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Malaysian Reserve
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
China pledges to address ‘irrational competition' in EV sector
CHINA pledged to rein in 'irrational competition' in its electric vehicle industry, a sign policymakers are concerned about price wars threatening economic growth. The vow came in a State Council meeting Wednesday that was chaired by Premier Li Qiang, according to China Central Television. The gathering of what is essentially China's cabinet added that authorities would also effectively regulate market order in the sector. Authorities would also step up investigations and monitoring of prices, the state broadcaster said. They'd also encourage companies to boost competitiveness through innovation and improved product quality, CCTV added, without giving details on how that would be done. The government's focus on the EV sector comes after China's top leadership pledged to curb aggressive price competition among businesses. While economic growth is on target to meet the the official 5% expansion goal for the year, a worsening decline in prices threatens to drag the world's second-largest economy into a prolonged slowdown. China's EV industry has become a world leader — BYD Co. sold more fully electric cars in Europe than Tesla for the first time ever in April — that has raised tensions with the US and European over potential damage to their industrial bases. Last month, Chinese officials reportedly summoned the heads of major EV makers, including BYD, to Beijing to address concerns about the long-running price war. Officials told EV makers to 'self-regulate,' and that they shouldn't sell cars below cost or offer unreasonable price cuts. Also in June, BYD and and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. joined several of China's government-backed automakers in a pledge to standardize bill payment for their suppliers to 60 days. The carmakers had been seeking lower-cost components and delaying payments to suppliers by months, creating a form of quasi-debt financing. –BLOOMBERG
Bloomberg
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
China Pledges to Address ‘Irrational Competition' in EV Sector
China pledged to rein in 'irrational competition' in its electric vehicle industry, a sign policymakers are concerned about price wars threatening economic growth. The vow came in a State Council meeting Wednesday that was chaired by Premier Li Qiang, according to China Central Television. The gathering of what is essentially China's cabinet added that authorities would also effectively regulate market order in the sector.
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Straits Times
Heat wave sweeping across China could be unprecedented
Find out what's new on ST website and app. A person holds up a fan to cover her face from sunlight amid a yellow alert for heat in Shanghai on July 4. China is experiencing a relentless heat wave with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 deg C in parts of the country as residents prepare for the summer season to reach its peak on July 20. This week, scorching weather is expected to hit various parts of China, according to a warning issued on China Central Television's National Emergency Broadcasting WeChat account on July 13. In parts of Hebei and Shaanxi provinces, temperatures could surge as high as 42 deg C, creating sweltering conditions that are challenging historical records for this time of year. Cities including Zhengzhou in Henan province and Xi'an in Shaanxi province are facing six days of scorching heat, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 deg C. Zhengzhou may even witness 42 deg C on July 15, a close second to the city's highest recorded temperature of 43 deg C back in July 1966. The oppressive heat is not just limited to daytime hours, as night temperatures in many areas, including the basins of the Yellow and Huaihe rivers, are hovering around 30 deg C, an unusual occurrence for this time of year. Meteorologist Zhu Dingzhen said that over the past few years, he has observed how the summer heat in northern cities such as Beijing has started to resemble that of regions further south. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $3b money laundering case: MinLaw acts against 4 law firms, 1 lawyer over seized properties Singapore Air India crash: SIA, Scoot find no issues with Boeing 787 fuel switches after precautionary checks Opinion What we can do to fight the insidious threat of 'zombie vapes' Singapore $230,000 in fines issued after MOM checks safety at over 500 workplaces from April to June Business 'Some cannot source outside China': S'pore firms' challenges and support needed amid US tariffs Opinion Sumiko at 61: Everything goes south when you age, changing your face from a triangle to a rectangle Multimedia From local to global: What made top news in Singapore over the last 180 years? Singapore 'Nobody deserves to be alone': Why Mummy and Acha have fostered over 20 children in the past 22 years 'Sauna days have grown longer, and even shaded spots in parks in Beijing are now sprouting moss, an uncommon sight before. 'The other day, I observed that the capital's relative humidity has hit 90 per cent, whereas it stands at a mere 45 per cent in Nanjing, Jiangsu province,' he said. According to yearly data, the atmospheric water content has been on the rise. Data from the Beijing Meteorological Service showed that the average relative humidity of the city from 2013 to 2022 has increased by 5 to 10 per cent compared to the period spanning 2003 to 2012, with this change more prominent during the summer months. 'However, it's premature to categorise the shift as warming and humidifying as fluctuations are inherent in nature. 'Monitoring climate change needs a 30-year observation period. Only when a consistent pattern is observed over this time frame can we assert a climate shift,' Mr Zhu said. He added that when discussing disaster prevention and mitigation, authorities should focus on reaping benefits while averting harm. 'China's water conservation infrastructure has improved, and early warning and monitoring capabilities have been bolstered, alongside efforts to prevent flood-related disasters. Harnessing aerial water resources should secure a prominent place on the agenda,' he said. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
