China News Live: iQIYI expands into MENA region with new branch and content partnership

iQIYI, a leading Chinese online entertainment platform, is expanding its reach in the MENA region, as per a report in PRNewswire. On May 11, 2025, iQIYI partnered with WATCH IT, a prominent Arabic streaming platform in Egypt, to share content. Following this, on May 14, iQIYI officially launched its MENA Branch in Dubai, establishing a stronger operational base in the region.

This expansion aligns with China's broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to increase China's economic and cultural influence globally. Experts suggest this move is a calculated step in China's long-term strategy to expand its influence into culture and ideology, a soft power play to cultivate goodwill towards China in the MENA region. However, some express concerns that iQIYI's expansion could lead to the introduction of Chinese-style censorship in the MENA region.

Idaho State Police on Friday identified the six tourists killed in a May 1 van crash near Yellowstone National Park as Jian Shi, Xiaoming Jiang, and Ivana Wen, along with Li Nie, Aifeng Wan and Yu Zhang, according to a report by the Associated Press (AP). Jian Shi was from Shanghai, Xiaoming Jiang from Guilin, China, and Ivana Wen from Milan; Li Nie and Aifeng Wan were California residents, and Yu Zhang, the driver, was from Eastvale, CA. The incident has occurred against the backdrop of fluctuating US-China relations, potentially impacting tourism and cultural exchange.

The crash also raises questions about infrastructure and road safety in the US, issues that are often debated in Congress and state legislatures. The Chinese government is likely to monitor the investigation closely and may offer consular assistance to the families, while the Idaho state government may face scrutiny regarding road safety and emergency response procedures.

The United Arab Emirates and the United States have signed an agreement that allows the UAE to build the largest AI campus outside of the United States, a deal that previously faced hurdles due to U.S. worries about China potentially gaining access to the technology, according to a report in Reuters. The agreement signifies a shift in U.S. strategy, potentially prioritizing alliances over blanket restrictions in the ongoing US-China tech war, which has intensified since 2018. This deal was facilitated by strengthened relations between the U.S. and UAE, following the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between the UAE and Israel in August 2020.

The deal has several political implications, including potentially increased demand for U.S.-made AI chips, benefiting companies like Nvidia and AMD, and further straining US-China relations. Experts suggest this deal represents a strategic realignment, prioritizing regional alliances and accepting some technology transfer risk to counter Chinese influence in the Middle East. Concerns remain within the U.S. national security community regarding potential misuse or diversion of AI capabilities, emphasizing the need for robust safeguards and monitoring mechanisms.

Peter Wilson, a senior diplomat with experience as ambassador to Brazil and the Netherlands, and as director general for Europe at the foreign office, has been named the UK's new ambassador to China, according to a report in Reuters. This appointment comes as the UK is preparing to release an audit of its relationship with Beijing, amid existing tensions over China's actions in Hong Kong and the UK's increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

The appointment is likely to be scrutinized by UK parliamentarians, especially those critical of China's human rights record, and may be viewed with skepticism by some Hong Kong pro-democracy activists. Experts suggest the appointment reflects a nuanced approach to China, balancing engagement with concerns about human rights and security, and that Wilson's experience and language skills will be valuable in managing the complex relationship.

The S&P 500 rose 0.7% on Friday, marking its fifth consecutive gain and a 5.3% increase for the week, as per a report in the Associated Press. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.5%.

This week's stock rally was fueled by the U.S. and China agreeing to a 90-day pause on most tariffs, coupled with encouraging inflation reports that have raised hopes for potential shifts in Federal Reserve policy.

China is set to release its national economic performance figures for April 2025, with spokesperson Fu Linghui from the National Bureau of Statistics leading the announcement, according to a report in Reuters. The release will be closely watched by the United States government, as the data will inform trade policy, investment restrictions, and diplomatic engagement with China; it will also influence investor sentiment towards Chinese markets and inform internal debates within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regarding the effectiveness of current economic policies.

The figures, encompassing GDP growth, industrial production, retail sales, investment, and unemployment, will be scrutinized in the context of ongoing US-China trade negotiations and concerns about a potential global economic slowdown. Experts anticipate varied interpretations of the data, with pro-government economists likely emphasizing positive aspects and Western economists potentially offering more critical assessments.

Hisense, a consumer electronics and home appliances brand, was the named partner of CHINA NIGHT at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, as per a report in PRNewswire. On May 15, Hisense presented smart living and entertainment technologies at the Plage des Palmes during the film festival.

