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NEWS IN CHINA

• China to Review Anti-Dumping Duties on Indian Optical Fibers: On August 14, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that it would initiate an expiry review of its anti-dumping tariffs on single-mode optical fibers imported from India. The review was requested by China’s domestic optical fiber industry, which sought an investigation into whether lifting the duties could lead to a resurgence of dumping and harm to local producers. During the reviewing process, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council confirmed that current anti-dumping duties would remain in effect, with no changes to their scope or rates for the time being. These duties were originally imposed in August 2014, with rates ranging from 7.4% to 30.6%, and were previously reviewed and extended for five years back in 2020. The outcome of the review will determine whether these protective measures remain necessary.
  
  
• Hong Kong Rebukes US Human Rights Report: The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government on August 14 strongly rejected the 2024 US State Department Human Rights Report, calling its claims on Hong Kong “false, biased, and politically motivated". A government spokesperson accused Washington of “old tactics” politicizing human rights to smear Hong Kong, undermine its prosperity, and interfere in China’s internal affairs. The SAR government also urged the United States to immediately cease actions that are inconsistent with international law and basic norms of international relations, and to stop interfering in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs. 
  
  
• Xi’s Call for Unity of Military, Government and People during the CMC Political Work Conference: At the Central Military Commission’s Political Work Conference, President Xi Jinping outlined the “strategy of building the army politically in the new era,” stressing that unity between the military, government and people is a “magic weapon” for victory. During the conference, he addressed key issues related to the Party’s ideological, political, and organizational control over the military on its new journey, while outlining fundamental guidelines for the Party’s political leadership in strengthening and developing the army.
  
  
• China Warns Japan Over Taiwan Remarks: On August 14, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian urged Japan to “deeply reflect on history” and act cautiously on the Taiwan issue, warning against sending “wrong signals” to “Taiwan independence” forces. The statement followed reports that Chinese Agriculture Minister Han Jun postponed a planned Japan visit, which analysts linked to the unannounced trip of Taiwan’s foreign affairs head Lin Chia-lung to Japan. Lin Jian criticized Tokyo for providing a platform for separatist activities under the guise of a “private visit,” calling it a violation of international norms and the political documents guiding China-Japan ties. 
  
  
• China set to offer First “National Subsidy” for Personal Consumer Loans: China will offer its first-ever central government interest subsidy for personal consumer loans from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance. Eligible borrowers will enjoy a 1% interest reduction on loans up to 50,000 yuan for purchases ranging from cars and home furnishings to education, healthcare, tourism, and elderly care services. The subsidy applies only to genuine consumption, with violations like arbitrage explicitly banned. At a press conference held by the State Information Office on August 13, a relevant official from the People's Bank of China introduced that since the beginning of this year, the People's Bank of China has encouraged and guided financial institutions to increase credit supply in the consumer sector. As of the end of June, the loan balance of operating entities in key service consumption areas across the country has reached 2.8 trillion yuan.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Pet Reincarnation Scams Targeting Grieving Owners Sparks online outrage: A news report on Chinese “pet psychics” claiming to communicate with deceased animals and reveal their reincarnation has gone viral on platforms like Weibo and Douyin, sparking heated debate. These psychics charge from 128 yuan (US$18) for five questions to nearly 3,000 yuan (US$420) for a six-month unlimited package, with reincarnation “services” priced up to 1,899 yuan (US$260). The story of Anran, who lost her Beagle “Qiqi” in 2024 and paid over 1,000 yuan for such services, struck a nerve online. She discovered that “answers” from her pet were based on her own past social media posts, and was later blocked by the psychic after complaining. Other victims reported losses totaling more than 10,000 yuan, prompting some to alert police. Chinese netizens reacted with a mix of sympathy and ridicule. Comments like “My God, people actually believe in this?” trended alongside warnings such as “Don’t let scammers exploit grief”. The incident has reignited discussions on online fraud and the ethics of profiting from emotional vulnerability.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha reports Indian manufacturing distress, amidst competition from China and Trump Tariffs: Chinese media outlet Guancha published an article highlighting the blow to Indian manufacturing after US President Trump’s announcement of a 50% tariff on Indian goods, portraying India as already trailing China in industrial competitiveness and now facing an existential export crisis. The report singled out Farida Group, India’s largest shoe manufacturer, which froze $114 million in projects after orders from its US market making up 60% of its sales collapsed. From the article’s perspective, the tariffs not only undermine Prime Minister Modi’s decade-long “Make in India” push but also put into question India’s over-reliance on the US, potentially reversing gains from the “China+1” strategy. The piece also stressed that, unlike China, India’s manufacturing share of GDP has shrunk, weakening its resilience to trade shocks. The move is seen as both an economic and political crisis, with potential GDP losses, mass layoffs, and diminished investor confidence. The article concluded stating that, strategically, such overtures may accelerate New Delhi’s recalibration toward Russia and China, signaling a more multipolar trade alignment in response to Washington’s punitive measures.

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.