US-China relations

Armies to markets: The changed nature of power - opinion

A new stage of global competition has begun, focused on rebuilding economies to be more resilient in a world of longer, more complex conflicts – not just on armaments.

Taiwanese soldiers leave Qingtian Hall, an underground military tunnel built inside Taiwu Mountain in the 1960s, after attending a performance commemorating the Battle of Guningtou, in Kinmen, Taiwan, October 18, 2025
People stand near the newly launched N9 electric vehicle (EV) under BYD's premium brand Denza, displayed at a launch event in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China May 18, 2026.

US says BYD, Baidu, Alibaba and other tech giants are aiding China's military

Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, attends a news conference during the Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, March 24, 2026.

How UN ‘human rights experts’ became a tool of dictatorships - opinion

Members of the People's Liberation Army stand as the strategic strike group displays DF-61 nuclear missiles during a military parade in Beijing, China, September 3, 2025.

Chinese military technology allowed Iran to shoot down US fighter jet during war - report


Iran avoids US sanctions via ship-to-ship transfers of oil, may receive payment for months - report

The ships receiving the oil are often part of Iran’s “shadow fleet,” a fleet of old, rusting tankers that obscure their owners and may switch their flags to those of countries with little oversight.

A cargo ship unloads imported crude oil at the Qingdao crude oil terminal in China's eastern Shandong province on May 11, 2026.

US weighs secure AI base in Israel’s Negev to counter China - report

Project Spire would be the first node in a network of hardened AI bases, allowing American companies and allied researchers to collaborate inside secure perimeters governed by strict US standards.

US President Donald Trump speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping while leaving after a visit to the Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing, China, May 15, 2026.

Trump-Xi Beijing summit tests leverage on trade, Taiwan, Iran - analysis

Temporary deals on tariffs, rare earths, and diplomatic language may give both leaders short-term wins while leaving deeper conflicts untouched.

US President Donald Trump inspects an honour guard during a welcome ceremony with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 14, 2026.

What is the Thucydides Trap, raised by Trump’s China visit? - analysis

Beijing is waiting and wondering what comes next, much like Sparta did prior to the outbreak of war in 431 BCE.

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at a state banquet with US President Donald Trump (not pictured) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 14, 2026.

Why should the US-China meetings matter for the Middle East? Here are five reasons - analysis

Beijing has been treading carefully in the region. It doesn’t want to be involved in conflict. Let’s examine five reasons the US-China meetings matter for the region.

A giant screen at a shopping area shows news footage of national flags of China and the United States during a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China May 14, 2026.

US-China summit tests ties as tensions grow over Taiwan, trade, AI technology

While President Trump claims to have a "very good relationship with President Xi," with a bit of friendly competition, divisions between Washington and Beijing are growing deeper.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk as they leave after a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025.

Tariffs on digital displays could help avoid US military dependence on China, policy group says

Last year, President Donald Trump signed a bill that required the Pentagon to come up with a plan by 2027 for ending reliance on China, Russia, and other adversaries for the technology.

 Flags of China and U.S. are displayed on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023.

Iran war begins to hit China’s economy as costs surge

The war in Iran is weighing on China’s economy, with car sales plunging, toy factories shutting down, and thousands of workers taking to the streets following a surge in plastic and energy prices.

An illustration of cargo containers containing the flags of China and Iran.

Middle East military expenditure holds steady as global defense budgets surge

New SIPRI report finds greatest increases in defense spending were in Europe and Asia, despite the ongoing wars in the Middle East.

Prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukraine hadn’t invested in drone technology, but now it is considered to be a master of drone warfare.

Trump's Iran strategy: Not narcissism, but a blueprint against China - opinion

Why President Trump’s moves against Iran reflect a coherent global strategy, not political whim

US President Donald Trump points his finger during an event in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 17.