at the War of Resistance Memorial Hall, showcasing over 1,500 photos and 3,200 relics. Highlighting China’s role on the Eastern front in WWII, the exhibition is part of broader commemorative efforts including nationwide broadcasts of war-themed TV series, documentaries, and nearly 100 classic films.
  
  
• Beijing Responds to Dalai Lama's Reincarnation Statement: The Buddhist Association of China issued a statement on the 14th Dalai Lama’s recent claims regarding his own reincarnation. The association stated that he was violating religious tradition and was not in accordance with Chinese law. The statement also cited traditional procedures such as the “golden urn” lot-drawing ceremony and noted that the reincarnation process is governed by official state regulations. The association also emphasized that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama was a matter to be managed by the Chinese state, ascribing to what it deemed to ‘in line with historical and legal frameworks’.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Social Media Response to Xiaomi’s YU7 Signals Strong Market Interest: The launch of the Xiaomi YU7 SUV has ignited a firestorm on social media, with platforms like Weibo and X flooded with praise and speculation. On Weibo, the hashtag #XiaomiYU7 garnered over 420 million views in just the first 24 hours, with users hailing it as a “Tesla challenger” and “the most anticipated electric vehicle of 2025.” Chinese tech influencers praised Xiaomi for “flipping the script” by transitioning from smartphones to electric powerhouses. On global platforms, X users echoed the hype, with comments like “3.2 seconds, $35K what even is a Model Y anymore?” and “If Xiaomi brings this global, it’s game over for overpriced EVs.” Even Tesla loyalists seemed intrigued, with some admitting, “I might trade my Model Y if this hits the U.S.” The sentiment is clear: Xiaomi’s YU7 isn’t just trending, it's taking over the EV conversation. 

INDIA WATCH

SCMP Reports India’s Mazagon Dock Acquires Colombo Dockyard to Expand Indo-Pacific Foothold: SCMP reported on the news of India’s state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders acquiring a 51% stake in Colombo Dockyard, Sri Lanka’s largest shipbuilder, for US$52.96 million. The deal marks India’s first international shipyard acquisition and aims to establish a strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region. The article stated that the Colombo Dockyard formerly owned by Japan’s Onomichi Dockyard has faced financial difficulties in recent months. Located within the Port of Colombo, it services over 200 ships annually and plays a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure. While not explicitly aimed at countering China, the move positions India more assertively in the region, where China controls Hambantota Port under a 99-year lease. Experts see this acquisition as part of India’s broader push to become a key maritime player and diversify regional infrastructure investments. Recent warming ties between Delhi and Colombo, including a new defence pact, have further enabled such strategic cooperation. The article noted that the acquisition reflected New Delhi’s growing confidence in projecting influence through investment-led partnerships rather than rivalry.

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.