NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
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In Brief
INTERNAL
Newly released data shows declining birth rate
On 29 August, Global Times reported that China's National Health Commission (NHC) released a record birth rate report showing 7.92 million births in 2025. It marks a drop from 9.02 million births in 2024. The national birth rate fell to 5.6 per 1,000 people, down from 6.4 in 2024. The latest literature attributes this negative population growth to economic pressures, changing social attitudes, and delayed marriage trends, despite government efforts to encourage childbirth.
("China records 7.92 million births in 2025 as birth rate declines after 2024 rebound," Global Times, 29 August 2026)
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202608/1369306.shtml
CHINA AND SPACE
China completes Earth-Moon two-way laser communication test
On 29 August, Global Times reported that the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Technology and Engineering Centre for Space Utilisation (CSU) successfully completed an Earth-Moon two-way laser communication test. This expands China’s space network over 400,000 kilometres into deep space. Laser systems offer significantly faster speeds, wider bandwidth, enhanced security, and more compact hardware compared to traditional microwave communications. To overcome the task of beam alignment across extreme distances, researchers developed an innovative acquisition and tracking scheme that compensates for orbital movements, atmospheric turbulence, and optical delays. Furthermore, they tackled extreme signal attenuation using superconducting single-photon detection technology and advanced algorithms. This enabled telescopes to isolate ultra-faint signals from blinding moonlight and urban light pollution. High-bandwidth signal processing and noise-resistant coding schemes allowed the team to achieve transmission rates of 1.25 Mbps for the uplink and 100 Mbps for the downlink. The report states that, in preparation for upcoming manned lunar landings and permanent lunar research stations, conventional radio bands will no longer be capable of handling the resulting massive volumes of high-definition images and scientific data. This newly established Earth-Moon laser "information highway" provides a vital high-speed data transmission route to support these future exploration initiatives.
(“Chinese researchers complete Earth-Moon two-way laser link test,” Global Times, 29 August 2026)
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202608/1369315.shtml
CHINA AND SPACE
GJ-21 large stealth attack drone spotted as country's drone carrier begins final trial, reports SCMP
On 29 August, SCMP reported that China’s GJ-21 large stealth attack drone was spotted during a flight test. It is the naval variant of the GJ-11 stealth attack drone. This development comes as the country’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, a vessel to launch drones, enters its final trials. The report stated that it is China’s most advanced amphibious assault ship and the world’s first drone carrier.
("China tests GJ-21 stealth drone as Sichuan Type 076 warship carries out sea trials," SCMP, 29 August 2026)
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3365654/china-tests-gj-21-stealth-drone-sichuan-type-076-warship-carries-out-sea-trials
Two high-ranking members of CMC removed for disciplinary violations
On 28 August, SCMP reported that Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, members of China’s supreme military command, were removed for disciplinary violations. Liu was chief of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department, and Zhang was a Central Military Commission (CMC) senior vice-chairman. They have been under investigation for alleged disciplinary violations since January. A PLA commentary stated that they betrayed the trust of the Communist Party and undermined the party’s absolute control of the military as well as the reputation of the armed forces.("China strips former generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli of top military positions." SCMP, 28 August 2026)
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3365646/china-strips-former-generals-zhang-youxia-and-liu-zhenli-top-military-positions
CHINA AND SOUTH ASIA
Maldives and China discuss maximising trade opportunities under FTA
On 27 August, MMTV News reported that the Maldives and China had discussed ways to maximise opportunities under their Free Trade Agreement during an official visit by the Maldives Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed to China. Saeed met Governor of Hainan Province Liu Xiaoming, with talks focused on expanding joint initiatives to support sustainable economic growth in line with understandings reached between President Mohamed Muizzu and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Muizzu's state visit to Beijing in 2024. Governor Liu expressed China's readiness to support priority areas of the Maldives development. Saeed also explored cooperation in food security and fisheries, including increasing exports of Maldivian fish products to Hainan.
("Maldives, China discuss maximising opportunities under FTA," MMTV News, 27 August 2026)
https://en.mmtv.mv/11754
China and Bangladesh to deepen cooperation in vocational education
On 29 August 2026, The Business Standard reported that Bangladesh and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the China-Bangladesh Vocational Education, Training and Research Centre. The agreement was signed at the China-Bangladesh Education Exchange Conference organised by the Jiangxi Provincial Government and Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University. Three cooperation platforms were also inaugurated, including a China-Bangladesh Vocational Teacher Training Centre, the Bangladesh Vocational Education Research Centre and the Bangladesh Chinese Language Skill Development Centre. Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said China’s modern experience and technical assistance could help Bangladesh develop a skilled workforce. He called for cooperation in curriculum development, teacher training, modern technology and employment-oriented education. Both sides also agreed to strengthen joint research, student exchanges, teacher training and industry-education links, with representatives from 19 universities, technical institutions and industries in Jiangxi attending the conference.
