Daily Conversations Daily Conversations

NEWS IN CHINA

• 2025 World Smart Industry Expo Opens in Chongqing, Showcasing AI-Driven Innovation: The World Smart Industry Expo 2025 kicked off in Chongqing, highlighting China’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and smart technology. In a congratulatory letter, President Xi Jinping underscored the country's commitment to advancing both the development and governance of AI. He emphasized the importance of integrating technological innovation with industrial upgrading to drive high-quality development and enhance people's well-being. President Xi also called for global collaboration on AI strategy, governance frameworks, and technical standards, stating that AI should be treated as a global public good and developed in ways that promote shared benefits and healthy industry growth. The expo, themed “Artificial Intelligence Plus” and “Intelligent Connected New Energy Vehicles,” has drawn over 600 domestic and international enterprises and showcases more than 3,000 new products and solutions. Organized by the Chongqing and Tianjin municipal governments, the event features five key zones: smart vehicles, digital cities, intelligent robots, low-altitude economy, and smart homes. A centerpiece is the “Champion vs. Champion CMG New Energy Vehicle Challenge,” spotlighting China’s advances in intelligent and electric mobility, reinforcing its ambition to lead global AI-driven industries.
  
  
• China Tightens Rules on Insurance Capital Guarantee Deposits: On September 5, the State Financial Supervision and Administration Bureau issued the revised Measures for the Administration of Capital Guarantee Deposits of Insurance Companies, introducing stricter requirements to safeguard the stability of the insurance market. The new rules, effective immediately, apply to insurance companies, insurance holding firms, and group companies. Under the Measures, insurance firms must allocate 20% of their registered capital as capital guarantee deposits, which can only be used to repay debts during liquidation. The deposits must be placed in at least two commercial banks that meet new eligibility criteria, including net assets of no less than RMB 30 billion, compliance with risk control indicators, sound governance, and no related-party ties with the insurer. Compared to earlier rules, the threshold for deposit banks has been raised from RMB 20 billion to 30 billion, with additional regulatory requirements. Each deposit must now be at least RMB 20 million, double the previous minimum. Deposits may take forms such as time deposits, negotiated deposits, or large-denomination certificates. Violations of these provisions will trigger penalties under the Insurance Law, reinforcing regulatory oversight.
  
  
• CSRC Seeks Public Opinion on New Rules to Cut Fund Sales Costs: The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has released a draft of revised rules governing the management of sales expenses for publicly offered securities investment funds, seeking feedback from the public. The move is part of the broader "Action Plan for Promoting the High-Quality Development of Publicly Offered Funds," aimed at easing the burden on investors and strengthening market regulation. The proposed regulations, renamed as the Regulations on the Management of Sales Expenses of Publicly Offered Securities Investment Funds, contain six chapters and 28 articles. Key provisions include lowering subscription, application, and service fees to reduce investor costs, while ensuring redemption fees are fully incorporated into fund assets. Notably, sales service fees will no longer apply to equity, hybrid, and bond funds held for over a year, encouraging long-term investment. The draft also introduced stricter oversight on expense allocation, prevents double charging in advisory services, and sets differentiated commission caps for equity funds. Additionally, a direct sales service platform for institutional investors will be created. 
  
  
• China Imposes Temporary Anti-Dumping Measures on EU Pork Imports: China’s Ministry of Commerce announced that it will impose temporary anti-dumping measures on pork and pig by-products imported from the European Union (EU), effective September 10. The decision follows a preliminary ruling that found EU imports were being dumped in the Chinese market, causing material harm to domestic producers. Under the measures, Chinese importers must provide deposits to customs authorities at rates ranging from 15.6% to 62.4%, depending on the company. The move comes after domestic pork producers filed complaints, prompting the ministry to launch an investigation on June 17, 2024. The probe was extended in June this year and is now set to conclude by December 16, 2025. A ministry spokesperson emphasized that China has acted with restraint in applying trade remedies, highlighting Beijing’s willingness to resolve trade frictions with the EU through dialogue. However, the ministry stressed that the investigation will strictly follow Chinese law and WTO rules, with a final ruling to be issued after a comprehensive review.
  
  
• China Congratulates the Newly Elected Thai Prime Minister: China has extended its congratulations to Anutin Charnvirakul on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of Thailand. A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized Beijing’s readiness to work closely with Bangkok to further deepen bilateral cooperation. “China stands ready to work with Thailand to carry forward our traditional friendship, strengthen strategic communication, and expand practical cooperation,” the spokesperson stated. “We aim to achieve greater progress in building a China-Thailand community with a shared future and to jointly contribute to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.” Highlighting the enduring ties between the two nations, the spokesperson noted that China and Thailand are not only close neighbors but also “as close as one family.” 

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER

Bocom Booth Steals the Spotlight at City and Smart Economy Expo in Ningbo: The City and Smart Economy Expo officially opened in Ningbo on September 5, 2025, with Bank of Communications (Bocom) quickly becoming one of the event’s biggest attractions. As a strategic partner of the Expo, Bocom’s booth went viral both on-site and online, captivating visitors and netizens alike. Bocom showcased its latest innovations in AI, digital finance, and smart banking across three interactive zones: “Five Major Projects,” “Serving the Regional Economy,” and “Digital RMB & Finance for the People.” Through a mix of immersive videos and hands-on demos, the booth drew large crowds and created an energetic atmosphere. A major highlight was the “Technology Aids the Disabled” Smart Health Experience Center, co-hosted with the Ningbo Disabled Persons’ Federation. Here, visitors could use Bocom’s Digital RMB wallet to purchase small gifts—part of the bank’s Blue Balloon Charity initiative, which promotes financial inclusion and supports vulnerable communities. On social media, hashtags such as #BocomBoothDrawsCrowds and #DigitalBankShapesFuture quickly began trending on Weibo, with users sharing photos of long lines and praising the booth’s human-centered approach. Many remarked that while digital finance can often seem abstract, Bocom’s exhibit made it feel “tangible and warm,” transforming a financial showcase into a standout cultural moment.

INDIA WATCH

Guancha Analyzes India’s Strategic Shift Amid U.S. Tariff Tensions: Chinese media outlet Guancha has highlighted growing strains in U.S.-India relations, framing recent developments as a possible pivot point in New Delhi’s foreign policy. According to Guancha, Washington’s increasingly aggressive tariff measures may be pushing India to strengthen ties with China and Russia, reflecting a broader trend toward strategic rebalancing. Citing Politico’s description of the bilateral tensions as entering a “war-level phase,” the article contrasts India’s cordial interactions with Chinese and Russian leaders at the recent SCO summit with its increasingly challenging dynamic with the United States. It noted that Indian public sentiment appears to be shifting, with rising frustration over perceived economic coercion and renewed public memory of past U.S. actions, including naval deployments during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Particularly notable, the piece pointed out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media emphasis on his engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, interpreting it as a deliberate signal of India’s broader strategic flexibility. Guancha argues that Washington’s tariff-centric approach, combined with a hardened diplomatic posture, risks alienating a key partner by underestimating India's sensitivities and aspirations for multipolar engagement.

Prepared By

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.