What was the name of China’s major stock-market collapse that began in June 2015?

China’s major stock-market collapse that began in June 2015 is called the Chinese stock market crash of 2015.

The turbulence followed a rapid rise in mainland Chinese share prices, especially on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. The Shanghai Composite Index peaked on 12 June 2015, then dropped sharply over the following weeks. By late August, the market’s decline had become a major international financial-news story.

Several forces contributed, including heavy use of margin financing, speculative retail participation, and concern that economic growth was slowing. Chinese authorities responded with measures such as trading restrictions, support for selected shares, and investigations into alleged market misconduct.

This episode is often confused with China’s later market turmoil in 2015–2016, but the June collapse was the starting point of that broader period. It was also distinct from the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which began with pressure on Thailand’s baht and spread across several Asian economies.