India-China Relations
China Condemns Terrorism Broadly, Avoids Labelling Pahalgam Attack as Terror Incident
Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, China reiterated its opposition to terrorism in all forms but did not explicitly term the incident an act of terror. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized that Beijing opposes terrorism and supports regional peace and stability. However, China refrained from making any direct reference to the Pahalgam attack as a terrorist act in its official remarks. Click here to read…
Geopolitical and Diplomatic Developments
China Returns Boeing Planes Amid Rising Tariff Tensions with US
China has returned two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and plans to return a third, as trade tensions with the US escalate following new tariffs. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said Chinese airlines have halted deliveries of 50 planes scheduled for this year, prompting Boeing to seek alternative buyers. The US imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, while China retaliated with a 125% tax on US goods. Boeing, America's largest exporter, is engaging daily with US officials to navigate the trade dispute and remains hopeful for negotiations. Boeing reported smaller first-quarter losses and plans to ramp up 737 MAX production. Click here to read…
China and Kenya Elevate Ties Amid Global Turbulence
China and Kenya announced an upgrade in their bilateral relations on Thursday during President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing. Presidents Xi Jinping and Ruto pledged to strengthen China-Africa solidarity to support global stability, signing 20 cooperation agreements across sectors like infrastructure, technology, and education. The two leaders also reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral sanctions, tariffs, and technological barriers, while promoting a more inclusive global economic order. Click here to read…
Military and Security Updates
China Tracks US Warship Sailing Through Taiwan Strait
China’s military said it monitored and warned the USS William P. Lawrence as it transited the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, the second such US mission since Donald Trump’s re-election. The Eastern Theatre Command accused the US of "public hyping" and distorting international law, urging Washington to help maintain stability. The US Navy described the passage as a routine transit through international waters, affirming its commitment to freedom of navigation. Tensions remain high following recent Chinese military drills around Taiwan, which have drawn criticism from Taipei, Washington, and allied nations. Click here to read…
Economic and Trade Trends
China Meets Foreign Firms to Address Tariff Impact
China’s Commerce Ministry announced it held talks with over 80 foreign companies and business chambers on Thursday to discuss how U.S. tariffs are affecting investment and operations in China. The meeting comes amid heightened trade tensions and efforts by Beijing to reassure foreign investors and stabilize the business environment. Click here to read…
China Backs Free Trade at G20 Meeting, Central Bank Governor States
China's central bank governor, Pan Gongsheng, emphasized the country's commitment to supporting free trade and the multilateral trading system during a G20 meeting in Washington D.C. He rejected unilateralism and protectionism, stating that such approaches are counterproductive. Pan reaffirmed China’s stance on promoting inclusive economic globalization and maintaining an open economic policy. Click here to read…
Technology and Innovation
China Launches Shenzhou-20 Crewed Spacecraft for New Space Station Mission
China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre with astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie on board. The mission will focus on conducting 59 experiments and technical demonstrations in space life sciences, microgravity physical sciences, and new space technologies, including studies involving zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces. Click here to read…
Shenzhou-20 Crew to Conduct Life Science Experiments Aboard China Space Station
The Shenzhou-20 crew will carry out three new life science experiments at the China Space Station, focusing on zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces, according to the China Manned Space Agency. The zebrafish study will examine protein homeostasis related to bone loss and cardiovascular issues in microgravity. The planarian experiment will explore regenerative mechanisms in space for the first time. Streptomyces research will study changes in bioactive compound expression under space conditions. Alongside these, the crew will also conduct 59 additional experiments and technical demonstrations in fields like space life sciences and microgravity physical sciences. Click here to read…
China Hosts First Embodied AI Robot Games in Wuxi
China's first Embodied Artificial Intelligence Robot Games opened in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, featuring robotics competitions, tech demos, public carnivals, and themed forums. The event includes robot races, football and basketball matches, obstacle courses, and real-world demonstrations like intelligent gripping and rescue operations. Wuxi also announced new policy initiatives to boost local AI development. Meanwhile, Beijing is preparing for its own World Humanoid Robot Games later this year, showcasing advancements in robot mobility and human-machine interaction. The Wuxi event runs from April 24 to 26. Click here to read…
Internal Politics and Policy Shifts
Taiwan to Impose Security Observation Period for Hongkongers Seeking Residency
Taiwan announced that Hongkongers applying for residency will now undergo a "national security observation period" as part of tightened security measures. Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-Cheng said a new "long-term residency" visa would be introduced, allowing Hongkongers to live and work in Taiwan without immediate permanent residency rights. Applicants will not be permitted to hold Taiwanese ID cards or vote. Authorities are also considering extending the wait for permanent residency from one year to four years amid concerns over potential national security risks linked to Hongkongers with mainland ties. Click here to read…
