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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Opposes US Proposed Restrictions on Chinese Firms: China’s Ministry of Commerce voiced strong opposition to the US Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposed measures targeting Chinese entities. The Ministry urged Washington to halt what it described as wrongful practices and to respect fair market principles. The FCC voted to advance rules that would revoke the qualifications of testing and certification bodies from countries lacking mutual recognition agreements with the US, while also barring companies on its “Covered List” from engaging in telecommunications business in the country. A Ministry spokesperson criticized the move, stating that the FCC had abandoned technological neutrality and overstretched the concept of national security. The spokesperson noted that the US has repeatedly imposed restrictions without any factual basis, unfairly discriminating against foreign enterprises, including those from China. Such actions, the Ministry cautioned, undermine the stability of China-US trade relations and contradict the consensus reached by the two heads of state. The ministry cautioned that if implemented, the measures would disrupt global supply chains in communications and electronics, harm industrial cooperation, and even damage U.S. industries and consumers. It urged the US to withdraw the proposal, adding that China will take necessary steps to safeguard its companies’ rights if Washington proceeds.
  
  
• China Implements Zero-Tariff Policy for All African Partners: Starting May 1, China has rolled out zero-tariff measures covering all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The initiative marks a significant step in China’s commitment to expanding high-level opening-up and advancing independent trade liberalization. Previously, 33 African nations classified as least developed countries had already benefited from preferential tariff treatment under China’s zero-tariff framework. The latest expansion extends the policy to 20 additional African countries that do not fall under the least developed category. These nations will enjoy preferential tariff rates for two years, ensuring that all African partners with diplomatic ties to China are now included in the program. Trade between China and Africa has seen consistent growth, reaching record highs for five consecutive years. Projections suggest that bilateral trade will surpass $300 billion for the first time in 2025. China has also retained its position as Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 years in a row.
  
  
• Li Qiang Stresses Water Network Development During Guangxi Inspection: From April 29 to May 1, Premier Li Qiang visited Guangxi to conduct research on water network construction and flood control. He emphasized fully implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s guidance, highlighting the need to balance economic, social, ecological, and safety benefits. In Nanning, Li inspected the Yujiang Laokou Water Conservancy Project and flood repair works at the Jiangbei Middle Dike. He reviewed Guangxi’s flood control system and stressed that water networks are vital for disaster prevention, resource allocation, and national water security. He called for a “complete, safe, efficient, green, intelligent, and well-regulated” system, urging digital upgrades and stronger interconnectivity. In Qinzhou, Li examined the Pinglu Canal project, a key part of the Western Land-Sea New Corridor, and visited Beibu Gulf Port’s automated terminal. He urged high-quality construction and smarter port operations to enhance connectivity and expand regional influence. In Beihai, Li toured mangrove reserves and seawall projects, stressing ecological protection. At the Niuweiling Pumping Station, he highlighted the importance of major water diversion projects to balance the uneven distribution of resources. He also urged vigilance during flood season, calling for stronger monitoring, forecasting, and emergency preparedness to safeguard lives and property.
  
  
• Hangzhou Deploys First Robot Traffic Police Squadron at West Lake: On May 1, Hangzhou officially launched the country’s first organized traffic management robot squadron, “Hangzhou Police Smart Traffic,” at the West Lake scenic area and surrounding roads. The team of 15 intelligent robots is tasked with guiding pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles, directing traffic, and assisting tourists, working alongside human officers to improve efficiency. The robots had previously been tested during the West Lake Half Marathon in March and the Hangzhou Women’s Half Marathon in April. Their May Day deployment marked a full transition from pilot projects to large-scale holiday traffic management. Using a “one point, one solution” strategy, the robots were positioned at key intersections across Shangcheng, Gongshu, Xihu, and Binjiang districts, covering major nodes such as West Lake and the Hubin commercial district. Equipped with advanced visual recognition, the robots can detect violations like helmetless riders or pedestrians in vehicle lanes, issuing real-time warnings. They also provide directions to tourists through interactive voice and screen displays. By handling repetitive tasks, the robots free police officers to focus on emergencies, serious violations, and safety hazards, creating a new model of human-machine collaboration in traffic management
  
