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NEWS IN CHINA

• China’s Fiscal Funding to Hit Record High in 2026: China’s fiscal funding scale will reach an unprecedented level in 2026, Finance Minister Lan Fo’an announced during the National People’s Congress session. He revealed that three major fiscal indicators will set new records this year. Total government spending is projected to surpass 30 trillion yuan ($4.35 trillion) for the first time, while newly issued government bonds will reach 11.89 trillion yuan, the highest in recent years. Additionally, central government transfer payments to local governments will climb to 10.42 trillion yuan, marking the fourth consecutive year above 10 trillion yuan. Lan emphasized that China will pursue a more proactive fiscal policy to support high-quality development, balancing counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments. Key investments include nearly 1.3 trillion yuan allocated to science and technology, a 7.1 percent increase year-on-year. Spending on education, social security, healthcare, employment, and housing will exceed 12.4 trillion yuan. Officials highlighted that the record fiscal scale reflects China’s determination to strengthen economic resilience, optimize its structure, and channel resources toward innovation and people’s livelihoods amid complex global challenges.
  
  
• China Congratulates Nepal on Successful Election: China on Friday congratulated Nepal on the smooth and timely completion of voting for a new House of Representatives, expressing support for the country’s steady political progress. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning noted that China welcomes Nepal’s advancement in its national political agenda following the parliamentary elections. According to Nepal’s election authorities, about 60 percent of eligible voters participated in the polls to elect members of the House of Representatives of Nepal. The elections were reported to have taken place peacefully across the country. Mao noted that China and Nepal are traditional friendly neighbors with long-standing ties. She stated that the two countries have consistently supported each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. She stressed that China places great importance on developing relations with Nepal, emphasizing Beijing’s willingness to deepen cooperation in the future. She added that China stands ready to work with Nepal to advance the China-Nepal Strategic Partnership of Cooperation, which aims to promote enduring friendship as well as shared development and prosperity between the two countries.
  
  
• China Sets 2026 GDP Growth Target at 4.5–5%: China has announced an economic growth target of 4.5 to 5 percent for 2026, according to the Government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Qiang at the National People’s Congress. The range-based target is described as “proactive and pragmatic,” balancing feasibility with ambition amid global uncertainties. Officials emphasized that the goal provides policy flexibility, enabling reforms and a focus on high-quality development rather than chasing high growth at all costs. The target is part of China’s broader plan to maintain steady growth over the next five years and lay the groundwork for doubling 2020 per capita GDP by 2035, reaching the level of a moderately developed country. Analysts noted that the figure reflects caution amid geopolitical tensions and economic volatility, while still signaling confidence in China’s resilience. If achieved, China’s growth would outpace major economies, including the U.S., Japan, and the Euro area, reinforcing its role as a stabilizing force in the global economy. Additionally, the expert called the target attainable as it has been formulated on realistic and practical considerations.
  
  
• Xi Jinping Stresses Advancing Healthy China Initiative: President Xi Jinping called for firm efforts to advance the Healthy China Initiative during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030). Xi made the remarks during a joint group meeting of the fourth session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee. The meeting included political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, and representatives from the medical, health, welfare and social security sectors. Xi emphasized that building a Healthy China by 2035 is a strategic decision of the CPC Central Committee, and the upcoming five-year period is critical to achieving this goal. He called for coordinated planning, stronger public health systems, and high-quality healthcare services, while promoting healthy lifestyles and deepening reforms. Xi also emphasized the importance of scientific and technological innovation in enhancing health governance. He urged the CPPCC to continue offering practical policy recommendations and mobilizing society-wide efforts. Extending greetings ahead of International Women’s Day, Xi conveyed best wishes to women across China and overseas. He was joined by senior leaders Wang Huning and Cai Qi at the meeting.
  
  
• Chinese Firms Showcase AI Supernode Computing at MWC 2026: Chinese technology companies unveiled advanced AI-era supernode computing products overseas for the first time at the Mobile World Congress 2026. As artificial intelligence evolves from perception and generative models toward intelligent agent systems, demand for computing power and network transmission capacity is rising. Data from International Data Corporation (IDC) indicates that large-scale multimodal AI interactions have increased network uplink data demand by three to five times. At the event, Huawei introduced its latest ultra-large computing power cluster solution, built on a “cluster plus supernode” architecture. The system enables high-speed interconnection of thousands of computing nodes, supporting large AI model training and high-concurrency inference tasks. By linking multiple computing nodes through high-speed interconnect protocols, they create a distributed yet logically unified computing system. According to industry experts, the new products highlight the growing capabilities of Chinese companies in computing infrastructure and provide global telecom operators and industry clients with alternative technological solutions for the AI era.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

NPC Deputy’s Call for Pet-Related Legislation Triggers Debate on Weibo: A post with the hashtag #NPCDeputySaysPetRelatedLawsWillBeEnactedSoonerOrLater# is going viral on Weibo after National People’s Congress deputy Zhao Wanping said legislation related to pets and animal protection could be introduced in the future. In an interview, Zhao noted that China now has more than 100 million pets in urban areas and that many households increasingly treat pets as family members. He argued that society’s tolerance for animal cruelty is declining and that stronger legal and regulatory supervision is needed. Online reactions have been wide-ranging, with many users supporting clearer rules but emphasizing responsibility alongside rights. One widely liked comment argued that laws should first regulate pet owners’ behavior to protect neighbors and maintain public hygiene, adding that “rights should not be emphasized while responsibilities are neglected.” Another user supported legal protection by noting that harming someone’s pet should also be treated as damaging private property. Some commenters urged faster action, with one remarking, “If legislation is inevitable, why delay it?” Others framed the issue as a sign of social progress, saying that protecting animals reflects a country’s level of civilization. However, a few users noted that enforcement should focus on penalties for irresponsible pet ownership rather than creating new laws.

INDIA WATCH

Finance Sina Examines Foreign Outflows from India’s IT Sector: An article in Finance Sina analyzes the sharp foreign capital outflows from India’s information technology sector in February 2026, highlighting growing market concerns that rapid advances in artificial intelligence could squeeze profit margins for traditional IT service providers. Citing data released by India’s National Securities Depository Limited, the article noted that foreign portfolio investors sold 169.49 billion rupees (about $1.85 billion) worth of Indian IT stocks during the month, marking the largest outflow in seven months. As a result, India’s Nifty IT Index fell 19.5 percent, recording its worst monthly performance in 17 years, while the sector’s ten major companies collectively lost around $62.8 billion in market capitalization. According to Finance Sina, the sell-off intensified after US technology firms such as Anthropic and Palantir released new developments in AI automation, raising fears that automation could reduce demand for traditional outsourcing services. Market analysts cited in the article suggested that stronger collaboration between Indian IT companies and global AI leaders could help restore investor confidence. Partnerships such as the strategic cooperation between Infosys and Anthropic were highlighted as potential avenues for adapting to the AI transition.  The article concluded that despite the IT sector’s slump, the overall foreign investment in India remained strong, with net inflows reaching 221.65 billion rupees, the highest level in 17 months.

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.