The Daily Fiver — April 29, 2025

"China's Trade Shifts, Energy Moves, and a South China Sea Showdown"

Today on The Daily Fiver, we cover rising tensions in the South China Sea, China's record oil imports, a major port deal under scrutiny, U.S.-China trade ripples, and a breakout sports victory at the Hainan Classic.

Stories Featured:

Trade Tensions Escalate: U.S. Tariffs Impacting Global Supply Chains

Shipping volumes are set to plummet at the Port of Los Angeles as tariffs slow Chinese exports, impacting retailers and farmers across the U.S.

China Stockpiles Oil Amid Falling Prices

China ramps up oil imports to an 18-month high, taking advantage of low global crude prices to rebuild strategic reserves.

CK Hutchison's $23 Billion Port Sale Faces Scrutiny

A blockbuster global ports sale by Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison faces Chinese antitrust review, amid rising geopolitical sensitivities.

South China Sea Dispute Intensifies Between China and the Philippines

Competing flag-planting missions raise fresh tensions between China and the Philippines over disputed sandbars in the South China Sea.

Marco Penge Clinches Victory at Hainan Classic

English golfer Marco Penge wins the Hainan Classic, marking a career comeback after a suspension last year.

Sources Used:

· Investors Business Daily — U.S.-China Tariff Impacts

· Financial Times — China's Oil Stockpiling Strategy

· Reuters — CK Hutchison Ports Sale

· Associated Press — South China Sea Developments

· Golf Monthly — Marco Penge Hainan Classic Victory

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The Daily Fiver – China Edition

Date: Monday, 28th April 2025

"From Space Stations to Soccer Victories: China’s Big Moves This Weekend"

Today's episode covers China's latest space mission, new economic measures amid trade tensions, a rural art festival, major football and basketball updates, and a glimpse into China's cultural vibrancy.

Stories Covered:

1. China Launches Shenzhou-20 Mission Amid Intensifying Space Rivalry

China sends three astronauts to its Tiangong space station, expanding its lead in the next era of human space exploration.

2. Beijing Unveils Economic Measures Amid Trade Tensions with U.S.

President Xi outlines new support strategies for China's economy as tariffs from the United States bite deeper.

3. Land Art Festival Transforms Fields in Zhejiang Province

Artists turn wheat fields into giant canvases, bringing cultural vibrancy to rural China.

4. Shanghai Port Triumphs Over Yunnan Yukun in Chinese Super League

Shanghai Port FC secures a key victory, keeping their championship hopes alive in the Chinese Super League.

5. Rising Basketball Star Yang Hansen Declares for NBA Draft

China’s towering teenage basketball star, Yang Hansen, sets his sights on the 2025 NBA Draft.

• El País – Coverage on China’s Shenzhou-20 space mission.
• The Guardian – Xi Jinping’s new economic policy announcement.
• Reuters – Updates on China-U.S. trade tensions.
• Xinhua News – Report on the Zhejiang Land Art Festival.
• Xinhua Sports – Chinese Super League match results.
• China Sports Beat – Yang Hansen’s NBA Draft declaration.

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The Daily Fiver – April 25, 2025

Episode Summary:

In today’s episode of The Daily Fiver, we cover:

1. U.S. lawmakers target Chinese telecom giants over national security concerns.
2. Mixed signals on U.S.-China trade talks spark uncertainty.
3. Norwegian athletes warned against eating meat in China.
4. China kicks off the 200-day countdown to its biggest national sports event.
5. China’s growing use of pop culture as a tool for global influence.

Sources:

U.S. Lawmakers Subpoena Chinese Telecom Giants

– Reuters: Link

Trade Tensions and Tariff Talks

– Axios: Link

– Business Insider: Link

Norwegian Athletes and Food Safety Concerns

– Reuters: Link

200-Day Countdown to China’s National Games

– Guangdong Today (via Facebook): Link

Pop Culture as Soft Power

– Beaumont Enterprise: Link

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The Daily Fiver: China Trade Talks, Ancient Art, and Table Tennis Triumphs. ​

In today's episode, we explore the latest developments in U.S.–China trade relations, a significant diplomatic visit from Iran, a ground-breaking art exhibition in Tianjin, a major sports announcement for Hong Kong, and a unique cultural festival in Ningxia.

1. U.S.–China Trade Tensions Ease Slightly.

Reuters 1

Reuters 2

Guardian 1

Guardian 2

CNN

Bloomberg

2. Iranian Foreign Minister Visits China.

Reuters 3

3. Sanxingdui Immersive Exhibition Opens in Tianjin.

www.gov.cn

4. Hong Kong to Host WTT Finals 2025.

UNLV

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5. International Scarecrow Art Festival Begins in Ningxia.

Instagram

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The Daily Fiver: China

Wednesday April 23, 2025

Today’s Stories

1. China Urges Japan to Unite Against U.S. Tariffs

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has urged Japan to join forces in opposing U.S. tariffs. The call came during an economic summit in Beijing as U.S.-China trade tensions escalate. Japan has not yet responded publicly.

2. IMF Cuts Global Growth Outlook Over Trade War

The International Monetary Fund lowered global economic forecasts, citing the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. China's 2025 growth is now expected at 4%. The IMF warns of growing recession risks.

3. Tensions in the Yellow Sea Over Chinese Installation

A Chinese-built platform in disputed waters has raised alarm in South Korea. Though Beijing claims it supports aquaculture, Seoul fears strategic intentions. Prior inspections by Korean vessels were blocked.

