This week in China
Chinese media focused on the strong personal rapport between President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during Putin's visit, underscoring China's role as a global diplomatic center. Discussions also centered on the Xi-Trump summit, emphasizing 'strategic stability' in US-China relations despite persistent trade tensions and concerns over Taiwan. Meanwhile, China showcased significant scientific and technological advancements, from biotech breakthroughs to rare earth discoveries and new medical implants.
About China
China is a civilization with a rich history, a vast and diverse geography, and a rapidly evolving economy that plays a significant global role. Its news landscape is shaped by extensive state control, where major media outlets operate under Communist Party oversight, reflecting state priorities and messaging. While independent journalism faces censorship, online platforms offer some alternative perspectives.
Visiting China
Media landscape
All major media in China operates under Communist Party oversight, with coverage reflecting state priorities and messaging. Independent journalism exists online but faces censorship.
Be aware that official media reflects state priorities, and seek out independent analysis for diverse perspectives.
Sources we track 2
East Asia could become new center for peace and economic growth, says Chinese political scientist
- East Asia could become a global center for peace and economic growth, surpassing Europe, according to a Chinese political scientist. - Yan Xuetong of Tsinghua University cited the deepening rift bet…
IPO Connect pitched as Hong Kong’s next move to boost finance hub role. But hurdles loom
- Hong Kong is seeking to enhance its status as a global financial center with a proposed "IPO Connect" initiative. - The plan aims to inject liquidity into the market and improve international invest…
Is the US banning drones from China until it can make better ones itself?
- US public safety officials rely heavily on drones, many made by Chinese company DJI, for critical operations like wildfire response and search and rescue. - Despite US restrictions on Chinese techno…
EU pitches Brazil a ‘more beneficial’ rare earths deal than US or China
- The European Union is proposing a critical minerals partnership with Brazil, aiming to offer more benefits than deals with the US or China. - The EU's proposal emphasizes domestic refining and techn…
US hearing warns Chinese economic espionage now targets AI
- A U.S. congressional committee heard warnings that China's economic espionage, including the theft of artificial intelligence advances, poses a significant threat. - Witnesses testified that China's…
DeepSeek launches hiring spree, aims to double staff size in pursuit of AGI
- Chinese AI firm DeepSeek is launching a significant hiring initiative, aiming to at least double the size of every department. - The company is recruiting for 33 positions across seven key areas, in…
US Relief Effort Tests Post-Maduro Strategy in Venezuela After Quakes
- The U.S. is leading a large humanitarian operation in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes, testing its post-Maduro strategy. - Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the deployment of sear…
China's photonic chips could help it leapfrog US on AI
- China has established a top-level optical computing laboratory in Shanghai, aiming to advance its AI capabilities. - The initiative follows breakthroughs in photonic chip technology, which could byp…
Prabowo's Trump Moment: A Shift in Indonesia's Foreign Policy?
