April
01.04.2025
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Tuesday
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PLA Drills Day Through Xi's Economic Messaging

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China launched military exercises encircling Taiwan, described as punishment for Lai Ching-te's "separatist" activities. The PLA Eastern Theater Command deployed multiple forces including the Shandong aircraft carrier to the region, with state media highlighting the drills' "three major capabilities" and "precision strike" potential.

State propaganda continued its synchronized messaging strategy with multiple outlets simultaneously publishing identical articles on Xi's speeches to entrepreneurs and party discipline. The phrase "work style problems being essentially party character problems" appeared across major state outlets, continuing the discipline narrative from previous days.

By mid-day, a diplomatic shift occurred with China and India celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations through exchanged congratulatory messages between Xi and President Murmu. Economic concerns surfaced regarding Trump's potential tariffs, with Caixin warning rates could reach 1930s levels, while state media maintained the investment narrative with Xi's published economic essays.
02.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Party Style Polish Day Through Xiaomi Crash

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The CCP continued its synchronized messaging campaign with multiple outlets simultaneously publishing identical articles on "polishing the golden business card of party style." This represents the evolution of the discipline narrative from previous days.

Military operations around Taiwan continued for a second day with "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises featuring live-fire rocket shooting, characterized as "tightening the siege on separatist forces" following Lai Ching-te's activities.

A fatal Xiaomi SU7 autonomous car crash emerged as a significant story, with CEO Lei Jun's response generating controversy as some commenters defended him while blaming the victims.

Other coordinated narratives included positioning China as an "oasis of certainty" for foreign investment and celebrating 75 years of China-India diplomatic relations. State media also reported on the troubled Will's Fitness chain, China's progress in nuclear fusion, and a proposed regulatory review of the CK Hutchison port transaction.
03.04.2025
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Thursday
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Trump's Tariff War Through Global Market Tremors

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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.
04.04.2025
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Friday
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Tariff Retaliation Day Through Qingming Hero Narratives

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China announced 34% retaliatory tariffs on all US imports effective April 10, escalating the trade conflict sparked by Trump's recent tariff announcements. This direct response represents a significant intensification from the previous day's warnings of countermeasures.

Throughout the day, state media continued coordinated messaging tied to Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day), with identical articles about "heroic spirits" and commemorating revolutionary martyrs published simultaneously across multiple outlets. These narratives build on previous days' synchronized propaganda about tree planting and Xi's "Beautiful China" ecological vision.

The South Korean constitutional court's unanimous decision to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office received significant coverage, marking South Korea's second presidential impeachment.

BBC Chinese continued reporting on workplace "involution" in China, noting the contradiction between official anti-overwork rhetoric and the continuing overtime culture in competitive industries.
05.04.2025
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Saturday
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Qingming Reverence Through Market Collapse

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The US market crash dominated early coverage with Nasdaq entering bear territory after $6 trillion in losses. China continued developing its narrative response to Trump's tariffs, progressing from yesterday's announcement of 34% retaliatory measures to coordinated statements by multiple chambers of commerce and industry associations opposing US "reciprocal tariffs."

State media maintained synchronized messaging through two main themes: Qingming Festival commemorations with identical articles titled "Family and Country Forever Remember" honoring revolutionary martyrs, and Xi's environmental vision through coordinated coverage of tree planting activities emphasizing "green development."

By afternoon, rhetoric against US tariffs intensified with multiple outlets simultaneously publishing articles stating "trade wars have no winners." China warned of "more resolute measures" while conducting a rare, large-scale missile test in the Gobi Desert - a display of strength amid economic tensions.
06.04.2025
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Sunday
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Xi's Ecological Vision Through Trade War Resilience

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The coordinated tree planting narrative dominated state media, with identical articles about Xi's "three key words" and "tree planting as national action" appearing across multiple outlets. This synchronized messaging continued from previous days' Qingming commemorations, creating a continuous propaganda theme.

The US-China tariff conflict remained prominent, with Caixin's cover story "US Declares War on Global Trade" setting the tone. China Daily emphasized national resilience against "US abuse of tariffs," while BBC Chinese reported neither side backing down in the "chokehold" trade war. By mid-day, state media pivoted to synchronized articles on "building a strong science and technology country," promoting innovation culture as Xi's strategy for technological self-reliance amid trade tensions.

