NEWS / the week of Sept 11 - 19, 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.
🛢️ Geopolitics & Energy
Why Viral Western Takes Still Misunderstand China’s Political Economy / Sept 17, 2025
Both the “engineering state” and the “mayor economy” framings obscure the critical mechanics of China’s growth machine.
China-Russia Gas Deal / Sept 17, 2025
China is negotiating with Russia over the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, which could reshape global energy markets. Xi Jinping is reportedly dragging his feet on finalizing the deal.
Nasa bans Chinese nationals from working on its space program / Sept 11, 2025
Earlier this month, Chinese nationals working with Nasa suddenly found themselves denied access.
Calm Realism, Not Cold War: Europe’s China Reset / Sept 17, 2025
The antidote to the flawed China policy of the past is not decoupling or moral grandstanding, but managed interdependence.
Xi Jinping and Trump start phone hotline 1 hour early / Sept 19, 2025
The United States and China reached a deadlock over trade restrictions in key industries such as semiconductors and rare earths, US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to have another phone call in the near future. This will be the first dialogue between the two since June.
📱 Tech & Consumer Buzz
US says 'framework' for TikTok ownership deal agreed with China / Sept 17, 2025
The deal will pave the way to US ownership of the social media platform's American operations, according to the US treasury secretary.
Is ChatGPT more accurate than Google Translate? / Sept 17, 2025
A post sparked heated discussion, with the most popular recommendation being ChatGPT, a popular AI software.
iPhone 17 Launch / Sept 19, 2025
Apple’s new iPhone 17 series is flying off shelves in China, but complaints are surfacing about scratched units—even before purchase. The issue has gone viral on Chinese social media.
GE Healthcare Exit / Sept 18, 2025
GE Healthcare is exploring selling its China unit due to declining revenue and rising political tensions.
🛰️ Military & Security
Woody Island Expansion / Sept 19, 2025
Satellite images show China’s military buildup on Woody Island in the South China Sea, including nuclear-capable bombers and radar systems.
China's navy is expanding at breakneck speed - and catching up with the US / Sept 11, 2025
Beijing's shipbuilding capacity is 200 times that of the US, an expert says, calling the scale "extraordinary".
Deadly Naval Collision / Sept 19, 2025
Two Chinese sailors reportedly died in a collision between a Chinese navy destroyer and coast guard vessel near Scarborough Shoal, according to Philippine officials.
🎓 Education & Espionage Concerns
Chinese Students in U.S. / Sept 19, 2025
A congressional report warns that U.S. universities are training Chinese nationals linked to the PLA in sensitive fields like nuclear engineering, often funded by American taxpayers.
🌿 Crime & Controversy
Illegal Marijuana Networks / Sept 18, 2025
Chinese criminal groups are allegedly behind illegal marijuana operations in several U.S. states, raising national security alarms.