Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Waker-Uz-Zaman has departed for Beijing to meet with senior Chinese officials. The high-level visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between China and Bangladesh, with key discussions expected around trade, infrastructure, and regional security cooperation. The two countries continue to deepen their strategic partnership amid shifting regional dynamics.

China-Bangladesh visit: Waker-uz-Zaman departs to meet officials | Strengthening bilateral ties

The rise of generative AI is fuelling a new wave of disinformation campaigns that are increasingly difficult to spot. Experts warn that foreign powers, including Russia and China, are using these tools to influence elections and deepen political divides in the United States.“We are seeing now an ability to both develop and deliver at an efficiency, at a speed, at a scale that we’ve never seen before,” said Gen. Paul Nakasone, former head of the NSA and now director of the Vanderbilt Institute, during the DEF CON hacker conference earlier this month. This surge in AI-driven disinformation coincides with the US government's scaling back of efforts to counter influence campaigns, thereby shifting more responsibility to private firms and researchers.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-just-suggest-ukraine-should-have-been-allowed-to-attack-russia-in-slamming-biden-he-said-it-s-impossible-to-win-a-war-without-1755857894394">Did Trump just suggest Ukraine should have been ALLOWED TO ATTACK Russia?</a><h2>Chinese firm accused of running covert AI operations</h2>Leaked documents suggest that Chinese technology company GoLaxy has been using generative AI to create disinformation networks in Taiwan and Hong Kong. According to researchers at Vanderbilt University, the firm mined social media profiles to create synthetic personas that could “feel authentic, adapt in real-time and avoid detection.” These personas were allegedly used in the lead-up to the 2024 Taiwanese election and to defend Beijing’s national security law in Hong Kong. GoLaxy has denied the allegations.<h2>Fake profiles targeting US politicians</h2>The leaked documents also claim that GoLaxy built fake profiles for at least 117 members of Congress and over 2,000 American political figures. These synthetic accounts, powered by AI tools such as DeepSeek’s open-source reasoning model, were able to mimic real people and adapt their messaging to target specific audiences.<h2>‘A new level of conflict’</h2>“This is a whole new level of grey zone conflict. We need to figure out how to get ahead of it,” said Brett Goldstein, a researcher at Vanderbilt and former director of the Defence Digital Service. Generative AI also helps adversaries overcome language barriers that once made fake campaigns easier to identify.<h2>Russia and China’s playbook</h2>Russia has long been more successful at spreading influence abroad, using tactics such as bot farms and planting fake stories in legitimate outlets. China, however, has been catching up quickly with the help of advanced AI. Nakasone warned that generative AI is making it “exponentially easier” for Beijing to create convincing, high-engagement content.

Generative AI is enabling sophisticated disinformation campaigns by foreign powers like Russia and China, influencing US elections and politics. This surge coincides with reduced government countermeasures, increasing reliance on private efforts.

The rise of generative AI is fuelling a new wave of disinformation campaigns that are increasingly difficult to spot. Experts warn that foreign powers, including Russia and China, are using these tools to influence elections and deepen political divides in the United States. “We are seeing now an ability to both develop and deliver at an efficiency, at a speed, at a scale that we’ve never seen before,” said Gen. Paul Nakasone, former head of the NSA and now director of the Vanderbilt Institute, during the DEF CON hacker conference earlier this month. This surge in AI-driven disinformation coincides with the US government's scaling back of efforts to counter influence campaigns, thereby shifting more responsibility to private firms and researchers. Also read: Did Trump just suggest Ukraine should have been ALLOWED TO ATTACK Russia? Chinese firm accused of running covert AI operations Leaked documents suggest that Chinese technology company GoLaxy has been using generative AI to create disinformation networks in Taiwan and Hong Kong. According to researchers at Vanderbilt University, the firm mined social media profiles to create synthetic personas that could “feel authentic, adapt in real-time and avoid detection.” These personas were allegedly used in the lead-up to the 2024 Taiwanese election and to defend Beijing’s national security law in Hong Kong. GoLaxy has denied the allegations. Fake profiles targeting US politicians The leaked documents also claim that GoLaxy built fake profiles for at least 117 members of Congress and over 2,000 American political figures. These synthetic accounts, powered by AI tools such as DeepSeek’s open-source reasoning model, were able to mimic real people and adapt their messaging to target specific audiences. ‘A new level of conflict’ “This is a whole new level of grey zone conflict. We need to figure out how to get ahead of it,” said Brett Goldstein, a researcher at Vanderbilt and former director of the Defence Digital Service. Generative AI also helps adversaries overcome language barriers that once made fake campaigns easier to identify. Russia and China’s playbook Russia has long been more successful at spreading influence abroad, using tactics such as bot farms and planting fake stories in legitimate outlets. China, however, has been catching up quickly with the help of advanced AI. Nakasone warned that generative AI is making it “exponentially easier” for Beijing to create convincing, high-engagement content.