Military developments continued in the background, with reports on PLA naval activities near Taiwan and Chinese upgrades to Cambodia's Ream Naval Base for "de-risking supply chains."
07.04.2025
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Monday
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Black Monday Through Market Intervention

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Asian markets opened to their worst trading day since the 1997 financial crisis, with Chinese stocks plummeting over 7% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng experiencing a 13.22% drop. This "Black Monday" followed Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" and China's retaliatory measures announced last week.

By mid-morning, China's "national team" intervened with Central Huijin Investment purchasing A-shares to stabilize markets. Beijing instructed foreign companies like Tesla and GE Healthcare to blame Washington for the turmoil.

Throughout the day, state media maintained its synchronized messaging strategy. Multiple outlets simultaneously published identical articles on "learning from Xi's classical references" in the morning, followed by coordinated pieces on "ecological environmental protection supervision" by afternoon. The publication of "Xi Jinping's Selected Works on Economics" was highlighted amid the market chaos.

Trump escalated tensions further, threatening additional 50% tariffs if Beijing doesn't drop its countermeasures.
08.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Ocean Economy Through Tariff Storm

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Following yesterday's "Black Monday" market crash, Chinese state media deployed a coordinated messaging strategy centered on Xi's economic resilience. Multiple outlets simultaneously published identical articles quoting "China's economy is a vast sea, not a small pond" and "frugality is our family heirloom." The Commerce Ministry vowed to "fight to the end" against Trump's threatened additional 50% tariffs, while markets showed signs of stabilization with the Hang Seng Index rebounding over 2%.

Agricultural self-sufficiency emerged as a strategic focus with the unveiling of a 10-year master plan emphasizing food security and agri-tech innovation. Multiple outlets simultaneously published articles on Xi's "Two Mountains" theory of ecological civilization.

By afternoon, Premier Li Qiang spoke with EU Commission President von der Leyen, calling for "expanded mutual openness" in trade and investment - potentially seeking European allies against US tariff pressure. The People's Bank of China pledged to "resolutely maintain" market stability.
09.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Tariff Escalation Day Through Regional Diplomacy

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Trump's 104% tariffs on Chinese goods took effect this morning, triggering significant market reactions with the offshore yuan breaking 7.42 against the dollar and Asian Pacific stocks sliding. By midday, China responded forcefully, announcing additional 50% tariffs on US products, bringing the total to 84%, while releasing a white paper on China-US economic relations.

Simultaneously, Xi Jinping convened a Central Conference on Neighborhood Diplomacy, emphasizing building a "community with shared future" with neighboring countries – likely seeking regional allies amid trade tensions. State media deployed synchronized messaging publishing identical articles stating "the most important thing is to concentrate on doing our own things well" across multiple outlets.

The coordinated response continues patterns from earlier this week, with authorities projecting confidence despite market turmoil. Chinese exporters reportedly abandoned shipments mid-voyage to avoid Trump's crushing tariffs, while economic indicators showed March CPI decline may narrow to 0.2%.
10.04.2025
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Thursday
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Dialogue Door Through Tariff Wall

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Following three days of financial turmoil, China's Commerce Ministry struck a careful balance, declaring openness to talks while promising to "continue response to the end if needed" against Trump's selective tariff strategy. After excluding China from his 90-day tariff pause, the combined US duties on Chinese goods have reached 145%, triggering additional Chinese countermeasures including limiting US film imports.

Throughout the day, state media orchestrated messaging emphasized resilience, with multiple outlets simultaneously publishing Xi's statements that "China has always grown through storms and tests" and "all countries share one boat with a common destiny." The narrative presented China as steadfast amid pressure.

Meanwhile, Xi pursued regional diplomacy, sending congratulatory messages to the CELAC summit and emphasizing building a "community with shared future with neighboring countries" - continuing his pattern of seeking allies amid trade tensions. Chinese A-shares showed three consecutive days of gains despite the trade turmoil.
11.04.2025
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Friday
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Tariff War Escalation Through Regional Diplomacy

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China raised tariffs on US goods to 125% and announced it would "simply ignore" future US tariff increases, refusing to continue what state media called a "meaningless tariff numbers game." This marks a significant escalation following Trump's 145% tariff threat.

President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, explicitly stating "there is no winner in a tariff war" while calling for China and the EU to "jointly resist unilateral bullying." Xi's upcoming state visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia (April 14-18) dominated morning coverage across state media, reinforcing his neighborhood diplomacy strategy amid trade tensions.

