This week in China
This week's coverage in China emphasized the nation's scientific and technological prowess, with reports on an asteroid early warning system, AI applications for flood relief, and advancements in space technology, alongside a Russian scientist's declaration of China as the world's top science power. Geopolitically, headlines focused on US and EU concerns regarding China's technological growth and global ambitions, China's continued assertion in the South China Sea, and a Pew survey indicating improved global views of China. Domestic news also included rising lab monkey prices and a university plagiarism case.
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
Will Taiwan’s food safety scandal wreck the DPP’s local election hopes?
- Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) faces political fallout from a major food safety scandal involving contaminated soybean oil. - The scandal, involving excessive levels of the carci…
Trump’s Chinese interference claims ‘reveal huge crisis facing American democracy’
- Former US President Trump accused China of interfering in the 2020 election and compromising US election data. - A leading political scientist suggests these claims are campaign rhetoric and that th…
Chinese fossil find shows birds shed their dinosaur tails step by step
- A fossil discovery in China suggests birds evolved their short tails from dinosaur ancestors gradually, not suddenly. - This transition to a short, feathered tail was crucial for bird survival after…
Hegemony or balance of power? What the wars of ancient China teach us
- The article explores the concept of hegemony versus a balance of power, drawing parallels with ancient Chinese warfare. - It references historian A.J.P. Taylor's views on the nature of power among E…
Sun Fanglin, Chinese scientist who paved the way for new cancer drugs, dies aged 58
- Sun Fanglin, a leading Chinese scientist whose work contributed to new cancer treatments, died at age 58. - He was the director of the Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine at Tongji Universi…
Asian-American groups fear Trump's escalating rhetoric will fuel prejudice, racism in US
- Asian-American groups criticize Donald Trump's recent speech, fearing it will incite prejudice and racism. - They argue his rhetoric poses a dangerous threat to minority communities already facing h…
China’s submarine missile test joins elite nuclear club, raises regional stability questions
- China successfully tested an intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile on July 6, joining an elite group of nuclear powers. - The test, the first long-range submarine-based missile…
Hong Kong welcomes US ending emergency declaration
- Hong Kong's government welcomed the US decision to let a national emergency declaration concerning the city expire. - The declaration had led to the end of Hong Kong's preferential trade status afte…
China blasts ‘unfounded smears’ as Trump’s election claims threaten diplomatic thaw
- President Donald Trump accused China of orchestrating a massive compromise of U.S. election data, claiming Beijing stole 220 million voter files. - Trump alleged that U.S. intelligence agencies down…
‘Let them fight’: Chinese social media reacts to Trump’s election interference claims
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump accused China of interfering in American elections and compromising voter data. - Trump alleged China accessed about 220 million U.S. voter files, with activities …
Agentic AI: the next battleground for Chinese brands
- Chinese brands must adapt to a new marketing landscape dominated by AI agents, not just social media. - These AI agents act as personal concierges, influencing consumer choices based on deep user un…
China landslide: Rescuers battle extreme weather to reach trapped residents
- Hundreds of rescuers are working against severe weather in China's Chongqing after a landslide destroyed buildings and trapped residents. - The disaster occurred in Pengshui county, with local offic…
US-China AI rivalry becomes a battle to export competing tech governance visions
- The global race for artificial intelligence has become a contest between the US and China, each promoting their own models of technology governance and regulation. - The US sponsors digital skills t…
Is Europe’s anti-missile project with Ukraine ‘insurance’ against unpredictable US?
