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.
Slithering Into the Year of the Snake / January 28, 2025
Christians in China need to navigate the intricacies of the Chinese New Year, honoring traditions and customs without falling into the idolatry that sometimes appears in some customs. This article offers access to ten additional articles that further explore New Year customs from a Christian perspective (China Source).
CIA believes lab leak most likely caused COVID outbreak / January 26, 2025
New CIA Director, John Ratcliffe, ordered the release of a study by the CIA that concluded with “low probability” that the COVID-19 virus came from the Wuhan virology lab and not from an animal. The agency still acknowledges that the virus could have emanated from either source (Sky News).
China’s support for Myanmar regime backfires; scam syndicates thrive / January 25, 2025
China is battling against international human trafficking, kidnapping, online scams, and fraud that recently included the abduction of a popular actor, Wang Zing. The principal countries involved in these crimes are Thailand and Myanmar. But China’s support for the governments of these two nations conflicts with its duty to rescue its citizens held there and to stop the crimes from happening (VOA).
Chinese Man Rejects Rs 2 Crore Offer, Lives In House Surrounded By Highway / January 25, 2025
Like the movie, Up, Huang Ping is an elderly man who didn’t want to give up his home in the city of Jinxi, southwest of Shanghai, China. The government planned to build a highway where his house stood. After offering money and other properties to Huang so that he would sell, the government built the highway around his house. Now, as the road prepares to open, Huang wonders if he made the wrong choice (NDTV World).
Puzzling fossils unearthed in China may rewrite the human story / January 25, 2025
Human-like skull fossils found in China fifty years ago are the focus of current anthropologists who are suggesting the larger than usual skull fragments represent a new species alongside homo erectus, homo sapiens, and others. The theory challenges the concept that humanity descended from one species (CNN Science).
China's Population Decline Worsens / January 26, 2025
In spite of a slight increase in births in China in 2024, the population still shrank by almost 1.4 million people, and the number of marriages in 2024 decreased to a level not seen since 1980. Local governments continue to offer pro-natal policies, but many are concerned that won’t be enough (WION World News).
Tech stocks fall as China's DeepSeek sparks U.S. worries about the AI race / January 27, 2025
China’s AI developer DeepSeek released its latest AI component in December, but its high-quality abilities became known this week, stunning the US and global tech stock market into a freefall. Even energy companies, projected to build additional power plants to provide electricity to anticipated AI centers, lost value in their stocks, some by 20% or more (NBC News).
Trump says China's DeepSeek AI 'should be a wake-up call' for US tech companies / January 27, 2025
China’s DeepSeek AI app shot to the top of the Apple Store’s most popular downloads last weekend, prompting a freefall in global tech stocks as the new app’s quick and low-cost development and seemingly excellent performance stunned the tech world. President Trump acknowledged its success and advised US tech companies to challenge the new competition (NBC News).
Why market panic over China's DeepSeek is 'overblown,' analysts say / January 27, 2025
While investors and others panicked over DeepSeek’s surprise hit on the global tech market, some analysts saw a positive side of the app’s challenging popularity and production affordability. Citing Jevon’s Paradox, where technological advancements at a lower cost drive up the overall demand for a product, these analysts see other AI companies benefiting from the demand and the challenge to be more efficient and innovative (Yahoo! Finance).
Truth struggles against propaganda and censorship on China’s DeepSeek AI / January 28, 2025
The answers that China’s DeepSeek AI app gave to several questions revealed the app’s foundation in CCP communist ideology and propaganda, while other AI apps offered more thorough answers on issues like Uyghur Muslims, Taiwan, and Tiananmen Square (VOA).
China’s Economy Stumbles in Sign Rebound Hinges on More Stimulus / January 26, 2025
Although China met its 5% growth target in 2024, factory activity and construction and services all fell in January after a brief uptick prompted by government stimulus in the fourth quarter of 2024. Other economic indicators were also down. One economist worried that the economy in China will stall unless the government does more to refuel the economy (Yahoo! Finance).
