NEWS / the week of Feb 21 to Feb 27, 2026
Current news about China and the Chinese people
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.
Diplomacy and International Relations
China urges citizens in Iran to evacuate / Feb 27, 2026
Amid rising US-Iran tensions, China advised its nationals to avoid travel to Iran and evacuate due to security concerns.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits China / Feb 24, 2026
Meets Xi Jinping to discuss trade ties and imbalances. Focus on deepening economic cooperation despite concerns over subsidies and trade deficits; China overtakes US as Germany's top trading partner.
China suspends some agricultural tariffs on Canada / Feb 27, 2026
After recent visits and deals. Adjustments to tariffs on items like canola and lobster.
Preparations for Trump-Xi summit / Feb 25, 2026
In Beijing (late March), with discussions on bargaining chips, Taiwan, and trade (SCMP/Reuters, recent days).
Military and Security
China removes nine military officials / Feb 27, 2026
Including from the legislature, ahead of a key political meeting as part of ongoing purges under Xi Jinping.
Scale of Xi’s military purges / Feb 25, 2026
Could impact China's combat readiness.
Former US F-35 instructor charged / Feb 26, 2026
With conspiring to train the Chinese military.
South China Sea and Regional Tensions
China conducts patrol in South China Sea / Feb 26, 2026
Accuses the Philippines of disrupting peace.
Philippines, Japan, US hold joint military drills in the region / Feb 27, 2026
China imposes export controls on 20 Japanese entities / Feb 24, 2026
Over 'remilitarization' concerns.
Economy and Currency
China takes steps to slow surging yuan
For example, scrapping forex risk reserves to encourage dollar buying.
Politburo calls for more proactive economic policies
Amid coordination on the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Hong Kong and Other
Father of Hong Kong activist jailed
Under national security law.
His appeal wins, surprisingly, and how this impacts his family.