This event aligns with China's 'Going Out' policy, which promotes the nation's image and technological capabilities through international cultural and economic initiatives. Hisense's presence at Cannes also reflects the competition between China and other countries in the technology and entertainment sectors, signaling China's ambition to lead in these fields.

Top-ranking Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations, Intelligence, and Armed Services committees cautioned President Donald Trump in a letter that his administration's tariff policy is undermining American security interests by creating friction with allies in Europe and Asia, as per a report in The Hill. The senators argued that these tariffs would cost the average American household approximately $2,800 and represent congressional oversight of the executive branch's trade policy. These tariffs are tied to ongoing trade disputes initiated by the Trump administration, including those on steel and aluminum, raising concerns about inflation and potential economic slowdown.

The Democrats suggest that the tariffs strain relations with key allies, complicating cooperation on issues like counterterrorism and climate change. The economic impact of tariffs and the broader trade war could become a significant issue, influencing voters' perceptions of the economy and candidates' policies. The tariffs, paid by domestic companies importing goods, are often passed on to consumers as higher prices.

U.S. markets experienced a slight increase before trading began on Friday, driven by minimal news and the winding down of earnings season, as per a report in the Associated Press. Futures for the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq all saw gains of 0.4% prior to the official market opening. Charter Communications experienced a jump of 6.8% in premarket trading due to news of a potential merger with Cox Communications, which would result in a combined company named Cox Communications, headquartered at Charter’s current location.

The 90-day pause references a temporary halt in escalating tariffs previously imposed by both the U.S. and China. These tariffs were a significant aspect of the U.S.-China trade war, impacting various sectors in both economies. The pause is likely a result of ongoing or planned negotiations between U.S. and Chinese trade representatives, with the success of these negotiations determining the future of the trade war.

ChangAn officially commenced production at its first overseas NEV manufacturing base in Rayong, Thailand, on May 16, 2025, coinciding with the production of its 28.59 millionth vehicle, as per a report in PRNewswire. The right-hand drive DEEPAL S05 launch signifies a shift from product exports to full industrial globalization, highlighting the company's dedication to green, intelligent manufacturing and brand development.

This move aligns with China's Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing China's economic and political influence in Southeast Asia, and supports Thailand's ambition to become a regional EV production hub. The factory opening also reflects the increasing geopolitical competition in Southeast Asia, where economic investments are a key tool.

Ping An Insurance Group secured the top position among insurance companies in BrandZ's Global Top 100 list of the world's most valuable brands for 2025, as per a report in AP. The company's brand value increased by 25% year-on-year, exceeding US$26.3 billion. Ping An's ranking jumped six places to 84 on the list, making it the only Chinese insurance group included this year.

This achievement occurs within the context of China's economic growth and its 'Going Out' strategy, which encourages Chinese companies to expand their global presence. This development also intensifies competition for Western insurance companies and may prompt further scrutiny from US policymakers regarding China's economic influence.

China has launched an investigation into Lan Tianli, who currently serves as the government chairman of Guangxi region, over potential violations of law and discipline, Reuters reports. This investigation, announced by the country's anti-graft watchdog on Friday, follows a similar probe into the governor of Shanxi province less than two months prior. These investigations are occurring within the context of Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which some analysts view as a tool for consolidating power and removing political rivals.

Haier Group's brand value reached USD 47.6 billion, securing the 54th position in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands, as per a report in AP. This represents a 47.1% increase compared to the previous year. Haier has also been recognized as the only Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem brand to be listed in the global ranking for seven years running.

The rise of Chinese IoT brands like Haier intensifies geopolitical competition with the US and Europe in setting global technology standards. Haier's growth aligns with China's 'Made in China 2025' initiative, which aims to establish China as a leader in advanced manufacturing and technology. This growth is likely supported by government assistance, a key component of China's state-led capitalism model.

iQIYI is increasing its presence in the MENA region through the launch of iQIYI MENA Branch in Dubai on May 14 and a content partnership with the Egyptian streaming platform WATCH IT, signed on May 11, as per a report in PRNewswire. This expansion aligns with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its broader strategy to increase economic and cultural influence globally, presenting both opportunities and challenges for governments and consumers in the MENA region, as well as for the United States' soft power dominance.

Experts suggest this move reflects China's ambition to expand its cultural footprint and build relationships, but success will depend on adapting content to local tastes. The expansion also raises questions about cultural influence and censorship, given iQIYI's subjection to Chinese government regulations.

