China news
Beijing, June 30, 2025 – China's abuzz with a mix of news today—from grave economic concerns to trending viral feel-good stories. Here's the rundown of the most trending topics making waves on Chinese social media and the rest of the world.
China Manufacturing Activity Still Weak Despite Slight Uplift
China's manufacturing activity was weakly improved in June as the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 49.7 from 49.5. The reading, however, is still below the 50-point line that separates expansion and contraction. This is the third consecutive month of declining PMI, showing that the second-largest economy in the world is still under pressure.
Analysts attribute the weak rebound to a temporary 90-day halt on American tariffs, but small and medium-sized producers are in jeopardy due to weak domestic demand and lackluster export performance.
Source: AP News
Dalai Lama's Successor Plan Raises Eyebrows in Beijing
In a religious process fraught with severe geopolitical implications, the Dalai Lama will probably announce his succession plan at a future religious gathering. He can choose a successor who was born outside China, going against Beijing's claim that it has to control the reincarnation process.
The Chinese government has criticized the Dalai Lama long enough as a separatist and argues that only Beijing can approve his heir, which has caused worldwide concern regarding religious freedom in Tibet.
Source: Reuters
❤️ Viral Moment: Canteen Worker's Graduation Speech Melts Hearts
In a viral trend that is uncharacteristic of China, a university canteen worker in northeastern China recently emerged as an internet celebrity after delivering a heartwarming graduation speech urging students to "eat well and take care." The heartfelt words, filled with motherly affection, went viral on sites like Weibo and Douyin, bringing back memories of home-cooked comfort during a period of big life transitions.
The story is being hailed as a symbol of dignity and humanity for working-class heroes who are often taken for granted.
Source: SCMP
Bizarre Crime: Man Steals 8 Cars to Escape Paying for Plane Ticket
In one of the oddest crime tales of the day, a man in China decided to break his return ticket and swipe eight other cars instead—just to save money. He drove one car until it ran out of gas, stole the next one. The man was apprehended after a three-day search.
This has drawn online comments on mental illness, financial desperation, and the rising cost of domestic travel.
Gen-Z Stocks Reveal Young Fund Manager Outperforming Peers
In a shake-up of traditional investing, a 30-year-old Chinese fund manager is outperforming 97% of his peers by avoiding traditional brands like Moutai and investing in youth-oriented companies like Pop Mart. The move reflects a shift of market power from older consumers to Gen Z consumers.
Analysts say this could be a sign of a broader move towards "cool economy" portfolios focused on lifestyle, not legacy.
Source: Business Times
Hong Kong's Last Pro-Democracy Group Disbands
In a significant political turn, Hong Kong's League of Social Democrats (LSD)—Hong Kong's only still-operating pro-democracy party—has disbanded. This is at a time when China is increasingly taking over Hong Kong and establishing the "patriots-only" rule of governance"..
Human rights campaigners claim the construction represents a complete collapse of civil rights in the former semi-autonomous city.
Source: Reuters
Guizhou Devastated by Record-Breaking Flooding After Biblical Rainfall
China's Guizhou province is dealing with the aftermath of excessive rain, which led to landslides and displaced over 300,000 residents. Emergency officials are trying to restore electricity and provide supplies. Meteorologists forecast more rain in the coming days, and the chances of more flooding and damage to infrastructure. Source: Al Jazeera
China's Self-Reliance Push Still Dependent on Foreign Tech
Despite how much money the state has invested in semiconductors, AI, and manufacturing automation, China is still a long way from cutting back on foreign technology. Even in areas such as mid-range machinery and bearings, advanced chips and precision instruments are still impossible to be produced without imports.
Source: Financial Times
Final Thoughts: A Country at the Crossroads
From economic instability and high-stakes spiritual politics to emotional viral stories and fiscal innovation, China today is a society undergoing a transition. With so much between global pressures and internal tensions, every news headline tells a small part of a much larger narrative—one of transformation, survival, and complexity.
China economy China news Chinese manufacturing Dalai Lama graduation speech viral Guizhou floods Hong Kong democracy Pop Mart fund trending in China