During a three-day state visit to Malaysia, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Malaysia and other Asian nations against unilateralism and protectionism. This pledge comes amidst concerns over the impact of U.S. tariffs on the regional economy. Xi’s visit, his first to Malaysia since 2013, highlighted the strengthening relationship between the two countries. The emphasis on countering protectionist policies underscores China’s role in the region’s economic landscape.
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During a Southeast Asian tour, Chinese President Xi Jinping advocated for free trade, portraying China as a stabilizing force amid global economic uncertainty. In Vietnam, he met with President Luong Cuong and General Secretary To Lam, emphasizing bilateral cooperation to maintain global trade and supply chains. Agreements were signed focusing on supply chain cooperation and agricultural exports, while Xi also addressed the ASEAN free trade agreement in Malaysia. The timing of the trip, coinciding with recent US tariff disruptions, allowed China to position itself as a reliable economic partner in the region.
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President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hanoi emphasized Sino-Vietnamese unity against perceived U.S. economic coercion, particularly citing recent U.S. tariffs. Xi advocated for stable global supply chains and resistance to trade pressure, framing China as a reliable alternative amid perceived erratic U.S. policy. Trump’s dismissal of the situation as nations attempting to exploit the U.S. economically underscored the underlying tensions. Xi’s trip, his first overseas visit of the year, serves as a key component of China’s strategy to counter growing U.S. influence.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Western nations to foster multilateralism and open cooperation during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. This visit, occurring amidst escalating US-China trade tensions, highlights Spain’s pursuit of increased investment and trade with China, particularly in renewable energy and technology sectors. Sánchez emphasized the need for negotiated solutions and cautioned against trade wars, while US officials expressed concern over Spain’s growing ties with China. Spain’s strategic move toward closer relations with China reflects a divergence from some EU members and aims to diversify its markets and secure crucial resources.
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EU leaders, including Council President Costa and Commission President von der Leyen, will travel to Beijing for a summit with President Xi Jinping in late July. This decision follows Xi’s unwillingness to visit Brussels, overriding the usual rotating summit location. The summit signifies a strong EU effort to re-engage with China amidst strained relations with the U.S., particularly due to President Trump’s trade policies and perceived support for Russia. No official date has been set, but the trip underscores the EU’s prioritization of direct dialogue with China.
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Amidst escalating trade tensions, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared China’s unwavering stance against what it terms “unilateral bullying” by the US, rejecting accusations of starting a trade war. China raised tariffs on US goods to 125%, but asserted this was a response to US actions and not a sign of further escalation. Xi engaged in diplomatic efforts with Spain and other nations, aiming to solidify alliances and present China as a reliable trading partner amidst global economic uncertainty. While China maintains it will not initiate further tariff increases, it has several alternative countermeasures available.
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Amidst escalating trade tensions, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that a trade war yields no winners, asserting China’s resilience against unfair pressure. Following President Trump’s tariff increase to 125% on Chinese goods, Beijing retaliated with reciprocal tariffs of 125% on U.S. imports and reduced U.S. film imports. Xi’s statement underscored China’s commitment to self-reliance, while the Chinese Finance Ministry condemned the U.S. actions as damaging to the global trading system. The ongoing trade war’s impact on the global economy remains uncertain.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent affirmed President Trump’s confidence that China will not invade Taiwan during his presidency, citing Trump’s strong relationship with Xi Jinping. While Trump himself avoided direct comment on the possibility of military action, Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly stated US opposition to any forceful change in Taiwan’s status. This stance contrasts with some Trump administration appointments initially expressing pro-unification views, though such individuals were subsequently withdrawn.
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China is constructing a massive new military command center near Beijing, a project that dwarfs even the Pentagon in scale, reportedly ten times larger. This sprawling, 1,500-acre complex, dubbed “Beijing Military City,” is raising significant international concern, particularly given its apparent purpose: sheltering China’s top military brass in the event of a nuclear war.
The sheer scale of this undertaking is striking. Satellite imagery reveals extensive construction underway, indicating a significant investment in reinforced bunkers designed to withstand the devastation of a nuclear attack. The timeline suggests construction began in mid-2024, coinciding with the People’s Liberation Army’s preparations for its centenary in 2027, a date President Xi Jinping has previously linked to his ambition of annexing Taiwan.… Continue reading
Despite threatening to increase tariffs on Chinese goods by 10% as early as February 1st and launching investigations into harmful Chinese trade practices, President Trump expressed a desire for fair trade and a level playing field with China. He simultaneously asserted that his tariff threats hold significant leverage over China, a sentiment seemingly echoed by China’s recent willingness to negotiate and its positive market response to Trump’s comments. A recent phone call between Trump and Xi Jinping further suggests ongoing dialogue, although the details of the conversation vary slightly between the two countries’ accounts. Ultimately, the situation reveals a complex interplay of threats, conciliatory statements, and ongoing negotiations between the two nations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood