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Mao Ning

The latest news and updates on Mao Ning, a seasoned Chinese diplomat with over 27 years of experience, primarily in Asian affairs. She currently serves as the Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, since January 2025, as Director-General of its Department of Information. Her career includes roles as Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in the US and Deputy Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat. A graduate of Hunan Normal University, China Foreign Affairs University, and George Washington University, she is responsible for articulating China’s foreign policy, engaging with international media, and fostering global understanding on diverse issues, from regional stability to trade.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro meets China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Pasay last Wednesday. Photo: EPA

South China Sea

‘Negotiation fatigue’ risks stalling South China Sea code of conduct progress

Efforts to finalise the code between Asean and China this year are hampered to a large extent by differences between Manila and Beijing.

30 Jul 2026 - 4:25PMvideocam

Robotics

Tesla to benefit from US robot ban as Chinese rivals suffer knockback

30 Jul 2026 - 10:10AMvideocam

Accidents and disasters in China

‘China’s real-life transformer’: new rescue tech used in dramatic flood evacuation

15 Jul 2026 - 9:51PMvideocam

South China Sea

People’s Daily joins Beijing’s narrative blitz over 2016 South China Sea ruling

Official Communist Party paper slams verdict as ‘destabilising force’ as it runs twin commentaries in run-up to 10th anniversary of ruling.

10 Jul 2026 - 8:22PMvideocam

A China Coast Guard crew member observes Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Photo: Handout via Xinhua

US, Israel war on Iran

Editorial | Trump’s fickle behaviour over Iran puts world economy at risk – again

While he left the door open for further negotiations, Trump’s declarations have plunged the world into an uncertainty it can ill afford.

10 Jul 2026 - 7:15AM

China-North Korea relations

North Korea’s premier heads to China for defence treaty anniversary as allies extend thaw

Pak Thae-song’s trip comes less than a month after President Xi Jinping made his first visit to Pyongyang in seven years.

9 Jul 2026 - 5:22PMvideocam

China's military weapons

What does China’s submarine missile test mean for its nuclear triad expansion?

More than a technical milestone, undersea launch sends strategic signal to the US and Beijing’s neighbours in Asia-Pacific, analysts say.

8 Jul 2026 - 12:43AMvideocam

A test missile is fired from a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine towards the Pacific Ocean on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

US-China relations

China’s Xi Jinping sets new precedent with July 4 message for Trump and US

Beijing does not usually publicise presidential messages to Washington on Independence Day.

6 Jul 2026 - 6:40PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

Chinese translation of Tokyo war trial records fill ‘critical gap’: state media

The 40-volume project marks the first time that the complete court records from the tribunal have been published in Chinese.

26 Jun 2026 - 6:04PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

A portrait of former Cuban leader Raul Castro is seen in Havana, as Cuba grapples with economic hardship and renewed pressure from Washington. Photo: Reuters

China-EU relations

EU trade chief swipes at China overcapacity, but vows ‘meaningful’ discussions

Maros Sefcovic made the remarks after meeting China’s chief trade negotiator, but says both sides are focused on mutual success.

5 Jun 2026 - 12:06AM

European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic, seen in May, says the EU is seeking “meaningful and sustainable" discussions with Beijing. Photo: pool via AP

Taiwan

Beijing slaps travel ban on New Zealand MPs for ‘crossing red line’ over Taiwan

New Zealand and Australia to lodge formal protests after the four lawmakers were sanctioned for ‘sending the wrong signals’.

4 Jun 2026 - 8:01PMvideocam

China trade

Why China is defending industrial subsidies against ‘one-sided’ OECD report

The dispute comes as industrial policy becomes a major point of contention in global trade, particularly in hi-tech and strategic sectors.

4 Jun 2026 - 5:00PM

China-Philippines relations

Beijing to Manila: don’t let ‘clowns’ sabotage ties with ‘political theatrics’

Beijing condemns remarks by Philippine defence chief, who says Manila is under ‘severe threat’ from China despite fertiliser and fuel offers.

3 Jun 2026 - 10:13AMvideocam

China’s foreign ministry has accused Gilberto Teodoro Jnr of having “no sense of gratitude” following comments by the Philippine defence chief about Beijing’s offers of aid. Photo: AFP

Taiwan

Why have Japan and the Philippines’ maritime boundary talks angered China?

A new flashpoint has opened up in the western Pacific Ocean with Beijing expected to strengthen its presence in the waters east of Taiwan.

