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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Issues White Paper on Procuratorial Work: The Supreme People’s Procuratorate released a white paper detailing the work of the “four major procuratorial functions” of criminal, civil, administrative, and public interest litigation in 2025. Procuratorial organs nationwide handled 3.467 million cases, including 2.887 million criminal cases, 268,000 civil cases, 176,000 administrative cases, and 136,000 public interest litigation cases. The report highlighted significant progress in criminal prosecution, which safeguarded national security, punished violent crimes, and advanced campaigns against organized crime. Authorities supervised 19,900 cases, withdrew 2,471 cases, decided not to prosecute 3,539 individuals, and oversaw the release of illegally seized assets worth 2.63 billion yuan, contributing to a fairer business environment. In protecting people’s livelihoods, procuratorial organs launched the “Procuratorial Protection of People’s Livelihood” campaign. They prosecuted 12,000 individuals for producing toxic food and counterfeit drugs, addressed fraud in social security and medical insurance, and safeguard pension and healthcare funds. Efforts also targeted wage arrears, prosecuting 1,190 offenders, supporting 28,000 lawsuits by migrant workers, and recovering 1.35 billion yuan in unpaid wages.
  
  
• China Provides $2 Million Aid for Drought Relief in Somalia: China has donated $2 million in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by the ongoing drought in Somalia, where nearly 6.5 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity. The funding was formally handed over on Sunday by the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). According to Ambassador Wang, the new assistance will support water supply projects, health facilities and humanitarian aid delivery in regions most affected by the drought. He noted that China had already provided $1 million in cash assistance in December 2025 for drought relief in the Awdal region, adding that China was among the first major countries to extend support during the crisis. Wang emphasized that China will continue supporting Somalia’s drought response and disaster prevention efforts while strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in humanitarian assistance and social development. SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moallim Abdulle welcomed the donation, noting that the funding will help support drought-affected communities across 72 districts, including 45 districts currently facing severe emergency conditions.
  
  
• Foreign Observers Highlight Global Significance of China’s “Two Sessions”: As China’s annual “two sessions” unfold in Beijing, foreign envoys and international journalists are closely monitoring the event for insights into the country’s development trajectory and global role. The sessions, which include deliberations on the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), are seen as a crucial window into China’s policy direction and a source of stability amid global uncertainty. Burkina Faso’s ambassador Daouda Bitie emphasized that the world is eager to understand China’s policies, while Slovenian journalist Mojca Pisek noted her goal of explaining China’s political system to Western audiences. Brazilian journalist Bruno Falci highlighted the diversity of participants and praised China’s poverty eradication efforts as a model for Latin America. Rwanda’s ambassador, James Kimonyo, pointed to discussions on innovation, green transformation, and opening up as globally significant. International representatives welcomed the plan’s focus on healthcare, technology, and cooperation. WHO’s Martin Taylor praised the emphasis on public health, while UNDP’s James George stressed the importance of innovation and the digital economy. Observers from Bangladesh, UNESCO, and Cuba echoed hopes for shared prosperity, stability, and unity under China’s new development blueprint.
  
  
• China Warns of Security Risks Linked to OpenClaw Application: Chinese cybersecurity authorities have issued a warning about potential security risks associated with the rapidly growing use of the OpenClaw application. The National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Center of China (CNCERT/CC) released a security advisory noting that improper installation and use of OpenClaw agents have already led to several serious security concerns. One major threat highlighted is “prompt injection,” in which attackers embed hidden malicious instructions in web pages. Authorities also warned of misoperation risks, where OpenClaw may misunderstand user commands and accidentally delete critical data, such as emails or important production information. Another concern involves malicious plugins, known as “skills,” developed for the platform. Some plugins have been identified as potentially dangerous and could steal system keys, install Trojan backdoors, or turn devices into part of a botnet. CNCERT/CC advised users to strengthen network security controls, restrict system privileges, carefully manage plugin sources and promptly install security patches to reduce risks of cyberattacks and data leaks.
  
  
• China Launches Initiative to Build Industrial Data Infrastructure: China has launched a new initiative to develop industrial data infrastructure aimed at supporting artificial intelligence applications and improving the use of industrial data, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in a notice issued on March 10. The program seeks to address challenges in the collection, integration and application of industrial data by promoting the creation of high-quality industry datasets for AI development. By the end of 2026, authorities aim to establish several industry data cooperation consortia and build trusted data-sharing platforms for key sectors. The plan also calls for gathering major industry data resources, advancing key data technologies, developing industrial data standards and creating standardized datasets that can support applications such as industry-specific large AI models and intelligent industrial agents. Pilot projects will focus on major manufacturing sectors with strong digital transformation potential. Key participants will include leading industry enterprises, digital platforms, advanced manufacturing clusters and pilot cities supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative will also promote the establishment of data resource repositories covering industry data, technology research and technical standards, while encouraging AI applications in areas such as research and development, pilot testing and manufacturing processes.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

High Parking Costs Spark Discussions on Weibo: A post with the hashtag #HighParkingFeesNeedToBeLowered# is going viral on Weibo, over rising parking charges. The post highlights common complaints from drivers, noting that in some places parking fees now exceed the cost of everyday items such as food. The discussion suggests that reducing parking costs could ease “parking anxiety” and encourage consumption. Online public reactions focused on frustrations with current parking management practices. Some users complained that shopping malls often begin charging parking fees after just 30 minutes, leaving little time for customers to shop if traffic delays occur when entering or exiting parking garages. A few users also shared personal experiences with high charges, with one user noting that “they paid 56 yuan for parking during a short visit to Minhang and the cost discouraged them from returning”. One user highlighted that “parking operators prioritize revenue generation while authorities simultaneously encourage car purchases”. Another user also pointed to inconsistent pricing, noting that “parking near hospitals or scenic areas can cost significantly more due to limited availability”. Some users also suggested that authorities should extend free parking periods to at least one hour,  and called for the use of big data to create a nationwide inventory of parking spaces to improve planning and management.

INDIA WATCH 

Finance Sina Discusses Apple’s Expanding iPhone Production in India: An article published in Finance Sina discussed Apple’s plans to significantly expand its iPhone manufacturing operations in India as part of its broader supply chain diversification strategy. According to the article, Apple increased its annual iPhone production in India to approximately 55 million units in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of about 53 percent and currently accounting for roughly 25 percent of Apple’s total global iPhone production. The article stated that Apple currently produces around 220–230 million iPhones globally each year and assembles about 36 million units in India in 2024, indicating a rapid scaling up of manufacturing capacity in the country. According to the article, the expansion has been supported by the Indian government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to attract global electronics manufacturers and strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem. The report further emphasized that Apple has accelerated capacity expansion in recent years and has achieved local assembly of all models in the iPhone 17 series in India. Moreover, Apple is also deepening cooperation with local suppliers to expand production of components and accessories, including lithium-ion batteries, watch and phone cases, and AirPods, to gradually build a more localized supply chain.

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.