Date: August 11, 2025
China is making headlines around the globe today with significant trade, public health, and real estate news. From a 90-day extension of the U.S.–China tariff truce to COVID-style lockdowns to fight a spreading chikungunya virus outbreak and a Hong Kong court-ordered liquidation of a developer, these news events have far-reaching implications for the economy, public health, and regional stability.
1. U.S.–China Tariff Truce Extended for 90 Days
In a major relief to the world markets, the United States and China have agreed to extend their tariff truce for 90 days. The move will delay higher tariffs on billions of dollars worth of products, easing tensions ahead of the crucial holiday trading season.
Negotiations are also considering the sale of lower-grade Nvidia AI chips to China under close U.S. revenue-sharing deals. This would relieve pressure on Chinese tech manufacturers while satisfying Washington's export controls.
Why It Matters:
- Stabilizes exporters and importers.
- Makes growth in the tech industry easier amidst the demand for AI chips.
- Shows that trade diplomacy is still ongoing despite strained geopolitics.
Read more: Reuters – Global Markets View
2. Chikungunya Outbreak Sparks COVID-Style Response in China
China's Guangdong province is battling its largest ever chikungunya outbreak, with over 7,000 cases reported since early August. The virus, spread by mosquitoes, causes high fever, joint pain, rash, and fatigue, and has no specific antiviral treatment.
Authorities have imposed pandemic-style prevention measures:
- Drone surveillance for monitoring mosquito breeding sites.
- Mass fumigation of homes and public places.
- Mandatory reporting of suspected cases by pharmacies.
- Isolation and quarantine of patients.
This speedy and stringent response is recalling China's COVID-19 playbook, prompting applause for quick action as well as concerns over public readiness for drastic measures.
Read more: Financial Times – Chikungunya in China
3. Hong Kong Court Orders Liquidation of Shenzhen Developer
In another sign of China's ongoing property market troubles, a Hong Kong court has made an order to wind up China South City, a Shenzhen developer with staggering debt.
The ruling provides reason for alarm for the wider property sector, which has been under pressure since the Evergrande crisis, and could have implications for mainland Chinese creditors and investors and those in Hong Kong.
Experts warn that further defaults and restructurings can occur if slow consumer demand and poor recovery in residential sales persist.
Learn more: Mingtiandi – China South City Liquidation
4. South China Sea Tensions Continue to Rise
The South China Sea remains a hotspot after a recent confrontation between Chinese and Philippine warships off Scarborough Shoal. Beijing has increased patrols, and Manila has promised to protect its sea rights according to international law.
The incident serves to spotlight the geopolitical challenges facing China even as it focuses on economic recovery and public health.
Find out more: Al Jazeera – South China Sea Updates
5. Economic Outlook: Cautious Optimism
Despite recent challenges, the tariff truce and some health measures may provide a short-term boost to investor confidence. However, deflationary pressures, weak domestic consumption, and property sector instability remain impediments for China's 2025 growth ambitions.
✅ Stay Current: Keep yourself updated with China news headlines using Reuters and Financial Times.
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