NEWS / the week of September 19 to 25, 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.
Trump greets Xi Jinping
As Xi meets Trump tomorrow, how do people in China view the U.S. now? / Sept 23, 2026
Interviews with Chinese residents in Shanghai about views of the United States, technology competition, travel, culture, and economic anxiety.
Trump Praises US-China Friendship at State Dinner with Xi Jinping / Sept 25, 2026
Following bilateral discussions touching on trade stability, technology safeguards, and geopolitical security, President Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping during a high-stakes diplomatic visit.
Taiwan, human rights are ‘red lines’ for China, ambassador says ahead of Trump–Xi meeting / Sept 25, 2026
Coverage of Chinese ambassador Xie Feng’s statements on Taiwan, human rights, sovereignty, and U.S.–China relations. The article may require a free account or limited access depending on location.
President Xi Jinping holds talks with U.S. President Donald J. Trump / Sept 25, 2026
China’s official account of the White House meeting, including trade, AI, Taiwan, Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Korean Peninsula.
Xi Jinping’s state visit to the United States / Sept 25, 2026
Official announcement of Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan’s visit, including the arrival ceremony, state dinner, and cultural events.
Oppression & Persecution of Christians
What does persecution look like in Myanmar? / Sept 20, 2026
The border between China and Myanmar has been one of the scariest places for Christians in recent years. Believers in Myanmar continue to experience untold suffering because of persecution and conflict, with last year’s devastating earthquakes adding to the vulnerability of many believers.
Two Early Rain Church members released; Chinese police crackdown continues / Sept 23, 2026
Two members of a prominent underground Protestant church in southwestern China have been released after 10 days of administrative detention, even as police continue to summon and question other congregants, according to the church.
Lawyer for detained Zion Church leaders flees China, seeks protection in Taiwan / Sept 3, 2026
A Beijing lawyer who represented detained leaders of Beijing Zion Church has fled mainland China with her husband and two young children and arrived in Taiwan, as the church’s remaining eight leaders await further proceedings in a case that has drawn international attention.
Chinese officials raid house church, ban Christian hymns in central China / Sept 22, 2026
Chinese authorities carried out a two-day operation against an underground house church in central China on Sept. 16-17, confiscating believers’ phones and ordering young Christians to replace hymns with songs praising the Chinese Communist Party, according to multiple sources.
Global News
China Expels Two Top Military Leaders from Communist Party / Sept 21, 2026
Beijing removed two high-ranking generals following an anti-corruption probe targeting disloyalty and misconduct within its defense apparatus.
Wife of Detained Chinese American Scientist Hopes Trump Brings Up Case in Xi Summit / Sept 25, 2026
Ahead of high-level U.S.–China diplomatic talks, the family of Boston-based seismologist Youlin Chen called on U.S. leadership to advocate for his release after his nearly two-year detention in China.
China’s Swimming Prodigy Yu Zidi Bags Third Gold in Asian Games Record / Sept 24, 2026
Thirteen-year-old Yu Zidi captured her third gold medal after breaking the previous 400m Asian Games swimming record by approximately 4.5 seconds.
Technology and artificial intelligence: / Sept 24, 2026
The rivalry is increasingly about advanced chips, AI systems, data, and industrial capacity—not just conventional trade. Beijing is trying to protect sensitive technology and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, while Washington is trying to limit China’s access to advanced technology.
Greater state control over Chinese citizens and strategic industries: / Sept 21, 2026
New travel restrictions that took effect on September 15 reportedly allow authorities to prevent people considered a risk to industrial or technological security from leaving China. The policy reflects concern about espionage, intellectual property, and foreign influence, but its broad wording could also give the state substantial discretion over private citizens.
China’s global military reach: / Sept 17, 2026
Beyond the Taiwan Strait, China is expanding its ability to operate overseas. Recent analysis has focused on upgrades to its military facilities in Djibouti, which could improve communications, intelligence collection, and operations linking the Indian Ocean, Africa, and the Middle East.
Domestic economic and social pressures: / Sept 23, 2026
China’s technological advances coexist with weaker institutions, limited market openness, uncertainty for businesses, and concern over slowing or uneven growth. Beijing is therefore trying to support exports and high-tech industries while tightening control over data, capital, and strategically important workers.