Mao Ning

Australia and Fiji signed a mutual defense treaty, allowing other Pacific island countries to join, signaling Australia's leadership in regional security. Experts view this as part of Australia's effort to align with Pacific democracies, contrasting with China's stated commitment to non-interference.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the United States on Independence Day, marking a departure from Beijing's usual practice of not publicizing presidential greetings on July 4. The message acknowledged the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and was confirmed by Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

China accused the United States of using 'invented allegations' to justify its terrorism case against Cuba, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating no new evidence is needed to link Cuba to violent leftist groups. China's Foreign Ministry criticized the US blockade and sanctions, saying they have damaged Cuba's economy.

Chinese authorities have prohibited families of victims from visiting a Beijing cemetery on the 37th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Relatives, part of the Tiananmen Mothers group, have historically held annual memorial visits, but police intensified restrictions this year. International figures like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the censorship, while China's Foreign Ministry dismissed the criticism as interference.

Beijing banned four New Zealand lawmakers from entering China for a year after they visited Taiwan on a parliamentary trip. The Chinese embassy demanded an apology, which two lawmakers refused, and New Zealand's government plans to express concern over the travel bans.

The Trump administration proposes additional tariffs of 10% or more on products from major trading partners including Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, UK, China, Japan, India, and others, citing failure to enforce forced labor import bans. The U.S. Trade Representative cited a Section 301 investigation finding 60 countries failed to prevent forced labor imports, while China denied the allegations and urged resolving disputes through dialogue. Tariffs are subject to public comment and hearings starting July 7.

The Trump administration is proposing tariffs of 10% or more on products from major trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, the UK, and others, following an investigation into forced labor practices. China, Japan, India, and other countries would face 12.5% tariffs, with the U.S. Trade Representative citing failures to enforce forced labor import bans. The Chinese government denied the allegations, calling for dialogue to resolve economic issues.

Beijing praised Hong Kong's first astronaut's inclusion in the Shenzhou-23 mission as a success of the 'one country, two systems' policy, aiming to inspire youth to contribute to China's technological growth. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the mission's success and expressed hopes for broader participation from Hong Kong.