China

China’s imports of steel and alloy pipes have witnessed a sharp rise in FY25, driven by accelerating investments in infrastructure, construction, and energy projects. The surge reflects the country’s growing reliance on high-quality industrial inputs to meet expanding domestic needs, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and urban development.

In a strategic move to capture growing demand for international travel, Thomas Cook India and its group company SOTC Travel have expanded their range of holiday packages to China, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s tourism potential. The expansion includes curated itineraries covering key destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu, aimed at both leisure and experiential travelers. This move comes as travel interest in East Asia rises sharply following the reopening of borders and the easing of visa procedures.

India is witnessing a sharp rise in fertiliser prices after China suspended exports of key raw materials and finished fertilisers, intensifying supply chain pressures. The move has triggered concerns among farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers, as higher costs could affect crop input affordability and food production economics. Analysts highlight that India, a major importer of Chinese urea and phosphate derivatives, now faces the challenge of securing alternative sources while mitigating inflationary impact.

China has formally filed a complaint against India at the World Trade Organization (WTO), challenging recent trade measures implemented by New Delhi. The dispute centers on regulatory and tariff policies that China claims are discriminatory against Chinese exports, potentially affecting goods ranging from electronics to raw materials. India, citing national interests and domestic industry protection, maintains that its policies comply with WTO norms.

China’s Communist Party has convened a high-stakes meeting to outline its next five-year plan, marking a pivotal moment for the world’s second-largest economy as it grapples with slowing growth, rising U.S. tariffs, and a sweeping military purge. The upcoming policy roadmap, covering 2026–2030, is expected to prioritize technological self-reliance, national security, and high-quality growth over rapid expansion.

China, the world’s dominant producer of rare earth elements (REEs), has announced measures impacting global supply, fueling concerns over critical material availability for high-tech industries. Rare earths are essential for manufacturing electronics, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense technologies. Analysts highlight that China’s policies—ranging from export quotas to environmental regulations—affect global supply chains, pricing, and industrial competitiveness. Countries dependent on these materials face potential shortages and strategic vulnerabilities.

Amid escalating trade frictions between the United States and China, Washington is increasingly looking to India as a key strategic partner to stabilize global supply chains and counterbalance China’s growing economic influence. Senior US officials have emphasized the need for closer collaboration with New Delhi on trade policies, technology supply chains, and regional economic initiatives. India’s expanding manufacturing capabilities and its role in global markets position it as a pivotal ally in mitigating trade disruptions.

China, the world’s dominant supplier of rare earth elements (REEs), has announced new restrictions on exports, heightening concerns across global manufacturing and technology sectors. The move is seen as a strategic effort to prioritize domestic industries while controlling critical mineral flows that underpin electric vehicles, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. Analysts warn that tighter supply could impact global pricing, production timelines, and supply chain resilience.

Chinese scientists have unveiled the analysis of a remarkably preserved skull dating back over a million years, offering critical insights into early human evolution in Asia. The fossil, discovered in a cave in northern China, exhibits anatomical features that suggest a complex evolutionary lineage, bridging archaic and more modern human traits. Detailed morphological studies, combined with advanced dating techniques, reveal new evidence about cranial capacity, facial structure, and adaptive strategies of early hominins in response to environmental pressures.

China’s Shenzhou-20 mission marks a significant chapter in the country’s human spaceflight program as its crew prepares for a fourth extravehicular activity (EVA). The upcoming spacewalk, aimed at maintenance, scientific experiments, and assembly tasks on the Tiangong space station, underscores China’s commitment to establishing a permanent orbital presence. With each EVA, astronauts refine operational protocols, test new equipment, and contribute to the long-term functionality of the modular station.