China News Live: China's military reforms for Taiwan action reportedly face setbacks

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has reportedly failed to implement key military reforms needed to achieve its goal of having enough firepower to take Taiwan by force in 2027, according to a report in Washington Times. This assessment comes from an Air Force think tank report, which suggests challenges in meeting the 2027 capability target set for the PLA's modernization.

Chinese equities are not as cheap as they may seem because the nation's economic slowdown has weakened corporate earnings power, JPMorgan Asset Management stated, as per a report in South China Morning Post. While current valuations, based on historic earnings, are in line with the decade's average, investors are experiencing diminished returns as return on equity is faltering due to a weaker profitability trend, making it imperative for investors to carefully screen stocks and sectors to identify potential winners.

A Chinese scientist was arrested upon arrival at Detroit airport in the US, accused of smuggling biological material, The Guardian said in a report. Authorities stated on Monday that this is the second such case in days involving alleged smuggling by a Chinese national. The scientist is accused of shipping biological material, described by the FBI as related to certain worms and requiring a government permit, months ago to staff at a laboratory at the University of Michigan.

A significant number of Chinese companies are setting up factories in Hungary, leading to a notable increase in business for firms facilitating these investments, according to a report in South China Morning Post. For instance, Yingke Law Firm's Budapest office, established to serve this wave of Chinese businesses, is experiencing rapid growth by assisting clients with services such as sourcing labor and finding office spaces to navigate local establishment processes.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Monday that China's significant military build-up and its close alignment with Russia, Iran, and North Korea mean NATO should enhance its partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region to address the challenge posed by Beijing, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Rutte delivered these remarks at Chatham House in London, coinciding with US-China ministerial-level trade negotiations taking place in the city.

President Donald Trump has issued a response via Truth Social to China's "latest hike" in trade measures, marking a recent event in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute during his second presidential term, TIME says in a report. The article, described as a timeline of the trade war, details this interaction where Trump reacted to a new action taken by China.

Competition in mainland China’s budget electric vehicle (EV) market is set to escalate as consumers increasingly prioritize value, with a wide array of intelligent EVs priced under 150,000 yuan (US$20,864) from manufacturers like BYD and Leapmotor vying for attention, South China Morning Post said in a report. This trend is fueled by government subsidies of up to 20,000 yuan and an ongoing price war, attracting budget-conscious buyers who are also influenced by a broader "consumption downgrade" phenomenon spreading to the automotive sector. Dealers and analysts observe that this environment provides consumers with numerous choices but also puts pressure on manufacturers.

A Chinese scientist was arrested upon arrival in the U.S. at the Detroit airport, an incident authorities described Monday as involving the alleged smuggling of biological material, according to a report in AP. The scientist is accused of shipping biological material related to certain worms, which the FBI stated in a court filing requires a government permit, months ago to staff at a laboratory at the University of Michigan.

A Chinese scientist was arrested upon arrival in the U.S. at the Detroit airport, with authorities stating on Monday that the arrest is related to the alleged smuggling of biological material, AP said in a report. The scientist is accused of shipping biological material, described by the FBI in a court filing as related to certain worms and requiring a government permit, months ago to staff at a laboratory at the University of Michigan.

More than 30 of approximately 120 employees impacted by the sudden closure of nine restaurants operated by Hong Kong's King Parrot Group have sought help from labour authorities, with a representative indicating the debt involved has increased to HK$5 million (US$637,155), according to a report in South China Morning Post. The 33-year-old catering group, which at its peak managed over 20 brands and more than 30 themed restaurants, closed the nine eateries on a recent Friday, prompting the affected workers to seek assistance the following Monday.

Authorities in Hong Kong are encouraging the local tourism industry to develop promotional packages, potentially featuring hotel discounts, for spectators attending the National Games, which the city is scheduled to co-host in November, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated on Monday that a unified ticket sales platform will be implemented for all Games events held in Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macau, with further details to be announced soon.

