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NEWS IN CHINA

• China’s New E-Commerce Model Highlights Tech and Quality-Led Growth: The 5th China New E-Commerce Conference opened in Yanji City, Jilin Province, under the theme “New Value of E-Commerce in the New Era of Digital Intelligence”. Organized using a "1+6+3" format, the event spotlighted China’s rapid shift from scale-focused online commerce to a tech-driven, value-oriented ecosystem. Key highlights included the release of the China New E-Commerce Development Report (2025) and specialized forums on technological innovation and cross-border integration. The conference emphasized that new e-commerce now extends beyond transactions merging tech innovation, industrial upgrading, and social responsibility. Notably, a ginseng industry showcase and brand-oriented cross-border e-commerce initiatives signal China's ambition to shift from commodity export to global brand building. Participants praised the event for its foresight, practical strategies, and alignment with national digital goals. As China positions itself at the forefront of digital trade, this conference underscored e-commerce’s evolving role in shaping sustainable economic development.
  
  
• China Activates Emergency Flood Response as Miyun Reservoir Sees Record Surge: In response to severe rainfall and rising river levels, China’s Ministry of Water Resources has activated a Level IV emergency flood defense response for Beijing. Since July 24, the Chaobai River basin, particularly the Miyun Reservoir, has seen its largest flood since its establishment in 1959. Intense rainfall across the Haihe River Basin continues, with forecasts predicting more heavy to torrential rain over the next three days. Authorities expect potential flooding in small and medium-sized rivers, prompting urgent action. The ministry has ordered local water departments and river basin authorities to enhance monitoring, issue early warnings, and secure dams and construction projects. Evacuation plans for high-risk areas are also underway to protect lives and property. An expert team has been dispatched to assist flood control efforts and oversee emergency coordination.
  
  
• Shanghai Sets Ambitious Targets to Become Global Hub for Autonomous Driving by 2027: At the ongoing World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Shanghai unveiled a comprehensive action plan aimed at transforming the city into a global leader in high-level autonomous driving. The plan targets over 6 million Level 4 autonomous passenger trips by 2027, and the opening of 5,000+ kilometers of roads for autonomous vehicles. The city also aims for over 90% of newly sold vehicles to be equipped with Level 2 or Level 3 autonomy, positioning Shanghai as a frontrunner in smart mobility. Level 4 vehicles can operate with minimal or no human input in most scenarios. Shanghai will build third-party platforms for safety validation, expand autonomous driving zones across Pudong, Minhang, and Fengxian, and deploy 500 data-collection ride-hailing vehicles. The plan also includes the development of end-to-end AI driving models, training centers, and policy frameworks to support mass production and commercialization of intelligent mobility solutions.
  
  
• Premier Li Qiang Urges Swift Formation of Inclusive Global AI Governance System: At the opening ceremony of the 2025 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for the early establishment of a global framework to regulate artificial intelligence. Stressing the importance of broad international consensus, Li proposed the creation of a global AI cooperation organization to guide safe and inclusive development. He highlighted China’s readiness to share AI experiences and open-source technologies, particularly to assist Global South nations in capacity building. Li emphasized the dual nature of AI its potential to fuel economic growth and societal transformation, but also its associated risks and ethical concerns. With breakthroughs in large language models, embodied AI, and multimodal systems, Li called for balance between innovation and security. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, technical joint research, and ensuring that AI remains a tool for humanity, not a force beyond control.
  
  
• China Sees Rise in Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices Approvals in H1 2025: In a major boost to China’s pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) reported a significant year-on-year increase in the number of innovation approvals in the first half of 2025. A total of 43 innovative drugs and 45 innovative medical devices were approved, marking a 59% and 87% increase respectively. This surge reflects the ongoing impact of reform policies aimed at accelerating innovation. Notably, the NMPA’s pilot program in 11 provinces reduced the supplementary drug application review time from 200 to 60 working days, while critical clinical trials can now be greenlit within 30 working days. Additionally, 70 new pediatric drugs and 21 rare disease treatments received approval. Collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has further advanced AI-driven medical devices, including multifocal artificial lenses and cardiac pulsed electric field ablators, cementing China's momentum in biotech innovation.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Wangzai Xiao Qiao’s Public Apology Sparks Social Media Uproar in China: Popular Chinese influencer Wangzai Xiao Qiao issued a public apology on Weibo, announcing the postponement of her August 9 "Seeker" masked concert in Shanghai due to health reasons. The announcement quickly went viral, trending under the hashtag #WangzaiXiaoQiaoApologyLetter on Weibo and gaining massive attention on Douyin and Toutiao platforms. However, her apology drew heavy criticism. Netizens accused her of insincerity after AI detection tools revealed a 97.18% content similarity rate with generic apology templates. Many online users described the statement as “vague,” “formulaic,” and “PR-managed.” She reportedly lost over 3 million followers on Douyin following the backlash, reflecting a sharp decline in public trust. The concert organizer also released a compensation plan for out-of-town attendees, offering full refunds for travel and ticket costs.

INDIA WATCH

Indian Media Portrays Victory, Global Times Warns of Zero-Sum Trap: On July 27, Global Times critically reported Indian media for framing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent Maldives visit as a triumph over China. Indian outlets hailed Modi’s $565 million credit line announcement and the launch of free‐trade talks as symbolic of India unseating Chinese influence. Chinese experts quoted by Global Times argued that this reflects an outdated zero‐sum mindset, cautioning that Maldives is exercising agency in pursuing diversified diplomacy and not choosing any sides. Meanwhile, Indian media celebrated the visit as a strategic reset in India-Maldives relations. Leading outlets highlighted the thaw in India‑Maldives ties after the “India Out” incidents, emphasizing the newly-signed MoUs, UPI integration and economic cooperation goals. India framed the trip as reasserting India’s regional leadership and rebuilding trust in its Neighbourhood First policy. Despite divergent narratives, both sides underscore an evolving geopolitical reality in the Indian Ocean, where partners balance national sovereignty with regional interests.

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.