("China, Bangladesh sign MoU to strengthen vocational education," The Business Standard, 29 August 2026)
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/education/china-bangladesh-sign-mou-strengthen-vocational-education-1527286
Militants build up in China-linked project areas in Pakistan
On 28 August, The Diplomat reported that militant activity is increasing in parts of Pakistan important to China’s economic projects, especially along the Karakoram Highway and routes connected to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The report said the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has expanded its presence along parts of the Karakoram Highway. At the same time, Pakistan and China are discussing $1.8 billion in financing for the highway’s realignment. The growing militant presence has raised concerns over the safety of important transport routes and infrastructure linked to China’s investments in Pakistan. The Karakoram Highway is particularly important because it connects Pakistan with China and is a key route for regional trade and connectivity. The report also highlights the wider security challenge facing China’s economic interests in Pakistan, where attacks and militant activity can affect infrastructure projects and the movement of people and goods.
("Militant buildup in areas critical to China’s economic interests in Pakistan," The Diplomat, 28 August 2026)
https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/militant-buildup-in-areas-critical-to-chinas-economic-interests-in-pakistan
Opinion:
Observer Guardian, "China’s Afghan-Pakistan Balancing Act," 28 August 2026
"China’s motives are not altruistic; they are structural. Chinese nationals and CPEC infrastructure have themselves been targeted by the TTP and Baloch militant groups, and Beijing worries about the East Turkestan Islamic Movement finding safe harbour along the Afghan frontier. But China also needs Kabul’s cooperation to ever extend CPEC into Afghanistan, a long-held ambition that predates the current crisis. That dual dependency explains why Beijing has refused to apportion blame publicly, insisting instead that both sides resolve differences through talks rather than force, a posture of studied neutrality that has kept China’s channels open with both governments, but has also left some observers questioning how much real leverage Beijing actually holds over either."
Risk of further flooding near China-Nepal border disaster site declines
On 29 August 2026, Reuters reported that the risk of a lake bursting near the China-Nepal border has decreased after the lake formed following a glacier collapse earlier this week. Chinese authorities said satellite images showed the lake was gradually draining and had reduced in size by about 21,000 square metres, to around 99,000 square metres. However, another larger body of water near the glacier remains a concern, with its depth still unknown. China has deployed a 15-member monitoring team equipped with drones and surveillance equipment to monitor the area. Rescue teams are also continuing search efforts in difficult weather and terrain. China has reported seven deaths and 554 people missing, while nearly 500 residents and tourists have been evacuated from the affected area.
("Risk of lake burst near China-Nepal border disaster site wanes," Reuters, 29 August 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/risk-lake-burst-near-china-nepal-border-disaster-site-wanes-2026-08-29
Nearly 2,500 remain missing as flood rescue efforts intensify in Nepal
On 29 August 2026, Business Standard reported that nearly 2,500 people are missing after flash floods devastated a mountainous region along the Nepal-China border. Nepal has confirmed 579 deaths, while 1,924 people remain unaccounted for, including hundreds of foreign nationals. China reported seven deaths and 554 missing in Tibet. The disaster was triggered by a glacial collapse, which sent ice, mud, rocks and fast-moving water through valleys, destroying settlements, roads and bridges. Nepal has mobilised around 15,000 personnel for rescue operations. China has also intensified search efforts in the affected Tibetan border areas. Rescue teams are facing difficult terrain, damaged infrastructure and the risk of further flooding.
("Nearly 2,500 missing as Nepal, China step up flood rescue efforts," Business Standard, 29 August 2026)
https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/nearly-2-500-missing-as-nepal-china-step-up-flood-rescue-efforts-126082900060_1.html
CHINA AND CENTRAL ASIA
China's President Xi will attend the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan
On 29 August, France24 reported that Kyrgyzstan is set to host the 25th Anniversary summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in its capital, Bishkek, from 31 August to 01 September. Various heads of state will attend, including those from Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and Iran. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, China’s President Xi Jinping, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian will be in attendance. President Xi is expected to hold separate bilateral talks with President Putin, who has repeatedly made anti-Western speeches during their summits.
(“Leaders of Russia, China, Iran to attend summit in Kyrgyzstan,” France24, 29 August 2026)
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260829-leaders-of-russia-china-iran-to-attend-summit-in-kyrgyzstan
CHINA AND AFRICA
China completes hospital renovation project in Rwanda
On 29 August, CGTN reported that China had completed the Masaka Hospital renovation and expansion project and handed it over to Rwandan authorities in the country’s capital, Kigali. The renovation project is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Rwanda. The new hospital has an expanded capacity of 56,957 square meters, and the number of beds increased from 127 to 837, with daily outpatient capacity increasing to 2,000 visits. China’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi, stated that the Masaka Hospital represents a “brand-new starting point for China-Rwanda health cooperation.” Rwanda’s Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana stated that the completion of the hospital is a major milestone for the country and expressed hope to continue working with Chinese officials.
