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NEWS IN CHINA

• China, South Africa Advance Ties During Han Zheng Visit: Vice President Han Zheng visited South Africa from March 25 to 27 at the invitation of Vice President Paul Mashatile. In Cape Town, Han met President Cyril Ramaphosa and conveyed greetings from President Xi Jinping, emphasizing China’s commitment to advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations. He highlighted China’s plan to implement zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries, noting opportunities to expand trade and accelerate negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement. He called for deeper political trust, stronger multilateral coordination, and enhanced cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and technology to boost Global South influence. Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s adherence to the one-China policy and welcomed expanded trade access, expressing readiness to deepen collaboration across sectors. During the Ninth Plenary Meeting of the China-South Africa Bilateral Committee, both sides agreed to strengthen strategic alignment and people-to-people exchanges. Han also addressed the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, urging businesses to play a greater role in fostering shared development and long-term partnership growth.
  
  
• Xi Jinping Presides Over CPC Politburo Meeting Reviewing Local Committee Work Regulations: The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting to review the “Regulations on the Work of Local Committees of the Communist Party of China”. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the session. The meeting emphasized that local Party committees must resolutely uphold the authority of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core, ensuring centralized and unified leadership. Implementing the decisions and plans of the Central Committee was highlighted as the top priority, while adapting them to local realities to enhance initiative and creativity. Local Party committees were urged to shoulder responsibilities for development and security, promote high-quality growth, improve people’s livelihoods, and safeguard national security and social stability. The meeting called for establishing a correct view of performance, focusing on results achieved through hard work and service to the people. Strengthening democratic centralism, refining oversight mechanisms, and enhancing accountability were stressed. Leaders must improve theoretical learning, professional competence, and governance capacity, while advancing strict Party discipline, combating formalism, and fostering a clean political environment.
  
  
• China’s Industrial Profits Rise 15.2% in Early 2026: The National Bureau of Statistics reported that industrial enterprises above the designated size achieved total profits of 1.02 trillion yuan in January and February, marking a 15.2% year-on-year increase. State-owned holding enterprises posted profits of 366.56 billion yuan, up 5.3%, while joint-stock firms saw a strong 22.1% rise to 803.29 billion yuan. Private enterprises recorded the fastest growth, with profits surging 37.2% to 284.45 billion yuan. In contrast, foreign-invested firms and those backed by Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan reported a 3.8% decline. By sector, manufacturing led with 732.15 billion yuan in profits, up 18.9%. Mining gained 9.9%, while electricity, heat, gas, and water supply rose 3.7%. High-tech industries showed remarkable growth as electronic equipment manufacturing profits more than doubled, while non-ferrous metal smelting rose 1.5 times. However, auto manufacturing fell 30.2%, and petroleum and natural gas extraction dropped 16.8%. Operating revenue reached 20.84 trillion yuan, up 5.3%, with a profit margin of 4.92%. Total assets stood at 188.4 trillion yuan, a 5.5% increase.
  
  
• China’s Sci-Fi Industry Surges as 2026 Convention Opens in Beijing: China’s science fiction industry generated 126.1 billion yuan ($17.4 billion) in revenue in 2025, up 15.7% year-on-year, according to data released at the opening of the 2026 China Science Fiction Convention in Beijing. The three-day event, held at Shougang Park, a former steel complex transformed into a cultural venue, brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, and writers to showcase how sci-fi is increasingly intersecting with real-world technological innovation. At the opening ceremony, a robot host named “Huanhuan” and a satellite-linked display system staged a synchronized “ground-to-space” launch, highlighting the fusion of imagination and technology. A dialogue between geologist Liu Jiaqi, astronaut Zhao Chuandong, and renowned sci-fi author Liu Cixin highlighted the growing convergence between scientific research and speculative storytelling. Organizers noted that international participation has expanded this year, showing rising global interest in China’s sci-fi ecosystem and its connections to industries such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, and digital entertainment. With more than 20 events, including industry forums and public exhibitions, the convention emphasizes how science fiction can drive innovation, strengthen science communication, and contribute to industrial development.
  
  
• China Flags Environmental Gaps After Latest Inspection Round: China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced the completion of feedback for the fifth batch of the third round of central environmental protection inspections, covering key regions and major state-owned enterprises. Inspection teams reviewed Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, along with major firms including China Huadian Corporation and China Baowu Steel Group. Special written feedback was also issued to provinces along the Grand Canal. Overall, authorities noted progress in ecological protection, green development, and pollution control, as well as efforts to preserve the canal’s cultural heritage. However, the inspections also revealed persistent problems. Some regions were found to be approving high-pollution and energy-intensive projects, with ongoing issues such as illegal waste disposal and wildlife trafficking while weaknesses in air and water pollution control persist and ecological damage has been reported in wetlands, rivers, and protected areas. Rural environmental management and livestock pollution were also flagged. Certain central enterprises were criticized for slow green transitions, weak compliance, and even falsified monitoring data. The ministry stated that it will intensify supervision to ensure corrective actions and lasting environmental improvements.

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Weibo Users React to Chenzhou Blast Report and Disciplinary Action Against Officials: A post with the hashtag #13PublicOfficialsInChenzhouPunished# is going viral on Weibo following an official report into a fireworks shop explosion in Hunan. The report confirmed that the incident was deliberately caused by the shop owner, and also revealed disciplinary action against 13 public officials for misconduct, including accepting gifts and favors and failing to perform duties. Online reactions have largely focused on concerns over corruption and regulatory lapses. One user commented that “even low-ranking officials can demand bribes and kickbacks,” while another user noted that “the punishment was too lenient.” A few other users also raised concerns about whether “business permits were obtained through proper procedures in such an environment”. At the same time, some users acknowledged the transparency of the report, calling it “detailed” and a sign of a thorough investigation. Others emphasized the personal factors behind the tragedy, pointing to the owner’s heavy debt and cautioning against “high consumption and risky behavior.” Safety concerns also featured prominently, with users stressing that stricter regulation of fireworks is essential and that “life is more important than profit,” calling for stronger oversight and greater personal responsibility.

INDIA WATCH 

Finance Sina Discusses PM Modi’s Push for India’s Energy Preparedness: An article published in Sina discussed India’s energy security measures following the energy crisis. According to the article, PM Narendra Modi convened a video conference with state chief ministers to review preparedness for potential disruptions, particularly in fuel supply chains and energy distribution. The article noted that the central government briefed political leaders on diplomatic efforts, energy security and the safety of overseas Indian citizens. It highlighted that the Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas dismissed rumors of a nationwide lockdown and cautioned against misinformation during a sensitive period. The article noted that, to ease pressure on industrial demand, the government increased commercial LPG quotas to 70% of pre-crisis levels. It further noted that, though the government has taken steps to mitigate the impact of Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical route for energy imports, effective implementation requires state coordination. Additionally, it highlighted the Finance Ministry announcement of tax relief measures, including a reduction in petrol excise duty and exemption for diesel, aimed at shielding consumers from rising global oil prices. The article stated that some state leaders welcomed the move. It also emphasized that opposition leaders criticized the government’s response, arguing that delays are contributing to serious shortages of commercial gas cylinders and mounting economic strain.

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.