Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA

• China Issues New Rules to Curb Exam Frequency in Primary and Secondary Schools: China’s Ministry of Education has issued a new policy document aimed at strengthening the management of routine examinations in primary and secondary schools, with a focus on reducing excessive testing and easing students’ academic burden, according to an announcement released on December 17. Under the new guidelines, primary schools are prohibited from conducting written exams in lower grades, while ordinary high schools are required to strictly control the number of examinations. Schools are also barred from organizing cross-school or regional exams for non-graduating students. The policy emphasizes improving exam quality, strengthening review procedures, and prohibiting the purchase of test papers from external organizations. The document also calls for greater use of graded evaluation instead of score rankings, enhanced oversight of exam content, and clearer accountability for exam design and approval. The measures form part of broader efforts to advance education reform and promote students’ balanced and healthy development.
  
  
• China’s Central Government Spent Over 3 Trillion Yuan on Medical Insurance from 2018 to 2025: China’s central government allocated more than 3 trillion yuan ($420 billion) to medical insurance programs between 2018 and 2025, benefiting over 18 billion patient visits through reimbursements, according to data released by the National Healthcare Security Administration and reported by Chinese media on December 17. The funding was used to support basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents, medical assistance for low-income groups, and improvements in healthcare service capacity. During the period, central fiscal subsidies for resident medical insurance totaled 2.87 trillion yuan, while medical assistance funding reached 237.5 billion yuan. Authorities said the investment helped expand insurance coverage, strengthen support for vulnerable populations, and improve service efficiency. In November, the central government also advanced 416.6 billion yuan in subsidies for 2026 to continue supporting medical insurance programs nationwide.
  
  
• Immersive Cultural Travel Attracts Growing Number of Foreign Tourists to China: Foreign tourists are increasingly opting for immersive, experience-based travel when visiting China, moving beyond traditional sightseeing to engage more deeply with local culture and heritage. From wearing Hanfu in historic towns such as Suzhou, to learning traditional textile weaving in Yunnan or pottery-making in Jingdezhen, international visitors are seeking hands-on cultural experiences. Travel industry representatives noted a rise in independent travelers and small groups favoring longer stays and customized itineraries focused on themed cultural activities rather than landmark-based tours. The trend has been supported by China’s expanding visa-free policies and improved travel services, including tax refunds, wider acceptance of foreign bank cards, and enhanced mobile payment options. Official data shows that visa-free entries accounted for more than 70 percent of foreign arrivals in the third quarter, with inbound tourism continuing to rise. Chinese cities are also developing tailored routes for inbound travelers, combining cultural heritage, local lifestyles, and seasonal attractions, as foreign visitors increasingly explore destinations beyond major metropolitan areas.
  
  
• China, Russia Hold Sixth Media Forum in Beijing: The sixth China–Russia Media Forum was held in Beijing on December 16, with Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department, attending and delivering a keynote speech, according to Chinese media reports. Participants said the forum aimed to advance media cooperation between China and Russia under the framework of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in news reporting, people-to-people exchanges, and responses to digital and technological changes affecting the media industry. The forum, themed “Advancing China–Russia Media Cooperation: Consensus and Action,” was jointly hosted by China’s Publicity Department and Russia’s Presidential Executive Office. Around 140 representatives from government departments and media organizations from both countries attended the event, during which 11 cooperation agreements were signed.
  
  
• China Responds to Reports on Chinese-Made Weapons in Thailand–Cambodia Clash: China’s Foreign Ministry responded on December 17 to reports claiming that Thai forces had seized Chinese-made anti-tank missiles and other equipment from Cambodian military positions during clashes along the Thailand–Cambodia border. Asked about the reports at a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said relevant details should be referred to China’s competent authorities. Guo stressed that China has maintained normal defense cooperation with both Thailand and Cambodia, adding that such cooperation is not directed at any third party and is unrelated to the border tensions between the two countries.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Netizens Celebrate Successful Satellite Launch: Chinese social media users expressed widespread congratulations and pride following the successful launch of the Ziyuan-3 04 satellite on December 16, according to posts and comments on Weibo. After state media reported that the satellite was successfully placed into its planned orbit, many netizens responded with brief messages of support and praise, including comments such as “salute to China’s space program” and “congratulations.” The comment section was dominated by emojis and short celebratory remarks, reflecting a largely positive and unified online reaction. The launch was carried out using a Long March-4B carrier rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, according to state media.

INDIA WATCH

Apple in Talks with Indian Firms on iPhone Chip Packaging: Chinese media reported that Apple is holding preliminary discussions with Indian semiconductor companies on assembling and packaging certain iPhone chips, marking a possible expansion of its manufacturing footprint in India beyond final product assembly. According to the report, Apple has held talks with CG Semi, a semiconductor packaging and testing company under India’s Murugappa Group, which is building an OSAT facility in Gujarat. While it remains unclear which chips would be packaged in India, the report mentioned that display-related chips are among the possibilities. Chinese media said Apple’s cooperation with India has so far focused on assembling devices such as iPhones and AirPods, and the latest talks suggest a potential move upstream into more complex semiconductor processes. The report added that any agreement would depend on suppliers meeting Apple’s quality standards.

Prepared By

Chieh-Ju Chen

Chieh-Ju Chen (Nikita), currently an MA student at the Graduate Institute of International Politics, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Taiwan. Her research focuses on refugee and immigration studies, with interests in South Asia and Indian studies, and a comparative perspective on regional dynamics in Asia.