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 1
Hong Kong overtakes Switzerland as top offshore wealth hub
- Hong Kong has surpassed Switzerland to become the world's largest offshore wealth management center. - The city held an estimated $2.95 trillion in offshore assets in 2025, slightly ahead of Switzer…
More red tape, less progress: China’s cadres struggle to adopt ‘error tolerance’
- China's cadres face persistent bureaucratic burdens despite directives to reduce formalism and improve efficiency. - State-linked media reports highlight issues like
Can China fill funding and leadership gaps after America quit the WHO?
- Vanuatu sought international aid at the World Health Organization (WHO) assembly for health programs affected by global funding cuts. - The United States' withdrawal from the WHO and termination of …
China clears Brazil for beef imports after disease-free status, but quotas may limit profits
- China has declared all of Brazil free of foot-and-mouth disease, granting wider access to its beef market. - Despite the disease-free status, a new quota system will limit the profitability of Brazi…
Trump signs AI order, seeks voluntary sharing of advanced models
- The US has issued an executive order on artificial intelligence, asking companies to voluntarily share advanced models before release. - The order establishes a voluntary framework for government re…
Rubio: US and China must maintain dialogue despite deep differences
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that significant issues persist in U.S.-China relations. - He emphasized the need for continued dialogue between Washington and Beijing to prevent conflict…
Can China’s caesium-from-brine tech cut reliance on Canadian, Australian ores?
- Chinese researchers have developed a new, environmentally friendly method to extract caesium from brine. - This breakthrough could reduce China's reliance on imported caesium, a critical resource fo…
China-Cuba 'US security threat', Brazil's rare earths: Latin America relations reads
- The U.S. labeled Cuba a security threat linked to China and Russia, shortly after bringing charges against former Cuban leader Raul Castro. - Panama's president rejected claims of U.S. pressure rega…
China and UK pledge enhanced ties, urge communication on global issues
- China and Britain agreed to boost high-level exchanges and cooperation during a meeting between their top diplomats in Beijing. - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Britain to align positions an…
Tiger Brokers posts strong Q1 profit amid regulatory scrutiny
- Tiger Brokers reported a 17.5% year-on-year increase in first-quarter operating profit, reaching US$47.6 million. - Revenue climbed 26.3% to US$154.9 million, driven by a surge in Hong Kong trading …
How Adversity Has Guided the Path of Chinese Civilization Through the Ages
- Nations rich in natural resources often suffer from the "resource curse," hindering their rise to power. - Overcoming adversity, whether natural, geographical, social, or military, often leads to gr…
South Korea and Japan eye military logistics pact. Should China be wary?
- South Korea and Japan are discussing a military logistics support agreement (Acsa) that would deepen their ties with the US and enhance deterrence against China and North Korea. - The deal faces dom…
As pioneering Chinese web forum returns, authorities warn free speech has limits
- China's authorities have welcomed the return of the Tianya web forum, a popular platform from the pre-algorithm era. - The forum, which closed in April 2023 due to financial issues, aims to provide …
Japan-Philippines Maritime Talks Anger China
- Japan and the Philippines have initiated formal negotiations to define their maritime boundary, specifically their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and continental shelves. - This move has drawn crit…
Why do China and other powers still want aircraft carriers?
