China News Live: JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon meets Chinese officials to 'deepen engagement'

Jamie Dimon, in his current role as CEO of JPMorgan Chase, recently met with senior Chinese officials to explore opportunities for 'deepen[ing] engagement,' according to a report in Financial Times. This visit, reported by Chinese state media within the past seven days, occurs amidst ongoing US-China economic competition and US 'de-risking' efforts. It follows a pattern of recent high-level engagement, including past visits by US cabinet secretaries and other American business leaders, as China actively seeks to attract foreign investment despite geopolitical tensions. Such meetings allow Beijing to project stability and provide a channel for dialogue outside formal diplomatic tracks, while for US financial institutions, they represent a crucial way to navigate the complex Chinese market.

Chinese automotive companies are actively pursuing strategies to achieve dominance in the self-driving vehicle sector, leveraging their established strengths and successes from the electric vehicle boom, Financial Times said in a report. This national ambition is underscored by policies promoting high-tech industries and technological self-reliance, such as the 'New Productive Forces' strategy. The push involves navigating challenges such as international restrictions on advanced semiconductor access, critical for AI development, and adapting to new domestic regulations focused on vehicle data security, which impacts how autonomous systems are developed and deployed within the country.

Ministers from Malaysia and Singapore have recently warned that it is becoming increasingly challenging for their countries to maintain a neutral stance amidst the intensifying US-China trade war, as per a report in Financial Times. These Southeast Asian nations report facing growing pressure to align with either Washington or Beijing as geopolitical tensions escalate, directly impacting their ability to navigate independent foreign policies and maintain regional stability. The concerns voiced by the ministers underscore the tangible consequences of the great power rivalry on smaller states in the region.

Patients in Hainan, China, are receiving cutting-edge experimental drugs for conditions such as cancer before these therapies are widely available, according to a report in South China Morning Post. This access, particularly for treatments not yet fully approved by China's National Medical Products Administration for general use, is possible due to special policies within designated areas like the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone. This zone operates under the framework of the Hainan Free Trade Port, which facilitates such medical advancements.

A woman in Hong Kong has reported the theft of her camera lens, valued at HK$20,000, following a concert by singer Raymond Lam Fung, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The incident, which was initially shared via social media posts, allegedly occurred while the victim and her friend were waiting at a traffic light after the show. Two men reportedly detached the lens from her Canon EOS camera.

Over 100 students enrolled in a finance class at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) are required to retake an examination due to a leak of the test content prior to its administration, South China Morning Post said in a report. This incident, which occurred within the last seven days, necessitates a new examination for all affected students to ensure academic integrity.

Amid a challenging economic landscape and a rapidly ageing population, many young Chinese are finding it necessary to delay their retirement preparations, South China Morning Post said in a report. This trend persists even as Beijing actively encourages citizens to plan for their future financial security. The confluence of slower economic growth, which impacts job stability and income prospects, and a demographic imbalance that strains social support systems, creates significant uncertainty for the younger generation, making long-term commitments like retirement saving difficult.

Beijing has recently greenlit a significant new canal project intended to link the resource-rich Jiangxi province with the economically advanced Zhejiang province, SCMP said in a report. This infrastructure development is described by analysts as essential for Beijing's drive to build more artificial waterways, aiming to better integrate China's inland economies with its wealthier coastal regions. The project aligns with established national strategies such as 'Dual Circulation,' which focuses on bolstering domestic supply chains, and supports ongoing regional development initiatives designed to reduce economic disparities by improving logistical connections for raw materials from Jiangxi and finished goods to and from Zhejiang.

South Africa is downgrading Taiwan's representative office by removing what the source describes as its diplomatic status and moving the office from the administrative capital, Pretoria, to the economic hub of Johannesburg, a decision widely seen as a gesture to deepen its relationship with Beijing, according to a report in SCMP. This development occurs as China intensifies its global campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan, urging nations to adhere strictly to the 'One China' principle. The move underscores South Africa's strategic alignment, particularly within the BRICS group where China is a prominent member, and reflects the growing economic and political ties between Pretoria and Beijing, which is South Africa's largest trading partner.