Cambodia's hospitality and real estate sectors are experiencing a resurgence, fueled by a significant increase in Chinese tourism and enhanced infrastructure, including new airports, as per a report in PRNewswire. This recovery follows a period of slowdown and has boosted investor confidence, attracting both regional and international interest.

The renewed growth is linked to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with Cambodia being a key partner, and this has political implications, potentially strengthening the ruling party's position while increasing dependence on China. Experts suggest this trend highlights China's expanding influence in Southeast Asia, raising concerns about human rights, environmental sustainability, and potential limitations on Cambodia's foreign policy options.

China's state-backed Global Times stated that the 90-day tariff truce established between the United States and China during recent trade discussions in Switzerland is too short, as envoys from both countries convened in Korea, according to a report in Reuters. As part of the Geneva summit, the U.S. agreed to reduce the additional tariffs imposed on Chinese imports last month to 30% from 145% for the next three months.

The truce is occurring within the context of an ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, which has involved escalating tariffs and trade restrictions. The U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are a key factor in the trade tensions and the need for negotiations. The Global Times is published under the auspices of the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, suggesting its views often reflect the Chinese government's position.

Peter Wilson, a Mandarin-speaking official, has been named the new UK ambassador to China, as per a report in Reuters. Wilson, whose father was a governor of Hong Kong, is set to take up this challenging role in August, succeeding Caroline Wilson; this appointment occurs amidst strained UK-China relations concerning human rights and trade, requiring diplomatic engagement to balance economic interests with human rights concerns.

Today marks the anniversary of the start of China's Cultural Revolution on May 16, 1966, when the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) issued the May 16 Notification, a document that criticized “counterrevolutionary revisionists” within the party, according to a report in the Associated Press (AP). It comes during a period marked by Xi Jinping's consolidation of power, which some observers are comparing to the Cultural Revolution due to its emphasis on ideological purity, and ongoing concerns about human rights issues in China, including those in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. The anniversary also highlights ideological differences between China and the West, which are contributing to tensions in areas such as trade and geopolitics.

Experts hold differing views on the Cultural Revolution, with some pro-CCP historians viewing it as a necessary effort to combat capitalist tendencies, while Western sinologists and Chinese dissidents see it as a demonstration of the dangers of totalitarianism and the suppression of individual liberties.

Heath MacDonald, the new agriculture minister of Canada, stated that resolving trade issues with China and the United States is his primary focus, according to a report in Reuters. These trade priorities come amid existing strained relations between Canada and China over agricultural products and the relatively new USMCA agreement impacting trade between Canada, the US, and Mexico. Successfully navigating these trade relationships is critical for Canadian farmers and the Canadian government, impacting market access, revenue, and political stability.

Many farmers, including Dan Glessing in Minnesota, are cautiously observing President Donald Trump's trade disputes, particularly with China, adopting a wait-and-see attitude, according to a report in the AP. China is a significant importer of U.S. soybeans, with Minnesota typically selling a substantial portion of its soybean crop to China; the U.S. as a whole exported nearly $13 billion worth of soybeans to China last year, representing over half of all U.S. soybean exports.

Farmers are weighing the potential impacts of these trade actions, similar to how they monitor weather patterns, to determine how the situation will unfold and affect their livelihoods. The situation remains fluid, and farmers are closely watching for any developments that could impact their businesses.

The British government's audit of its relationship with China, which has been long-awaited, is expected to be released in early June, as per a report in Reuters. The audit comes as the Labour government seeks to balance improving commercial ties with Beijing and guarding against perceived security threats. The audit will likely influence the Labour government's China policy, potentially forcing a recalibration of economic engagement with security concerns, and will be closely watched by Beijing, as it will impact future trade and investment relations with the UK.

Walmart's warning about price hikes, stemming from tariffs on Chinese goods, highlights the impact of the US-China trade war on American consumers, as per a report in Al Jazeera. This development exacerbates existing concerns about inflation in the US and puts pressure on the Biden administration to address its trade policy with China; Republicans are likely to use this news to criticize the administration's economic policies, while economists hold differing views on whether tariffs are a necessary tool to hold China accountable or a burden on American consumers and businesses.

The trade war, which has been escalating for several years, is just one aspect of broader geopolitical tensions between the US and China, encompassing issues such as Taiwan, human rights, and technological competition; experts suggest that companies need to diversify their supply chains to reduce reliance on single sources, even if it means higher initial costs, and while tariffs contribute to price increases, other factors such as supply chain disruptions, increased demand, and labor shortages also play a significant role in inflation.

