China’s reusable rocket ambitions suffer setback, US blacklists DJI: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s booster rocket woes to Beijing condemning US seizure of oil tankers, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage

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China’s Long March 12A, the country’s first state-owned reusable rocket, has failed on its debut launch on Tuesday morning. Photo: Weibo

Published: 9:15pm, 23 Dec 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. Second reusable rocket recovery failure in a month puts China 10 years behind US

The Long March 12A, China’s first state-owned reusable rocket, made its debut launch on Tuesday morning but the recovery of the first stage was a failure.

2. ‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

Analysts examine Taiwan-related policy announcements, a new commemoration day and military posturing for clues to Beijing’s intent.

3. US adds new models of China’s DJI and all other foreign drones to its blacklist

A drone on display at DJI’s flagship shop in Hong Kong. The Trump administration has barred the approval of Shenzhen-based DJI’s new models. Photo: Reuters

The US telecommunications regulator said it is adding Shenzhen-based DJI, the world’s largest drone maker, to a list of companies determined to pose “unacceptable risks” to US national security, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s effort to crack down on Chinese drones.

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