Donald Trump Fires "Tremendous Tariff-Maker" Warning at India, China / January 28, 2025
As Donald Trump threatened to strike tariffs on foreign countries during his campaign, his threat continues now that he is the US President. On Tuesday, he cited an economic imbalance in trade between the US and countries like India, China, and Brazil, acknowledging that these countries are looking out for themselves, but also stating that the US will now do the same for itself (NDTV World).
As Trump's tariffs loom, analysts say China is better prepared for a US trade war / January 29, 2025
Although President Trump’s 10% tariffs against China are expected to go into effect on Saturday, China today is not the same China Trump dealt with eight years ago during his first presidential term. China has advanced considerably in resources and technology even from that time. While China’s officials may be concerned about Trump’s trade war, they may be in a better position to weather the onslaught (CBS News).
Tithing as Proof of Citizenship / January 27, 2025
In China, house churches and their pastors are often charged with fraud for accepting offerings as the government seeks to end “unauthorized” religious organizations. Being unregistered is technically similar to not applying as a 501-C-3 non-profit organization in the US, except that in China, registering as a church also hands over control of much of the church’s functions to the government’s regulations. Nevertheless, Chinese Christians see giving as a function of their citizenship in the kingdom of God (China Partnership).
TikTokers say goodbye to their 'Chinese spy' and move to RedNote / January 17,2025
Influencers on TikTok—one even in tears—lament the anticipated ban on the popular website as they transfer their platforms to RedNote. Seemingly disregarding the US government’s concern about TikTok’s potential spying tactics, the influencers dubbed TikTok as their “Chinese Spy” as they said goodbye to the lifeline they believed Tiktok was for them (BBC).
TikTok refugees are pouring to Xiaohongshu. What to know about the RedNote app / January 17, 2025
To protest the possible end of TikTok, millions of TikTok users moved over to Xiahongshu, called “RedNote” in English, but a translation of the Chinese name is “Little Red Book.” In a rare occurrence, Chinese and Western users found themselves on the same app, even flooding the Chinese language app with a heavy dose of English communicators. The Chinese host users were welcoming and frien/dly (ABC News).
Trump wants to visit China again after he takes office / January 18, 2025
Then President-elect Donald Trump announced that he hopes to visit China again within the first 100 days of his presidency. He spoke with President Xi Jinping on Friday last week, stating that the conversation was good, and that he was hopeful that both he and Xi would make the world “peaceful and safe” (Fox News).
Fareed Zakaria weighs in on Donal Trump’s relationship with China / January 17, 2025
Fareed Zakaria claims that Donald Trump has the ability to change his mind about foreign policy at will, unlike most other presidents and politicians, using Trump’s past and present approaches to TikTock as an example. He cites Elon Musk’s seemingly ever-present advisory position with Trump as the possible source for Trump’s turnabout on China (CNN World).
Xi and Putin discuss relations with Trump, Ukraine and Taiwan / January 21, 2025
Presidents Xi and Putin held a ninety-minute video call on Tuesday to discuss global matters, including how to build ties with the newly inaugurated President Trump in their vision of a multi-polar world (VOA).
US-China Relations in the Trump 2.0 Era: A Timeline / January 22, 2025
China Briefing created a timeline of events surrounding the new Trump Presidency and its relationship with China, but the “timeline” covers only three days, marking the speed at which these events occurred. Trump threatened tariffs in order to quell the fentanyl crisis, but halted a Biden administration law to ban TikTok; Trump threatened to regain control of the Panama Canal, and Elon Musk met with Chinese VP Han Zheng to discuss US-China business relations (China Briefing).
Trump says China controls the Panama Canal — but here's how it really works / January 23, 2025
President Trump’s comments about the Panama Canal are being met with criticism as China’s operations at the Canal involve two ports on each side of the canal, not the operating control of the canal itself, which Panama controls. However, should a military conflict occur between the US and China, those ports operated by a Chinese company could threaten the “neutral” stance the canal boasts about, threatening to cut off US navy ships and cargo from using the canal (NBC News).
China calls for 'win-win' solution to trade tensions / January 21, 2025
Ding Xuexiang, China’s Vice Premier, spoke at the World Economic Forum this week, criticizing potential trade wars and calling for “win-win” solutions for global trade. This comes as President Trump took office again with threats of tariffs among his policy plans (BBC).
Made in China 2025 'hugely successful' despite US efforts to thwart plan / January 21, 2025
In 2015, China began an economic campaign dubbed “Made in China” to improve the quality and complexity of its manufacturing industries. Ten years later, BYD, one of China’s largest automakers, outpaced Tesla as the world’s biggest EV auto manufacturers. China now leads the world or is the runner-up in many advanced technologies, despite the West’s efforts to impede China’s innovation (ABC News—Australia).
China executes 2 it says killed at least 43 in car rampage, stabbing / January 20, 2025
China executed two men convicted of multiple murders on Monday. Fan Weiqu drove his vehicle into a crowd outside a stadium, killing thirty-five, and Xu Jiajin stabbed twenty-five people outside of his vocational school, killing eight. China is believed to execute more convicted felons than the rest of the world combined (CBS News).
'Hell on earth': China deportation looms for Uyghurs held in Thailand / January 20, 2025
Uyghur detainees in Thailand are enduring horrible conditions—unsanitary living quarters, overcrowding, dirty drinking water and poor medical care—as they continue to wait for Thailand to allow them safe passage to Turkey, but pressure from China is keeping them in Thailand under the constant threat of being deported back to China (BBC News).
A Joint Statement from Chinese Christians: Against Persecution on Charges of Fraud / January 16, 2025
Since 2018, when China’s government approved “new religious regulations,” persecution against Christians has increased. About a dozen house churches have been scrutinized for the offerings its members give, as the government sees this as “fraud” under the new regulations. But a Reformed church issued a statement in defense of unregistered house churches based on biblical principles, historical tradition and even Chinese domestic law to justify the practice of giving offerings (China Partnership).
UK and China selling new economic relationship as a win-win - but it's complicated / January 11, 2025
Great Britain is working to improve economic relations with China, but the complicated geo-political realities and China’s cyberattacks against England continue to breed caution and concern on the road to that goal (Sky News).
Reeves accused of abandoning principles over China in bid to save UK economy / January 11, 2025
Critics of British Chancellor Rachel Reeves spoke strongly against her visit to China and her efforts to work with China on trade agreements while the British economy is tanking. They claim Reeves is willing to break her “golden rule” on borrowing limits, and pushing human rights concerns to the side, all for more cooperation with the CCP (Independent).
Even some Five Eyes now want better relations with China / January 15, 2025
As President-elect Trump approaches his second inauguration next week, some US allies are re-thinking their alliance with the US as new, liberal administrations take the helm in places like England and Australia (SCMP).
US Investment Ban on China: What it Means Now That it’s in Effect / January 15, 2025
“The US has introduced a stringent investment ban on China, effective January 2025. These restrictions focus on sensitive technologies like AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing and require detailed due diligence. These regulations will significantly impact US investors and Chinese firms, especially in the affected sectors, reshaping US-China economic relations” (China Briefing).
Protests turn violent in China after student falls to his death / January 11, 2025
Protests erupted on Monday over a teenage student who died from falling from a balcony window at a technical school in the northwestern Shaanxi region of China on January 2nd. Evidently, the death was ruled a suicide, but eye-witnesses and unusual circumstances have many, including the deceased’s family, rejecting the officially reported cause of death (CNN).
China exports accelerate amid trade tensions, imports surprise / January 13, 2025
With the threat of increased tariffs from the incoming US Trump administration, exports from China and imports to China increased 10% and 1% respectively in December in an effort to get goods delivered before any additional tariffs are set in 2025 (Reuters).
China-Russia 2024 trade value hits record high - Chinese customs / January 12, 2025
Trade between Russia and China hit a new record level in dollar terms in 2024, reaching 1.74 trillion yuan ($237 billion), with modest gains in 2024 compared with the colossal increases in trade between the two countries in 2023. President Xi and Putin hailed their close relationship in New Year’s greetings to one another (Reuters).
