China News Live: US intelligence chiefs urge limiting intel sharing with Spain over Huawei use

Representative John Moolenaar, chairman of the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, has warned Panama about potential Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. In a letter to Panama's Minister of Maritime Affairs, Luis Roquebert, Moolenaar expressed concern over reports that Chinese state-owned conglomerates are bidding for port concessions near the canal. The concessions are currently being sold by the Hong Kong-based company CK Hutchison Holdings.

The US Commerce Department has imposed preliminary anti-dumping duties of 93.5% on imports of graphite from China, a key component for batteries, according to a report in Bloomberg. The department's action follows its conclusion that the materials had been unfairly subsidized by China.

The heads of the US House and Senate intelligence committees are advocating for a reduction in intelligence sharing with Spain, according to a report in Bloomberg. The call for this pullback is based on allegations that Spain utilizes technology from Chinese vendor Huawei Technologies Co. to support its national wiretap system. This reflects ongoing US security concerns regarding the use of Huawei equipment by allied nations in sensitive infrastructure.

Brazil's rare earth exports to China tripled during the first half of 2025, a period in which China's total rare earth imports also reached a record high, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Citing figures from the China-Brazil Business Council (CBBC), the report highlights the trade shift as a potential consequence of ongoing US-China trade tensions rerouting global supply chains. The CBBC report also showed that while rare earth trade surged, Brazil's overall exports to China fell 7.5% to US$47.7 billion in the first half of the year, while its imports from China grew by 22%.

A record-breaking heatwave across China has pushed the nation's power demand to a new high, straining the electricity grid and raising concerns about potential power shortages, according to a report in Reuters. The surge in electricity consumption is largely driven by the increased use of air conditioning. This event highlights China's ongoing energy security challenges as authorities work to meet the soaring demand while balancing climate commitments. Despite being a world leader in renewable energy investment, the country remains heavily reliant on coal to provide stable power, particularly during periods of extreme weather, recalling previous power crunches in recent years.

A collision involving a Citybus double-decker and a road maintenance truck on the North Lantau Highway in Hong Kong left 22 people with minor injuries, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The incident took place on a Kowloon-bound lane near Sunny Bay MTR station on Thursday night when the bus, an E21A model heading to Ho Man Tin, struck the stationary truck. The injured included 21 passengers—12 women and nine men—and the male driver of the maintenance vehicle.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is increasingly practicing integrated joint operations across its various theater commands, indicating a strategic evolution from previous 'four-sea coordination' to a more advanced 'five-sea integration' concept, according to a report in The Diplomat. This development reflects a qualitative leap in the PLA's operational capabilities, driven by reforms aimed at breaking down inter-service barriers. The shift emphasizes a multi-domain approach, integrating air, land, sea, cyber, and space forces to enhance China's ability to conduct complex military maneuvers.

Chinese manufacturers of drone batteries are experiencing a business revival due to high demand stemming from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, according to a report in Nikkei Asia. These companies are reportedly selling components, which are often dual-use with both civilian and military applications, to entities on both sides of the conflict. The trade provides a significant economic boost to these Chinese firms and supplies Russia with critical technology that is otherwise difficult to obtain due to Western sanctions.

Some residents and district councillors in Hong Kong are calling on transport authorities to accelerate the implementation of diagonal pedestrian crossings, particularly in areas with high rates of jaywalking, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The calls came a day after the Transport Department released positive results from trials at two sites, Sha Tin and Tsim Sha Tsui, which were introduced last year. The trials demonstrated that the diagonal crossings, also known as 'scramble crossings', led to faster crossing times for pedestrians and underlined their potential benefits for other intersections.

A potential sale of 11 Skies, a mall located near Hong Kong’s international airport, could help New World Development (NWD) reduce its debt burden, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Analysts at Swiss bank UBS stated that a successful disposal of the asset could be a positive catalyst for NWD, which is divesting noncore assets to navigate what the bank describes as its worst financial crisis. The report notes that the 11 Skies project carries contingent liabilities of HK$1.8 billion (US$229.3 million).

Japan and the European Union plan to elevate their strategic partnership by launching a new "2-plus-2" economic dialogue and exploring the joint procurement of rare earth elements to counter China's market dominance, according to a report in Nikkei Asia. The initiative, expected to be announced at a summit later this month, aims to enhance supply chain resilience for critical minerals essential for high-tech industries. As part of this broader de-risking strategy, Japan is also building a new survey ship to search for deep-sea rare earth deposits, reflecting a wider Western effort to diversify critical resource supplies away from China.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has increased public messaging about its ongoing, round-the-clock military drills in an apparent response to Taiwan's annual Han Kuang exercise, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The PLA's Eastern Theatre Command, the division responsible for the Taiwan Strait, has issued daily updates for four consecutive days this week regarding its cross-service drills. These drills from Beijing are running concurrently with Taiwan's 10-day Han Kuang exercise, which began on July 9.