Generative AI is enabling sophisticated disinformation campaigns by foreign powers like Russia and China, influencing US elections and politics. This surge coincides with reduced government countermeasures, increasing reliance on private efforts.

‘All-new level of conflict’: AI is making foreign propaganda cheaper, faster and harder to detect - All you need to know

While tariffs may be the most prominent issue for chinese leaders, youth unemployment is emerging as the silent killer.

China's youth unemployment rate surges

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has firmly rejected Nepal’s objections to the resumption of border trade with China via the Lipulekh Pass, calling Kathmandu’s territorial claims “untenable” and “not based on historical facts and evidence.” 

Despite dismissing Nepal’s claims, India reiterated its willingness to resolve the boundary issue through constructive dialogue and diplomacy.

India strongly rejects Nepal’s objection over Lipulekh trade route dispute

A US Navy sailor was convicted of espionage after a jury found him guilty of selling sensitive information to a Chinese intelligence officer.


US Navy sailor convicted of espionage for sharing sensitive military information with China 

A US Navy sailor, identified as Jinchao Wei has been convicted by a federal jury on six serious charges, including espionage, conspiracy to commit espionage, and unlawfully exporting military data. The conviction stems from an 18-month arrangement in which Wei provided sensitive Navy information to a Chinese intelligence agent in return for around $12,000. He was acquitted of a separate naturalisation fraud charge and is due for sentencing on December 1. US Attorney Adam Gordon described Wei’s conduct as a profound breach of duty that put national security—and the lives of fellow sailors—at risk. The FBI and NCIS also emphasised that this case reflects the increasing threat posed by foreign intelligence efforts, particularly from China, and reaffirmed their commitment to preventing such breaches. China and the US have accused each other of recruiting their officials to spy inside each other's territory. &nbsp;Earlier in June, the CIA released a video asking Chinese citizens “to help the US.”&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-youtuber-to-security-guard-list-of-8-indians-who-were-spying-for-pakistan-1747636092343">From YouTuber to security guard: List of 8 Indians who were spying for Pakistan&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cia-eyes-to-lure-chinese-nationals-to-spy-for-the-agency-9025932/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cia-eyes-to-lure-chinese-nationals-to-spy-for-the-agency-9025932/embed</a><h2>What is the case regarding Jinchao Wei ?</h2>The case began in early 2022, when Wei was contacted via social media by someone claiming to be a Chinese naval enthusiast. Despite expressing doubts in private texts—admitting it seemed like “obvious espionage”—Wei chose to continue the relationship. Over the next year and a half, he leaked classified material, including photos, videos, and technical manuals about the US' Essex, covering areas like weapons systems, propulsion, and ship operations. Much of this material carried export-control warnings, signalling its sensitive nature. Evidence presented at trial showed Wei using encrypted chats, code names like “Big Brother Andy,” temporary message apps, and digital drop points to conceal the exchange.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-modern-spies-exploit-social-media-and-encryption-to-evade-surveillance-1747750421573">How modern spies exploit social media and encryption to evade surveillance</a>&nbsp;Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, was arrested in August 2023 on espionage charges as he arrived for work on the amphibious assault ship U.S.S. Essex at Naval Base San Diego, the homeport of the Pacific Fleet, teh Justice Department said. He was prosecuted under Section 794 of the Espionage Act, a rarely used but highly serious federal statute reserved for cases involving intentional transmission of national defence secrets to foreign powers. Convictions under this law carry extreme penalties, including potential life imprisonment and heavy fines. Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1 at 9:00 am. He faces decades to life in prison, reflecting the gravity of sharing military secrets with a foreign intelligence agency.<h2>How Wei's mother convinced him to be a spy</h2>During the hearing of the case, Assistant US Attorney Fred Sheppard accused Wei's mother of convincing him to share classified information with Chinese agents, hoping that her son might get a job with the Chinese government someday. In arguing against his release, Sheppard told the court on Tuesday that when Wei went home for Christmas to see his mother, who lives in Wisconsin, she was aware of her son’s arrangement. She also encouraged him to keep helping the Chinese intelligence officer because it might get him a job someday with China’s Communist Party after he leaves the US Navy, Sheppard said. Sheppard told the court that the intelligence officer told Wei that he and the Chinese government were willing to fly him and his mother to China to meet them in person, and that Wei searched online for flights to China this spring.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/some-smart-toys-may-be-spying-on-your-kids-behaviour-patterns-in-breach-of-privacy-753651">Some smart toys may be spying on your kids' behaviour patterns in breach of privacy</a> &nbsp;

