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​NEWS IN CHINA

• ​Wang Huning Meets Overseas Chinese Association Representatives in Beijing: China’s top political advisor Wang Huning met with representatives attending the 11th Conference for Friendship of Overseas Chinese Associations, held in Beijing on 13th July 2026. Wang, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), conveyed greetings to overseas Chinese worldwide on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. At the opening ceremony, Li Ganjie, head of the United Front Work Department, stated that overseas Chinese people are an important part of the Chinese nation and play a key role in advancing Chinese modernisation while serving as a bridge between China and the world. He encouraged overseas Chinese to contribute to national rejuvenation, support global peace and development, and strengthen cooperation among overseas Chinese associations. The conference serves as a major platform for exchanges and networking among overseas Chinese organisations. This year’s event brings together more than 400 representatives from overseas Chinese associations across 140 countries and regions.
  
  
• China Issues Guideline to Strengthen Natural Resource Asset Management: China has issued a guideline to strengthen the management of natural resource assets, aiming to improve their secure, efficient and sustainable use while preserving and increasing their value. Jointly released by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, the document calls for stronger resource protection, more efficient asset allocation, better protection of ownership rights and enhanced supervision. The guideline sets phased targets, aiming to establish a more robust natural resource asset management system by 2030, with clearer responsibilities, improved monitoring, and stronger oversight. By 2035, China seeks to fully establish a comprehensive institutional framework for managing natural resource assets. Key measures include improving nationwide surveys, monitoring, inventories, and accounting of natural resources, advancing unified registration of natural resource and property rights, and promoting the separation of ownership and usage rights. The guideline also emphasises stronger revenue management, better legislation and law enforcement, expanded digital and technological support, and greater use of green finance to support sustainable resource governance.
  
  
• Li Qiang Chairs Economic Symposium, Calls for Stronger Domestic Demand: Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a symposium with economic experts and entrepreneurs to discuss the current economic situation and priorities for the second half of the year. According to Chinese state media, participants said China’s economy remained generally stable in the first half of 2026 despite an increasingly uncertain international environment, while new growth drivers continued to strengthen. They also highlighted persistent risks and challenges and offered policy recommendations to address economic pressures. Li called for a comprehensive and objective assessment of the economy, stressing the need to recognise both achievements and existing problems while analysing new trends in economic situations. He noted that China is steadily transitioning towards high-quality development, supported by stronger long-term fundamentals. Li further added that the second half of the year would be critical for achieving the country’s annual development targets and ensuring a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan. He urged stronger counter-cyclical macroeconomic adjustments, better implementation of existing policies, and preparation of additional policy measures. Li also emphasised expanding domestic demand, accelerating digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications, while encouraging enterprises to strengthen the real economy and drive sustainable growth.
  
  
• China Releases 15th Five-Year Plan for National Health Development: The State Council has issued the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Health, outlining priorities for advancing the construction of a “Healthy China” during the 2026–2030 period. The plan calls for shifting the focus of healthcare development towards improving service quality and efficiency, strengthening health governance, and enhancing accessibility of medical services. The plan sets a goal of establishing a more comprehensive health promotion system by 2030, with improvements in public health security, grassroots disease prevention, medical resource allocation, and multi-level healthcare coverage. It aims to raise China’s average life expectancy to 80 years and help major health indicators reach the level of high-income countries, laying the foundation for the 2035 Healthy China goal. The plan outlines 24 key tasks across five areas, including improving full-cycle health services, strengthening health security, developing an integrated medical service system, promoting innovation in healthcare, and enhancing health-focused governance. It also proposes major projects in public hospital reform, health service modernisation, and life and health innovation. The State Council stressed strengthening Party leadership, improving coordination among departments, and ensuring effective implementation of the plan nationwide.
  
  
• China, Russia Conclude Joint Sea-2026 Naval Exercise: China and Russia concluded the Joint Sea-2026 naval exercise in Qingdao, Shandong Province, after completing all planned training missions. Following the exercise, participating naval forces from both countries departed for the Pacific to carry out joint maritime patrols. The exercise involved 10 vessels, including surface ships, submarines, aircraft, and support units, and focused on jointly responding to maritime security risks. During the harbour planning phase, both sides held tabletop simulations, vessel visits, professional exchanges and cultural activities. At sea, they carried out live-force and live-fire drills covering joint reconnaissance, air and missile defence, anti-surface operations, and submarine rescue. Chinese officials said the exercise simulated realistic maritime and aerial combat scenarios and helped deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen bilateral military cooperation, and enhance the two navies' ability to respond jointly to maritime security challenges. Joint Sea-2026, which began on July 6, marked the 12th edition of the bilateral exercise series since its inception in 2012.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to Hainan’s 2030 Fuel Vehicle Sales Ban: A post on Weibo is going viral that stated the 15th Five-Year Plan for the Construction of Beautiful Hainan, released by the Hainan Provincial Government, outlines measures to accelerate the province’s green transition. According to the post, the plan proposes steadily banning the sale of new fuel-powered vehicles by 2030, with the share of new energy vehicles (NEVs) expected to increase from 23.75% in 2025 to 45%. The post noted that Hainan targets achieving carbon peaking by 2030, raising non-fossil energy consumption to 35%, reducing carbon emission intensity, and expanding clean energy across sectors including transportation, industry, and urban development. The post quickly sparked debate among Weibo users. Some welcomed the shift, with one user commenting, “I think more than half of Hainan already has new energy vehicles.” Others acknowledged the growing popularity of EVs but argued that they are less suitable for long-distance travel. Several users opposed this policy, saying “New energy vehicles have become the general trend, but it is not recommended to make a one-size-fits-all approach, and banning the sale of fuel vehicles should be determined by the market conditions.” Meanwhile, some people opposed expanding the policy nationwide, while others criticised the policymaking approach, with one user stating, “It is sad that different thinking and methods are not allowed.”

INDIA WATCH

​Guancha Interviews Former Indian NSA on the Dynamics of China-India Ties: Guancha, in an interview with former Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Shivshankar Menon, discussed the changing global order, China-India relations and the future of BRICS on the sidelines of the 14th World Peace Forum. The article highlighted Amb. Menon’s argument that the post-war international order is weakening and that the world is moving towards a fragmented system of regional and issue-based governance. The article noted his remarks about recent conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, which demonstrate the limitations of military power and the risks posed by unilateral actions in the absence of effective international institutions. The interview stressed on Amb. Menon’s view is that India’s policy of “strategic autonomy” is not directed against China. It further quoted his argument on India-China relations, stating that as the two largest developing countries, both countries should manage differences through dialogue while expanding pragmatic cooperation. The article underscored that Amb. Menon described bilateral ties as improving compared to three years ago, citing resumed direct flights, visa issuance and planned strategic dialogue. Guancha also reported Amb. Menon’s assessment that stronger China-India cooperation would benefit BRICS and the Global South, while arguing that BRICS is unlikely to create a new world order but can instead complement and reform existing international institutions.