- Ten European nations have launched an integrated anti-ballistic missile coalition, including Ukraine. - Analysts describe the initiative as a strategic "insurance policy" against potential shifts in…
Trump's China Election Claims Fuel Scapegoat Fears Among Asian-Americans
- U.S. President Donald Trump accused China of interfering in American elections, sparking fears among Chinese-Americans of becoming scapegoats. - Trump alleged that China orchestrated the "largest co…
Chinese scientist’s sodium battery leap; petition to boot Argentina: SCMP’s 7 highlights
- A young Chinese scientist, Lu Yaxiang, has made a breakthrough in sodium battery technology after a decade of research. - The South China Morning Post highlights seven key stories from the past week…
Trump's China election claims mark new front in rivalry, analysts say
- Donald Trump's accusations of Chinese election interference escalate US-China rivalry into a national security confrontation. - Analysts say this elevates the issue to a central national security na…
Trump Accuses China of Massive Election Data Breach, Cites Iran Tensions
- US President Donald Trump delivered a strong address accusing China of the "largest compromise of election data in history." - Trump framed Chinese interference as a critical national security threa…
Trump to Address Nation Amid Heightened Iran Crisis, China Tensions, and Election Focus
- U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a prime-time "Speech to the Nation" on Thursday evening. - The address comes amid escalating tensions with Iran, ongoing scrutiny of China, and Tr…
Chinese scientists find human reproduction difficult in space
- Human reproductive cells showed significantly reduced growth and development in space, according to a study by Chinese scientists. - The success rate of generating precursor germ cells fell by about…
US toughens visa rules for Chinese journalists, foreign students
- The US Department of Homeland Security is implementing new, stricter visa rules for foreign students, exchange visitors, and media personnel. - The changes establish fixed admission periods for F, J…
China denounces US chip curbs as threat to global supply chains
- China condemns US legislation aiming to restrict its access to semiconductor technology, warning of damage to global supply chains. - Proposed bills, set to be included in the US National Defence Au…
Anthropic, China and why Pax Silica architect thinks the US can keep the AI lead
- US official Jacob Helberg defended restrictions on foreign access to advanced AI models, citing national security concerns. - The Pax Silica initiative aims to prevent China from accessing AI supply…
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Set for US Visit to Pave Way for Xi Jinping Meeting
- China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu is reportedly visiting the US next week. - The trip aims to prepare for President Xi Jinping's potential visit to Washington later this year. - Analysts see t…
Does Beijing own Batanes? Why Chinese scholars’ claim is a warning shot to Manila
- Chinese scholars have asserted that Beijing should claim sovereignty over the Batanes Islands, sparking strong criticism from Manila. - Analysts suggest these academic claims serve as a warning amid…
China Building Early Warning System for Earth-Smiting Asteroids
- China is developing an early warning system to detect potentially Earth-smashing asteroids. - The system will utilize ground-based telescopes and a constellation of orbiting satellites. - While most…
China’s lab monkey prices hit Covid-era highs on new drug R&D demand
- Prices for laboratory monkeys in China have surged to highs not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by increased demand for new drug research and development. - Researchers report that the cost…
Jia Qianqian, daughter of famed writer, dismissed from university over plagiarism
- Northwest University confirmed plagiarism in nine published papers by Jia Qianqian, daughter of acclaimed writer Jia Pingwa. - The university terminated her teaching position and revoked her associa…
After floods kill dozens, local Chinese official uses AI to build evacuation app
- Following deadly floods, an official in China's suburbs of Beijing has developed an AI-powered app to streamline family evacuations. - The app allows grassroots officials and volunteers to record re…
Senate bill seeks to curb US reliance on China in drug industry
- US senators introduced bipartisan legislation to increase scrutiny of Chinese investment in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. - The bill aims to enhance transparency regarding foreign in…
US Bolsters AI Stance on China as Concerns Grow Over Technological Gap
- The US is strengthening its AI policy towards China amid concerns Beijing is closing the technological gap. - A US AI executive estimates a six-to-nine-month lead over Chinese competitors, accusing …
14-nation South China Sea statement is an expansionist overreach
- A coalition of 14 nations issued a statement on the 10th anniversary of the South China Sea ruling, urging compliance with the 2016 Hague decision. - The article argues this statement represents an …
Trump intelligence pick to play ‘helpful’ role in agreeing economic strategy with China
- A nominee for U.S. director of national intelligence stated he could help shape economic strategy with China. - The nominee, Jay Clayton, identified terrorism, drug trafficking, and traditional adve…
EU accuses China of seeking to reshape global order in stark new strategy paper
- The European Union has issued a strong critique of China's global ambitions in a new strategy paper. - The paper accuses Beijing of attempting to reshape the international order to suit its interest…
Global views of China and Xi improve as perceptions of US decline, Pew survey finds
- A Pew Research Centre survey indicates a rebound in global views of China and President Xi Jinping, coinciding with a decline in confidence in the United States. - The survey of over 45,000 people a…
US-Iran war: is Trump falling into a Vietnam ‘quagmire’?
