NEWS / for the week of July 17 to 23, 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.
International Relations
Trump says Xi will visit US on September 24 / July 23, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he will discuss artificial intelligence with Chinese President Xi Jinping when he visits.
Video appears to show confrontation between Chinese and Philippine navy vessels / July 19, 2026
The Philippines has condemned China after a video emerged appearing to show a Chinese crew striking officers on board a Philippine rubber boat, which was trying to escort them away.
Japan raises safety concern over Chinese destroyer’s live-fire drills / July 23, 2026
The Chinese Luyang III-class guided-missile destroyer conducted a live-fire exercise off Japan’s southernmost island of Okinotori, hours after the Japanese navy spotted it operating alongside two other Chinese warships and a Russian frigate.
Science & Economics
US officials threaten to sanction Chinese AI startups after Moonshot release / July 23, 2026
Surge in popularity of China-origin open-source models spurs anxiety in Washington.
Shanghai science forum photos show China’s AI and robotics advances in rivalry with US / July 20, 2026
China’s leading technology companies showcased hundreds of cutting-edge products at the World AI Conference in Shanghai — from advanced robotics to artificial intelligence systems.
China economic growth falls sharply, missing target / July 15, 2026
China's economic growth slowed sharply between the start of April and end of June as weak domestic demand and the Iran war's impact on oil prices overshadowed the country's strong exports.
Chinese AI model takes US tech industry by surprise with abilities / July 17, 2026
Another powerful new artificial intelligence model from China took the U.S. tech industry by surprise Friday, the latest sign that Chinese startups that publicly release their “open-source” AI technology are making the California titans of AI sweat.
Xi Jinping moves to bury a scandal that reaches his inner circle / July 23, 2026
Politburo member purged ahead of APEC summit in Xi family stronghold of Shenzhen.
China’s highest bridge brings tourists and internet access to remote communities / June 24, 2026
For tourists, a massive new suspension bridge in southwestern China is a new selfie spot and social media attraction.
Historical Perspective & Social Pressure
Substandard work and evasion of oversight helped fuel deadly Hong Kong fire / July 20, 2026
Improper practices that evaded regulatory oversight turned a small fire into a tragedy as the investigation neared its conclusion Friday. The November blaze spread through seven buildings of an apartment complex, killing 168 people and displacing thousands of residents at Wang Fuk Court in the suburban Tai Po district.
Blocked by censors, China's animal lovers take fight against abuse offline and overseas / July 22, 2026
Restrictions only seemed to spur the outcry. China's animal lovers have now taken their fight offline and abroad.
Five arrested after Hong Kong police raid independent bookshops / July 15, 2026
Authorities said the publications incited "hatred" against the territory's government, judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
China's internet got so mad about a celebrity's 'bad' singing, her concert was cancelled / July 15, 2026
For one celebrity in China, even a legion of devoted fans was not enough to stave off the wrath of the internet.
'The water just came so fast': Typhoon / July 19, 2026
The villagers didn't have time to take food with them when they were running away.