ChinaAMC (HK), the Hong Kong arm of China Asset Management, has launched the world's first tokenised fund denominated in yuan, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The launch on Thursday aligns with Hong Kong's new regulatory framework for stablecoins, set to take effect in August, which is expected to stimulate demand for digital assets. The development occurs as mainland Chinese officials have reportedly softened their stance on digital currencies, even though a formal yuan-backed stablecoin is not yet available.

Chen Feng, a founder of the defunct Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The verdict, which comes nearly four years after he was first detained, also includes a penalty of 221 million yuan (US$30.8 million). He was found guilty on charges that included harming the interests of a listed company, fraudulently obtaining loans, and breach of duty through misappropriation.

China has sent a living "mini-brain" to its Tiangong space station to investigate the effects of space on human cognition, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The experiment involves a credit-card-sized chip containing human brain cells and blood vessels, which notably incorporates blood-brain barrier functions. While previous research aboard the International Space Station has utilized brain cell cultures and organoids, this Chinese experiment is reportedly the first to send such a highly integrated brain chip into space.

President Xi Jinping has publicly questioned the need for all of China's local governments to invest heavily in the same emerging industries, such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, according to a report in Bloomberg. The statement, described as a rare instance of direct public speaking from the leader, points to concerns that this trend of redundant investment is exacerbating deflationary pressures within China's economy. The report also links the issue to rising trade tensions abroad, as industrial overcapacity affects global markets.

Hong Kong's Cyberport has signed cooperation agreements with the Guangzhou Data Exchange and China Unicom International to foster AI and data industry collaboration between mainland China and Hong Kong, AP says in a report. The memorandums of understanding, signed at an AI and data forum on July 17, aim to establish a "Mainland incubation, Hong Kong landing" model to bring Chinese tech firms and data applications into Hong Kong. According to officials, the initiative seeks to leverage Hong Kong's position as an international data hub under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework to develop the Greater Bay Area's AI industry in sectors like finance, healthcare, and trade.

Hong Kong's rail operator, the MTR Corporation, has halted foundation works for an overhead cable at its Oyster Bay station project due to signs of "upheaving," according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The government reported on Thursday that ground movement was detected at the site two days earlier. In response, staff from the Buildings Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department inspected the westbound track of the Tung Chung line. Officials stated that the condition has not affected the structural integrity of the active railway line.

A man in China, surnamed Zhang, has reportedly abandoned his girlfriend three months after a car crash he caused left her paraplegic, sparking widespread condemnation on social media, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The 25-year-old woman, surnamed Bai, was a passenger in a car driven by Zhang on April 5 in Gansu province when he became distracted and crashed. Following the accident which made her a paraplegic, Zhang initially pledged his support but has since disappeared, leaving her without care.

Chinese actor Yu Shi, known for his role in the 2023 film Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms, won two medals at the National Horseback Archery Elite Competition on Wednesday, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Yu secured a bronze medal in the single mounted event and a gold medal in the team event, competing with his group from Shenzhen.

Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a new artificial intelligence technology capable of generating 3D models of bones and organs from X-ray images, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The team claims this method can reduce a patient's radiation exposure by as much as 99 percent when compared to traditional computed tomography (CT) scans. The researchers hope the technology will be adopted into Hong Kong's public healthcare system, potentially leading to significant cost savings and shorter patient waiting times.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has denied it has any plans to establish a 'bad bank' to absorb troubled debt from the financial system, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. In a statement on Thursday, the city's de facto central bank addressed rumors by asserting that the local banking sector is healthy and profitable. The HKMA stated that banks in Hong Kong possess healthy balance sheets, manageable credit risk, and sufficient provisions, making the rumored entity unnecessary.

China is preparing for a challenging job-hunting season as a record number of fresh graduates enters the labor market, despite a slight easing in youth unemployment, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The urban jobless rate for individuals aged 16 to 24, excluding students, fell to 14.5% in June from 14.9% in May. The data was released on Thursday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Two 16-year-old boys have been arrested in Hong Kong for their alleged involvement in illegal debt collection after being offered up to HK$1,000 (US$127) per day, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Police stated on Thursday that the teenagers were arrested for loitering after an off-duty officer spotted them acting suspiciously at Po Tat Estate in Sau Mau Ping on Wednesday morning. A search conducted by the officer uncovered documents and tools associated with illicit debt collection.

