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NEWS IN CHINA

• Xi Jinping and Vyascheslav Volodin Reaffirm Strategic Partnership: President Xi Jinping met Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, underscoring the enduring strength of China-Russia ties. Xi described the partnership as the most stable and strategically significant relationship among major powers in today’s turbulent world. He emphasised that the cooperation between the two countries not only serves the fundamental interests of their peoples but also contributes to global stability. Xi recalled his May state visit to Russia. He also highlighted the upcoming commemorations in China marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He stressed that both China and the Soviet Union made immense sacrifices during World War II and should continue to honour that legacy by deepening trust, expanding cooperation, and upholding multilateralism. Volodin conveyed President Vladimir Putin’s greetings, praising the “remarkable results” achieved under the guidance of both leaders. He pledged the Russian parliament’s commitment to strengthening legislative cooperation with China, supporting strategic consensus, and jointly shaping a more just international order.
• China Unveils Comprehensive AI+ Action Plan to Boost Innovation and Governance: The State Council has released the Opinions on Deepening the Implementation of the ‘Artificial Intelligence+’ Action Plan, setting out a roadmap to integrate AI across science, industry, governance, and daily life. The plan emphasises six major initiatives, reflecting Beijing’s ambition to make AI a key driver of national modernisation. The first focus, “AI+ Science and Technology,” aims to accelerate scientific discovery and transform research methods, even in fields like philosophy and social sciences. “AI+ Industry” will promote intelligent models and digital transformation, particularly in the agriculture and service sectors. On the consumer side, “AI+ Consumption” seeks to create new service scenarios and innovative business formats. Equally significant is the “AI+ People’s Well-being” initiative, which envisions smarter workplaces, more effective education, and enhanced quality of life. In governance, the plan highlighted human–machine collaboration, improved security frameworks, and ecological protection. Finally, “AI+ Global Cooperation” underscores inclusive development and a shared AI governance system. To support these goals, the Opinions stressed building eight foundational capabilities, from advancing large models and intelligent computing to strengthening open-source ecosystems, legal safeguards, and AI security.
• National Trade Union Conference Launches Fourth Round of Assistance to Tibet and Xinjiang: The National Trade Union Conference on Paired Assistance to Tibet and Xinjiang convened today via videoconference. The conference reviewed the achievements of the third round of trade union support and outlined the fourth. Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee and Chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), praised past successes and stressed strict implementation of Xi Jinping’s directives and Party Central Committee policies to ensure high-quality economic and social development in Tibet and Xinjiang. The meeting highlighted the contributions of 21 provincial and municipal trade unions, 15 central state-owned enterprise unions, and national industrial trade unions. Key priorities for the fourth round include promoting ethnic unity through cultural, sports, and exchange activities, developing skills and talent via competitions and training, improving livelihoods, and strengthening trade union capacity. Guidelines integrating the new round of assistance with the “559” work plan were issued, emphasising accountability, practical results, and enhanced cooperation between aiding and receiving regions. 
• Xinjiang Hosts International Seminar On Counterterrorism: An international seminar on counterterrorism was held in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, bringing together officials and scholars from over 20 countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Russia and the African Union. Themed “Global Counterterrorism and Security Governance under New Circumstances”, the event was co-hosted by the Xinjiang Foreign Affairs Office, the China Institute of International Studies, and the World Muslim Communities Council. Xu Guixiang, head of the Xinjiang Foreign Affairs Office, emphasised that Xinjiang, once a victim of terrorism and extremism, has become a frontline in China’s fight against the “three forces” of separatism, terrorism and extremism. He highlighted the region’s decisive measures that restored peace and stability. Speakers noted that terrorism in Xinjiang has global implications, with groups such as the East Turkistan Islamic Movement linked to ISIS. Experts praised China’s policies, including education and integration of ethnic and religious diversity, as effective in addressing root causes. Foreign participants also visited local communities, mosques and institutes, witnessing Xinjiang’s transformation into a peaceful, modern, and multicultural region.    
• Xi Jinping Meets Cambodian King and Queen Mother, Reaffirms “Ironclad” Friendship: President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan welcomed Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath at Zhongnanhai, Beijing. Xi expressed warm greetings and highlighted the significance of their attendance at China’s upcoming 80th anniversary commemorations of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Xi recalled his April state visit to Cambodia, describing the warm reception as a testament to the enduring friendship. He stressed that despite global turbulence, China-Cambodia ties remain unshakable, forged through shared struggles and mutual support. Calling the relationship an “ironclad friendship,” Xi urged both sides to further strengthen solidarity, accelerate the building of an all-weather community with a shared future, and ensure greater benefits for their peoples. King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineath expressed delight at returning to China, noting the historic contributions of the Chinese people to global peace. They reaffirmed Cambodia’s strategic commitment to deepening cooperation and carrying forward the traditional friendship into a new era.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Sichuan Property Notice on Stray Cat Culling Sparks Online Outrage: On August 26, a property management company in Ziyang, Sichuan, stirred controversy after issuing a notice announcing plans to cull stray cats in a residential community. The notice stated that, following community reporting, measures such as trapping and poisoning would be implemented to deal with the rising population of stray cats. A staff member confirmed to Lychee News that the notice was authentic, citing serious flea infestations and health concerns for residents. Previous attempts to simply drive the cats away had failed, as many returned to the premises. The announcement immediately triggered heated discussions on Chinese social media. On Weibo, hashtags related to the incident drew millions of views within hours. Many netizens condemned the proposal as “cruel and inhumane,” urging authorities to promote neutering programs and adoptive care instead of mass killing. Some residents, however, voiced support, emphasising the health hazards posed by unchecked stray populations. The property company has opened a public comment period, but the backlash online suggests the debate over humane animal control is far from settled.

INDIA WATCH 

Chinese Media Highlights Diplomatic Challenges Facing India Amid Shifting Geopolitical Tides: On August 27, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a 50% tariff on Indian goods—an aggressive trade measure that Chinese media outlet The Paper interpreted as a sign of deepening mistrust between Washington and New Delhi. In its analysis, the publication outlined four key dilemmas currently confronting Indian diplomacy. First, India’s export competitiveness is under pressure, with high U.S. tariffs exacerbating economic strains. Second, its regional standing appears diminished following what The Paper describes as a poor military performance during the May border clash with Pakistan. Third, the recent thaw in U.S.-Pakistan relations, evident in General Asim Munir’s visits to Washington and Donald Trump’s favourable remarks about Islamabad’s stabilising role, has added to New Delhi’s discomfort. Fourth, India’s "Neighbourhood First" policy is reportedly faltering, with Bangladesh showing signs of moving closer to Pakistan, raising doubts about India's regional influence. According to the report, these developments collectively represent a strategic setback for India, which now finds itself walking a tightrope between aligning with U.S. interests and maintaining credibility within South Asia. The broader challenge, The Paper argues, lies in India’s ability to recalibrate its foreign policy - balancing external pressures while preserving economic resilience and its aspirations for regional leadership.

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.