China

A significant tightening of US immigration policies in 2025 has led to a notable decline in visa approvals, with India and China bearing the brunt of the reduction. Data indicates that approximately 2.5 lakh fewer visas were issued in the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2024. The decline, driven largely by reduced approvals for students and skilled workers, signals a shift in US immigration priorities.

China has raised domestic fuel prices in response to rising global oil costs and mounting geopolitical uncertainty linked to potential prolonged conflict in the Middle East. The price adjustment, implemented by the country’s top economic planner, reflects a strategic effort to manage supply risks, stabilize domestic markets, and cushion economic disruption. 

Zydus Lifesciences has achieved a significant regulatory milestone after securing approval in China for its innovative drug Desidustat, developed to treat renal anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The authorization from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) allows the oral medication to be introduced in one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical markets. The drug will be commercialized through an exclusive licensing partnership with CMS International Development and Management Ltd, a subsidiary of China Medical System Holdings Ltd.