A Meituan executive has stated the company was compelled to join what he termed an "irrational competition" against rivals JD.com and Alibaba Group Holding in China’s instant delivery market, South China Morning Post said in a report. Meituan executive Wang Puzhong said the company did not want to take part in the price war, adding that the current level of discounts being offered to attract customers has become disconnected from business fundamentals.

The Hong Kong government is discontinuing its free supply of Covid-19 oral antiviral drugs to private doctors, with patients now expected to pay approximately HK$7,000 (US$892) per treatment course, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The Centre for Health Protection announced the change will take effect on July 29, ending a policy that has been in place since April 2022. The government cited the subsiding pandemic as the reason for the decision, noting that about 200,000 treatment courses had been prescribed for free by private doctors under the arrangement.

A fire was reported at a factory manufacturing plastic parts in Danyang, an eastern Chinese city, on Thursday, Reuters said in a report. State broadcaster CCTV reported that firefighters were on the scene and shared an image showing heavy smoke and flames coming from a seven-story building. There were no immediate reports regarding casualties.

The Walt Disney Company's subsidiary, Disney Enterprises, Inc., has filed a lawsuit against the Hong Kong-based Red Earth Group Limited for alleged trademark infringement, as per a report in the South China Morning Post. The lawsuit, filed in a California district court on Wednesday, accuses the company, which operates the online jewelry brand Sateur, of misleading consumers into believing its Mickey Mouse-themed products were part of an authorized partnership with Disney.

Health authorities and experts have warned that Hong Kong is at risk of imported cases of Chikungunya fever after a recent outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease in the neighboring mainland province of Guangdong, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The city's Centre for Health Protection has urged the public to be vigilant against the disease, which can cause joint pain. The warning comes as experts on Thursday discussed the possibility of an outbreak in Hong Kong, prompted by a number of confirmed cases in the Shunde district of Guangdong.

Hong Kong's jobless rate remained at 3.5% between April and June, continuing the 30-month high from the previous three-month period, according to a report in South China Morning Post. Preliminary data released Thursday by the Census and Statistics Department showed the number of unemployed individuals was 136,200, a slight increase from 135,800 in the prior period. Authorities have warned that the labor market faces pressure from an uncertain external environment and an increase in graduates entering the workforce.

During a discussion in China with Alibaba Cloud founder Wang Jian, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the use of artificial intelligence for science and drug discovery would have a more significant impact than its application to human-related tasks, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Huang explained that applying AI to human tasks is comparatively easier as it involves human-created language. He contrasted this with biology, which he noted was created by nature and is therefore more difficult for AI to “manipulate,” amid rapid global advances in AI-enabled drug discovery.

Shipping giant Maersk has indicated it can avoid significant costs from new US port fees targeting China-built and operated ships, raising doubts about the policy's effectiveness, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The US plan, announced earlier in 2025, is set to impose hefty charges on such vessels entering American ports in a move aimed at curtailing China's dominance in the shipping industry. However, months before the fees are implemented, Maersk has stated it will not be forced to choose between removing Chinese vessels from its fleet or facing soaring costs, suggesting the company can adapt its operations to mitigate the financial impact.

Chinese police are investigating at least five recent cases of missing teenagers suspected of being trafficked to cross-border telecom scam centers, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Some of the teens lost contact with their families after traveling to areas near Myanmar. Authorities in Hefei, the capital of Anhui province, issued a specific warning on Wednesday confirming the disappearance of an 18-year-old high school student who had traveled to a city in Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar, highlighting the ongoing risk of citizens being drawn into criminal operations.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has acknowledged that the relationship with China, the country's top trading partner, is both 'complex' and has 'challenges,' according to a report in Bloomberg. Marles argued that rebuilding trust with Beijing is only possible through a strategy of continued and sustained engagement between the two nations.

China's top anti-corruption watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), has pledged to focus on funding for scientific research in its latest crackdown, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Li Xi, party chief of the CCDI, stated on Tuesday that the initiative is necessary to ensure the country's scientific and technological development advances "in the right direction." The move aims to support hi-tech development and innovation as a primary driver for the nation's economy by fostering a proper research environment.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) intervened in the foreign exchange market on Tuesday, selling US$1.89 billion and buying HK$14.83 billion to defend the Hong Kong dollar's peg, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. This marks the sixth such intervention since late June and was conducted to maintain the currency within its permitted trading band against the US dollar. The action aims to deter traders seeking to profit from the interest rate differential between Hong Kong and the United States by raising local overnight lending costs.

