NEWS / the week of Oct 2 to Oct 9, 2026

Current news about China and the Chinese people.

NOTE: The news reports below are not in chronological order. Reports from China often reach the US with a time lag, and the views expressed reflect a variety of news sources.

🤝 U.S.–China Relations

US Trade Deficit Jumped Above $100 Billion in August — Oct 6, 2026
New Commerce Department figures show the U.S. trade deficit rose to $105.6 billion in August, the highest since early 2025. The deficit with China grew slightly to $16.4 billion, data that came just before President Xi's visit, when both sides extended their trade truce and agreed on tariff cuts.

Zoo Atlanta Sets Debut Date for Giant Pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang — Oct 6, 2026
The two giant pandas who arrived from Chengdu in September will meet the public on November 6, when Zoo Atlanta opens its new Panda Grove. Both were born in 2020 and are on loan under a conservation agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

"I'd Rather Eat Less": Why Some Chinese Immigrant Families Are Refusing Federal Benefits — Oct 6, 2026
AsAmNews profiles elderly Chinese immigrants in New York who have stopped using food assistance after a new public charge rule took effect September 18, fearing it could affect relatives' immigration applications. Community workers in Brooklyn report widespread confusion and urge families to seek legal advice.

🌍 China & the World

China Nominates Health Official Song Li to Lead the WHO — Oct 8, 2026
China's Foreign Ministry announced it has nominated Song Li, a senior public health official with experience in SARS and COVID-19 response, for World Health Organization Director-General. She joins seven other candidates; the World Health Assembly will elect Dr. Tedros's successor next May. (Associated Press)

China, EU Ramp Up Engagement as Trade Chiefs Meet in Beijing — Oct 8, 2026
Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Beijing for the second round of a new trade consultation mechanism covering trade balance, export controls, intellectual property and WTO reform. Both sides said they hope to resolve differences through dialogue.

China Opens Anti-Dumping Probe Into EU Days Before Beijing Trade Talks — Oct 3, 2026
China's Commerce Ministry launched an investigation into a European chemical used in dyes, medicines and pesticides, following an EU probe into Chinese PVC imports. EU leaders meet October 15–16 and are watching for results from this week's talks.

🏮 Economy & Daily Life

Holiday Travel, Spending Boom Mirror Vitality of China's Vast Market — Oct 9, 2026
China recorded 2.14 billion cross-regional trips during the October 1–7 National Day holiday, about 306 million a day. Daily service-sector sales rose 19.5% year on year, and sales of home robots and smart glasses jumped. More than 680,000 foreign visitors entered China during the week. (Xinhua)

China's Golden Week Crowds Reach Smaller Cities and Counties — Oct 6, 2026
Travelers increasingly headed to county-level destinations this Golden Week. In Qilian County, Qinghai, a town of about 50,000, more than 100,000 tourists arrived in one day, and nearly 500 stranded visitors were sheltered in school dormitories as temperatures dropped below freezing.

China Shuts Hundreds of Banks as Beijing Moves to Shore Up Its Financial System — Oct 5, 2026
A record 670 small banks, mostly rural and regional lenders, have been closed or merged as regulators consolidate weaker institutions. Fitch Ratings says the problems are geographically contained and unlikely to cause a wider financial crisis. (CNBC)

🌏 Taiwan & Regional Security

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Remarks on October 6, 2026 — Oct 6, 2026
Responding to reports that Taiwan received its first F-16V jets from the United States, Beijing restated its opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and urged Washington to follow the understandings reached at the recent presidential meeting. The spokesperson also addressed South China Sea tensions with the Philippines.

🏅 Culture, Heritage & Sports

20th Asian Games Close in Nagoya — Oct 4, 2026
China topped the Asian Games medal table for the 12th consecutive time with 169 golds, its best result at a Games held outside China. Japan and South Korea finished second and third. Thirteen-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi was named the women's Most Valuable Player.

Ancient Aristocratic Estate Unearthed in Suzhou — Oct 8, 2026
Archaeologists in Suzhou uncovered a 1,500-year-old estate from the Southern Dynasties, complete with courtyards, a moat and farming and metalworking areas. A Western Asian–style glass plate found at the site suggests sea trade reached inland along the Yangtze region's rivers and canals.