March 25, 2026 – China Headlines

Story gist: Iran appointed a new secretary for its Supreme National Security Council. The previous secretary, Larijani, was assassinated last week.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Xinhua frame the story as a straightforward announcement of the appointment without additional context. Center outlets like Daily Economic News emphasize the assassination background, successor’s resume, and include sensational Iranian media video of a US tanker exploding after speedboat collision. Right-leaning coverage is absent, leaving out potential criticism of Iran’s regime or security instability.

Story gist: Trump stated that dialogue with Iran was ‘good and productive.’ Iran denied engaging in negotiations with the United States.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Xinhua frames Trump’s claim as a ‘last-minute change,’ skeptically questioning if it signals de-escalation or an escalation trap, emphasizing uncertainty. Center Sina neutrally reports US and mediators discussing high-level peace talks as early as Thursday, awaiting Tehran’s response, with factual emphasis. Right-leaning outlets absent, leaving pro-Trump or hawkish framing unrepresented.

Story gist: Chinese internet personality Zhang Xuefeng died at age 41 from cardiac sudden death, as confirmed by an obituary. He had praised Shenzhen’s vocational education and universities multiple times.

Bias summary: Left-leaning coverage absent, leaving that perspective unrepresented. Center outlets like Sina report factually: death age, cause via obituary. Right-leaning Phoenix emphasizes positive persona as ‘gold medal salesman and wonderful comedian,’ highlighting entertainment value over educational role or Shenzhen praise.

Story gist: The Boao Forum for Asia convened in Hainan, China. Discussions addressed Asia’s economic future amid headwinds, incorporating local intangible cultural heritage and noting absences of important guests due to Middle East tensions.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Xinhua emphasize positive cultural integration, framing the forum as blending ‘national is universal’ heritage with global dialogue. Center outlets like Oriental Wealth neutrally highlight economic challenges at a ‘historical crossroads.’ Right-leaning Guancha focuses on key guest absences due to Middle East issues, expressing understanding to underscore external geopolitical disruptions.

Story gist: Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Xiong’an New Area with Politburo Standing Committee members, two years after the previous visit. He affirmed the decision to establish the ‘millennium plan’ as completely correct and emphasized high-quality construction and development.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Xinhua portrays the visit glowingly as Xi’s leadership story in the ‘millennium plan,’ highlighting his performance vision. Center Radio Free Asia reports neutrally on the visit details and Xi’s affirmation without praise or criticism. Right-leaning outlets are absent, omitting skeptical or oppositional framings of the project’s progress or costs.