China News Live: China and Central Asian nations agree to enhance land and air connectivity

China and Central Asian countries are willing to improve road and railway connectivity and will look to open more direct flights to and from China, following an agreement to enhance exchanges, the Chinese foreign ministry announced on Wednesday, Reuters said in a report. The statement also indicated that China will consider simplifying visa procedures with the five Central Asian nations, and all parties involved will study the feasibility of these measures.

International business chambers in China, previously at the forefront of globalization efforts, now face significant hurdles in seeking policy changes due to an increasingly complex operating landscape, Financial Times said in a report. This challenging environment is attributed to factors including ongoing US-China trade tensions and tariffs, China's heightened emphasis on national security and data control measures, 'de-risking' or 'decoupling' strategies pursued by Western governments, and broader geopolitical frictions, all of which complicate the advocacy efforts of these organizations.

US President Donald Trump is planning to issue an executive order this week that will extend by 90 days the deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to sell off the app's U.S. operations, Financial Times said in a report. This reported extension would be the third such delay, pushing back a deadline originally set by executive orders in August 2020 that cited national security concerns regarding the popular video-sharing platform. Negotiations have been ongoing for ByteDance to restructure TikTok's U.S. presence, potentially involving American companies like Oracle and Walmart, while the company has also pursued legal challenges against the divestment order. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has been reviewing the situation.

Hong Kong authorities should immediately stop plans to construct three artificial islands near Lantau because the project could reduce bidding prices for land in the Northern Metropolis initiative, Louis Loong Hon-biu, a lawmaker and secretary general of the Real Estate Developers Association, stated, as per a report in the South China Morning Post. Loong asserted that the government cannot effectively support both large-scale megaprojects at the same time.

China has reportedly strengthened its support for Iran in the context of ongoing regional tensions involving Israel, with Beijing's response described as being stronger and more direct than its previous diplomatic postures, Foreign Policy said in a report. This development indicates a more pronounced alignment from China towards Iran in the Middle East, primarily characterized at this stage by a shift in rhetoric and diplomatic positioning rather than confirmed material or military assistance.

Beijing has condemned what it calls Washington’s “malign influence” in Latin America following a US announcement of a project in Panama to replace communications towers installed by Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies, South China Morning Post said in a report. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated on Monday, 2025-06-17, that the region was “not the backyard of anyone” and accused the US of “politicising economic, trade and scientific and technological issues.” Guo Jiakun also rejected US claims that Huawei’s equipment posed any national security risks.

China President Xi Jinping signed a treaty on Tuesday to elevate ties with Central Asian nations, as Beijing seeks to further deepen cooperation on trade, energy, and infrastructure with the resource-rich region, Reuters said in a report. Beijing has reportedly been increasing efforts to boost economic links with Central Asian nations, which have traditionally been within Russia's sphere of influence, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Autonomous robotic dogs showcased by the US Army in its 250th anniversary parade in Washington on Saturday are being compared with China's capabilities in similar military technology, the South China Morning Post detailed in a report. Two models of these quadruped unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs) marched alongside traditional military equipment, passing before President Donald Trump, as part of a segment demonstrating the US military's pursuit of technological superiority. The South China Morning Post's report on this display underscores the ongoing technological competition between the US and China, particularly in the realm of advanced robotics for military applications.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who was previously widely criticised on Chinese social media, is now reportedly experiencing a notable wave of support within China, South China Morning Post said in a report. This shift in perception is largely attributed to her recent efforts to highlight the Israel-Hamas conflict, specifically after Israeli forces intercepted her and 11 others attempting to sail to Gaza this month with aid to "break Israel’s siege."

Starbucks' share of China's $22 billion-a-year coffee market declined to 14% in 2024, down from a peak of 42%, Financial Times said in a report. This represents a substantial decrease in the company's presence within the Chinese coffee sector.

US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that he would likely extend a deadline for TikTok's Chinese owner to divest the popular video sharing app, AP said in a report. This follows an order Trump signed in early April to keep TikTok running for another 75 days after a potential deal to sell the app to American owners was put on ice. When asked by reporters on Air Force One whether the deadline would be extended again, Trump responded affirmatively and also stated he believes China's leader, Xi, would "ultimately approve” a deal.

Hong Kong’s initial public offering (IPO) market is reportedly heating up, with a growing number of high-profile listings from mainland Chinese firms in the pipeline, SCMP said in a report. Among those seeking to list is CaoCao, a ride-hailing platform backed by Geely, and Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls, a parts supplier to Tesla. This trend sees mainland companies aiming to access Hong Kong's capital markets as global investors look to diversify their portfolios away from US assets, thereby injecting new liquidity into the city.

