Beijing

Demand for Beijing’s grade-A office buildings increased in the first half of the year, driven by artificial intelligence and semiconductor companies in the Zhongguancun area, the only submarket in Beijing to post rent growth. The report was published by property consultancy Knight Frank.

Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr stated that broader military engagement with China is not possible unless Beijing changes its stance, while maintaining limited communication channels. The remarks follow sanctions against Teodoro by China and tensions over the South China Sea.

Hong Kong is positioned to lead in longevity medicine as the silver economy expands in Asia. China's aging population, now 320 million, is driving proactive aging strategies as part of national security and economic growth initiatives.

Wu Shicun, founder of China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies, discusses Beijing’s potential responses to rival claimants in the disputed South China Sea. The interview addresses challenges posed by Manila’s 'transparency' campaign in the region.

Russia has deployed upgraded 'anti-drone' tanks equipped with the Arena-M system, designed to counter FPV drones and anti-tank weapons. Leaked documents indicate joint development between Moscow and Beijing on next-generation armored vehicles incorporating AI, active protection systems, and drone integration.

China's People’s Daily has published commentaries criticizing the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling as 'illegal' and a 'destabilising force,' urging the Philippines to engage in direct talks. The article highlights a multi-agency initiative from Beijing ahead of the 10th anniversary of the ruling.

Zelensky stated that China has firmly rejected Russian rhetoric about using nuclear weapons against Ukraine. He cited European leaders indicating Beijing warned against nuclear escalation, calling it a significant shift.

Two Chinese military pilots, including a high-ranking tactical commander, were killed during PLA frontline flight training exercises last month. Official regional government notices and local media reported the deaths, but Beijing has not issued a statement. It remains unclear if the pilots died in the same incident.

The Philippines commemorated the anniversary of a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea. The ruling was rejected by Beijing.

Beijing has released a five-year plan to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, emphasizing expansion of nuclear and green energy while ensuring energy security for the economy and artificial intelligence sector.

Tencent is leading a deal to acquire Meta's stake in Manus, an AI agent startup, following a Beijing order to reverse the US-based acquisition. The Chinese tech giant will become the largest shareholder in the startup.

China is expanding its anti-sanctions measures to counter US and EU sanctions and export controls. This move raises risks for foreign firms operating in China.

Xiaomi, a smartphone vendor now one of Tesla’s biggest challengers in mainland China’s EV market, is developing a new SUV line called Sky Nomad with extended-range battery technology to counter domestic sales slowdown.

Chinese companies are leveraging a rare earths export ban to strengthen their competitive position against foreign rivals, as Beijing reduces exports of key materials to Japan. The move is being described as a 'historic opportunity' for manufacturers to advance up the value chain.

Hong Kong’s retail leasing market faces ongoing pressure with rental rates below pre-pandemic levels. Analysts cite Beijing’s capital flight crackdown and potential US Federal Reserve rate hikes as factors adding uncertainty, while the food and beverage sector experiences closures, including operations cuts by fast-food chain Maxim’s MX.

Hong Kong’s retail leasing market faces ongoing pressure with rental rates below pre-pandemic levels. Analysts cite Beijing’s capital flight crackdown and a potential US Federal Reserve rate hike as factors exacerbating sector uncertainty, alongside closures in the food and beverage industry, including fast-food chain Maxim’s MX.

A Chinese academic warned that any nation launching a nuclear attack on China would face 'annihilation' during an interview on the ABC. The statement emphasizes a strong deterrent against nuclear aggression toward Beijing.

Angola's Lobito railway has received fresh funding as the United States and China compete for control over Africa's cobalt and copper resources. This competition has implications for global supply chains and Latin America.

Beijing urged the Netherlands to ensure fair treatment for Chinese companies and maintain stable chip supply chains during a visit by the Dutch trade minister. The discussion aimed to address tech tensions with Washington and resolve past friction over Nexperia, as per a statement by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

Beijing urged the Netherlands to ensure fair treatment for Chinese companies and maintain stable chip supply chains during a visit by the Dutch trade minister, as both sides navigate tech tensions with Washington and seek resolution over Nexperia.

