Around 491,000 air tickets for flights from China to Japan have been cancelled following Beijing’s travel advisory urging citizens to avoid Japan. The cancellations, which surged over the weekend, affected more than 80 percent of scheduled flights on Sunday and over 75 percent on Monday, according to aviation analyst Li Hanming. He noted that cancellations were 27 times higher than new bookings, reflecting widespread safety concerns among Chinese travelers. Airlines have responded by offering full refunds for Japan-bound flights. The sudden drop in demand could cost airlines billions of yuan in lost revenue and may force short-term capacity adjustments if diplomatic tensions persist. Analysts compared the scale of cancellations to the early 2020 period when Covid-19 outbreaks caused a sharp decline in air travel during the Lunar New Year holiday. The situation underscores how geopolitical strains can rapidly disrupt regional travel and aviation markets.

Chinese tech giant Baidu announced a 50% year-on-year increase in revenue from its artificial intelligence (AI) operations, even as its core advertising business experienced a slowdown during the third quarter. The company revealed that sales from AI-related cloud infrastructure, applications, and marketing services reached 10 billion yuan, marking the first time Baidu disclosed detailed figures for its AI segment. Chief Financial Officer He Haijian described the AI business as providing a 'solid foundation for sustainable long-term growth,' emphasizing its growing importance to Baidu’s overall strategy. The disclosure is expected to give investors a clearer view of how Baidu’s investments in AI are driving its future growth, signaling a strategic shift toward technology-driven revenue streams amid a challenging advertising environment.

China has canceled nearly 500,000 flights to Japan following escalating diplomatic tensions over Japan’s stance on Taiwan. The move comes after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan could become militarily involved if China attempted to invade Taiwan, prompting a strong reaction from Beijing. In response, China suspended visa processing, halted cultural exchange programs, and issued travel warnings for its citizens and students. At least seven Chinese airlines, including three state-owned carriers, are allowing passengers to cancel Japan-bound bookings free of charge. Sichuan Airlines has suspended all Chengdu–Sapporo flights until March, while Spring Airlines has canceled multiple routes. The cancellations have negatively impacted Japan’s retail and travel sectors, with share prices dropping. Analysts describe this as the largest flight cancellation since the early COVID-19 period, though they note limited impact on China’s domestic aviation market. Japan has advised its citizens in China to remain cautious and avoid crowded areas amid the diplomatic strain.

The eastern Chinese city of Ningbo has introduced a new incentive program to counter the country’s declining marriage rate. According to the city’s Civil Affairs Department, newly married couples will receive eight cash vouchers worth a total of 1,000 yuan (about $141 or £107). These vouchers can be used for wedding photography, ceremonies, celebrations, hotels, shopping, and other marriage-related services. The vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Similar initiatives have been launched in other eastern cities such as Hangzhou and Pinghu, running through the end of the year. Official data show that over 6.1 million couples registered marriages last year, down nearly 20% from 7.68 million in 2023. Analysts attribute the decline to high child-rearing and education costs. In response, Chinese authorities have promoted policies encouraging marriage and childbirth, including “love education” programs at universities and local government support for marriage at an “appropriate age.”

Japan has issued a security advisory for its citizens living in China as diplomatic tensions between the two countries intensify following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan. The Japanese embassy in Beijing urged nationals to remain vigilant, avoid crowded areas, and travel in groups whenever possible. Parents with children were asked to exercise extra caution and report any suspicious activity immediately. The advisory follows China’s warning to its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan after Tokyo suggested it might respond militarily if China attacks Taiwan. Both nations have exchanged formal protests, with Beijing accusing Japan of interfering in its internal affairs. The situation has sparked a verbal confrontation, with some Chinese officials making harsh comments perceived as threats. The Japanese government has refused to retract its stance, further straining bilateral relations between the two Asian powers.

A fish pond in Changsha, Hunan province, China, has gained viral attention after its owners revealed they feed their fish 5,000 kilograms of chilli peppers daily. The pond, co-managed by fish farmer Jiang Sheng and his former classmate Kuang Ke, spans about 10 acres and houses over 2,000 fish. The farmers claim that the capsaicin in the chillies stimulates digestion and nutrient absorption, accelerating fish growth and improving their flavor and appearance. They use common varieties such as cone and millet peppers, asserting that the fish now prefer chillies over grass. The practice reflects the region’s cultural affinity for spicy food and has sparked curiosity online about its effects on aquaculture and food quality. While the owners insist the method is safe and beneficial, experts have yet to confirm any scientific basis for the claims.

China has discovered its largest gold deposit since 1949 in Liaoning Province, containing an estimated 1,444 tons of gold. The Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed that the Dadonggou mine, identified after just 15 months of exploration, holds around 2.586 million tons of ore with an average gold content of 0.56 grams per ton. The total estimated value of the deposit exceeds €166 billion, given current record-high gold prices of over €115,000 per kilogram. The state-run Liaoning Geological and Mining Group led the project, employing about 1,000 technicians and workers. Although the site’s exact location remains undisclosed for strategic reasons, officials have completed a preliminary economic feasibility assessment. The discovery comes amid surging global gold demand, driven by a weak U.S. dollar, geopolitical instability, and central banks’ increasing gold purchases. China has intensified mineral exploration in recent years, with multiple major finds in 2024, reinforcing its position as a leading gold producer and consumer.

