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NEWS IN CHINA

• Foreign Minister Wang Yi Holds Talks with Mongolian President Khurelsukh: Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh in Ulan Bator on Saturday. Wang emphasized that China places Mongolia in an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy and aims to remain a dependable neighbor, trusted friend and development partner. He reaffirmed China’s respect for Mongolia’s sovereignty and its chosen development path, while calling for closer alignment of national strategies and expanded cooperation in connectivity, energy, minerals, trade, investment, green development and the digital economy. Khurelsukh described the bilateral relationship as a regional model built on consistent respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. He noted that trade is expected to reach $20 billion this year and emphasized that strengthening ties with China remains a top priority of Mongolia’s foreign policy. He reiterated Mongolia’s adherence to the one‑China principle, noting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that issues concerning Hong Kong, Xizang and Xinjiang fall within China’s internal affairs. He added that Mongolia will not take actions that undermine China’s core interests and is ready to enhance coordination in regional and global affairs. During his three‑day visit, Wang will also meet Prime Minister Nyam‑Osor Uchral and hold talks with Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg.
  
  
• CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning Calls for Cross-Strait Integration in Fujian: A special meeting on advancing the Cross-Strait Integrated Development Demonstration Zone was held in Xiamen, Fujian Province, on June 13, attended by Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Wang emphasized the need to implement central policies on Taiwan affairs and accelerate the development of the demonstration zone during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. He said Fujian should continue exploring new mechanisms and models for cross-strait integration, helping expand cooperation and strengthen the zone’s role as a pilot platform for deeper exchanges. He called for greater policy and institutional innovation, improved support measures for Taiwanese businesses and residents, and a more favorable business environment. Wang further highlighted the importance of strengthening people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties, describing Chinese culture as a key bond connecting people across the Strait. He called for more opportunities for Taiwanese youth to study, work, and build careers on the mainland, while encouraging their participation in China’s modernization and high-quality development.
  
  
• Zhang Guoqing Calls for Salt Lake Development and Disaster Preparedness in  Qinghai: Zhang Guoqing, Vice Premier of the State Council, visited Qinghai Province from June 12 to 14 to inspect the development of the salt lake industry and review disaster prevention and mitigation efforts. He called for balancing economic development with safety and environmental protection while advancing the high-quality growth of strategic industries. While visiting enterprises involved in potash, magnesium, lithium batteries, and mining, Zhang stressed the importance of salt lake resources as a key national asset. He urged efforts to promote green, low-carbon, and efficient resource utilization, strengthen technological innovation, and expand higher value-added industrial activities. He also encouraged closer cooperation across industrial chains, greater digitalization, and the development of advanced industrial clusters to enhance competitiveness. In addition to industrial development, Zhang reviewed disaster preparedness measures at emergency and earthquake monitoring facilities. He emphasized a people-centered approach to disaster management, calling for stronger monitoring and early-warning systems, enhanced protection in areas vulnerable to floods and geological disasters, and improved emergency response planning. He also highlighted the need for better training of grassroots personnel, stronger public awareness campaigns, adequate emergency supplies, and improved rescue capabilities in Qinghai.
  
  
• Liaoning Authorities Release Investigation Report on Fatal “10.18” Fishing Vessel Capsizing: Liaoning authorities have released the official investigation report on the “10.18” capsizing of fishing vessel Liaosuiyu 35261, concluding that the tragedy stemmed from serious breaches of production‑safety responsibilities by both the shipowner and the captain. Investigators found that the vessel operated with improper crew arrangements, ignored weather alerts, failed to follow recall orders, and did not seek shelter at the required time. Instead, the crew headed to a farther port to replace nets, exposing the vessel to strong winds that ultimately caused it to overturn. The accident resulted in 8 deaths and 2 missing persons, after which, provincial authorities launched rescue efforts. At the same time, an investigation team, supervised by the State Council’s Safety Production Committee, conducted a full inquiry. The report also identified systemic issues, including vessels not returning when recalled, overcrowding and understaffing, poor communication of recall instructions, weak enforcement of safety responsibilities, lax port-entry management, and inadequate coordination between the registry and berthing ports. Judicial authorities have taken coercive measures against the shipowner, and 36 public officials are being held accountable by the provincial discipline inspection commission.
  
  
• China Launches Three‑Year Drive to Cut Energy Use and Carbon Emissions: The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), together with multiple departments, has announced a nationwide three-year campaign. The campaign aims at improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions across some of the country’s most energy-intensive industries. Beginning in 2026, the initiative will target nine major sectors: steel, electrolytic aluminum, cement, flat glass, oil refining, ethylene, synthetic ammonia, methanol, and coal-fired power generation. According to the authorities, the program is designed to accelerate industrial green transformation, support China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, and promote industrial upgrading through energy-saving investments. Under the plan, enterprises will be encouraged to adopt advanced technologies and carry out energy-saving and carbon-reduction upgrades to improve overall efficiency and lower coal consumption. The campaign is expected to significantly enhance the environmental performance of key industries over the next three years. Local authorities have been instructed to strengthen policy support, guidance, and oversight to ensure effective implementation. Official stated that the program could be expanded to additional industries after 2028 based on implementation needs and regional conditions.
  
  

SOCIAL  MEDIA CHATTER 

Weibo Users Debate Crackdown on “Billion-Yuan Subsidy” E-Commerce Promotion: A post with the hashtag #TheBillionYuanSubsidyShouldBeSqueezedOut# is going viral on Weibo after regulators summoned major e-commerce platforms over concerns about inflated advertising claims, vague promotional rules, and lack of transparency in large-scale subsidy campaigns. The discussion focuses on criticism that “billion-yuan subsidy” schemes often mask cost shifting and weaken fair competition, while appearing to offer consumer discounts. Online reactions show broad support for tighter oversight. One user questioned whether the “10 billion yuan subsidy” is merely a marketing gimmick, suggesting that its real value to consumers may be unclear. Many users expressed that strict investigations are necessary to ensure a healthy market environment and protect consumer rights. Another user stated that “every penny of subsidies should clearly reach consumers,” while some users emphasized that the focus should return to “quality and service rather than price wars.” Several other users echoed similar views, stating that competition should “return to integrity and transparency,” and that regulatory action is needed to correct distortions in the market. A few users stated that such measures are essential to restore order, stressing that “only through proper oversight can the industry move back toward fair and sustainable competition”.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Highlights India-US Frictions Over US Attacks on Indian Merchant Ships: An article in Guancha discussed the diplomatic fallout in India following a series of US military attacks on merchant vessels near the Strait of Hormuz that resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors. The article noted that Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 13 and reiterated India’s strong protest against the attack, describing actions that cause the loss of life on merchant ships as unjustified. According to the article, Rubio responded by emphasizing that the US military remains committed to enforcing security measures in the Strait of Hormuz and that violations of US blockade orders and the transport of Iranian oil would not be tolerated. It further highlighted growing criticism within India over Washington’s response, particularly the absence of any public expression of regret or condolences for the casualties. The article also noted that US President Donald Trump accused Iran of attempting a drone strike against an Indian vessel, claiming the attack had been thwarted. According to the article, three ships carrying Indian crew members were attacked in Omani waters within a single week. India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires twice within three days to lodge strong protests. The article further noted that PM Modi had remained silent on the incidents, drawing criticism from the opposition leader. It added that Modi is scheduled to visit France and attend the upcoming G7 summit, where a meeting with US President Donald Trump is expected.