China Launches Shenzhou-18 Mission Aiming for Lunar Exploration

China’s space program is making great strides with the Shenzhou-18 mission. This time, three astronauts are sent to the country’s first domestically built space station. Led by former fighter pilots Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, the crew embarks on a six-month mission, which includes conducting experiments and preparing for lunar exploration. In the midst of all this are zebrafish, part of more than 90 scientific experiments. Among them are creating a closed aquatic ecosystem for studying the interactions between fish and algae in space, information that can maybe inform future designs of habitats.

Tata Motors should worry about BYD and Xiaomi and not Tesla

Concerns have been raised by indigenous automobile manufacturers, most notably Tata Motors, in response to the recent statement made by the Indian government on a new policy for electric vehicles (EVs). In particular, the policy includes a provision for decreased customs tax for global EV manufacturers such as Tesla. In spite of the fact that the strategy is designed to entice well-known electric vehicle manufacturers to set up production facilities in India, it also raises concerns over the possibility of rivalry and the consequent effects it may have on domestic companies. The Make in India project provides businesses with the option to import a considerable number of electric cars each year, allowing them to take advantage of a significantly reduced customs tax rate of 15%.

Taiwan Builds an Alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink

In this issue of China Watch newsletter, the writer discusses about the possibility of Taiwan building its own network of satellites that could serve as an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink. Other leads include ‘China’s Economic Crisis,’ ‘China’s Plan to Eradicate Corruption from Sports Industry,’ ‘Police Harassment Condemned at Site of Blast,’ and ‘Taiwan’s Military Tensions with China.’