Hong Kong police arrested a 21-year-old man from mainland China on Monday afternoon in Tsim Sha Tsui, suspected of illegally discharging fireworks at the Avenue of Stars, South China Morning Post said in a report. This followed the circulation of a video on social media since Sunday, which reportedly showed a man, heard speaking Mandarin, igniting a firework at the waterfront promenade near K11 Musea and telling the person filming to cease recording.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) is riding a wave of initial public offerings (IPOs), prompting global investment banks such as Morgan Stanley to raise its share price target for the exchange operator, South China Morning Post said in a report. This optimism is reportedly fueled by HKEX's strong year-to-date performance and a growing investor belief that the mainland Chinese market is stabilizing or 'bottoming out.' Contributing factors to this trend include ongoing US-China geopolitical tensions, which have encouraged some Chinese companies to pursue listings on HKEX, as well as recent economic policies and stimulus measures by Beijing aimed at stabilizing the mainland economy, which influences positive investor sentiment.

The number of U.S. students studying in China has markedly decreased, yet those who are presently there find themselves frequently questioned about President Donald Trump, The Washington Post says in a report. These students reportedly believe that it remains critically important for Americans to gain a better understanding of China.

The new chairman of Hong Kong's Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Frederick Ma Si-hang, who assumed office on June 1, 2025, has asserted that the US-China tariff war is "not the end of the world" for Hong Kong companies, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Speaking on Monday, Ma detailed plans for the council to assist businesses in capitalizing on geopolitical uncertainties, including exploring the establishment of more HKTDC offices in new markets and rebranding the Asian Financial Forum to incorporate additional industry elements. The HKTDC currently maintains 51 offices globally.

Macau is launching an iris recognition immigration clearance system this week for Hong Kong permanent residents who are already registered for Macau's automated passenger clearance service, South China Morning Post said in a report. Authorities in Macau announced on Monday that eligible Hongkongers can use the new service from noon on Wednesday, with 81 iris recognition channels installed at six border checkpoints to expedite travel.

More than 450 global tourism industry representatives gathered in Sanya, China, on June 7 for the "Night of Hainan" Tourism Promotional Event, designed to showcase the province's tourism and cultural resources, AP said in a report. Key topics of discussion included Hainan's latest visa-free policy for citizens from 85 countries and the opening of new international routes, aligning with China's broader strategy to develop Hainan into a Free Trade Port and a major international hub by 2035.

The upcoming COP29 climate summit's host, an Azerbaijan negotiator, has indicated that China could take the lead in global climate action, especially given a perceived retreat or inconsistency from the United States in this sphere, Nikkei Asia says in a report. This potential shift in leadership underscores the importance of accelerating the implementation of existing climate pledges to maintain momentum in international efforts to combat climate change, according to the negotiator.

An increasing number of wealthy and middle-class families from China are choosing to migrate to Japan, primarily driven by the pursuit of quality education for their children and the appeal of a comfortable lifestyle, Nikkei Asia says in a report. This trend is influenced by factors such as Japan's reputable educational institutions and perceived stability, alongside considerations regarding China's domestic economic conditions, youth employment prospects, and its regulatory environment.

China's export curbs are contributing to prices for critical industrial rare-earth metals, such as dysprosium and terbium, hovering near record highs, with some reported to have doubled in price since April 2025, Nikkei Asia said in a report. These export controls by China, which often involve strict licensing requirements or quotas rather than outright bans, affect the global supply of these materials. Dysprosium and terbium are particularly vital heavy rare earths, crucial for manufacturing high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles and defense applications. This situation follows previous Chinese export controls on other critical minerals, such as gallium and germanium, which were announced in July 2023.

Hong Kong's economy faces significant challenges due to its position as an importer of US monetary policy while being economically synchronized with mainland China, making it vulnerable to the economic and policy divergence between the US and China, the South China Morning Post said in a report. The city has experienced multiple shocks since 2018, hindering substantial recovery and raising concerns about its status as a global financial hub, with a recent plunge in the Hibor (Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate) reportedly impacting the stock market more significantly than the property sector.