China widens crackdown on illicit Botox training courses
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox These programmes claim students can master non-surgical cosmetic procedures within three to four days. China's health authorities have vowed to crack down on malpractice in the medical aesthetics industry and step up supervision of botulinum toxin — an anti-wrinkle injection better known as Botox — following media reports that exposed illicit crash courses claiming to teach cosmetic procedures in just days. Medical experts warn that receiving cosmetic procedures at non-medical institutions carries risks of side effects, infections and even life-threatening hazards, and they discourage teenagers from seeking to undergo cosmetic procedures. Reports about questionable training courses that enroll people with no medical background emerged about a week ago. These programmes claim students can master non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as injectables and thread lifts, and even some surgical treatments, within a period of three to four days. The programmes have been rolled out in at least 20 cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, as well as Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province, China Central Television reported. During a recent training session in Fuzhou, Fujian province, a girl who was receiving Botox injections from programme participants in a hotel room suddenly passed out and was sent to emergency care. She regained consciousness and was discharged from the hospital two days later. The National Health Commission said on July 3 that it has instructed local authorities to verify and investigate the reports and strictly punish those involved in any illegal activities. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 World Trump says US nears trade deals as tariff effective date delayed Singapore MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving S'poreans' lives: Seah Kian Peng Singapore Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House Life Rock band My Chemical Romance to perform in Singapore in April 2026 Singapore NUS College draws 10,000 applications for 400 places, showing strong liberal arts interest Singapore Life After... blazing biomedical research trail in S'pore: Renowned scientist breaks new ground at 59 Singapore More students in Singapore juggle studying and working to support their families 'The commission will also collaborate with relevant departments to further strengthen regulation over misconduct in the medical aesthetics industry, promote cross-agency coordination in handling violations, and continue to crack down on illegal practices to effectively safeguard public health rights and interests,' the commission said. The commission stressed that no institution may provide medical aesthetic services without obtaining a medical institution practice license or clinic registration certificate. Physicians providing such services must possess a physician qualification certificate and physician practice license — which typically requires nearly a decade of formal education — as well as a medical aesthetic physician qualification. The National Medical Products Administration said on July 3 that it has established a national drug traceability and supervision system to monitor the distribution of Botox products and prevent illegal use. The administration said it will continue to enhance supervision over drug quality and safety and will work with public security authorities to combat criminal activities. China's medical aesthetics market is estimated to have surged from about 64 million yuan (S$11.3 million ) in 2015 to more than 300 billion yuan in 2024 . The boom has also fuelled problems such as inadequate practitioner training, unsafe practices, disorderly pricing and exaggerated advertising claims. Dr Wang Yongqian, chief physician at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences' Plastic Surgery Hospital, said harmful reactions to cosmetic injections at unlicensed facilities can include infections due to violations of strict aseptic protocols, allergies and complications caused by fake products. 'Non-medical professionals might accidentally inject fillers into blood vessels, which can lead to skin necrosis, blindness and even stroke,' he said. 'Non-medical institutions also lack effective emergency care and will not be able to provide prompt first aid in cases of severe allergic reactions or embolism.' 'Cosmetic treatments are in essence medical procedures,' he said. 'Consumers are advised against undergoing surgeries, laser or injectable treatments at beauty salons, nail studios and other non-medical facilities, or self-administer anti-wrinkle injections at home.' With the start of summer vacation for students, he also advised against minors undergoing cosmetic procedures because their physiological development is incomplete and their aesthetic perceptions are still evolving. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Print
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Chinese J-20 isn't just a fighter jet—it's a signal to US, Japan and India
