News that caught our eye / The week ending June 20, 2025

Mini car boom a mixed blessing for China / June 16, 2025

Mini cars are becoming more popular in China, especially among the elderly, but even younger adults are buying them because they are inexpensive.  But mini cars don’t require a driver’s license or license plates.  Drivers tend to treat the cars more as minibikes, often disregarding the rules of the road.  Their small size presents a safety concern, as well (NHK World-Japan).

Goodbye to China’s total control – the Asian giant loosens its grip on rare minerals / June 14, 2025

When President Xi and President held their momentous phone call earlier this month, China allowed the flow of rare earth minerals to begin again for some US car manufacturers—for six months while negotiations continue.  China is using rare earths as a major tool in those negotiations, as well as to control the global markets that depend on them as it currently produces 90% of all rare earths (Unión Rayo).

China's civil servants banned from dining out in Xi's austerity drive / June 16, 2025

Already back in 2012, the newly elected President Xi issued the “eight-point regulations,” a code of conduct for civil servants that was intended to curb corruption and excesses among government workers.  Recently, however, deaths caused by alcohol intoxication of civil servants at banquets have caused the government to tighten the screws even more.  The crackdown created a rare online outcry from civil servants (Reuters).

Israel-Iran Conflict:  China may “strike us” through proxies after Iran setback / June 15, 2025

China expert, Gordon Chang, warned that China may use its own proxies to attack the US after Israel targeted numerous nuclear sites in Iran, China’s close Middle Eastern ally.  Israel’s attacks have also damaged China’s policy goals in the Middle East, something that China won’t take lightly.  China purchases much of Iran’s oil and also supplies Iran and its proxies with weapons and weapon components (The Times of India).

Gordon Chang Slams Democrat’s Claim that China is the world’s ‘moral authority’ / June 16, 2025

Gordon Chang condemned Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz’s comment that China is the world’s “moral authority” when it comes to negotiating any peace agreement between Israel and Iran, since China is a strong ally of Iran and supplies much of its weaponry.  Chang also expressed concern that China could potentially spark a global threat in the South China Sea (Fox Business).

US aircraft carrier heads west from South China Sea amid Middle East tensions / June 16, 2025

The USS Nimitz was seen leaving the South China Sea and heading west toward the Middle East on Monday morning as the conflict between Israel and Iran increased.  The aircraft carrier was scheduled to stop in Danang City for a formal reception on Friday, but that had been canceled (Alarabiya).

China tells citizens in Israel to leave 'as soon as possible' / June 17, 2025

The Chinese Embassy in Israel advised Chinese citizens in that country to leave as quickly as possible on Tuesday, recommending a departure over land to Jordan.  The conflict could widen, with the US supporting Israel and China supporting Iran (CNA).

China Missiles to Hammer Israel? Iran Seeks Beijing’s Help, New Headache for Netanyahu, Trump / June 17, 2025

A representative of Iran accused the US of being a “partner in crime” with Israel as Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities this last week.  He also called on China and the BRICS alliance to intervene in the crisis (Times of India).

Majority of Australians think China will be world’s most powerful country by 2035 / June 15, 2025

A Lowry Institute survey found Australians’ confidence in the US dropping from 56% in 2024 to 36% today, and confidence in President Trump’s handling of world affairs also dropping 20 points to 25% over their view of President Biden in 2024.  Confidence in Xi Jinping rose four points to 16%.  Still, Australians viewed the alliance with the US as important, and they see China becoming the most powerful nation by 2035.  The survey took place in March (The Guardian).

‘Donald is right’ and China is the problem, EU chief says / June 17, 2025

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen identified China’s attempts at manipulating the global economy to unfairly cut out competition and boost its own domestic businesses, siding with President Trump and his tariff war against China.  But she also chided President Trump for hitting the EU with similar tariffs, saying the allies should be working together against the common threat China presents (Politico).  

This Chinese satcom tech transmits data 5x faster than Starlink / June 17, 2025

Chinese scientists transmitted data from a satellite 36,000 miles away in space at a speed of 1Gbps, which is 5 times faster than Starlink’s capabilities.  The biggest problem in such transmission is atmospheric turbulence that diffuses light from the laser transmission, damaging the signal. The scientists used micro-mirrors and a convertor to re-focus the laser light (News Bytes).