By afternoon, Chinese social media displayed intensifying anti-US sentiment while economic experts warned about risks to China's overseas assets. The US launched a new executive order targeting Chinese shipbuilders, while reports emerged of Chinese exporters struggling at the Canton Fair amid trade uncertainty.
12.04.2025
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Saturday
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Tariff Retreat Day Through Wind Warnings

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Trump indicated willingness to reach a trade agreement with China and hasn't ruled out postponing tariffs, marking a potential softening in his stance after days of escalation. Chinese media kept focus on Xi's upcoming Southeast Asian tour (April 14-18), continuing the regional diplomacy strategy established earlier in the week.

By mid-morning, severe weather emerged as Beijing issued multiple warnings as gale-force winds swept northern China, prompting millions to stay home - a rare disruption overshadowing trade tensions. Xi's meeting with Spanish PM Sanchez emphasized the need to "safeguard free trade," reinforcing China's trade stance.

By afternoon, state media pivoted to economic messaging about "strengthening domestic demand as the main engine" - signaling China's continued strategy of reducing external dependency amid trade uncertainty. Trump's exemption of smartphones, chips, and electronics from tariffs late in the day suggested further de-escalation.
13.04.2025
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Sunday
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Electronics Tariff Exemption Through Southeast Asian Diplomacy Push

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Trump's exemption of smartphones, chips and electronics from tariffs marks a significant de-escalation in the trade conflict that dominated headlines for the past week. Chinese state media avoided direct celebration, instead pivoting to extensive coverage of Xi's upcoming Southeast Asian tour to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia - his first state visits of 2025.

Multiple state outlets simultaneously published identical articles on Xi's neighborhood diplomacy, emphasizing "peace, harmony, prosperity and integration." The 75th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic ties received prominent coverage, with congratulatory exchanges between Xi and President Prabowo featured across all major outlets.

By afternoon, China had called for complete removal of US tariffs while emphasizing its "community with shared future" vision through diplomatic messaging. The Democratic Party of Hong Kong reportedly moved toward disbandment following warnings from Chinese officials, signaling continued political consolidation.
14.04.2025
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Monday
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Vietnam State Visit Through Electronics Tariff Whiplash

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Xi Jinping's arrival in Hanoi dominated Chinese state media coverage throughout the day, focusing on his welcome ceremony and meetings with Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. State media repeatedly emphasized the "comrades plus brothers" relationship and building a "community with shared future" with Vietnam.

Meanwhile, economic outlets addressed the sudden exemption of Chinese electronics from Trump's tariffs, described as an "olive branch" marking a "major concession" in the trade war. Chinese tech firms were reported as "bewildered" by these "tariff flip-flops" causing market uncertainty. Hong Kong's Chief Secretary labeled US tariffs as "blackmail" linked to national security threats.

Goldman Sachs warned that "extreme" US-China decoupling could cost $2.5 trillion globally. By afternoon, reports emerged that Trump's tariffs would put "Chinese science to the test," though potentially harming US labs more severely.
15.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Malaysia Arrival Through AI Scientist Deaths

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Xi Jinping completed his Vietnam visit and arrived in Kuala Lumpur, marking the second leg of his Southeast Asian diplomatic tour. State media extensively covered the China-Vietnam railway cooperation mechanism launch, emphasizing the "community with shared future" narrative consistent with recent diplomatic positioning.

Reports emerged of multiple deaths among top Chinese AI scientists, raising concerns about intense industry pressures in China's tech sector. Meanwhile, China issued arrest warrants for three alleged NSA agents accused of hacking the Asian Winter Games.

Pro-democracy banners appeared on a Chengdu pedestrian bridge, echoing the "Bridge Man" protest of 2022. Xiaomi faced scrutiny following a fatal crash involving its assisted-driving EV technology. Beijing's top Hong Kong official characterized US tariffs as targeting China's "very survival," while Hong Kong's education minister warned against "soft resistance" in schools, indicating continued political consolidation.
16.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Malaysia Strategic Partnership Day

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Xi Jinping's Malaysian state visit dominated Chinese media, highlighting meetings with King Ibrahim and PM Anwar to establish a "high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with shared future." State outlets repeatedly featured Xi's maritime metaphors symbolizing regional cooperation.

China announced better-than-expected Q1 GDP growth of 5.4%, with People's Daily celebrating "five bright spots" amid economic headwinds. Simultaneously, the Commerce Ministry appointed Li Chenggang as new international trade negotiator replacing Wang Shouwu as US trade tensions escalate.

