NEWS / the week of August 8-15, 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.
⛪ Religious Landscape & Policy Update
Chinese Authorities Fine Pastor and Wife of Largest House Church / July 3, 2025
Pastor Yang Xibo and his wife, Wang Xiaofei—leaders of the Xunsiding Church (the largest underground house church in Xiamen)—have been fined a total of 400,000 yuan (around $55,100) by the authorities for holding unregistered religious gatherings. According to ChinaAid, this fine was doubled on June 28, and the couple has stated publicly that they refuse to pay. This case highlights ongoing tensions around religious freedom and the crackdown on unregistered Christian communities in China.
🚗 Economy & Industry
China’s Economic Slowdown Amid U.S. Tariff Pressures / August 15, 2025
New data shows China's industrial production and retail sales in July marked the slowest growth of the year. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump announced new tariffs on semiconductors and steel—initially moderate, but set to escalate—which could further dent China’s economic rebound. Despite the slowdown, investment remains ongoing in policy-supported high-tech sectors.
Global Markets Greet U.S.–China Tariff Truce with Optimism / August 15, 2025
Investors welcomed a temporary tariff truce between the U.S. and China, fueling global equity fund inflows to a six-week high—$19.32 billion in the week ending August 13. Tech funds in particular drew significant investment, while bond and precious metal funds also saw strong inflows.
China’s Economic Slowdown Amid U.S. Tariff Pressures / August 15, 2025
New data shows China's industrial production and retail sales in July marked the slowest growth of the year. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump announced new tariffs on semiconductors and steel—initially moderate, but set to escalate—which could further dent China’s economic rebound. Despite the slowdown, investment remains ongoing in policy-supported high-tech sectors.
Global Markets Greet U.S.–China Tariff Truce with Optimism / August 15, 2025
Investors welcomed a temporary tariff truce between the U.S. and China, fueling global equity fund inflows to a six-week high—$19.32 billion in the week ending August 13. Tech funds in particular drew significant investment, while bond and precious metal funds also saw strong inflows.
🌏 International Relations & Trade
Beijing Denounces Australia’s Espionage Allegations / August 15, 2025
China’s Ministry of State Security accused Australia of fabricating espionage claims against China, following the arrest of a Chinese woman in Canberra over suspected foreign interference. China labeled the allegations politically motivated, criticizing what it described as "Chinaphobia" and spin by Australian intelligence agencies.
Detention of Prominent Chinese Diplomat / August 15, 2025
China has detained Liu Jianchao, a senior diplomat expected to be a candidate for foreign minister, shortly after his return from an overseas assignment in late July 2025. Liu had led the Communist Party’s International Department and played a critical role in China–U.S. relations. His detention is the highest-profile since the 2023 fall of Qin Gang and underscores President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on political loyalty.
Illicit Gold Mining Linked to Chinese Syndicates / August 12, 2025
A Washington Post investigation uncovered extensive illegal gold mining operations by Chinese syndicates across the Global South—particularly in Indonesia. These unlicensed operations, often backed by hazardous chemicals like cyanide, are damaging the environment and are driven by China's aim to bolster its gold reserves as protection against dollar volatility. The illicit trade is estimated at over $30 billion annually, with enforcement efforts often stymied by corruption.
🚢 Military & Security Incidents
Clash at the UN Over the Panama Canal / August 11, 2025
At a UN Security Council session focusing on maritime security, diplomatic tensions flared between the U.S. and China concerning influence over the Panama Canal. The U.S. raised fears about China's growing control and influence, while China defended its position by affirming respect for Panama’s sovereignty and accusing the U.S. of destabilizing maritime norms.
⛪ Religious Landscape & Policy Update
Chinese Authorities Fine Pastor and Wife of Largest House Church / July 3, 2025
Pastor Yang Xibo and his wife, Wang Xiaofei—leaders of the Xunsiding Church (the largest underground house church in Xiamen)—have been fined a total of 400,000 yuan (around $55,100) by the authorities for holding unregistered religious gatherings. According to ChinaAid, this fine was doubled on June 28, and the couple has stated publicly that they refuse to pay. This case highlights ongoing tensions around religious freedom and the crackdown on unregistered Christian communities in China.