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.

The Chinese government has launched a new initiative to combat the country’s severe birth-rate crisis. Beginning January 2025, Beijing will provide couples with an annual cash payment of 3,600 yuan for each newborn child, continuing until the child turns three. Once the most populous country in the world, China has now fallen to second place amid sustained declines in birth rates despite previous policy relaxations. Authorities hope that direct financial support will help reverse this trend and stabilize population growth.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stated that China does not want Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, as it could shift U.S. geopolitical focus directly onto China. During a meeting with the EU in Brussels, Wang reportedly said a prolonged conflict could serve China’s interests by keeping the U.S. engaged elsewhere. Meanwhile, Ukraine has alleged that some Russian-used drones are Chinese-made and that Beijing is providing military assistance—claims China has denied.

The Dalai Lama has declared that his successor will be chosen solely by the Gaden Phodrang Trust without any external interference, reaffirming centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions. China rejected the announcement, insisting that the next Dalai Lama must be approved by Beijing and selected through a state-sanctioned process. The Dalai Lama's statement comes ahead of his 90th birthday and follows global Tibetan appeals to preserve the spiritual lineage. Experts say the move signals a rejection of Chinese control and a bid for religious autonomy.

Researchers in China’s Yunnan Province have identified 20 new viruses in bats, including two genetically similar to deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. The study, published in PLOS Pathogens, analyzed kidney samples from 142 bats collected between 2017 and 2021. Finding viruses in bat kidneys raises concerns about contamination of nearby fruit and water sources through bat urine. Scientists stress the importance of vaccine development and ongoing research to prevent future outbreaks, although no immediate threat is currently expected.

A military research institute in China has developed a mosquito-sized surveillance drone, designed specifically for covert operations. Researchers at the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) in Hunan Province have unveiled a bio-inspired robotic drone featuring ultra-thin legs and dual wings, controlled via smartphone. “The robot closely resembles a mosquito and is highly suited for surveillance and military missions,” said Liang Hexiang, a student at NUDT. Similar drone technology mimicking mosquitoes has also reportedly been developed in the United States.

China has strongly condemned the US attack on Iran, particularly the bombing of nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In a statement, China’s Foreign Ministry said, “This action by the United States is a grave violation of the UN Charter, international norms, and international law.” The statement further warned that the attack has dangerously escalated tensions in the Middle East. China urged all parties—especially Israel—to agree to an immediate ceasefire and expressed its readiness to work with the international community to restore peace and stability in the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressed the need for major powers to ease tensions in the Iran-Israel conflict, subtly referencing the United States without naming it. He criticized actions that might escalate the situation, echoing growing global concerns. Both leaders condemned Israel’s recent strikes and called for an immediate ceasefire. Putin reiterated Russia’s offer to mediate. Xi warned that unchecked conflict could spread and destabilize the broader region.

As Israeli airstrikes on Iran continue, China has started evacuating its citizens from the country. The Chinese News Service reported that the first batch of Chinese nationals has departed Iran, traveling by land to Turkmenistan from Tehran on Tuesday. India had previously begun a similar evacuation operation for its citizens.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an immediate end to the Israel-Iran conflict, expressing deep concern over the sudden escalation in the Middle East. Speaking during a summit in Kazakhstan, Xi emphasized peaceful resolution and China's willingness to mediate. He condemned violations of national sovereignty and warned against military solutions. Meanwhile, Beijing has started evacuating its citizens from both Iran and Israel. The conflict intensified after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting key Iranian military and nuclear facilities on June 12.

China has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of escalating the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict by urging citizens to leave Tehran. The accusation follows Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful. The five-day conflict risks spreading across the Middle East. China urged restraint from nations influencing Israel and called on its citizens to leave Israel promptly. Nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran have also broken down amid the tensions.

Amid intensified hostilities between Iran and Israel, the Chinese Embassy in Israel has urged its citizens to leave the country as soon as possible. In a statement on WeChat on Tuesday, the embassy emphasized that Chinese nationals should cross land borders and leave the region at their earliest convenience, prioritizing their safety. The embassy specifically advised traveling towards Jordan, noting that civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure are mounting as the conflict escalates.