A stray puppy discovered in China with two arrows embedded in its head was saved by emergency surgery financed through public crowdfunding, as per a report in South China Morning Post. The incident, which occurred recently (within the seven days leading up to 2025-05-24), has prompted a police investigation after passers-by found the injured animal. This case has also ignited a fierce online debate concerning the use and allocation of police resources for such matters.

Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, currently responsible for economic and financial affairs, recently met senior executives from US firms Citigroup and Carlyle Group in Beijing, assuring them of China's economic ‘resilience and vitality’, said South China Morning Post in a report. This engagement, occurring within the past seven days (as of 2025-05-24), is framed as part of Beijing’s "trade war charm offensive" aimed at bolstering foreign investor confidence amidst ongoing strategic competition. The discussions are set against continued US-China trade and technology restrictions and follow other recent high-level meetings between officials from both nations focused on stabilizing relations and managing economic tensions.

China's top cybersecurity agency, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has recently shut down more than a dozen social media accounts to combat false financial claims and stock touting online, according to a report in South China Morning Post. This development, occurring within the past seven days, is part of a wider, ongoing government effort to regulate internet content, particularly from finance influencers, and to stabilize the nation's stock markets. The crackdown aims to restore investor confidence by curbing misinformation, while also increasing the content policing responsibilities of major social media platforms.

China has achieved a breakthrough in underwater communication, successfully transmitting data "error-free" over a distance of 600 kilometers using sound waves, South China Morning Post said in a report. This advancement is poised to enhance long-range undersea messaging, which could significantly aid important military tasks, particularly in contexts like the Taiwan Strait, given the distance is comparable to that between Taipei and Okinawa. The development is seen as a boost to China's naval capabilities, especially for its submarine fleet, improving command and control over extended distances and strengthening its anti-access/area denial strategies in the region.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has extended congratulations to Lawrence Wong, who recently assumed office as Singapore's Prime Minister, succeeding Lee Hsien Loong, according to a report in South China Morning Post. This diplomatic gesture occurs as Singapore and China commemorate the 35th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic ties in 2024. Premier Li expressed his anticipation for the continuation and strengthening of friendly relations between the two countries, a sentiment that acknowledges Singapore's planned leadership transition and reinforces the long-standing connection.

A China Airlines flight, Taiwan's flag carrier, bound for Thailand from Taiwan, was rerouted to Hong Kong because of unspecified 'abnormal signals' detected onboard, as per a report in South China Morning Post. A social media user claiming to be a passenger on the flight posted about hearing persistent sounds that 'sounded like a dog barking' during the journey.

Hong Kong is expected to experience heavy showers and thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon, as per a report in South China Morning Post. The Hong Kong Observatory has stated that areas of thundery showers are continuing to develop over the vicinity of the Pearl River Delta, influenced by a trough of low pressure.

The number of Hong Kong students attending British independent schools has fallen by 6%, with the introduction or prospect of a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) on fees cited as a contributing factor by the UK’s Independent School Council (ISC) in its annual census, as per a report in the South China Morning Post. This reported decline, based on ISC data likely reflecting decisions made before the full implementation of the VAT, comes as the UK Labour Party has proposed the levy on independent school fees. The broader context includes the UK's BNO visa route, established in the past following the imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, which has facilitated emigration from the city.

The 9th Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final successfully concluded with an awards ceremony in Shenzhen on May 24, 2025, as per a report in AP. This year's event saw unprecedented engagement, attracting over 210,000 students and instructors from more than 2,000 colleges and universities across over 100 countries and regions. Following national and regional competitions, 179 teams from 48 countries and regions participated in the Global Final, which emphasized AI's empowerment of education transformation and the development of ICT talent.