US Navy sailor Jinchao Wei was convicted of espionage for leaking classified military data to a Chinese agent over 18 months in exchange for $12,000. He used encrypted chats and code names. His mother allegedly encouraged him, hoping it would lead to a job in China

A US Navy sailor, identified as Jinchao Wei has been convicted by a federal jury on six serious charges, including espionage, conspiracy to commit espionage, and unlawfully exporting military data. The conviction stems from an 18-month arrangement in which Wei provided sensitive Navy information to a Chinese intelligence agent in return for around $12,000. He was acquitted of a separate naturalisation fraud charge and is due for sentencing on December 1. US Attorney Adam Gordon described Wei’s conduct as a profound breach of duty that put national security—and the lives of fellow sailors—at risk. The FBI and NCIS also emphasised that this case reflects the increasing threat posed by foreign intelligence efforts, particularly from China, and reaffirmed their commitment to preventing such breaches. China and the US have accused each other of recruiting their officials to spy inside each other's territory. Earlier in June, the CIA released a video asking Chinese citizens “to help the US.” Read More | From YouTuber to security guard: List of 8 Indians who were spying for Pakistan https://www.wionews.com/videos/cia-eyes-to-lure-chinese-nationals-to-spy-for-the-agency-9025932/embed What is the case regarding Jinchao Wei ? The case began in early 2022, when Wei was contacted via social media by someone claiming to be a Chinese naval enthusiast. Despite expressing doubts in private texts—admitting it seemed like “obvious espionage”—Wei chose to continue the relationship. Over the next year and a half, he leaked classified material, including photos, videos, and technical manuals about the US' Essex, covering areas like weapons systems, propulsion, and ship operations. Much of this material carried export-control warnings, signalling its sensitive nature. Evidence presented at trial showed Wei using encrypted chats, code names like “Big Brother Andy,” temporary message apps, and digital drop points to conceal the exchange. Read More | How modern spies exploit social media and encryption to evade surveillance Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, was arrested in August 2023 on espionage charges as he arrived for work on the amphibious assault ship U.S.S. Essex at Naval Base San Diego, the homeport of the Pacific Fleet, teh Justice Department said. He was prosecuted under Section 794 of the Espionage Act, a rarely used but highly serious federal statute reserved for cases involving intentional transmission of national defence secrets to foreign powers. Convictions under this law carry extreme penalties, including potential life imprisonment and heavy fines. Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1 at 9:00 am. He faces decades to life in prison, reflecting the gravity of sharing military secrets with a foreign intelligence agency. How Wei's mother convinced him to be a spy During the hearing of the case, Assistant US Attorney Fred Sheppard accused Wei's mother of convincing him to share classified information with Chinese agents, hoping that her son might get a job with the Chinese government someday. In arguing against his release, Sheppard told the court on Tuesday that when Wei went home for Christmas to see his mother, who lives in Wisconsin, she was aware of her son’s arrangement. She also encouraged him to keep helping the Chinese intelligence officer because it might get him a job someday with China’s Communist Party after he leaves the US Navy, Sheppard said. Sheppard told the court that the intelligence officer told Wei that he and the Chinese government were willing to fly him and his mother to China to meet them in person, and that Wei searched online for flights to China this spring. Read More | Some smart toys may be spying on your kids' behaviour patterns in breach of privacy