China has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following heightened diplomatic tensions triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan. Takaichi suggested that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces could respond if China attacks Taiwan, sparking a sharp exchange between Beijing and Tokyo. Both countries have lodged formal protests, and Chinese officials have issued strong verbal reactions, with some statements perceived as threatening. Despite mounting pressure, Takaichi refused to retract her comments, asserting they align with Japan’s long-standing policy, though she pledged to be cautious in future remarks. In response, China summoned Japan’s ambassador in Beijing and warned Japan to stop “playing with fire.” The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated its stance on social media, while Japan’s embassy in China urged Japanese citizens to avoid travel to Japan in the near future, reflecting the deepening strain in bilateral relations.

Major Chinese carriers—Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern—announced free refunds and itinerary changes for passengers with tickets to Japan purchased before noon on Saturday, following a travel advisory from Beijing. The Chinese foreign ministry issued the warning late Friday, urging citizens to avoid travel to Japan, citing worsening safety conditions and a series of targeted attacks against Chinese nationals. The ministry also accused Japan’s leadership of making provocative statements on Taiwan, which it said had damaged the environment for Sino-Japanese relations and increased risks for Chinese travelers. The airlines’ refund policies will remain in effect for flights scheduled between Saturday and December 31. The move underscores heightened diplomatic tensions between China and Japan amid ongoing disputes over Taiwan and regional security issues.

China has announced a suspension of the 24% additional tariffs on U.S. goods following recent discussions between President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, declared on Wednesday by China’s State Council Tariff Commission, keeps the existing 10% tariff in place while pausing the extra levy for one year. Officials stated that the move aims to stabilize bilateral trade relations and support global economic recovery after years of tariff disputes. Additionally, China will lift up to 15% of specific tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, effective November 10. Analysts suggest this will boost imports of key commodities such as soybeans, corn, and meat—benefiting both American farmers and Chinese consumers amid rising food prices. Although no major deal emerged from the Xi-Trump meeting, the renewed dialogue is seen as a step toward easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have signed an upgraded “3.0” version of their free trade agreement, aiming to deepen economic cooperation across infrastructure, digitalization, green transition, trade facilitation, and people-to-people exchange. The agreement was signed on October 28 during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Trade between China and ASEAN has steadily grown despite global trade tensions, reaching $785 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 9.6% increase from last year. The rise reflects both industrial supply chain products and an increasing share of Chinese consumer goods in Southeast Asian markets. Officials expect the new agreement to broaden and enhance high-quality economic collaboration between the two regions.

At the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, China clearly signaled its support for open trade and regional economic cooperation. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need to safeguard East Asia’s peace and stability, uphold free and multilateral trade systems, and reject protectionism—remarks widely seen as a subtle critique of U.S. high-tariff policies. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump signed new trade framework agreements with four countries but avoided meeting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had offered dialogue to ease trade tensions. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reported that his meeting with Trump resulted in more favorable trade terms for Brazil, easing previous tensions. The China-led RCEP bloc, representing nearly 30% of global GDP, called for rapid expansion, while Europe and Japan expressed concern over China’s rare earth export controls affecting global supply chains. China’s message at ASEAN was clear: positioning itself as a global free trade advocate.

China’s state-owned oil companies, including PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC, and Zhenhua Oil, have temporarily suspended purchases of Russian oil shipped by sea in response to U.S. sanctions on Russia’s top energy firms, Rosneft and Lukoil. The move comes amid concerns about potential legal and financial risks. India, the largest buyer of Russian seaborne oil, is also reducing imports for similar reasons, which could significantly impact Russia’s oil export revenues and pressure global crude markets. China imports roughly 1.4 million barrels of Russian oil by sea daily, mostly purchased by independent “teapot” refineries, while state-owned companies account for smaller volumes. Pipeline imports of nearly 900,000 barrels daily, managed solely by PetroChina, are expected to remain largely unaffected. Traders predict that India and China will now seek alternative oil sources from the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, potentially driving up global oil prices further.

China has dismissed nine senior generals in what observers call the country’s biggest military shake-up in decades. The Chinese Communist Party accused the officers of serious economic crimes and expelled them from both the military and the Party. Among those removed are He Weidong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and China’s second-most powerful military leader after President Xi Jinping, as well as Rocket Force commander Wang Houbin and Political Work Department chief Miao Hua. Analysts suggest that beyond corruption charges, the purge reflects Xi Jinping’s continued consolidation of power and efforts to root out perceived disloyalty within the armed forces. The move follows a recent directive from the Central Military Commission aimed at eliminating “toxic influences” and enforcing strict discipline in the ranks.

China has vowed to “fight till the end” in its trade war with the United States after President Donald Trump announced a new 100% tariff on Chinese imports. The statement, released by China’s Ministry of Commerce on October 14, came in response to Trump’s recent social media post threatening broader export controls on critical software starting November 1. The tensions were further inflamed after China limited exports of rare earth minerals. The trade escalation has shaken global markets and cast uncertainty over a possible meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean officials. Beijing reiterated that it remains open to dialogue but warned Washington against combining talks with threats. Despite the disputes, China’s exports grew by 8.3% in September, with shipments to the U.S. rising to $34.3 billion. The tariff conflict continues to dominate discussions at the IMF and World Bank meetings.