State media coordination intensified around civilization themes, beginning with five outlets publishing identical headlines about cultural exchange and mutual learning. The messaging shifted midday to "building a shared spiritual home online," synchronized across four major outlets including CCTV and Beijing Daily.
Xi's phone call with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung received coordinated coverage from eight outlets, emphasizing the strategic partnership and describing the countries as "unmovable neighbors." The diplomatic engagement marked a shift from previous infrastructure themes toward bilateral relationship enhancement.
China conducted its second major crackdown on same-sex romance fiction writers this year, with Lanzhou police making cross-provincial arrests following December's detention of over 50 authors in Anhui. The campaign against "danmei" literature prompted widespread internet discussion and offers of pro-bono legal aid from multiple lawyers.
US-China trade negotiations continued in London with discussions of potential rare earth-chip exchanges, while new US visa restrictions began targeting Chinese children under 14.