China's embassy in Thailand announced it is “closely monitoring” heavy metal pollution in northern Thai rivers, which has been reportedly linked to suspected Chinese mining operations in neighboring Myanmar, South China Morning Post said in a report. The embassy acknowledged recent comments from the Thai government regarding the incident and stated it has “taken note” of recent tests concerning the pollution in a tributary of the Mekong River.

China has launched a national pilot programme aimed at accelerating the deployment of robots to alleviate the pressure of elderly care, as the nation grapples with a rapidly ageing population and a labour shortage, South China Morning Post said in a report. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, issued a notice on Monday inviting organisations to participate in pilot projects. This initiative seeks to enhance the integration of robotics into smart elderly care.

Robots have replaced master technicians for critical tasks like drilling carbon-fibre body frames in a Beijing military drone factory, according to a report in South China Morning Post. This advanced material, crucial for its light and strong properties, demands extreme precision in drilling, as even minor errors in angle or positioning could compromise the drone's stealth capabilities and necessitate scrapping the entire component. Previously, this intricate work was performed by highly skilled "master technicians" whose expertise, while significant, faced limitations in production speed and contributed to higher costs, prompting the shift towards automation.

China experienced a slowdown in its export growth, reaching a three-month low in May, while deflationary trends in the country deepened, Reuters said in a report. These economic developments are reportedly occurring as U.S. tariffs impact the nation's trade.

Hong Kong authorities have issued a call for residents to be vigilant and prioritize their safety if travelling to the United States, citing ongoing protests in the country, South China Morning Post said in a report. The warning specifically highlighted immigration-related protests in Los Angeles, which reportedly escalated following the deployment of California National Guard troops to support federal law enforcement amid clashes between protesters and immigration agents.

Cleresa Wong Pie-yue, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Housing Authority’s subsidised housing committee, proposed on Monday offering some flexibility to public rental flat applicants whose incomes are marginally above the eligibility limit, South China Morning Post said in a report. This suggestion aims to counteract the "lying flat" phenomenon, where individuals or families reportedly quit jobs, switch to part-time work, or keep adult children unemployed specifically to meet the strict income criteria for public housing. Wong cited media reports detailing such behaviors among those awaiting public rental flats in Hong Kong.

Students from Hong Kong intending to study at American universities are still facing obstacles in booking visa appointments with the US consulate in the city, even as such slots have become accessible in Beijing and other locations, the South China Morning Post said in a report. As of Monday morning, three education consultancies confirmed their clients remained unable to secure these necessary appointments, a situation reportedly exacerbating confusion among students and attributed to 'sudden policy shifts' from Washington in recent days, according to figures like Samuel Chan Sze-ming, a managing partner at an education consultancy.

Li Tong, who led the Content Quality and Data Service (CQC) team for ByteDance's China-focused apps under Douyin Group, is no longer with the company, South China Morning Post said in a report. Her departure comes as the Beijing-based tech giant, owner of Douyin, advances its content security measures to comply with the Chinese government's increasingly stringent censorship demands, which include recent regulations from China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) targeting algorithm-driven content recommendations to ensure alignment with state values. This personnel change occurs within a broader context of an ongoing crackdown and heightened scrutiny on China's technology sector by authorities concerned with data security and the nature of online content.

Chinese mathematics prodigy Wei Dongyi, an assistant professor in mathematics at Peking University, recently launched his first social media account, gaining 23 million followers in five days, South China Morning Post said in a report. The 33-year-old from Shandong province has captured widespread attention, which has included public discussion about his appearance and dental health alongside his academic achievements. Wei reportedly prefers a life focused on research.

The value of rare earth elements exported by China in May 2025 decreased by almost 50% year-on-year, reflecting Beijing's capacity to leverage its control over the critical-mineral supply chain, South China Morning Post said in a report. This development occurred as analysts suggest China's export controls on these minerals serve as a significant bargaining chip in trade negotiations with the United States. China is the world's second-largest economy and a dominant player in rare earth processing.

An 18-year-old girl in her final year at a top high school in Bengbu, Anhui province, China, committed suicide in April, leaving behind a note that has since reignited online discussions about the significant academic burden faced by children in the country, South China Morning Post said in a report. In her letter, the student described the immense pressure she felt to perform well and stated that relentless exams, particularly in maths and physics, had overwhelmed her.

Researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with academics from Ohio State University, Princeton University, and the City University of New York, have discovered that incorporating sensory and motor information can significantly improve how large language models (LLMs) represent complex concepts, AP says in a report. The study, led by Professor Li Ping, Sin Wai Kin Foundation Professor in Humanities and Technology, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at PolyU, and Vice President of PolyU Hangzhou Research Institute, analyzed models including ChatGPT (GPT-3.5 and GPT-4) and Google's LLMs (PaLM and Gemini). Findings suggest this 'grounding' technique allows models to link abstract and concrete ideas more effectively, generating conceptual representations that are more aligned with human understanding, with the results recently published in a scientific journal.

Authorities in China have completed a major cleanup operation in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, removing more than 50 tonnes of rubbish that had accumulated over years in ancient caves, South China Morning Post said in a report. The action, which also led to the punishment of four local officials, was reportedly triggered after a viral video highlighted how nearby villagers had been using a natural cave in Cili county, Hunan province, as a dumping ground for an extended period, resulting in significant garbage accumulation in the scenic area known for inspiring a location in the film Avatar.

Chinese drone giant DJI is expected to launch a combination vacuum cleaner and mopping robot, named DJI ROMO, this month, a move anticipated to intensify competition in China's crowded robotic cleaner market, South China Morning Post said in a report. The Shenzhen-based company has reportedly been developing the product, which will be introduced in June, for the past four years, according to information from internal sources cited by the state-backed financial newspaper China Securities Journal.

Hong Kong is actively presenting its technology start-ups at the VivaTech trade show in Paris this week, with the government-funded Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) supporting 18 companies in their bid to enter the European market, South China Morning Post said in a report. This initiative, part of Hong Kong's strategy to become an innovation hub and strengthen European business connections, aims to help the start-ups secure partnerships, investments, and facilitate their expansion, according to HKSTP chief marketing officer Hilda Chan.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in London on Monday, June 9, 2025, AP said in a report. The Associated Press video delivery log confirmed the meeting between the two officials; details of the discussions were not provided in the log entry.

Media assembled at Lancaster House in London, United Kingdom, on June 9, 2025, in anticipation of forthcoming U.S.-China trade talks, as per a report in Reuters. The media presence was noted between 11:00 GMT and 12:00 GMT, but the specific venue for the actual trade negotiations between the U.S. and China has not yet been officially confirmed.

China's exports to the United States fell by 35% in May 2025 compared to the previous year, with export values dropping to $28.8 billion from $44 billion a year earlier, according to new customs data, AP says in a report. A new round of trade talks between China and Washington was scheduled to commence in London later on Monday. China's total exports rose 4.8% in May, a slowdown from the 8.1% year-on-year increase in April, while imports declined 3.4% year-on-year, resulting in a trade surplus of $103.2 billion.

Starbucks will cut prices in China as consumer businesses in the country face pressure from a weaker economic backdrop and intense competition, Financial Times said in a report. This decision reflects the challenging market conditions impacting companies operating in the Chinese market.

Global markets were mixed on Monday with investors anticipating details from trade negotiations between the United States and China being held in London, AP said in a report. Futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a slight increase of 0.1%. In Europe, Paris's CAC 40 declined by 0.1%, Germany's DAX fell 0.4%, and the British FTSE 100 remained largely unchanged. Asian markets saw Tokyo's Nikkei 225 gain 0.9%.

The Main Forum on Digital Security of the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025 (GDEC 2025) and the 2025 Beijing Cyber Security Conference (BSC 2025) commenced in Beijing, China, on June 5, 2025, AP says in a report. The conference, themed "Security Breakthrough: Reshaping Built-in Security Systems," aims to bring together representatives from government, industry, academia, and research sectors to discuss strategic advancements for the cybersecurity industry amidst the rise of artificial intelligence.

