At a June 22 briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun declined to say whether Beijing had been notified of a Tokyo police arrest reported by Japanese media that linked the suspect to the Taizi Group, accused of operating multiple telecom-fraud compounds. Guo referred detailed questions to the relevant Chinese authorities and urged neighbouring countries to strengthen joint law-enforcement cooperation against online gambling and telecom fraud to protect lives, property and regional

The second-review draft amendment to China’s Trademark Law will be submitted to the 23rd session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, the Legislative Affairs Commission said. Spokesperson Huang Haihua said on the 22nd the revision targets deceptive trademarks with three measures: tighten registration review; broaden complaint and reporting channels; and increase legal liability. Where a registered trademark is used in a way that misleads the public, trademark enforcement authorities may order rectification within a deadline. If illegal business turnover exceeds 50,000 yuan, fines may be imposed of up to five times that turnover; if there is no illegal turnover or turnover is under 50,000 yuan, fines may reach up to 250,000 yuan. Failure to rectify on time can lead the State Council’s trademark administration to cancel the registration.

UK Prime Minister Starmer said he will make every effort to ensure an orderly transition.