NEWS / the week of Nov 22-28
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.
Economy & Employment
Millions in China cram for civil service exam and the hope of a job for life / Nov. 25, 2025
A record number of people registered for the famously difficult national civil service exam, reflecting a shift toward the security of public sector employment (the "iron rice bowl") over the private sector. The government also raised the age limit for some positions. This trend is discussed alongside China's youth unemployment rate and the phenomenon of "lying flat" (choosing to do nothing rather than take unfulfilling jobs).
Major Hong Kong Fire Tragedy / Nov. 28, 2025
A deadly fire in Hong Kong has become a significant focal point, with many of the victims and responders being Chinese residents and community members. Updates on the high-rise fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, with details on the rising death toll, ongoing rescue efforts, and community support for displaced residents.
‘Hongkongers’ solidarity’: volunteers pick up pieces for Tai Po fire victims / Nov. 28, 2025
Reports of community groups and volunteers mobilizing on social media to provide aid to the thousands of residents displaced by the tragic blaze.
Lithium prices in China slump after exchange curbs speculative trading /Nov. 21, 2025
Speculative trading curbs by China’s main exchange triggered a sharp drop in lithium prices — a blow to battery- and electric-vehicle supply chains.
Global markets respond: Fed rate-cut bets boost stocks, benefiting China / Nov. 24, 2025
With markets anticipating a U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut, global stocks rallied — a trend with implications for China’s export- and trade-linked economy.
China’s manufacturing sector remains under pressure / Nov. 28, 2025
A recent poll forecasts that China’s factory activity will shrink for the eighth straight month — a sign of persistent economic headwinds for the country.
International Relations & Diplomacy
Chinese Travel Bookings to Russia Surge Amid Visa-Free Talks and Japan Tensions / Nov. 27, 2025
After Russia announced impending visa-free entry for Chinese citizens, bookings to Russia surged. This is partly attributed to a simultaneous diplomatic rift between China and Japan, where Chinese authorities have advised citizens to avoid travel to Japan.
China criticizes Japan for “wrong signal” on Taiwan / Nov. 24, 2025
Wang Yi accused Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of sending a “shocking” wrong signal over Taiwan — deepening what’s become a major diplomatic rift.
China condemns Japan’s plan to deploy missiles near Taiwan / Nov. 24, 2025
Beijing warned that Japan’s plan to deploy missiles on an island near Taiwan amounts to a provocation likely to “create regional tension and provoke military confrontation.”
China again urges citizens not to visit Japan amid escalating row / Nov. 27, 2025
The Chinese Embassy in Japan issued a second travel warning, claiming the security environment has deteriorated and citing reports of Chinese nationals being verbally abused or assaulted.
Legal & Political Issues (Diaspora)
Arrested for Exporting Artificial Intelligence Technology to China / Nov. 26, 2025
The U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against four individuals, including two Chinese nationals residing in the US, for allegedly conspiring to illegally export high-end NVIDIA GPUs with AI applications to China.
Christians from 45 Countries Call for Zion Church Pastor’s Release / Nov. 20, 2025
Chinese authorities officially arrested 18 leaders, who could face 3 years in jail.