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's warm exchange with Donald Trump at a Gaza peace summit sparked speculation about his engagement with the former US president. - The interaction contrasted wit…
AI Enters China's Legal Profession, Prompting Questions About Future Roles
- A legal database affiliated with Peking University has launched a large language model (LLM) tool designed to retrieve statutes and generate contracts. - The tool, developed by Chinalawinfo PKULaw u…
Inside China’s ideological training camp where PLA top brass study Xi’s speeches
- China's top military officials underwent an unprecedented ideology training camp focused on President Xi Jinping's speeches and anti-corruption efforts. - The 10-week program, personally initiated b…
Southbound Stock Connect flows surge to record US$152b driven by Hong Kong’s IPO revival
- Mainland Chinese investors channeled a record US$151.8 billion into Hong Kong-listed shares over the past year, signaling strong market confidence. - This surge in southbound Stock Connect flows coi…
Hong Kong can take the regulatory high road amid US-China AI decoupling
- China's Zhipu AI saw its shares surge after releasing an open-source AI model, demonstrating strong market performance despite US technology containment efforts. - The US Commerce Department ordered…
US delegation snubs Apec meeting in Macau due to China visa requirements row
- The United States did not send high-level officials to an Apec tourism meeting in Macau. - This decision stems from China's refusal to lift visa restrictions on American diplomats providing consular…
8 Takeaways From The US-Iran War
- The conflict between the US and Iran appears to be over, offering several lessons about the nature of modern warfare and political strategy. - President Trump's personal approach to the conflict is …
China's World Cup fans cheer for stars and dream of national team's future
- Chinese football fans are passionately supporting teams like Portugal and Argentina, and players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, during the World Cup. - Despite China's absence from the tou…
China's advanced Fujian aircraft carrier transits Taiwan Strait amid military drills
- China's most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian Type 003, sailed through the Taiwan Strait. - The transit occurred a day after Taiwan began a combat readiness exercise. - Military commentators su…
China targets face of international space cooperation in corruption crackdown
- China is investigating a senior defense industry official, Bian Zhigang, for alleged corruption. - Bian, deputy head of SASTIND and deputy director of CNSA, is suspected of "serious violations of di…
Drowning desert: Xinjiang's infrastructure faces failure risk under record rain
- Rare, intense rainfall in Xinjiang, China, has caused flooding and damage, highlighting risks from extreme weather in the region. - Experts warn that the arid region's infrastructure, designed for d…
Chinese scientists love Blackpink’s Jennie so much they named a fish after her
- A newly discovered fish species in China has been named after K-pop star Jennie Kim of the group Blackpink. - The tiny black-and-yellow fish, found near the Pearl River estuary, is the first bumbleb…
‘China Initiative 2.0’: US crackdown on Chinese scholars intensifies
- US immigration lawyers and activists report an intensified government crackdown on Chinese scientists and researchers. - They describe the current campaign as more aggressive than the Trump administ…
US AI ban on Anthropic models may boost China, hurt Hong Kong finance
- US AI firm Anthropic's advanced models are now inaccessible to foreign users, including those in Hong Kong, due to US export controls. - This restriction, implemented by a US Commerce Department dir…
US targets Cuba mining sector in move with implications for China-linked supply chains
- The U.S. expanded sanctions against Cuba, targeting a state-owned mining company and other key economic entities. - This move aims to build alternative supply chains for critical minerals and reduce…
Trump touts Iran inspection deal as Tehran disputes terms
- President Trump claimed Iran agreed to "highest level" nuclear inspections, ensuring "Nuclear Honesty." - Iranian officials disputed the claim, stating a working group must first convene to discuss …
Will Andy Burnham shake up the UK’s China policy if he becomes prime minister?
- Keir Starmer announced his intention to step down as UK Prime Minister, succumbing to pressure within the Labour Party. - Andy Burnham has confirmed he will run for Labour leader, potentially becomi…
China Builds Record 100-Meter Observation Tower in South China Sea
- China has constructed a record-breaking 100-meter environmental observation tower in the South China Sea. - The tower is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and collect real-time data o…
What is China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning testing – and why does it matter?