US pushes Vietnam to decouple from Chinese tech, sources say / June 16, 2025

As the US and Vietnam continue negotiating over Trump’s suspended tariff threat, the US is urging Vietnam to cease using Chinese-made components in the products it produces and sends off to the US.  The US also wants Vietnam to discontinue labeling products as “made in Vietnam when all of the products’ component parts were made in China.  Vietnamese businesses say, however, that such a transition to new sources would take months, not days (Reuters).

China’s May retail sales grow at fastest pace since December 2023 via subsidies / June 16, 2025

Retail sales in China spiked in May to 6.4% compared to May of 2024 and was the highest rate since December of 2023.  The boost is likely due to government subsidies to upgrade old appliances, online shopping, and a rise in tourism after China added more countries to its “visa-free” list.  Other economic indicators were mixed (CNBC).

China talks up digital yuan in push for multi-polar currency system / June 18, 2025

In its quest to make the digital yuan a global currency, the head of the People’s Bank of China announced that it will establish an international operational center for e-CNY in Shanghai.  The instability caused by President Trump’s tariff war has caused nations to look elsewhere for financial security.  China is capitalizing on that current situation (Reuters).

News that caught our eye / The week ending June 13, 2025

Hong Kong opera puts Trump onstage with Mao, Kim, and more / June 8, 2025

Combining Cantonese opera with modern-day politics, a Chinese opera has hit the stage in Hong Kong presenting a parody of major world leaders but focusing on US President Donald Trump.  “Trump, the Twins President,” began in 2019, and is regularly updated as new events from the US President continue to unfold (NBC News).

This deal can trigger a new India-China power play / June 8, 2025

Islands in the Indian Ocean could serve to increase India’s influence in the region as China also has been working on establishing its presence there through its Belt and Road Initiative.  Mauritius, a set of islands with strong historic and diplomatic ties to India, has reached an agreement with the UK to gain sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, which also houses a US military base (The Economic Times).

New disputes emerge ahead of US-China trade talks in London / June 8, 2025

As the US and China plan to continue trade talks in London this week, concerns about access to technology, rare-earth minerals and student visas for Chinese students are among the top issues the countries will haggle over at the bargaining table.  The talks are set to resume on Monday (AP News).

China extends an olive branch to Western auto giants over rare earth shortage / June 9, 2025

Just as some EU and Japanese auto companies halted vehicle production as they ran out of components made from rare earth minerals, China has indicated that it would open a window of opportunity for automakers to obtain the sought-after minerals in spite of the trade war between the US, China and by extension, the EU (CNBC).   

U.S.-China Trade Talks: Trump Seen Trading Chips for Rare Earths / June 10, 2025

As the US and China continue trade talks this week, the Trump Administration will roll back some export controls on hi-tech products such as semiconductors, microchips, and jet engines.  Whether that will be enough for China to also ease restrictions on badly needed rare earth minerals is the question.  The 90-day pause on sky-high tariffs ends on August 12th (Investor’s Business Daily).   

The U.S. and China have agreed on a framework to resolve their trade disputes / June 10, 2025

While the trade dispute between the US and China has not been resolved, talks in London between high-level negotiators from both countries have resulted in the development of a framework for future talks for major issues rare earth minerals and hi-tech products, but other concerning issues, like unfair trade practices and fentanyl, were not addressed (NPR).

Trump says China will supply rare earths, US to allow students / June 11, 2025

President Trump hailed the results of the two-day talks in London between US and Chinese negotiators, announcing that China will allow for rare earth mineral exports and the US will allow Chinese students to attend US universities.  Tariffs are still in place, although China lowered its tariffs to 10% (Reuters).

China appears to downplay US trade deal Trump said was 'done' / June 12, 2025

While President Trump seemed to emphasize that the London talks resulted in a done “deal,” a spokesman from China referred to the talks as a “framework” and a “first meeting,” indicating that more negotiating still needed to be done.  Trump also admitted that he and President Xi have to finally sign off on the proposals, but he seemed satisfied that an agreement would occur (ABC News).