In a recent Hong Kong vehicle number plate auction, the registration mark ‘L1KE’ was sold for a significant sum, reportedly surpassing the price for a plate reading ‘L0VE’, South China Morning Post said in a report. The auction also saw the ironic plate ‘2 P00R’ sell for a couple of thousand dollars more than one displaying ‘WEALTHY’, reflecting current trends in sought-after personalized plates in the city. These government-run auctions, a long-standing practice (a past event), continue to attract high bids for unique identifiers, indicating a market for such status symbols.

A stray puppy discovered in China with two arrows lodged in its head has been saved through emergency surgery funded by a public crowdfunding effort, and police have since launched an investigation into the animal cruelty case, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This recent event, occurring within the past week, has also sparked a fierce online debate among the public concerning the appropriate use and prioritization of police resources, highlighting increased citizen engagement on social issues and scrutiny of local governance.

A China Airlines flight en route from Taiwan to Thailand experienced a diversion to Hong Kong International Airport within the past week due to unspecified "abnormal signals" detected on board, as per a report in South China Morning Post. A social media user, who identified as a passenger on the flight, reported hearing unusual sounds during the journey, described as resembling a dog barking. The incident occurred within Hong Kong's Flight Information Region, which, while managed by Hong Kong, falls under the sovereignty of the People's Republic of China. This event involving Taiwan's flag carrier, China Airlines, is noted against the backdrop of ongoing cross-strait political and military tensions.

Beijing has recently approved the construction of a major canal designed to link the resource-abundant inland province of Jiangxi with the economically developed coastal province of Zhejiang, as per a report in SCMP. This initiative is part of a broader governmental push to build artificial waterways, deemed essential by analysts for integrating China's inland economies with its more prosperous coastal regions. The project directly supports Beijing's national strategy for regional coordinated development and its 'dual circulation' economic plan by aiming to improve domestic logistics and connect production centers with markets. This large-scale undertaking is seen as demonstrating the central government's capacity for strategic planning and execution, potentially boosting Jiangxi's access to markets while enhancing Zhejiang's access to inland resources, thereby reinforcing national economic integration.

A full-time rehabilitation therapist in China has found that collecting, sorting, and carrying waste metal at their parent's recycling firm after their day job yields higher earnings than their clinical position, and has also resulted in stronger arm muscles, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This development occurs amid broader concerns about China's economic slowdown, high youth unemployment, and potentially stagnant wages in professional sectors like healthcare, making alternative income sources more appealing. The therapist's situation highlights individual resilience and the economic viability of the informal sector, even as it implicitly points to challenges in ensuring adequate compensation for skilled professionals in the formal economy.

The United States is making progress on its collaborative combat aircraft program, developing 'loyal wingmen' to fly alongside next-generation fighter jets, in an effort to offset China's significant numerical strength in military aircraft, as per a report in South China Morning Post. These uncrewed platforms are intended to enhance the capabilities of crewed fighters by undertaking missions such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and carrying additional weapons. This strategic initiative is occurring while the technological superiority traditionally held by the US over China in this domain is reportedly narrowing, adding urgency to these American defense programs.

A China Airlines flight en route from Taiwan to Thailand made an unscheduled landing in Hong Kong within the past seven days after encountering 'abnormal signals,' said South China Morning Post in a report. While this was the official reason provided for the diversion, a social media user claiming to be a passenger on the flight reported hearing sounds resembling 'a dog barking.' This incident occurred amid a backdrop of ongoing increased cross-strait tensions and frequent military activity in the region. It is noteworthy that China Airlines is Taiwan's national carrier, and the diversion to Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China, involved navigating airspace managed in coordination with mainland Chinese authorities.

Hong Kong is considering launching pharmaceutical plant tours, a new strategy aimed at diversifying its visitor attractions beyond traditional shopping and sightseeing, South China Morning Post said in a report. Warner Cheuk, who currently serves as Hong Kong's Deputy Chief Secretary, stated this recent initiative is part of an effort to build an "industrial brand" for the city's tourism sector. The proposal, announced within the week ending May 24, 2025, seeks to showcase Hong Kong's capabilities in specialized industries and attract a different demographic of tourists.

