NEWS / the week of September 27 - October 3, 2025
Current news about China and the Chinese people
NOTE: The news reports below are not in chronological order. There is often a time lag in their reaching the US and in gaining our attention. These reports reflect the opinions of a variety of news sources.
China’s factory activity suffers longest decline in six years / Sept. 30, 2025
China’s manufacturing sector contracted for the sixth month in a row in September, marking the longest stretch of decline since 2019. The official PMI reading was 49.8 (anything below 50 = contraction). Sluggish domestic demand, trade tensions with the U.S., and weakness in the property market are major drags.
China factory activity shrinks again as firms watch for stimulus, US trade deal / Sept. 30, 2025
Similar theme: September’s official PMI edged up a bit from August but remained in contraction. Companies are anticipating more policy support; trade negotiations with the U.S. are being closely watched. Non-manufacturing sectors also cooled.
China’s ‘new economy’ shines through cloudy growth outlook / Oct 1, 2025
Among the challenges, there are bright spots: sectors such as information technology, AI, semiconductors, and robotics are showing strength. There’s also rising demand in “new economy” consumer trends (e.g. more tech-enabled or culturally resonant goods). But the older anchors of growth — factories, property, construction — are under pressure.
US to tighten restrictions on Chinese telecom equipment / Oct 2, 2025
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is preparing a vote (Oct 28) to impose stricter controls on telecom gear from Chinese companies on its “Covered List” (Huawei, ZTE, etc.). This could include blocking new devices/components and restricting previously authorized ones.
Extreme weather traps hikers on China’s Everest/Tibet side
During China’s holiday season (“Golden Week”), hundreds of hikers were caught in severe snowstorms in the Tibetan side of Mount Everest. Rescue efforts are underway, while heavy snow and disrupted communications complicate operations.
Australia-Papua New Guinea defense treaty alarms China / Oct 3, 2025
Australia and PNG signed a defense treaty, strengthening their military cooperation. China expressed concern, especially about exclusion of third parties and potential targeting of its interests.
China-funded disinformation campaign in the Philippines / Oct 6, 2025
A Reuters investigation found that the Chinese embassy in Manila reportedly contracted a firm to run fake social media accounts to spread pro-Beijing messages, criticize U.S. policies, and spread disinformation. Some prominent local figures were allegedly rewarded via an organization tied to the Chinese Communist Party. Meta removed many of the accounts.
China’s “charm offensive” in South Asia / Oct 4, 2025
China is intensifying its diplomatic, economic, and military ties in countries neighboring India (e.g. Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan). The moves are seen as an attempt to expand influence in the region, counter India’s sway, and secure strategic access to the Indian Ocean.
China helps Iran bypass U.S. sanctions / Oct 2, 2025
China has developed a barter-like system that lets it import Iranian oil despite U.S. sanctions. In return, Chinese entities build infrastructure in Iran. Financial arrangements go through less transparent channels, including state insurer Sinosure, avoiding standard international banking scrutiny.
A Chinese migrant dies when boat capsizes on the Danube between Serbia and Croatia / Oct 5, 2025