Amy Hawkins

The High Court dismissed a legal challenge by the Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association against planning permission for a large new Chinese embassy in London, allowing the project to proceed. The residents’ group argues that the government failed to properly assess human-rights implications and intends to appeal. Planning approval was granted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government after the application was removed from Tower Hamlets Council, which had rejected it on security grounds; senior intelligence officials later advised that the risks could be managed. The project remains contentious in UK-China relations, with construction delays also affecting plans to redevelop the British embassy in Beijing.

China is deploying AI, including Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis, at a rapid pace, putting pressure on taxi drivers and other gig workers in an already fragile labour market. Wuhan driver Yao Xinnong says his wages fell by about 40% after robotaxis launched, while protests and criticism of automation have faced censorship. AI is also displacing white-collar and film-industry workers such as cinematographer Tian Zemin, whose freelance rate has fallen sharply. Although Chinese officials increasingly stress employment protections, ethical concerns and treating AI as a tool, many workers fear safeguards and retraining will not keep pace with the technology.

Hong Kong’s arrests of five people linked to independent bookstores have prompted widespread support in Taiwan for the slogan “I am a bookstore employee” and driven a surge in sales of Emily Feng’s book about ideological control under Xi Jinping. Taiwanese readers and politicians have framed the crackdown as evidence of the dangers of Chinese censorship, while Acropolis Publishing ordered 10,000 extra copies. The story also examines the legacy of bookseller Lam Wing-kee and argues that Taiwan’s rhetorical support for Hong Kong has not been matched by substantial refugee or other practical policies.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Chinese human rights lawyer Wu Shaoping in Pennsylvania while he was working as an Amazon courier. Wu entered the United States legally in 2019 and has been awaiting a decision on his asylum application since 2020, but human rights advocates fear he could be deported to China and persecuted. His arrest follows his involvement in China’s human rights-lawyer community and a 2019 meeting whose participants included imprisoned activists Ding Jiaxi and Xu Zhiyong. Wu’s immigration hearing is scheduled for 27 July, while supporters and his wife describe the potential consequences of his return as severe.

Donald Trump used a televised White House address to accuse China of interfering in the 2020 US election and to claim that the American electoral system is vulnerable to foreign hacking, despite intelligence assessments finding no Chinese effort to alter the vote. Democrats and election officials warned that the speech was intended to spread confusion and lay groundwork for challenging Republican losses in the 2026 congressional midterms. Trump announced the release of intelligence documents, ordered agencies to investigate an alleged cover-up, and renewed support for strict voter-identification legislation. The documents reportedly contained no evidence that foreign actors changed any votes, while China rejected the allegations. The address also touched briefly on Iran and prompted several major television networks to decline live broadcast on their main channels.

China’s economy grew 4.3% in the second quarter, falling short of government targets and marking one of the weakest quarterly performances since the early 1990s. Strong export growth contrasted with declining domestic demand, including a sharp drop in vehicle sales and a fall in fixed‑asset investment, prompting concerns over structural imbalances. Economists are watching for possible stimulus signals from Chinese leadership as investment weakness and unemployment weigh on prospects. External risks include potential renewed US tariffs and fallout from the US‑Israel war on Iran, though China’s diversified energy supplies have softened immediate impacts. First‑half growth reached 4.7%, easing pressure for large‑scale intervention.

China has rapidly adopted artificial intelligence across daily life, with applications ranging from AI medical consultations and factory robots to drone-based food delivery along the Great Wall. The state has embraced the technology for its surveillance potential, raising concerns about privacy and social control. The pace and scale of China’s transformation are highlighted as a possible preview of global trends as AI continues to evolve.

Chinese start-ups are accelerating efforts to solve one of robotics’ most complex challenges: developing fully dextrous humanoid hands. Leveraging China’s manufacturing strength and government support for embodied AI, companies such as LinkerBot and Wuji Technology are scaling hardware production and creating sensors and data-collection tools to train manipulation models. While hardware progress is advancing rapidly, experts note that controlling robotic hands remains the core bottleneck due to limited three‑dimensional training data. As the industry expands, entrepreneurs aim for applications ranging from affordable prosthetics to autonomous factory robots, anticipating a future in which capable robotic hands enable practical humanoid robots.

Ezra Jin, founder of China’s Zion Church, was released from prison and reunited with his family in the United States after a sweeping crackdown on underground churches. His release followed lobbying by the US government, including direct intervention by President Donald Trump during discussions with China’s president, Xi Jinping. Jin’s case highlighted ongoing repression of unregistered Christian groups, with other members of Zion Church and the Early Rain Church still detained or facing prosecution. The event marks a rare instance of China releasing a citizen under foreign pressure.