- China's Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted extensive combat training, incorporating new tactics like coordination with land-based tanker aircraft and an amphibious assault ship. - The carrier strik…
China’s new ‘super fuel’ could help Long March rockets increase payload by 10%
- A Chinese Long March-12 rocket successfully launched using a new "super fuel." - The new fuel, a high-energy synthetic kerosene, increased the rocket's payload capacity by 10 percent. - This develop…
China's Gaokao: A reflection of evolving political economy
- China's National Higher Education Entrance Examination, the gaokao, results are being released, prompting students and families to make critical university and major choices. - The gaokao acts as a …
China pauses $4 billion African mine deal, signaling growing risk aversion
- China's Zijin Mining has paused a $4 billion acquisition of Allied Gold due to regulatory scrutiny over potential risks. - Allied Gold's key assets are in Mali, a region facing increasing jihadist i…
Chinese scientists create battery that works comfortably way above water’s boiling point
- Chinese scientists developed a solid-state lithium-ion battery that operates safely at high temperatures. - The ceramic-based battery can withstand up to 150 degrees Celsius and brief thermal shocks…
Study shows 4,000-year battle of Eastern and Western genes in China’s heartland
- A large-scale ancient genomics study in China's Ningxia region reveals a 4,000-year history of gene fusion between Eastern and Western populations. - Researchers analyzed 69 genomic data sets from 8…
Japan's fivefold visa fee hike to hit Chinese tourists hardest, straining ties
- Japan has fivefold increased its visa fees, a move expected to disproportionately affect Chinese tourists. - The fee hike, effective July 1, aims to combat inflation and the yen's depreciation, brin…
The I Ching, Leibniz, and AI: How ancient China-West links shaped modern science
- The development of artificial intelligence has deep historical roots, stemming from an exchange between China and the West. - Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz developed the binary numeral system, the found…
Japan's defense outreach to counter China’s military rise hits hidden roadblocks
- Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi used the Shangri-La Dialogue to criticize China's military rise and lack of transparency. - Japan is expanding security partnerships in Asia, unnerving Beij…
Can Quad break China’s mineral monopoly amid US-India rift?
- A recent US strike in the Gulf of Oman, which killed Indian sailors, has strained US-India relations and cast doubt on the Quad alliance's unity. - Despite tensions, shared concerns over China's dom…
China closing in but US leads in biotech quality and commercial reach, survey finds
- A survey of US biotech leaders finds China leads in clinical drug trials and supply chains but lags in quality and commercialization. - The US leads in moving experimental products to production, ca…
US-China rare earth clash 2.0? Fragile truce tested as tit-for-tat moves return
- China has imposed new export controls on 10 U.S. entities, including rare earth companies MP Materials and USA Rare Earth. - These measures are retaliation for the Pentagon's recent designation of C…
China signals openness to Colombia’s Trump-backed president-elect despite US tilt
- China congratulated Colombia on its presidential election and expressed readiness to work with the incoming government. - The congratulations came despite the president-elect's pro-US stance and pro…
Lagarde Urges Talks on Yuan Undervaluation Amid Global Imbalances
- European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde called for discussions on the undervaluation of the Chinese yuan. - She stated that this issue contributes to global economic imbalances. - Lagarde'…
As Europe rearms, it aims to reduce, not fully decouple, military supply chains from China
- European nations are gradually reducing, not completely decoupling, their reliance on China for military supply chains during a rearmament drive. - G7 leaders agreed to significantly reduce dependen…
Australians trust China more than US for first time, poll finds
- An Australian poll shows a record low in public trust for the United States, while trust in China has warmed. - For the first time, more Australians view the relationship with China as more importan…
Japan's Latest Live-Fire Drill Signals Offensive Shift, Warns China's PLA Daily
- China's military mouthpiece, PLA Daily, warned that Japan's recent live-fire drills signal an acceleration towards offensive capabilities and "re-militarisation." - The article asserts that Japan's …
China rejects trade criticism after German leader backs global yuan action
- China rejected trade criticism, with Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang stating the country does not actively pursue trade surpluses. - Ding blamed export controls by certain countries for hindering China's…
Academics in China Targeted by Elaborate Scams Involving Fake Conferences
- Chinese academics are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated scams involving fake academic conferences. - Researchers pay significant fees for supposed publication in reputable databases, only…
Blockade lifted, assets to be returned to Iran in Swiss talks breakthrough
- US-Iran talks in Switzerland have resulted in the lifting of a blockade and the release of frozen assets for Iran, according to Tehran. - Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced that…
Nie Huihua on the non-Westernness of Chinese government and the challenge to innovation
- A Chinese economics professor argues that understanding China's development requires moving beyond Western-centric frameworks to an integrated perspective. - He contrasts China's top-down accountabi…
China-Asean Ties Thrive Beyond Geopolitics Through Trade, Culture, and Technology
- China-Asean relations extend beyond geopolitics, encompassing trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges, according to a study tour participant. - The relationship is built on diverse elements in…
Red Hawk rising: how the Z-20 family is plugging China’s chronic defence gaps
- China's Z-20 helicopter closely resembles the U.S. Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, reflecting China's efforts to bridge its defense technology gap. - The Z-20, China's most advanced military helicopter, …
Cancer-on-a-chip pioneer Chen Weiqiang returns to China from New York University
- Chen Weiqiang, a professor from New York University, has returned to China to join Nanjing University as a distinguished professor. - Chen cited personal career development and family reasons for hi…
China’s Iran strategy an exercise in power without projection
- China demonstrated strategic restraint regarding the US-Iran conflict, leveraging its economic ties to influence Tehran. - Beijing engaged in discreet diplomacy, including numerous calls by its fore…
KMT accuses DPP of targeting Taiwan’s farmers over trade ties with mainland
- Taiwan's opposition KMT party criticized the government for investigating five agricultural groups that attended a mainland forum. - The KMT accused the ruling DPP of suppressing normal agricultural…
What signal is China sending with footage of DF-17 hypersonic missile launches?
