Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss resolving the Ukraine crisis. According to Beijing, Putin briefed Xi on the recent visit to Moscow by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and developments in the “Ukraine crisis.” Xi said he welcomed dialogue between Moscow and Washington, encouraged improved relations, and supported political solutions to the conflict. Beijing will continue to promote peace and dialogue, he added. The Kremlin confirmed both leaders discussed Witkoff’s visit, preparations for Putin’s upcoming trip to China, participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, and commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat and the end of World War II.

At least 31 residents died after a severe flood struck a nursing home on the outskirts of Beijing. Most of the victims were elderly and physically immobile.

BBC reports that water levels reached chest height before rescue teams could access the facility in Miyun District. Footage shows emergency workers wading through deep water to rescue the trapped residents. Authorities admitted to shortcomings in their emergency response plans and labeled the incident a “painful lesson” and a “wake-up call.”

The home housed around 77 residents at the time; nearly 40 became trapped when floodwaters rose to about 2 meters (6 feet).

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen criticized the U.S. for using tariffs as a tool of pressure, calling it a clear case of trade suppression and hegemonic politics. He noted the 35% U.S. tariff on Bangladeshi goods as unfair and unethical for a least developed country. China expressed its willingness to work with Bangladesh to resist unilateralism, support fair trade, and uphold global justice. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to openness and multilateralism, despite growing global protectionism and trade barriers imposed by powerful nations.

China has introduced a historic nationwide cash subsidy of up to 10,800 yuan per child under three years old to address its declining birth rate and demographic crisis. Starting in 2024, families will receive up to 3,600 yuan annually per child, benefiting nearly 20 million households. This follows local subsidy trials in various provinces. Despite abolishing the one-child policy a decade ago, China’s population continues to shrink, with rapid aging raising serious economic and social concerns for the future.

Heavy rains in northern China have caused devastating floods, resulting in at least 30 deaths in Beijing. Authorities evacuated 80,000 people as more rain was forecasted. Nearly 130 villages lost power, and many roads were damaged, isolating residents. Rescue teams are using helicopters and wading through chest-deep waters to save stranded individuals. The Miyun district suffered the most damage. President Xi Jinping has ordered comprehensive search and rescue efforts amid ongoing infrastructure repairs and support for displaced residents.

At the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the urgent need for global consensus on balancing the rapid development of artificial intelligence with its security risks. He called for responsible governance, open-source collaboration, and announced a new China-led international body to enhance AI cooperation. Li highlighted challenges such as misinformation, job displacement, and loss of human control. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump vowed aggressive policies to ensure American dominance in AI, aiming to reduce regulatory hurdles for private innovation.

China has begun construction of a massive hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River, which flows from Tibet through India and into Bangladesh — triggering serious concerns in India over environmental and geopolitical impacts.

The project, estimated to cost 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately $167 billion), will include five major hydropower stations. Once completed, the dam is expected to surpass the scale of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River.

Downstream countries, particularly India and Bangladesh, fear that the dam could disrupt the river’s natural flow, negatively impact agriculture, and harm local ecosystems. Despite these concerns, China appears to be proceeding without addressing the objections raised by its neighbors.

China has commenced construction of a massive hydropower project on the Tibetan stretch of the Brahmaputra River, despite international objections. The project was inaugurated by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. While China claims the project aligns with its carbon neutrality goals and Tibetan development, India has raised concerns over downstream water flow disruptions. Costing approximately 1.2 trillion yuan, it is expected to be one of the world’s largest dams. Experts warn it could severely impact livelihoods and ecosystems in northeast India and southern Bangladesh.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Beijing. The two leaders discussed strengthening regional security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism measures. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and integration and discussed UN Security Council matters in a phone call with Secretary-General António Guterres. He confirmed Pakistan’s continued support for SCO’s stability and economic growth.

In a high-level diplomatic move, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for the first time since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Jaishankar was in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He conveyed greetings from Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed recent progress in bilateral relations.

China’s economy grew 5.2% year-on-year in the April–June quarter, supported by strong export performance despite U.S. trade tensions and tariffs. Analysts warn that growth may slow in the second half due to continued external pressure. While exports to the U.S. dropped 43% in May, China increased exports to ASEAN and the EU to offset the loss. Government initiatives to reduce external dependency and boost domestic consumption have helped maintain stability amid a struggling property sector and geopolitical uncertainty.

China has reportedly threatened Myanmar's Kachin rebels to stop their offensive near the Chinese border or risk losing rare earth exports. The conflict has disrupted mining operations in Kachin State, which supplies nearly half the world’s heavy rare earths used in EVs and wind turbines. Prices have surged, and exports to China have halved this year. While China denies specific talks, analysts say its moves aim to protect economic interests. Rebels believe China won’t halt imports due to its reliance on these minerals.

China’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipping Building Company has developed a state-of-the-art vessel named ‘Brands Hatch’ that primarily uses wind power as its driving force. Built for the British company UML, this ship measures 250 meters in length and 44 meters in width. It features three smart sails, each over 40 meters tall, which automatically adjust their direction by sensing wind speed and direction.

This innovative design significantly reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions — saving approximately 14.5 tons of fuel and 45 tons of carbon dioxide daily. Over the course of a year, the ship is expected to use 12% less fuel, resulting in a reduction of 3,800 to 5,000 tons of carbon emissions and cost savings of around 150 million US dollars.

With this project, the vessel sets a new global benchmark in environmentally friendly shipping technology.

Apple’s iPhone sales in China rose by 8% in the April–June quarter of 2025, marking the first growth in two years, according to Counterpoint Research. Discounts on the iPhone 16 series and attractive trade-in offers ahead of the 618 Shopping Festival drove the increase. While the growth is encouraging for investors, Apple still faces stiff competition, especially from Huawei, which saw a 12% sales rise. Apple remains in third place in China’s smartphone market behind Huawei and Vivo, and experts urge more innovation to retain its position.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has expressed hope that he will live more than 130 years. During a prayer gathering in Dharamshala, India, he told followers he plans to reincarnate as Tibet’s spiritual leader after death. He emphasized that the right to recognize his successor lies with the Gaden Phodrang Trust—not the Chinese government. China has long branded him a separatist. The Dalai Lama, who is already the longest-living Tibetan Buddhist leader, reiterated that his next birth will take place outside Chinese control.