Beijing's decision to allow Hong Kong-listed firms to make new stock offerings in Shenzhen could create a 'green channel' to help fund their expansion on the mainland, fast-tracking an otherwise strict and lengthy application process, South China Morning Post said in a report. Frank Bi, a partner and head of corporate transactions practice at Ashurst in Hong Kong, indicated that a listing status in Hong Kong can be regarded as a 'badge of quality,' suggesting authorities in Shenzhen could count on Hong Kong’s rigorous vetting process.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Tuesday that China Mobile might face fines for its failure to provide answers in an ongoing agency investigation, according to a report in Reuters. This probe aims to determine if the company's U.S. operations are attempting to circumvent American restrictions. The FCC had previously prohibited China Mobile, along with other Chinese telecommunications firms, from offering services in the United States, citing national security concerns.

Lawyers for Chinese scientist Yunqing Jian, who faces charges in the US related to a toxic fungus case, are currently engaged in plea negotiations to resolve the matter, AP said in a report. A joint court filing by the prosecution and defense attorneys on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, stated that discussions for a plea deal are ongoing and requested additional time to continue these negotiations. Yunqing Jian was reportedly a researcher at the University of Michigan at the time of her arrest on June 3.

It will take Western nations years to develop the necessary rare earth processing capacity to effectively limit China’s prevailing control over these critical ingredients, industry veteran and former Molycorp Inc. head Mark Smith stated, Bloomberg said in a report. Smith described the effort to build alternative supply chains and reduce dependency on China for processed rare earths as a 'long, hard process', highlighting the significant challenges Western countries face in this strategic sector.

Beijing is strengthening its influence in international development finance and regional economic cooperation as the United States scales back foreign aid and increases financial sanctions, South China Morning Post said in a report. Analysts indicate that these factors, combined with rising geopolitical tensions and Russia’s strategic pivot to the East, are making the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Development Bank, which has been stalled for over a decade, now closer to reality.

President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that he would likely extend a deadline for TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest the popular video-sharing app, AP said in a report. This consideration follows an order he signed in early April 2025, which had already extended the deadline by 75 days after a potential deal to sell TikTok to American owners was "put on ice." When asked by reporters on Air Force One, Trump acknowledged the likelihood of another extension and mentioned that approval from China might be necessary, expressing belief that it could be obtained.

President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday that he would probably extend a deadline for TikTok's Chinese owner to divest the popular video-sharing app, AP said in a report. This consideration follows an executive order signed by Trump in early April 2025 that allowed TikTok to continue operating for an additional 75 days after a potential sale to American owners was paused. Trump also mentioned that securing approval from China would likely be necessary for the divestment process.

China’s state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has secured deals to buy Western-made parts for its first widebody jet, the C929, which is expected to resemble the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 series, amid ongoing trade and supply chain turbulence, the South China Morning Post said in a report. These agreements include a collaboration with French aerospace firm Safran for the C929’s brake controls, ice detection system, tyre pressure indicators, and on-board oxygen system.

The Philippine army has signalled its willingness to receive more US Typhon missile systems, also known as Medium Range Capability (MRC) systems, to accelerate troop training and bolster deterrence capabilities, South China Morning Post said in a report. Speaking on Tuesday, Philippine Army spokesman Colonel Louie Dema-ala stated that additional launchers would be "very welcome," a stance taken despite Beijing's persistent denunciations of the system as a destabilising force that risks escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

A report titled "Evolving Legacy: Decoding the Scientific Trajectory of Chinese Medicine," released today by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and Elsevier, reveals the growing impact of Chinese Medicine research on global healthcare and its capacity to address modern health challenges, AP said in a report. The research, as defined in the report, encompasses clinical practice, basic and translational science, AI-driven systems medicine, and network pharmacology of herbal formulas, and the report calls for the establishment of standardised frameworks to promote its broader integration.

An explosion at the Shanzhou Fireworks Co. factory in Linli county, Hunan province, central China, on Monday morning resulted in nine deaths and 26 injuries, AP said in a report. State media reported that a large plume of smoke was visible after the blast. Firefighting and search efforts in the mountainous area were complicated by the risk of further explosions and the lack of a major water source.

Chinese researchers have developed an electronic warfare system leveraging 6G technology and a next-generation signal processing mechanism, which they claim can deliver significant advantages against modern military radars, South China Morning Post said in a report. The system is reportedly designed to counter advanced radar systems, such as those used in the F-35 stealth fighter operating in the X-band.