(“China hands over major hospital project to Rwanda,” CGTN, 29 August 2026)
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-29/China-hands-over-major-hospital-project-to-Rwanda-1PZQsqhkCly/p.html
Chinese mining firms still dominate in Southern DR Congo, while US seeks to curb it, reports SCMP
On 28 August, SCMP reported that a peace plan between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement could give access to the Rubaya coltan deposits and other mineral-rich eastern Congo to US investors and firms; however, China still dominates the mining sector in the region. The peace deal is currently being brokered by the US, where the two sides agreed to establish a ceasefire and an investigative ceasefire violations mechanism known as the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+). Chinese firms currently dominate the southern Congo mineral fields, which have vast deposits of copper and cobalt. The Trump administration has already secured preferential access for US companies to mine in the Rubaya region, known for its coltan deposits. Coltan is a source of tantalum, a heat-resistant metal used in electronics, aerospace technology and defence equipment.
(“Truce in DR Congo offers US mining foothold while Chinese firms dominate output,” SCMP, 28 August 2026)
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3365482/truce-dr-congo-offers-us-mining-foothold-while-chinese-firms-dominate-output?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article
CHINA AND EUROPE
Germany urges stricter EU trade protections against China’s automotive overcapacity
On 28 August, Reuters reported that Germany's ruling parliamentary groups are urging the EU to implement stronger trade protections against unfair foreign competition and market-distorting practices. While a recent policy document does not explicitly name China, officials confirm the measures primarily target China’s industrial overcapacity. The report states that this push signals a major shift for German industry, which previously resisted trade barriers due to fears of economic retaliation from Beijing. To protect domestic automakers, the proposals call for the European Commission to accelerate the deployment of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy instruments. Additionally, the paper recommends incorporating strict local-content criteria into Germany’s electric vehicle subsidy programs. This adjustment aims to ensure that taxpayer-funded incentives support European manufacturers rather than subsidising imported vehicles from China. The lawmakers are demanding critical adjustments to EU automotive climate regulations to ease pressure on the struggling sector. They urge Brussels to allow plug-in hybrids, range-extender electric vehicles, and highly efficient combustion engines to remain viable alongside battery-electric cars after the 2035 phase-out deadline. Finally, they want to delay a planned 2027 tightening of hybrid emission rules, which would otherwise force automakers to meet unrealistic electric vehicle sales targets to avoid heavy fleet CO2 fines.
(“German coalition parties seek tougher EU action against China, paper shows,” Reuters, 28 August 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/german-coalition-parties-seek-tougher-eu-action-against-china-paper-shows-2026-08-28/
CHINA AND THE AMERICAS
Alibaba launches its first South America-based data centres in Brazil
On 27 August, SCMP reported that Alibaba Group Holding launched its first South America-based data centres in Brazil to accelerate its AI infrastructure expansion across emerging markets. This strategic expansion aims to secure a competitive foothold in the intensifying US-China AI rivalry by providing enterprises, startups, and public institutions in Brazil with secure, low-latency cloud infrastructure and advanced agentic AI services. This move follows Alibaba's earlier entry into Mexico and France, boosting its global footprint to 106 availability zones across 31 regions. While America-based technology giants heavily target North America’s expansion, firms from China are leveraging competitive pricing and open-source models to capture market share elsewhere. This initiative is backed by Alibaba’s massive three-year commitment to invest USD 56.5 billion into AI infrastructure, a strategy already driving unprecedented financial returns. Notably, the company's AI cloud and compute services revenue reached USD 7.20 billion in the second quarter of 2026, marking its fastest growth in 22 quarters.
(“Alibaba pushes into South America’s AI market with launch of Brazil data centres,” SCMP, 27 August 2026)
https://sc.mp/frfda?utm_source=copy-link&utm_campaign=3365491&utm_medium=share_widget
US clarifies that China-backed hacking group targeted agencies without full breach
On 29 August, Al Jazeera reported that the US Department of Justice has corrected a previous statement, clarifying that several federal agencies were targeted but not necessarily breached by China’s state-sponsored hacking group QTFY. The corrected release amends a 26 August announcement that had mistakenly labelled the US Senate, the Federal Reserve, NASA, and other organisations as victims. According to a supporting FBI affidavit, the cyber-espionage campaign has targeted the US networks since 2018, though many attempts, such as the one against NASA, proved unsuccessful. However, the affidavit confirms that QTFY did successfully compromise three Department of Energy laboratories, the National Institutes of Health, and a Department of Health and Human Services agency in September 2024. In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington accused the US of using cybersecurity claims to smear China and justify discriminatory restrictions on China-based companies.
(“US revises statements suggesting Chinese hackers attacked agencies,” Al Jazeera, 29 August 2026)
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/29/us-revises-statements-suggesting-chinese-hackers-attacked-agencies