China issues safety advisory amid intensifying protests in Los Angeles / June 9, 2025

Out of concern for Chinese nationals living in the Los Angeles area, the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles issued an advisory to Chinese citizens to be vigilant about their safety and to avoid crowds or places with low public security as protests continued over the detainment of undocumented immigrants.  Most Chinese nationals in the area, however, did not feel a threat to their safety (The Business Standard).

Price wars grip China as deflation deepens, $30 for a luxury Coach bag? / June 10, 2025

Second-hand luxury items in China are piling up in discount stores as second-hand retailers compete with each other to make sales at 70% or more off the regular prices.  China’s economy continues to battle against strong deflationary pressures.  Consumers, having suffered significant losses in property investments and lower wages, are foregoing expensive purchases (Reuters).

China’s megaprojects and their significance / June 2, 2025

China is breaking records for the longest bridges, biggest dams, and other megaprojects that push human ingenuity to incredible levels.  Browse a series of articles that showcase incredible undertakings and accomplishments in Chinese technology and engineering (SCMP).

Why turning 35 feels like a career ‘death sentence’ for some Chinese tech workers / May 3, 2025

The “curse of 35” has become a feared hashtag among Chinese professionals as many major tech companies strive to balance tight budgets by firing workers over 35 years of age in favor of younger, more energetic employees who can be given starter salaries.  9-9-6 refers to the expected workweek hours: 9am to 9pm six days a week.  Laid-off middle-agers often resort to the “triathlon” in China’s gig economy:  deliveries, ride-hailing, and express deliveries (SCMP).

News that caught our eye / The week ending June 6, 2025

China warns US not to ‘play with fire’ over Taiwan / June 1, 2025

The rhetoric between the US and China heated up over the weekend after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at a summit in Singapore warning about China’s threat to destabilize the region.  China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shot back with an accusation that the US is the agitator by making such statements and by deploying offensive weapons in the South China Sea (Al Jazeera).

Australia asks China to explain 'extraordinary' military build-up / June 1, 2025

Australia's defense minister Richard Marles and the Philippines’ defense minister Gilberto Teodoro both called on China to be more transparent regarding its recent military buildup as they attended the Asian defense summit, the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore.  China sent a low-level delegation to the summit this year (BBC).

China says U.S. violated tariff truce as trade war heats up / June 2, 2025

After President Trump accused China on Friday of violating the May 12th agreement to ease tariff hikes, on Monday, China accused the Trump administration of violating the same agreement by changing AI chip export guidelines, halting chip design sales to China, and threatening to cancel Chinese student visas (CBS News).

China Warns US Ally with Show of Force / June 2, 2025

China claimed that it held military exercises on Saturday around Huangyan Dao Island, an area in the South China Sea that is geographically closer to Philippine territory than Chinese territory.  China has held control of the area since 2012 and stated that the exercises were intended to maintain "relevant maritime and airspace control and management" (Newsweek).

US Warship Challenged Beijing's South China Sea Claims, Navy Says/ June 2, 2025

The USS Dewey, part of the Seventh Fleet, sailed through the South China Sea near the Spratley Islands on a Freedom of Navigation exercise recently.  The exercise was carried out to uphold the “lawful use of the sea and maritime airspace” and for the US to maintain a presence in the contested area (Newsweek). 

China’s May factory activity unexpectedly shrinks as tariffs dent sentiment / June 3, 2025

A small private survey, the Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing purchasing managers’ index, revealed that China’s factory activity in May fell to 48.3, well under the 50-point benchmark that differentiates between growth and contraction.  The survey, however, took place in the middle of the month, and polled fewer—and export-oriented—companies (CNBC).

Chinese nationals charged with smuggling 'agroterrorism agent' into US / June 3, 2025

Two Chinese nationals were charged on Tuesday for allegedly bringing biological weapons into the US to damage the US food supply.  FBI Director Kash Patel warned that the incident is a sobering reminder that the Chinese Communist Party continues to use operatives in the US to threaten the economy and even American lives. One of the suspects is a research fellow at the University of Michigan (Fox News).

In China, ‘The Great American’ burger is now made with Australian beef / June 2, 2025

Chinese restaurants have stopped purchasing American products like beef and even chicken feet due to the increased prices caused by the tariff war.  Both American products have a better flavor and consistency, but beef from other countries, like Australia is less expensive (CNBC).