Hong Kong has been ranked as the third-most globally competitive economy in the world, climbing two places from the previous year, South China Morning Post said in a report. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated this achievement, with Hong Kong scoring 99.2 out of 100, is due to enhanced government efficiency resulting from civil service reforms, as detailed in the latest World Competitiveness Ranking released by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD) on Tuesday.

Analysts from Goldman Sachs have stated that “the tide has turned” for China’s private enterprises, with the easing of regulatory restrictions allowing non-state firms to pursue breakthroughs in cutting-edge technology and expand their international presence, South China Morning Post said in a report. The investment bank's report suggests a return of the private sector’s “animal spirits,” evidenced by investment patterns indicating a renewal led by capital expenditure, more aggressive overseas expansion plans, increased research and development (R&D) spending, and heightened fundraising activity.

Alibaba Group Holding has released its updated Qwen3 family of artificial intelligence (AI) models, a development that could signal the potential roll-out of machine-learning technology on Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks in China, South China Morning Post said in a report. The Qwen team of Alibaba’s cloud computing unit announced on Monday, June 17, 2025, via the social media platform X, that it launched these open-source Qwen3 models specifically optimized for Apple’s MLX framework for machine learning.

A 10-year-old boy was rescued in southern China’s Hainan province after drifting for five hours on a paddleboard when typhoon Wutip struck the region, South China Morning Post said in a report. The boy had gone into the sea with friends on a paddleboard and subsequently became stuck as the typhoon hit.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen accused Beijing of deliberately creating a near-monopoly in the global supply of rare earth elements and subsequently weaponizing the world's reliance on these critical materials, marking a revived hard line on China dubbed a 'new China shock,' the South China Morning Post said in a report. Addressing the G7 summit in Canada on Monday, June 16, 2025, von der Leyen's approach represented a shift from her previously more moderate criticism of China, a change the article links to the return of Donald Trump as US President in January 2025.

Hong Kong police arrested a man on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the city's international airport, suspected of trafficking cocaine valued at around HK$19 million (US$2.4 million) from San Francisco, as per a report in South China Morning Post. Officers from the narcotics bureau intercepted the man during a drug prevention operation in the arrival hall and seized about 23kg (50.7lbs) of suspected cocaine found in his luggage.

China's Ministry of State Security issued a warning on Tuesday regarding phishing emails sent by foreign spy agencies, as per a report in South China Morning Post. These emails reportedly included fake job applications containing embedded Trojan programs, specifically targeting Chinese military research institutes. The agency stated in a social media post that these incidents are part of thousands of similar phishing attempts in recent years aimed at Communist Party and government bodies, national defense and military industrial units, as well as universities and research institutions, though further details were not provided.

Hong Kong businesses, social groups, a major bank, and a think tank jointly established the Alliance of Silver Economy Development on Tuesday, aiming to foster collaboration and devise initiatives to make the city more elderly-friendly through the growth of a "silver economy," the South China Morning Post said in a report. Alliance convenor and lawmaker Chan Hok-fung stated the platform was initiated due to a perceived lack of coordinated local stakeholder efforts in implementing silver economy strategies, with the alliance now seeking to encourage cooperation between companies and social organisations.

Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics, a company in China's robotics industry, has increased its registered capital from 2.6 million yuan to 2.9 million yuan (US$400,000), South China Morning Post said in a report. This financial adjustment is viewed as a potential step towards a new fundraising round. The company had previously prompted speculation about a possible initial public offering (IPO) in May when it changed its corporate structure from a limited liability company to a joint-stock company, a typical move for Chinese firms planning an IPO.

Nine people were killed and 26 others were injured following an explosion at a fireworks factory near the city of Changde in China's Hunan Province, Al Jazeera says in a report. The casualties and details of the incident were initially reported by China's state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Nine people were killed and 26 others were injured following an explosion at a fireworks factory near the city of Changde in China's Hunan Province, Al Jazeera says in a report. The casualties and details of the incident were initially reported by China's state-run Xinhua News Agency.

China’s top security official, Chen Wenqing, called for the defeat of “separatism” during a recent inspection tour of northwestern Qinghai province, the birthplace of the exiled Dalai Lama, South China Morning Post said in a report. The visit by Chen, who currently serves as secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission and is a member of the Politburo, concluded on Sunday, June 15, 2025, approximately three weeks before the Tibetan spiritual leader is anticipated to announce his succession plan. During his three-day tour, Chen emphasized that political and legal bodies must fully understand Qinghai’s situation.

