China
Britain Reportedly Preparing Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles
Britain is reportedly considering tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as ministers confront rapidly rising imports, pressure from the European Union and warnings that protecting domestic carmakers could raise prices and provoke retaliation from Beijing.
California Woman Charged With Spying on Taiwan President’s Son for China
US authorities have arrested California realtor Wanying Zhang, accusing her of surveilling Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s son and family for Chinese officials. The case centres on an alleged Seattle operation involving photographs, video and vehicle details.
Philippines Deploys Largest Coastguard Ship to Challenge Chinese Research Vessel
The Philippines deployed its largest coastguard ship and an aircraft to challenge a Chinese research vessel near Batanes. The survey ship left its position as a Chinese coastguard vessel arrived, extending maritime tensions towards the strategically important Luzon Strait.
UK Accuses Chinese Institute of Using Academics to Advance Espionage
MI5 has accused a Chinese research institute of covertly funding more than 100 UK-linked academics working on AI, cybersecurity and communications. Britain has ordered universities to end the collaborations, while China has rejected the claims as baseless.
Escaping the Thucydides Trap? US and China Take a Cautious Step
The US and China have agreed to cut tariffs on $30 billion of goods each way and to open a formal AI dialogue with an incident hotline, the key outcomes of Xi Jinping's Washington visit. The deal buys time for bigger trade talks, but disputes over Iran, chips and rare earths remain unresolved.
Xi Snubs Donald Trump: China Refuses to Enforce US Sanctions on Iran
China has told Iran it will not comply with Washington's new sanctions, rejecting US pressure just days after the Trump-Xi summit. As Iran's biggest oil buyer, taking over 80% of its exports, Beijing's refusal could decide whether the US campaign to economically isolate Tehran succeeds or fails.
Taipei Fears Trump May Soften US Support to Secure China Deal
Taiwan fears Donald Trump could weaken US support for the island in return for economic concessions from China. A delayed $14 billion arms package and possible changes in Washington’s language on Taiwan have become central concerns as Trump meets Xi Jinping.
Trump and Xi Prepare for High-Stakes Washington Talks
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are preparing for high-level talks in Washington focused on trade, rare-earth supplies, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and Iran. The summit follows an agreement to extend a tariff truce, but expectations of a major breakthrough remain limited.
Xi’s Military Purge Deepens as China Expels Two Senior Generals
China has expelled Generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Communist Party and military over alleged corruption, faction-building and disloyalty. The removal of two combat veterans leaves Xi Jinping’s top command body with only two active members and deepens an extraordinary military purge.
Trump and Xi Prepare for High-Stakes Washington Summit
Xi Jinping will visit Washington on September 24 for high-stakes talks with Donald Trump covering tariffs, rare earths, Boeing sales, Taiwan, AI, fentanyl and Iran. With the world’s two largest economies still locked in strategic rivalry, even limited agreements could have global consequences.