This week in China
This week, Chinese media extensively covered the intensifying US-China rivalry, highlighting competition in rare earth minerals, undersea dominance, and cognitive warfare strategies. Discussions also focused on the potential collapse of the post-World War II global order, with China's authoritarian model presented as a viable alternative. Additionally, regional security concerns were prominent, with reports on Chinese and Russian naval activities near Japan and China's warnings against military blocs.
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 1
Taiwan's opposition KMT leader on restoring stable peace with Beijing
- KMT Chairwoman Hsin-chun Cheng outlined her vision for restoring peace and cooperation with Beijing. - She discussed her recent meeting with Chinese Communist Party chief Xi Jinping and an upcoming …
Why the UAE’s Opec exit spells the beginning of the end of Gulf unity
- The United Arab Emirates has informed OPEC of its decision to leave the organization with three days' notice. - This move signals a potential fracturing of Gulf unity, driven by security realignment…
Chinese Transcript: KMT's Cheng Li-wun on Taiwan-China Relations and U.S. Visit
- Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT), discussed her vision for cross-strait relations in a Chinese transcript of an SCMP interview. - She addressed her meeting with Chine…
US and China urged to discuss safe military AI use during leader summit
- China and the US are facing calls to discuss the safe military use of artificial intelligence during upcoming leader meetings. - While AI is increasingly used by militaries, including in the US-Iran…
China Approaches Trump Summit with Rare Earths Confidence
- China is signaling a willingness to retaliate against the US in trade disputes, feeling confident due to its economic leverage. - Beijing's confidence has grown since it utilized its rare earths exp…
China shouldn’t view a tired US as signifying a Europe ready to pivot
- China should not interpret a strained US-Europe relationship as an opportunity for Europe to pivot away from the US. - While transatlantic friction is real, with the US downgrading Europe's conventi…
China's Defence Show Highlights Robot Dogs and Underwater Mine-Neutralizing Tech
- China showcased advanced military technology, including AI-enabled underwater mine neutralization systems and robot dogs, at the 2026 Chengdu Defence Technology Industry Expo. - The autonomous under…
Could Spain’s ‘compliment sandwich’ approach to China work for the EU?
- Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez employed a diplomatic strategy during his China visit, balancing calls for closer ties with concerns over trade deficits and the Ukraine war. - Analysts suggest …
Can China engineer a price recovery that doesn’t make people feel poorer?
- China's Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 0.5% year-on-year in March, ending 41 months of decline and signaling a potential escape from deflation. - However, mixed manufacturing and services data sugg…
China's 'super catalyst' turns waste water into fertiliser building block, tripling output
- A Chinese research team developed a novel dual-atom catalyst (DAC) that converts nitrate pollution in wastewater into ammonia with nearly triple the efficiency of traditional methods. - The breakthr…
Rise of China Complicates 'Authoritarian' vs 'Democratic' Binary
- The clarity of political labels like 'free,' 'democratic,' 'liberal,' and 'authoritarian' is increasingly blurred and contested. - This linguistic ambiguity reflects a deeper mismatch between the la…
Gold vs. Water: Argentina Opens Glaciers to Mining, Raising Environmental Concerns
- Argentina's Congress has voted to amend the Glacier Law, which previously prohibited mining in glacier regions since 2010. - The amendment permits mining activities in periglacial areas, despite con…
With the US, China must choose constructive power over destruction
- The article argues that China must choose constructive global engagement over destructive actions, particularly concerning Taiwan and its relationship with Iran. - It posits that unchecked aggressio…
Trump heads to China weakened as Xi gains leverage ahead of summit
- US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to China is overshadowed by his weakened political standing and global energy supply disruptions. - Experts believe Trump's domestic vulnerabilities will e…
Beijing Urges France to Respect One-China Principle During High-Level Talks
- China's top diplomat Wang Yi urged France to respect the one-China principle and avoid external interference in bilateral ties. - Wang met with Emmanuel Bonne, a senior adviser to the French preside…
Meet China’s moon porter for Chang’e-8 mission: a 4-wheeled robot with 2 arms
- China is preparing to send a unique 4-wheeled robot with a humanoid upper body to the moon as part of the Chang'e-8 mission. - The robot will transport, deploy, and install scientific instruments an…
Chinese Military Study: Omega-3 Supplements May Speed Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Patients
- A Chinese military study suggests omega-3 supplements, commonly taken for cognitive health, may accelerate cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. - The research analyzed over 800 older adults an…
US shifts rare earth strategy to boost African processing, countering China
- The US is changing its strategy for securing critical minerals from Africa, focusing on funding local processing and mining infrastructure to counter China's dominance. - This shift acknowledges the…
Has China just ended the end of history?
