What's Happening in China

All eyes on Trump-Xi summit as expectations remain low

With a broad agenda spanning trade, Taiwan, Iran, and AI, both sides prepare for talks in Beijing with modest expectations

May 9 • PC

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Beijing signals economic challenges ahead of the Trump-Xi summit

As Beijing acknowledges economic headwinds, expectations for the Trump-Xi summit cool while tensions surface in tech and trade

May 2 • PC

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April 2026

The U.S.-Iran war, China's new supply chain rules, and the Beijing auto show

As the Iran war disrupts global markets, China tightens supply chain rules and showcases its auto industry in Beijing

Apr 25 • PC

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Xi meets world leaders

As tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to unsettle markets, Beijing positions itself as a reliable partner through high-level diplomacy

Apr 18 • PC

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Xi meets KMT leader

As Beijing warns against "Taiwan independence," analysts point to China's influence inside Taiwan's legislature

Apr 11 • PC

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The Iran war, the delayed Trump-Xi summit, and who will get to the Moon first?

Welcome back to What’s Happening in China, your weekly China brief.

Apr 4 • PC

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March 2026

Trump's China visit rescheduled for May due to Iran war

With a U.S.-China summit set for May, Beijing launches new trade probes and U.S. lawmakers head to Taiwan ahead of the meeting

Mar 28 • PC

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Trump postpones China visit

With a U.S.-China summit on hold amid the Iran war, officials discuss new trade mechanisms during talks in Paris

Mar 21 • PC

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U.S. and China prepare trade talks ahead of Trump's Beijing visit

With just weeks before a planned U.S.-China summit in Beijing, officials meet for trade talks in Paris as tensions persist over tariffs and fentanyl…

Mar 14 • PC

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China sets lower growth target as tensions rise in Middle East

China opened its annual Two Sessions with a lower GDP growth target for 2026 as Beijing reacts to the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran and prepares for…

Mar 7 • PC

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February 2026

China-Japan tensions, Xi-Merz meeting, and the upcoming Two Sessions

Welcome back to What’s Happening in China, your weekly China brief.

Feb 28 • PC

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Trump's comments on Taiwan arms sales ignite debate

Strategic ambiguity remains official policy, but the president's statements raise diplomatic alarms

Feb 21 • PC

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