Advertisement
Advertisement
Brian Rhoads

Brian Rhoads

SCMP Plus Editor
Brian Rhoads has been a journalist in Asia and North America for more than three decades, serving in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York and the San Francisco area. He graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Political Science in 1987.
Brian Rhoads has been a journalist in Asia and North America for more than three decades, serving in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York and the San Francisco area. He graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Political Science in 1987.
Languages Spoken:
English, Mandarin

Donald Trump’s key spending bill includes about US$150 billion for defence as US policymakers focus on China’s growing military might in the Indo-Pacific region.

President Xi Jinping emphasised efforts to break down local protectionism in China and end destructive price wars as global tariffs threaten to dampen export-led growth.

Elon Musk’s Tesla faces renewed pressure in China, its largest overseas market, after a Xiaomi SUV got 200,000 pre-orders in just three minutes.

Shares in Hong Kong have surged 20 per cent this year as mainland stock buyers pour money into the city and global investors look for opportunities outside the US.

Advertisement

This week: US, China announce trade breakthrough and China’s premier opposes protectionism, Texas bans Chinese citizens from buying property. Next week: China reveals June factory activity, foreign ministers of US and key Indo-Pacific allies meet.

China’s World Bank alternative intends to raise annual financing to US$17 billion by 2030 and work more with private investors under the leadership of incoming President Zou Jiayi.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s call for depoliticising trade in his Summer Davos speech contrasts with China’s reluctance to fully open its own markets and end favouritism for local businesses.

Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz in response to US attacks would choke off Middle East oil supplies, which accounted for more than half of China’s crude imports last year.

Eight financial reforms announced by the central bank chief are the latest efforts to boost the currency’s role abroad, stabilise markets and shore up the economy.

A summit with five leaders from Central Asia offers President Xi Jinping the chance to snap up more raw materials for China’s economy in a region once viewed as Russia’s backyard.

Beijing has called for Israel and Iran to curtail their conflict, but it has not made full use of its leverage to rein in Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

The Trump administration is reviewing the Aukus submarine accord with the UK and Australia, while Chinese aircraft carriers are charting new courses.

The new South Korean president will aim to improve ties with China, the country’s biggest trading partner, while trying to placate Donald Trump, the head of Korea’s main military ally.

A tidal wave of small parcels is overwhelming customs officers, prompting nations to tackle the de minimis tax loophole, which spurred growth for Chinese e-commerce platforms.

US Admiral Samuel Paparo said Chinese drills around Taiwan are “rehearsals,” as a looming 2027 target for China’s military modernisation heightens focus on the island.

US President Donald Trump accused China of violating last month’s trade-war pause as Beijing maintains export controls on vital rare earth minerals.

This week: Trump wins reprieve for tariffs, China condemns US revocation of student visas and Li Qiang tours Indonesia and Malaysia. Next week: Dong Jun to skip Shangri-La Dialogue, May factory activity on tap, more countries get visa-free access to China and more.

The Trump administration’s latest attack on Chinese visas will deter talented students from studying on American campuses and likely encourage more researchers to leave the US for the mainland.

Premier Li Qiang extended China’s charm offensive in Southeast Asia as countries in the region try to avoid picking sides in the US-China trade war.

China’s biggest EV maker cut prices by as much as 34 per cent, pressuring rivals already struggling with price wars, overcapacity and export-sapping tariffs in the US and Europe.

Building the supply chains, manufacturing know-how and labour force for Apple to manufacture its iconic devices in the United States is easier said than done.

This week: China-Asean trade pact, Beijing hits back at US over chips and CATL surges after IPO. Next week: Li Qiang attends Asean-Gulf meeting, Shangri-La Dialogue, industrial profits and more.

A stranglehold on the refining and mining of rare earth minerals, used in smartphones to fighter jets, gives China a powerful bargaining chip in trade talks.

April’s better-than-expected industrial production may give policymakers a reprieve from major stimulus efforts even after disappointing retail sales data.

Optimism over a truce in the US-China trade war faded after the US sought to ban the use of Huawei Ascend AI chips “anywhere in the world”.

This week: Container bookings rise as China and the US agree to 90-day tariff pause, US moves to bar use of Huawei AI chips “anywhere” and the EU has “no intention” to revive China investment deal. Next week: April data dump, private sector promotion law takes effect, USTR hearing on tariffs on Chinese ship-to-shore cranes and more.

World’s largest electric-vehicle battery maker is set to price its stock sale at the top of the range even amid US controversy and US-China trade tensions.