- China is rapidly expanding its naval fleet, with a fourth aircraft carrier under construction. - The new carrier is expected to be nuclear-powered and feature advanced launch systems. - Despite adva…
Taiwan Boosts Naval Support for Dongsha Islands Amid Chinese Coastguard Surge
- Taiwan's navy will bolster patrols around the Taipei-controlled Dongsha Islands due to increased mainland Chinese coastguard activity. - Taipei suspects Beijing is using the remote outpost to test T…
China urges Brazil to jointly repel ‘external challenges’ as ties deepen in Beijing
- China's top diplomat urged Brazil to jointly counter "external challenges" as high-level talks opened in Beijing. - Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira discussed deep…
China's SAIC plans first EU car plant in Spain's Galicia
- Chinese automaker SAIC Motor plans to establish its first EU production facility in Spain's Galicia region. - The project, which includes a logistics hub, is expected to involve an initial investmen…
China drafts 'comprehensive' sanctions list targeting 63 tech sectors in US and allies
- China is developing a comprehensive framework to identify and restrict the export of strategically sensitive technologies. - A study proposed a list of 63 technologies where China has global advanta…
Xi-Trump Aftermath, Space Tactics, AI Policy Change: 7 US-China Relations Reads
- Seven news stories from the past few weeks cover US-China relations, focusing on the aftermath of President Trump's visit to China. - Analysts noted impressive optics but few concrete achievements f…
Trump has buried liberal world order but what comes next could be better
- Donald Trump's presidency challenged the traditional US-led liberal international order, shifting towards a more transactional and sovereignty-centered foreign policy. - This shift has weakened tran…
Experienced diplomat tapped to lead US-China relations committee
- Sarah Beran, an experienced diplomat with extensive China experience, is set to become the next president of the National Committee on US-China Relations. - She will succeed Stephen Orlins, who has …
Trump ‘personally called for China’s help’ to end Ukraine war in summit with Xi
- Donald Trump reportedly urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to help end the Ukraine war. - Trump asked Xi to use his influence over Russia to bring Moscow back to negotiations with Kyiv. - The reques…
Turkey Wins as 'Strategic Ambiguity' Navigates Iran War
- Turkey has positioned itself as a regional mediator during the Iran war, condemning actions by both the US and Iran. - President Erdogan has engaged in diplomatic calls with leaders from Iran, Pakis…
Hegseth tones down China rhetoric on return to Asia
- U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth adopted a less confrontational stance towards China at a Singapore security conference. - Hegseth stated that U.S.-China relations are currently better than th…
Beijing demands Czech Republic curb Taiwan trip's impact
- Beijing has strongly condemned Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil's visit to Taiwan. - China demands "immediate and effective" measures from the Czech Republic to mitigate the trip's impact. - Be…
China Concludes Year-Long Campaign Against Irregular Business Law Enforcement
- China has concluded a year-long campaign targeting irregular law enforcement against businesses, uncovering over 66,000 problematic cases. - The initiative aimed to standardize administrative practi…
China Launches Expanded Sea Patrols East of Taiwan in Response to Japan-Philippines Talks
- China's coastguard announced law enforcement patrols east of Taiwan in response to Japan and the Philippines' maritime boundary talks. - Beijing stated these patrols are a necessary response to nego…
Chinese Surgeon's Tomb May Rewrite History of Anesthesia Use
- New evidence suggests Chinese surgeons may have used plant-based anesthetics in the 14th century, potentially predating the widely recognized 1846 demonstration of ether anesthesia in the U.S. - Phy…
US takes step to halt Nvidia AI chip shipments to Chinese firms outside China
- The US Commerce Department issued new guidance to prevent advanced AI chips from reaching Chinese firms outside of China. - This move aims to close a loophole that may have allowed sophisticated Nvi…
How China’s home-grown WS-10 engine helped make the country a modern air power
- China's domestically developed WS-10 (Taihang) turbofan engine is crucial for its modern air power. - The engine powers major PLA fighter jets, including the J-10C, J-11B, J-16, J-15, and variants o…
US quietly plays the long game on energy dominance against China
- The US is pursuing a long-term strategy to enhance its global economic position relative to China, focusing on control over critical nodes like semiconductors and energy. - This strategy, potentiall…
Chinese expert intrigued by US military video of human-shaped UFO with extreme acceleration
- A Chinese researcher is intrigued by a US military video showing a fast-moving, human-shaped object. - The object's acceleration could exceed 600g, far beyond known aircraft or organisms, suggesting…
Chinese scientists leave posts after whistle-blower raises alarm over their research
- Three senior Chinese scientists have been disciplined by their universities following allegations of research misconduct. - The allegations were raised by a prominent blogger, prompting investigatio…
In sign of easing UK-China ties, British Foreign Secretary set for talks, tech hub visit
- British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is visiting China for talks with her counterpart Wang Yi and Vice-President Han Zheng. - Discussions are expected to cover the Strait of Hormuz, the war in Uk…
How China will play a major role in Benin’s economic growth as a new era is ushered in
- Benin is undertaking major infrastructure projects, including port upgrades and road paving, with significant Chinese investment. - Chinese firms are constructing key highways, such as a 60km road i…
US Navy eyes allies for shipbuilding boost to counter China
- The US Navy is considering outsourcing parts of its frigate and destroyer design and construction to allies like Japan and South Korea to accelerate shipbuilding. - This initiative aims to narrow th…
China dials down rhetoric but regional risks persist at Shangri-La Dialogue