- China's state broadcaster CCTV has released footage of a DF-17 hypersonic missile launch for the first time. - The DF-17 missile, capable of speeds over Mach 5, has a range that could threaten the f…
The US town, the Chinese company and the bankrupting battle over a battery plant
- Residents of a Michigan township celebrated defeating a proposed Gotion battery plant, fearing Chinese influence and environmental risks. - The town council rescinded permits for the project, which …
US and Iranian negotiators arrive in Swiss restort for latest round of peace talks
- Negotiators from the United States, Iran, and Pakistan have arrived in Switzerland for talks on a fragile ceasefire and Iran's nuclear program. - The US delegation is led by Vice-President J.D. Vanc…
China-Led Team Develops AI System to Track Radar-Disrupting Space Hurricanes
- A China-led research team has developed an AI system capable of automatically detecting "space hurricanes." - These phenomena, occurring in Earth's upper atmosphere, can disrupt satellite signals, r…
Cross-border biotech deals grow more complex as US targets China investment links
- Cross-border biotech deals between the U.S. and China face increasing complexity and potential slowdown due to U.S. restrictions on investment and technology transfer. - Industry analysts predict he…
China's spy agency claims 'lying flat' movement is foreign plot
- China's top intelligence agency claims foreign forces are using the "lying flat" concept to undermine youth's belief in striving and social values. - Once a niche subculture, "lying flat" has become…
China lacks will or capacity to replace US hegemony, expert says
- A Chinese foreign policy expert argues that China lacks the will and capacity to replace the U.S. as a global hegemon. - Beijing is pursuing an alternative path focused on sovereign equality and mul…
Guinea pushes Simandou on iron ore exports to feed China’s ‘green steel’ mills
- Guinea is accelerating iron ore exports to China to capitalize on high prices driven by demand for 'green steel' production. - Shipping services are being rerouted from bauxite to iron ore to maximi…
Beijing planning more surveys east of Taiwan to assert sovereignty, state media reports
- Beijing plans to conduct routine maritime surveys east of Taiwan, according to state media. - The move aims to assert sovereignty following talks between Japan and the Philippines. - China is divers…
Prize-Winning Taiwanese Novel Stirs Debate Over History, Stoking Beijing's Concerns
- A prize-winning Taiwanese novel is sparking debate over the island's identity, contrasting with Beijing's historical narratives. - The novel, set in Japanese-ruled Taiwan in 1938, explores themes of…
Japan's G7 rare earth proposal risks further regional tension
- Japan proposed to G7 leaders a coordinated stockpiling of critical minerals, including rare earths, to reduce China's influence on supply chains. - The proposal aims to address escalating demand and…
China puts world’s first smart squid fishing robot to the test
- China has tested the world's first intelligent squid fishing robot designed to mimic human movements to attract deep-sea squid. - The robot is currently undergoing sea trials on the Song Hang scient…
Horses Originated in America and Reached Europe Through China, Fossil DNA Reveals
- Fossil DNA research suggests horses originated in North America millions of years ago. - An extinct lineage, the Dalian horse from China, acted as a genetic intermediary, transferring North American…
What the I Ching is Really About
- The article explores the true meaning of the I Ching, or Book of Changes, challenging Carl Jung's interpretation. - It suggests the I Ching is more accessible than Jung believed, appealing to a wide…
World population may peak and decline, shifting focus to human capital quality
- World population is projected to peak and then decline naturally due to falling fertility rates, shifting from a 20th-century view of people as an expanding resource. - While population numbers are …
Could China make a sea-skimming hypersonic missile a real nightmare for the US?