Lawmakers in Hong Kong have called on authorities to reveal the locations of all water pipes lined with bitumen and to implement sensor systems for monitoring water quality, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This demand follows the detection of bitumen in the freshwater supply of two public housing estates. The government had previously acknowledged that 700km, or 8 per cent, of the city's water pipe network, features an inner protective coating of bitumen. Lawmaker and engineer Lo Wai-kwok voiced these concerns on Monday, pushing for greater transparency and proactive measures.

Asian shares jumped and the dollar pared recent gains on Monday as markets reacted to better-than-expected U.S. jobs data ahead of talks in London between the United States and China, which are aimed at mending their trade rift, Reuters said in a report. Wall Street stocks had previously closed sharply higher on Friday after the jobs data eased concerns about potential damage to the U.S. economy.

Chinese social media company RedNote has entered the artificial intelligence market by open-sourcing its first large language model (LLM), dots.llm1, unveiled on Friday, June 6, 2025, South China Morning Post said in a report. The Shanghai-based firm, which aims to leverage its international presence for new growth, claims this new model is superior to DeepSeek in Chinese language applications. The dots.llm1 is a mixture-of-experts system that utilizes 14 billion active parameters from a total of 142 billion when processing queries.

China is playing a pivotal role in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, a developing city 45km east of Cairo designed to house 6 million people, as per a report in South China Morning Post. The Chinese state-owned China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) serves as the primary contractor for the new city's central business district and, under a deal between China and Egypt, will also be responsible for its operation and maintenance. The new capital is a significant project taking shape in the desert.

Sebastien Lai, son of detained pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, has accused the UK government of 'weakness' regarding his father's ongoing detention in Hong Kong, and stated that his father's health is rapidly deteriorating, Financial Times said in a report. Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, is being held under the National Security Law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing.

China has experienced a significant plunge in its exports to the United States, coinciding with its key producer index falling at the most rapid pace in two years, despite governmental efforts to stimulate demand, Financial Times said in a report. These developments occur as new trade negotiations between the two countries are reportedly looming.

Wang Jibing, a 55-year-old food courier in China who has gained recognition for writing thousands of poems and publishing several books, was appointed vice director of the Xuzhou All People Reading Enhancement Association in early June, South China Morning Post said in a report. The organization, which promotes public reading, is described as a charitable body affiliated with the Xuzhou municipal civil affairs bureau in eastern Jiangsu province. Wang has been nicknamed the "food courier poet."

China is actively preparing for further trade disputes by leveraging its export control mechanisms, a strategy highlighted by its past success in impacting global supply chains through materials like rare earths, which has shifted the dynamics of trade discussions, Financial Times said in a report. This approach includes implemented controls on other critical minerals such as gallium and germanium, essential for semiconductors and electric vehicles, underscoring Beijing's intent to use its dominance in key resources as leverage in broader technological and trade tensions. Consequently, other countries and multinational corporations are increasingly focused on reassessing their supply chain vulnerabilities and expediting efforts to diversify their sourcing of these essential materials.

The dollar remained steady on Monday as market caution grew ahead of pivotal U.S.-China trade talks scheduled in London later the same day, following an upbeat U.S. employment report, Reuters said in a report. These negotiations are occurring at a critical moment for both nations, with China currently addressing deflationary pressures and the U.S. contending with dampened sentiment due to trade uncertainty.

New photographs of China’s two sixth-generation fighter jet prototypes, the Chengdu J-36 and Shenyang J-50, have reportedly offered more insight into their design, including potential cruising capacity and ability to work with combat drones, according to a report in South China Morning Post. Defence experts have analyzed these images, with the latest photo of the larger J-36, which began circulating on social media on Saturday, providing the closest look yet at the aircraft, showing it parked on the ground for the first time.

Competitors marked the final day of Hong Kong’s International Dragon Boat Races on Sunday by donning an array of colourful costumes that included beloved characters from animated films and Chinese folklore, South China Morning Post said in a report. Hongkongers, expatriates, and a visiting Canadian paddling team were among those taking part in the fancy dress competition, which was part of the races organized by the city’s Tourism Board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association.