Due to tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump's administration effectively closing off the U.S. market, China is redirecting its exports, leading to a significant influx of Chinese goods into countries across Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America, The New York Times says in a report. This development is creating what is termed a new 'export shock' for the economies in these regions as they contend with the surge of diverted Chinese products.

The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy (HKAWL), chaired by Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, launched a web portal called Impact Link Online Portal (iLink) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, to connect wealthy families with philanthropic initiatives and provide access to high-impact projects, as per a report in South China Morning Post. Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, who is also a former CEO of Hong Kong property giant New World, stated that iLink will serve as a repository for philanthropic projects and as an online community for wealthy families to connect and learn from one another.

Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics, a company in China's robotics industry, has increased its registered capital from 2.6 million yuan to 2.9 million yuan (US$400,000), South China Morning Post said in a report. This financial adjustment is viewed as a potential step towards a new fundraising round. The company had previously prompted speculation about a possible initial public offering (IPO) in May when it changed its corporate structure from a limited liability company to a joint-stock company, a typical move for Chinese firms planning an IPO.

Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics, a company in China's robotics industry, has increased its registered capital from 2.6 million yuan to 2.9 million yuan (US$400,000), South China Morning Post said in a report. This financial adjustment is viewed as a potential step towards a new fundraising round. The company had previously prompted speculation about a possible initial public offering (IPO) in May when it changed its corporate structure from a limited liability company to a joint-stock company, a typical move for Chinese firms planning an IPO.

Due to tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump's administration effectively closing off the U.S. market, China is redirecting its exports, leading to a significant influx of Chinese goods into countries across Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America, The New York Times says in a report. This development is creating what is termed a new 'export shock' for the economies in these regions as they contend with the surge of diverted Chinese products.

China's JAC Group announced on Tuesday it will broaden its collaboration with Huawei by incorporating more of the tech conglomerate's smart car solutions into its vehicles, Reuters said in a report. This expansion includes the integration of Huawei's assisted driving systems and smart cockpit technologies into JAC models, following a newly signed deal between the two Chinese companies.

Nine people were killed and 26 others injured following an explosion at a fireworks factory in the southern Chinese province of Hunan on Monday, according to a report in Reuters which cited the state-run Xinhua news agency. The blast took place around 8:23 a.m. local time at a facility owned by Hunan Shanzhou Fireworks Company Ltd., situated in a mountainous area.

China counted over half a billion domestic consumers of its online literature last year, a record figure, and simultaneously saw a jump in its overseas users, as per a report in Reuters. This expansion is actively supported by Chinese authorities who are promoting the industry—which includes web novels in a variety of genres accessible via smartphones, tablets, and e-readers—as a cultural export and a soft power tool.

Chinese brands are extending their global reach, with spending on social media and artificial intelligence (AI) fueling their rapid expansion into overseas markets, the Financial Times said in a report. This strategic investment in technology is enabling these companies to achieve significant growth and establish a stronger foothold in international territories.

US semiconductor giant Nvidia is set to attend China's flagship supply chain event, the China International Supply Chain Expo, for the first time in July, with an event organiser confirming the participation on Tuesday morning, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Beijing is portraying the artificial intelligence chip firm's presence, alongside over 100 other exhibitors from the United States and Europe, as a 'vote of confidence' despite increasing trade and technology tensions between Beijing and Washington.

Hong Kong and Shanghai will formalize increased financial cooperation by signing an action plan at the Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, a move intended to strengthen their links amidst geopolitical challenges, South China Morning Post said in a report. Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, will attend the signing on the opening day of the two-day forum, as announced by the Hong Kong government.

Some Chinese civil servants are now under orders not to dine out in groups larger than three people, following reported deaths linked to excessive alcohol consumption at banquets, Reuters said in a report. This new restriction is part of an escalating austerity drive under Xi Jinping, which also included the release of revised austerity regulations in May targeting Communist Party members.

China has presented a scale model of its J-35A fighter jet, the land-based variant of its latest fifth-generation J-35, at the 55th Paris Air Show this week, marking its first overseas display in a bid to secure foreign sales, South China Morning Post said in a report. The China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) is showcasing the miniature version as part of China's advanced military aircraft line-up at the prominent European air show.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on Tuesday that individuals apprehended annually for national security-related offences represent an average of 0.2 per cent of all police arrests each year, South China Morning Post said in a report. He stated that since Beijing's promulgation of the national security law in 2020, authorities have made 332 arrests for such offences, asserting that this indicates the legislation is effectively targeting a small minority.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Kazakhstan on Monday, June 16, 2025, to attend the second China-Central Asia summit, as per a report in AP. The arrival marks the beginning of his participation in the high-level regional meeting.

Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, is scheduled to commence a five-day visit to Hong Kong on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, where he will inspect the city's development and attend a national security forum, an announcement confirmed by Chief Executive John Lee, South China Morning Post said in a report. According to two sources mentioned in the article, Xia is also expected to meet with university heads and senior educators on Thursday to discuss Hong Kong's potential role in advancing China’s technological independence.

China's Fujian aircraft carrier, its most advanced, is anticipated to enter service shortly, as new social media images and hints from state media suggest its imminent commissioning, the South China Morning Post said in a report. On Monday, state media alluded to an upcoming "era" where the Chinese navy would operate three carriers. Recent satellite images of the Fujian reportedly show 36 newly painted spaces on its flight deck, indicating a higher capacity for warplanes than China's two existing carriers.

Atmospheric physicist Wen Xinyu, an associate professor with the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at Peking University’s School of Physics, died on June 14 at the age of 45 after suffering a heart attack, South China Morning Post said in a report. Chinese climate scientists are mourning his loss, remembering him as a “pure, passionate” scholar. An obituary published by his home institute paid tribute to Wen’s important contributions to the field of climate change.

Chinese scientists have achieved a data transmission rate of 1Gbps from a 'secret' geostationary satellite to Earth using a low-power 2-watt laser, according to a report in South China Morning Post. This speed is stated to be approximately five times faster than the maximum speeds typically offered by Starlink's low Earth orbit satellites. The satellite, operating in stationary orbit more than 60 times higher than Starlink, pushed data through turbulent skies to achieve this rate.

Stock investors in China are seeing significant returns from 'new consumer stocks' like Pop Mart International Group, Mixue Group, and Laopu Gold, fueled by the 'emotional consumption' habits of Generation Z on items such as intellectual property (IP) toys and low-priced drinks, South China Morning Post said in a report. This trend represents one of the few positive developments in China's broader consumer industry, which continues to grapple with challenges including a weak jobs market and deflationary pressures.

The city of Xian is experiencing a rise in individuals entering trades such as traditional Chinese clothing (hanfu) styling, a trend attributed to government promotions that have boosted tourism and interest in hanfu experiences, South China Morning Post said in a report. Chang Youli, a hanfu stylist based in Xian, has observed this increase in people catering to tourists. The article explores the question of whether such 'emergent' jobs can provide stable employment opportunities for China's youth.

Man Wah Holdings Ltd., a prominent home furnishing company in China, is facing public backlash after a senior executive in its e-commerce department, surnamed Liu, issued a notice in May detailing contentious new workplace regulations, South China Morning Post says in a report. These rules, which have sparked online controversy, include imposing fines on employees for actions such as looking in a mirror or consuming snacks during work hours, and mandate that staff clock in six times throughout the workday.

Chinese automotive chip company SemiDrive is set to begin supplying its cockpit system-on-a-chip (SoC) to an unnamed European automaker in late 2026, a development that signifies its inaugural partnership of this kind on the continent as it aims for global sales expansion, the South China Morning Post said in a report. According to SemiDrive's general manager, Eugene Wang, the company's X9 SoC will be integrated into several of the European carmaker's models, including sedans and SUVs, which are produced and sold in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.

In recent trade negotiations between Beijing and Washington, China utilized its significant control over rare earth elements as a key point of leverage, the South China Morning Post said in a report. While the United States maintains financial dominance, China holds a commanding position in the global industrial supply chain, underscored by its control of approximately 70 percent of rare earth mining and around 90 percent of the refining process for these critical minerals. This strategic advantage in rare earths, which are vital components for numerous industries, was emphasized during the discussions.

Experts in Hong Kong have urged for the swift tightening of animal cruelty legislation after a two-month-old Doberman puppy died last week from infections caused by ear cropping, South China Morning Post said in a report. The calls on Monday, June 16, 2025, highlight concerns that existing laws, specifically the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, are inadequate to prevent such mutilations, which persist due to consumer demand for pets with cropped tails and ears.

Charles Zhang Chaoyang, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Chinese internet pioneer Sohu.com, has advised mainland Chinese college students to skip postgraduate studies and defer plans to start a new business until they “gain some real experience” by working for a company, South China Morning Post said in a report. Citing his own experiences, Zhang stated during a Saturday interview with Rupert Hoogewerf, chairman and chief researcher at Hurun, that his postgraduate degree did not contribute much when he established and began running his own company.