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China is pushing back against claims that its manufacturing sector suffers from “overcapacity.” In a new report, the Commerce Ministry argues that China’s industrial competitiveness is driven by technological innovation, efficient supply chains, and market forces, not unfair subsidies. It also says the so-called “excess capacity” narrative is being used to justify protectionist trade measures. The response comes as the United States and the European Union continue to scrutinize Chinese exports of electric vehicles and other clean-energy products.

China’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure saw rapid expansion in the first half of 2026, with total charging facilities reaching 23.06 million by the end of June, up 43.2% year on year, according to data released Tuesday by the National Energy Administration. Of the total, public charging facilities exceeded 5 million, an increase of 22.3% from a year earlier. Private charging facilities reached 18.05 million, surging 50.4% year on year. Holiday charging demand has been steadily rising, as seen during this year’s May Day holiday. Average daily charging volume on highways hit 18.99 million kilowatt-hours, up 14.09% from this year’s…

China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition after the US Department of Defense placed some Chinese research institutions on a sanctions list, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday. The US has politicized and weaponized scientific research cooperation, hindering bilateral exchanges and collaboration, a ministry spokesperson said. China will take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its research institutions and ensure a sound environment for normal scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, the spokesperson added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all the relevant institutions to remain fully prepared to deal with any emergency situation during the monsoon season. A review meeting on the ongoing monsoon rains and flood situation in the country was held on Tuesday in Islamabad under the chairmanship of the prime minister. He instructed that continuous contact must be maintained with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and provincial governments. The prime minister said the NDMA should provide timely information about the monsoon situation and expected rainfall to all concerned institutions. He directed the Federal Minister…

Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral relations, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, information technology, energy and other key sectors during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and a visiting US congressional delegation. The two-member delegation, comprising Congressmen Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner, called on Dar in Islamabad on Monday to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar welcomed the delegation and highlighted the positive momentum in Pakistan-US relations, saying there was significant potential for cooperation across multiple sectors. The two sides discussed…

Veteran Pakistani actor and writer Syed Mohammed Ahmed has claimed that some writers in the country’s television industry are using artificial intelligence (AI) to produce entire 26-episode drama serials, warning that the trend is affecting originality and cultural authenticity. Speaking on Sheeba Khan’s Dareecha podcast, Ahmed said AI-generated scripts often fail to reflect Pakistan’s language, culture and everyday social interactions. He questioned how some writers manage to complete multiple television scripts within a short period. “It takes me around 10 to 11 months to write a quality drama. It is not humanly possible to write several dramas at the same time,” he…

The Cabinet Committee on Energy has approved proposed amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directing authorities to expand the country’s strategic petroleum reserves and accelerate reforms in the energy sector. Chairing the committee’s meeting, the prime minister said modernising Pakistan’s oil refineries was essential to meeting the country’s growing energy needs. “Upgrading oil refineries is the need of the hour,” Shehbaz said, adding that modern facilities would improve energy security, reduce dependence on imported fuels and enable the production of environmentally friendly petroleum products. PM orders swift implementation The prime minister directed officials…

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate telephone conversations with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia and Oman to discuss the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as regional tensions continue to rise following recent military confrontations. According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, Araghchi spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about the latest regional developments and bilateral relations. The ministers also stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation and diplomatic efforts to maintain stability. IRNA reported that the three diplomats discussed “the insecurity imposed on the Strait of…

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a Virtual Currency Investigation Cell (VCIC) to combat the misuse of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology for terrorist financing, money laundering and other financial crimes. According to an official notification, the new unit has been created with the approval of the Director General FIA as part of Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen financial security and comply with the National Action Plan (NAP) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. Focus on terror financing and cybercrime The specialised investigation cell will probe cases involving: Money laundering through digital assets Terrorist financing Cybercrime linked to cryptocurrencies Financial…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday as Washington considers tougher sanctions on Russia and the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran become increasingly intertwined. Zelenskyy is also scheduled to attend the funeral of US Senator Lindsey Graham and later meet members of the US Senate, according to Reuters, citing congressional aides. The visit coincides with a planned Senate vote on legislation that would significantly tighten sanctions on Russia. Senate to consider tougher Russia sanctions The proposed legislation, championed by the late Senator Graham, would impose 100% tariffs on imports…