NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
In Brief
INTERNAL
China to inject USD 54 billion into financial institutions as growth falters
On 06 September, The Guardian reported that China will inject USD 54 billion into its financial sector, as it attempts to shore up banks and insurers amid faltering economic growth. A host of financial institutions stated that they would receive billions of yuan in capital from state institutions, including the finance ministry and the company running the country's tobacco monopoly. The stimulus aims to bolster the financial sector's ability to invest in the stock market and lend to businesses, as the world's second-largest economy struggles to escape weak growth. China's largest life insurer, China Life Insurance, will receive CNY 35 billion, while China Taiping Insurance Group will get CNY 7 billion. The People's Insurance Company of China plans to raise up to CNY 15 billion through a private A-share placement to the finance ministry.
("China prepares £40bn stimulus for financial sector amid fears over sluggish growth," The Guardian, 06 September 2026)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/06/china-prepares-40bn-stimulus-for-financial-sector-amid-fears-over-sluggish-growth
World Uyghur Congress urges global action against China's new Ethnic Unity Law
On 06 September, The Tribune, citing ANI, reported that the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) released its weekly brief highlighting growing international efforts to challenge China's policies in East Turkistan, marking the fourth anniversary of a landmark UN human rights assessment. The WUC participated in the "Reimagining Self-Determination" conference organised by the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO), marking its 35th anniversary, where WUC Vice President Zumretay Arkin secured a position on UNPO's new leadership. The WUC cited the 2022 UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights report, which said abuses against Uyghurs "may constitute international crimes." It pointed to China's newly enacted Ethnic Unity Law as a further assimilation tool, warning it threatens Uyghur cultural identity and could enable transnational repression. US lawmakers separately sought stronger enforcement against Uyghur forced-labour-linked cotton found in Labubu doll production.
("China's assimilation campaign faces growing international pushback as World Uyghur Congress calls for action," The Tribune, citing ANI, 06 September 2026)
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/chinas-assimilation-campaign-faces-growing-international-pushback-as-world-uyghur-congress-calls-for-action/
CHINA AND POLAR REGIONS
China and Russia conduct first joint on-site observation of Arctic sea ice
On 06 September, CGTN, citing Global Times and Xinhua, reported that Chinese and Russian researchers conducted their first joint on-site observation of Arctic sea ice, aboard the icebreaker Xuelong 2 during China's 16th Arctic scientific expedition. Two researchers from the Russian Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute joined their Chinese counterparts, agreeing on a joint observation approach before entering the sea-ice zone. They measured sea-ice concentration, type, size, thickness, and snow depth, alongside atmospheric conditions, vessel dynamics, and marine wildlife. A Chinese expert said on-site observations complement satellite remote sensing by allowing direct field measurement, helping researchers better understand Arctic environmental change and gather data relevant to future shipping route exploration in the region.
("China-Russia first Arctic on-site sea-ice observation sheds light on climate change, shipping prospects: Chinese expert," Global Times, 06 September 2026)
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-09-05/China-Russia-conduct-first-joint-Arctic-sea-ice-observation-1QcaP5NTRcc/p.html
CHINA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
Philippines warns against resurgent China in the Indo-Pacific amidst US cutbacks on joint military exercises with South Korea
On 07 September, Reuters reported that the Philippines’ Defence Minister Gilberto Teodoro stated China could exploit the US cutting back its joint military exercises with South Korea and reassert itself in the Indo-Pacific region. Minister Teodoro is currently in South Korea, attending the Seoul Defence Dialogue. He added that they have received reassurances from the US over their mutual defence treaty, and have continued to deepen defence cooperation with Washington under the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration. He further stated that they are looking to widen their security ties with other countries, with agreements signed with Canada and New Zealand, France and are currently negotiating a framework with the UK. China’s Foreign Ministry released a statement responding to Minister Teodoro, with Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating that they have “always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, refraining from great-power confrontation, and hopes that relevant countries can also play a positive role in regional peace and stability."
(“Philippines' Teodoro says China could exploit cuts in US-South Korean exercises,” Reuters, 07 September 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/philippines-teodoro-says-china-could-exploit-cuts-us-south-korean-exercises-cuts-2026-09-07/
CHINA AND SOUTH ASIA
India and China hold first Corps Commander meeting near eastern border
On 07 September, The Hindu reported that the armies of India and China held their first Corps Commander-level meeting near the Vacha-Damai Border Personnel Meeting point in Arunachal Pradesh. The meeting comes amidst reports of tensions in the Taksing area of Upper Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh. Corps Commander-level meetings are usually held on the India-China border in Ladakh region, and this would be the first time in the eastern sector. The Indian delegation was led by Lieutenant General Girish Kalia, Commander of 3rd Corps, including an Inspector General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. The meeting comes days before the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where China’s President Xi Jinping is expected to participate.
(“India, China hold first Corps Commander meeting in Arunachal,” The Hindu, 07 September 2026)
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-china-hold-first-corps-commander-meeting-in-arunachal/article71435390.ece
Opinion: Jannatul Naym Pieal, “ Is Bangladesh the next base for Chinese scam networks?” The Daily Star, 07 September 2026
“ Bangladesh has some of the vulnerabilities that have allowed these networks to take root: relatively easy access for foreign nationals, weak oversight of rented properties, limited capacity to investigate cybercrime and the availability of local facilitators … The danger is therefore not that Bangladesh suddenly becomes another Myanmar. It is that a series of apparently disconnected operations gradually acquire the infrastructure, local connections and protection necessary to become a durable criminal ecosystem.”
https://www.thedailystar.net/slow-reads/geopolitical-insights/news/bangladesh-the-next-base-chinese-scam-networks-4266336
CHINA AND MIDDLE EAST
Qatari premier to visit Beijing for talks on regional security
On 06 September, AA News reported that Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani would visit China from 07 to 08 September, according to China’s Foreign Ministry. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari confirmed the visit, saying the premier would hold meetings with senior Chinese officials focused on strengthening strategic and economic ties, alongside discussions on key regional developments. He said the talks would also address diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions and ensure the security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The visit comes amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with Qatar and Pakistan actively involved in mediation efforts to bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table.
(“Qatari premier set to visit China,” AA News, 06 September 2026)
https://aa.com.tr/en/politics/qatari-premier-set-to-visit-china/4048809
CHINA AND EUROPE
China’s supply chain dominance threatens 300,000 jobs in Europe
On 06 September, The Guardian reported that European industry body Eurometal stated that the country is losing 300,000 jobs to competition from China by the end of 2026. This comes as China strategically takes over the supply chain by selling components rather than raw materials. Manufacturers from China have two major cost advantages: the first being that they avoid EU tariffs and carbon taxes that factories in Europe must pay, and the second, their undervalued currency makes their products cheaper. The EU has imposed some tariffs and started negotiations with China to avoid a trade war. Companies from Europe, however, are observed to continue buying China-made components because they are cheaper. This is a decision that ultimately costs Europe not just jobs but factories, expertise, and long-term economic strength.
(“EU faces 300,000 factory job cuts as China ‘colonises’ supply chains, industry warns,” The Guardian, 06 September)
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/06/eu-factory-job-cuts-china-colonises-supply-chains-industry-warns