Hong Kong’s property sector could face 'short-term challenges' amid global uncertainties, but the risks are considered manageable, the South China Morning Post said in a report. At a press conference on Wednesday, Benjamin Hung Pi-cheng, chairman of the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), stated that the city's diversified economy and solid foundation support this assessment. He acknowledged that as an international financial center, certain Hong Kong industries, including the property sector, would be affected by current global conditions.

Kelly Zong Fuli, the chairwoman and CEO of Chinese beverage giant Hangzhou Wahaha Group, is embroiled in a significant inheritance dispute that has drawn attention to succession issues within China's family businesses, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The daughter of the company's late founder, Zong Qinghou, is facing two lawsuits from three individuals who claim to be her half-siblings. The plaintiffs are seeking to block her from managing assets valued at approximately US$2 billion. This legal battle comes just a year after she assumed leadership of the soft-drinks producer.

Tesla will introduce a longer, six-seat version of its Model Y sport-utility vehicle in China to reclaim market share amid growing competition from domestic electric vehicle makers, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The US company announced on Chinese social media on Wednesday that the new variant, dubbed the Model Y L, is scheduled to debut this autumn. This strategic move targets the world's largest EV market, where Tesla faces increasing pressure from local rivals.

Hong Kong and mainland Chinese stock markets wavered on Thursday amid a pledge from Beijing to curb "irrational competition" in the electric vehicle (EV) sector and speculation over the future of the US Federal Reserve chair, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The Hang Seng Index saw a minor gain of 0.1 per cent to 24,534.84 by the midday break after initially rising by as much as 0.6 per cent, while the Hang Seng Tech Index added 0.3 per cent. In mainland China, the CSI 300 Index rose 0.2 per cent, and the Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.1 per cent.

Hong Kong's transport authorities have announced new regulations requiring taxi drivers to accept electronic payments starting in April 2026, as per a report in the South China Morning Post. According to a paper submitted to the Legislative Council by the Transport and Logistics Bureau, drivers must offer at least two e-payment options. The mandate also includes the compulsory installation of journey recorders in all taxis by early 2027, with the stated aim of enhancing service standards in the city.

A majority of Hongkongers prioritize the quality of their retirement years over longevity, with most preferring a fulfilling life until age 75 rather than an ordinary one to age 80, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The annual Asia Care survey from Manulife found that nearly 80 percent of respondents do not wish to live longer if it involves poor health and financial conditions. Instead, they expressed a desire to "live independently and do what is important," reflecting shifting perceptions about retirement and old age in the city.

The Hong Kong Observatory will issue the No 1 typhoon signal as early as Friday night in anticipation of an approaching tropical cyclone, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Forecasters also noted the possibility of raising the warning to the No 3 signal on Saturday as the storm system edges closer to the city.

China is conducting naval drills with its aircraft carriers near Japan, signaling an expansion of its military's operational range into Pacific waters historically dominated by the U.S. Navy, according to a report in The New York Times. These recent exercises are part of Beijing's broader ambition to project power and increase its influence in the Pacific and beyond, developing a 'blue-water' navy. The move has heightened security concerns for regional powers, particularly Japan, and is seen as a direct challenge to U.S. naval presence, contributing to the ongoing strategic competition between the two nations.

The Philippines has publicly accused a Chinese vessel of causing more than 11 million pesos (US$194,000) in damage to protected coral reefs near Thitu Island in the South China Sea, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Manila released the findings of an environmental survey on Monday, which concluded that a Chinese ship ran aground near the island in June. Investigators determined that the vessel's parachute anchor was dragged across the sensitive marine ecosystem, scarring at least 464 square meters of the reef.

The US government has generated $50 billion in revenue from tariffs implemented under President Donald Trump's administration, the Financial Times said in a report. In response to the US tariff policies, only two countries, China and Canada, have enacted their own retaliatory tariffs. The report highlights that other global trading partners have not taken similar reciprocal action against the US measures.

An Emirates flight from Dubai to Hong Kong was diverted to Taiwan on Monday after it was unable to land due to bad weather, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Flight EK382 was rerouted to Kaohsiung International Airport in Taiwan following several unsuccessful landing attempts in Hong Kong. The passengers and crew of the Boeing 777 aircraft stayed overnight in Kaohsiung before completing their journey to Hong Kong on Tuesday.