US Navy sailor Jinchao Wei was convicted of espionage for leaking classified military data to a Chinese agent over 18 months in exchange for $12,000. He used encrypted chats and code names. His mother allegedly encouraged him, hoping it would lead to a job in China

US Navy sailor sold military secrets to China for $12,000, convicted of spying — His mother convinced him to be a spy...

India rejects Nepal's objection to Lipulekh trade | 'Not based on historical facts' 

Taiwan plans to procure nearly 50,000 military drones by 2027 to counter rising threats from Beijing. In a bold shift, UAVs will be treated like "bullets"—as fast-moving consumables. Watch to know more on this!


Taiwan plans to acquire 50,000 drones by 2027, aim to strengthen asymmetric warfare posture

Following significant tariffs imposed on India by US President Donald Trump over the purchase of oil from Russia, the demand from the South Asian country for Moscow’s crude has dropped. Taking advantage of the situation, Chinese refineries have placed new orders for Russian crude from ports that earlier supplied to New Delhi, according to reports. After Western countries halted Russian imports following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, China and India emerged as the top buyers of oil from Russia.CNN reported, citing analysts, that at least 15 cargoes of Russian oil have been secured by Chinese refineries, which will be delivered in October and November this year.<h2>Did tariffs result in drop in demand for Russian oil?</h2>Earlier in July, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil in a bid to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine, which is in its fourth year. Earlier this month, Trump imposed additional 25 per cent tariffs on India, on top of the initial 25 per cent duties, citing Russian oil and gas imposed. The move has led the country to cut down its purchases drastically, reported CNN.Muyu Xu, senior crude oil analyst at Kpler, which tracks commodities and shipping data, said that China’s state-owned and large private refiners had purchased about 13 cargoes of Russian crude that will be delivered in October. In addition, at least two such purchases have been made for the month of November.Reportedly, the 15 cargoes of oil, which usually range from 700,000 to 1 million barrels, are set to be supplied from Russia’s Arctic and Black Sea ports, which typically supply to India, Xu said.In a similar report, Reuters claimed, “Indian state refiners paused Russian oil purchases last month.” The report, citing a trade source, added that the cargoes were most likely at the beginning of the month.<h2>Trump tariff threats</h2>Meanwhile, India earlier said that it has not halted its oil purchase from Russia following Trump’s tariff threats, which it called unjust and unreasonable, and continues to buy for economic considerations.Reuters report added that Chinese refiners are also wary about the possibility of US sanctions. Trump on Friday said that he did not immediately need to consider retaliatory tariffs on countries for buying Russian oil, adding that he might have to think about it “in two or three weeks.”

China has purchased at least 15 cargoes of Russian oil for deliveries in October and November from ports which typically supplied to India, which is currently facing a drop in demand amid Trump’s tariff threats, according to reports.

