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Mao Ning

The latest news and updates on Mao Ning, a seasoned Chinese diplomat with over 27 years of experience, primarily in Asian affairs. She currently serves as the Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, since January 2025, as Director-General of its Department of Information. Her career includes roles as Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in the US and Deputy Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat. A graduate of Hunan Normal University, China Foreign Affairs University, and George Washington University, she is responsible for articulating China’s foreign policy, engaging with international media, and fostering global understanding on diverse issues, from regional stability to trade.

Zhou Hongxu was one of several relatively young senior Chinese officials who attended the White House banquet on Thursday night. Photo: AP

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi’s security chief among cohort of rising officials at White House banquet

Zhou Hongxu is one of a group of officials in their 50s and early 60s at the front line of China’s top diplomatic events.

25 Sep 2026 - 4:22PMvideocam

The Philippines

Philippines’ Teodoro draws 2028 election buzz after China clash

17 Sep 2026 - 3:31PMvideocam

China-EU relations

Beijing lodges diplomatic protests over Taiwan official’s visit to Italy

11 Sep 2026 - 7:27PMvideocam

China-Germany relations

AfD party won big in Saxony-Anhalt. Will it affect Germany’s approach to China?

In the wake of a key state election, observers say Germany’s economic pressures will persist, no matter who is in power.

10 Sep 2026 - 5:59PMvideocam

Beatrix von Storch of the far-right Alternative for Germany addresses a campaign rally ahead of the state election in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf borough of Berlin on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

Artificial intelligence

China rejects US AI model distillation allegations, warns of retaliation

The commerce ministry says distillation is ‘neutral’ and widely used by companies around the world, including American firms.

10 Sep 2026 - 12:38PM

South China Sea

Beijing tells Manila to ‘stop lying’ after minister exposes South China Sea note

At Seoul Defence Dialogue, Gilberto Teodoro Jnr brands China’s handwritten memo on arbitration ruling as ‘coercion and bullying’.

10 Sep 2026 - 2:35PMvideocam

South China Sea

‘Negotiation fatigue’ risks stalling South China Sea code of conduct progress

Efforts to finalise the code between Asean and China this year are hampered to a large extent by differences between Manila and Beijing.

30 Jul 2026 - 4:25PMvideocam

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro meets China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Pasay last Wednesday. Photo: EPA

A Chinese coastguard ship fires a water cannon at a Philippine vessel, supposedly in the South China Sea, in this video screengrab released last Thursday. Photo: Jay Tarriela/X/Reuters

A China coastguard ship sails near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on June 18. Photo: Kyodo

Robotics

Tesla to benefit from US robot ban as Chinese rivals suffer knockback

Leading Chinese robot makers have ambitious overseas expansion plans, but Washington’s ban may force them to recalibrate.

30 Jul 2026 - 10:10AMvideocam

Accidents and disasters in China

‘China’s real-life transformer’: new rescue tech used in dramatic flood evacuation

Rapid-deployment, heavy-duty pontoon barge deployed to ferry 6,000 stranded people from flooded college in southern China.

15 Jul 2026 - 9:51PMvideocam

South China Sea

People’s Daily joins Beijing’s narrative blitz over 2016 South China Sea ruling

Official Communist Party paper slams verdict as ‘destabilising force’ as it runs twin commentaries in run-up to 10th anniversary of ruling.

10 Jul 2026 - 8:22PMvideocam

A China Coast Guard crew member observes Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Photo: Handout via Xinhua

US, Israel war on Iran

Editorial | Trump’s fickle behaviour over Iran puts world economy at risk – again

While he left the door open for further negotiations, Trump’s declarations have plunged the world into an uncertainty it can ill afford.

10 Jul 2026 - 7:15AM

US President Donald Trump speaks to members of the press aboard the new Air Force One while in flight from RAF Mildenhall air base on July 8. Photo: AFP

China-North Korea relations

North Korea’s premier heads to China for defence treaty anniversary as allies extend thaw

Pak Thae-song’s trip comes less than a month after President Xi Jinping made his first visit to Pyongyang in seven years.

9 Jul 2026 - 5:22PMvideocam

China's military weapons

What does China’s submarine missile test mean for its nuclear triad expansion?

More than a technical milestone, undersea launch sends strategic signal to the US and Beijing’s neighbours in Asia-Pacific, analysts say.

8 Jul 2026 - 12:43AMvideocam

US-China relations

China’s Xi Jinping sets new precedent with July 4 message for Trump and US

Beijing does not usually publicise presidential messages to Washington on Independence Day.

