From Leeds to Hainan: How a British Expat Pizza Shop Became a Hit
British expat Jake Canning shares how his pizza shop thrived in Haikou, Hainan, and why running a business on the Chinese mainland can be surprisingly easy.
Asteroid 336877 Named for Space-Tech Pioneer Qi Faren
The International Astronomical Union has named asteroid 336877 after Qi Faren, the Chinese mainland space-tech expert behind Dongfanghong satellites and Shenzhou designs.
China Calls on Japan to Reflect on WWII Atrocities at UNGA
At a UNGA meeting on Dec 18, China’s UN envoy Fu Cong urged Japan to reflect on WWII crimes, honor its Taiwan commitments, and defend the post-war order.
EU Leaders Waver on Using Frozen Russian Assets to Aid Ukraine
EU leaders gather in Brussels amid debates over tapping €210B in frozen Russian assets to boost Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction.
Up Before Dawn: Chasing a Rocket Launch in Hainan 🚀🌅
On December 12, 2025, travelers and locals gathered before dawn at Qishui Bay, Hainan Province on the Chinese mainland to witness the Long March-12 rocket launch, turning an epic event into routine life.
Hainan Free Trade Port’s Island-Wide Customs Breakthrough
Hainan’s island-wide customs closure at the Free Trade Port is a high-level institutional innovation in the opening-up of the Chinese mainland, enhancing trade, investment, and people flows.
Hainan Launches Visa-Free Access & Tariff Cuts to Boost Exchanges
Hainan Free Trade Port launched special customs operations on Dec. 18, offering visa-free entry for 85 countries and zero tariffs on 74% of goods, boosting travel, research, and trade.
Box Office Boom: Chinese Mainland Movies Top 50 Billion Yuan in 2025
In 2025, the Chinese mainland’s movie industry saw box office revenue top 50 billion yuan, marking one of its strongest years ever.
Chinese Mainland Box Office Rockets Past 4 Billion Yuan
As of Dec 18, the Chinese mainland’s year-end box office has topped 4 billion yuan, fueled by holiday blockbusters and strong turnout, with more records likely by Dec 31.
Oil Prices Jump After Trump’s Venezuela Blockade Order
Oil prices rose this week after President Trump ordered a blockade on Venezuelan tankers, adding a geopolitical risk premium and pushing WTI and Brent higher.