OpenAI reveals AI policy proposals to best China, protect kids: ‘America must win’ / January 13, 2025
Chris Lehane, Open AI's Vice President of Global Affairs told Fox News Digital that the US must responsibly develop the legal framework for a successful development of AI so that the billions of dollars of investment monies available will go to AI development in a democratic environment, as in the US, rather than in an autocratic environment, like China or Russia (Fox News).
China mulls potential sale of TikTok US to Musk / January 13, 2025
With TikTok facing a deadline to be sold to a US buyer or face a ban by January 19th, Bloomberg News reported that the popular social app could be sold to Elon Musk. A TikTok spokesperson called the proposed deal “pure fiction.” With a Musk purchase, both Musk and X could operate TikTok US together (Reuters).
Philippines alarmed after China sends ‘monster ship’ to disputed shoal / January 14, 2025
China sent its largest Coast Guard vessel to the Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday, coming ever closer to the Philippine coast. Since it seized the Shoal in 2012, China has been maintaining a presence around the Shoal that the Philippines still claims belongs to them (NBC News).
China reportedly building 'D-Day'-style barges as fears of Taiwan invasion rise / January 13, 2025
Naval News reports that China is building at least three barges nearly 400 feet long at its Guangzhou shipyard. Such barges could assist the Chinese military by providing landing access on solid ground, making an invasion of Taiwan more possible (Fox News).
Trump's Greenland bid stirs debate in China about what to do with Taiwan / January 15, 2025
President-elect Trump’s comments about purchasing Greenland, adding Canada as a US state, and gaining control of the Panama Canal made for much conversation on Chinese social media, with many saying that if Trump takes Greenland, China should take Taiwan, even if the two scenarios don’t compare (Reuters).
Trump's pick for top diplomat Rubio urges China not to destabilize Asia / January 16, 2025
Florida Senator Marco Rubio is likely on the way to confirmation as President-elect Trump’s Secretary of State. Rubio warned China to not destabilize the Indo-Pacific region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun warned the US to stop getting involved in China’s internal affairs regarding Taiwan (Kyodo News).
Yunnan, New Update on Brother Chang Hao: Out of Jail, but Under Heavy Surveillance / January 9, 2025
Chang Hao, a Reformed Christian preacher, was arrested and detained for twelve days last October. Since his release, the Chinese government has installed video cameras to monitor Chang and his church members. False “house cleaners” also came to his house to harass him. Customarily, police will go to members’ homes, threatening to take their phones if they don’t delete Bible and Christian apps from their phones (Bitter Winter).
Hubei, CCP Salutes January 1 with a Party Denouncing “Cults and Illegal Religion” / January 6, 2025
While January 1st is not a national holiday in China, the Western tradition is gaining popularity, with Chinese citizens and organizations creating celebrations for the day. The CCP in Tongshan County, Hubei Province, created an “educational celebration” teaching observers to watch for and report any sign of “xie-jiao,” or illegal religion, and instead, to promote science (Bitter Winter).
China’s Xi highlights ‘world pWhat is HMPV? China reportedly monitoring surge in respiratory virus cases / January 4, 2025
Photos and videos online showing crowded hospitals in China sparked concern last week as HMPV (Human metapneumovirus) cases in China have spiked, even though, generally, HMPV cases are relatively mild. The virus usually strikes children, but the elderly and immune-compromised people should be cautious (Fox News).
HMPV cases in India: Is it a new virus? How is it similar to Covid-19? / January 7, 2025
Despite the global concern of another pandemic possibly emanating out of China, specialists in India, while being cautious, nevertheless state that HMPV is a common seasonal virus, and as of January 6th, there were only 5 cases of the virus in all of India (Mint).
China says 126 dead after 7.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Tibet / January 6, 2025
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County in a mountainous region in Tibet, killing 126 and injuring another 130 people. Firefighters, medical workers, and disaster relief supplies were dispatched to the area by the government. The area is prone to earthquakes. More serious quakes struck the Himalayan region in 2008 and 2015, killing 70,000 and 9,000 people respectively (NBC News).