- Francis Fukuyama, known for his "end of history" thesis, has acknowledged China's authoritarian model as a potentially viable alternative to declining Western democracies. - Fukuyama praised China's…
Trump Appeals Court Loss on Tariffs, Amplifying Global Uncertainty
- President Donald Trump appealed a court decision that invalidated his tariff policy, creating uncertainty over billions in refunds. - The US Court of International Trade ruled Trump failed to meet t…
US-China rivalry heats up with undersea race for dominance and riches
- The US and China are engaged in a high-stakes competition for dominance and resources beneath the ocean's surface. - This rivalry extends to military advancements, particularly in submarine warfare,…
Thanks to Trump, the gloves are off. There may be no new global order
- The article argues that the post-World War II global order is collapsing, accelerated by former US President Donald Trump's actions. - It explores potential alternatives to the unipolar world, inclu…
Trump Announces Three-Day Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by American mediation. - The ceasefire, set for May 9-11, coincides with Russia's Victory Day and inc…
Trump trade chief says US wants balanced trade, not change to China’s system
- US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the US seeks balanced trade with China, not a fundamental change to its economic system. - Greer emphasized the need for stability in the trade rel…
To Negotiate With China, Europe Must First Figure Out What It Wants
- The European Union has approximately two years to finalize key industrial and cybersecurity legislation. - China is actively seeking to influence these negotiations through trade proposals and poten…
Major police operation: Hostage-taking in a bank - What we know and what we don't
- A hostage situation is unfolding at a Volksbank branch in Sinzig, Germany. - Police have confirmed multiple perpetrators and hostages, including a cash transport driver. - The situation is currently…
Are China and Russia flexing their maritime muscle near Japan?
- Three Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, including two Type 055 destroyers and one Type 052D destroyer, were observed transiting the Tsushima Strait. - The vessels were heading t…
China's Coastal Fish Farms Disappear as India's Expand
- China's coastal fish farming area has significantly decreased due to environmental protection policies, while India's aquaculture sector is expanding rapidly. - A new global dataset using satellite …
Trump's Beijing Trip Scaled Back Amid Iran War Diplomacy
- U.S. President Donald Trump is planning a scaled-back trip to Beijing, with fewer CEOs accompanying him compared to his previous visit. - The trip, scheduled for May 14-15, faces limited expectation…
Prepare for ‘China shock 3.0’ to the global food economy
- China is poised to reshape global agricultural commodity supply chains through industry policy, similar to its manufacturing dominance. - Beijing plans to mobilize capital and coordinate policy for …
China confirms it helped Pakistan’s air force during last year’s war with India
- China has confirmed providing on-site technical support to Pakistan's air force during its war with India last year. - A Chinese-made fighter, supported by Chinese engineers, reportedly shot down an…
Global Order Echoes Pre-WWI Dangers, Ex-White House Adviser Warns
- A former White House adviser warned that the current international order resembles the period before World War I, characterized by rising revisionist powers and arms development. - Thomas Wright cit…
Was China’s ‘fireworks capital’ rushing its July 4 orders when deadly blast hit?