- China's delegation warned against "hegemonism" and "bloc confrontation" at the Shangri-La Dialogue, without naming the United States. - Major General Meng Xiangqing urged China and the US to improve…
US agency goes back to the future to take on China’s Belt and Road Initiative
- The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is combining national security with development finance to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative. - The DFC focuses on private-led pro…
Archaeologist who discovered ancient Chinese city pleads guilty to corruption
- Chinese archaeologist Liu Bin, who discovered the 5,000-year-old Liangzhu ruins, pleaded guilty to bribery and embezzlement. - He is accused of using his position to secure contracts and inflating p…
Chinese scientists create 'kill-them-all' algorithm for drone warfare
- Chinese scientists developed a new algorithm, HG-STR, for drone warfare that can autonomously hunt and destroy enemy targets. - The algorithm reportedly achieves a 100% kill rate even with jammed co…
Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran
- Central Asian countries are increasingly aligning with China amid geopolitical shifts, altering their strategic focus. - The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is being tested by the US-Iran co…
Young, frustrated Chinese STEM PhDs turn to publishing satirical journals
- Young STEM PhDs in China are creating satirical journals to express frustration with academic pressures. - Researchers face immense drudgery, unrealistic deadlines, and pressure to produce low-quali…
Chinese and UK officials at Shangri-La Dialogue vow to strengthen military ties
- China and the United Kingdom discussed strengthening military ties and engagement at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. - Major General Meng Xiangqing led the Chinese delegation, meeting with UK …
The art of the deal: how Beijing pushed Trump to ‘arrest’ the trend on Taiwan arms sales
- Beijing urged the Trump administration to reduce the size and pace of arms sales to Taiwan. - Chinese officials expressed dissatisfaction with record arms packages approved during Trump's second ter…
China is growing giant wheat-rye hybrids in its western deserts. Here’s why
- China is cultivating giant wheat-rye hybrid crops, known as triticale, in the deserts of its western Xinjiang region. - Triticale is highly adaptable, tolerating poor soil, cold, drought, salinity, …
China unveils AI system to automate satellite targeting and surveillance
- The U.S. is reportedly developing AI systems to automate satellite targeting for potential use in conflicts like the Iran war. - China has unveiled its "Air Target Agent System," an AI tool designed…
US TV coverage humanizes China beyond summit drama
- US television coverage of President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing focused on the lives of ordinary Chinese people, offering a more nuanced view than typical portrayals. - The summit between Trump …
Carney seeks new US-Canada partnership as world undergoes ‘rupture’
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for a new partnership with the United States to "help make America great again" during a speech in New York. - Carney emphasized strengthening bilateral ti…
Three paths to stability in a conflict-ridden world
- The global economic system is undergoing a significant restructuring, marked by systemic interstate conflicts extending beyond military actions to include trade, finance, and resource competition. -…
Europe prepares 'act now' measures as China fears rise
- European leaders are preparing to adopt a tougher economic stance against China, potentially introducing new trade and industrial measures. - Proposals include a "diversification instrument" requiri…
Chinese team finds ‘garden-like’ ecosystem blooming in deepest ocean trenches
- Scientists discovered a vibrant, previously unknown ecosystem in the deepest ocean trenches. - This life thrives on organic debris despite extreme conditions of immense pressure, darkness, and near-…
As Iran war stokes water security fears, Central Asia could turn to China
- Central Asian nations are increasingly aligning with China due to geopolitical uncertainty and vulnerabilities exposed by the Iran war. - The conflict has disrupted global supply chains and highligh…
China's Next Frontier: Aiming for Leadership in Foundational Scientific Discovery
- China aims to become a leader in foundational scientific discovery, not just manufacturing and commercialization. - President Xi Jinping convened top scientific leadership to emphasize strengthening…
China says it drove away Dutch warship near disputed Paracel Islands
- China's military claims it used electronic interference and verbal warnings to drive away a Dutch warship near the disputed Paracel Islands. - The PLA's Southern Theatre Command accused the Dutch na…
Chinese scientists use supercomputer to cut new drug screening time from years to seconds
- Chinese scientists have developed an AI platform, GalaxyVS, powered by Tianhe supercomputers, to accelerate drug discovery. - The platform can screen millions of chemical compounds in seconds, drast…
China's web of ties makes it a diplomatic superpower
- China's diplomatic influence is growing due to a long tradition of relational diplomacy, emphasizing interconnectedness over fixed state interests. - Academic Qin Yaqing's relational theory frames f…
AI is massively increasing China’s new weapon development speed: scientists
- Artificial intelligence is significantly accelerating China's development of new weapons, according to scientists. - A recent study details an AI system capable of autonomously designing crucial com…
South Korea aims to join China, US at top tier of ‘loyal wingman’ combat drone race
- South Korea is developing engines for combat drones to serve as loyal wingmen for fighter jets, aiming to compete in the global autonomous military systems market. - Hanwha Aerospace and Kasa are co…
China's Liaoning carrier group conducts live-fire drills in Pacific
- China's aircraft carrier Liaoning and its strike group are conducting live-fire exercises in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines. - The exercise follows the Liaoning's extended deployment in t…
US to seek public comment on which Chinese goods get tariff cuts