Direct high-speed train links northwest China's Shaanxi with Hong Kong / January 5, 2025
A new high-speed train began to run service between Xi’an, the capital of China’s northwest Shaanxi Province, and Hong Kong. A trip to either destination takes 11 hours (Xinhua News).
China's Xi Jinping says corruption is the 'biggest threat' to the Communist Party / January 6, 2025
Addressing the Congress of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the country’s top anti-graft watchdog, President Xi declared that corruption was the greatest threat to the Communist Party. The speech, President Xi’s corruption campaign, and the Congress were all meant to drive home the message that the government will increase its efforts to root out corruption from all of Chinese society (NBC News).
How China's national liquor greased the wheels of corruption among Communist elites / January 8, 2025
Moutai is China’s premier alcoholic drink, a favorite among government officials and businessmen. But the expensive liquor is also used to favor those seeking to obtain an executive position. Once in that seat, it is expected that one aids those supporters make money or achieve an agenda. Thus, the corruption sinks in (VOA).
China: Jailed human rights lawyer’s failed appeal highlights fear of dissent / January 6, 2025
In mid-April of 2023, human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife, Xu Yan, were taken into custody for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” but the charges were changed to “inciting subversion of state power” in October of that year. Since then, they have been imprisoned as their health deteriorates from the conditions and potential abuse. Yu’s appeal was rejected this month. The case reveals the CCP’s fear of dissent and the freedom of expression (Amnesty International).
The 'new China' in Thailand: ‘If you want hope, you have to leave’ – video / January 7, 2025
Chinese artists, the avant-garde, and those seeking alternative lifestyles, fed up with the stresses of competitive capitalism and the increasing authoritarianism of the CCP, are finding new lives abroad in places like Chang Mai, Thailand. They are returning to farming and simpler lifestyles, and eschewing the drive for money. With China’s economic uncertainty, others may join them (The Guardian).
China hurries to shore up sliding yuan and stock markets / January 6, 2025
China’s stock markets and Central bank sought to keep the yuan from weakening on Monday, all because President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Chinese imports unless the Chinese government halts the flow of fentanyl base products to the US and meets other demands from the coming Trump administration. On Monday, the yuan fell to its weakest value in 16 months (Reuters).
China bets on kitchen appliances to boost economy / January 9, 2025
In an effort to boost the economy in China, the government has offered “trade-in schemes” for people to purchase new items, like TVs, phones, and even cars, at a discount. Now, people can trade in new microwaves and other kitchen appliances, as well. Some economists say, however, that even this may not be enough to get the economy running again (BBC).
China's tumbling bond yields intensify 'Japanification' risks / January 8, 2025
China’s long-term bond yields recently sank below Japan’s Government Bond Yield, marking yet another sign that China’s economy is in serious straits, and is risking “Japanification.” Japan is currently crawling out of a decades-long economic disaster, and China may be falling into one (Reuters).
A Xi appearance at Trump’s inauguration would give China the upper hand / January 7, 2025
The Hongmen Banquet, a Chinese legend from 206 B.C., could serve as a historical example for President Xi to consider attending President-elect Trump’s inauguration, not to subdue the host as the legend goes, but to turn the tables and gain the upper hand, according to this SCMP editor. Even if Xi doesn’t gain the upper hand, if he can work out a deal for peace with Trump, the world would win (CNA).
U.S. Defense Dept. says Tencent, other Chinese companies have ties to China's military / January 7, 2025
Chinese companies Tencent, SenseTime, and battery producer CATL were all added to a list of companies that supposedly are involved with the Chinese military, according to the US Defense Department, meaning that they cannot have business deals with the Defense Dept. beginning in June of 2026. Tencent’s stock value fell over 7% on Tuesday due to the announcement (CBS News).
