NEWS / the week of Nov 29 to Dec 5, 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.
International Relations & Diplomacy
French President Emmanuel Macron Visits China / December 5, 2025
President Macron concluded a visit to China, where he met with President Xi Jinping for discussions on global crises and trade. The two leaders pledged cooperation, with reports indicating friendly exchanges and the signing of several deals.
US Senators Propose Bill on AI Chip Sales / December 4, 2025
A bipartisan group of US senators unveiled a bill aimed at preventing the current US administration from relaxing restrictions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) chip sales to China. This highlights ongoing tension over technology exports.
AI is turbocharging China’s intense surveillance / December 4, 2025
China’s ruling Communist Party is using artificial intelligence to turbocharge the surveillance and control of its 1.4 billion citizens, with the technology reaching further into daily life, predicting public demonstrations and monitoring the moods of prison inmates.
China-Japan Tensions Over Taiwan / December 5, 2025
Disputes continued at the UN and in diplomatic exchanges between China and Japan over remarks made by a Japanese official concerning intervention in a potential Taiwan conflict. Beijing has firmly rejected what it views as provocative comments.
Hong Kong Developments
Investigation and Arrests After Deadly Fire / December 5, 2025
Following a catastrophic high-rise fire in Hong Kong that resulted in a high number of casualties, authorities ordered an independent investigation. National security police made arrests related to the blaze, and there were reports of a crackdown on calls for accountability and protests. Arrests.
Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 128 / December 4, 2025
Officials say fire alarms not working properly.
Domestic & Tech News
China has declared all crypto activity, including stablecoins, illegal / December 3, 2025
China’s central bank has shifted its attention from volatile crypto currencies like Bitcoin to stablecoins, warning that the tokens represent a deep threat to monetary sovereignty and financial order.
Railway Accident / December 5, 2025
A train collision involving a test of seismic equipment resulted in the deaths of 11 railway maintenance workers, according to state media reports.
New AI and Military Regulations / December 5, 2025
New rules for the Chinese military were issued to "prioritize strict political discipline" amid an ongoing anti-corruption campaign. Separately, there was discussion about China's focus on using AI and big data to guard against "Western values."
Can China’s new tech crack Einstein’s brain? / December 1, 2025
Scientists hope to give it a try mapping technique allows analysis of old biological samples often poorly preserved.
China’s building the future new world order of cars / December 3, 2025
Once the kings of the Chinese market, Japan’s automakers are suddenly losing traction as homegrown Chinese brands surge ahead in innovation, electrification, and digital sophistication.