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NEWS IN CHINA 

• Anhui Rises as a Hub for Future Industries through Innovation and Ecosystem Clusters: Anhui Province is rapidly transforming into a powerhouse of future industries through strategic innovation, ecosystem development, and policy support. Entrepreneurs like Mei Tao, CEO of Zhixiang Future, credit the region’s talent and scenario-based support for accelerating R&D and market breakthroughs. In Wuhu’s Wanzhi District, the once barren Aviation Town has evolved into China's largest production base for small and medium-sized aircraft and drones, hosting over 200 upstream and downstream enterprises. Dianke Aircraft, a key “chain leader,” drives local supply chains, achieving a 100% local matching rate for core aircraft components. Meanwhile, in Xuancheng’s Guangde Economic Zone, Xinjude Technology set an industry record by completing its chip packaging substrate plant in 48 months, now supplying critical tech sectors. Guided by the 2023 "Anhui Province Future Industry Development Action Plan," the region aims to grow its future industries to ¥500 billion by 2030, spanning aerospace, AI, and low-carbon energy.
  
  
• China and Russia Reaffirm Strategic Partnership Ahead of SCO Summit: On July 13, 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Beijing during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Wang emphasized that China-Russia ties represent the most stable and strategically significant major-power relationship globally, grounded in historical perspective and long-term vision. Both ministers highlighted the importance of close coordination to implement the consensus reached by their heads of state and to prepare for upcoming high-level exchanges. Wang noted that China, as the rotating SCO chair, is committed to deepening pragmatic cooperation and multilateralism through the upcoming Tianjin Summit. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s full support for China’s SCO leadership and praised the deepening bilateral cooperation. The two also agreed to hold joint events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Their discussion further touched on pressing global issues, including the Korean Peninsula, Ukraine, and the Iranian nuclear deal.
  
  
• China Launches “Innovation Growth Layer” to Boost Tech Board Reform and Risk Transparency: China’s Securities Regulatory Commission has introduced a major reform to strengthen the Science and Technology Innovation Board by launching a dedicated “Innovation Growth Layer.” This move aims to enhance market inclusiveness and adaptability, especially for unprofitable but high-potential tech firms. The Shanghai Stock Exchange released supporting draft rules mandating clearer risk disclosures in annual and interim reports. Companies included in this tier will carry a "U" symbol in their stock names to signify unprofitability and high R&D exposure. Transfer-out criteria follow a “new and old separation” principle, with profitability benchmarks determining eligibility for exit. Enterprises meeting transfer-out conditions will be shifted within two trading days, with intensified oversight before and after. The reforms also require brokers to obtain investor acknowledgment of tailored risk disclosures. Overall, the policy seeks to stabilize market expectations, encourage tech innovation, prevent irregularities like insider trading, and safeguard investors during this crucial market transformation.
  
  
• China Rejects 2016 South China Sea Ruling as “Illegal and Void”: On the 9th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, China’s Foreign Ministry firmly rejected the verdict, calling it a violation of international law. A ministry spokesperson declared the ruling "illegal, null and void, and non-binding," stressing that China neither accepts nor recognizes it. The statement criticized the Philippines for initiating arbitration unilaterally, which allegedly breached earlier bilateral understandings and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). China also argued that the award misapplied the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), overstepping jurisdiction by ruling on territorial and maritime delimitation issues. The tribunal’s classification of Taiping Dao as a “rock” rather than an island was singled out as a fundamental legal error. China reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes through negotiation with ASEAN nations and warned other countries to stop invoking the “illegal award,” calling such actions provocative and destabilizing.
  
  
• Wang Yi Urges Openness and Regional Unity at ASEAN Talks: At the ASEAN-China foreign ministers’ meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hailed China-ASEAN relations as a dynamic model of regional cooperation, emphasizing shared modernization and a community of common destiny. Wang noted strong ASEAN support for China as its most vital dialogue partner. Addressing U.S.-imposed tariffs, he stressed that “openness brings progress,” criticizing protectionism as disruptive and unsustainable. Wang highlighted China's global initiatives like zero-tariff treatment for least-developed countries and the China-ASEAN FTA upgrade as examples of responsible multilateralism. On the South China Sea issue, he welcomed progress on the Code of Conduct (COC), with all sides striving to finalize it by 2026. Wang urged a shift in narrative from conflict to cooperation and reiterated that the controversial arbitration ruling lacks legal basis. His remarks underscored China’s intent to promote stability through diplomacy, rule-based consensus, and regional integration, while firmly opposing external interference and unilateralism in Asia-Pacific affairs.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

“0 Yuan Wars”: Meituan and Taobao Ignite Viral Food Delivery Battle in China: On July 12, a high-stakes promotional battle unfolded between Meituan and Taobao, turning China’s food delivery platforms into the center of a viral marketing storm. Meituan’s “0 Yuan Takeaway” campaign allowed users to stack multiple discounts and receive full rebate vouchers, effectively reducing meal costs to zero. Taobao countered with its own flash coupons, escalating the competition. Beyond pricing, the campaign’s viral momentum was driven by social media. Hashtags such as #0元外卖 ("#0YuanTakeaway") and #淘宝红包 ("#TaobaoRedEnvelope") trended on Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin, where users posted screenshots of their discounted or free meals. Videos of long delivery wait times, crowded pickup counters, and user reactions garnered millions of views. The online frenzy reinforced consumer participation and transformed a pricing campaign into a social spectacle. While the discounts drew attention, the real victory lay in brand visibility and digital influence, showcasing the growing role of social platforms in shaping e-commerce competition.

INDIA WATCH

Chinese Student at JNU Sheds Light on Indian Academic Perceptions on China: China Global South Project reports on Li Zishuo, a Chinese international relations student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) who has gained popularity on Chinese platforms like Weibo and Bilibili by sharing insights into how Indian students and scholars privately discuss China. In his viral videos, The author states that Li highlights surprising and controversial views expressed in Indian classrooms. For example, one professor argued that India borders Tibet, not China, sparking debate over India’s recognition of Chinese sovereignty. At JNU, a traditionally leftist campus, China is often viewed critically. Some professors admire the Soviet Union but dismiss China as capitalist, while others see China as a counter to India’s right-wing politics. The commentary states that Li finds more common ground with right-wing students who, like China, prioritize economic growth. He also notes censorship around military topics and rising academic interest in India–Taiwan defense cooperation.

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.