- China is researching technology for sea-skimming hypersonic missiles. - Such missiles could pose a significant threat to the US Navy by evading radar detection. - The research aims to develop next-g…
China displays portable laser weapons for soldiers to shoot down drones
- China has showcased portable laser weapons capable of shooting down drones, developed by defense supplier Harbin Xinguang Optic-Electronics Technology. - The "Lijian" series weapons use high-energy …
G7 rare earths, US-Iran peace deal, Summer Davos
- The Group of Seven (G7) nations agreed to reduce their reliance on China for critical raw materials like rare earths and permanent magnets. - Leaders set a target that no single country should suppl…
Beijing details rare marine survey east of Taiwan after Tokyo-Manila talks
- A Chinese research vessel conducted a marine environmental survey east of Taiwan. - The survey, conducted by the Ministry of Natural Resources' East China Sea Bureau, aimed to understand ecological …
More and more Africans want to learn Chinese. But who will teach them?
- More African nations are incorporating Chinese language into their national curricula. - Countries like Tunisia, Cameroon, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya are exp…
EU leaders ask Brussels to come up with new trade weapons to counter China shock
- EU leaders have urged Brussels to develop new trade defense tools to counter China's economic influence. - The request follows a rare summit debate where leaders discussed the economic threat posed …
Why West doesn’t understand China, according to ex-Harvard Chinese author
- An economics professor argues Western understanding of China is flawed, advocating for a perspective that integrates formal institutions, grassroots mechanisms, and cultural collectivism. - Nie Huih…
The Chinese scientists hoping to use a space solar plant to power the world
- Chinese scientists are developing technology to generate electricity in space and transmit it to Earth using mirrors, solar panels, and microwave transmitters. - The system involves focusing sunligh…
Japan, South Korea elites wary of nuclear weapons, but regional shift possible
- A survey indicates that strategic elites in Japan and South Korea remain hesitant about developing nuclear weapons. - However, if one country pursues nuclear armament, support for a similar move in …
US trade official criticizes Beijing, faults Washington on industry
- A top US trade official criticized China's unfair trade practices, including subsidies and dumping. - The official also faulted the US government for inaction as American factories closed and produc…
Chinese scientists create record-smashing brain implant electrode array thinner than hair
- Chinese researchers have developed a new brain implant electrode array that is exceptionally thin, soft, and durable. - This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in brain-computer interf…
Vance calls Iran deal a 'win-win' as Trump lashes out at critics
- Vice President J.D. Vance defended a US-Iran agreement as a "win-win" deal, while President Donald Trump harshly criticized opponents. - Trump called critics of the memorandum of understanding "fool…
No call with Taiwan, no new arms sales: how Trump is preparing to welcome Xi
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be avoiding direct engagement with Taiwan's leadership, including a potential call with President Lai Ching-te. - This restraint is seen as an effort to…
Iran reconstruction fund becomes flashpoint in US-Tehran ceasefire deal
- A $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran has become a contentious point in a new ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran. - The agreement lacks details on how contributions to the fund will b…
UK envoy to China visits Yanan, historic party site rarely seen by Western officials
- British Ambassador to China Peter Wilson visited Yanan, a historic Communist Party site. - The visit included tours of revolutionary sites and Liangjiahe village, where Xi Jinping worked. - The trip…
US and Iran sign deal to end war, reopen Hormuz Strait amid stability concerns
- The US and Iran have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding to end the US-Israel war on Iran, with immediate effect. - The agreement includes Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the…
Is hit indie film Dear You propaganda? Don’t be disrespectful, Chinese media says
- Chinese state media and influencers are defending the indie film 'Dear You' against accusations of being propaganda. - The film, which explores Chinese migration and diaspora heritage, has been a co…