Following significant tariffs imposed on India by US President Donald Trump over the purchase of oil from Russia, the demand from the South Asian country for Moscow’s crude has dropped. Taking advantage of the situation, Chinese refineries have placed new orders for Russian crude from ports that earlier supplied to New Delhi, according to reports. After Western countries halted Russian imports following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, China and India emerged as the top buyers of oil from Russia. CNN reported, citing analysts, that at least 15 cargoes of Russian oil have been secured by Chinese refineries, which will be delivered in October and November this year. Did tariffs result in drop in demand for Russian oil? Earlier in July, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil in a bid to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine, which is in its fourth year. Earlier this month, Trump imposed additional 25 per cent tariffs on India, on top of the initial 25 per cent duties, citing Russian oil and gas imposed. The move has led the country to cut down its purchases drastically, reported CNN. Muyu Xu, senior crude oil analyst at Kpler, which tracks commodities and shipping data, said that China’s state-owned and large private refiners had purchased about 13 cargoes of Russian crude that will be delivered in October. In addition, at least two such purchases have been made for the month of November. Reportedly, the 15 cargoes of oil, which usually range from 700,000 to 1 million barrels, are set to be supplied from Russia’s Arctic and Black Sea ports, which typically supply to India, Xu said. In a similar report, Reuters claimed, “Indian state refiners paused Russian oil purchases last month.” The report, citing a trade source, added that the cargoes were most likely at the beginning of the month. Trump tariff threats Meanwhile, India earlier said that it has not halted its oil purchase from Russia following Trump’s tariff threats, which it called unjust and unreasonable, and continues to buy for economic considerations. Reuters report added that Chinese refiners are also wary about the possibility of US sanctions. Trump on Friday said that he did not immediately need to consider retaliatory tariffs on countries for buying Russian oil, adding that he might have to think about it “in two or three weeks.”

China has purchased at least 15 cargoes of Russian oil for deliveries in October and November from ports which typically supplied to India, which is currently facing a drop in demand amid Trump’s tariff threats, according to reports.

China ramping up Russian oil purchase amid Trump’s tariff threats? Reports claim drop in Indian demand

BREAKING: Nepal protests India-China pact to reopen border trade route 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has concluded a two-day visit to India, aimed at improving diplomatic ties and discussing key regional and global issues.


India-China ties: BRICS unity strengthens amid US pressure

In July, China ramped up its rare-earth shipments, easing restrictions that had caused global supply issues and trade tensions. Shipments to the U.S. jumped by 76%, but the overall exports still remain far below pre-crisis levels. 


China rare-earth flows rebound after US deal, shipments up 76% in July 

Apple is Doubling Down on India.
The Tech Giant is Shifting More Iphone Production From China to Indian Factories.
And for the First Time Ever...all New iphone 17 Models, Including Pro Versions, Will Be Made in India for U.S. Buyers.


Apple shifts iPhone 17 Output

The Trump administration debuts its official TikTok account, leveraging the platform's massive U.S. user base to promote the president’s agenda and reach young voters. The move comes despite past national security concerns over TikTok's Chinese ownership.

White House joins TikTok | Trump’s first post: "I am your voice"

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has concluded a two-day visit to India, aimed at improving diplomatic ties and discussing key regional and global issues.

India-China relations: Direct flights, border trade to resume | Modi-Xi Jinping hail ties

A woman in China, who was convicted of fraud, has drawn widespread attention for her innovative way to avoid a sentence. The woman, known by the pseudonym Chen Hong, was sentenced to 5 years' imprisonment in December 2020 in Central China's Shanxi province. However, she managed to evade prison by exploiting a legal provision.China has provisions for people suffering from serious illness, pregnancy or nursing a baby to stay outside of prison. They were made to serve in a community correction home, or hospital, or their own homes under supervision. Taking advantage of that loophole, the woman conceived 3 times in 4 years with the same man, whom she had divorced earlier. Thus successfully postponed her sentence and avoided a single day in jail.&nbsp;The convicts are subjected to examination and submit pregnancy reports every three months. During one inspection in May, the procurator discovered that Chen had delivered her third child and had not lived with the baby. It was legally registered to her sister in laws house. On investigation, it was revealed that she had given away two of her previous sons to her ex-husband. She was later sent back to a detention centre to serve the remaining one year of her sentence.The incident has sparked heated debate; many questioned how such an obvious evasion could continue unchecked for years.&nbsp;“I was more shocked that she could get pregnant when she wanted,” said one observer as reported by the South China Morning Post.“I pity the three children who were born only because their mother wanted to escape prison,” said another observer.&nbsp;Chen is not the only person to use pregnancy to avoid imprisonment. In 2015, one woman was caught getting pregnant 15 times in 10 years, in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Legal experts in China have also called for reforms to ensure that such loopholes are not exploited again, emphasising that justice must not be undermined by repeated deferrals. Some prosecutors suggested suspending the sentence instead of calculating time d

The woman convicted of fraud managed to escape her sentence by getting pregnant 3 times in just 4 years, she is now held in a detention centre to serve the rest of her sentence.

