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NEWS IN CHINA 

• State Council Reviews Measures to Boost Silver Economy: Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired an executive meeting of the State Council, outlining key government tasks following the Spring Festival holiday. The meeting stressed that all departments should move swiftly into work mode, strengthen responsibility and urgency, and ensure the effective implementation of decisions made by the Party Central Committee. Officials were urged to establish and practice a correct perception of performance, focus on results that benefit the people, and advance key tasks through practical, research-based approaches. The government also called for innovative management and services to better support local governments and enterprises, and stimulate market vitality. The meeting highlighted the strong potential of China’s silver economy, calling for enhanced policy support, expanded elderly consumption, and the development of inclusive, sustainable elderly care services. In addition, the meeting approved opinions on strengthening grassroots firefighting work and endorsed a revised draft of the “Water Law”, aiming to improve water security and support high-quality development.
  
  
• China, South Korea Resolve Steel Anti-Dumping Case: China and South Korea agreed on a price undertaking to settle an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese hot-rolled steel coils. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce stated that industry players in both countries welcomed the outcome, noting that replacing anti-dumping duties with a pricing arrangement helps improve stability and predictability in the regional steel market. According to the Ministry, China–South Korea economic relations remain strong, with closely linked industrial and supply chains. In addition, it stated that the resolution of the case through a “soft landing” reflects mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation, and sends a positive signal for further strengthening bilateral trade ties. The Ministry also emphasized that the agreement carries wider significance beyond the steel industry, highlighting both countries’ commitment to multilateralism and to maintaining free and fair trade, and injecting “positive energy” into global economic cooperation.
  
  
• China Completes Full Deployment of Discipline Inspection Teams to Centrally Administered Enterprises: China has completed the full deployment of discipline inspection and supervision teams to all centrally administered enterprises, strengthening oversight and anti-corruption efforts. According to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission (NSC), all 53 discipline inspections are in place and fully performing their duties. The plan was outlined at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. In response, authorities made the full deployment a core task for 2025 and coordinated its implementation nationwide. The reform gives the CCDI and NSC direct leadership over resident teams in state-owned enterprises. Clear rules and guidance were issued, and management systems were improved. Team structures were adjusted, and personnel arrangements were standardized. After the reform, responsibilities became more focused, especially as teams concentrate on supervising enterprise leadership. According to the officials, the reform framework is in place and will move into a refinement stage to further support fair governance and high-quality development.
  
  
• Beijing Issues Stricter Ambient Air Quality Standards: China released a revised national “Ambient Air Quality Standard ” (GB 3095-2026) to improve air quality and protect public health. The standards were jointly issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the State Administration for Market Regulation. The new standards put strict limits on major pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The annual PM2.5 limit for Class I areas has been lowered to 10 micrograms per cubic meter, while the general standard is set at 25 micrograms. Daily limits have also been reduced, making the definition of “good air quality” more stringent. Officials noted that China’s air quality has improved steadily as average PM2.5 levels dropped from 68 micrograms per cubic meter in 2013 to 28 micrograms in 2025. The previous version of the standard was issued in 2012. To ensure a smooth transition, the new rules will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, transitional limits, will apply from March 2026 to December 2030, followed by the second phase, with full nationwide enforcement beginning in 2031. The policy is expected to lower health risks, support green industries, and help cut more than 7 billion tons of carbon emissions between 2026 and 2035.
  
  
• China Adds 40 Japanese Firms to Export Control List: China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) placed 20 Japanese entities on its export control list, banning the export of dual-use items over concerns that the companies support Japan’s military capabilities. The decision took immediate effect under China’s Export Control Law. The move requires Chinese exporters to halt shipments of dual-use goods items with both civilian and military applications to the listed firms. Foreign organizations and individuals are also prohibited from transferring Chinese-origin dual-use items to them. It aims to safeguard national security and fulfill non-proliferation obligations. In a separate step, MOFCOM had added another 20 Japanese firms, previously including Subaru, Mitsubishi Materials and TDK, to the list after the end use of certain exports could not be verified. Chinese officials stated that the measures target only a small number of firms and will not affect normal China-Japan trade. The Foreign Ministry noted that the action is lawful and intended to curb Japan’s remilitarization.
  
  

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER 

Weibo Buzzes Over Price Surge of Camera: A post with the hashtag #GlobalChipShortageCausesCameraPricesToSoar# is going viral on Weibo. According to the post, users noticed that some cameras, like Canon models bought six years ago for 2,459 yuan, now sell for over 4,000 yuan, while the Ricoh GR3 has jumped from 4,000 yuan to nearly 9,000 yuan in five years. Highlighting the reasoning behind the surge in price, an industry expert, Mr. Yang, noted that global chip shortages and soaring logistics costs have increased production expenses. Additionally, growing demand from live streaming, social media, self-media content creation, and a resurgence of travel and photography have added to the price surge. Online reactions highlighted a mix of humour, frustration, and concern over these rising costs. One user remarked that SanDisk memory cards were also “raising prices like crazy, 2–3 times higher,” questioning if companies are “trying to go bankrupt.” Another user commented humorously that, “If nobody buys, the price drops the next day,” suggesting consumers' decisions could regulate the market. A few users emphasized that mobile phone cameras have reduced demand for standalone cameras, questioning why prices still continue to rise. One user expressed skepticism over the brands' tactics, noting “they're setting up a scheme to drive up prices”.

INDIA WATCH

Finance Sina Discusses India’s Tech Sector Growth Forecast for 2026: An article published in Finance Sina discussed India’s technology sector outlook. It noted that India’s IT and software services industry is expected to grow 6.1% in fiscal year 2026, reaching $315 billion in revenue. The article highlighted that the growth is largely driven by AI-based services and global competence center operations. Citing the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom), it noted that for fiscal year 2025, Nasscom revised the sector’s revenue estimate upward to $297 billion from $283 billion. The article also stated that in fiscal year 2025, industry employment rose from 5.67 million to 5.8 million and it is projected to create a net 135,000 jobs in fiscal year 2026, lifting total employment to about 5.95 million. The article also outlined the ongoing challenges, including weak demand and disruption from advanced AI tools in the backdrop of the fall of IT stocks in the previous month, which wiped out about $44 billion in market capitalisation. However, it noted that major Indian IT firms such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HCL Technologies have indicated that demand is expected to pick up in fiscal year 2027, supported by strong contract orders and a rebound in non-essential spending.

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.