China marked the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II by unveiling a vast array of new weapons, many shown for the first time. Key highlights include the DF-61 intercontinental missile, DF-17 hypersonic missile, YJ-12 anti-ship cruise missile, J-15T fighter jet, and AI-powered drones. Experts say the arsenal demonstrates nuclear triad strength and rapid growth, signaling deterrence toward the U.S. The Tiananmen Square parade ended with an 80-gun salute and release of 80,000 doves.

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) adopted a joint declaration at their Tianjin summit, announcing plans to establish a development bank. The declaration emphasizes sustainable development, industrial growth, clean energy, agriculture, e-commerce, tourism, and healthcare collaboration. SCO countries pledged to address AI risks, modernize transport corridors, uphold nuclear and chemical weapons treaties, fight terrorism without double standards, reform the UN, combat drug trafficking, and ensure inclusive participation in sports for all member nations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on regional leaders to abandon a “Cold War mentality” and strengthen multilateral cooperation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin. Xi emphasized the need for a fair, balanced global governance system and announced $280 million in aid to SCO members, along with $1.4 billion in loans from the SCO Banking Consortium. Leaders, including Putin and Modi, discussed trade, investment, and security issues, highlighting the summit as a platform for alternative global cooperation and regional partnership.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at the SCO summit in Tianjin that building friendship between India and China is the “right decision.” Xi highlighted the countries’ shared responsibilities as ancient civilizations and key Global South members. He emphasized peace, cooperation, and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Modi welcomed reduced border tensions, stressed mutual trust and respect, and mentioned restarting direct flights. Both leaders underscored cooperation as vital for 2.8 billion people’s welfare.

India and China are set to resume direct passenger flights after more than five years, signaling a thaw in bilateral relations. The announcement came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit in Tianjin. While the launch date remains unspecified, major airlines from both countries are preparing to restart services. The move is expected to ease travel, boost trade, and strengthen diplomatic ties amid global economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Shanghai has recorded temperatures above 35°C (95°F) for 25 consecutive days, breaking a 99-year-old record previously set in 1926. From July 22 to August 14, the city experienced continuous heat, highlighting the impact of global climate change on Asia. The excessive heat is causing melting glaciers, sudden storms, and erratic weather patterns. Earlier in July, after many regions exceeded 40°C (104°F), Beijing issued high-heat warnings for 754 provinces, cities, and counties, emphasizing growing climate risks.

A secret letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Indian President Droupadi Murmu helped improve India-China relations following the escalation of the U.S.-India trade war under President Trump. The letter, later shared with Prime Minister Modi, expressed Beijing’s concerns over U.S.-India agreements and suggested cooperation with a provincial official. Since June, both countries have returned to dialogue, eased trade and visa restrictions, and prepared to resume direct passenger flights. The SCO summit will mark Modi’s first China visit in seven years.

China’s Haze Shipping Company is launching the China-Europe Arctic Express, a new container route linking Chinese ports including Ningbo-Zhoushan and Qingdao to major European ports such as Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Gdansk. The Arctic segment via Russia’s Northern Sea Route reduces transit time to just 18 days—less than half of the Suez Canal route. Initially seasonal, the service aims to speed deliveries, cut inventory costs, and meet Europe’s peak-season demand, with plans for year-round operation using ice-class vessels.

Despite China’s new nationwide child subsidy of 3,600 yuan per year for children under three, rising costs of diapers, dairy, and clothing make the financial support feel insufficient. Families like Wang Yuan’s in Hangzhou report spending around 4,000 yuan monthly on a four-month-old baby. Introduced in July 2024, the scheme aims to assist nearly 20 million families, including retroactive support for children born 2022–2024. Experts warn that China’s declining birth rate and rapidly aging population remain major demographic challenges.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has arrived in New Delhi on his first visit to India in over three years, aiming to boost historically tense bilateral relations. During the three-day visit, he will meet with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key discussions will focus on resuming trade via the Himalayan border, enhancing economic cooperation, and stabilizing ties amid U.S. tariffs and global geopolitical tensions. The visit signals a positive shift in India-China relations.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18 to 20 to discuss bilateral border issues and participate in the 24th Special Representatives meeting on the China-India boundary. Both nations are also considering restarting border trade, halted since deadly clashes in 2020, and exploring agreements on direct flights and tourist visas. This visit follows Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s July trip to Beijing and marks a step toward restoring ties amid ongoing geopolitical and global trade uncertainties.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen criticized the U.S. for using tariffs as a tool of pressure, calling it a clear case of trade suppression and hegemonic politics. He noted the 35% U.S. tariff on Bangladeshi goods as unfair and unethical for a least developed country. China expressed its willingness to work with Bangladesh to resist unilateralism, support fair trade, and uphold global justice. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to openness and multilateralism, despite growing global protectionism and trade barriers imposed by powerful nations.

China has introduced a historic nationwide cash subsidy of up to 10,800 yuan per child under three years old to address its declining birth rate and demographic crisis. Starting in 2024, families will receive up to 3,600 yuan annually per child, benefiting nearly 20 million households. This follows local subsidy trials in various provinces. Despite abolishing the one-child policy a decade ago, China’s population continues to shrink, with rapid aging raising serious economic and social concerns for the future.

Heavy rains in northern China have caused devastating floods, resulting in at least 30 deaths in Beijing. Authorities evacuated 80,000 people as more rain was forecasted. Nearly 130 villages lost power, and many roads were damaged, isolating residents. Rescue teams are using helicopters and wading through chest-deep waters to save stranded individuals. The Miyun district suffered the most damage. President Xi Jinping has ordered comprehensive search and rescue efforts amid ongoing infrastructure repairs and support for displaced residents.

At the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the urgent need for global consensus on balancing the rapid development of artificial intelligence with its security risks. He called for responsible governance, open-source collaboration, and announced a new China-led international body to enhance AI cooperation. Li highlighted challenges such as misinformation, job displacement, and loss of human control. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump vowed aggressive policies to ensure American dominance in AI, aiming to reduce regulatory hurdles for private innovation.