NEWS / the week of August 16-22, 2025
📉 Economy & Domestic Policy
Fatal Bridge Collapse in Northwestern China / August 22, 2025
A bridge under construction collapsed into the Yellow River in northwest China, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, with four others reported missing, according to state media reports.
China’s Growing Nuclear Arsenal / August 21, 2025
A Reuters special report reveals that China is rapidly expanding both its conventional and nuclear military capabilities, signaling a substantial bolstering of its defense forces.
China Builds World's Largest Solar Farm on Tibetan Plateau / August 21, 2025
China is rapidly constructing what it claims will be the world’s largest solar farm, spanning 610 square kilometers—roughly the size of Chicago. The project aims to help the country meet its carbon neutrality targets by 2060. In the first half of 2025, China installed 212 GW of solar power, exceeding the total solar capacity of the U.S. as of the end of 2024. While solar is becoming China’s leading clean energy source, challenges remain, such as coal dependency and the need for grid upgrades to transmit energy efficiently from western regions to industrial eastern areas.
Boeing Eyes Huge Deal with Chinese Buyers / August 21, 2025
Boeing is reportedly in advanced negotiations to sell up to 500 aircraft to Chinese companies. This massive deal is linked to the broader U.S.–China trade relationship and may hinge on progress in ongoing trade talks. Boeing currently has over 100 undelivered aircraft to Chinese clients, and recent easing of tensions allowed delivery resumption.
China Responds to Canadian Canola Tariffs / August 21, 2025
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe will visit China to discuss recently imposed 75.8% anti-dumping tariffs on Canadian canola seeds. With China being Canada’s largest canola market, the tariffs threaten nearly C$5 billion in trade from 2024. The premier emphasized collaboration with the federal government to support affected farmers and mentioned hopes for further diplomatic opportunities before year-end.
Tightened Control Over Rare Earth Minerals / August 22, 2025
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has announced new regulations extending its rare earth supply quota system to include imported materials, tightening control over these strategically vital minerals used across technology and defense sectors.
US-listed Chinese EV Stocks Rising: / August 22, 2025
Shares of Chinese electric vehicle makers Nio and XPeng are climbing, outpacing a slipping Tesla.
Nvidia’s AI Chips Face China Scrutiny: / August 22, 2025
Chinese authorities warned domestic firms against purchasing Nvidia’s AI chips, citing security concerns.
🔒 Politics & Leadership
Nationwide AI Restrictions During Exams / August 19, 2025
To prevent cheating, China has enforced a nationwide blackout of AI features (such as photo-based problem solvers) during major exam periods like the gaokao. Tech giants—including Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance—implement these restrictions silently. The move reflects the government’s cautious approach to regulating AI in educational settings, prioritizing academic integrity over unfettered tech access.
Xi Jinping’s Rare Visit to Tibet Marks 60 Years of CCP Rule / August 20, 2025
President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Lhasa, Tibet, to commemorate 60 years since Beijing consolidated control over the region. Official outlets highlighted unity and progress, but critics note continuing suppression of cultural and religious freedoms—especially following past protests and ongoing infrastructure development with possible strategic implications.
⚖️ Government Crackdowns & Arrests
Pastor Detained in Zhejiang Amid Religious Crackdown
Who: Pastor Huang Yizi and four other Christians detained by Pingyang public security on June 26. Details: Huang Yizi was formally informed of his arrest in early August, charged with “illegal business operations.” Status: Two of the five have been released on bail; three—including Pastor Huang—remain in custody. This reflects the ongoing trend of authorities using commercial or administrative charges to suppress unregistered Christian groups.
⛪ Religious Landscape & Policy Update
Tracing the Hidden History of Four Beijing Churches / August 13, 2025
Tucked away between shopping malls, state offices, and quiet hutong lanes are four of Beijing’s most famous churches. These centuries-old structures, rebuilt after years of turbulence, tell a layered story of imperial diplomacy, missionary persistence and urban survival. While tourists may flock to the Forbidden City or the Temple of Heaven, few realize that just blocks away stand churches also steeped in history.
Wenzhou: Gospel History / August 11, 2025
Wenzhou has more Christians than any other city in China. Local pastors say the city also has a tendency towards pragmatism and practicality: if something is useful, Wenzhou believers use it — sometimes without stopping to reflect on biblical philosophy.
Walk the Talk: Countering the “Jesus Guys” in Business / August 10, 2025
How can we share the light of Christ beyond the church walls and pulpit—especially in the marketplace? In response to the “Jesus guys” phenomenon, where Christians are seen as failing to live out their faith authentically, Mr. Huang chose a different path of evangelism: offering biblical wisdom to help people navigate real-life challenges.
Shepherding Souls in the Digital Age / August 9, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping every aspect of society—including the church. In this special issue of the ChinaSource Journal, Where Wisdom Meets Faith, we explore how AI is challenging and transforming Christianity in China and beyond. Rather than offering easy answers, our goal is to equip readers with the theological insight, technical knowledge, and missional courage needed to shepherd souls in the digital age.