10 big things about China you should not miss (June 8-June 14）

1. Xi urges China, S. Korea to lift strategic cooperative partnership to higher level

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and South Korea should lift their strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples and bring greater certainty to the turbulent regional and international landscapes.

Xi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

Extending congratulations once again to Lee on his election as South Korean president, Xi said that China and South Korea are close neighbors that cannot be moved away from each other.

2. China, U.S. conduct professional, candid talks -- senior official

China and the U.S. have over the past two days conducted professional, rational, in-depth and candid exchanges, Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice minister of commerce, said on Tuesday.

The two sides have agreed in principle the framework for implementing consensus between the two heads of state during their phone talks on June 5, as well as those reached at Geneva talks, Li said.

It is hoped that progress made at the London meeting will be conducive to strengthening trust between China and the United States, and to further promoting the steady and healthy development of economic and trade ties between the two countries, he said, adding that the meeting also adds positive energy to global economic growth.

3. China, African countries sign 28 infrastructure cooperation projects

China and multiple African countries signed 28 infrastructure cooperation projects during the China-Africa infrastructure cooperation exchange event held on Thursday in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, with the total contract value amounting to $5.27 billion.

4. China's homegrown toy Labubu goes global, redefines cultural export playbook

Labubu, with curly hair, bright eyes, and a big grin, is taking over social media worldwide. K-pop star Lisa, Rihanna, Thai princess, even David Beckham—everyone’s showing off their Labubus. Behind it all is a shift from "Made in China" to "Created by China." A more confident, creative, and dynamic China is stepping onto the global stage.

5. China adds Indonesia to 240-hour visa-free transit program, expands list to 55 countries

Starting Thursday, Indonesian citizens will be eligible for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, according to the national immigration administration.

With this addition, China’s visa-free transit policy now covers 55 countries. Eligible Indonesian travelers can enter through any of the 60 ports across 24 provincial-level regions and stay up to 240 hours, or 10 days, without a visa before heading to a third destination.

6. David Beckham backs grassroots football in Suzhou as 'Su Chao' league gains popularity

Football star David Beckham recently visited Suzhou to support local football development, interacting warmly with players and cheering "Suzhou, go for it!" in a slightly accented Suzhou dialect. The moment, shared by China Daily, quickly went viral online, drawing praise for the city's vibrant football culture.

Beckham's visit highlights the growing popularity of the Su Chao, or Jiangsu Provincial Urban Football League, an amateur tournament featuring teams from all 13 cities in Jiangsu Province.

The league has attracted more than 180,000 spectators, matching the excitement often seen in professional leagues.

7. 2025 China Internet Civilization Conference kicks off in E China's Anhui

The 2025 China Internet Civilization Conference opened on Tuesday in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, marking the first time the event has been held in the Yangtze River Delta. Themed on gathering positive energy online and fostering new trends of the times, the two-day event emphasized cultivating cyber civilization among young netizens and improving digital literacy nationwide.

8. China greenlights amphibious AG600 aircraft for mass production

China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has entered mass production after receiving final approval from the country’s civil aviation authority, officials said Wednesday.

The move marks a key milestone in China's construction of large-scale aviation emergency rescue equipment, said the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

9. Beijing to open world's first 4S store for embodied AI robots in August

Beijing will open the world’s first 4S store for embodied AI robots this August, offering robot sales, spare parts, and after-sales service, the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA) announced Wednesday.

The 4S model—short for Sale, Spare parts, Service, and Survey—is adapted from the automotive industry to support the full lifecycle of robotic products.

10. China's annual national college entrance examination concludes

2025 national college entrance exam, also known as the gaokao, concluded Tuesday.