CNOwnership & classification
Founded: 1993
Ownership
Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao) is a nationalistic daily tabloid founded in 1993 by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party; its English edition launched on 20 April 2009. It is published by the People's Daily Press, with ownership split roughly 60/40 between People's Daily Online and Global Times Press, both of which sit under the CCP Central Committee.
Funding
It earns commercial revenue from advertising and sales, but operates within the state/Party-owned People's Daily media system and its overseas expansion was backed by a large government-funded campaign to project Chinese media abroad.
Affiliation & stance
Its editorial line is an explicitly nationalistic, hawkish voice aligned with CCP foreign-policy positions, often used to signal hardline official sentiment. Because it is owned and ultimately controlled by the Chinese Communist Party through the People's Daily, it is classified STATE (a government/Party-controlled outlet, i.e. not independent); the site's STATE tag is accurate.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 25
–
Factual
–
Objective
26
Articles
25
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
China to introduce new train timetable from July 1, including high-speed train service between Beijing and Urumqi
China's national railway network will implement a new train timetable starting July 1, enhancing connectivity across the country. The update includes high-speed train services between Beijing and Urumqi for the first time, as well as improved routes from Xi'an to multiple cities in central and southern China. The new schedule increases the total number of scheduled passenger trains to 12,174, representing an increase of 106 trains. Specific improvements include faster travel times between Xi'an and Hankou, direct high-speed rail links between Yan'an and Shaoshan, and upgrades to services between Urumqi and Chongqing. These changes aim to improve transportation capacity and convenience for commuters in key economic regions.
Chinese expert criticizes Filipino FM's claim that Japan-Philippines delimitation 'nothing to do' with China, warns move serves ulterior purposes beyond bilateral talks
A Chinese expert criticized Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro's assertion that maritime delimitation talks between the Philippines and Japan are unrelated to China, arguing that the discussions involve areas near Taiwan and violate international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The expert highlighted three legal violations: the talks would create obligations for a third state (China), contradict UNCLOS principles of equitable delimitation, and breach international obligations of restraint and good faith. Lazaro defended the talks as essential for national defense and dismissed China's objections, while also expressing concerns about increased Chinese naval activity near Taiwan. The dispute reflects broader tensions in the region, with Japan and the Philippines advancing their claims despite China's opposition.
Tokyo Trial debunks notorious Yasukuni Shrine's inverted narrative
The article discusses the controversy surrounding the Yushukan Museum within Japan's Yasukuni Shrine, which is accused of distorting historical narratives related to Japan's wartime actions. It highlights how the museum attempts to downplay or deny the findings of the Tokyo Trial, which judged Japan's Class-A war criminals for their roles in World War II. Xiang Longwan, an expert on the Tokyo Trial, criticizes the museum for omitting crucial information about the trial and rewriting history to glorify militarism. International observers like Gianni Simone have also criticized the museum for its biased portrayal of Japan's past, particularly its aggression and colonial rule. The article compares materials from the Yushukan catalog with the Tokyo Trial's verdict to expose these historical distortions.
DC gala shooting suspect voices grievances against US administration in writings to family: media reports
A man accused of shooting during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, DC on April 26, 2026, expressed grievances against the U.S. administration in writings sent to his family, according to media reports. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, referred to himself as a 'Friendly Federal Assassin' and criticized U.S. policies, including military actions in the Pacific. The attack, which occurred at the Washington Hilton, prompted increased security measures around the White House. Former President Donald Trump described the suspect as a 'sick guy' with an 'anti-Christian' manifesto, while former President Barack Obama called for rejecting violence in democracy. The event disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, leading to calls for enhanced security. Despite the incident, King Charles III's planned U.S. state visit proceeded, with Buckingham Palace stating the monarch was relieved that Trump and others were unharmed.
Local Insights: At the 13th Baku Global Forum, global participants look to China for new path of multilateralism and stability
The article discusses the 13th Baku Global Forum, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from March 11 to 14, 2026, amid heightened global tensions. The forum's theme was 'Bridging Divides in a Transforming World,' and it occurred during a period of significant geopolitical instability, including conflicts between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, as well as ongoing tensions related to the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle Eastern affairs. Attendees included high-level political figures, UN officials, and think tank experts, but the atmosphere was marked by uncertainty due to the proximity of armed conflict. The author, a Chinese scholar involved in Track II diplomacy, reflects on the challenges of organizing such a forum amidst global disorder and highlights the international community's interest in multilateral cooperation and China's role in shaping global governance.
Over 3,000 protests staged across US on one month of strikes against Iran, scale 'suggests mounting public dissatisfaction that risks more chaos': expert
Over 3,100 protests were organized across the United States within a single month, primarily in response to U.S. policies, including military actions against Iran, immigration enforcement, and economic issues. The demonstrations, which included large gatherings in cities like Washington D.C., New York, and Chicago, featured diverse participants and slogans calling for an end to wars, deportations, and other government policies. The protests were described as the 'largest non-violent day of action' in American history by some media outlets. Chinese analysts noted the protests reflect growing public dissatisfaction with the administration’s policies and potential for increased societal unrest. International demonstrations were also reported in countries such as France, Portugal, and Greece.