State media framed the alleged incident as a textbook display of the J-20's stealth advantage, combat readiness, and pilot skill. One pilot's phrase, ' fighting with bayonets in the air ,' was highlighted as a metaphor for China's fusion of traditional fighting spirit with high-tech modernity. It also underscored a broader theme that China acts decisively to defend its airspace and maritime claims. Reports tied the interception to new Chinese infrastructure projects in the East China Sea, suggesting these developments have unsettled Japan , but that China has the upper hand. While the J-20 East China Sea encounter went largely unreported in English-language Chinese media and may have gone entirely unnoticed by Western outlets, it became a major topic on Chinese platforms like Baidu and Weibo. Hashtags such as '# J-20 pilot says we cannot back down ' and '# J-20 scrambles urgently to repel foreign military aircraft' garnered over 10 million and 47 million views, respectively. The Chinese phrase, 'He who controls the heights, wins,' captures the strategic logic increasingly evident in Chinese discourse—airpower is seen as central to modern warfare. A recent China Central Television (CCTV) broadcast showed a close-range encounter over the East China Sea, where J-20 stealth fighters, codenamed 'Mighty Dragon', claimed to have intercepted foreign aircraft, likely F-35s, approaching China's established Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). 'The J-20 is mighty—the pride of China's aviation industry and a shining star on the international stage,' read one comment. A Weibo post added: 'The J-20 has been fully upgraded—new domestic engines, enhanced avionics, improved tactics, and better training. We are confident and capable of facing future wars.' Another comment noted that the J-20's recent public appearance marked the maturation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force's stealth fighter programme. These sentiments reflect a recurring narrative in Chinese state and online media: military strength is both proof and driver of national resurgence. Following China's strong support for Pakistan post-Operation Sindoor, this narrative gained further momentum. In Chinese discourse, the focus is less on tactical details and more on asserting regional air superiority and signalling strategic confidence. The message is clear, at least for the domestic audience: China is no longer playing catch-up; it is leading in its own theatre. J-20: A game changer In China's military narratives, the J-20 is not just an aircraft; it is a symbol of technological independence and strategic reach. It represents China's leap into fifth-generation fighter capabilities, combining stealth, speed, and long-range strike potential. Media coverage often features the J-20 conducting beyond-visual-range engagements under heavy electronic interference, showcasing agility and combat realism. The replacement of Russian engines in Chinese aircraft with fully domestic ones is portrayed as a milestone in defence self-reliance. Reports indicate that China now produces J-20s at a rate that could surpass the regional presence of the US F-35. Testing of a two-seat variant, believed to support manned-unmanned teaming, signals ambitions aligned with sixth-generation airpower. Chinese commentary highlights the J-20's ability to avoid radar detection until it is within 80 kilometres of enemy aircraft, creating what is described as a 'one-sided battlefield'. Its rapid combat readiness, airborne within eight minutes, is regularly cited, as are tactics like 'snake manoeuvres' and visible bomb bay deployments, which are said to deliver both tactical and psychological advantage. Support from electronic warfare aircraft like the J-16D adds to the portrayal of integrated, high-tech combat capability. The pilot corps itself is central to the narrative. With an average age of just 28, J-20 pilots are depicted as the face of a new generation, technically skilled, highly trained, and ideologically committed. A user on Baidu described the J-20 as 'the pinnacle of China's aviation ambitions,' combining sleek design, advanced sensors, and networked combat systems. Yet perhaps more than the jet's features, Chinese discourse highlights production scale as a core metric of power. It's proof of China's growing industrial and military strength. Wang Xiangsui, a professor at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, describes this as a doctrine of 'asymmetric air supremacy', not matching adversaries aircraft-for-aircraft, but offsetting their advantages through stealth, electronic warfare, and strategic agility. The J-20 is crucial to that doctrine. Also read: Japan is stepping back from NATO, not Indo-Pacific ties—China is watching the cracks closely China's sky surveillance edge The J-20 is part of a broader ecosystem of aerial dominance. Increasingly, Chinese narratives emphasise high-altitude drones, especially the Wuzhen-7 and Wuzhen-8, as critical for surveillance and deterrence. These unmanned systems are described as flying between 20,000 and 50,000 metres at speeds above Mach 7, far beyond the tracking range of Japanese F-15Js. The Wuzhen-8, in particular, is praised for its stealth and AI-driven systems, with some Chinese analysts calling it a 'quasi-sixth-generation' platform. These drones are cast as vital ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) assets, capable of sustained operations across contested airspace. Their high speed and long endurance are seen as major advantages over regional rivals, reinforcing China's claims to both technological and strategic superiority. What's the message? The messaging in Chinese discourse is deliberate: Beijing is preparing for a confrontation and intends to do so from a position of strength. Fifth-generation fighters, AI-driven drones, and rapid mobilisation are not just military assets. They are woven into a larger story of national revival, technological ascendancy, and strategic inevitability. The J-20 is not just a fighter jet—-it is a signal, aimed squarely at the US, Japan, India, and Taiwan. China aims to command the skies, and it is building both the arsenal and the narrative to make that clear. But first, it starts at home. Sana Hashmi is a fellow at the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. She tweets @sanahashmi1. Views are personal. (Edited by Ratan Priya)