- Hundreds of fireworks factories in Liuyang, China, were rushing to fulfill overseas orders, including for the U.S. July 4th celebrations, when a deadly blast occurred. - Insiders noted that producer…
Asia Listens as China Warns Against Military Blocs Amid US-Philippine Drills
- The recent Balikatan military exercises between the US and the Philippines included participation from Japan, Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand. - Drills were conducted near sensitive areas…
China’s use of propaganda may outwit US if Taiwan conflict arises, experts warn
- China's study of conflicts in Iran and Ukraine could enhance its information warfare capabilities against the US in a potential Taiwan Strait conflict. - Experts warn that Beijing might exploit US v…
China Urged to Forge 'Spear' for Cognitive Warfare Amid Great Power Rivalry
- Chinese scholars are urging Beijing to adopt a more proactive and assertive strategy in global cognitive warfare, moving beyond traditional defense. - They advocate for strengthening "cognitive sove…
China's Tongji University punishes top cancer researcher Wang Ping for misconduct
- Tongji University in China has disciplined its leading cancer researcher, Wang Ping, for academic misconduct identified in a 2025 Nature study. - The study, which explored starving cancer cells of v…
Iran war threatens next harvest, UN official says. Which countries are most at risk?
- An UN official warns that the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz threatens the upcoming harvest and global food production. - The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for agricultural inputs, wit…
China military general calls for more private sector role to counter Western sanctions
- A top Chinese military official urged greater private sector involvement in defense research to counter Western sanctions. - The official highlighted the need to master critical technologies like se…
US-Iran Peace Optimism Fuels Asian Stock Market Gains
- Asian stock markets rose on optimism that the US and Iran could reach a peace agreement, potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz. - US President Donald Trump stated that conflict in the Middle Ea…
Aquatic Virus Linked to Human Eye Disease in Chinese Study
- A Chinese study has identified a virus from aquatic animals that can infect human eyes, marking the first such cross-species infection. - Individuals handling or consuming raw aquatic animals withou…
Has ‘the Beast’ arrived in Beijing? Trump’s motorcade SUVs spotted before visit
- SUVs belonging to the US presidential motorcade, including the heavily armored "The Beast," were spotted in Beijing. - The vehicles arrived via US Air Force C-17 transport aircraft, signaling an int…
Electric cars are becoming more popular, but are they suitable for us?
- Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity in Malaysia, but remain a niche market due to cost and infrastructure challenges. - Government incentives like tax exemptions and rebates are crucial f…
Will warming Arctic trigger further chill in US-China relations or bring them closer?
- The Arctic is becoming a new arena for US-China strategic rivalry due to accelerating warming and increased accessibility for shipping and resource extraction. - Geopolitical crises, such as the Ira…
US allies in Asia are looking to build middle-power coalitions
- Japan is set to relax its decades-old restrictions on military equipment exports, allowing transfers of high-end military technology to up to 17 major defense partners. - This policy shift, announce…
US Strikes Iranian Tanker Amid Reports of Near-Deal
- US forces struck an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman while diplomatic efforts to end the two-month conflict between the US and Iran were reportedly progressing. - The strike targeted the tanke…
China's YJ-20 Hypersonic Missile Enters Mass Production, Bolstering Naval Strike Capability
- China has entered mass production of the YJ-20, its first sea-based hypersonic anti-ship missile. - The missile boasts significant range, speed, and maneuverability, making it difficult to intercept…
China's New Ocean Buoy Ditches WWII-Era Western Design
- China has deployed a novel intelligent ocean-observation buoy in the Yellow Sea, marking a departure from traditional Western designs used since World War II. - The new buoy features a disc-shaped, …
An Asian Alternative to NATO? How Cica is Rethinking Middle East Security
- Amidst escalating Middle East crises and stalled peace talks, a lesser-known security grouping, Cica, offers a potential alternative approach to regional security. - Cica, comprising 28 member state…
The Domestic Dynamics Driving Japan’s Remilitarisation
- Japan is undergoing a strategic shift, strengthening its alliance with the US and increasing its defense capabilities. - These moves are partly driven by domestic factors, including generational cha…
How China-Gulf Ties Can Turn Energy Vulnerability into Sustainability
- The Strait of Hormuz's vulnerability highlights energy security as a critical reality for Asian economies. - Asia's reliance on a security regime where oil supplies are prone to political disruption…
Will Pakistan’s New Defence Pact with Saudi Arabia Give Chinese Arms Risk-Free Exposure?
