The synchronized state media coverage of Xi Jinping's Henan inspection tour continued with a new emphasis on developing "punching products" (拳头产品) to strengthen China's manufacturing base. This directive represents a specific implementation strategy following yesterday's manufacturing revival messaging. Youth unemployment excluding students dropped to 15.8% in April, the lowest this year, providing economic optimism.

China's Ministry of Commerce warned that implementing US chip bans would violate Chinese law, while researchers positioned satellite-to-phone 5G technology as potentially circumventing US app restrictions like TikTok bans. By afternoon, Hong Kong's tax authorities targeted at least six independent news outlets with audits, extending to staff and family members - an escalation of pressure on critical media.

Internationally, China completed CAFTA 3.0 negotiations with ASEAN while offering support to "ironclad friend" Pakistan and urging dialogue with India.