2 Jun 2026 - 2:00PM

Coastguard vessels from the Chinese mainland were spotted southeast of Orchid Island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan on Monday. Photo: Getty Images

China-EU relations

As EU mulls trade tools, China vows to take steps against any new restrictions

While warning of retaliation against ‘new trade instruments’, Beijing says China-EU communication channels remain open.

31 May 2026 - 8:32PMvideocam

Taiwan

‘Illegal and void’: China condemns Japan-Philippines maritime border talks

Beijing says negotiations between Tokyo and Manila cover area east of Taiwan where it maintains exclusive economic zone.

29 May 2026 - 8:16PM

China-Latin America relations

As US pressures Cuba, Beijing holds talks with Havana on agriculture

Chinese support includes rice shipments and diplomatic backing as Trump administration ramps up sanctions and rhetoric.

28 May 2026 - 6:04AMvideocam

A view of Havana as tensions between Cuba and the United States continue to escalate. Photo: AP

Trending in China

China inventor creates sword-shaped aerial vehicle, brings fantasy novels to life

‘Obsessed’ innovator uses drones and levers to operate flying machine; hopes to eventually have his prototype mass-produced.

22 May 2026 - 9:00AM

China-Latin America relations

China, Russia rally behind Cuba as US squeezes Havana in deepening crisis

‘China is willing to work with the international community to firmly support Cuba,’ said a Beijing spokesperson.

11 Apr 2026 - 4:30AMvideocam

China exports

China strengthens oversight of state-owned assets overseas amid global tensions

A new department will guide state-owned enterprises expanding overseas, as China’s firms look outwards for growth opportunities.

9 Apr 2026 - 4:00PMvideocam

Chinese investments in Venezuela have faced uncertainty since the United States’ seizure of former president Nicolas Maduro in January. Photo: Getty Images

US, Israel war on Iran

Strait of Hormuz: is a Trump‑Iran joint venture really possible?

With regime change increasingly out of reach, the US president may pivot towards a business deal with Tehran’s fractured leadership.

9 Apr 2026 - 8:45PMvideocam

Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates last month. Photo: AP

China-Japan relations

Why China is worried by Japan’s plans to change rules on arms sales

The government in Tokyo is considering relaxing its restrictions on exports of lethal weapons amid heightened tensions with Beijing.

4 Apr 2026 - 9:08PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

In a time of war, Chinese museums are a safe haven for ancient treasures of Iran

Cultural exchanges established with the Middle East are underscoring China’s role as a safe harbour for vulnerable global heritage.

4 Apr 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

China, Pakistan launch five-point plan to ease Iran crisis, push ceasefire

Beijing backs Islamabad’s mediation push as both call for truce, Hormuz reopening and talks to restore regional stability.

1 Apr 2026 - 2:40AMvideocam

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (left) meets his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on January 4. Dar is visiting China again this week – his second trip to the country in three months. Photo: Xinhua

China-Middle East relations

Iran thanks Chinese public after US-Israeli air strikes prompt wave of sympathy

Embassy in Beijing says Iran sincerely grateful to ‘the civilised and righteous Chinese people’ but financial aid not needed for now.

5 Mar 2026 - 8:40PMvideocam

A mass funeral ceremony is held on
Tuesday for students and staff members killed in a US-Israeli attack on a school in Minab, southern Iran.
Civilian deaths have caused particular outrage among people in China. Photo: Handout via Xinhua

China-Middle East relations

China urges Israel to end war in Iran as regional tensions escalate

Beijing says US-Israeli strikes were in bad faith and calls for an immediate halt, a return to talks and opposition to unilateral action.

4 Mar 2026 - 8:07AMvideocam

US-China relations

Will Iran attack derail Trump’s high-stakes China visit to meet Xi Jinping?

China has condemned killing of Iranian leader as a grave violation of sovereignty and called US incitement of regime change ‘unacceptable’.

2 Mar 2026 - 11:38PMvideocam

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Mao Ning

‘Negotiation fatigue’ risks stalling South China Sea code of conduct progress

Efforts to finalise the code between Asean and China this year are hampered to a large extent by differences between Manila and Beijing.

Tesla to benefit from US robot ban as Chinese rivals suffer knockback

‘China’s real-life transformer’: new rescue tech used in dramatic flood evacuation

People’s Daily joins Beijing’s narrative blitz over 2016 South China Sea ruling

Official Communist Party paper slams verdict as ‘destabilising force’ as it runs twin commentaries in run-up to 10th anniversary of ruling.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Trump’s fickle behaviour over Iran puts world economy at risk – again

While he left the door open for further negotiations, Trump’s declarations have plunged the world into an uncertainty it can ill afford.

North Korea’s premier heads to China for defence treaty anniversary as allies extend thaw

Pak Thae-song’s trip comes less than a month after President Xi Jinping made his first visit to Pyongyang in seven years.

What does China’s submarine missile test mean for its nuclear triad expansion?

More than a technical milestone, undersea launch sends strategic signal to the US and Beijing’s neighbours in Asia-Pacific, analysts say.

China’s Xi Jinping sets new precedent with July 4 message for Trump and US

Beijing does not usually publicise presidential messages to Washington on Independence Day.

Chinese translation of Tokyo war trial records fill ‘critical gap’: state media

The 40-volume project marks the first time that the complete court records from the tribunal have been published in Chinese.

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

EU trade chief swipes at China overcapacity, but vows ‘meaningful’ discussions

Maros Sefcovic made the remarks after meeting China’s chief trade negotiator, but says both sides are focused on mutual success.

Beijing slaps travel ban on New Zealand MPs for ‘crossing red line’ over Taiwan

New Zealand and Australia to lodge formal protests after the four lawmakers were sanctioned for ‘sending the wrong signals’.

Why China is defending industrial subsidies against ‘one-sided’ OECD report

The dispute comes as industrial policy becomes a major point of contention in global trade, particularly in hi-tech and strategic sectors.

Beijing to Manila: don’t let ‘clowns’ sabotage ties with ‘political theatrics’

Beijing condemns remarks by Philippine defence chief, who says Manila is under ‘severe threat’ from China despite fertiliser and fuel offers.

Why have Japan and the Philippines’ maritime boundary talks angered China?

A new flashpoint has opened up in the western Pacific Ocean with Beijing expected to strengthen its presence in the waters east of Taiwan.

As EU mulls trade tools, China vows to take steps against any new restrictions

While warning of retaliation against ‘new trade instruments’, Beijing says China-EU communication channels remain open.

‘Illegal and void’: China condemns Japan-Philippines maritime border talks

Beijing says negotiations between Tokyo and Manila cover area east of Taiwan where it maintains exclusive economic zone.

As US pressures Cuba, Beijing holds talks with Havana on agriculture

Chinese support includes rice shipments and diplomatic backing as Trump administration ramps up sanctions and rhetoric.

China inventor creates sword-shaped aerial vehicle, brings fantasy novels to life

‘Obsessed’ innovator uses drones and levers to operate flying machine; hopes to eventually have his prototype mass-produced.

China, Russia rally behind Cuba as US squeezes Havana in deepening crisis

‘China is willing to work with the international community to firmly support Cuba,’ said a Beijing spokesperson.

China strengthens oversight of state-owned assets overseas amid global tensions

A new department will guide state-owned enterprises expanding overseas, as China’s firms look outwards for growth opportunities.

Strait of Hormuz: is a Trump‑Iran joint venture really possible?

With regime change increasingly out of reach, the US president may pivot towards a business deal with Tehran’s fractured leadership.

Why China is worried by Japan’s plans to change rules on arms sales

The government in Tokyo is considering relaxing its restrictions on exports of lethal weapons amid heightened tensions with Beijing.

In a time of war, Chinese museums are a safe haven for ancient treasures of Iran

Cultural exchanges established with the Middle East are underscoring China’s role as a safe harbour for vulnerable global heritage.

China, Pakistan launch five-point plan to ease Iran crisis, push ceasefire

Beijing backs Islamabad’s mediation push as both call for truce, Hormuz reopening and talks to restore regional stability.

Iran thanks Chinese public after US-Israeli air strikes prompt wave of sympathy

Embassy in Beijing says Iran sincerely grateful to ‘the civilised and righteous Chinese people’ but financial aid not needed for now.

China urges Israel to end war in Iran as regional tensions escalate

Beijing says US-Israeli strikes were in bad faith and calls for an immediate halt, a return to talks and opposition to unilateral action.

Will Iran attack derail Trump’s high-stakes China visit to meet Xi Jinping?

China has condemned killing of Iranian leader as a grave violation of sovereignty and called US incitement of regime change ‘unacceptable’.

Editorial | Trump’s fickle behaviour over Iran puts world economy at risk – again