DARK SECRETS: 13 | Vintage Vibes

Behind the Modi-Xi border thaw, India's dependence on Chinese imports, especially rare earths, keeps deepening

India faces a significant trade deficit with China, importing substantially more goods than it exports. Chinese firms offer superior price and tech competitiveness, impacting Indian industries. India relies heavily on China for critical inputs like rare earths, affecting various sectors.

The Economic Times · Sep 17

China creates Italy-sized no-fly zone around Beijing after rare crash

China is creating a vast airspace security zone around Beijing. This permanent restricted area will take effect from September twentieth. Only commercial, approved business, and emergency flights will be permitted. The zone follows a recent aircraft crash into a Beijing skyscraper. This measure aims to strengthen capital region airspace security…

The Economic Times · Sep 17

Saudi Arabia Resorted To China To Rein In The Houthis. Beijing Reportedly Pressured Iran.

China has publicly called on parties to exercise restraint and deescalate tensions.

International Business Times · Sep 17

‘No basis in international law’: China rejects US tariff threat over Russian oil

China firmly rebuffs American attempts to influence nations purchasing Russian energy commodities. The US legislative proposal introduces tariffs on significant buyers of Russian oil and gas. Beijing denounces sanctions that lack a foundation in international law or UN backing. For its part, India emphasizes energy security and stays vigilant regarding…

The Times of India · Sep 17

'Loneliness' in China is now a $1 trillion 'singles economy' in the world's second most populous country with 1.4 billion people

China’s growing number of people living alone is driving a $1 trillion singles economy, with businesses offering products and services tailored to solo consumers, from one-person meals and travel to pets, gaming and AI companions. The economy is likely to grow to $4 trillion by 2030. The trend is also…

The Economic Times · Sep 17

Pakistan to seek bigger China swap line as $30 billion facility nears renewal

Pakistan plans to request an increased swap line with China upon its 2027 expiration. The nation anticipates a U.S. response regarding a proposed $10 billion stabilization facility soon. Discussions are ongoing with U.S. entities for potential aircraft and refinery financing. Pakistan navigates elevated crude oil prices due to Middle East…

The Economic Times · Sep 17

US fears F-35's sale to Saudi Arabia may help China to steal stealth technologies, intelligence agencies warn

Washington’s proposed transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Riyadh has prompted reported scrutiny within the US intelligence community over the possibility of Beijing gaining access to sensitive military technology. The concerns reportedly stem from China’s growing defence and technology links with Saudi Arabia, including access to military facilities and Chinese-built…

The Economic Times · Sep 17

Trump-Xi summit: Tariffs, trade imbalance and rare earths loom over US-China talks

US President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping next week at the White House. Tariffs, trade imbalances, and technology competition will dominate their important discussions. Both nations have lowered tariffs, but a complex system still affects imports significantly. Despite trade friction, bilateral trade has continued to grow between…

The Economic Times · Sep 17

Families of Jimmy Lai, Min Zin plead in Washington for their release ahead of Xi’s visit

Sebastien Lai has appealed for the release of his father, former Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, at a congressional hearing in Washington

The Independent UK · Sep 16

Xi Jinping Reportedly 'Lost Consciousness' at BRICS Summit as Unverified Claims Cite 'Serious Health Problem' and Hospitalisation

Unverified online reports claim Xi Jinping lost consciousness, suffered a stroke and was hospitalised after the BRICS Summit, but officials and independent medical sources have provided no confirmation.

International Business Times UK · Sep 16