- The US reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and conducted new strikes, escalating the five-month conflict. - Oil prices rose as renewed hostilities disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.…
China's Space Race Edge May Lie in a Thin Metal Cap
- The U.S. and China are competing in a space race where the ability to mass-produce propellant tank domes, crucial for reusable rockets, could provide a decisive advantage. - China is reportedly deve…
Award-winning chemist Zhang Wei leaves US to join China’s Great Bay University
- Award-winning chemist Zhang Wei has left his position at the University of Colorado Boulder to join China's Great Bay University. - Zhang will serve as deputy dean and chair professor in the physica…
China is now world's No 1 science power, says top Russian scientist
- Russian scientist Artem Oganov, a recipient of China's top international science award, declared China the world's No. 1 science power. - Oganov noted that China now accounts for a third of global s…
China report warns against European-led Nato 3.0 expansion in Asia-Pacific
- A Chinese think tank report warns that a European-led "Nato 3.0" expansion into the Asia-Pacific could increase tensions. - The China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) sugge…
‘China’s real-life transformer’: new rescue tech used in dramatic flood evacuation
- A new foldable, self-propelled pontoon barge has proven effective in rescuing thousands during recent massive floods in China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. - The versatile vessel, described as…
Chinese Apps Suspected of Disabling Delhi E-rickshaws, Sparking Security Probe
- Several e-rickshaws in New Delhi reportedly stopped working mid-ride due to alleged tampering by Chinese battery management apps. - The apps, including BAT-BMS, Epoch Li-ion, and Lossigy, are suspec…
Chinese University to Drop English Classes, Citing AI Translation
- A Chinese university plans to phase out traditional English classes, replacing them with courses focused on intercultural communication. - The university cites the advancement of AI translation tool…
Taiwan's TPP Launches Historic First Delegation to Mainland China for Dialogue
- The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has dispatched its first official delegation to mainland China since its inception. - The visit aims to foster cross-strait peace through dialogue, focusing on youth …
How Beijing’s islands of control are reshaping the South China Sea
- A decade after rejecting an international arbitration ruling, China continues to assert control over South China Sea islands. - Tree Island, also known as Zhaoshu in China and Dao Cay in Vietnam, no…
Boko Haram exploited US and Chinese AI chatbots for attacks, Cambridge study finds
- Boko Haram members received training on using AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Chinese DeepSeek's chatbot. - A Cambridge University study found the group used these AI tools for bomb constructi…
China's Net-Catch Rocket Recovery Sparks Cost Debate
- China successfully recovered a reusable rocket booster using a giant net deployed from a ship. - This unconventional method, used by the Long March-10B, differs from SpaceX and Blue Origin's landing…
Chinese scientist Lu Yaxiang recognized for 'impossible' sodium battery breakthrough
- Scientist Lu Yaxiang is recognized for his decade-long work on making sodium-ion batteries commercially viable. - His research earned him the China Youth May Fourth Medal, a top honor for achievers …
China pledges deeper ties with Solomon Islands after regional missile test unease