China has made a significant technological advancement by achieving error-free underwater communication using sound over a distance of 600 kilometers, a development that could enhance long-range undersea messaging capabilities crucial for military tasks, South China Morning Post said in a report. This breakthrough, covering a distance comparable to that between Taipei and Okinawa, is particularly relevant for improving the command, control, and stealth of submarine operations, potentially impacting strategic calculations in the Indo-Pacific region. The ability to maintain reliable, covert communication over such distances addresses a major vulnerability for submarines, significantly boosting their operational effectiveness.

Recent security technology expos across China see the nation's top tech firms presenting their latest products as they compete for significant military and police contracts, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding state secrets, South China Morning Post says in a report. These events, occurring within the past seven days, underscore a flourishing domestic industry driven by the implementation of comprehensive national security and data security laws (past events with ongoing impact), the strategic imperative for technological self-reliance amid US-China tech competition, increased state investment in modernizing security apparatus, and the 'Civil-Military Fusion' strategy which integrates civilian technological advancements for state security purposes. The expos highlight China's intensified efforts to develop indigenous solutions for surveillance, data protection, and secure communications.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, a key economic advisor, recently met with senior executives from US financial institutions Citigroup and Carlyle Group, where he emphasized the "resilience and vitality" of China's economy, South China Morning Post said in a report. This engagement, occurring within the last seven days (as of May 24, 2025), is part of Beijing's broader "charm offensive" aimed at boosting foreign investor confidence amidst ongoing concerns about the nation's post-COVID economic recovery, including issues in the property sector and slowing growth. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of persistent US-China trade and technology restrictions, and follows past visits by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in recent months, which were aimed at maintaining communication.

China's internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has recently shut down more than a dozen social media accounts for spreading false financial claims and engaging in stock touting, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This enforcement, occurring within the last seven days, addresses growing concerns over online finance influencers and is part of a broader state effort to regulate internet content and the technology sector, a trend that notably intensified starting in late 2020 (a past development). The stated aims of the crackdown include bolstering financial stability, curbing market manipulation, and safeguarding investors, though it also reinforces state control over financial narratives online.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Tse Chin-wan, warned that imposing mandatory environmental measures could force more businesses to close, advocating instead for a voluntary approach as he unveiled plans for the second phase of the city's plastics ban, according to a report in South China Morning Post. This stance comes amid a challenging economic environment in Hong Kong, which has impacted various sectors, including retail and SMEs. The government's cautious approach appears influenced by the mixed reactions and challenges encountered during the recent implementation of the first phase of the plastics ban.

Recent security technology expositions in China see the country's top tech companies showcasing their latest products as they compete for military and police contracts to guard state secrets, South China Morning Post said in a report. This activity highlights a flourishing domestic industry driven by China's strong emphasis on national security under its leader Xi Jinping, current President of the People's Republic of China, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. The expos also reflect the implementation of the Civil-Military Fusion strategy and a push for technological self-sufficiency amidst ongoing US-China tech competition and stricter national data security regulations.

Young adults in China are increasingly putting their retirement plans on hold amidst a challenging economic slowdown and a severe demographic crisis, South China Morning Post said in a report. This trend persists despite government urgings from Beijing for citizens to plan for their future financial security as the nation confronts a rapidly aging population and low birth rates. Within the past week, discussions have continued around potentially raising the statutory retirement age, while concerns over youth unemployment and the uneven post-pandemic economic recovery exacerbate the uncertainty for younger generations trying to save and plan long-term.

