November 21, 2025 – China Headlines

Story gist: White House stated US Army Secretary expressed optimism about a new Russia-Ukraine peace plan after talks with Ukrainian officials. US Senators Rubio and Vitkov are drafting the plan following discussions with both sides.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets (Xinhuanet) emphasize White House optimism post-US-Ukraine talks, using positive quotes. Center outlets (VOA) focus neutrally on Rubio and Vitkov drafting end-war plan with bilateral discussions. Right-leaning coverage (Guancha) highlights EU’s shock at being excluded, emphasizing surprise and omissions of US optimism; no center-right perspective present.

Story gist: A Japanese writer in Taiwan stated in an exclusive interview that Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi’s remarks reveal her ignorance. The writer described Taiwan’s Lai administration’s alignment with Takaichi as a misjudgment.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like People’s Daily frame the story by warning Japan against sliding into the ‘abyss of war,’ emphasizing anti-militarism and criticizing Takaichi. Center- and right-leaning outlets provide no coverage, leaving moderate analysis and pro-Japan or pro-Taiwan perspectives absent.

Story gist: On November 19, 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning hosted a regular press conference. Reports emerged of escalating China-Japan rivalry, with an expert disclosing Chinese diplomatic pressure tactics toward Japan.

Bias summary: Left-leaning official Chinese FM source frames event as routine press briefing, omitting tensions or pressure claims. Right-leaning Epoch Times headlines ‘escalation’ and ‘expert reveals CCP tactics,’ emphasizing adversarial Chinese actions with accusatory tone. Center-leaning outlets absent, providing no balanced or neutral coverage of the diplomatic exchange.

Story gist: A symposium marked the 110th anniversary of Hu Yaobang’s birth, with speeches by Qu Qingshan and others delivered and published in People’s Daily. Xi Jinping prominently participated in the commemoration.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like People’s Daily focused on publishing official speeches from the Hu Yaobang symposium, using reverent, commemorative tone without referencing controversies. Center outlets like RFI emphasized Xi Jinping’s high-profile involvement but highlighted omission of major historical events, suggesting evasion. Right-leaning coverage is absent, leaving conservative viewpoints unrepresented.