China ordered domestic airlines to halt Boeing aircraft procurement, while Chinese container bookings reportedly faced up to 60% decline due to impending US tariffs. Hong Kong suspended US-bound parcel mail ahead of new tariffs.

Reports emerged of protest banners on a Chengdu overpass echoing the 2022 "Bridge Man" incident, with the protester now missing. Meanwhile, Secret China claimed a Chinese think tank had criticized Xi's diplomatic approach.
17.04.2025
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Thursday
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Cambodia Brotherhood Through Nvidia Courtship

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Xi Jinping concluded his Malaysia visit and arrived in Cambodia, where he met King Sihamoni, Senate President Hun Sen, and Prime Minister Hun Manet. Chinese media repeatedly emphasized the "rock-solid" or "iron-clad" friendship between China and Cambodia, continuing the "community with shared future" diplomatic narrative from previous Southeast Asian engagements.

China announced better-than-expected Q1 economic growth of 5.4%, with markets analyzing potential tariff impacts. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited Beijing amid US restrictions on H20 chips, calling China a "key market" despite escalating tech tensions.

Hong Kong developments included national security amendments to union laws targeting "political" strikes from 2019 protests, and arrests at Channel C media outlet over alleged COVID-19 loan fraud. DW Chinese reported US attempts to pressure global partners to decouple from China through tariff negotiations, while SCMP detailed Chinese factories' viral marketing efforts and traders pursuing risky emerging market deals amid trade pressures.
18.04.2025
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Friday
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Port Fees Through Silver Trains

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Xi Jinping's return to Beijing after his Southeast Asian diplomacy tour dominated morning coverage, with state media emphasizing the "all-weather community with shared future" established with Cambodia. The day's economic focus shifted to US-China trade tensions as Trump announced steep port fees targeting Chinese vessels - a measure described as more moderate than February's proposal but still escalatory.

The "Silver Train" initiative emerged as China's domestic response to tariffs, mobilizing retirees to boost consumption. Trump expressed optimism about reaching deals with both Europe and China, despite mounting tensions. A reported brain drain continued with DOE scientist Yi Shouliang relocating to China.

Other significant developments included Zelenskyy's first direct accusation of China providing military aid to Russia, China unveiling the world's fastest hard drive, and a controversy involving Shenyang anti-drug police allegedly smuggling narcotics.
19.04.2025
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Saturday
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Robot Champions Through Southeast Asian Epilogue

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State media extensively documented Xi Jinping's concluded Southeast Asian tour, transitioning from simply reporting meetings to analyzing the "important outcomes" across Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The diplomatic narrative maintained consistency with previous days' "community with shared future" framing.

A marked technological pivot occurred midday with multiple outlets covering Beijing's first humanoid robot half-marathon, where the domestically-developed Tien Kung Ultra claimed victory. This technological showcase paralleled economic reporting on March's positive fiscal revenue and accelerated government bond issuance.

Alternative narratives emerged between state and non-state media, with SCMP highlighting China's weapons supply role in Africa as France and Russia withdraw, while Secret China published allegations about organ harvesting and claimed Xi's daughter had suggested Xi would "step back to the second line." DW Chinese reported on US-Ukraine peace talks deadlock and Chinese sellers using TikTok to circumvent tariffs.
20.04.2025
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Sunday
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The 100 Agreements Day

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State media orchestrated a coordinated narrative throughout the day focusing on Xi Jinping's recently concluded Southeast Asian diplomatic tour, repeatedly highlighting "more than 100 bilateral cooperation documents" signed during visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. This metrics-based framing positioned the tour as "standing at a new starting point for Asia's overall revitalization."

Morning coverage revealed tensions in the South China Sea as Chinese military expelled a Philippine corvette near Huangyan Dao/Scarborough Shoal. International coverage noted Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchange amid a contested Easter ceasefire and China's reported non-nuclear hydrogen bomb test.

Economic reporting examined US-China trade tensions with "growing opposition voices" to tariffs in America, unusual US bond market volatility, and France's growing consumer engagement with Chinese e-commerce platforms. Caixin highlighted legislative preparation for the private economy amid ongoing economic reform efforts.
21.04.2025
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Monday
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Pope Death Through Private Sector Legislation

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State media continued its saturation coverage of Xi Jinping's Southeast Asian tour, transitioning from reporting to analytical pieces highlighting "memorable moments" and framing the visits as building a "community with shared future." This narrative intensified throughout the day with multiple identical articles across state outlets.

