China News Today – July 8, 2025: Rare Earth Tensions, Tourism Push & Economic Power Moves
China is once more making international headlines with a string of events shaping world diplomacy, economics, and technology. From bold action in the rare earth trade war to tourism spikes generated by visa-free travel, and economic reform targets in order to provide stability for an unstable world economy — Chinese news today is essential in understanding in which direction the second-largest economy in the world is going.
⚠️ China Slows Exports of Rare Earths as Trade War Heating Up
In a dramatic ratcheting up of global trade tensions, China has imposed new export controls on rare earth minerals and high-tech magnets — vital ingredients in electric vehicles, military equipment, and clean energy technology. The move is widely seen as a move of strategic counterresponse against the West, and particularly the U.S., Japan, and EU, for attempting to decouple supply chains.
Why it matters: The rare earth materials are essential to modern technology. By restricting exports, China is gaining control of a commodity in which it has a global monopoly.
The action has already triggered price spikes in markets worldwide and sent shockwaves through businesses that depend on critical minerals.
U.S.–China Trade Tensions Heat Up Over Tariffs
Beijing responded strongly to upcoming U.S. tariffs in August, labeling them economic bullying. The government warned of retaliation and stressed that any move to form anti-China trade groups would be met with a counter.
This increasing economic competition is reshaping global supply chain patterns and can potentially have a significant influence on trade among Asia, Europe, and America.
✈️ China's Tourism Booms After Expanding Visa-Free Entry
As a heart-warming and unexpected move, China has extended visa-free entry to 47 countries for the first time, increasing stay to 30 days, and another 55 countries have easier access with transit visas. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are experiencing a 40% increase in international visitors.
This is all part of China's overall soft power drive to rebrand the world and help revive inbound tourism post-pandemic.
China-Australia Relations: Darwin Port Negotiations
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit Beijing mid-July to finalize the future of Darwin Port, leased controversially to a Chinese company in 2015. National security concerns are at the center of negotiations regarding the re-acquisition of the port through repurchase or compulsory acquisition.
China Accumulates Nickel to Counteract U.S. Strategy
China has quietly doubled its stockpile of high-purity Class 1 nickel, a crucial ingredient used in electric vehicle batteries and steelmaking. With increasing global trade tensions, the action is interpreted as a preparation to weaponize raw material supply chains if and when needed.
It's part of a broader trend that consists of more lithium, cobalt, and copper reserves.
"Two Sessions" 2025: 5% Growth Target and Tech Sovereignty
At this year's Two Sessions gathering, Chinese officials announced a 5% GDP growth target in 2025, an expansion of fiscal deficit to 4%, and sharp focus on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductor autonomy.
It's one piece of China's push to decouple from America-dominated supply chains and become self-sufficient in key industries.
Summary: What Today's China News Means for the World
From rare earth export bans to strategic stockpiling of metals and welcoming foreign tourists, China is employing a multi-faceted geopolitical strategy. While the world watches U.S.-China relations, Beijing is also in action to boost tourism, augment technology self-sufficiency, and shape global perceptions.
Top 5 China news highlights of the day:
- Geopolitical influence: Tariffs, rare earths, and strategic metals.
- Economic robustness: 5% growth target with strong fiscal spending.
- Soft power strategy: Visa-free tourism and foreign diplomacy outreach.
- Tech sovereignty: AI and quantum development at the core of China's next leap.
External Links
- China's Weaponization of Rare Earths – FT
- China Tariff Warning to U.S. – Reuters
- Visa-Free Entry Expansion – Washington Post
- Nickel Reserves Report – FT
- Two Sessions Economic Strategy – Observer Diplomat
#ChinaNews #ChinaEconomy2025 #RareEarths #ChinaUSATrade #ChinaVisaPolicy #ChinaTourism2025 #ChinaNickelReserves #TwoSessions2025 #XiJinping #GeopoliticsAsia