China Monitor

The monitor features developments related to China during the month and is compiled by our research team of Amb. Biren Nanda, Senior Fellow, and Sanket Joshi, Research Associate, from open-source reports and publications.

India and China continued their high-level strategic engagement. Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, and Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister, met on the margins of the BRICS National Security Advisors' Meeting, in New Delhi on June 22-23, 2026. The two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations and noted “progress towards gradual normalisation”. NSA Doval emphasised that stable, predictable, and constructive India-China relations contribute to building trust and a better understanding between the two sides.

On June 2, 2026, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) proposed action against China and 59 other countries for their failure to prohibit or adequately restrict the export of goods to the U.S. containing forced labour under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Reacting to the proposed 12.5 percent tariffs on China, Beijing cautioned that these measures lack sufficient evidence, have no basis under international law, and bear the hallmarks of protectionism and unilateralism.

On June 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of War added several Chinese high-technology companies to its list of entities linked to the Chinese military. China opposed the U.S.’ extreme national security measures through the use of “discriminatory lists”, urged Washington to stop its wrong practices, and create a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment.

On June 22, 2026, the European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde urged global leaders to discuss the undervaluation of the Chinese Yuan, which is endangering the global economy, and is a major factor behind a surge in Chinese shipments to Europe. Chinese analysts rejected the idea of a new Plaza Accord for China, reminding the EU that China is not Japan of the 1980s, and that the EU is certainly not the U.S.

On May 28, 2026, Japan and the Philippines announced the launch of maritime delimitation negotiations in the waters east of Taiwan. Reacting to this, China urged Tokyo and Manila to immediately stop their “illegal infringements” and “provocative acts”. The China Coast Guard (CCG) conducted law enforcement patrols in the relevant waters.

To read this issue please click China Monitor, Vol. IX, Issue 6.