NATO foreign ministers met in Antalya, Turkey, on Thursday to discuss a U.S. request to substantially increase defense investments as the U.S. concentrates on regions outside of Europe, according to a report in the AP. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that more investment and military equipment are necessary to address threats from Russia, terrorism, and China, emphasizing the need for increased core defense spending.

The U.S. pivot towards the Indo-Pacific, driven by concerns over China's growing influence, is linked to the U.S. demand for increased European defense spending, aiming to free up U.S. resources; this comes amid ongoing debates over NATO burden sharing, particularly the 2% of GDP defense spending target, which many members fail to meet.

Yang Hansen, a 7-foot-1, 253-pound center from China, is attending the NBA draft combine to demonstrate his basketball abilities and potentially secure a spot in the NBA, according to a report in the AP. Yang, who answered questions in both Mandarin and English, is among several international players hoping to impress NBA scouts and teams.

China has heavily invested in sports programs to identify and train athletes like Yang from a young age. Success for Yang in the NBA could positively reflect on China's sports development and strengthen the NBA's popularity in the Chinese market, though it also raises potential political considerations.

VinFast, originating from the Vingroup conglomerate, is expanding into the Gulf region, transitioning from primarily serving Vietnam with gasoline cars to becoming a global electric vehicle company, according to a report in the AP. The company's expansion is viewed as a way to promote a new image of Vietnam, moving away from associations with rice farmers, poverty, and war.

The move aligns with Vietnam's broader strategy to diversify economic partnerships and reduce reliance on any single power, especially China, amid geopolitical competition in the Gulf. VinFast's presence in the Gulf also offers these states diversification away from oil and gas, providing consumers with more EV choices, while its global expansion increases competition for established Western automakers.

The United Arab Emirates and the United States have signed an agreement that allows the UAE to build the largest AI campus outside the U.S., a deal that previously faced hurdles due to Washington's worries about China potentially gaining access to the technology, Reuters reports. This agreement signifies a shift in strategy, leveraging allies like the UAE for AI development and potentially reducing reliance on domestic production while mitigating risks associated with China's technological advancements; it also strengthens diplomatic ties between the U.S. and the UAE, building upon the Abraham Accords brokered by the Donald Trump administration which normalized relations between the UAE and Israel.

The deal has broader implications for the US-China tech competition, as the U.S. has been actively restricting China's access to advanced technologies, particularly AI and semiconductors, citing national security concerns. This agreement could create new opportunities for U.S. AI companies to collaborate with the UAE, but also raises concerns about technology transfer and competition, and it positions the UAE as a regional hub for AI development, enhancing its economic diversification efforts and geopolitical importance.

Huawei presented its new wearables line-up in Berlin under the theme "Fashion Next," combining technological innovation with fashion aesthetics, as per a report in AP. The HUAWEI WATCH 5 introduces interactive design innovations. This launch occurs amidst EU scrutiny of Chinese tech subsidies and ongoing US-China tech tensions, potentially influencing public opinion and policymakers in Europe regarding Huawei's role in 5G infrastructure.

To strengthen connections with Latin America, China will allow citizens from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay to enter the country visa-free for up to 30 days, according to a report in the AP. This trial program, starting June 1 and lasting one year, aims to encourage tourism and business travel. Lin Jian, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, welcomes more foreign visitors to experience China.

David Perdue, the new U.S. ambassador to China, arrived in Beijing on Thursday, just days after the U.S. and China agreed to a temporary break in their tariff war, according to a report in the AP. Perdue stated it was an honor to represent President Donald Trump and that he is ready to work to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Perdue's arrival comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, including issues related to Taiwan, human rights, and the South China Sea. His appointment signals a potential focus on economic interests, but his success will impact the Biden administration's China policy and reflect on the Republican Party's approach to China.

Oil prices saw a slight increase on Friday, aiming for a weekly gain exceeding 1% as optimism regarding U.S.-China trade outweighed concerns about the potential return of Iranian oil to the market, according to a report in Reuters. Brent crude futures rose by 0.26% to $64.70 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures increased by 0.29%.

The positive sentiment from U.S.-China trade talks is currently a key factor influencing market sentiment, while the potential increase in Iranian oil supply, pending negotiations, could exert downward pressure on prices. The ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and China regarding trade tariffs and agreements directly impact market sentiment and oil demand expectations.