News that caught our eye / The week ending 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.
🛐 Christian News
What the Chinese Diaspora Is Talking About / May 27, 2025
If we truly believe that diaspora is God’s mission strategy for this era, then no generation should be missing, no language should be diminished, and no one’s sense of belonging should be sacrificed.
76% of Asian People Know Nothing About the Bible / May 15, 2025
A large-scale Bible attitude survey reveals that 76% of Asian people know nothing about the Bible, and 56% have never heard of it.
East China Church Requires Real-Name Registration for Sermon Access / May 21, 2025
In May, Church A in East China announced via its WeChat public account that, in accordance with policy requirements, believers must register with their real names on the church’s official website to access audio sermons through WeChat posts. However, such technical barriers may prevent middle-aged and elderly believers from accessing spiritual content and maintaining the regular rhythm of their Christian life.
🛰️ Space & Technology
Tianwen-2 Asteroid Mission Launched / May 29, 2025
China successfully launched its Tianwen-2 mission on May 28, aiming to collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and study the main-belt comet 311P. This ambitious mission underscores China's advancing capabilities in planetary science and space exploration.
Nvidia Faces U.S. Scrutiny Over Shanghai Expansion / May 29, 2025
U.S. Senators Jim Banks and Elizabeth Warren criticized Nvidia's plans to establish a facility in Shanghai, citing concerns over national and economic security. Nvidia clarified that the new office is an expansion for existing staff, with no plans to transfer sensitive chip designs.
🚗 Economy & Industry
China's EV Industry Powers Ahead / May 28, 2025
China's electric vehicle (EV) sector continues to surge, with companies like BYD and NIO leading the charge. BYD recently surpassed Tesla in sales, and China's EV exports jumped 20% in 2024. The nation's competitive ecosystem and robust supply chains are fueling rapid innovation across AI, robotics, and autonomous driving.
Coking Coal Prices Decline Amid Oversupply / May 29, 2025
Coking coal prices in China have fallen due to oversupply and decreased demand in the steel industry. Spot prices dropped to $170.72 per ton between May 16 and 23, reflecting negative market sentiment and rising inventories.
🛡️ Geopolitics & Security
China Deploys Nuclear-Capable Bombers to South China Sea / May 29, 2025
Satellite images reveal that China has positioned H-6 nuclear-capable bombers on Woody Island in the South China Sea, marking the first such deployment in five years. This move aligns with U.S. intelligence warnings about China's intentions to escalate its campaign against Taiwan.
Potential Strike on Taiwan's Outlying Islands / May 29, 2025
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency reports that China may consider limited military operations targeting Taiwan's outlying islands, such as Kinmen and Matsu, to test U.S. deterrence and gradually erode Taipei's control over these territories.
🏛️ Diplomacy & Trade
China Considers New Economic Policy Tools / May 29, 2025
Premier Li Qiang announced that China is exploring new economic policy tools, including unconventional measures, to counter disruptions in the global economic and trade order. This comes amid increasing trade barriers and fragmentation of industrial and supply chains.
Developing Nations Face Chinese Debt Crisis / May 26, 2025
A report by the Lowy Institute highlights that 75 of the world's poorest countries are due to make record debt repayments to China in 2025, totaling $22 billion. These repayments, linked to loans from China's Belt and Road Initiative, could put health and education spending at risk in these nations.
⚠️ Domestic Incidents
Chemical Plant Explosion in Shandong Province / May 27, 2025
A massive explosion at a chemical plant in China's eastern Shandong province on May 27 killed at least five people and injured 19 others. Six individuals remain missing. The incident has raised concerns about industrial safety standards in the country.