- The U.S. will solicit public input on which Chinese goods should receive reduced tariffs. - A joint U.S.-China trade board will identify approximately $30 billion in non-strategic goods for tariff a…
US weighs offensive space tactics as China satellite rivalry intensifies
- The U.S. is developing offensive space weapons to counter China's growing satellite capabilities. - Analysts warn of a lack of communication channels between the U.S. and China to manage space risks…
The 4 trilateral frameworks defining northeast Asia’s future
- Northeast Asia's future is being shaped by four overlapping trilateral frameworks involving the US, China, and Russia. - These frameworks include great-power management, a US-Japan-South Korea deter…
Wang Yi tells UN multilateralism must be protected in swipe at US policies
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized the disregard for the UN Charter and international norms at a UN press conference. - He called for the UN Security Council to uphold its responsibilities …
Concerns mount in China’s space sector that Musk’s Starship will be a failure
- China's space sector harbors doubts about the success of Elon Musk's Starship rocket due to engineering and financial challenges. - The rocket's latest test flight experienced engine failures in bot…
Why US and Canadian conservatives backed Trump’s China trip but slammed Carney’s
- US and Canadian conservatives sharply criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Beijing while praising Donald Trump's trip to China. - Critics accused Carney of shifting from viewing…
Shanxi mine disaster kills 82, overshadowing province's shift from coal
- A gas explosion at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi, China, killed at least 82 people, making it the country's deadliest mining accident in nearly two decades. - The disaster highlights systemic sa…
What a US defence industry trip to Taiwan says about Taipei’s efforts to overhaul military
- A high-level U.S. defense industry delegation is visiting Taiwan for four days. - The visit aims to expand U.S. involvement in Taiwan's military modernization and joint weapons production. - Discuss…
US and China tiptoe around tech and critical minerals in Beijing talks
- The US and China held talks in Beijing, focusing on trade, technology, and critical minerals. - Relations have shifted from a tense truce to a potential reconciliation, with trade and investment man…
China, Singapore diplomats reaffirm commitment to open Malacca Strait transit
- Singapore and China reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the Strait of Malacca open for transit. - Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beij…
US Typhon deployment in Japan threatens Chinese cities, analyst warns
- A Chinese military analyst warns that the US deployment of the Typhon missile system in Japan threatens Chinese coastal cities. - The missile system is expected to be stationed in Kagoshima prefectu…
‘New form of war’: an insider view of China’s AI strategy in electronic warfare
- China is advancing an AI-driven revolution in electronic warfare, aiming to redefine military communication and electromagnetic spectrum dominance. - Experts warn that fusing AI with radio wave phys…
US-China Relations: Era of Joint Communiques May Be Over, Analyst Warns
- A prominent Chinese analyst warns that the era defined by three joint communiques governing US-China relations may be over. - The analyst suggests that achieving a comprehensive political understand…
How the US and China can ensure their board of trade is effective
- The US and China agreed to establish a board of trade following a summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. - The board's mission is vaguely defined, with the US expecting it to manage …
China praises Pakistan's Middle East peace efforts as both sides pledge close coordination
- Chinese President Xi Jinping thanked Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for mediating peace efforts in the Middle East. - The leaders met to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties, pledging close co…
Major EU countries push for tougher China policy ahead of Brussels debate
- Major EU countries are advocating for a stricter trade policy against China to combat industrial overcapacity. - They propose faster emergency tariffs, broader safeguards, and new anti-circumvention…
Beijing Embraces E-bikes with New Regulations Amidst Safety and Infrastructure Challenges
- Beijing is implementing new regulations for electric bicycles and scooters, shifting from chaotic micro-mobility to a guided model. - New rules require riders and passengers to wear certified helmet…
This compact Chinese device can detect cancer biomarkers in a drop of blood
- Researchers at Westlake University in Hangzhou have developed a compact device that can detect early-stage cancer biomarkers from a single drop of blood. - The device, developed by Wen Liaoyong's te…
Stable US-China ties unlikely to last, says former NSC director Evan Medeiros
- A former US National Security Council director believes recent US-China summits tend to reaffirm existing power dynamics rather than change them. - The recent Trump-Xi meeting affirmed China's strat…
Trump, Putin summits show an Eastward power shift
- Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China followed a trip by US President Donald Trump, highlighting a triangle of influence between China, the US, and Russia. - China aims to manage its rel…
Cuba receives 15,000-tonne shipment of rice donated by China
- China has donated 15,000 tonnes of rice to Cuba, with the first shipment arriving in Havana. - This is the initial part of a promised 60,000-tonne donation aimed at alleviating Cuba's severe shortag…
China merges lunar programs as moon race with US intensifies
- China is integrating its crewed and uncrewed lunar landing programs into a single mission. - The move aims to leverage existing technical foundations and experience from past space missions. - China…
Hainan base key to China's carrier survival, countering US
- China's aircraft carrier base in Hainan is strategically vital for its navy's survivability and countering U.S. influence. - The base supports the Liaoning, Shandong, and the advanced Fujian carrier…
Can China’s AI-powered food monitoring avoid US military-style meal complaints?