Early morning news focused on accelerated legislation to strengthen China's private sector, with Caixin reporting on the "first legal rulebook" being fast-tracked. By mid-morning, international news dominated as Pope Francis died at 88, with coverage appearing across BBC Chinese, DW Chinese, and SCMP.

Military developments emerged with reports of China's sixth-generation stealth fighter demonstrating "high maneuverability" in test flights, while tensions flared in the South China Sea with a reported naval encounter between China and the Philippines near Scarborough Shoal. China also announced sanctions against US officials and NGO leaders over Hong Kong issues.
22.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Earth Day Through Pope Francis Death

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State media maintained coordinated coverage of Xi Jinping's diplomatic engagement with Indonesia, emphasizing "security cooperation" and "righteousness in great power diplomacy." Similar coordinated phrasing appeared across multiple outlets throughout the day.

Pope Francis's death, reported yesterday, continued to receive extensive coverage, with BBC Chinese explaining funeral protocols and succession procedures. This marked a shift from initial announcements to process explanations.

Earth Day featured prominently by mid-day, with Xi's statements about Earth being "humanity's only home" appearing across state outlets, connecting environmental protection to Xi's governance vision.

Economic concerns intensified with reporting on public hospitals' massive debt forcing staff cuts and salary reductions. The IMF reduced GDP growth estimates for China amid rising US-China trade tensions, while China announced retaliatory sanctions against US officials over Hong Kong issues and unveiled plans to promote its own payment system as a counter to US financial influence.
23.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Azerbaijani Diplomacy Through Climate Promise

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State media orchestrated comprehensive coverage of Xi Jinping's meeting with Azerbaijani President Aliyev, establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership. This dominated morning headlines across all major outlets with identical phrasing.

Space program developments received significant attention with announcements that Shenzhou-20 would launch April 24, while China reaffirmed its timeline for landing astronauts on the moon by 2030.

Trump's surprising statement about potentially lowering China tariffs, calling 145% "too high," received coverage in multiple outlets, alongside reports that China was inviting European countries to form a united front against American tariffs.

By afternoon, Xi's address to a climate leadership summit emerged as the coordinated narrative, with identical reports across state media emphasizing China's commitment to climate action "regardless of international changes." This messaging connected to Earth Day themes from yesterday's coverage.

The Thai building collapse investigation continued with the arrest of China Railway's Thailand branch manager.
24.04.2025
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Thursday
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Shenzhou-20 Launch Through Kenya's Diplomatic Elevation

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State media coordinated morning coverage of Xi Jinping's climate governance speech, continuing yesterday's climate summit narrative with identical phrasing across outlets. This quickly shifted to comprehensive coverage of Xi's talks with Kenyan President Ruto, elevating bilateral relations to a "China-Kenya community with shared future."

Space developments received heightened attention with the Shenzhou-20 crew launching to install space debris defense devices, connecting to yesterday's announcement and continuing space narratives from previous days.

Trade tensions persisted with China explicitly denying rumors of US trade talks, stating claims had "no factual basis," while BBC Chinese analyzed China's "five cards" in trade negotiations, including rare earth minerals. This responded to yesterday's coverage of Trump potentially lowering tariffs.

Economic internationalization advanced with Shanghai Gold Exchange exploring offshore delivery warehouses, while domestic economic reporting highlighted Shandong's 6% GDP growth, tied for highest among major provinces.
25.04.2025
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Friday
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Politburo Economic Adjustment Through Space Station Success

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The morning began with coverage of Shenzhou-20 astronauts successfully entering China's space station, continuing the space narrative from yesterday's launch. By daybreak, state media pivoted to a coordinated message emphasizing military-civilian unity with identical "love our people, love our military" headlines across multiple outlets.

Mid-morning brought comprehensive reporting on a critical Politburo meeting chaired by Xi Jinping, acknowledging economic vulnerability amid "increasing external shocks." The meeting announced new policy financial tools to support technological innovation, consumption expansion, and trade stabilization - a direct response to the escalating US-China trade tensions.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's Beijing visit received significant coverage amid tariff disputes, with Chinese media emphasizing conflicting narratives in US-China trade negotiations. Trump claimed Xi called him, while Chinese sources denied any consultations occurred. By afternoon, military news emerged about PLA participation in Vietnam's 50th Liberation anniversary and China identifying US and Japanese vessels as "enemies."
26.04.2025
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Saturday
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AI Self-Reliance Through Global Certainty Positioning

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State media orchestrated extensive coverage of Xi Jinping chairing the 20th Politburo collective study session on AI development, emphasizing self-reliance and application-oriented approaches. The narrative built upon the previous day's space station success and economic adjustment messaging.