6 Jul 2026 - 6:40PMvideocam

Fireworks conclude the Salute to America Semiquincentennial celebration in Washington on Sunday. Photo: EPA

China-Japan relations

Chinese translation of Tokyo war trial records fill ‘critical gap’: state media

The 40-volume project marks the first time that the complete court records from the tribunal have been published in Chinese.

26 Jun 2026 - 6:04PMvideocam

Former general and Japanese prime minister Hideki Tojo is surrounded by members of the military court in Tokyo during his trial on January 19, 1948. Photo: Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

China-Latin America relations

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU trade chief swipes at China overcapacity, but vows ‘meaningful’ discussions

Maros Sefcovic made the remarks after meeting China’s chief trade negotiator, but says both sides are focused on mutual success.

5 Jun 2026 - 12:06AM

Taiwan

Beijing slaps travel ban on New Zealand MPs for ‘crossing red line’ over Taiwan

New Zealand and Australia to lodge formal protests after the four lawmakers were sanctioned for ‘sending the wrong signals’.

4 Jun 2026 - 8:01PMvideocam

New Zealand MPs (from left to right) Laura McClure, Maureen Pugh, Duncan Webb and David Wilson posing for a group photo at the airport in Taoyuan. Photo: AFP

China trade

Why China is defending industrial subsidies against ‘one-sided’ OECD report

The dispute comes as industrial policy becomes a major point of contention in global trade, particularly in hi-tech and strategic sectors.

4 Jun 2026 - 5:00PM

China-Philippines relations

Beijing to Manila: don’t let ‘clowns’ sabotage ties with ‘political theatrics’

Beijing condemns remarks by Philippine defence chief, who says Manila is under ‘severe threat’ from China despite fertiliser and fuel offers.

3 Jun 2026 - 10:13AMvideocam

Taiwan

Why have Japan and the Philippines’ maritime boundary talks angered China?

A new flashpoint has opened up in the western Pacific Ocean with Beijing expected to strengthen its presence in the waters east of Taiwan.

2 Jun 2026 - 2:00PM

Coastguard vessels from the Chinese mainland were spotted southeast of Orchid Island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan on Monday. Photo: Getty Images

China-EU relations

As EU mulls trade tools, China vows to take steps against any new restrictions

While warning of retaliation against ‘new trade instruments’, Beijing says China-EU communication channels remain open.

31 May 2026 - 8:32PMvideocam

China’s commerce ministry says China and the EU are exploring a trade and investment consultation mechanism, but it has not offered details of the plan. Photo: CN-STR/AFP

Taiwan

‘Illegal and void’: China condemns Japan-Philippines maritime border talks

Beijing says negotiations between Tokyo and Manila cover area east of Taiwan where it maintains exclusive economic zone.

29 May 2026 - 8:16PM

China-Latin America relations

As US pressures Cuba, Beijing holds talks with Havana on agriculture

Chinese support includes rice shipments and diplomatic backing as Trump administration ramps up sanctions and rhetoric.

28 May 2026 - 6:04AMvideocam

Trending in China

China inventor creates sword-shaped aerial vehicle, brings fantasy novels to life

‘Obsessed’ innovator uses drones and levers to operate flying machine; hopes to eventually have his prototype mass-produced.

22 May 2026 - 9:00AM

An inventor in China has created a sword-shaped aerial vehicle, bringing flying sword in fantasy novels to life. Photo: Sina

China-Latin America relations

China, Russia rally behind Cuba as US squeezes Havana in deepening crisis

‘China is willing to work with the international community to firmly support Cuba,’ said a Beijing spokesperson.

11 Apr 2026 - 4:30AMvideocam

Cuba faces a deepening crisis marked by widespread power outages, acute fuel shortages and growing economic strain, as external pressure and limited supplies weigh on daily life. Photo: EPA

China exports

China strengthens oversight of state-owned assets overseas amid global tensions

A new department will guide state-owned enterprises expanding overseas, as China’s firms look outwards for growth opportunities.

9 Apr 2026 - 4:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Strait of Hormuz: is a Trump‑Iran joint venture really possible?

With regime change increasingly out of reach, the US president may pivot towards a business deal with Tehran’s fractured leadership.

9 Apr 2026 - 8:45PMvideocam

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Mao Ning

Xi’s security chief among cohort of rising officials at White House banquet

Zhou Hongxu is one of a group of officials in their 50s and early 60s at the front line of China’s top diplomatic events.

Philippines’ Teodoro draws 2028 election buzz after China clash

Beijing lodges diplomatic protests over Taiwan official’s visit to Italy

AfD party won big in Saxony-Anhalt. Will it affect Germany’s approach to China?

