Sinosphere

Disclaimer: ‘Sinosphere’ only highlights reportage collated from major media across the world and does not represent the views of the Deccan Centre for International Relations (DCIR) and/or Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR).

The 7th China (Gansu) Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry Expo opened in Dingxi, bringing together more than 1,000 experts, businesses and international participants. The event focuses on preserving traditional Chinese medicine while promoting innovation and the use of digital technologies across the sector. Beyond showcasing TCM, the expo reflects China’s broader effort to combine traditional cultural assets with modern technology and industrial development. The emphasis on international participation also supports Beijing’s efforts to expand the global visibility and commercial reach of Chinese traditional medicine.

China’s long-term care insurance programme has surpassed 320 million participants, with the system providing nursing services to more than 4.6 million people. Provincial implementation plans have now been issued in 22 provinces, while the number of coordinating areas is expected to more than double by the end of the year. The rapid expansion reflects Beijing’s efforts to build a broader social protection system capable of responding to an ageing population and rising long-term care needs. It also signals a shift toward more institutionalised support for elderly and vulnerable populations.

China has revised its regulations governing emergency response and investigation of power-sector accidents, expanding safety responsibilities across power enterprises, users and other entities connected to the grid. The rules strengthen grid operation controls, require more systematic risk assessments and emergency drills, and introduce greater public disclosure of accident investigations and corrective measures. The changes reflect Beijing’s effort to strengthen the resilience and accountability of an increasingly complex electricity system, as expanding power demand, new generation capacity and deeper grid integration raise the potential impact of disruptions.

China’s top procuratorial and medical insurance authorities have highlighted a growing crackdown on fraud involving the illegal resale of medicines obtained through medical insurance reimbursements. Authorities described the activity as increasingly organised, cross-regional and linked to multiple actors across the pharmaceutical supply chain. More than 5,500 people have been prosecuted for medical insurance fraud since 2025, with nearly 300 million yuan in losses recovered. The emphasis on digital monitoring and closer coordination between judicial and insurance authorities reflects Beijing’s broader effort to protect public funds and tighten oversight of the healthcare system.

China’s PLA will participate in a multinational humanitarian mine-clearing exercise in Russia, focusing on battlefield clearance, mechanical demining, mine-detection dogs and improvised explosive devices. Conducted under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus framework, the exercise brings together military forces from multiple countries and highlights China’s expanding role in practical security cooperation beyond traditional bilateral exercises. The participation also allows Beijing to project the PLA as a contributor to regional stability and humanitarian operations while strengthening operational exchanges and demining capabilities with partner militaries.

China’s Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment (AMEC) unveiled six chip-making machines spanning etching and deposition technologies, marking a rapid expansion beyond its traditional product lines. The push comes as Chinese chipmakers face growing demand for locally produced equipment amid tighter foreign technology restrictions. AMEC’s accelerated R&D highlights Beijing’s broader effort to build a self-reliant semiconductor supply chain by reducing dependence on overseas equipment at critical stages of chip manufacturing. The challenge now lies in moving these technologies from development and initial commercialisation to reliable, large-scale deployment.

The second “Belt and Road” People’s Heart Forum opened in Nanjing on September 3, bringing together more than 150 representatives from over 20 participating countries. Hosted by the European and American Alumni Association, the forum highlighted China’s growing emphasis on cultural and people-to-people exchanges as part of its broader Belt and Road engagement. Chinese officials called on overseas-educated Chinese professionals to act as bridges between China and foreign countries, promoting mutual understanding and the “Belt and Road” narrative. The forum also produced the “Ningju Consensus,” underscoring Beijing’s effort to build public support for BRI cooperation through civil diplomacy and cultural engagement.

China has withdrawn from South Korea’s Gwangju Biennale after organisers reinstated the name “Taiwan Pavilion,” triggering a dispute over Beijing’s territorial position on Taiwan. Chinese officials described the naming as politically unacceptable and warned that it could affect the political foundation of China-South Korea relations. The episode highlights Beijing’s willingness to extend its Taiwan-related sensitivities into cultural and international spaces, where symbolic recognition can become a diplomatic issue. It also comes as Seoul seeks to maintain stable ties with Beijing while upholding its existing “One China” policy.

China is seeking to strengthen international support for its Global Governance Initiative by framing it around sovereignty, multilateralism, international law and equitable development. The initiative places particular emphasis on giving developing countries greater participation in global decision-making and addressing gaps in areas such as digital governance. Beijing also highlights practical cooperation through climate action, infrastructure and development partnerships as evidence of its approach. The broader objective is to build support for a more representative global governance system while positioning China as a key advocate for the Global South.