The sustainability of Western-influenced leisure activities, particularly elite horseriding, among China's affluent is being severely tested by the country's current economic slowdown and a deliberate 'cultural decoupling' from the West, Financial Times said in a report. Recent developments indicate that these pressures, fueled by ongoing economic difficulties and policy initiatives such as President Xi Jinping's 'Common Prosperity' drive, are increasingly casting doubt on the viability of such conspicuous luxury. The Chinese government's simultaneous promotion of traditional Chinese culture further erodes the social and political acceptance of overtly Western pursuits by the elite.

South Africa has recently undertaken measures to downgrade Taiwan's representative office, which involved stripping its diplomatic status and mandating its relocation from the administrative capital, Pretoria, to the commercial center of Johannesburg, South China Morning Post said in a report. This decision is widely interpreted as a significant step by South Africa to strengthen its relationship with Beijing and align more closely with China's 'One China' principle. The development marks a diplomatic setback for Taiwan's international standing and a corresponding gain for China's efforts to assert its sovereignty claims.

Authorities in China appear to have intensified internet censorship in the central Henan province, subjecting its tens of millions of residents to significantly stricter online controls than the rest of the country, as per a report in The Guardian. A research paper published in May 2025 by the monitoring platform Great Firewall Report revealed that between November 2023 and March 2025 (a past period), internet users in Henan were, on average, denied access to five times more websites than typical Chinese users. This regional escalation aligns with China's broader implementation of cybersecurity and data laws and an ongoing trend under Xi Jinping, current General Secretary of the CCP and President of China, to tighten control over information flow.

John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), recently described his May 10-15 visit to Qatar and Kuwait as a "success" that has elevated Hong Kong's relations with these Middle Eastern nations to a new level, bringing more business opportunities, as per a report in AP. He led a delegation of over 50 business leaders and entrepreneurs from both Hong Kong and Mainland China. This engagement is seen within the context of Hong Kong's efforts to diversify its economy and Beijing's broader strategy to deepen ties with the Middle East, coinciding with Gulf states' own economic diversification goals.

Victims and activists assert that China continues to employ involuntary psychiatric hospitalization as a tool to suppress dissent, over ten years since the passage of its mental health law, The Guardian China said in a report. The case of Zhang Po, a former coalminer, is cited: following a protest in 2024 (a past event) regarding his disability allowance, he was reportedly confined to a psychiatric facility for 22 days, where he claims he was forcibly medicated and restrained. Upon release, Zhang Po (whose current role is that of a petitioner and alleged victim) faced an eight-day administrative detention for "picking quarrels and provoking trouble," highlighting concerns about the state's use of both psychiatric commitment and vague legal charges against individuals perceived as critics.

China's internet watchdog, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has, within the past seven days, shut down more than a dozen social media accounts as part of a crackdown on false financial claims and stock touting online, South China Morning Post said in a report. This recent measure addresses growing concerns over finance influencers and is consistent with Beijing's ongoing efforts to control financial risks and tighten oversight of online information, viewing such content as a potential destabilizing factor for markets, especially amidst recent market volatility concerns.

Nvidia is set to introduce a new artificial intelligence chipset for the Chinese market, based on its latest Blackwell architecture, at a considerably lower price point than its H20 model, which faced recent US export restrictions, as per a report in Reuters. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the company plans to commence mass production of this new GPU as early as June 2025. This development is a direct response to ongoing US export controls, which began in October 2022 (a past event), aimed at limiting China's access to high-end AI technology. These controls previously led Nvidia to design specific chips like the H20 for this market, and the recent restriction of the H20 has prompted the creation of this newer, Blackwell-based alternative.