Taiwanese Favor Goodwill to Beijing Over US Defense Ties, Poll Shows
- A poll shows Taiwanese residents prioritize goodwill towards Beijing over deepening ties with the US for cross-strait peace. - 44.9% favor strengthening self-defense, while 29.7% prefer extending go…
China urged to strengthen navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply
- Analysts urge China to bolster its navy's escort capabilities and explore alternative routes to secure its energy supply amid Middle East conflict. - The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupte…
China’s US envoy calls for 10-fold rise in tariff-free trade under joint board
- China's ambassador to the U.S. proposed a tenfold increase in tariff-free trade. - The proposal would raise the limit from $30 billion to $300 billion under the new US-China Board of Trade. - The am…
China Mulls Space-Based Rail Control System, Raising Hacking Concerns
- China is considering a space-based control system for its high-speed rail network to enhance safety and resilience. - The proposal aims to prevent catastrophic failures like the 2011 Wenzhou train d…
Alarm raised over China’s threat to older Americans through drug supply chains
- A U.S. congressional hearing warned that China poses a national security threat to American seniors through drug supply chains, financial scams, and data privacy issues. - Lawmakers highlighted Chin…
US and Iran Publish Agreement Text to End War, Reopen Strait of Hormuz
- The U.S. and Iran have published the text of an agreement to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, following months of conflict. - The 14-point "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" in…
‘Climate change in trade’: battle lines drawn on Europe’s new China strategy
- EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss a potential new China policy. - The debate centers on "global macroeconomic imbalances and their implications for Europe's competitiveness and prosperit…
Europe rallies around tough new China strategy ahead of key summit
- European Union countries are converging on a tough new trade strategy to counter Chinese deindustrialization. - The strategy could involve new trade instruments and more strategic use of existing on…
As Iran conflict winds down, is US shifting warships back to West Pacific?
- The US Navy redeployed an amphibious strike group from the Middle East to the South China Sea. - Experts suggest this signals a potential shift in US focus back to the Pacific. - This comes after mo…
Can China-US breadbasket diplomacy sidestep tension over American’s arrest?
- US farm-belt states and Chinese provincial officials held a dialogue on agricultural cooperation. - The meeting occurred amid US travel warnings for China due to the detention of an American citizen…
‘Not final’: Trump flips again on Iran deal, plans press conference in France
- U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the framework agreement with Iran is still a work in progress, not finalized. - He warned that the situation could revert to military conflict if he is dissat…
It’s time the West genuinely accepted China’s global ascent
- China has evolved from "saying no" to the West to possessing significant strategic leverage in global supply chains and technology. - Beijing has shifted from rhetorical pushback to imposing tit-for…
US Signals Potential Shift on Hong Kong With High-Level Meeting
- A senior US State Department official is set to meet with a delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. - This meeting signals a potential shift in Washington's approach to Hong K…
China's Role in Cabo Verde's Historic World Cup Draw with Spain Highlighted Amidst Celebrations
- Cabo Verde celebrated a historic 0-0 draw against Spain in the World Cup, sparking street celebrations in the capital, Praia. - For the small island nation of 500,000 people, the result against form…
The white paper making China’s case for new rules over the world’s new frontiers
- China has released a white paper advocating for new global governance rules in emerging frontiers like AI and outer space. - The paper emphasizes the UN's central role and calls for reforms compatib…
Top PLA graft-buster urges more loyalty, ‘political rectification’ as training ends
- China's top anti-graft officer urged senior military officials to increase loyalty to the Communist Party and undergo "political rectification." - The call came during the conclusion of an unprecede…