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Solomon Islands counterpart, pledging to deepen ties and offering unconditional support. - The meeting followed a Chinese missile test that drew protests acr…
China's quiet industry vs. loud U.S. innovation
- The article contrasts the "loud" innovation and public leadership style of the US with China's "quiet" focus on industrial capacity and manufacturing. - US tech leaders like Elon Musk and Jensen Hua…
China's No. 4 official Wang Huning to visit North Korea amid rising exchanges
- China's fourth-highest-ranking official, Wang Huning, is set to visit North Korea for an official goodwill visit. - The visit follows a recent trip by North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song to Beijing, …
Former Politburo member Ma Xingrui dismissed after corruption investigation
- Former Politburo member Ma Xingrui has been dismissed from public office and removed from the party following an anti-corruption investigation. - Ma, 67, is the third Politburo member to face invest…
China's Missile Test Exposes Weaknesses in Global Nuclear Governance
- China conducted a routine missile test with a dummy warhead in the Pacific, notifying relevant countries. - Australia, Japan, the US, and Pacific nations expressed concerns over insufficient notific…
Chinese medical device makers push into Europe as anti-corruption squeeze bites at home
- Chinese medical device companies are increasing their presence in the European market due to domestic anti-corruption measures and profit pressures. - Government-backed hospital purchases of medical…
AI homework tools cut exam scores by 20%, study of 26,000 Chinese students finds
- A study of 26,000 Chinese students found AI tools boost homework scores but lower exam results by 20%. - The negative impact on learning, termed a "brain drain," takes two years to fully manifest. -…
Will Manila and Hanoi’s maritime deal challenge Beijing in the South China Sea?
- The Philippines and Vietnam have elevated their strategic partnership, agreeing to improve coast guard coordination and establish a hotline. - This move aims to enhance maritime cooperation and prev…
US National Science Foundation to ban projects with flagged Chinese institutions
- The U.S. National Science Foundation will prohibit collaborations with Chinese research institutions designated as restricted entities. - This new policy shifts away from balancing security risks wi…
US tariff probe unlikely to derail fall Xi-Trump meeting: analysts
- US tariff investigations against China and other trading partners are unlikely to derail the planned September meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, analysts say. - The prob…
Pentagon invests US$25 million into rare earths start-up ReElement Technologies
- The U.S. Department of Defense is investing $25 million in rare earths start-up ReElement Technologies. - This investment is part of a larger U.S. effort to increase domestic supplies of critical mi…
US to restore Iran blockade, charge fees for Strait of Hormuz shipping
- President Trump announced the U.S. will reinstate a blockade specifically targeting Iranian vessels and commercial traffic trading with Iran. - Vessels not trading with Iran will be allowed passage …
Pan Jianwei becomes first Chinese scientist to win the top UN basic science prize
- Chinese quantum scientist Pan Jianwei won the UN's top fundamental science prize for his work in quantum computation and communications. - He was honored for developing the Micius satellite, enablin…
Taiwan's new military outsourcing plan: a pragmatic fix or security risk?
