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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Submits Policy Paper on WTO Reform: According to the Ministry of Commerce, China submitted a position paper on reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO), outlining its stance under current global conditions. The document marks China’s first policy paper submitted to the WTO since the launch of the organization’s reform process in June 2022. The latest paper was prepared against the backdrop of mounting challenges facing the multilateral trading system and evolving global development needs. It also reflects the concerns of other WTO members. The document emphasizes multilateralism, development, and future-oriented cooperation. It reiterates China’s support for open and inclusive economic globalization and calls for placing development at the center of reform, particularly to help developing members benefit from opportunities in the digital economy, green transition, and artificial intelligence. It also urges discussions on trade-distorting measures, respect for diverse development paths, and consensus-building on fair competition rules to better support industrial development.

• CPC Sends Congratulations on WPK Ninth Congress: The Communist Party of China Central Committee sent a congratulatory message on the convening of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The message described the WPK as the core leadership force guiding the revolutionary and development efforts of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and noted its role in uniting the people to advance the socialist cause. It stated that under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, the WPK has pursued party-building in the new era, adhered to the socialist path, and focused on economic development and improving livelihoods, achieving notable progress. The message expressed best wishes for continued achievements in socialist construction. It also noted that China and the DPRK, both socialist countries led by communist parties, have seen bilateral relations enter a new stage in recent years. The CPC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening exchanges with the WPK, deepening cooperation in party-building and governance, and promoting stable bilateral ties to support regional peace, stability, and development.

• Chinese Scientists Achieve Breakthrough in Optical Communication and 6G: Chinese researchers have achieved a breakthrough in optical communication and 6G technology. The team developed a fiber-wireless integrated communication system that set a new global record for data transmission speed. As artificial intelligence data centers expand and next-generation wireless networks such as 6G advance, demand is growing for ultra-fast, low-latency signal transmission. However, differences in signal architecture and hardware have long created a bandwidth gap between fiber-optic and wireless communication. To address this challenge, researchers from Peking University, working with Pengcheng Laboratory, ShanghaiTech University and the National Innovation Center for Optoelectronics, proposed an integrated fiber-wireless communication concept. Using ultra-wideband photonic devices exceeding 250 GHz, the system achieved 512 Gbps single-channel fiber transmission and 400 Gbps single-channel wireless transmission.

• Ministry of Justice Releases Fourth Batch of Typical Administrative Law Enforcement Cases: The Ministry of Justice released the fourth batch of typical cases from its special campaign to regulate administrative law enforcement involving enterprises. The eight cases highlight successful practices by local authorities in addressing the “four irregularities,”  which include illegal detention, illegal seizure of property, and related violations. Administrative law enforcement supervision agencies have maintained smooth channels for enterprises to voice concerns and ensured strict rectification of irregularities. In Hainan, a county government used the “12345” hotline to respond promptly to enterprises and rectify enforcement inaction. In Shandong, a municipal coordination office unified discretionary standards and improved cross-departmental supervision. In Jiangxi, authorities corrected illegal and disguised administrative licensing, promoting fair market competition. These cases demonstrate the role of administrative supervision in standardizing law enforcement, maintaining market order, and stimulating enterprise vitality.

• China Advances Vocational Skills Certification to Strengthen Skilled Workforce: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has outlined plans to implement the "New Eight-Level Worker" vocational skill system. This move aims to enhance the country’s technical and skilled workforce. Over 4.1 million individuals are expected to obtain senior worker or higher certificates, more than 270,000 will receive technician or higher certifications, and nearly 3,000 will be appointed as chief technicians and special-grade technicians. To facilitate this, the General Office of the Ministry and related departments recently issued a notice promoting mutual recognition of vocational skills certificates, aiming to break barriers to skilled personnel mobility and improve talent distribution. Moving forward, the Ministry will collaborate with local authorities to expand mutual recognition coverage, improve assessment quality, optimize information services, and enhance the authority, circulation, and market recognition of vocational certificates. Measures will also reduce assessment burdens, better promote employment and entrepreneurship, strengthening China’s skilled workforce for future development.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Reacts to Huzhou’s Fireworks Ban: The hashtag #Fireworks and Firecrackers Banned in One Area of Zhejiang Starting Today# is trending on Weibo. According to posts, Huzhou city has officially prohibited the sale of fireworks and firecrackers following the end of the 2026 Spring Festival sales period. All 24 retail outlets have returned their licenses and goods, and authorities urge citizens to report any illegal sales via emergency hotlines or the safety production reporting platform. The announcement, since then, has sparked intense online debate. Some users expressed support for the move, noting that “the safety of life and property is more important” and that the ban is justified given the frequent injuries and accidents caused by fireworks. Another user suggested that “production should be banned; controlling it at the source is easier and more effective,” praising Huzhou’s strict approach. However, a few users criticized the decision, with one user commenting, “There’s nothing wrong with setting off fireworks since ancient times; the mistake lies in the lack of safety measures.” The debate also touched on environmental and quality-of-life concerns, with one user stating, “the air quality is already bad enough!” while another noted, “it’s too noisy, so  strongly supporting the move.” One prominent comment urged wider adoption of the policy across the province, emphasizing consistency in safety measures.

INDIA WATCH

Sina Finance Reports on OpenAI and Tata Group’s 100 MW AI Data Center Plan in India: An article published by Sina Finance highlights OpenAI’s largest infrastructure deployment in India through a strategic partnership with the Tata Group. The report states that the collaboration will begin with 100 megawatts of dedicated AI data center capacity, with plans to scale up to 1 gigawatt over time. According to the article, the initiative forms part of OpenAI’s global “Stargate” strategy and positions India as a key overseas market. OpenAI is expected to become the first customer of Tata Consultancy Services’ HyperVault data center business, with the initial 100 MW deployment supporting advanced computing needs. The report further notes that the enterprise version of ChatGPT and other OpenAI tools will be introduced to support the standardization of AI-native software development. Sina Finance also highlights that India has more than 100 million weekly active ChatGPT users, adding that localized computing capacity is anticipated to reduce latency and address data compliance requirements.

Prepared By

Neha Maurya

Neha Maurya is a fourth-year undergraduate student at FLAME University, pursuing a major in International Studies with a minor in Public Policy. Her research interests lie in strategic studies, governance, and education policy. She aspires to engage in work that links research insights to policy outcomes.