China

The economy is dominated by aggressive AI commercialization and electric vehicle market competition. Chinese AI companies like Alibaba are launching new models and focusing on profitability, while foreign automakers like Volkswagen face mixed results in the EV sector. New online commerce rules were introduced following an EU visit.

• 36China blocks Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus
• 28DeepSeek releases new AI model adapted for Huawei chips
• 18Chinese AI companies launch new models and plan stock listings
• 15Volkswagen and Porsche see mixed results in China's electric car market
• 14Huawei launches new phone and expands deals ahead of rivals

Politics is focused on high-stakes Taiwan outreach and great-power diplomacy. Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with a Taiwan opposition figure, offering incentives and warning against independence. Concurrently, China blocked a UN resolution with Russia and engaged with Spain's PM and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince.

• 50Russia and China block UN resolution on Strait of Hormuz
• 34Chinese President Xi to meet Taiwan’s KMT chief for first time in decade - The Straits Times
• 32Trump says he asked China's Xi to stop sending weapons to Iran
• 25China's Xi warns against 'world’s retrogression to the law of the jungle' in meeting with Spain's PM
• 19Taiwan opposition leader heads to China in what she calls a ‘journey for peace’

Security is defined by a direct confrontation with the US over Iran, raising risks in the Strait of Hormuz and the South China Sea. US intelligence alleges China is preparing to ship weapons to Iran, prompting warnings from Trump and a US naval deployment. Joint US-Australia-Philippines drills were held in the South China Sea.

• 15US intelligence says China is preparing to ship weapons to Iran
• 9Trump warns China of consequences for sending weapons to Iran
• 9China executes French citizen convicted of drug trafficking
• 8U.S. deploys warships to Hormuz Strait as Chinese-linked tankers reverse - The Nation Newspaper
• 8Trump’s Hormuz Blockade Risks Piling Pain on Asia Allies, China

Society shows a tension between promoting technological integration and managing international reputational risks. The state is pushing AI into education and celebrating rural revitalization, but faces external criticism over labor practices, as seen with BYD's blacklisting in Brazil.

• 3China turns Taiwan’s own voices against it in information war
• 3Rural revolutionary bases revitalized - China Daily - Global Edition
• 3China to extend visa-free travel for Russians another year
• 2List honoring China's top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2025 released
• 2Chinese medical team offers free clinic to Sierra Leone community