Beijing criticized Manila's South China Sea territorial claims as 'unlawful' and a 'grave threat' to the post-war global order. A Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources think tank issued the report, reinforcing China's stance ahead of the 10th anniversary of a Hague ruling on the dispute.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has publicly supported Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro amid China's sanctions, signaling a firm stance that observers suggest could complicate diplomatic relations with Beijing and strengthen defense ties with allies.

DeepSeek is developing its own AI chip to reduce reliance on Nvidia and Huawei, aiming to reshape China’s semiconductor industry. This move aligns with Chinese tech companies’ efforts to design in-house AI chips amid US export controls eroding Nvidia’s market share and Huawei’s growing dominance.

Chinese authorities are considering restrictions on overseas access to China's most advanced AI models. Meetings with Alibaba, ByteDance, and Z.ai have been held to discuss curbing foreign access to frontier models.

China’s central bank extended its gold-buying streak to 20 consecutive months in June, adding 480,000 troy ounces (14.93 tonnes) to its reserves. Total gold holdings reached 75.44 million troy ounces (2,346 tonnes), reflecting Beijing’s de-dollarisation efforts and diversification of foreign-exchange reserves.

The fallout from Operation Epic Fury is affecting Trump's private discussions with NATO allies. Democrats have distanced themselves from Senate candidate Graham Platner following rape allegations, and Team USA was defeated by Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16. Additional headlines include a court incident involving an accused assassin, a nuclear test by Beijing, and political shifts with federal lawyers defecting to Democrats.

Beijing hosted a movie screening of the film 'Dear You' for 150 foreign diplomats and their families from 74 embassies to help them 'better understand China'. The film, organized by the Chinese foreign ministry, was shot in the Teochew dialect of the Chaoshan region in Guangdong province and has sparked debate about propaganda in Southeast Asia.

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong is set to be sentenced in September for a second national security case under a Beijing-imposed law.

China test-fired a missile into the Pacific, prompting US-led international concern. The People's Liberation Army displayed DF-5C nuclear missiles during a military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025.

Taiwan has revived its 'anti-communist patriotic education' program for military academy graduates after 24 years, citing concerns over Beijing's infiltration attempts and recent espionage cases involving service members. The five-day compulsory course, starting July 1, restores the program's original name.

ByteDance and Alibaba are disabling AI companion features ahead of new China rules effective July 15, which target emotional dependence and harmful content for minors.

Beijing has introduced measures to strengthen its control over lithium pricing by allowing foreign industrial players to trade lithium carbonate on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange, starting July 3. This move aims to enhance China's pricing power over the US in the critical material for electric vehicles and energy storage.

Beijing has introduced measures allowing foreign traders to participate in onshore lithium carbonate trading via the Guangzhou Futures Exchange, aiming to strengthen China's pricing power over the US in the critical material for electric vehicles and energy storage.

A mainland Chinese research vessel conducted an oceanographic survey in the Philippine Sea east of Taiwan from June 16 to 18. Experts noted the dual-use nature of the collected data, which could support military underwater operations. State media framed the mission as an example of Beijing's expanding civilian maritime governance.

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim plans to discuss falling durian prices with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a Beijing visit to assist struggling farmers. A nationwide surplus has caused prices to drop, prompting Anwar's intervention during a campaign stop in Johor ahead of a state election.

Australia and Fiji signed a defense pact to counter China in the Pacific. Fiji, which had grown closer to Beijing under its former leadership, will now consult Canberra on security developments.

The leader of a prominent Chinese underground church, Ezra Jin, was released from prison after President Donald Trump raised his case with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Jin's release follows a crackdown on religious groups in China and is seen as a modest boost for US-China relations.

A Chinese pastor was released from prison after Trump raised his case with Xi Jinping. The pastor, Ezra Jin Mingri, is associated with the Zion Church in Beijing.

China and the United States have agreed to a 'constructive' relationship with 'strategic stability,' but deep-seated differences leave the future of their relationship uncertain. A Beijing forum highlighted tensions ahead of a potential visit by President Xi Jinping to the US later this year, with experts noting the challenge of defining deliverables for such high-level diplomatic engagements.

Beijing deployed a new coastguard task force into waters east of Taiwan, the second such deployment in about a month. The move follows China’s top diplomat urging Washington to exercise caution on Taiwan and high-level talks with the Philippines to address South China Sea tensions.