A woman in China, who was convicted of fraud, has drawn widespread attention for her innovative way to avoid a sentence. The woman, known by the pseudonym Chen Hong, was sentenced to 5 years' imprisonment in December 2020 in Central China's Shanxi province. However, she managed to evade prison by exploiting a legal provision. China has provisions for people suffering from serious illness, pregnancy or nursing a baby to stay outside of prison. They were made to serve in a community correction home, or hospital, or their own homes under supervision. Taking advantage of that loophole, the woman conceived 3 times in 4 years with the same man, whom she had divorced earlier. Thus successfully postponed her sentence and avoided a single day in jail. The convicts are subjected to examination and submit pregnancy reports every three months. During one inspection in May, the procurator discovered that Chen had delivered her third child and had not lived with the baby. It was legally registered to her sister in laws house. On investigation, it was revealed that she had given away two of her previous sons to her ex-husband. She was later sent back to a detention centre to serve the remaining one year of her sentence. The incident has sparked heated debate; many questioned how such an obvious evasion could continue unchecked for years. “I was more shocked that she could get pregnant when she wanted,” said one observer as reported by the South China Morning Post. “I pity the three children who were born only because their mother wanted to escape prison,” said another observer. Chen is not the only person to use pregnancy to avoid imprisonment. In 2015, one woman was caught getting pregnant 15 times in 10 years, in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Legal experts in China have also called for reforms to ensure that such loopholes are not exploited again, emphasising that justice must not be undermined by repeated deferrals. Some prosecutors suggested suspending the sentence instead of calculating time d

The woman convicted of fraud managed to escape her sentence by getting pregnant 3 times in just 4 years. She is now held in a detention centre to serve the rest of her sentence.

Chinese woman dodges jail sentence by getting pregnant 3 times in just 4 years

Taiwan plans to procure nearly 50,000 military drones by 2027 to counter rising threats from Beijing. In a bold shift, UAVs will be treated like "bullets"—as fast-moving consumables. The new tender bans Chinese components and spans five drone categories, including combat-ready and surveillance systems.

Taiwan to buy 50,000 military drones amid China threat | Major UAV push over 2 years

India and China are moving to rebuild ties after years of border tensions.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in New Delhi for the 24th round of border talks. Doval said ties are on an “upward trend,” while Wang Yi called for trust and stability. The talks come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to China since 2018, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The reset comes against the backdrop of U.S. tariffs and shifting regional equations.

BREAKING: India, China Agree on New Steps for Boundary Talks in a Boost to Bilateral Ties | WION

India and China are moving to rebuild ties after years of border tensions.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in New Delhi for the 24th round of border talks. Doval said ties are on an “upward trend,” while Wang Yi called for trust and stability. The talks come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to China since 2018, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The reset comes against the backdrop of U.S. tariffs and shifting regional equations.


India, China reset relations: Doval-Wang YI talks ahead of PM Modi’s SCO visit 

India and China held the 24th round of border talks in New Delhi, where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Indian NSA Ajit Doval to discuss the ongoing boundary dispute.