Trump, Xi Jinping speak at last as US and China lean on key exports in trade fight / June 6, 2025

President Trump and President Xi Jinping finally spoke on Thursday, agreeing to restart negotiations over tariffs and trade.  It was a positive sign that perhaps, the two economic powerhouses have a chance to settle disputes and create better economic relationships.  At the same time, however, both countries are gathering their bargaining chips to better control negotiations (Yahoo Finance).

Chinatowns around the world / May 21, 2025

The diaspora of Chinese citizens throughout the world has created “Chinatowns” wherever they have settled.  The reputations of these enclaves have been controversial over the years, sometimes sowing distrust and xenophobia.  This article offers a look into a number of global Chinatowns to get a better view of them (SCMP).

News that caught our eye / The week ending May 23, 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.

🛐 Christian News

What the Chinese Diaspora Is Talking About / May 27, 2025

If we truly believe that diaspora is God’s mission strategy for this era, then no generation should be missing, no language should be diminished, and no one’s sense of belonging should be sacrificed.

76% of Asian People Know Nothing About the Bible / May 15, 2025

A large-scale Bible attitude survey reveals that 76% of Asian people know nothing about the Bible, and 56% have never heard of it.

East China Church Requires Real-Name Registration for Sermon Access / May 21, 2025

In May, Church A in East China announced via its WeChat public account that, in accordance with policy requirements, believers must register with their real names on the church’s official website to access audio sermons through WeChat posts. However, such technical barriers may prevent middle-aged and elderly believers from accessing spiritual content and maintaining the regular rhythm of their Christian life.

🛰️ Space & Technology

Tianwen-2 Asteroid Mission Launched  / May 29, 2025
China successfully launched its Tianwen-2 mission on May 28, aiming to collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and study the main-belt comet 311P. This ambitious mission underscores China's advancing capabilities in planetary science and space exploration.

Nvidia Faces U.S. Scrutiny Over Shanghai Expansion / May 29, 2025
U.S. Senators Jim Banks and Elizabeth Warren criticized Nvidia's plans to establish a facility in Shanghai, citing concerns over national and economic security. Nvidia clarified that the new office is an expansion for existing staff, with no plans to transfer sensitive chip designs.

🚗 Economy & Industry

China's EV Industry Powers Ahead / May 28, 2025
China's electric vehicle (EV) sector continues to surge, with companies like BYD and NIO leading the charge. BYD recently surpassed Tesla in sales, and China's EV exports jumped 20% in 2024. The nation's competitive ecosystem and robust supply chains are fueling rapid innovation across AI, robotics, and autonomous driving.

Coking Coal Prices Decline Amid Oversupply / May 29, 2025
Coking coal prices in China have fallen due to oversupply and decreased demand in the steel industry. Spot prices dropped to $170.72 per ton between May 16 and 23, reflecting negative market sentiment and rising inventories.

🛡️ Geopolitics & Security

China Deploys Nuclear-Capable Bombers to South China Sea / May 29, 2025
Satellite images reveal that China has positioned H-6 nuclear-capable bombers on Woody Island in the South China Sea, marking the first such deployment in five years. This move aligns with U.S. intelligence warnings about China's intentions to escalate its campaign against Taiwan.

Potential Strike on Taiwan's Outlying Islands / May 29, 2025
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency reports that China may consider limited military operations targeting Taiwan's outlying islands, such as Kinmen and Matsu, to test U.S. deterrence and gradually erode Taipei's control over these territories.

🏛️ Diplomacy & Trade

China Considers New Economic Policy Tools / May 29, 2025
Premier Li Qiang announced that China is exploring new economic policy tools, including unconventional measures, to counter disruptions in the global economic and trade order. This comes amid increasing trade barriers and fragmentation of industrial and supply chains.

Developing Nations Face Chinese Debt Crisis / May 26, 2025
A report by the Lowy Institute highlights that 75 of the world's poorest countries are due to make record debt repayments to China in 2025, totaling $22 billion. These repayments, linked to loans from China's Belt and Road Initiative, could put health and education spending at risk in these nations.

⚠️ Domestic Incidents

Chemical Plant Explosion in Shandong Province / May 27, 2025
A massive explosion at a chemical plant in China's eastern Shandong province on May 27 killed at least five people and injured 19 others. Six individuals remain missing. The incident has raised concerns about industrial safety standards in the country.

