US reinstates China National Day tradition; a ‘super golden week’: SCMP daily highlights

From Marco Rubio’s congratulatory message to Beijing to an expected travel surge in China, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage

Reading Time:2 minutes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sent Washington’s congratulations to China as it celebrates its National Day. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:15pm, 1 Oct 2025

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. Marco Rubio marks China’s National Day with message of peace, prosperity from US

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sent a congratulatory message for China’s National Day, reinstating a tradition to mark the occasion before October 1 arrives in the United States.

2. China’s military sees threat in expanded US drills with Japan and South Korea

The US military’s expanded joint cyber and AI-integrated exercises with Japan and South Korea pose a risk to regional security, a Chinese military commentary has warned.

3. China’s ‘super golden week’ forecast to spark travel boom at home and abroad

Passengers wait for trains at Hangzhou East Railway Station on April 30, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Visa-free travel abroad and free toll roads at home are expected to fuel a surge in travel by Chinese citizens during an extra-long holiday starting this week, in what analysts call a boon for the service economy.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00