- Pakistan's military presence in Saudi Arabia, part of a defense pact, could offer Chinese weapons systems 'exposure without risks.' - Analysts suggest this elevated profile could boost Chinese arms,…
Can South Korea’s Most Advanced Fighter, the KF-21, Compete with China, the US, and Europe?
- South Korea has officially unveiled its first indigenously developed supersonic fighter jet, the KF-21 Boramae, marking its entry into an elite group of advanced aircraft developers. - The KF-21 is …
4 Years After Lockdown, Shanghai’s Expat Community Is Recovering – and Changing
- Shanghai's expatriate population is showing signs of recovery four years after the city's stringent COVID-19 lockdown, though the demographic makeup has changed. - While European expat numbers, boos…
America Builds AI, China Uses It: The Implementation Gap That Could Define the Future
- The US leads in AI research and private investment, with over $109 billion invested in 2024, significantly more than China. - China, however, is rapidly adopting and integrating AI across industries…
Ni hao, new hire: Africa’s growing Mandarin job boom
- Demand for Mandarin language skills is growing across Africa, driven by increasing numbers of smaller Chinese companies hiring locally and the expanding role of African firms in trade. - Recruiters …
EU Sounds Out Industry Over New Trade Weapon Against China’s Overcapacity
- The European Commission is consulting with EU industry groups to develop a new trade tool aimed at combating Chinese overcapacity. - The proposed instrument is expected to be presented to Commission…
China Unveils Driverless Mining Truck That Can Crab-Walk Across Rough Terrain
- China has introduced a large, driverless mining truck named "Shuanglin K7" capable of advanced maneuvering, including "crab-walking." - Developed by Shuanglin Group and Tsinghua University, the truc…
Has China Given the First Sign It’s Ready to Export Its J-35A Fighter Jet to Pakistan?
- China's state broadcaster has revealed the first export variant of its J-35A fighter jet, with Pakistan identified as the most probable customer. - A CCTV program showcased a J-35A model bearing the…
How US tech hegemony is locking out the Global South
- The US is accused of employing a deliberate strategy to maintain its technological supremacy, rather than engaging in genuine competition with China. - Practices like patent barriers, export bans, a…
Fatal 2022 China Eastern Airlines Plane Crash Points to Deliberate Fuel Cut-Off
- Newly released investigative material suggests the 2022 China Eastern Airlines crash, which killed 132 people, may have been intentionally caused by a deliberate fuel cut-off. - US National Transpor…
Iran war could give Xi the upper hand in meeting with Trump: US experts
- US experts suggest that the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran could enhance China's leverage in an upcoming summit with Donald Trump. - The summit, potentially starting May 14, would be the first US pre…
Lost Yiddish Songs From Ukrainian Ghetto Find New Voice In Shanghai
- Lost Yiddish songs from a WWII ghetto in Ukraine are debuting in Asia through concerts in Shanghai. - The project features academic Anna Shternshis and musician Psoy Korolenko, combining music with …
Why African leaders value seamless transcontinental links over US-China rivalry
- African leaders are prioritizing seamless transcontinental infrastructure links over aligning with either US or China's geopolitical agendas. - The Lobito Corridor, supported by the US, is seen as a…
AI helps Shenzhen judges boost case processing by 50%
- Shenzhen judges processed 50% more cases in 2025 with an AI pilot system. - The AI system, developed in 2024, covers 85 judicial procedures and uses domain-specific large language models. - This AI …
Mainland students turn to Hong Kong universities amid gaokao, US visa worries
- Hong Kong universities are increasingly attracting mainland Chinese students who are avoiding the intense domestic 'gaokao' exam and concerns about US visas. - The trend is driven by geographic prox…
Bai Chongen on China’s new economic paradigm and closing the US tech gap
- Prominent Chinese economist Bai Chongen argues China's economic situation differs fundamentally from Japan's "lost decades" due to China's developing-country status and strong enterprise drive. - Ch…
China blocks Meta's Manus AI acquisition, signaling tech competition ahead of Xi-Trump summit
- China blocked Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus, signaling a shift in China-US business relations prioritizing national security over commercial deals. - The move mirrors potential US actions a…
Russia, North Korea eye 5-year defence pact, potentially unsettling China
- Analysts suggest a potential five-year defense pact between North Korea and Russia could accelerate Pyongyang's military modernization and cause unease in China. - Russian Defense Minister Andrey Be…
World may find itself ‘in a very Chinese time’ of data governance
- China has launched the World Data Organisation in Beijing, signaling a strategic push in data governance to fuel AI development. - The initiative aims to address a perceived global shortage of data …
How can China best profit from Trump’s latest rift with traditional US allies?