NPC deputy calls to make comprehensive sex education a formal part of China's basic education curriculum
An NPC deputy in China, Chen Wei, has proposed integrating comprehensive sex education into the national basic education curriculum, with mandatory classes beginning as early as kindergarten. Chen highlighted that current sex education in China lags behind international standards, citing rising incidents of campus sexual assault and teenage unintended pregnancies. Statistics from the Girls' Protection public welfare team revealed over 690 children were victims of sexual assault in 2024, predominantly girls, with most perpetrators being acquaintances. Chen emphasized the lack of professionally trained educators and the reliance on non-specialist teachers, which hampers the quality and consistency of sex education. He recommended creating a dedicated teacher training program and aligning with UNESCO guidelines that advocate for educators to act as facilitators rather than mere knowledge providers.
China schedules next moonshot this year: developer
China has scheduled the launch of its Chang'e-7 lunar probe this year to explore the Moon's south pole, focusing on mapping the region, studying water ice deposits, and analyzing the Moon's topography and geology. This mission is part of Phase 4 of China's lunar exploration program. In addition, China plans to send the Tianwen-3 probe to Mars for sample collection and the Tianwen-4 probe to study Jupiter and its moons. China's manned lunar program is also progressing, with developments on the Long March-10 rocket, Mengzhou spacecraft, and Lanyue lunar lander. These projects aim to support future lunar bases and achieve a crewed Moon landing by 2030.
Nearly 4.9 million visits from Taiwan to mainland in 2025 with one-third made by young people: CPPCC member
A CPPCC member reported that nearly 4.9 million visits were made by Taiwan residents to the mainland in 2025, with over one-third being young people. The member, Xu Kewei, highlighted the mainland's efforts to facilitate cross-strait travel and emphasized that peace and development are shared goals for people on both sides. Xu, a third-generation Taiwan compatriot working as a surgeon, noted that young people from Taiwan are drawn to the mainland's opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. He argued that increased youth exchanges could foster closer ties and a sense of shared identity. NPC deputy Cai Peihui echoed these sentiments, noting the growing interest of Taiwanese youth in the mainland and the ongoing improvements in entry facilitation measures.
Renowned scholar and political advisor expresses confidence in China's AI development, computing power
Wang Jian, a prominent Chinese scholar and political advisor, expressed confidence in China's advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and computing power during an interview with the Global Times. During the 'two sessions' in March 2026, Wang discussed the U.S. power grid's limitations in the AI era and highlighted the competitive dynamics between China and the United States in this domain. He criticized the U.S. power grid as being outdated and fragmented, making it difficult to transmit electricity efficiently across regions. Wang emphasized that China's existing electricity supply is adequate for its current level of computing power and noted that the country has made significant investments in power infrastructure. He also stated that AI technology is a global endeavor, and China is actively advancing in this area.
China's 2026 defense budget set at 1.94 trillion yuan: spokesperson
China's 2026 defense budget has been set at 1.94 trillion yuan ($281 billion), according to a spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force. This represents a 6.9 percent increase from the previous year's executed budget, with the central government contributing 1.91 trillion yuan ($276 billion), also a 7 percent rise. The spokesperson emphasized that China coordinates national defense development with economic growth and maintains a steady increase in defense spending to support military modernization and national security. The budget was approved by the National People's Congress and includes investments in advanced weaponry, military logistics, and talent cultivation. The growth rate is expected to slow slightly compared to prior years.
Chinese courts step up crackdown on cyber crimes
Chinese courts have intensified efforts to combat cyber crimes, as highlighted in a recent work report by the Supreme People's Court. Over the past five years, courts concluded 9,326 cases related to cyber security threats, marking a significant rise compared to previous periods. The report specifically mentions cases involving 'doxxing,' where personal information is exposed illegally, and the misuse of assisted-driving features while intoxicated. These actions demonstrate a legal focus on emerging digital offenses. In 2025, there were 25,000 cases of aiding information network criminal activities, affecting 38,000 individuals, showing a notable decrease from the prior year. Experts emphasize the increasing importance of cybersecurity laws due to heightened public dependence on digital platforms. Two individuals, including a PhD student and a junior student, were convicted for engaging in doxxing against virtual idol voice actors, resulting in their imprisonment and fines. Additionally, the report notes that drivers using assisted-driving functions while under the influence face criminal charges.
NPC deputy suggests optimizing vacations, breaks to stimulate domestic consumption
A deputy to China's National People's Congress, Zhang Yi, proposed optimizing vacation policies to boost domestic consumption. He emphasized the need to combine 'consumption capacity' with 'available time for consumption' to effectively stimulate domestic demand. This suggestion aligns with China's broader strategy to transition toward a consumption-driven growth model, as highlighted in recent government reports and the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). The government plans to introduce spring and autumn breaks for primary and secondary school students and implement a staggered paid leave system for employees. These proposals aim to increase leisure time and encourage spending in sectors like tourism, culture, and healthcare. However, concerns remain about the practical implementation of these policies, including coordinating holidays between parents and children.