China News Today: July 28, 2025 — Trade Talks, Floods, Shaolin Probe, and Global AI Push
China remains on the world's headlines today with a string of forceful developments taking center stage. From reopened U.S.-China trade talks in Stockholm to fatal floods in the north, scandals involving the Shaolin Temple, and AI breakthroughs, read below for an exhaustive list of China's trending news.
1. U.S.-China Trade Talks Resume in Stockholm
The two global economies have resumed Stockholm trade talks to extend a 90-day tariff truce, which is set to expire on August 12, 2025. The two sides are working toward building toward a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The trade talks are in a hurry because the Indian government and the White House want to avoid the re-levying of tariffs on billions of dollars' worth of merchandise. Successfully, the negotiations can restore stability to world markets, particularly in semiconductors, electric vehicles, and rare earth exports.
2. U.S. CEOs Arrive in China to Facilitate Diplomatic Comeback
In support of the fresh trade negotiations, senior US executives from Boeing, FedEx, and Microsoft are heading to China. The visit has been arranged by the US-China Business Council and is meant to show corporate support for easing bilateral tensions.
This comes after renewed discussions on technology limitations, sales of semiconductors, and cooperation on AI. It also shows the global significance of restoring trust between the two nations.
3. Fatal Flooding in Northern China
Fatal torrential flooding resulted in the deaths of at least four, with eight others missing, in Beijing, Hebei, and Shanxi. Over 4,400 residents have been rescued, and rescue teams are fighting to stabilize infrastructure.
The Chinese government has released ¥50 million (USD $6.9 million) in disaster relief funds. These climate-change-amplified floods highlight pressing needs for improved drainage, early warning systems, and urban planning climate adaptation.
4. Shaolin Temple Scandal: Abbot Under Investigation
The legendary Shaolin Temple — referred to as the cradle of Kung Fu — is embroiled in a serious scandal. Abbot Shi Yongxin is being investigated by the government for suspected embezzlement, financial impropriety, and maintaining improper relationships with women.
Shi, who has earned the nickname "CEO Monk" due to his business activities, has sparked renewed arguments about commercialization of religious establishments in China. The internet is abuzz, with people questioning the integrity of previously respected personalities.
Read full article at Hindustan Times
"https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/kung-fu-birthplace-under-embezzlement-probe-head-of-china-s-shaolin-temple-accused-of-improper-relationships-with-women-101753674797676.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com"
5. Comedian Fan Chunli Accused of Censorship for Making Domestic Abuse Jokes
Comedian Fan Chunli has caused an outrage with a viral show joking about domestic violence. Chinese authorities have launched an investigation, with officials stating the show trivializes spousal abuse and violates new media regulations controlling gender-based content.
This is compounded by mounting tension between censorship by the government and freedom of the arts, especially on sensitive social topics. Opinions are polarized, with some rallying to Fan's defense for his right to criticize society through humor.
6. China Unveils Global AI Governance Plan
During the Shanghai World AI Conference, China presented a 13-point international AI governance framework where it recommended creating a multinational AI regulatory agency. The plan is to reduce ethical risks, algorithmic transparency, and data sovereignty.
Beijing is emerging as a global leader in AI diplomacy, especially with U.S. business and European regulators stepping up their respective AI efforts.
7. China's Tech Revival Driven by AI and Rare Earth Power
Economists are hailing China's 2025 economic revival as "cool and calculated," led by:
- New AI unicorns like DeepSeek.
- Expansion of rare-earth exports.
- Revival access to Nvidia GPU chips after partial export bans were relaxed.
This revival is propelling foreign investment, stock market optimism, and growth in youth-led tech entrepreneurship.
8. China Condemns Czech President's Meeting with Dalai Lama
China officially protested against the visit of the Czech president to the Dalai Lama, considering it a violation of the One-China Policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Prague to cease "provocative actions" that undermine bilateral relations.
The episode brings to mind long-standing tensions over Tibet, sovereignty, and China's firm stance on non-interference in domestic affairs.
Final Thoughts
Today's news cycle indicates a changing China — diplomatically active, economically rebounding, and socially transforming. From floods to foreign policy, AI domination to religious scandal, China's presence remains ubiquitous in world headlines.
China floods China news China trending news Chinese comedy censorship Dalai Lama news global AI governance July 2025 China news Shaolin Temple scandal U.S.-China Trade