4. Iran’s Foreign Minister to Visit China

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will visit Beijing on April 23. The visit comes ahead of new nuclear talks involving the U.S. and underscores China’s diplomatic clout in the Middle East.

5. Beijing International Film Festival in Full Swing

The 15th Beijing International Film Festival celebrates 130 years of global cinema. It features industry talks, film screenings, and honours the legacy of Chinese film. It’s a major moment for cultural diplomacy.

🗂️ Sources Used

1. Reuters – China urges Japan to help fight US tariffs together
2. AP News – IMF slashes growth outlook over Trump tariffs
3. The Times – China using 'gangster tactics' in Yellow Sea
4. Reuters – Iran’s Foreign Minister to visit China on April 23
5. Wikipedia – 15th Beijing International Film Festival

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Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Lending Rates, Sanctions, Trade Warnings, AI Robots, and Drought Relief.

China Holds Lending Rates Steady

Despite economic pressures, China has kept its benchmark lending rates unchanged for the sixth month. Analysts say the move follows stronger-than-expected Q1 growth but caution that trade tensions with the U.S. could lead to future stimulus.

China Responds with Sanctions Over Hong Kong

Beijing has retaliated against U.S. sanctions by targeting lawmakers and NGO leaders, escalating a tit-for-tat dispute over Hong Kong's autonomy and foreign interference.

Beijing Warns Against U.S.-Led Trade Alignments

As Washington ramps up trade talks globally, China warns it will retaliate against countries that sign deals undermining its interests, signaling a firm stance in an expanding trade war.

Embodied AI Making Strides in Chinese Cities

From drone deliveries to humanoid customer service robots, China is embracing embodied AI to meet labor challenges and revitalize tech innovation — though widespread deployment still faces infrastructure and tech hurdles.

Guangxi Drought Affects Over 400,000 Residents

Severe drought in Guangxi has disrupted water access and agriculture, with over 83,000 people facing drinking water shortages. Emergency relief efforts are underway, but forecasts suggest the crisis may continue into May.

Reuters – China holds lending benchmarks steady in April

AP News – China sanctions US lawmakers, NGOs in response to Hong Kong sanctions

Reuters – China announces sanctions on U.S. officials over Hong Kong

Reuters – China warns against deals that damage its interests

Fortune – China’s tough stance on global trade realignment

AP News – China to retaliate against trade deals targeting its economy

The Guardian – Embodied AI is reshaping daily life in China

Global Times - Prolonged drought affects 405,000 people in South China

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Date: Monday, April 21, 2025

Episode Title: Trade Tensions, Spy Scandals, and Space Launches

Trade Tensions Escalate Between China and the U.S.

Chinese Ambassador urges end to trade war; U.S. counters with tariff defense.

Guangzhou Manufacturers Adapt Amid Tariff Challenges

Local companies in China's export hub seek new markets and production solutions.

Espionage Scandal Unfolds in Taiwan

Over 150 alleged Chinese spies exposed in Taiwan, including military insiders.

Xiamen to Host 2025 Sudirman Cup Badminton Tournament

China welcomes international sports as it hosts a major badminton event.

China Approves Plan to Raise Retirement Age

Beijing aims to address workforce pressures with gradual reform to retirement laws.

1. Reuters – China’s U.S. Envoy Urges End to Trade War
2. Politico – Burgum Confident in Tariff Talks
3. El País – Guangzhou Hit by Trump Tariffs
4. The Times – Taiwan Spy Scandal
5. Wikipedia – 2025 Sudirman Cup Details
6. U.S. News – China Approves Retirement Age Reform

Stay informed with The Daily Fiver, your go-to five-minute update on China’s biggest news stories.

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The Daily Fiver: China – April 18, 2025

Title: Xi’s Regional Tour, Nvidia’s Beijing Visit, and a Cinematic Triumph

Episode Description:

In today’s episode of The Daily Fiver: China, we cover President Xi Jinping’s Southeast Asia tour emphasizing regional stability, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s visit to Beijing amid U.S. export restrictions, and China’s suspension of Boeing jet deliveries in response to U.S. tariffs. We also highlight the international acclaim for the Chinese film Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants and preview China’s upcoming space cooperation forum with Latin America and the Caribbean.

Xi Jinping Concludes Southeast Asia Tour Emphasizing Regional Stability

President Xi Jinping wraps up a diplomatic tour of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, aiming to bolster China's image as a stabilizing force in Asia amid rising U.S. protectionism.

Source: Reuters

Nvidia CEO Visits Beijing Amid U.S. Export Restrictions

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang travels to Beijing to engage with Chinese officials following tightened U.S. restrictions on AI chip exports, discussing potential collaborations tailored for the Chinese market.

Source: Investopedia

China Suspends Boeing Jet Deliveries in Response to U.S. Tariffs

In retaliation to the U.S. imposing 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, China instructs its airlines to halt deliveries of Boeing aircraft and suspend purchases of U.S.-made aircraft parts.

Source: Reuters

'Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants' Gains International Acclaim

The Chinese film Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants garners critical acclaim since its release on Chinese streaming platforms on April 11, 2025, highlighting the global appeal of Chinese cinema.

Source: Wikipedia

China to Host First Space Cooperation Forum with Latin America and the Caribbean

China is set to host the inaugural China-Latin America and the Caribbean Space Cooperation Forum from April 24 to 26, 2025, in Wuhan, aiming to enhance collaboration in space exploration and technology.

Source: China.org.cn, China Daily

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