Multiple outlets simultaneously propagated a coordinated "certainty, future, and opportunity" narrative positioning China as a stabilizing force amid global turbulence, directly responding to escalating US-China trade tensions highlighted in previous days.

Economic achievements featured renewable energy surpassing thermal power capacity for the first time, while SCMP reported on Chinese solar manufacturers potentially countering Trump's threatened 3,521% tariffs – continuing the trade war narrative.

Cultural preservation received attention with the announcement of 52,000 newly discovered cultural relics in China's fourth national survey, while reporting on Pope Francis's funeral preparations connected to his death coverage from earlier in the week.
27.04.2025
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Sunday
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Dual Path March Through Labor Glory and Private Enterprise

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The morning coverage established two parallel narratives ahead of Labor Day: glorification of workers with identical "Glory belongs to workers" headlines across state media, and Xi Jinping's vision for AI development from the 20th Politburo collective study session, continuing yesterday's AI self-reliance theme.

By midday, economic reporting highlighted China's Q1 GDP growth across all 31 provinces despite "headwinds," responding to yesterday's Politburo economic adjustment messaging. International tensions received attention with Chinese companies establishing US factories amid trade war pressures and concerns about US-DR Congo minerals deal threatening China's mining dominance.

The afternoon pivoted to a coordinated campaign supporting private enterprises, with multiple outlets simultaneously running identical headlines about "Secretary General's warm care reassuring private enterprises," expanding on yesterday's economic vulnerability acknowledgment. Military tensions persisted with warnings to the Philippines about Tiexian Jiao infringements.
28.04.2025
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Monday
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Labor Centennial Through Rare Earth Tensions

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The narratives of the labor centennial dominated state media, with Xi Jinping's celebration speech at the 100th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions appearing across all major outlets by mid-morning. This labor glorification continues the pattern from previous days ahead of Labor Day.

China's implementation of rare earth export controls emerged as a significant economic development, with BBC examining Australia's potential to capitalize on this situation despite China processing 90% of global rare earths. This control mechanism appears strategically timed amid ongoing trade tensions with the US.

Economic confidence messaging continued with assertions of "full confidence" in hitting the 5% growth target despite trade headwinds. The NDRC announced incremental employment stabilization measures, furthering yesterday's private enterprise support narrative.

Military tensions persisted with reports of China-Philippines clashes over Sandy Cay in the Spratlys, while questions surfaced about top general He Weidong's absence from a Politburo event.
29.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Xi's Twin Focus Day: Shanghai AI and Labor Centennial

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The morning coverage continued the labor centennial celebration, with Xi Jinping's speech to the All-China Federation of Trade Unions propagated across all major state outlets. This labor glorification, building on previous days' coverage, gained particular emphasis with the approaching Labor Day holiday.

By mid-morning, a second narrative emerged focused on Xi's inspection of Shanghai's AI industry, calling for it to become a "globally influential science and technology innovation highland." This marked a continuation of the AI self-reliance theme from April 26's Politburo study session.

International tensions persisted with reports of Walmart instructing Chinese suppliers to resume shipments amid the trade war. China Digital Times highlighted that China remains the world's largest jailer of writers for the sixth consecutive year, while Hong Kong saw the release of four pro-democracy figures jailed over an unofficial primary election. Foreign Ministry released a defiant "Never Kneel Down" video responding to US tariffs.
30.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Xi's Shanghai AI Tour Through 15th Five-Year Planning

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State media saturated coverage of Xi Jinping's Shanghai inspection tour focusing on artificial intelligence development, continuing the AI self-reliance narrative from April 26's Politburo study session. By early morning, synchronized reporting emphasized Xi's visit to a "large-model incubator," declaring AI "a young person's career" while positioning Shanghai as a "global science and technology innovation hub."

By mid-morning, coverage pivoted to Xi chairing a symposium on China's "15th Five-Year Plan" (2026-2030) economic development, signaling forward planning amid trade tensions. Economic vulnerability indicators emerged with Caixin reporting manufacturing PMI dropping to a three-month low and news of a securities regulator vice chairman's unexpected investigation.

International friction persisted with People's Daily publishing the first in a series criticizing "US tariff abuse," Chinese flight bookings to the US declining amid trade tensions, and reports of "sparks flying" at a WTO session over Chinese overcapacity and tariffs.
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