QtrendsChina's underground church founder Jin Mingri has been released from prison and reunited with his family in the US. Beijing has lowered its ranking in global financial competitiveness, sparking debate over Shanghai's role as a finance hub alongside Hong Kong. Trump marked America's 250th Independence Day with fireworks and a speech deriding his political opponents. Iran's new leadership is balancing continuity and revenge at Khamenei's commemoration, while a dayslong funeral for the slain Supreme Leader begins in Tehran.
Jin Mingri, founder of one of China's largest underground churches, has been released from prison after serving a lengthy sentence. He has since reunited with his family in the United States. The case drew international attention due to China's restrictions on unregistered religious activities. His release is seen as a rare but significant signal from Beijing on religious freedom matters.
China has voluntarily lowered its own ranking in a global financial competitiveness index, a move that has puzzled analysts and sparked discussion. SCMP reports that some Chinese officials are proposing Shanghai be developed as a major finance hub, arguing that Hong Kong alone is insufficient. The debate reflects broader tensions in US-China relations and Beijing's push for greater financial self-sufficiency.
President Trump hosted Independence Day celebrations for America's 250th anniversary, featuring fireworks and a speech from the White House. The speech took aim at his political opponents while celebrating the nation's history. Supporters turned out in large numbers despite a scaled-back format compared to previous years. The event served as both a patriotic milestone and a political rallying moment.
Iran's new leadership is using the commemoration of the late Supreme Leader Khamenei to project both continuity and a message of revenge. Turkish President Erdogan warned that Israel must not be allowed to sabotage a potential US-Iran deal. Analysts note that Iran's new regime differs significantly from its predecessor in both structure and approach. Meanwhile, the crackdown on domestic dissent continues under the new leadership.
Funeral proceedings for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the ongoing war, have begun in Tehran. Top Iranian officials attended a prayer ceremony marking the start of a multi-day funeral. The event is described as an intensely political moment for Iran, as the country navigates both mourning and a transition of power. The funeral draws significant international attention amid regional instability.