China Deals Blow to Putin's 'Shadow Fleet' / January 8, 2025
The State-owned Shandong Port Group prohibited some Russian oil tankers from docking at its ports in the eastern Shandong Province in response to sanctions placed on those ships by the US. To subvert those sanctions, Russian President Putin created a “Shadow Fleet,” but even some of those ships made the list and were not allowed to dock (Newsweek). eace’ in New Year’s message to Russia’s Putin / December 31, 2024
President Xi Jinping underscored China’s strong relationship with Russia and President Putin in his New Year’s address, stating that China is striving for “world peace.” Xi and Putin have become close allies on the world stage, to the point that some NATO representatives claim China is Russia’s “enabler” in its war with Ukraine (Al Jazeera).
Xi warns 'no one can stop' unification with Taiwan in chilling New Year's Eve threat / December 31, 2024
In his New Year address, President Xi warned that China’s unification with Taiwan is inevitable and that no one can stop it from happening. Since Taiwan’s newly elected President, Lai Ching-te, took office in May, China has held three large military exercises around Taiwan, surrounding the island with warships and military aircraft (Daily Mail).
China is visa-free for most of Europe, but not this EU trio. Why? / December 29, 2024
While tourists from thirty-eight countries—thirty-two from the EU--can enjoy thirty or more days in China visa-free, Sweden, Lithuania and the Czech Republic are not on that list. They have been relegated to a list of other countries, like Britain and the US, to a 10-day visa-free visits to China. Support for Ukraine and Taiwan are among the reasons for China’s snub on those EU countries (SCMP).
White House says 9th telecoms company has been hacked by Chinese espionage / December 28, 2024
The White House announced last week that a 9th telecommunications company had been hacked by the Chinese hacking scheme called the Salt Typhoon that has mainly targeted political figures in the US, but also included dozens of nations worldwide. The US government plans to meet in the coming weeks to respond to the cyber assault. China denies any involvement (Fox News).
‘China has many ways in which it can close down the Panama Canal’ / December 28, 2024
China has a comprehensive hold on its ability to close down the Panama Canal if it chooses to do so, according to China expert Gordon Chang. It controls ports on both sides of the canal as well as four bridges over the canal. Incoming President Trump plans to address the issue when he is in office (Fox News).
China unveils new assault ship and futuristic fighter jets / December 30, 2024
China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sechuan, left the harbor in Shanghai on Sunday, demonstrating the latest example of China’s quest to modernize its navy, now the largest in the world. Recently, photos of a new stealth fighter aircraft had been posted online, as well (VOA).
China makes move to assert territorial claim, creates new county in Indian territory / December 28, 2024
Representatives from China and India have met frequently since October to discuss border disputes that have been ongoing for decades. However, just ten days after they last met, China announced that it has created two new counties for China on thousands of square kilometers of land that India had claimed for itself (Deccan Herald).
China sanctions 7 companies over US military assistance to Taiwan / December 29, 2024
In response to the Biden Administration’s announcement of more than $500 million in aid to Taiwan, China placed sanctions on seven companies in the US, Canada and Australia, and sanctioned some of their top executives, as well. China blames the US for increasing the tension over the Taiwan issue (KXAN).
China Builds Over 200 New Prisons As Xi Jinping Ups Anti-Corruption Drive / December 29, 2024
Since 2017, China’s government has built over 200 new prisons or has enlarged existing prisons as President Xi’s anti-corruption campaign targets an ever-increasing number of suspected criminals. The prisons, called Liuzhi centers, are intended to hold prisoners for six, and possibly eight, months without legal council or family visits. Critics of Xi’s anti-corruption plan and the Liuzhi operating philosophy charge the campaign of abusing power and creating forced confessions (NDTV World).
China court hands teen life prison sentence for classmate's cruel murder / December 30, 2024
A teenage boy was sentenced to life in prison in Hebei province after being found guilty of murdering a 13-year-old classmate in a particularly cruel way. Two other teens were also sentenced to lesser punishments. In 2021, China lowered its minimum age limit for criminal responsibility from fourteen to twelve. This is seen as the first case where the new limit applies (CBS News).
US Treasury hacked: Are China and the US stepping up their cyberwar? / January 1, 2025
The US Treasury accused China of infiltrating its internet system in December, marking the latest tit-for-tat charge in espionage between the two countries. Just weeks earlier, China accused the US of hacking two Chinese technology firms (Al Jazeera).