- China's People's Armed Police Qinghai Corps is using an AI-powered food monitoring system to manage military kitchen supplies. - The system features an intelligent recognition scale that identifies …
Lab-grown donkey collagen could save species from China's demand for 'endless youth' tonic
- Scientists in Brazil are developing lab-grown donkey collagen to meet demand for traditional Chinese medicine. - The goal is to provide a purer alternative to ejiao, derived from donkey skins, which…
China nears launch of potentially world's largest naval support ship
- China appears to be nearing the launch of its largest naval support ship, potentially enhancing the People's Liberation Army Navy's logistical capabilities. - A recent social media post by China Sta…
Why China is looking to coal waste as a source of critical metals
- China is extracting critical metals like lithium, gallium, and germanium from coal waste, including coal gangue and fly ash. - The country leverages its advanced extraction technology and establishe…
Will China’s residency changes to social insurance unlock economic growth?
- China has announced new measures allowing workers to enroll in social insurance based on their employment city, not just their household registration (hukou). - This policy change aims to remove bar…
As France tries to reset relations with Africa, China’s influence looms large
- France has pledged €23 billion to Africa's private sector to counter China's growing influence on the continent. - President Macron announced the investment at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, …
Over 50 Killed in Devastating Coal Mine Explosion in China's Shanxi Province
- A gas explosion at a coal mine in China's Shanxi province killed over 50 workers and trapped dozens more. - The blast occurred in Qinyuan county, with 247 workers underground at the time. - Presiden…
Whiplash in Taiwan? Trump's Warning Collides With Historic Call Offer
- Donald Trump's remarks about not wanting "somebody go independent" have sparked debate in Taiwan about Washington's stance on the island's status. - The US president's potential direct call with Tai…
Chinese scientists grow world's first lab-made heart pacemaker
- Scientists in Shanghai have successfully grown the world's first laboratory-made sinoatrial node, the heart's natural pacemaker, using stem cells. - This engineered organoid, capable of autonomous b…
Hong Kong's first astronaut Lai Ka-ying picked for space station mission
- Hong Kong will send its first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, to the Tiangong space station on the Shenzhou-23 mission. - Lai, a police chief inspector and computer science doctorate, will be the fourth fem…
Why Trump’s China visit could set a new tone for Sino-US relations
- U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China resulted in significant trade deals, including the purchase of 200 Boeing aircraft. - Both nations agreed to establish boards of investment and trade to …
Trump's Policies Unintentionally Bring India and China Closer
- Unintended consequences of US President Donald Trump's economic policies have unexpectedly improved relations between China and India. - Trump's goals of bringing manufacturing back to the US and we…
Chinese and Dutch Scientists Create Sustainable Plastic from Corn, Inspired by Spider Silk
- Scientists from China and the Netherlands have developed a corn protein-based biopolymer, termed 'plantymer,' inspired by spider silk. - This new material offers a potential sustainable alternative …
Selfies and Symbolism: Behind the Scenes of Xi's Summits with Trump and Putin
- The South China Morning Post provided extensive coverage of President Xi Jinping's summit meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing. - The coverage hi…
China-US stability may not last, ex-Asia adviser to Obama says
- A former top Asia adviser to President Obama warns that the current stability between China and the US may be temporary. - Dr. Evan Medeiros, an expert in US-China relations, suggests that underlyin…
Boeing Visits China as Beijing Buys More Than Just Planes
- Boeing's CEO visited Beijing amid China's push for aviation independence. - China's state-backed C919 jet maker, Comac, still lags behind Boeing and Airbus in production and global service. - Despit…
China Replaces Middle East Oil with Xinjiang Coal Amid Global Supply Disruptions
- China is increasingly using coal-derived chemicals to mitigate the impact of global oil supply disruptions, particularly amid the war in Iran. - The Zhundong National Economic and Technological Deve…
