Ethan Zhao
Senior Reporter
The Latest
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China’s Q4 GDP Surges 5.4%, Surpassing Forecasts Amid Policy Boosts
China's economy exceeded expectations in the fourth quarter of 2024, growing at a robust 5.4% year-on-year, according to data released Friday by the National Bureau of Statistics. The strong performance, fueled by a series of targeted stimulus measures, allowed Beijing to meet its annual growth target of "around 5%," with full-year GDP growth landing at exactly 5%. 
China's economy exceeded expectations in the fourth quarter of 2024, growing at a robust 5.4% year-on-year, according to data released Friday by the National Bureau of Statistics. The strong performance, fueled by a series of targeted stimulus measures, allowed Beijing to meet its annual growth target of "around 5%," with full-year GDP growth landing at exactly 5%. -
Vanke CEO Zhu Jiusheng Taken by Authorities - Reports
Zhu Jiusheng, the CEO of China Vanke, was taken into custody by public security authorities on Wednesday, according to a report from state media outlet The Economic Observer. The unexpected development has intensified scrutiny of the real estate giant's financial stability amid a prolonged slump in China's property market. 
Zhu Jiusheng, the CEO of China Vanke, was taken into custody by public security authorities on Wednesday, according to a report from state media outlet The Economic Observer. The unexpected development has intensified scrutiny of the real estate giant's financial stability amid a prolonged slump in China's property market. -
Detained South Korean President Yoon Rejects Second Day of Questioning Amid Legal Showdown
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, now detained and under intense scrutiny, has refused to attend further questioning by anti-corruption investigators. This development comes as the embattled leader faces accusations of insurrection tied to his failed attempt to impose martial law last month. The unfolding legal saga has plunged South Korea into its most severe political crisis in decades. 
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, now detained and under intense scrutiny, has refused to attend further questioning by anti-corruption investigators. This development comes as the embattled leader faces accusations of insurrection tied to his failed attempt to impose martial law last month. The unfolding legal saga has plunged South Korea into its most severe political crisis in decades. -
U.S. Plans Tougher Chip Restrictions on China Following TSMC-Huawei Controversy
The United States is preparing to implement stricter regulations aimed at preventing advanced semiconductors from reaching China, following revelations that chips manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) ended up in Huawei Technologies' devices despite existing restrictions. The Biden administration plans to unveil these rules in the coming days, marking another escalation in the ongoing U.S.-China technology rivalry. 
The United States is preparing to implement stricter regulations aimed at preventing advanced semiconductors from reaching China, following revelations that chips manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) ended up in Huawei Technologies' devices despite existing restrictions. The Biden administration plans to unveil these rules in the coming days, marking another escalation in the ongoing U.S.-China technology rivalry. -
South Korea Arrests Impeached President Yoon Amid Insurrection Allegations
South Korean authorities arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday in connection with insurrection charges stemming from his martial law declaration on December 3, marking a dramatic escalation in the nation's political crisis. Yoon's arrest represents the first time a sitting South Korean president has been detained, underscoring the gravity of the allegations against him. South Korean authorities arrested impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday in connection with insurrection charges stemming from his martial law declaration on December 3, marking a dramatic escalation in the nation's political crisis. Yoon's arrest represents the first time a sitting South Korean president has been detained, underscoring the gravity of the allegations against him. -
China Reportedly Considers Selling TikTok’s U.S. Operations to Elon Musk Amid Looming Ban
As a potential nationwide ban on TikTok approaches, Chinese officials are reportedly exploring the possibility of allowing Elon Musk to acquire the platform's U.S. operations. The move comes as ByteDance, TikTok's Beijing-based parent company, faces a January 19 deadline to divest the app's U.S. operations or risk its removal from American app stores. The Supreme Court appears likely to uphold the legislation mandating the divestiture, further intensifying the need for a resolution. 
As a potential nationwide ban on TikTok approaches, Chinese officials are reportedly exploring the possibility of allowing Elon Musk to acquire the platform's U.S. operations. The move comes as ByteDance, TikTok's Beijing-based parent company, faces a January 19 deadline to divest the app's U.S. operations or risk its removal from American app stores. The Supreme Court appears likely to uphold the legislation mandating the divestiture, further intensifying the need for a resolution. -
UK Seeks Balance in Renewed Economic Talks with China, National Security at Stake
The United Kingdom has rekindled its economic and financial dialogue with China after a six-year pause, marking a significant step in efforts to navigate a delicate balance between economic cooperation and national security concerns. Chancellor Rachel Reeves led a high-level delegation to Beijing, signaling Britain's intent to reset relations with the world's second-largest economy. 
The United Kingdom has rekindled its economic and financial dialogue with China after a six-year pause, marking a significant step in efforts to navigate a delicate balance between economic cooperation and national security concerns. Chancellor Rachel Reeves led a high-level delegation to Beijing, signaling Britain's intent to reset relations with the world's second-largest economy. -
Public Outcry in Shaanxi After Teen Falls to Death, Alleged Cover-Up Fuels Protests
The death of a 17-year-old student in Pucheng, a city in China's northwestern Shaanxi province, has sparked violent protests and accusations of a cover-up by authorities. The unrest, marked by clashes between demonstrators and heavily armed police, is one of the most significant public order challenges China has faced in recent months. 
The death of a 17-year-old student in Pucheng, a city in China's northwestern Shaanxi province, has sparked violent protests and accusations of a cover-up by authorities. The unrest, marked by clashes between demonstrators and heavily armed police, is one of the most significant public order challenges China has faced in recent months. -
China’s Central Bank Faces Policy Limits as It Halts Bond Purchases
China's central bank is maneuvering through one of its most challenging economic landscapes in decades, as it balances efforts to stimulate the economy against risks of destabilizing financial markets and the currency. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) suspended government bond purchases on Friday, a move analysts interpret as a signal to cool overheating bond markets while navigating its limited monetary policy options. 
China's central bank is maneuvering through one of its most challenging economic landscapes in decades, as it balances efforts to stimulate the economy against risks of destabilizing financial markets and the currency. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) suspended government bond purchases on Friday, a move analysts interpret as a signal to cool overheating bond markets while navigating its limited monetary policy options. -
Kim Jong Un’s Nephew Appears in Rare Family Photos: Is He the True Heir to North Korea’s Throne?
In a nation where leadership has remained firmly within the Kim family dynasty, rare public images of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un's niece and nephew have fueled speculation about the country's future succession plans. The photos, released during Pyongyang's New Year's Eve celebrations, mark a significant moment in North Korea's closely guarded political landscape. 
In a nation where leadership has remained firmly within the Kim family dynasty, rare public images of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un's niece and nephew have fueled speculation about the country's future succession plans. The photos, released during Pyongyang's New Year's Eve celebrations, mark a significant moment in North Korea's closely guarded political landscape.
