News that caught our eye / the week ending on May 23, 2025
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.
🏛️ 1. Historic Fengyang Drum Tower Collapses / May 22, 2025
The roof of the 650-year-old Fengyang Drum Tower in Anhui province collapsed suddenly, causing tourists to flee in panic. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The incident has raised serious concerns among conservationists, tourists, and authorities about the efficacy of recent restoration efforts and the broader challenge of maintaining aging cultural heritage sites.
🚗 2. Xiaomi Unveils YU7 Electric SUV / May 22, 2025
Xiaomi announced that it will begin selling its new YU7 electric vehicle (EV) in July 2025. CEO Lei Jun revealed that the YU7, an SUV intended to rival Tesla's Model Y, features a driving range of up to 835 kilometers per charge—surpassing Tesla's redesigned Model Y, which offers up to 719 kilometers. Although Xiaomi has not yet disclosed the YU7's price or opened pre-orders, Lei mentioned it might be 60,000-70,000 yuan more expensive than the Model Y, currently priced from 263,500 yuan ($36,574). Reuters
🌊 3. Philippines Condemns Chinese Coast Guard's Actions / May 22, 2025
On May 21, 2025, the Philippine government condemned the Chinese coast guard for using a powerful water cannon against a Philippine fishing vessel conducting marine research near Sandy Cay in the disputed South China Sea. The incident caused damage to the vessel and endangered its crew. The sandbars, situated between Philippine-held Thitu Island (Pagasa) and China’s Subi Reef base, are the subject of ongoing territorial disputes. China blamed the Philippines, alleging unauthorized entry and risky behavior, while claiming the actions were part of routine law enforcement. The U.S. ambassador to Manila criticized the Chinese actions as reckless and reaffirmed U.S. support for the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty.
💰 4. China Pledges $500 Million to WHO / May 20, 2025
China has pledged to contribute an additional $500 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) over the next five years, according to Vice Premier Liu Guozhong’s announcement at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. This financial commitment comes at a time when the WHO is facing a funding crisis due to the United States' withdrawal. Liu emphasized China’s support for the global health body and advocated for multilateral efforts to address global health challenges, criticizing unilateralism and power politics for undermining international health security. Reuters
🏛️ 5. Private Sector Promotion Law Enacted / May 19, 2025
On May 20, 2025, China enacted the Private Sector Promotion Law, its first comprehensive legislation dedicated to promoting the private economy. The law formalizes principles such as fair competition, market access parity, and equal access to factors of production like capital, land, and data. It aims to bolster private enterprise amid ongoing economic uncertainty and global headwinds.
🧘 6. Tibetans in Mysuru Demand Release of Panchen Lama / May 17, 2025
On May 17, 2025, Tibetans in exile at Bylakuppe, Mysuru—India's largest Tibetan settlement—held a protest demanding the release of the Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima. The date marked the 30th anniversary of his abduction and disappearance, reportedly by Chinese authorities. Protesters voiced deep concern over his health and religious education, highlighting his critical role in the Tibetan religious hierarchy.
🌐 7. China's Commitment to Global Openness / May 19, 2025
On May 3, 2025, officials from China’s top planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated that “no matter how the external environment changes, full of uncertainty, China’s determination and actions to open up to the outside world will remain unchanged”. They emphasized plans to encourage greater foreign investment in advanced manufacturing, modern services, high-tech, energy saving, and environmental protection sectors.
⚠️ 8. Landslides in Guizhou Province / May 22, 2025
On May 22, 2025, at least two people were killed while 19 others were reported missing following landslides in Guizhou province. The incident highlights the challenges China faces with natural disasters, especially in mountainous regions during the rainy season.
9. China Criticizes U.S. Embassy's South China Sea Video / May 22, 2025
China strongly criticized the U.S. Embassy in Singapore for sharing a video that questioned Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea. Chinese officials accused the video of "deliberately distorting" the facts surrounding the contentious maritime issue. The South China Sea has long been a source of geopolitical tension, with multiple countries asserting overlapping claims. China's reaction signals heightened diplomatic friction and a continued strain in U.S.-China relations over regional security and sovereignty concerns. The Times of India