Hong Kong students hoping to attend universities in the US should review their social media for content related to American politics, an education consultant has advised, as uncertainties persist regarding visa application processing, including reported issues with consulates handling applications for Harvard, South China Morning Post said in a report. Education consultants stated on Sunday that they were actively seeking confirmation from US authorities about current requirements and remained uncertain about their ability to book visa interviews for students.

US companies are advocating for reduced import tariffs in Vietnam as part of a 'China plus one' strategy to diversify supply chains away from China, Financial Times says in a report. This initiative reflects businesses' efforts to establish Vietnam as a vital alternative manufacturing and sourcing location, driven by a need to mitigate risks associated with concentrating operations in China, manage rising costs, and navigate ongoing US-China trade and technology tensions. The companies argue that lower Vietnamese tariffs, particularly on components and machinery they need to import for their Vietnamese operations, are essential for making production in Vietnam more cost-effective and bolstering global supply chain resilience.

A Chinese ship ran aground in stormy weather on Saturday in shallow waters east of Thitu Island, a Philippines-occupied feature in the disputed South China Sea, AP said in a report. Philippine military officials stated on Sunday that the incident prompted Filipino forces to go on alert. Philippine military and coast guard personnel were deployed to offer assistance after assessing that the Chinese fishing vessel appeared to have grounded due to bad weather.

Chinese regulators are taking steps to moderate the pace of introducing self-driving features in automobiles, as Beijing faces pressure to create comprehensive, world-leading safety and liability standards amid rapid technological advancements by carmakers, Financial Times said in a report. This regulatory approach is intended to ensure the development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technology align with national safety priorities, which may affect the timeline for advanced autonomous systems becoming widely available to consumers in China.

Geely Auto, China’s second-largest carmaker, is halting the construction of new plants globally amid concerns over excess capacity worldwide and profitability challenges facing many Chinese automotive companies, South China Morning Post said in a report. Chairman Li Shufu announced at the Chongqing Auto Show over the weekend that Geely will instead focus on enhancing its technological capabilities to secure its position in the future of mobility, rather than contributing to further overcapacity in the automotive sector.

Gold prices fell on Monday as optimism surrounding potential progress in U.S.-China trade relations lessened the appeal of gold as a safe-haven asset, Reuters said in a report. This market movement was also influenced by a stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report, which tempered expectations for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Spot gold decreased by 0.4% to $3,298.12 an ounce, and U.S. gold futures saw a 0.9% drop to $3,317.40, with the article noting that optimism was linked to engagement by top aides of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding trade discussions.

A minister in the United Kingdom is playing down concerns surrounding a proposal for a large new Chinese embassy, AP said in a report. This action takes place amidst a complex backdrop of UK-China relations, which includes diplomatic tensions and security considerations that often accompany such significant proposals from Beijing.

Hong Kong is currently exploring methods to revive its tourism sector by attracting high-spending international visitors, The New York Times said in a report. This effort aims to broaden the city's appeal beyond its traditional reliance on budget-conscious tourists from mainland China. The initiative comes as Hong Kong seeks to repair its international image, which has been affected by past events including political protests, stringent pandemic-related restrictions, and a subsequent security crackdown.

A Chinese ship ran aground during stormy weather on Saturday in shallow waters east of Thitu Island, an area occupied by the Philippines within the disputed South China Sea, AP said in a report. Following the incident, Philippine military officials stated that Filipino forces were placed on alert. Subsequently, Philippine military and coast guard personnel were deployed to the area to provide assistance to the grounded Chinese fishing vessel.

Helen Toner, a former OpenAI board member and current director of strategy at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), has stated that the US administration’s targeting of academic research and international students is a “great gift” to China in the race to compete on artificial intelligence, according to a report in The Guardian. Toner, who joined the OpenAI board in 2021 and has a career studying AI and the US-China relationship, expressed that these US policies could inadvertently bolster China's AI capabilities.

