China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has proposed new rules to prevent food delivery platforms from misusing subsidies. The draft regulations aim to stop market disruption, selling goods at a loss, and forcing merchants into subsidy programs, addressing concerns about intense competition harming businesses, drivers, and consumers.
Taiwan accused Kenya of deporting two delegates from the island who were to attend a global oceans conference in Mombasa, blaming Beijing for pressuring the East African nation. Kenya stated its foreign policy recognizes only one China.
China has condemned Taiwan's launch of a website encouraging Chinese citizens to share intelligence, warning of 'resolute countermeasures' and accusing Taipei of fueling cross-strait tensions. Taiwan's National Security Bureau stated the platform aims to broaden intelligence sources amid growing interest from Chinese nationals disillusioned by economic and political conditions.
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, plans to expand a proposed university town near the mainland border to over 1,000 hectares, integrating education with industry and innovation. Beijing's endorsement highlights its role in economic and tech development.
China released a white paper advocating for "more just and equitable" global governance, particularly in emerging areas like AI and outer space. Top diplomat Wang Yi stated the current international system is at a "critical crossroads" due to multiple crises, emphasizing China's support for changes aligned with current realities rather than rebuilding the existing order.
Lululemon apologized after a promotional yoga festival on the Great Wall of China featured what appeared to be a Japanese taiko drum instead of a Chinese dagu drum. The incident sparked an uproar on Chinese social media, with users calling it insulting. The brand removed event content and pledged to be more cautious in future.
China's top military decision-making body concluded an unprecedented training course for senior officers in Beijing, emphasizing ideological transformation and loyalty to the Communist Party. Vice-chairman Zhang Shengmin urged participants to prepare for the PLA's 100th anniversary with a renewed political outlook.
Moscow has established its first booth at the Beijing International Book Fair, showcasing over 300 books by nearly 200 Russian authors. China represents over two-thirds of Moscow's book export deals, highlighting a strong strategic partnership.
China plans to bolster legal defenses against unilateral sanctions by incorporating blocking and countermeasure provisions into financial legislation, according to Vice-Premier He Lifeng. He stated China will not compromise against "groundless suppression" and warned against unilateralism and protectionism.
Saudi Arabia signed housing and construction agreements worth $507 million with Chinese partners, including China State Construction Engineering, during a visit to Shenzhen. The deals aim to deepen cooperation on urban development projects and support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, expanding beyond traditional construction to smart-city technologies.
China is accelerating the establishment of a global AI cooperation organization, welcoming all parties to join, according to senior Chinese officials. This initiative contrasts with the U.S. approach, which focuses on restricting foreign access to its AI models and offering them only to "trusted partners."
An American media professional, Zachary Lundquist (Huang Hao), advised China to adapt to Western algorithms instead of fighting them to improve its narrative on Tibet. Speaking at the Second Xizang International Communication Conference in Lhasa, he noted that algorithms learn associations over time, creating information cocoons.
Hong Kong's top court rejected a challenge to a law banning public advocacy for election boycotts or invalid ballots, deeming the restriction a "modest" interference necessary for safeguarding electoral participation and confidence.
Activists in China are working covertly to help vulnerable women subjected to forced marriage and trafficking, operating in the shadows due to government crackdowns. The 'chained woman' incident in 2022 spurred a new wave of feminism focused on these issues, highlighting systemic failures despite official anti-trafficking efforts.
Singaporean F&B players in China, like Vanda Room and Food Republic, are facing increased competition and market shifts. Food Republic closed its Beijing outlet after its lease expired, highlighting the struggles some brands face in maintaining their presence.
Taiwan's recent HIMARS rocket launch westward towards the Taiwan Strait signals a strategic shift towards mobile strike weapons to counter a potential mainland Chinese attack before it reaches shore. The exercise, the first of its kind, highlights Taiwan's plans for employing these new weapons in a cross-strait conflict.
China held a forum in Berlin to promote imports from the EU, aiming to ease trade tensions and address its growing trade surplus. The event, attended by officials and executives, sought to showcase China's market potential amid rising regulatory hurdles and geopolitical shifts in Europe.
Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem alleged China has a "thousand-year plan" to destroy the U.S. by funneling Chinese nationals across the border. She cited intelligence suggesting Beijing-backed networks facilitate migrant entry, with over 22,000 encounters involving Chinese nationals reported since 2023.
EU leaders are converging on a more assertive approach to China, citing unfair trade practices and a growing deficit. While dialogue continues, the EU is considering tools like import quotas and an overcapacity instrument, though a full trade war is unlikely due to economic fragility.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a commitment to strengthening strategic guidance and comprehensive cooperation with Myanmar, referring to their relationship with a Burmese term for close ties. The leaders witnessed the signing of 18 MOUs covering areas like transport, trade, disaster relief, health, and media.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines stated they will not permit any structures at Whitsun Reef, following satellite imagery of a potential floating platform. Military spokesperson Xerxes Trinidad affirmed the Philippines' stance against ceding any territory.
China faces a "Four Front Dilemma" with adversaries on its Pacific and Himalayan borders. The Taiwan Strait, Korean Peninsula, South China Sea, and the India border present unique challenges, exacerbated by a resurgent Japan, a defiant Philippines, and internal PLA leadership issues, leaving Beijing strategically constrained.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing, endorsing his leadership and pledging to deepen strategic cooperation. The meeting, China's staunchest international support for Myanmar's military government, also addressed issues like online gambling and drug trafficking.
China's top legislative body, the NPC Standing Committee, will discuss a bill next week to grant Hong Kong jurisdiction over part of the redeveloped Huanggang Port in Shenzhen, set to open 24-hour operations in July.