- Analysts suggest China should let US actions, particularly President Trump's rifts with allies, distract from China. - Trump has intensified criticism of European allies, threatening NATO withdrawal…
Iranian Brothers in China Use Ancient Music as a Bridge Through Wartime
- Iranian brothers Majid and Massoud Shamaeezadah use traditional Persian music to connect with their homeland while living in China. - They recently held a concert at their new music workshop in Beij…
US Air Force C-17s land in Beijing amid speculation of Trump visit preparations
- US Air Force C-17 aircraft landed at Beijing Capital International Airport on Friday and Saturday. - Aviation enthusiasts and social media channels noted the planes' arrival, sparking speculation ab…
Fuelling a Continent: How China’s Engineering Prowess Built Africa’s Biggest Oil Refinery
- Nigeria's Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa's largest, is supplying fuel to multiple African nations amid Middle East tensions impacting global energy supplies. - The refinery, built with Chinese e…
Why Does China Portray India as an Elephant? Decoding the Politics of Animal Analogy
- China's former Premier Wen Jiabao proposed the 'dragon and elephant' analogy for China-India relations in 2010, framing them as potential dance partners. - This analogy, already used in Western circ…
Faith, hope and ancestry: William Lai’s clan village in Beijing’s push for cross-strait ties
- Fujian province, China, is leveraging the ancestral village of Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te to promote cross-strait ties. - The Lai Clan Ancestral Hall in Xintian village has become a focal…
Beyond subsidies: what’s really driving China’s industrial climb
- China's industrial ascent is driven by long-standing national strategies, shifting from low-tech goods to advanced sectors like electric vehicles, batteries, and solar panels (the "new three"). - Be…
Can US Democrats Beat Trump by Becoming More Like Him? A Chinese Academic Weighs In
- A Chinese academic suggests US Democrats are adopting Donald Trump's populist tactics and abrasive style in an attempt to regain power. - Professor Gao Hailong argues this "selective Trumpification"…
Aging dilemma: US-China cooperation could be key, says top anthropologist
- A US medical anthropologist urges the US and China to cooperate on social technology to address the global aging crisis. - Arthur Kleinman suggests the US learn from China's long-term care insurance…
China Eastern Apologizes After Aircraft Collides With Boarding Bridge in Shanghai
- China Eastern Airlines has apologized after one of its aircraft collided with a boarding bridge at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. - The incident occurred due to a mechanical malfunction as…
Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun eyes U.S. trip in June after Beijing talks
- Taiwanese opposition leader Cheng Li-wun plans a U.S. trip in June to leverage her recent meeting with Xi Jinping. - She aims to present a new cross-strait stability roadmap aligning with U.S. inter…
A Decade in Shanghai: From a 'Pilgrimage' to a Home
- A British lawyer reflects on her decade-long experience living and working in Shanghai, China. - Initially visiting for professional development, she found herself staying and building a life in a r…
Why Beijing now wants its spies executed in Taiwan to come in from decades in the cold
- Beijing is reframing the execution of Communist Party spies in Taiwan within a narrative of national reunification. - A former residence of spy Wu Shi in Fuzhou has been renovated and opened as a "N…
China UN envoy slams US 'bullying' amid sanctions
- China's UN ambassador criticized the US for its
Trump Expands Cuba Sanctions, Targeting Foreign Banks and Firms
- US President Donald Trump signed an executive order expanding sanctions on Cuba, targeting foreign companies and financial institutions doing business with the island. - The order allows the US to p…
China, Russia Back Cuba; Brazil Blacklists BYD Over Slave Labor; Chile Uncovers $917M Copper Smuggling Ring
- China and Russia are backing Cuba's government amidst increasing US pressure. - Brazil has added Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD to a registry for alleged slave labor conditions. - Chilean author…
Japan Overhauls Arms Export Rules, Eyes High-End Defense Market
- Japan has revised its overseas arms transfer regulations, allowing for the export of high-end defense platforms, including lethal weapons. - This move marks a significant departure from Japan's post…
From Banking to AI, These Are the Key International Economic Bodies Based in China
- China is actively establishing international organizations and institutions headquartered in Beijing, aligning with President Xi Jinping's push for improved global governance. - This initiative come…
Could Chinese mathematicians tip the balance in a US conference boycott?