- Taiwan's armed forces will pilot a program outsourcing guard duties at military academies to private security firms. - The initiative aims to free up military personnel for core combat missions. - C…
What China’s carrier recruitment drive says about PLA Navy’s long-term ambitions
- China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is overhauling its pilot recruitment and training to support long-range operations. - The navy is shifting from relying on experienced aviators to recruit…
China rejects US, Panamanian claims of ‘weaponising’ ship inspections
- China has rejected accusations from the US and Panama that it is "weaponizing" ship inspections. - Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that inspections of Panama-flagged ships are routine saf…
Japan's South China Sea military potential may exceed U.S., analyst warns
- A prominent Chinese maritime analyst warns Japan's growing military presence in the South China Sea poses a greater destructive potential than the U.S. - Wu Shicun cited Japan's increased military d…
China's Drug Industry Embraces AI to Power Next Wave of Global Deals
- China's cross-border deals for innovative drugs reached a record $110 billion in the first half of 2026. - The sector is now shifting focus to artificial intelligence-powered drug candidates to fuel…
China mandates car connectivity as US tightens ban over security fears
- China will mandate vehicle connectivity as part of its automotive safety standards, effective January next year. - This move comes as the US strengthens its ban on Chinese cars over national securit…
China achieves reusable orbital rocket capability with novel sea-capture technique
- China has successfully achieved controlled recovery of a reusable orbital space rocket, becoming the second nation after the United States to possess this capability. - The maiden launch of its Long…
China's island-building at Antelope Reef nears completion, infrastructure phase begins
- Satellite images suggest China's extensive land reclamation project at Antelope Reef in the South China Sea is nearing completion. - Recent observations show cargo barges replacing dredgers, indicat…
China's optical chip breakthrough boosts AI speed 100-fold using fraction of compute power
- Chinese researchers developed an all-optical interconnect system linking standard electronic chips. - The system boosts AI distributed inference speeds by over 100 times while using only one-ninth o…
Schools and tourist sites closed as Typhoon Bavi heads through northern China
- Typhoon Bavi caused widespread flooding and disruptions in northeastern China, leading to school and work closures. - Authorities suspended classes, closed tourist sites, and advised remote work as …
Japanese Astronomical Society ex-president Shigeru Ida joins China’s Westlake University
- Renowned theoretical astrophysicist Shigeru Ida has joined China's Westlake University as a distinguished fellow. - Ida, former president of the Astronomical Society of Japan, brings over four decad…
China won't rule out Scarborough Shoal construction, says expert
- China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies president Wu Shicun discussed Beijing's potential responses to rival claimants in the South China Sea. - Wu criticized the Philippines' "assert…
Beijing renews attacks on landmark South China Sea tribunal on ruling’s 10th anniversary
- Beijing reiterated its criticism of a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated its expansive South China Sea claims. - China's ambassador to the Philippines called the ruling a "thorn" an…
Thousands of flights cancelled as Typhoon Bavi hits eastern China bringing heavy rains
- Typhoon Bavi made landfall in eastern China, leading to the cancellation of over 2,800 flights and significant train service disruptions. - More than 2.4 million people were evacuated from areas in …
Taiwan military gains 5,000 volunteers, but ‘real problem’ is retention
- Taiwan's volunteer military force has unexpectedly grown by over 5,000 personnel in the past year, despite demographic challenges. - Lawmakers attribute this increase primarily to government pay rai…
How a book on China's rise shaped a life and views amid US rivalry
- A book about China's transformation profoundly impacted a young American reader, shaping his life's trajectory. - The book, "China Wakes," chronicled China's changes under Deng Xiaoping's economic r…
China-India diplomats shake hands, but web users wage war online
- Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong faced a nationalist backlash online, with users accusing him of neglecting his duties. - Social media users expressed anger over China's recent diplomatic over…
AI's economic impact: A divisive blessing with potential for crises
- Artificial intelligence is expected to create a divided economic landscape, benefiting tech-linked economies while leaving others behind and potentially signaling financial crises. - The IMF project…
Overlapping US and China sanctions complicate business in Africa
- African businesses face complex compliance challenges due to overlapping US sanctions and Chinese counter-laws. - Industries like mining, banking, and technology are particularly exposed to dual pre…
China steps up typhoon preparations, cancels flights as Bavi nears coast
- China is intensifying emergency preparations and canceling hundreds of flights as Typhoon Bavi strengthens and heads toward the coast. - The National Meteorological Centre forecasts the storm to mak…
