This article explores antiblack racism in China amid increased Africa–China interactions. Incidents like a controversial detergent commercial and blackface performances highlight anti-African sentiment. African nationals face challenges, but the author warns against equating Chinese antiblackness with Euro-American concepts. The article delves into historical roots, premodern associations, and contemporary expressions of antiblackness in China. The conclusion calls for a relational and coalitional approach to dismantle antiblackness in the context of Global China, emphasizing the need for critical examination beyond disciplinary siloes.

The Chinese Communist Party's National Propaganda Ministers Work Conference emphasized the implementation of "Xi Jinping Thought on Culture," highlighting the leader's dominance in shaping the national narrative. The phrase, introduced in October 2023, underscores Xi's control over culture and ideology. The conference stressed maintaining the Party's cultural leadership, guarding against ideological risks, and upholding the "will to struggle" on political matters. This year's focus on Xi's thought reflects the political nature of culture under his leadership. The CCP seeks to strengthen its control over media and propaganda, emphasizing obedience to Xi. The annual conference sets key priorities for the coming year.

MIT economist Yasheng Huang's book, "The Rise and Fall of the EAST," explores China's economic growth, attributing its success to market forces and private sector reforms initiated after Mao Zedong's death. The book criticizes the current regime for deviating from these policies, leading to setbacks and stagnation. Huang highlights the role of marketization, de-collectivization, and political reform in the 1980s, emphasizing the market as the driving force behind China's economic miracle. The historical analysis extends to Chinese autocracy, examining institutions like the Keju examination system.

China, the world's top chip importer, is set to benefit from falling chip prices due to Western subsidies for chip production. The US, EU, and others have implemented significant support programs, emphasizing subsidies for fab construction. Achieving true self-sufficiency in chipmaking is challenging due to the specialized nature of production stages across regions. The uncoordinated subsidy race is seen as unnecessary and counterproductive, ultimately benefiting China, which relies heavily on chip imports and would gain from lower prices.