India-China Energy Ties: India has allowed four China-linked power equipment firms with factories in India to bid for critical government power projects, a limited easing that still keeps post-2020 border safeguards in place. Religious Freedom: Freedom House says Chinese authorities released Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, founder of Zion Church, after nearly nine months in detention, and is pressing for other detained church members and political prisoners. China-India Diplomacy Watch: An Indian envoy’s meeting with China’s women’s federation is being read as Beijing quietly expanding people-to-people channels ahead of possible Modi-Xi engagement. Jobs Pressure: With the job market strained, unemployed Chinese professionals are increasingly using Communist Party-run community service centres as free co-working spaces. China’s Tech Push: China is exporting undersea cable detection robots to protect offshore infrastructure, and humanoid robots are moving from demos into live customs work and factory inspection livestreams. China-Europe Rule of Law for Trade: A Chinese legal expert argues stronger rule-of-law frameworks are key to scaling China-Europe ESG cooperation amid cross-border compliance demands. Taiwan Alerts: Taiwan detected multiple Chinese naval vessels and aircraft near its waters, with monitoring and responses reported. Gold & FX: Gold and currency updates point to shifting global risk sentiment, while central banks continue buying gold.