Across major regions of the world, views of the United States have deteriorated sharply during Donald Trump’s second term, with allies and adversaries describing Washington as unpredictable, aggressive and transactional. China sees a declining but confrontational superpower; Mexico experiences escalated coercion; Iran expresses a mix of cultural admiration and grief tied to conflict; Ukraine feels abandoned; and Israel faces strained ties despite deep dependencies. Traditional allies such as Canada, France, the UK, Japan, Australia and South Africa report disappointment, distrust or a sense of betrayal. India views the partnership as increasingly transactional, while Cuba describes its relationship with the US as abusive. Despite ongoing cultural influence and strategic importance, America at its 250th anniversary is widely perceived as a global power that has abandoned its former steadiness and reliability.

A 66-year-old pilot surnamed Liu crashed a small aircraft into Beijing’s Citic Tower after deviating from his authorised flight path. Officials reported he suffered from insomnia and anxiety and had expressed suicidal thoughts, concluding the crash was a personal act that endangered public safety. Thirteen people were injured but none critically. Authorities delayed public statements, restricted information, and social media posts about the incident were quickly removed.

A former intern at Beijing Grassland Alliance won a rare sexual‑harassment case in China, receiving damages and a mandated apology from her former manager. The ruling, upheld on appeal, stands out in a legal environment where successful MeToo‑related claims remain uncommon amid censorship and cultural barriers that discourage reporting. Evidence from WeChat messages proved central to the decision, which acknowledged workplace power imbalances. The case contrasts with other high‑profile but unsuccessful MeToo claims in China, reflecting both the social movement's influence and the continuing obstacles survivors face.

China emerges as the main beneficiary of the Hormuz crisis triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, according to analysis by the Asia Group. Large oil reserves and rapid expansion of renewable energy helped China withstand the energy shock more effectively than other Asian economies. The crisis accelerated global demand for clean energy technologies, boosting China’s solar and electric vehicle exports. While Beijing publicly calls for a ceasefire, the report suggests the situation allows it to portray the United States as a destabilizing force. Analysts note some strategic risks for China, including concerns about credibility and implications for any future military action in the region. Overall, the crisis is viewed by Beijing as a challenge but also an opportunity to advance its economic and geopolitical position.

A surge of foreign leaders visiting Beijing highlights China’s drive to shape a multipolar world order as Xi Jinping strengthens diplomatic and economic ties while capitalizing on perceptions of US unpredictability. China courts both democratic and authoritarian governments, offering stability and engagement even to isolated regimes such as Myanmar’s military leadership and North Korea. Despite projecting itself as a diplomatic hub, China’s influence in resolving global conflicts remains limited, with constrained impact on crises involving Iran and Ukraine.

Female standup comedians in China are gaining popularity by addressing everyday sexism and offering women an outlet to discuss sensitive social issues despite increasing censorship. Performers such as Fang Shaoli and others use personal narratives to comment on gender expectations while avoiding direct political criticism. Authorities have cautioned against gender-related jokes, and some comedians have faced bans or commercial backlash. Despite restrictions, female comics continue to subtly broaden public discourse in small venues across the country.

Cases of forced marriage, trafficking and abuse of vulnerable women in rural China have prompted a discreet network of feminist activists to investigate incidents, support victims and pressure authorities despite government crackdowns on civil society. The 2022 case of Xiao Huamei, a woman found chained in a shed, catalysed public outrage and heightened sensitivity to trafficking, but official transparency remains limited as legal records have been restricted. While authorities report declining trafficking cases and have conducted operations locating missing women and children, activists argue that efforts are insufficient and legal gaps leave many women unprotected. Operating anonymously to avoid retaliation, they continue identifying cases and advocating individually, with some, like Xiaocao, pursuing legal training to strengthen support for victims.

Jessie J’s renewed performances in China highlight the growing importance and competitiveness of the country’s music market, which has become increasingly lucrative since her 2018 breakthrough on the show Singer. The article details how Chinese audiences value strong vocal ability and melodic music, contributing to the success of artists like Jessie J and Westlife, who have invested heavily in cultivating Chinese fanbases. China’s rapidly expanding music industry, bolstered by stricter copyright enforcement and rising domestic talent, now requires foreign acts to make significant efforts to connect culturally, linguistically, and stylistically. Despite challenges such as censorship rules and cultural sensitivities, international stars continue to pursue opportunities, with events featuring artists like Ye and Katy Perry generating substantial economic benefits and renewed access to the Chinese market.