China warns amateur AI typhoon forecasts may be illegal as Bavi nears
- Chinese bloggers are using amateur AI weather models to issue forecasts for Typhoon Bavi, drawing criticism from state media. - Official meteorological stations are the sole authorized issuers of we…
China accuses US of ignoring Trump, Xi rapport and targeting Chinese firms
- China accuses the US of misusing its national power by blacklisting over 60 Chinese companies. - Beijing claims Washington has ignored the consensus reached between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping. …
South China Sea expert Wu Shicun on Beijing’s red lines and responses
- Wu Shicun, president of China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies, discusses Beijing's responses to rival claimants in the disputed waters. - He addresses China's "red lines" and potent…
How China's New Left Reclaimed the Narrative on Deng Xiaoping's Reforms
- The article critiques Western assessments of Deng Xiaoping's reforms, particularly the idea that he solely found a path to make China rich and powerful. - It challenges the notion that Deng needed l…
US-China AI dialogue serves American security interests: former officials
- Former US officials believe renewed dialogue with China on AI risks is crucial for US national security. - The US and China agreed to new intergovernmental talks on AI safety following the Trump-Xi …
US scientists use Chinese humanoid robot to carry out keyhole surgery and remove organs
- U.S. scientists remotely operated a Chinese-made humanoid robot to perform keyhole surgery and remove a pig's gallbladder. - The robot, developed by Unitree Robotics, was controlled by two human sur…
People's Daily joins Beijing's campaign against Philippines over 2016 South China Sea ruling
- China's Communist Party newspaper, People's Daily, has launched a rhetorical attack on the Philippines over a 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling. - The newspaper called the ruling a "destabilis…
2 Chinese military naval pilots killed during PLA frontline training exercises
- Two Chinese military pilots were killed during frontline flight training exercises last month. - One pilot, Senior Colonel Fang Ming, was recognized as a martyr for his service and dedication. - Bei…
AI accelerates global conflict as peace deteriorates worldwide
- Global conflict is rising, with 119 economies becoming less peaceful since 2008 and the number of active state-based conflicts reaching its highest since WWII. - Global military spending has hit a r…
China Boosts North Korea Partnership With Rare Praise During High-Profile Visit
- China's People's Daily praised North Korea's economic achievements, highlighting construction projects and rural development. - The rare praise accompanied North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song's three…
Top Scientists Leave US, UK for China in 2026 Amid Funding and Opportunity Concerns
- Numerous scientists and experts are relocating from the US and UK to China in 2026, citing various reasons. - Key factors include insufficient research funding in Western countries and limited oppor…
China's AI science goals risk being held back by reliance on imported equipment
- China's reliance on imported precision equipment could hinder its AI development in science, according to a Chinese researcher. - Advanced instruments are crucial for generating high-quality data ne…
Flights disrupted as ex-Super Typhoon Bavi nears China's coast
- Flights are being canceled and airlines are offering refunds as Typhoon Bavi weakens and approaches China's coast. - The typhoon is expected to make landfall between Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. -…
Taiwan radar tracked Chinese missile launch from submarine
- Taiwan's early-warning radar system detected a Chinese ballistic missile launch. - The AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws radar, bought from the U.S., tracked the missile from a submarine in the South China Sea. …
Two Men Sentenced for Importing Fentanyl Analogues from China to US
- Two men from New Jersey were sentenced for their roles in importing fentanyl analogues from China into the US. - The organization imported over a metric ton of fentanyl-related substances, using wir…
Asia’s top climate scientist warns of ‘humanitarian disasters’ as Earth teeters
- Earth's climate system is nearing a tipping point, leading to increased volatility and extreme weather events, according to climate scientist Benjamin Horton. - Horton warns that historical weather …
Trump's Climate Jibes at China and EU Appear Outdated
- Former US President Donald Trump criticized China's renewable energy achievements, framing them as a threat rather than a solution. - Trump's rhetoric, amplified at the World Economic Forum, aimed t…
Meet Biomni: the free powerful biomed AI agent turning data into hypotheses
- A Stanford University-led team has developed Biomni, a free biomedical AI agent designed to assist scientists with complex research tasks. - Biomni can automate research workflows, from data cleanin…
China unveils 100-gigawatt high-power microwave weapon arsenal
- China's military has developed high-power microwave (HPM) weapons capable of delivering up to 100 gigawatts of output. - This advancement, detailed by researchers from the National University of Def…