US-China trade talks are anticipated in London amidst new frictions that emerged shortly after a tariff pause agreement, AP says in a report. These recent tensions reportedly began when the U.S. Commerce Department issued an unspecified action just one day after the May 12, 2025 Geneva accord, which was intended to suspend tariffs between the two nations for 90 days. This development sets a challenging backdrop for the forthcoming discussions in London aimed at addressing ongoing trade disputes.

Bad weather has caused disturbances and chaos in central and northern China, according to a report in AP. An Associated Press video (AP-APTN-1511) covering these events has been logged with restrictions, including no access for mainland China, no digital use, and no social media use.

China has commenced the mass production and large-scale application of what its developers claim to be the world’s first non-binary AI chips, integrating proprietary hybrid computing technology into critical sectors like aviation and industrial systems, South China Morning Post said in a report. This development, led by Professor Li Hongge’s team at Beihang University in Beijing, aims to overcome traditional computing barriers by merging binary and stochastic logic. The technology is designed to enable significant fault tolerance and power efficiency in intelligent control applications.

Shenzhen, a leading export city and technology hub in China, is implementing new strategies to bolster domestic consumption and provide assistance to exporters impacted by the ongoing trade dispute between Beijing and Washington, South China Morning Post said in a report. The Shenzhen Municipal Development and Reform Commission unveiled a 39-point plan on Friday, emphasizing that consumption is a fundamental driver of economic growth. The plan outlines leveraging Shenzhen's strategic advantages in key sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI) terminals and smart home technologies, to navigate current economic pressures.

Hong Kong has implemented a new stablecoin law, a move that brokers believe will significantly boost the digital asset sector and increase market liquidity, South China Morning Post said in a report. Daniel Tse, managing director of Futu Securities International, noted a significant trend in stablecoin-related investments. This regulatory development in Hong Kong contrasts with mainland China's near-total ban on cryptocurrency trading and mining, which was implemented in 2021, underscoring Hong Kong's distinct financial system under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework.

Japan's top government spokesperson, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, announced on Monday that the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning was confirmed to have sailed through waters east of the island of Iwo Jima in the Pacific Ocean for the first time, Reuters said in a report. In response to this development, Hayashi stated that Japan would enhance its surveillance efforts and gather necessary information regarding the carrier's movements. He also mentioned that Japan has conveyed an "appropriate message" concerning the matter.

Hong Kong will continue its currency peg to the US dollar, which Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu identified as a key success factor, rejecting calls to abandon the link amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, South China Morning Post said in a report. Lee affirmed that this reliance on the peg does not preclude other financial strategies, pledging to strengthen Hong Kong's role as a global offshore renminbi business hub through increased product diversification.

Hong Kong authorities, including the Airport Authority and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), released 83,500 juvenile fish into waters near the airport and other locations on Friday, June 6, South China Morning Post said in a report. This initiative was part of events intended to enrich marine resources and marked the annual National Fish Releasing Day, an observance promoted in mainland China. The Airport Authority specifically released 60,000 fish, described as "larger-than-fist-sized," into a vessel-prohibited area west of the airport.

Hong Kong businesses must consider national interests while pursuing commercial deals, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated in an interview as he marked three years in office, South China Morning Post said in a report. Lee stressed the importance of local companies keeping national interests in mind while seeking profits, arguing that the two are not mutually exclusive. This statement comes as Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s CK Hutchison Holdings has recently drawn Beijing's disapproval over a controversial deal.

Hong Kong authorities are planning to establish a fifth counselling centre for gamblers alongside a proposal to legalise basketball betting, which would include imposing a 50 per cent duty on the operator’s net profits, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen announced on Sunday that the government would require the Hong Kong Jockey Club, designated as the sole licensed operator for basketball betting, to make societal contributions through donations and policy support.

Brazil intends to issue panda bonds, which are Renminbi (RMB)-denominated debt sold by foreign entities within China's mainland market, as part of President Lula da Silva's strategy to bolster relations with Beijing, Financial Times said in a report. This move aligns with China's objectives to promote the international use of its currency, the RMB, and to expand its financial influence globally, particularly among BRICS partner nations. The planned issuance is also seen as a way for China to deepen its economic leverage and strengthen financial cooperation with key emerging markets like Brazil.