Government pressure to increase births in China is clashing with a generation shaped by the legacy of the one-child policy, prompting more women to assert autonomy over reproductive decisions. Survivors of past coercive policies in Shandong recount forced abortions and sterilisations during the 1991 “childless 100 days”, while demographic experts highlight lasting impacts on family expectations. Despite incentives to raise fertility, economic pressures and shifting social attitudes mean younger women increasingly reject motherhood, underscoring a broader challenge for policymakers confronting a record-low birth rate.

Female-only spaces in Chengdu are expanding amid tightening political controls on women’s rights across China. Bookstore owner Shen Shen, bar founder Zhang Wenjia and the creators of the GiCD network offer women safe, supportive environments while carefully avoiding accusations of promoting “gender antagonism.” As feminist activism faces censorship and scrutiny, many women shift from overt protest to community-building strategies, framing empowerment in non-confrontational terms. Activist Li Maizi describes this as an adaptation to a more restrictive climate, reflecting a broader effort by women in Chengdu to preserve autonomy within political limits.

The Pentagon updated its list of Chinese companies it says support Beijing’s military, adding major firms including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD, CXMT, YMTC, WuXi AppTec, RoboSense, and Unitree. The move follows recent high-level US-China diplomatic engagement and reflects ongoing security concerns over China’s technological capabilities. Several companies rejected the designations as unfounded, while China’s government condemned the list as discriminatory. Some firms were removed, including two CNOOC entities, though another CNOOC subsidiary was added. The listing does not impose sanctions but will soon restrict US defense contracting with these companies. Lawmakers described the update as a warning to US institutions amid escalating strategic competition.

A wind-powered underwater datacentre off the coast of Shanghai has begun operating, offering reduced power consumption and water use due to natural seawater cooling and renewable energy. Developed by HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction, the 24‑megawatt facility is part of China’s broader push to expand AI infrastructure and increase clean energy use. Experts note potential but manageable ecological risks, while international comparisons highlight China’s rapid commercial deployment relative to earlier pilots such as Microsoft’s project in Scotland. The initiative reflects national policy priorities and significant investment aimed at supporting the country’s AI-driven growth.

China’s president Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang for his first visit in nearly seven years, aiming to reinforce ties amid strains caused by North Korea’s growing closeness with Russia and a pandemic-era freeze in trade. Xi and Kim Jong-un held talks focused on expanding economic and people‑to‑people exchanges following the reopening of border crossings. The trip occurs ahead of the 65th anniversary of the countries’ defence pact and follows increased North Korea–Russia military cooperation, including North Korean troop deployments to support Russia in the Ukraine war. Xi’s visit comes shortly after Donald Trump’s Beijing summit, during which North Korea was discussed, although Pyongyang denied any conversation on denuclearisation. The visit underscores China’s strategic interests in the region, particularly concerns about Japan’s defence posture, while signalling the continued importance of its relationship with North Korea.

China’s tightening film censorship, enforced through the China Film Administration’s dragon seal system, has prevented many independent films from being released domestically, including Nan Xin’s festival-selected Go Fishing. Despite stricter controls under Xi Jinping and the shrinking space for societal critique in cinema, young filmmakers attending Nan’s workshops remain determined to pursue personal storytelling. Established directors warn that censorship becomes a major obstacle for feature films, while students like Xu Shuai recount firsthand experiences of suppressing content in other creative industries. The environment has pushed many new filmmakers toward intimate, apolitical themes, yet some continue to explore sensitive topics such as mental health despite potential prohibitions.

Forecasts indicate a potentially strong El Niño developing in 2026, raising the risk of intensified heat, drought and water shortages across Asia. India faces the prospect of weakened monsoon rains worsening heatwaves, crop failures and urban water scarcity, particularly in Mumbai. China is preparing for heavier rainfall, severe storms and increased flood risks, while residents in high‑altitude regions are being urged to stockpile supplies. South‑east Asia is expected to experience extreme heat, drought, food insecurity, wildfire hazards and heightened vulnerability to tropical diseases. Experts warn the event is likely to be amplified by ongoing climate change, increasing strain on agriculture, energy systems and public health across the region.

Efforts to preserve the memory of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre are intensifying abroad amid tightening censorship in China. Archives such as China Unofficial Archives curate photographs, diaries, and other materials documenting the protests and crackdown, while activists and historians work to share the history despite digital suppression and harassment. The contested diaries of senior CCP official Li Rui remain housed at the Hoover Institution after a legal battle that supporters say was influenced by the Chinese government. New technologies and diaspora activism continue to expand access to historical records, helping safeguard the legacy of Tiananmen despite official attempts to erase it.

China accelerates investment in robotics as AI-powered machines achieve new milestones, including a robot surpassing the human half-marathon record. Experts describe how robots are entering workplaces and what advancements are still needed for widespread consumer use, particularly in domestic tasks requiring dexterity.