  
• China Launches National Standard for “Happy Rivers and Lakes”: China officially implemented its first national evaluation standard for “happy rivers and lakes” on May 1, transforming the concept of river well-being into measurable indicators. The framework assesses rivers and lakes across five dimensions, which include flood safety, ecological health, landscape quality, cultural value, and development benefits. This unified benchmark links ecological protection with public welfare, guiding future governance. Examples of successful restoration projects highlight the impact of this initiative. In Guiyang, the Guancheng River, once buried for two decades due to pollution, has been revived through ecological rehabilitation and reopened as a vibrant public waterfront. In Beijing’s Chaoyang District, youth “river chiefs” along the Liangma River have engaged thousands in water quality monitoring and protection activities. China has already established 5,522 “happy rivers and lakes” and aims to expand the system nationwide with flagship projects by 2030. The Yongding River, known as Beijing’s “mother river,” has been restored after decades of ecological decline. The article noted that, since achieving full-course flow in 2021, it has remained connected for five years, forming a green corridor that integrates flood control, ecology, and recreation, now serving as a hub for leisure and cultural activities.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users Debate Ticket Allocation After China Railway Responds to May Day Rush: A post with the hashtag #12306RespondsToWaitingListStatusForSomeTrainTicketsOnSaleForMayDay# is going viral on Weibo, highlighting concerns over ticket availability during the upcoming holiday rush. China State Railway Group explained that tickets for popular long-distance trains are primarily allocated to originating and destination stations, leaving intermediate stations with limited or no pre-allocated tickets. As a result, passengers traveling shorter distances often see “waiting list” status immediately upon ticket release. Authorities advised travelers to consider less popular routes or submit waiting list requests if necessary. Online reactions indicate notable concern among users regarding the ticket booking system. One user remarked that “the system seems designed to maximize profits rather than convenience." Another user commented that “they had to purchase a longer-distance ticket just to secure a seat for a shorter journey, only to find empty seats on board." Many users complained that tickets are nearly impossible to secure in advance, with one user noting that “bookings open days ahead yet remain unavailable, while tickets sometimes appear only shortly before departure." Some users stated that this “practice is unfair and reflects insufficient train capacity." Several other users pointed out that “smaller cities lack originating or terminating routes," making travel even more difficult. Meanwhile, others called for better balance, stressing that “both long- and short-distance passengers should be accommodated."

INDIA WATCH

Finance Sina Discusses AI Disruption and Employment Risks in India’s IT Sector: An article in Finance Sina discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping India’s IT industry while exposing structural weaknesses in its employment-driven growth model. The article noted that India’s IT and business process outsourcing sector, which employs around 10 to 15 million people, has long underpinned the country’s middle class and consumption-led growth. However, it highlighted that the shift from labor-intensive services to AI-driven productivity is reducing the need for large-scale hiring, thereby weakening this foundation. According to the article, IT companies are increasingly prioritizing efficiency and per capita productivity over workforce expansion. It cited data showing a clear slowdown in hiring, with major IT firms expected to record a net reduction of about 7,000 jobs in fiscal year 2026, alongside a broader decline in annual job creation compared to previous years. The article further pointed to layoffs and restructuring efforts across the sector, as well as reduced recruitment targets among leading firms. It emphasized that traditional IT roles are now demanding AI-related skills, while entry-level hiring opportunities are being scaled back. The article concluded that India’s limited capacity to absorb displaced workers in manufacturing, combined with the growth of low-value gig employment, could lead to rising unemployment and weaker consumption. It cautioned that without large-scale reskilling, these trends may increase the fragility of India’s economic growth trajectory.

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.