NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
In Brief
INTERNAL
Beijing says all countries have the right to choose an AI partner
On 19 August, Anadolu Agency reported that China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that countries have the right to choose their partners and artificial intelligence models based on their national conditions and development needs. The statement was in response to the US “AI Opportunity Statement". He firmly opposed forcing countries to take sides or creating bloc confrontation on AI. He called for abandoning this zero-sum mentality, respecting the digital sovereignty of all countries, and building a just and equitable system for global AI governance.
("China says nations free to choose AI models, pushes back against ‘bloc confrontation’." Anadolu Agency, 19 August 2026)
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/china-says-nations-free-to-choose-ai-models-pushes-back-against-bloc-confrontation-/4031785
Unitree Robotics debuts on stock market, stock surges 460 per cent
On 19 August, the BBC reported that China's Unitree Robotics debuted on the stock market, and its first day of trading rose by more than 460 per cent. The shares were offered at USD 22.36 per share and closed at USD 125 per share. The firm debuted on Shanghai’s STAR market and is the first to list on a stock market from mainland China. According to the latest literature, "Unitree's market debut is a gauge of investor appetite for the fast-growing humanoid robotics sector." Unitree was founded in 2016 and is one of the largest developers of humanoid technology, offering devices ranging from sensors and automated arms to four-legged and human-like machines.
("Chinese robotics giant Unitree soars in stock market debut," BBC, 19 August 2026)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qv4w9492zo
CHINA AND SPACE
China recaptures rocket for the second time; Progresses in land-based reusable rocket technology
On 19 August, The Washington Post reported that China recaptured the first stage of a rocket on land for the first time, marking the second time the country has recovered a rocket. The latest literature suggests that the private aerospace company LandSpace developed the reusable rocket Zhuque-3, which performed the recovery. In this launch, deployable landing legs were deployed, and their success brought a breakthrough in China's reusable rocket technology. Recently, China's Long March-10B rocket was returned to a sea platform. Many firms and countries are exploring rocket-recovery technology, as it will drive down launch costs.
("China successfully recovers rocket stage on land for the first time," The Washington Post, 19 August 2026)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/08/18/china-space-rocket-reuse-land/d964ccd8-9b7e-11f1-9cc4-2dc9b46e2d5c_story.html
CHINA AND EAST ASIA
China’s FM states support for stability of Korean Peninsula
On 19 August, The Korea Times reported that China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the North Korea issue with South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. FM Cho stated that the country expects China's cooperation in the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and the realisation of Peace. In response, FM Wang said: "As the most important neighbour of the peninsula, China will keep playing a constructive role for peace, development and stability of the peninsula.” During the visit, FM Cho stated that improved South Korea-China relations could contribute to regional stability.
("China FM vows Beijing's constructive role for peace on Korean Peninsula," The Korea Times, 19 August 2026)
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/20260819/china-fm-vows-beijings-constructive-role-for-peace-on-korean-peninsula
CHINA AND THE PACIFIC
Australia and China crackdown USD 92 million worth of illegal tobacco
On 20 August, ABC News reported that the Australian Border Force (ABF) reported that Australian and Chinese authorities jointly seized USD 92 million worth of illegal tobacco from a smuggling syndicate. According to the latest reports, 60 people have been arrested in China over their involvement with the syndicate. ABF added that between January and May, they shipped more than 90 containers of tobacco. ABF officials added that 'Operation Trailblazer' brought illicit tobacco disruptions and highlighted the role of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of the General Administration of China Customs.
("China and Australia bust tobacco syndicate as government pushes back on excise calls," ABC News, 20 August 2026)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-20/china-and-australia-work-together-on-tobacco-syndicate/107056140
CHINA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
China completes first phase construction of possible military base in Paracels archipelago, says Reuters
On 19 August, Reuters reported that satellite images indicate that China completed first-phase construction on the Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago. According to the latest literature, it is a human-made structure, possibly a military base, in the South China Sea. PLATracker founder said: "The northern part of the South China Sea would be particularly important in a Taiwan conflict scenario, so Antelope is ideally placed," and stated that it could be one of the Chinese military's most important features in the South China Sea, larger than neighbouring Woody Island. He stated that it would also be easier to defend than a network of bases further south in the Spratly archipelago.
("China completes first stage of work at disputed South China Sea reef, images show," Reuters, 19 August 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-completes-first-stage-work-disputed-south-china-sea-reef-images-show-2026-08-19/
CHINA AND SOUTH ASIA
Chinese intrusion claims raise fresh India border concerns
On 20 August, The Hindu reported that renewed concerns over alleged Chinese military activity in Arunachal Pradesh had emerged amid claims that Chinese troops had penetrated up to 60 km inside Indian territory. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the claim, saying the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh remained undemarcated and that false claims should not be made on such a sensitive issue. He said the government would address concerns raised by local residents and protect Indian territory. The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said that peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control was critical to the broader India-China relationship and that the state of border affairs would reflect on bilateral ties. Rijiju also highlighted efforts to strengthen infrastructure along the border, referring to China's earlier development of border infrastructure and India's subsequent efforts to improve its own capabilities.
("Borders neglected in past, top priority for Modi government now: Rijiju on claims of Chinese intrusion in Arunachal," The Hindu, 20 August 2026)
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/borders-neglected-in-past-top-priority-for-modi-government-now-rijiju-on-claims-of-chinese-intrusion-in-arunachal/article71368107.ece
China presses for closer ties with Bhutan amid unresolved border dispute
On 20 August, The Pioneer reported that China continued to press Bhutan to develop bilateral ties despite the two countries having no formal diplomatic relations. Bhutan and China have held negotiations since 1984 to resolve their boundary dispute, but no agreement has been reached. The report said Bhutan faces Chinese pressure over boundary issues, including attempts to claim territory. China claims Bhutan's Doklam plateau, which overlooks India's Siliguri corridor. The 73-day Doklam military standoff in 2017 occurred when Indian troops intervened to block the People's Liberation Army from extending a road towards the strategic Jampheri Ridge.
("Gelephu: Bhutan's bet, India's gain," The Pioneer, 20 August 2026)
https://dailypioneer.com/news/gelephu-bhutans-bet-indias-gain
Opinion:
Clyde Russell, "China boosts imports of Russian crude, stymieing India's refiners," Reuters, 20 August 2026
"China has been the biggest buyer of Russian and Iranian crude in recent years as it was prepared to ignore U.S. and Western sanctions against the two producers.But the Middle East conflict and the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports have resulted in sharply lower Chinese imports of Iranian crude, with Kpler estimating August arrivals at around 340,000 bpd ... India's total imports of Russian crude are estimated at 1.87 million bpd in August, down from 2.79 million bpd in July and 2.73 million bpd in June. July and June were the two strongest months on record for India's imports from Russia, exceeding the 1.21 million bpd average for the three months leading up to the start of the Iran war."
CHINA AND THE AMERICAS
China opposes US’s “Economic D-Day” campaign against Iran; Calls it the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country
On 20 August, Anadolu Agency reported that China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson called the US president’s “Economic D-Day” campaign against Iran "the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country." He stated that sanctions and pressure do not help solve the issue and called for a resolution through diplomatic and political means. China is one of the largest importers of oil from Iran. The US President called for severe economic consequences for the country offering a lifeline to Iran.
("China pushes back against Trump’s 'Economic D-Day' campaign against Iran," Anadolu Agency, 20 August 2026)
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/china-pushes-back-against-trump-s-economic-d-day-campaign-against-iran/4032409