In the wake of a key state election, observers say Germany’s economic pressures will persist, no matter who is in power.

China rejects US AI model distillation allegations, warns of retaliation

The commerce ministry says distillation is ‘neutral’ and widely used by companies around the world, including American firms.

Beijing tells Manila to ‘stop lying’ after minister exposes South China Sea note

At Seoul Defence Dialogue, Gilberto Teodoro Jnr brands China’s handwritten memo on arbitration ruling as ‘coercion and bullying’.

‘Negotiation fatigue’ risks stalling South China Sea code of conduct progress

Efforts to finalise the code between Asean and China this year are hampered to a large extent by differences between Manila and Beijing.

Tesla to benefit from US robot ban as Chinese rivals suffer knockback

Leading Chinese robot makers have ambitious overseas expansion plans, but Washington’s ban may force them to recalibrate.

‘China’s real-life transformer’: new rescue tech used in dramatic flood evacuation

Rapid-deployment, heavy-duty pontoon barge deployed to ferry 6,000 stranded people from flooded college in southern China.

People’s Daily joins Beijing’s narrative blitz over 2016 South China Sea ruling

Official Communist Party paper slams verdict as ‘destabilising force’ as it runs twin commentaries in run-up to 10th anniversary of ruling.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Trump’s fickle behaviour over Iran puts world economy at risk – again

While he left the door open for further negotiations, Trump’s declarations have plunged the world into an uncertainty it can ill afford.

North Korea’s premier heads to China for defence treaty anniversary as allies extend thaw

Pak Thae-song’s trip comes less than a month after President Xi Jinping made his first visit to Pyongyang in seven years.

What does China’s submarine missile test mean for its nuclear triad expansion?

More than a technical milestone, undersea launch sends strategic signal to the US and Beijing’s neighbours in Asia-Pacific, analysts say.

China’s Xi Jinping sets new precedent with July 4 message for Trump and US

Beijing does not usually publicise presidential messages to Washington on Independence Day.

Chinese translation of Tokyo war trial records fill ‘critical gap’: state media

The 40-volume project marks the first time that the complete court records from the tribunal have been published in Chinese.

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

EU trade chief swipes at China overcapacity, but vows ‘meaningful’ discussions

Maros Sefcovic made the remarks after meeting China’s chief trade negotiator, but says both sides are focused on mutual success.

Beijing slaps travel ban on New Zealand MPs for ‘crossing red line’ over Taiwan

New Zealand and Australia to lodge formal protests after the four lawmakers were sanctioned for ‘sending the wrong signals’.

Why China is defending industrial subsidies against ‘one-sided’ OECD report

The dispute comes as industrial policy becomes a major point of contention in global trade, particularly in hi-tech and strategic sectors.

Beijing to Manila: don’t let ‘clowns’ sabotage ties with ‘political theatrics’

Beijing condemns remarks by Philippine defence chief, who says Manila is under ‘severe threat’ from China despite fertiliser and fuel offers.

Why have Japan and the Philippines’ maritime boundary talks angered China?

A new flashpoint has opened up in the western Pacific Ocean with Beijing expected to strengthen its presence in the waters east of Taiwan.

As EU mulls trade tools, China vows to take steps against any new restrictions

While warning of retaliation against ‘new trade instruments’, Beijing says China-EU communication channels remain open.

‘Illegal and void’: China condemns Japan-Philippines maritime border talks

Beijing says negotiations between Tokyo and Manila cover area east of Taiwan where it maintains exclusive economic zone.

As US pressures Cuba, Beijing holds talks with Havana on agriculture

Chinese support includes rice shipments and diplomatic backing as Trump administration ramps up sanctions and rhetoric.

China inventor creates sword-shaped aerial vehicle, brings fantasy novels to life

‘Obsessed’ innovator uses drones and levers to operate flying machine; hopes to eventually have his prototype mass-produced.

China, Russia rally behind Cuba as US squeezes Havana in deepening crisis

‘China is willing to work with the international community to firmly support Cuba,’ said a Beijing spokesperson.

China strengthens oversight of state-owned assets overseas amid global tensions

A new department will guide state-owned enterprises expanding overseas, as China’s firms look outwards for growth opportunities.

Strait of Hormuz: is a Trump‑Iran joint venture really possible?

With regime change increasingly out of reach, the US president may pivot towards a business deal with Tehran’s fractured leadership.

Editorial | Trump’s fickle behaviour over Iran puts world economy at risk – again