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NEWS IN CHINA

• China Urges Human Rights Council to Refocus on Core Mission: At the 61st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Chinese envoy Li Xiaomei called on the international community to revisit the original purpose of promoting and protecting human rights as the Council marks its 20th anniversary. Speaking during a general debate on human rights situations, Li cautioned that multilateralism and the global human rights cause face unprecedented challenges, with regional conflicts creating humanitarian crises and undermining peace and security. She criticized the growing politicization, instrumentalization, and double standards in human rights discussions, noting that all 13 country-specific mechanisms of the Council target developing nations. She noted that these mechanisms consume tens of millions of dollars while failing to prioritize pressing human rights issues. Li urged member states to use the anniversary as an opportunity to return to the Council’s founding mission, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. She called for tangible actions that advance human rights rather than politicized approaches.
  
  
• China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao Holds Talks with Apple CEO: Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Apple CEO Tim Cook to exchange views on China–US economic and trade relations and Apple’s business development in China. Wang highlighted that under the guidance of the two heads of state, economic and trade teams from both countries have held six rounds of dialogue, reaching important consensus. Wang reiterated China’s commitment to building an open world economy, noting that China’s development provides certainty amid global turbulence. He emphasized China’s efforts to promote high-level opening up and to build stable, resilient, green, and innovative industrial and supply chains. Wang expressed hope that Apple would remain confident in its operations in China and continue to share in the opportunities created by China’s growth. Tim Cook stated that China remains Apple’s most important manufacturing base and a key source of its supply chain. He noted that Apple is expanding cooperation in innovation, green development, and supply chain integration in China, in line with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and expressed hope for stable and constructive US–China trade relations.
  
  
• CPC Issues Opinions to Strengthen Party-Led Youth League Building: The General Office of the CPC Central Committee issued the “Opinions on Strengthening the Work of Party Building Leading the Youth League Building,” outlining measures to enhance Party leadership over the Communist Youth League. The document stresses adherence to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress. It calls for integrating the Party, the Youth League, and the Young Pioneers into a unified chain of education, strengthening the League’s political character, organizational capacity, and service functions, and ensuring strict governance. The “Opinions” emphasize centralized leadership by Party committees, incorporation of Xi Jinping’s important thoughts on youth work into cadre training, and guidance for the League to promote loyalty, ideals, and discipline. It also highlights building a high-quality cadre team, expanding organizational coverage, and cultivating outstanding League members into Party members. The document further highlights the importance of discipline, practical work, and maintaining close ties with young people. Additionally, it also calls on the Youth League to strictly follow Party discipline, strengthen internal management, uphold political standards, and ensure rigorous education, supervision, and enforcement of discipline among its members.
  
  
• Beijing Issues Guidelines to Regulate Platform Labor Algorithms: The All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), together with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the China Enterprise Confederation/China Enterprise Directors Association, and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), jointly released the “Guidelines for Negotiation of Labor Rules and Algorithms on Platforms (Trial Implementation).” The guidelines aim to regulate labor rules and algorithm negotiations between platform companies and their partner firms, and strengthen worker protections in new employment forms in the platform economy. The guidelines provide clear operational procedures for consultation mechanisms between companies, unions, and worker representatives. It focuses on key issues such as order allocation, income and commissions, working hours, time estimation, route planning, and performance evaluation. The document also standardizes the selection and procedures for negotiation representatives, sets limits on their number, and ensures subsidies during negotiations. In addition, the guidelines stress effective implementation, including publicizing results, ensuring regular communication and feedback, and strengthening supervision by local trade unions.
  
  
• China Highlights Forest Growth Ahead of International Forest Day: The National Forestry and Grassland Administration announced major achievements in China’s forest development, just ahead of the International Day of Forests on March 21. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the country’s forest area has reached 3.614 billion mu (about 242 million hectares), with forest coverage at 25.09 percent and stock volume nearing 21 billion cubic meters. China has recorded continuous growth in forest area and stock for 40 years, making it the fastest greening country globally. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, major ecological projects led to the greening of 549 million mu of land, restoration of wetlands, and treatment of desertified areas, helping achieve “zero growth” in land degradation. Forests and grasslands have also generated ecosystem service values exceeding 30 trillion yuan annually. This year’s theme is “Forests and Economy”. China’s forestry industry has expanded rapidly, producing over 240 million tons of forest food annually, attracting 3 billion ecotourism visitors, and fostering nearly 300,000 new business entities.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER 

Weibo Buzzes Over Livestream Food Safety Rules: A post with the hashtag #LivestreamingEdgeFoodSafetyPlatformsCanNoLongerShiftBlaming# is going viral on Weibo following the implementation of new regulations aimed at strengthening food safety oversight in livestreaming e-commerce. The rules introduce stricter accountability by clearly defining responsibilities for platforms, streamers, and agencies, emphasizing that platforms must act as the “first gatekeepers” by managing both products and content creators. They also ban the sale of hazardous or mislabeled food, prohibit misleading health claims, and introduce penalties. Online reactions have largely supported strict regulation, while raising concerns about enforcement. One user commented that if problematic streamers cannot be traced, “the platform must take responsibility.” Another user added that platforms should not be allowed to profit without being held accountable. A few users questioned how such unsafe or substandard food products were ever allowed to be sold, asking whether these items “should have been banned from the start.” At the same time, some users criticized the “penalties as too lenient”. One user remarked that “fines are useless without stricter punishment,” while another stated stronger enforcement is necessary to deter violations. However, a few users welcomed the move, calling food safety the “most urgent issue” and expressing satisfaction that authorities are finally stepping in.

INDIA WATCH 

Global Times Highlights India’s Appointment of New Envoy to China: An article published in Global Times discussed India’s decision to appoint Vikram K. Doraiswami as its next ambassador to China, describing him as a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in China-related affairs. It noted that Doraiswami has previously served in Beijing and Hong Kong, is fluent in Chinese, and has held key diplomatic roles across Asia, reflecting strong professional credentials. The article highlighted expert views that his appointment signals New Delhi’s emphasis on pragmatism and professionalism in managing relations with Beijing. It further pointed out that the posting comes at a crucial juncture, as both countries continue cautious diplomatic engagement following tensions since the Galwan Valley clash. It also noted recent efforts to stabilize ties, including the resumption of flights, easing of visa restrictions, and renewed strategic dialogue. The article added that Doraiswami is expected to play a key role in balancing competition and cooperation while addressing sensitive bilateral issues. It concluded that India’s decision to send an experienced “China hand” shows a calibrated approach to improving engagement and maintaining stability in a complex relationship.

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.