India, China Hold 24th Round Of Border Talks | Chinese FM Wang Yi Meets NSA Ajit Doval In Delhi 

Shein, the fast-fashion giant known for its ultra-cheap and trendy clothing, is considering moving its legal base back to mainland China as part of efforts to push through its long-delayed stock market listing in Hong Kong. According to Bloomberg, the Singapore-domiciled retailer has held preliminary discussions with lawyers about setting up a parent company in China. The move is aimed at winning Beijing’s blessing for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, after failed attempts to go public in New York and London.<h2>Running out of IPO options</h2>Shein’s road to the stock market has been riddled with obstacles. The company abandoned a New York IPO in 2023 amid political backlash in the US over allegations of forced labour in its supply chain, charges the firm has denied, saying it maintains a “zero-tolerance” policy. A subsequent plan to list in London also stalled after Beijing withheld approval, forcing Shein to shift focus to Hong Kong.&nbsp;Now, with a confidential filing already submitted in the city, the company faces pressure to secure regulatory clearance from China’s securities watchdog. Bloomberg reports that relocating its corporate base back to the mainland could strengthen its case, as it would make Shein’s income taxable in China and place its trove of consumer data directly under Beijing’s oversight, both key factors for regulatory approval.<h2>Data, taxes, and political control</h2>Since 2023, China has required all companies with substantial ties to the country to undergo a data security review before pursuing overseas IPOs. Even though Shein is headquartered in Singapore, it still falls under this framework due to its deep reliance on China’s vast garment manufacturing supply chain.&nbsp;Analysts say that moving back to China could help the company clear these hurdles more smoothly. Once a mainland entity is created, Shein’s Singapore office and overseas operations would function as subsidiaries, Bloomberg noted.<h2>Valuation pressures mount</h2>Beyond regulatory challenges, Shein has seen its valuation tumble. Once worth around $100 billion in 2021, the company has been forced to slash its value to roughly $30 billion, according to Bloomberg. Fierce competition from rival Temu in the US and Europe, as well as Washington’s decision to close the “de minimis” tariff loophole that had allowed Shein to ship low-value parcels duty-free, have added further strain on its business model.&nbsp;The uncertainty has rattled investor confidence. Shares of some Shein-linked companies, such as Kengic Intelligent Technology, which provides warehouse automation services, surged more than 17 per cent in trading after Bloomberg reported news of the possible move.<h2>A turnaround from Singapore strategy</h2>If Shein does go ahead with shifting its domicile, it would mark a reversal of its 2021 strategy, when it relocated headquarters to Singapore to present itself as a global, rather than Chinese, company. But the commercial reality appears to have caught up: without Beijing’s blessing, the Hong Kong IPO seen as one of the city’s most high-profile listings this year, cannot proceed.&nbsp;For Shein, founded in Nanjing in 2008, the stakes are high. The company’s long-awaited public debut could help it raise fresh capital to fight rivals and expand globally, but the decision on whether to approve the IPO lies firmly in Beijing’s hands.&nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies)&nbsp;

The Singapore-domiciled company has faced repeated hurdles listing overseas, abandoning New York amid US political backlash and shelving London plans after Chinese regulators withheld clearance. 

