India-China Relations
India and China Hold Talks on Resuming Direct Flights, No Timeline Yet
India and China have conducted initial discussions about restarting direct passenger flights, marking a step forward in improving bilateral ties since the 2020 border clash. Although no timeline has been set, officials confirmed one round of talks between civil aviation authorities. The move aligns with earlier efforts to resolve trade and economic issues, though some concerns remain unresolved. Direct passenger flights were suspended following the border tensions, though cargo services continued. Click here to read…
India, China Set to Resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Flights, Preparations Underway
India announced the likely resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been suspended since 2020, following in-principle agreement with China. Preparations are underway, and a public notice will be issued soon. Both sides have also agreed to restart direct flight services, with technical teams working out the modalities. These developments come after recent troop disengagements at Demchok and Depsang and a series of diplomatic meetings aimed at stabilizing bilateral relations strained since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. Click here to read…
Geopolitical and Diplomatic Developments
Chinese Embassy in Chile Slams U.S. ‘Hegemonism’ Over Brandon Judd’s Comments
The Chinese embassy in Chile has strongly criticized remarks by Brandon Judd, U.S. President Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Santiago, accusing the U.S. of "hegemonism" and trying to block China’s scientific cooperation in the region. Judd had pledged to limit Beijing’s access to Chile’s resources—especially in space and tech sectors—during his Senate confirmation hearing. His comments target the TOM astronomy project, a China-Chile initiative now under review due to U.S. security concerns. The embassy defended the project as legal and purely scientific, condemning Washington’s stance as interference and invoking Cold War-style politics. Click here to read…
China Tells U.S. to Drop ‘Threats and Blackmail’ in Escalating Tariff Row
China’s Foreign Ministry has urged the U.S. to abandon pressure tactics and return to fair dialogue amid rising tariff tensions. This comes after the White House announced a 245% tariff on Chinese imports, blaming Beijing’s retaliatory moves. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stressed that China doesn’t seek a trade war but won’t back down from defending its interests. Lin called on Washington to stop threats and instead engage in equal, respectful negotiations to resolve the dispute. Click here to read…
Military and Security Updates
Chinese Y-20 Transport Planes Arrive in Egypt for Joint Air Drills
At least five Chinese Y-20 transport planes have landed in Cairo as China prepares for its first-ever joint air force exercises with Egypt, dubbed "Eagle of Civilization 2025." The exercises, which will run until mid-May, are part of China's expanding military presence in the Middle East and North Africa. The Y-20, capable of transporting heavy military equipment over long distances, and the KJ-500 early warning plane are key assets in the drills. This marks a significant step in enhancing Sino-Egyptian military cooperation, with China also increasing its naval activities in the region. Click here to read…
China’s Security Chief Pushes for Mandarin Use and Terrorism Crackdown in Xinjiang
Chen Wenqing, China's top security official, visited Xinjiang and urged local authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, extremism, and violent crime. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of strengthening social governance and border security in the region, especially as it deals with ethnic tensions and unrest. Chen also advocated for promoting Mandarin to foster unity and integration among ethnic groups in Xinjiang, aligning with broader national efforts to assimilate minority cultures. His visit highlights ongoing concerns about separatism and terrorism in the strategically significant region. Click here to read…
Economic and Trade Trends
China Issues New Rules to Streamline Cross-Border Financial Data Flows
China has introduced a new guideline to regulate and ease the cross-border flow of financial data, aiming to support the financial sector’s high-standard opening-up. Jointly released by six major regulators, including the People’s Bank of China, the rules clarify conditions for data exports, exempt certain transactions from security assessments, and outline over 60 common financial scenarios for data transfer. The move is expected to improve compliance, efficiency, and security, while also making China’s financial environment more globally competitive and business-friendly. Click here to read…
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China Bans Export of Dual-Use Items to 16 U.S. Entities
China's Ministry of Commerce has barred the export of dual-use items to 16 U.S. entities, citing national security concerns and non-proliferation commitments. The listed entities have been added to China’s export control list for activities deemed harmful to China’s interests. The ban, enacted under China’s export control law, aims to uphold national security and international obligations. The ministry emphasized that all exporters must comply with these regulations. Click here to read…
Technology and Innovation
China’s New Tech Enhances Submarine Detection Near Alaska
Chinese scientists have developed advanced underwater acoustics technology that dramatically improves depth detection in the Arctic’s Beaufort Sea—a region key to U.S. naval operations. The Harbin Engineering University team achieved 93% accuracy in identifying underwater targets and full accuracy for surface vessels by leveraging a unique “double duct” sound channel in the area. This breakthrough, validated with data from China’s 2020 Arctic expedition, boosts China’s passive submarine detection and long-range under-ice communication abilities. While effective, the system’s performance drops with low-frequency signals and can be affected by environmental changes like rapid ice melt. Click here to read…
Chinese Scientists Develop AI Wearable to Help Visually Impaired Navigate the World
Chinese researchers have created a lightweight, wearable AI system to assist visually impaired individuals with navigation. The device uses a camera, AI algorithms, and bone conduction headphones to provide concise audio directions. Ultrathin artificial skin sensors on each wrist vibrate to alert users of nearby obstacles. Developed by a collaboration of major universities and labs, the system avoids overwhelming users with too much information and was positively tested by 20 participants. It can identify 21 common indoor objects and may eventually expand to support complex outdoor navigation. Click here to read…
Internal Politics and Policy Shifts
Chinese Officials Launch Support Drive for Exporters Amid Trump Tariff Surge
Local Communist Party leaders and mayors across China’s coastal provinces have begun company visits to support exporters affected by renewed U.S. tariffs under President Trump. As part of this push, task forces—known as zhuan ban—have been mobilized to help firms navigate the trade shock, seek new markets, and adjust policies accordingly. These efforts come after the U.S. raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing. The coordinated response spans provinces like Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and cities like Shanghai and Tianjin, with officials ordered to remain constantly available to assist businesses. Click here to read…
China Replaces Top Trade Negotiator Amid Escalating U.S. Tariff War
In a surprise move, China has replaced its top trade negotiator Wang Shouwen with Li Chenggang, the country’s ambassador to the WTO, amid intensifying tariff tensions with the U.S. Li, a seasoned legal expert with a history of criticizing U.S. trade actions, is expected to bring a more strategic and legalistic approach to ongoing disputes. The timing of the change—during President Xi’s Southeast Asia tour—signals Beijing's intent to recalibrate its negotiating posture. Washington has maintained that China must make the first move for any new trade deal, while Beijing insists on talks based on mutual respect. Click here to read…
Key Readings & Reports
China Tourism Market Report 2025
The China Tourism Market Report 2025 offers a detailed analysis of both domestic and outbound tourism sectors, highlighting key trends, traveller profiles, and spending patterns. It covers the motivations behind Chinese travel, preferred destinations, and emerging markets. Key companies like Trip.com, Airbnb, Alipay, and WeChat Pay are featured, and the report provides insights into the growing international travel from China. It includes projections and future trends to assist tourism businesses in strategic planning. Click here to read…
