China facing largest COVID surge of the pandemic – State Department launches 'China House' amid rivalry with Beijing – Key policy meeting highlights economic stability and restoring confidence

Hong Kong drops curbs on incoming travellers

Welcome back to What’s Happening in China. This week we're looking at how China is coping with a wave of infections, the United States announcement of a new “China House” entity at the US Department of State, the Chinese space program, and so much more.

• Show your support by upgrading your subscription. For only $50 a year or $5 a month you'll have access to subscriber-only posts, the full archive, and the ability to post comments and join the community.

• Follow me on Twitter @happeningchina for news and updates throughout the week.

• Feel free to send tips and feedback to whatshappeninginchina@substack.com, or just hit reply. I want to hear from you!

• Hit the share button and help this newsletter grow by forwarding this week's issue to friends, family and colleagues.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Drum Tower in Beijing

XINJIANG

China protests shine light on limits of Uyghur solidarity – France 24

Their deaths in a fire triggered China's biggest protests in generations, but few people seemed to know the victims…