Trump's announcement of a 34% tariff on Chinese imports dominated coverage, with analysts predicting impact would exceed the 2018 trade war. The yuan plunged below 7.3 against the dollar, prompting market stabilization efforts. China's commerce ministry promised countermeasures while state media labeled the tariffs "bullying" that would "scar the US too."
State media continued coordinated messaging campaigns with identical articles about "moving wood to establish trust" (徙木立信) emphasizing party discipline, and Xi's tree planting activities promoting "Beautiful China" ecological civilization construction.
Military pressure on Taiwan intensified with PLA "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises targeting coastal fuel depots, described as "tightening the siege on separatist forces."
Other significant reports included a London case where 23 more women accused a Chinese PhD student of drugging and sexual assault, and US banning diplomats from romantic relationships with Chinese nationals.