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NEWS IN CHINA

• China and EU Advance Trade Dialogue Amid Ongoing Economic Frictions: Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic in Beijing as China and the European Union intensified efforts to address bilateral trade and investment disputes through dialogue. The meeting followed discussions between Chinese and European trade officials ahead of the second China-EU trade and investment consultation mechanism meeting. The mechanism was established to strengthen ministerial-level communication, stabilise economic ties and promote greater balance in bilateral trade and investment. The first meeting, held in Brussels in June, identified four priority areas: trade and investment balancing, export controls, intellectual property rights and World Trade Organisation (WTO) reform. Chinese officials and experts stressed that continued consultation is in the shared interests of both sides, warning that unilateral trade restrictions or threats could undermine constructive engagement. China and the EU are major trading partners with deeply integrated supply chains and complementary economic strengths. Chinese analysts argued that resolving differences through equal-footed dialogue and within the WTO framework could contribute to global economic stability. They described the latest meeting as a starting point for narrowing differences, building consensus and strengthening China-EU economic cooperation.
  
  
• China Rejects Dutch Cyberattack Allegations: China has urged the Netherlands to take an objective and rational view of its efforts to combat cyberattacks and refrain from making what it described as groundless accusations under the pretext of cybersecurity, according to a statement by the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands. The statement was issued in response to a report by Dutch security authorities alleging that cyberattacks against the Netherlands by Chinese hackers exploiting edge devices were likely to increase. The Chinese Embassy expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to the report, describing its China-related content as containing false information and unfounded claims. The spokesperson said China is itself a major victim of cyberattacks and has consistently taken lawful measures to prevent and combat malicious cyber activities. The statement also emphasised that cybersecurity is a shared challenge facing all countries and called for stronger international cooperation based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, with countries addressing cybersecurity concerns through dialogue.
  
  
• PBOC Outlines Position on RMB Exchange Rate and Currency Policy: The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) outlined its position on the renminbi (RMB) exchange rate amid increased attention to currency movements. The central bank said China maintains a managed floating exchange-rate regime based on market supply and demand, with reference to a basket of currencies, and stressed that market forces play a decisive role in determining the RMB’s value. The PBOC noted that the RMB has experienced periods of both appreciation and depreciation over the past two decades, with greater two-way flexibility since 2010. It rejected the view that China seeks to boost exports through currency devaluation, attributing the country’s trade performance primarily to industrial competitiveness. The central bank also said exchange rates are influenced by multiple factors, including economic growth, monetary policy, financial markets, geopolitical developments and external shocks. It cautioned against using individual assessments of an “equilibrium” exchange rate as definitive evidence of RMB undervaluation, noting the absence of an internationally established methodology.
  
  
• State Council Approves Plan to Expand Medical Rehabilitation and Nursing Services: China’s National Health Commission and National Development and Reform Commission have jointly issued an implementation plan to expand and improve medical rehabilitation and nursing services, following approval by the State Council. The plan outlines six areas and 13 measures aimed at increasing service capacity, improving quality, and strengthening access, particularly at the grassroots level. The plan sets a 2030 target of achieving significant progress in expanding rehabilitation and nursing resources and establishing a service system with stronger institutional linkages, integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and broader coverage. Key measures include improving rehabilitation and nursing networks, strengthening relevant functions in medical institutions, expanding professional training and improving the use of healthcare personnel. The plan also calls for greater continuity and standardisation of services, wider use of traditional Chinese medicine, and increased application of digital technologies. Additional measures include supporting research and development of rehabilitation products, expanding related industries, improving medical-service pricing and developing diversified payment mechanisms. Authorities will also track progress and encourage regions to explore reforms in areas such as medical insurance payments and incentives for talent development. The government aims to implement the measures progressively to improve rehabilitation and nursing services across the population and throughout the life cycle.
  
  
• China Launches 2026-2027 Teacher Support Programme for Underdeveloped Regions: China’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance jointly issued a notice outlining the implementation of the 2026 special teacher support programme under the “Three Districts” Talent Support Plan, aimed at improving education in underdeveloped regions. According to the notice, the programme for the 2026-2027 academic year will focus on poverty alleviation areas, including counties receiving national rural revitalisation assistance, ethnic minority counties, former revolutionary base areas and border counties. A total of 11,356 teachers are expected to be selected, with local authorities instructed to optimise quota allocation and expand recruitment across counties and cities. The programme will prioritise experienced teachers, generally those holding intermediate-level or higher professional and technical positions. Selected teachers will serve full-time for one year, with extensions encouraged. They will undertake teaching and class management, mentor local educators and help improve school administration and teaching standards. The notice also provides for the protection of teachers’ employment relationships, salaries and benefits during their assignments, alongside monthly work allowances. Their teaching experience will count towards urban teachers’ service in rural education. Funding for compulsory education teachers will be shared by central and local governments, based on an annual per capita standard of 20,000 yuan.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to Draft Measures on Rights of Workers in New Employment Forms: A Weibo post discussing the release of the “Measures for the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Workers in New Employment Forms (Draft for Comments)” has attracted significant online attention. According to the post, the draft covers workers in emerging forms of employment, including food-delivery couriers, ride-hailing and freight drivers, and online anchors. It proposes requirements for platform enterprises concerning equal employment, remuneration, occupational safety, health and rest. The draft also addresses concerns over algorithmic management, fair and transparent algorithms, and preventing discriminatory practices in the allocation of work and remuneration. The post attracted largely positive reactions from Weibo users, who welcomed the proposed measures. One user commented, “Protect the legitimate rights of workers.” Another wrote, “It is a positive measure to pay attention to the protection of the interests of workers in new forms of employment.” Other users said the measures could help clarify responsibilities among platforms, cooperating enterprises and workers, while one user added, “This can also promote the harmonious development of society.” Other comments highlighted the potential of the draft to clarify responsibilities among platforms, promote social harmony and support “the more orderly development of new employment models.” The discussion also reflected expectations that the measures could strengthen the existing framework for protecting workers’ rights.

INDIA WATCH

Global Times Discusses India’s Micro-Drama Industry and Growth Prospects: An article published by Global Times examined the rapid growth of India’s micro-drama industry and its adoption of business and storytelling models pioneered by China’s short-drama market. Citing a Financial Times report, it noted that India’s micro-drama revenue reached approximately $300 million in 2025 and is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2030, while China’s market exceeded 100 billion yuan in the same year. The article highlighted how Indian platforms have adopted vertical-screen formats, short episodes, rapid plot developments and suspense-driven endings, while adapting monetisation strategies to local consumer preferences, with advertising-supported streaming emerging as the dominant model due to price sensitivity. It also identified significant challenges to the sector’s long-term growth, including a shortage of quality scripts, limited original intellectual property and gaps in AI-driven production technologies. The article further noted that cultural and religious differences have made direct adaptations of Chinese dramas less effective for Indian audiences, prompting a shift towards more localised storytelling. According to industry experts cited in the article, India’s micro-drama audience remains concentrated among middle- and higher-income groups, despite the country’s extensive smartphone user base, indicating both substantial growth potential and an underdeveloped mass market. The article concluded that the industry’s sustainable development will depend on strengthening local content creation, refining monetisation models to suit Indian viewing habits, and accelerating technological adoption to improve production efficiency.

Prepared By

Arushi Sharma

Arushi Sharma is a Research Intern at Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA). She is a recent postgraduate in East Asian Studies from the University of Delhi and holds a Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language from K.R. Mangalam University. She has previously worked as a Subject Matter Expert in Mandarin Language at Unacademy. Her primary research interests focus on China's domestic politics and international economic statecraft.