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NEWS IN CHINA

• Hainan Free Trade Port to Open Financial Market to Overseas Investors: On August 21, 2025, China’s Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) will launch a pilot program allowing overseas investors direct access to domestic financial products offered by local institutions. The move, announced by the Hainan branch of the People's Bank of China, marks a major step in China’s financial opening-up. Eligible offerings include wealth management products, private asset management tools from securities and futures firms, publicly offered securities investment funds, and insurance-linked financial instruments. The program is designed to diversify cross-border investment channels and attract both domestic and international asset managers to Hainan. As the FTP prepares to begin independent customs operations later this year, Hainan is rapidly evolving from a tourist destination into a strategic hub for global finance and trade. Chinese state media, including Xinhua, highlight the initiative as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to enhance openness and innovation within the national economy through regional liberalization.
• Xi Jinping Calls for Stronger China-EU Ties at 25th Leaders’ Meeting: Chinese President Xi Jinping met with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking the 25th China-EU Leaders' Meeting. Xi emphasized the significance of the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties and the 80th anniversary of the UN's founding, calling this a pivotal moment in their relations. Highlighting past achievements based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared benefits, Xi urged both sides to deepen trust and maintain open dialogue amid global uncertainties. He emphasized that both China and the EU, as key global actors, must work together to strengthen multilateralism and foster stability. Xi called for a renewed commitment to strategic cooperation, aiming to shape a prosperous and resilient next 50 years of bilateral ties. The meeting underscored the growing importance of China-EU collaboration in a rapidly shifting world order.
  
• Shanghai Unveils 15 Green and Low-Carbon Projects Across Key Development Zones: Six major departments in Shanghai’s Baoshan District jointly launched 15 green and low-carbon business scenario projects aimed at transforming the area into a model of sustainable development. The initiatives, led by agencies including the Development and Reform Commission and Economic Commission, span key sectors such as industry, municipal governance, construction, and ports. Flagship zones like Wusong Innovation City, Nanda Smart City, and the Binjiang Cruise Tourism Belt will pilot carbon-neutral industrial parks, smart energy grids, zero-carbon buildings, green port upgrades, and eco-tourism corridors. These projects include collaborations on carbon accounting tools, photovoltaic systems, AI energy optimization, and low-carbon building materials. This ambitious rollout reflects Baoshan's commitment to China's “dual carbon” strategy and positions it as a national leader in green transformation, drawing widespread attention across urban planning, environmental tech, and public sector circles.
  
• China Urges Enhanced Civil-Military Solidarity Ahead of PLA Anniversary: Ahead of the 98th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on August 1, three key departments the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission, and the National Double Support Leading Group Office jointly issued a notice emphasizing strong civil-military cooperation. The notice called for actions that support the army, honor soldiers’ families, and strengthen bonds between the military, government, and people. Activities will include patriotic education, site visits, and recognition of model individuals and cities supporting military causes. Local governments are urged to assist military units with combat readiness, logistics, and training needs, especially during summer drills. Troops are also expected to support rural revitalization, emergency rescue during natural disasters, and social welfare for vulnerable groups. The notice emphasized legal protections for soldiers and their families and urged practical support to boost their well-being during the "August 1" period.
• India and China Hold 34th Border Consultation Meeting in New Delhi: India and China held the 34th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs in New Delhi. Co-chaired by Hong Liang of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Gourangalal Das of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the meeting brought together officials from foreign, defense, and immigration departments. Both sides reviewed progress on implementing outcomes of the 23rd Special Representatives’ meeting and agreed to prepare for the 24th. They discussed boundary negotiations, border management, and cross-border cooperation, reaching initial consensus to maintain peace along the border. The Chinese delegation also met Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Experts highlighted the meeting as a positive step toward stabilizing and warming bilateral ties. Notably, India’s recent decision to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals was seen as a sign of improving relations. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to diplomacy and continued strategic dialogue.
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

WeChat’s New “Walkie-Talkie” Feature Sparks Social Media Frenzy: WeChat’s newly introduced “Walkie-Talkie” voice feature has rapidly became a social media sensation, climbing to the top of Weibo’s trending chart. The feature allows users to press and hold a voice button, speak, and say “over over” to instantly send a voice message mimicking real walkie-talkie communication. Chinese netizens flooded Weibo, Douyin (TikTok China), and Xiaohongshu with videos and posts showcasing their hilarious exchanges, with many calling it “addictive,” “fun,” and “nostalgic.” Some users even recreated childhood games and radio chatter scenarios using the feature. On Douyin, the hashtag “WeChat Walkie-Talkie” quickly gathered millions of views within hours, while on Xiaohongshu, influencers shared guides on creative uses. Tech bloggers praised the feature as a clever UI innovation that blends nostalgia with convenience. This unexpected yet playful update has not only engaged users but also showcased WeChat's ability to ignite mass social interaction overnight.

INDIA WATCH

India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals After 5 Years: India has announced it would resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from July 24, ending a five-year suspension since the COVID-19 outbreak and border tensions. The Indian Embassy in Beijing confirmed the move, allowing applications through visa centers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Chinese media, including Global Times and Guancha.cn, widely covered the development. At a press briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun praised the decision as “a positive and constructive gesture,” expressing hope for further normalization of people-to-people exchanges. While India views this step as a signal of diplomatic thaw and tourism revival, Chinese public sentiment remains cautious. On Weibo, users raised concerns over safety and infrastructure in India, despite an uptick in travel searches. The move is seen as a symbolic reset in India-China relations, following recent diplomatic dialogues and gradual restoration of cross-border exchanges.

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.