- A Chinese boycott of the "World Cup of mathematics" could be decisive, according to a petition co-organizer. - The petition calls for the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians to be moved fr…
China cuts tariffs on African goods but is it enough to close the trade gap?
- China has eliminated tariffs on a wide range of African goods, including cocoa, coffee, and rare earth metals. - This policy aims to address the significant trade imbalance between China and African…
US-Iran Conflict Threatens Middle East's Digital Lifeline: Undersea Cables
- A prolonged conflict between the US and Iran poses a threat to undersea internet cables in the Middle East, in addition to oil tanker routes. - Iranian state media highlighted that damage to these c…
Pakistan Commissions First Chinese Attack Submarine in 'Historic Milestone'
- Pakistan has commissioned its first Hangor-class attack submarine, PNS/M Hangor, built in China. - The commissioning ceremony took place in Sanya, China, attended by Pakistan's President Asif Ali Za…
Many Asian-Americans Feel Excluded from 'True' US Identity, Survey Finds
- A survey reveals that many Asian-Americans feel excluded from the 'true' American identity, despite being born and raised in the US. - While half of all Americans consider being born in the US a key…
UN Climate Body Presses On After US Quits, While China Leads With Renewables
- The UN's climate science body, the IPCC, continues its work despite the US withdrawal from the organization. - IPCC chair Jim Skea noted that the US absence has not significantly impacted meetings, …
Is China’s Manus Block a Warning for Other AI Firms with Global Ambitions?
- China's National Development and Reform Commission blocked Meta Platforms' proposed acquisition of AI firm Manus. - This is the first time China's top economic planner has used foreign investment re…
A world adrift looks to China for institutional anchors. Enter Hong Kong
- The international order faces strain from unilateralism and protectionism, with concerns that the US may prioritize domestic interests over global responsibility. - The US has reduced its commitment…
China’s US Experts Must Focus on Internal Conflicts to Navigate Rivalry, Scholar Argues
- A top Chinese scholar argues that Chinese experts on the US must focus on internal American conflicts to aid Beijing's rivalry with Washington. - Ni Feng suggests that Chinese research on the US nee…
China's jobless graduates offered vocational school path amid skepticism
- China plans to expand vocational training for millions of unemployed graduates to address a youth unemployment crisis. - The initiative includes encouraging university graduates to return to technic…
Oil Surge on Trump Blockade Warning Tests Stocks’ Resilience
- Crude oil prices surged to a four-year high, with Brent crude surpassing $126 a barrel, following a warning from US President Donald Trump. - Trump suggested a potential US naval blockade of the Str…
Oxford AI star Song Yuhang returns to China, joins Nanjing University
- Song Yuhang, a prominent figure in the UK's AI chip field, has returned to China to become an associate professor at Nanjing University. - Song co-founded the UK start-up Fractile in 2021 with the g…