Shein, the fast-fashion giant known for its ultra-cheap and trendy clothing, is considering moving its legal base back to mainland China as part of efforts to push through its long-delayed stock market listing in Hong Kong. According to Bloomberg, the Singapore-domiciled retailer has held preliminary discussions with lawyers about setting up a parent company in China. The move is aimed at winning Beijing’s blessing for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, after failed attempts to go public in New York and London. Running out of IPO options Shein’s road to the stock market has been riddled with obstacles. The company abandoned a New York IPO in 2023 amid political backlash in the US over allegations of forced labour in its supply chain, charges the firm has denied, saying it maintains a “zero-tolerance” policy. A subsequent plan to list in London also stalled after Beijing withheld approval, forcing Shein to shift focus to Hong Kong. Now, with a confidential filing already submitted in the city, the company faces pressure to secure regulatory clearance from China’s securities watchdog. Bloomberg reports that relocating its corporate base back to the mainland could strengthen its case, as it would make Shein’s income taxable in China and place its trove of consumer data directly under Beijing’s oversight, both key factors for regulatory approval. Data, taxes, and political control Since 2023, China has required all companies with substantial ties to the country to undergo a data security review before pursuing overseas IPOs. Even though Shein is headquartered in Singapore, it still falls under this framework due to its deep reliance on China’s vast garment manufacturing supply chain. Analysts say that moving back to China could help the company clear these hurdles more smoothly. Once a mainland entity is created, Shein’s Singapore office and overseas operations would function as subsidiaries, Bloomberg noted. Valuation pressures mount Beyond regulatory challenges, Shein has seen its valuation tumble. Once worth around $100 billion in 2021, the company has been forced to slash its value to roughly $30 billion, according to Bloomberg. Fierce competition from rival Temu in the US and Europe, as well as Washington’s decision to close the “de minimis” tariff loophole that had allowed Shein to ship low-value parcels duty-free, have added further strain on its business model. The uncertainty has rattled investor confidence. Shares of some Shein-linked companies, such as Kengic Intelligent Technology, which provides warehouse automation services, surged more than 17 per cent in trading after Bloomberg reported news of the possible move. A turnaround from Singapore strategy If Shein does go ahead with shifting its domicile, it would mark a reversal of its 2021 strategy, when it relocated headquarters to Singapore to present itself as a global, rather than Chinese, company. But the commercial reality appears to have caught up: without Beijing’s blessing, the Hong Kong IPO seen as one of the city’s most high-profile listings this year, cannot proceed. For Shein, founded in Nanjing in 2008, the stakes are high. The company’s long-awaited public debut could help it raise fresh capital to fight rivals and expand globally, but the decision on whether to approve the IPO lies firmly in Beijing’s hands. (With inputs from the agencies)

Fast-fashion retailer Shein is weighing a move to shift its legal base back to mainland China in a bid to secure Beijing’s approval for its stalled Hong Kong IPO, Bloomberg reported.

Shein weighs return to China to secure Hong Kong IPO approval

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with India’s NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday.


Wang-Yi- Doval Meet: India, China Hold 24th Round Of Border Talks

China has agreed to lift restrictions on key exports to India, signaling a positive development in bilateral trade relations.


India-China Relations: China To Lift Curbs On Key Exports To India

China’s cement production has dropped, signaling a slowdown in the country’s long-running construction boom. 

China’s Construction Boom Faces Setback as Cement Production Falls 

India and China discussed trade and economic issues on Monday, including restarting border trade and direct flights, with India raising worries about China’s limits on exporting rare earth minerals.


Wang Yi In India: Differences Shouldn’t Turn Into Disputes, S. Jaishankar to Wang

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has arrived in India for a two-day visit ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Beijing. 

EAM Jaishankar, Chinese FM Wang Yi Hold Talks; Stresses Fight Against Terror 

China has announced a groundbreaking development in reproductive technology: a humanoid robot capable of carrying a pregnancy using an artificial womb.


China Introduces Robot Pregnancy With Artificial Womb, Shaping the Future of Birth

S Jaishankar, Wang Yi Meet: "Important That De-escalation On Border Continues"

Pakistan continues to turn to China to rapidly upgrade its military.
From Tughril-class frigates to VT-4 tanks, J-10C fighter jets, and now the Hangor-class submarine program worth $5 billion.
Here's a breakdown of China's growing role as Islamabad's top defence supplier.

Pakistan’s Big Buys from China: Frigates, Tanks, Jets & Submarines

India and China are giving their ties a major boost. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Delhi for talks with EAM Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and PM Modi.
The visit comes just ahead of Modi’s first trip to China in seven years for the SCO Summit, where he is set to meet Xi Jinping.
While border tensions linger, U.S. tariff pressure is pushing Delhi and Beijing to find common ground.

India–China Reset? Doval–Wang Border Talks, Modi–Xi Meet

#GRAVITAS | U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified Washington's tariff positions on both India and China. Rubio said that behind America's refrain to sanction China for buying Russian oil lies a clear and calculated decision. Watch this video to find out more


Trump Tariffs: Rubio Defends US Decision to Spare China From Sweeping Tariffs

china

China, News on China, stories on China, articles on China, China stories at Wion, China news, China latest news