Trump considers punitive tariffs, China builds space debris device: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s nationwide childcare subsidy to Chinese miners putting gold over own lives in Africa, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage

Reading Time:1 minute

Employees in the Chinese province of Heilongjiang inspect equipment at a refinery that processes Russian crude oil. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 9:15pm, 11 Aug 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. Trump may hit China with punitive tariffs over purchases of Russian oil

US Vice-President J.D. Vance said that President Donald Trump is “thinking” about slapping new tariffs on imports from China in response to the country’s purchases of Russian oil.

2. China condemns Israel’s Gaza City takeover plan, urges 2-state solution

China has condemned Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City, urging an immediate halt to military operations in an emergency United Nations Security Council session on Sunday.

3. Why China’s baby subsidies may help poorer regions – and how they stack up in Asia

A nurse takes care of a newborn baby at a hospital in Taizhou, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province, on May 12, 2023. Photo: AFP

In a major effort to tackle its deepening demographic crisis, China has launched a nationwide childcare subsidy scheme – the first of its kind by the central government.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x