Hong Kong plans to introduce pharmaceutical plant tours as part of an effort to diversify its tourism sector and offer visitors experiences beyond traditional shopping and sightseeing, South China Morning Post said in a report. Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk, in his current role, stated this initiative aims to cultivate an 'industrial brand' for the city. This recent development, occurring within the past seven days, is set against the backdrop of Hong Kong's ongoing efforts to revitalize its economy and tourism industry, which faced challenges following past events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the social unrest of 2019, and aligns with broader strategies for economic diversification and integration within the Greater Bay Area.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon met with senior Chinese officials to 'deepen engagement,' Financial Times said in a report, citing Chinese state media. This visit by Dimon, current Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, occurred within the week ending May 24, 2025, amid Beijing's ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment. The meeting unfolds against a backdrop of sustained US-China geopolitical and economic tensions and follows past high-level dialogues, including visits by US officials in preceding months aimed at stabilizing relations.

Ministers from Malaysia and Singapore have recently voiced concerns over the increasing difficulty their nations face in maintaining neutrality amid escalating US-China geopolitical tensions and the persistent trade war, Financial Times said in a report. These warnings, emerging within the past week, highlight the growing pressure on these Southeast Asian countries to pick sides. This challenge to their strategic autonomy is exacerbated by ongoing factors such as US-China trade and technology restrictions, increased US diplomatic and security engagement in Southeast Asia, and China's significant regional economic influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road.

An industry veteran in Hong Kong has proposed that safety documents for construction sites should require e-signatures as a measure to combat fraud, South China Morning Post said in a report. This suggestion, emerging within the past seven days, directly follows an ongoing investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) which uncovered suspected bribery of inspectors related to safety documentation at a residential project. The call for e-signatures aims to enhance the integrity of safety compliance processes in the construction sector.

A notable shift is potentially underway in Europe's solar market, with an increased focus on ethical considerations and local procurement possibly denting the allure of traditionally cheaper Chinese solar panels, Financial Times China said in a report. This development, occurring within the last seven days, is significantly influenced by mounting concerns regarding forced labor in China's Xinjiang region, a major supplier of polysilicon for solar components, and aligns with broader EU strategies for enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting domestic green technology industries.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Tse Chin-wan, has warned that mandatory environmental measures could lead to more business closures and therefore suggests voluntary green initiatives are more suitable given the city's current economic challenges, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This position was articulated as he unveiled plans for the second phase of Hong Kong's plastics ban, emphasizing the need to support businesses during the ongoing post-pandemic economic recovery. The first phase of the plastics ban was implemented previously.

Chinese car manufacturers are significantly increasing their efforts to achieve a leading position in the global race for self-driving vehicles, aiming to replicate their past success in the electric vehicle (EV) market, as per a report in Financial Times. This strategic push is happening within a landscape shaped by substantial government investment in digital infrastructure, such as 5G networks and AI capabilities, under the 'New Infrastructure' initiative. The initiative also contends with the complexities of new data security and privacy laws impacting data handling for autonomous vehicles and occurs amidst the ongoing US-China tech competition. Continued, albeit potentially evolving, state support for research and development further underpins this national ambition.

A stray puppy discovered in China with two arrows embedded in its head has been saved by emergency surgery financed through public crowdfunding, and police have initiated an investigation into the incident, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This recent case, occurring within the past seven days, has ignited a fierce online debate concerning the appropriate use of police resources for animal cruelty, particularly as comprehensive national animal protection laws remain a subject of ongoing discussion and are not yet fully enacted (a past and continuing legislative gap). The public's ability to crowdfund and debate such issues online reflects increased activism on social issues.

The Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) on Friday denounced the Enhanced Games—a competition set to debut in May 2026 in Las Vegas allowing athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs—and called on the global sports community to collectively oppose what it termed a 'gladiator show', as per a report in Reuters. This public condemnation by China is considered politically significant, allowing the nation to publicly reinforce its commitment to global anti-doping efforts, particularly in light of past events such as the April 2024 controversy (a past event) where 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics but were subsequently cleared by WADA after Chinese authorities attributed the findings to contamination.