Extreme weather is causing havoc in central and northern China, AP said in a report detailing its video content on June 8, 2025. The Associated Press video (AP-APTN-1355) covering the situation is subject to distribution restrictions, which include no access within mainland China, no archiving or resale, and prohibitions on digital or social media use.

Hong Kong's retail sector is facing significant challenges, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu conceding the problem of a sluggish retail scene exacerbated by a trend of locals spending their holidays and money in mainland China, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Lee cautioned against using retail performance as the sole measure of the city's economy and called on businesses to "work harder" and reform to maintain or grow their market share. This acknowledgement comes as Hong Kong’s retail sales reportedly dropped for the 14th consecutive month in April 2025, falling by 2.3 per cent, highlighting the ongoing difficulties for the sector.

A growing number of Chinese students are reconsidering the United Kingdom as a study destination amid anxieties stemming from perceived shifts in UK policy and rhetoric towards China, South China Morning Post said in a report. This reconsideration is influenced by the UK government's designation of China as a 'systemic competitor,' recent changes to visa regulations impacting students' dependents, heightened scrutiny for those in sensitive research fields, and a general political climate that some Chinese students find less welcoming, prompting concerns about their academic environment and future opportunities.

Japan is undertaking a significant defense buildup, including establishing a highly visible missile base on Okinawa, primarily due to fears of China's growing military power and its increased activities in the region, The New York Times said in a report. This military enhancement by Japan is a direct response to perceived threats from Beijing, notably concerning the East China Sea and Taiwan. The strategic shift also occurs amid questions about the United States' commitment to its alliances under the current presidency of Donald Trump.

China's consumer prices fell for the fourth straight month in May, highlighting ongoing deflationary pressures, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The national consumer price index (CPI), a key inflation gauge, dropped 0.1% year on year last month, as per data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday. This decline is attributed to sluggish domestic demand and trade tensions with the United States, which are also compounding inventory strains for manufacturers, although the CPI figure reportedly beat market expectations.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers, spearheaded by BYD, are significantly increasing competitive pressure in the European small car market by introducing more affordable EV models, South China Morning Post said in a report. This development sees major Chinese companies challenging established European automotive giants such as Volkswagen and Renault, who are now fighting to retain their market share. As an example of this trend, BYD, which became the world's largest EV producer in 2024 by surpassing Tesla, launched its Dolphin Surf compact hatchback in Europe in May 2025; this model is its most affordable and is known as the Seagull in China.

China's export growth decelerated in May 2025 and imports also declined, with customs data released on Monday showing exports increased by 4.8% year-on-year to US$316.1 billion, South China Morning Post said in a report. This export growth, which fell short of market estimates of a 6.28% rise, marked a slowdown from April's 8.1% expansion and points to continued strain in China's manufacturing and trade sectors, influenced by lingering uncertainty over US tariffs and possible front-loading by exporters anticipating future disruptions.

Millions across China have been captivated by a six-year-old boy, Xie Yule, who expertly operated a crane integral to his parents' acrobatic show in Anhui province, the South China Morning Post said in a report. The young boy was seen diligently managing the crane's controls, upon which his parents performed, during a rainy evening ahead of Children’s Day. Despite the heavy rain, Xie Yule stood on a stool, his focus entirely on his parents and the crane's operation, an act that moved approximately 8 million viewers.

A sinkhole unexpectedly formed on a roadway in China's Hebei province, engulfing two vehicles and causing injuries to three people, South China Morning Post said in a report. The incident involved the sudden collapse of the road surface, leading to the vehicles falling into the resulting depression.

Andrew Byrne, Uber’s global head of public policy, has suggested that Hong Kong's taxi industry and ride-hailing services can collaborate, proposing that authorities explore implementing levies on both types of services to establish a fund aimed at supporting traditional cabbies, South China Morning Post said in a report. Byrne highlighted Australia's approach, where a levy, initially A$1 and later A$1.2 (78 US cents), on ride-hailing and taxi operations was used in the past to compensate taxi drivers impacted by industry changes.