News that caught our eye / the week ending on May 23, 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.

🏛️ 1. Historic Fengyang Drum Tower Collapses  / May 22, 2025

The roof of the 650-year-old Fengyang Drum Tower in Anhui province collapsed suddenly, causing tourists to flee in panic. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The incident has raised serious concerns among conservationists, tourists, and authorities about the efficacy of recent restoration efforts and the broader challenge of maintaining aging cultural heritage sites.

🚗 2. Xiaomi Unveils YU7 Electric SUV / May 22, 2025

Xiaomi announced that it will begin selling its new YU7 electric vehicle (EV) in July 2025. CEO Lei Jun revealed that the YU7, an SUV intended to rival Tesla's Model Y, features a driving range of up to 835 kilometers per charge—surpassing Tesla's redesigned Model Y, which offers up to 719 kilometers. Although Xiaomi has not yet disclosed the YU7's price or opened pre-orders, Lei mentioned it might be 60,000-70,000 yuan more expensive than the Model Y, currently priced from 263,500 yuan ($36,574). Reuters

🌊 3. Philippines Condemns Chinese Coast Guard's Actions / May 22, 2025

On May 21, 2025, the Philippine government condemned the Chinese coast guard for using a powerful water cannon against a Philippine fishing vessel conducting marine research near Sandy Cay in the disputed South China Sea. The incident caused damage to the vessel and endangered its crew. The sandbars, situated between Philippine-held Thitu Island (Pagasa) and China’s Subi Reef base, are the subject of ongoing territorial disputes. China blamed the Philippines, alleging unauthorized entry and risky behavior, while claiming the actions were part of routine law enforcement. The U.S. ambassador to Manila criticized the Chinese actions as reckless and reaffirmed U.S. support for the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty.

💰 4. China Pledges $500 Million to WHO / May 20, 2025

China has pledged to contribute an additional $500 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) over the next five years, according to Vice Premier Liu Guozhong’s announcement at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. This financial commitment comes at a time when the WHO is facing a funding crisis due to the United States' withdrawal. Liu emphasized China’s support for the global health body and advocated for multilateral efforts to address global health challenges, criticizing unilateralism and power politics for undermining international health security. Reuters

🏛️ 5. Private Sector Promotion Law Enacted / May 19, 2025

On May 20, 2025, China enacted the Private Sector Promotion Law, its first comprehensive legislation dedicated to promoting the private economy. The law formalizes principles such as fair competition, market access parity, and equal access to factors of production like capital, land, and data. It aims to bolster private enterprise amid ongoing economic uncertainty and global headwinds.

🧘 6. Tibetans in Mysuru Demand Release of Panchen Lama / May 17, 2025

On May 17, 2025, Tibetans in exile at Bylakuppe, Mysuru—India's largest Tibetan settlement—held a protest demanding the release of the Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima. The date marked the 30th anniversary of his abduction and disappearance, reportedly by Chinese authorities. Protesters voiced deep concern over his health and religious education, highlighting his critical role in the Tibetan religious hierarchy.

🌐 7. China's Commitment to Global Openness / May 19, 2025

On May 3, 2025, officials from China’s top planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated that “no matter how the external environment changes, full of uncertainty, China’s determination and actions to open up to the outside world will remain unchanged”. They emphasized plans to encourage greater foreign investment in advanced manufacturing, modern services, high-tech, energy saving, and environmental protection sectors.

⚠️ 8. Landslides in Guizhou Province / May 22, 2025

On May 22, 2025, at least two people were killed while 19 others were reported missing following landslides in Guizhou province. The incident highlights the challenges China faces with natural disasters, especially in mountainous regions during the rainy season.

9. China Criticizes U.S. Embassy's South China Sea Video / May 22, 2025

China strongly criticized the U.S. Embassy in Singapore for sharing a video that questioned Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea. Chinese officials accused the video of "deliberately distorting" the facts surrounding the contentious maritime issue. The South China Sea has long been a source of geopolitical tension, with multiple countries asserting overlapping claims. China's reaction signals heightened diplomatic friction and a continued strain in U.S.-China relations over regional security and sovereignty concerns. The Times of India