China This Week: Five things you need to know (Jun. 7-Jun. 13, 2025)
One Step Closer to China: A weekly dispatch from Beijing every Friday with insights you don’t want to miss.
Editor's note: What were the messages from the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism in London? How should we understand the first phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korea's newly inaugurated President Lee Jae-myung? Why do China's plans to offer zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties and the enhanced China-Africa strategic partnership this week matter? Plus, let's explore China's rare earth export controls based on newly released data, and why a front-page interview with Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei in the People's Daily went viral. Check it out!
1. China Briefed on First Two-day Meeting of China-U.S. Economic and Trade Consultation Mechanism
On June 12, China's Ministry of Commerce briefed the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism held in London. Both sides reached a principled agreement, including the implementation of key consensus from the June 5 phone call between the two heads of state, as well as a framework to consolidate outcomes from last month's economic and trade talks in Geneva. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng urged the U.S. to resolve trade disputes with China through dialogue and cooperation.
Read more:
Chinese Commerce Ministry briefs on first meeting of China-U.S. trade consultation mechanism -CGTN-
China, U.S. agree on framework to implement leaders' consensus, says China's trade representative -CGTN-
After heated London talks, where do China-US trade relations stand? -South China Morning Post-
2. Chinese President Xi Jinping, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Hold First Phone Call on Bilateral Ties
On June 10, Chinese President Xi Jinping and newly inaugurated South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held their first phone call. Lee invited Xi to the APEC summit in November, as both leaders pledged to forge "new ties." Xi urged elevating the strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement. Both agreed to work toward peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Read more:
Xi Jinping Has a Phone Call with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung -Chinese Foreign Ministry-
Transforming the ROK-US alliance into a China-deterrence one not Seoul's desire -Global Times-
New South Korea leader faces tightrope act between US alliance, stronger China ties -South China Morning Post-
3. China Expands Zero-tariff Treatment on 100% of Tariff Lines to All 53 African Countries with Diplomatic Ties in a Busy Week for China-Africa Relations
China's announcement of zero tariffs on all 100-percent tariff lines for the 53 African countries with diplomatic ties made headlines this week. At the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held June 10-12 in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, the 53 African countries, the African Union and China jointly opposed U.S. tariff wars and defended multilateralism in the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South (中非维护全球南方团结合作的长沙宣言).
The Chinese side also compiled a summary of key outcomes aligned with ten partnership initiatives, resulting in the "List of the Outcomes of the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (中非合作论坛北京峰会成果落实清单)," which includes 35 outcomes across 10 categories.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha on June 12, highlighting the commitment of the world's largest developing country to strengthening ties with Africa, the continent with the most developing nations.
Read more:
China to remove tariffs on nearly all goods from Africa as both criticise US trade moves -South China Morning Post-
Major China-Africa trade expo to kick off in Changsha amid closer economic ties -Global Times-
4. Data Shows China's Rare-earth Exports Grew 23% in May from April Amid Dual-use Item Export Regulations
China's rare-earth exports in May rose 23 percent from April to 5,864.60 tonnes, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs (GACC). On June 7, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said it has approved several export license applications for rare earth-related items. The ministry noted that imposing export controls on items with dual-use military and civilian applications (稀土相关物项具有军民两用属性) aligns with international practice.
Read more:
China's rare earth regulations responsible step toward sustainable global supply, security -China's State Council Information Office-
China approves some rare earth export applications -China’s State Council Information Office-
Customs data: China's rare-earth exports grow 23% in May from April -Global Times-
5. Huawei Founder Ren Zhengfei's Front-page Interview in People's Daily
Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei's recent front-page interview in People's Daily, titled "The more open the country, the more it will drive our progress" (国家越开放，会促使我们更加进步——对话任正非), attracted widespread attention. Ren addressed various hot topics and sent three key signals. First, he expressed strong support for private enterprises, assuring entrepreneurs of firm state backing. Second, he emphasized that persistent innovation and fundamental research are essential for progress. Third, he clearly stated that China's door to the outside world will remain wide open, with greater openness driving greater strength.
Read more:
The more open the country, the more it will drive our progress: Ren Zhengfei speaks to People’s Daily -Global Times
Global Times editorial: Why the interview with Ren Zhengfei went viral -Global Times-
Tech war: Huawei founder Ren’s remarks illuminate China’s strategy to overcome US curbs -South China Morning Post-
Stay tuned for more updates on China's political, economic, and cultural landscapes.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only. All sources are publicly available and subject to change.
Shen Shiwei’s Social Media Links
X: @shen_shiwei Facebook: Shen Shiwei YouTube: @shen_shiwei_focus