Amidst slowing GDP growth, high youth unemployment, and a troubled property market, young people in China are delaying their retirement planning, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This trend emerges as the nation grapples with a rapidly ageing population and a shrinking workforce, prompting Beijing to encourage citizens to plan ahead for retirement. However, the prevailing economic uncertainties and the immediate financial pressures faced by the younger generation cast doubt on their capacity to heed this advice, raising concerns for future pension system sustainability and social welfare, particularly as discussions continue around potentially raising the official retirement age, which currently stands at 60 for men, and 55 or 50 for women depending on their role.

China's Premier Li Qiang recently conveyed congratulations to Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who took office in May 2024, and expressed a desire to further friendly bilateral relations, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This diplomatic communication from Beijing is timely, as Singapore and China commemorate the 35th anniversary of their formal diplomatic ties in 2025, underscoring a mutual commitment to ongoing cooperation.

A young stray dog was discovered by passers-by in China with two arrows lodged in its head and was subsequently saved through emergency surgery paid for by online crowdfunding, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This incident, occurring within the last seven days, has led Chinese police to launch an investigation and has ignited a fierce online discussion concerning the appropriate allocation of law enforcement resources. The public's response highlights a growing concern for animal welfare, a trend observed over the past decade, and showcases the use of online platforms for social mobilization, even as it raises questions about state priorities.

Beijing has greenlit a mega-project, an artificial canal, to connect the resource-rich Jiangxi province with the economically advanced Zhejiang province, South China Morning Post said in a report. Analysts indicate this development is part of Beijing's broader drive to construct more artificial waterways, deemed essential for integrating inland economies with richer coastal regions and enhancing internal logistics. This initiative is consistent with China's 'Dual Circulation' strategy, aims to reduce regional development gaps, and reflects a continued pattern of using large-scale infrastructure projects for economic stimulus and integration, similar to significant past undertakings.

Harvard University's connections with China, once considered beneficial, transformed into a political vulnerability, notably when the former Trump administration, in a past action, moved to revoke the university's authorization to enroll foreign students, as per a report in Reuters. The administration at that time accused Harvard of fostering antisemitism and alleged that the university coordinated with Beijing-backed influence operations, marking a significant downturn in how such academic links were perceived.

South Africa has recently diminished Taiwan's diplomatic presence by removing the diplomatic status of its representative office and ordering its move from the administrative capital, Pretoria, to the commercial hub of Johannesburg, South China Morning Post said in a report. This action, occurring in the week ending May 24, 2025, is interpreted as a clear effort by South Africa to strengthen its ties with Beijing. The decision serves as a diplomatic victory for China, reinforcing its 'One China' principle, while representing a setback for Taiwan by reducing its international standing and official interaction in a notable African country.

Hong Kong's role is presented as indispensable for China's ambitions to elevate the yuan's international standing, particularly as current global financial dynamics, including questions about the US dollar's sustained dominance and rising geopolitical tensions, create a strategic opening, as per a report in South China Morning Post. The article posits that this environment offers a significant opportunity to accelerate the yuan's internationalization, with Hong Kong serving as the primary offshore center essential for this growth. This strategy relies on the city's established financial infrastructure and its capacity to facilitate yuan-denominated transactions and investments beyond mainland China's capital controls, supporting the currency's increased use in global trade and finance through mechanisms like expanded cross-border settlement systems.

Authorities in China appear to have implemented an enhanced version of the country’s internet censorship regime in the central province of Henan, where tens of millions of residents were denied access to five times more websites than typical Chinese internet users between November 2023 and March 2025, as per a report in The Guardian. A research paper published in May 2025 by the internet censorship monitoring platform Great Firewall Report detailed this “alarming” rise, indicating that an enhanced version of the country's internet control regime has subjected one of China’s most populous provinces to even stricter controls on access to information than people in the rest of the country.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry has expressed concern to China over its recent establishment of a no-sail zone within a provisional maritime area, Reuters said in a report. This diplomatic communication from Seoul occurs amidst a backdrop of increased Chinese military activity in regional waters and existing maritime tensions, highlighting South Korea's vigilance regarding actions that could impact its security and maritime interests.