China's new-generation Type 076 amphibious assault ship is designed to enhance sea-to-land assault capabilities, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The vessel will be equipped with an advanced electromagnetic catapult launch system, a feature that allows for more frequent launches of a wider variety of aircraft, including fixed-wing drones and fighters. The flat-top ship is also intended to function as a fleet command center, coordinating drones, helicopters, fighters, and landing craft during amphibious operations.

The global lubricants industry is undergoing a significant supply chain realignment, with Asia emerging as the sector's new hub, due to the lasting effects of US trade policy, according to a report in AP. Tariffs targeting a range of Chinese industrial chemicals under Section 301, which were enacted during President Donald Trump's first presidential term, included some specialty additives crucial for lubricant formulations. This has prompted the industry to pivot its sourcing and manufacturing operations, reinforcing Asia's growing dominance in the global lubricant market.

A new survey indicates a weakening Hong Kong office market, with nine out of ten tenants expecting longer rent-free periods from their landlords, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The survey, conducted by property consultancy Colliers, also found that more than a quarter of companies in the city intend to shrink their real estate footprint over the upcoming 12 months. This ratio of tenants seeking such concessions is the highest recorded since the annual survey was relaunched in 2023, up from eight out of ten last year.

A growing number of mainland Chinese students are choosing to sit for Hong Kong's Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exam as an alternative to the mainland's highly competitive National Higher Education Entrance Examination, known as the gaokao, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. This shift is driven by a desire for more diverse opportunities in higher education. The report highlights that students are successfully preparing for and taking the DSE as private candidates while remaining on the mainland, with some achieving top results.

China's investment and construction activities under its global Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have reached record levels, marking a significant expansion of its presence in participating countries, according to a report in the Financial Times. The rapid growth of President Xi Jinping's signature infrastructure program stands in contrast to the global development approach taken by the United States.

Some courts in southwestern China’s Guizhou province have hired folk singers to mediate legal disputes among local ethnic minorities, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The practice gained attention after a 2023 video recently went viral on social media, showing a case in Rongjiang County where a man took a woman to court for defamation. The woman, from a neighboring village, had allegedly composed and spread a folk song defaming the man and his wife. Both individuals are from the Shui ethnic group, for whom folk singing is a primary form of cultural expression.

China's massive 'Green Great Wall' project, designed to combat desertification in the country's northwest, is reportedly causing severe health issues for residents, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Scientists have identified the artemisia plant, which is widely cultivated to control wind and sand erosion as part of the initiative, as the primary cause of a surge in hay fever. In affected regions like Inner Mongolia, residents are experiencing symptoms that have worsened over the years, progressing from sneezing and conjunctivitis to bronchial asthma.

A new survey indicates that most American companies operating in China view the market as critical, despite challenges including deteriorating bilateral relations, tariffs, and China's economic weakness, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The annual survey, conducted by the US-China Business Council and published Wednesday, found that nearly all respondents believe they cannot remain globally competitive without their business in the world's second-largest economy. This sentiment persists even as some firms report losing market share within the country.

Gulf nations are navigating the growing rivalry between the United States and China as they integrate Chinese technology into their national development projects, The Diplomat says in a report. As part of its broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is expanding its Digital Silk Road, offering advanced digital infrastructure like 5G networks and smart city technology to the region. Gulf states, pursuing ambitious economic diversification strategies such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, find these offerings attractive. This development has placed them in a delicate position, balancing the economic benefits from China with their long-standing security alliances with the US, which is actively trying to curb China's technological influence through measures like export controls.

Hacking groups linked to China are increasingly targeting Taiwan's semiconductor industry and investment analysts with sustained cyber espionage campaigns, according to a report in Reuters. Researchers noted that while cyberattacks aimed at stealing data from the industry are not a new phenomenon, there has been a noticeable increase in these sustained campaigns from multiple China-aligned hacking groups. The objective of these attacks is to steal data and sensitive information related to the critical chip sector.

US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that Beijing is making "big steps" in its efforts to control the flow of fentanyl, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump noted that he has been in discussions with China on the issue, which he has previously used as justification for tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. He described the fentanyl situation as having been "terrible for many years" but indicated that China's recent actions represent a positive development.

Sales of villas, bungalows, and other luxury homes in Hong Kong reached a three-year high in the first half of 2025, fueled by an influx of wealthy immigrants searching for bargains in the high-end property market, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Data from real estate agency Centaline Property shows there were 286 registered transactions for villas during this period. This figure represents a 23.3% increase from the first six months of the previous year, indicating a significant rise in activity at the top end of one of Asia’s most expensive residential markets.