Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA

• State Council Introduces New Visa Type to Attract Young Foreign Talent in S&T: China has announced the introduction of a new K visa for young foreign professionals in science and technology, as part of efforts to adopt a more open and effective talent acquisition policy. The measure, effective October 1, follows a State Council decision approved by Premier Li Qiang to amend regulations on foreigners’ entry and exit. The K visa can be granted to individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher from prestigious universities or research institutions, including those engaged in education or research at such institutions. These people will be allowed to participate in activities related to education, science and technology, and cultural exchange. Compared to existing 12 visa categories, the K visa will offer greater flexibility in terms of multiple entries, validity and duration of stay. Notably, applicants are not required to have a Chinese employer or invitation from Chinese entities as the eligibility is based on age, education and work experience. The Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Public Security and Chinese embassies and consulates abroad will coordinate issuance, extension, renewal and related services, ensuring legal assistance for applicants of K visa.

• China Bans Social Media Accounts for Spreading False Military Content: China’s Cyberspace Administration has shut down multiple social media accounts for breaching regulations by publicizing false military-related content. The administration stressed that such activities violate laws and regulations, undermine the integrity of public discourse on defense matters and damage the credibility of the military, prompting decisive action against the offending platforms. Some accounts allegedly impersonated official military entities such as the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command or the Joint Staff Department by adopting names like “Southern Guardian” and “Joint Staff Think Tank Service”. The regulator reported that several operators exploited trending military topics to attract followers and generate income, including by offering paid access to content. In certain cases, artificial intelligence was used to fabricate false information, such as claims about “China’s four major soul-taming weapons”. Additionally, some accounts produced unauthorized analyses of equipment, tactics and strategic operations, while others falsified or distorted military history. Notably, certain posts undermined the reputation of Zhang Jihui, a celebrated hero from the Korean War, as part of traffic-driven monetization efforts.

• China Reports Growth in July with Support from the High-tech Sector: According to data released by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), China’s economy showed stable and resilient growth in July 2025, supported by industrial production and domestic demand. Industrial output rose 5.7% year-on-year, driven by 8.4% increase in equipment manufacturing and 9.3% growth in high-tech manufacturing. Retail sales grew 3.7% year-on-year in July, reaching 3.88 trillion yuan ($540 billion), with cumulative sales from January–July rising 4.8% to 28.4 trillion yuan. E-commerce also showed progress, as online retail sales expanded 9.2% during the same period, with physical goods accounting for nearly a quarter of total retail consumption. In terms of investment patterns, overall fixed-asset investment grew 1.6%, but excluding real estate, the figure rose to 5.3%, underscoring continued reliance on property market. The Consumer Price Index remained flat year-on-year in July, but slightly increased by 0.4% month-on-month. For January–July period, CPI dipped 0.1%, signaling inflationary pressure. The July figures also follow 5.3% GDP growth in the first half of 2025. The NBS emphasized that new growth drivers are strengthening, and high-quality development is advancing.

• 10^th Lancang-Mekong Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Calls for Deepening Cooperation: At the 10th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, ministers from six countries in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin agreed to deepen cooperation over the next decade to advance peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The meeting was held in Anning, Yunnan on Friday and was co-chaired by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa. Wang highlighted that the LMC, established a decade ago, has become one of the most dynamic regional mechanisms. He stressed that in a turbulent global environment marked by unilateralism and protectionism, the six countries should remain committed to solidarity, openness, innovation and mutual benefit. Wang stated that China is committed to cooperation in agriculture, water resources, environmental governance, connectivity and S&T. The ministers also agreed to expand collaboration in the digital economy, AI, renewable energy, electric vehicles and photovoltaic power, alongside strengthening supply chains and customs coordination. They underscored law enforcement cooperation against cross-border crimes, while promoting education, vocational training, cultural exchanges, media and think tank linkages. The meeting also committed to prepare well for the upcoming 5^th LMC Leaders’ Meeting to shape the “golden decade” ahead.

• Li Qiang Promotes Stronger Ecological Civilization and Green Transition: Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday emphasized the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", calling it a guiding concept for advancing ecological civilization in the new era. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Ecology Day Symposium, Li underscored that this vision offers both Chinese solutions and contributions to global sustainable development. He stressed that China has entered a stage of high-quality development characterized by a green and low-carbon transition, making ecological conservation a national priority. Li urged efforts to strengthen ecosystem diversity, stability and sustainability, while promoting industrial transformation toward greener, low-carbon practices. Furthermore, Li called for broad social mobilization to foster public participation in building a “Beautiful China”, linking domestic ecological goals with global efforts to combat climate change and advance sustainable development. The event also featured contributions from senior officials of NDRC, ministry officials, local governments like Beijing and Zhejiang, experts, scholars and international representatives.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Zhao Lusi’s Exorcism Allegation Sparks Mental Health Debate: Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, one of the country’s most popular post-1995 stars, shocked fans when she revealed that her talent agency forced her to undergo an exorcism as treatment for depression. Zhao, who has 31 million followers on social media, said her agency locked her in a hotel room with a shaman who claimed that she was possessed by an evil spirit. She also accused the company of verbal and physical abuse, forcing her to pay penalties despite promising support, and fabricating her image on reality shows while dismissing her illness. The revelations immediately went viral on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, with hashtags related to Zhao trending for days. Many netizens expressed anger, calling the incident “cruel exploitation” and demanding stronger protections for artists. Some criticized the persistent superstition in the entertainment industry, while others voiced concern about mental health stigma in China. Zhao has since said she regrets renewing her contract and wants to quit show business altogether.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Discusses India-Pakistan ‘War of Words’ on Water and Nuclear Threats: Chinese media platform Guancha highlighted recent comments made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani leaders over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and nuclear threats. The article reports that speaking on Independence Day, PM Modi denounced Pakistan’s “nuclear blackmail”, declaring that “India will not tolerate it” and is vowed to defend the country’s rights to Indus River water, calling the treaty “unfair and one-sided”. On the other side, it notes that Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz warned that India “cannot take even a drop of water” without facing severe retaliation. The article highlights the confrontation as a dangerous escalation, stressing the deep link between water security and nuclear risks in South Asia. It frames the issue as part of a broader pattern where water disputes intensify regional instability, with Pakistan accusing India of weaponizing rivers and India accusing Pakistan of nuclear threats. The article criticizes India for accusing Pakistan of conducting Pahalgam attack and announcing subsequent countermeasures, including putting the IWT into abeyance. However, it also concludes that India remains resolute to not resume IWT despite Pakistan’s constant threats.  

Prepared By

Team ORCA

Combined works by various researchers at ORCA

Lipun Kumar Sanbad

Lipun Kumar Sanbad, a postgraduate student of Politics and International Relations from Pondicherry University and a History and Political science graduate from University of Delhi. From the past three years working as a freelance researcher in the domain of global peace, conflict and security studies, and defence studies.