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US-China trade war

US-China trade war
Breaking news and analysis on the US-China trade war, its history and timeline, and the impact on the global economy.
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping’s recent meeting in Washington expanded on the framework used to define US-China relations. Photo: AFP
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Exclusive | What are the concerns and priorities behind new language defining China-US ties?

The two sides have now agreed to include principles such as ‘respect’ and ‘fairness and reciprocity’ that reflect their different priorities.

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US-China relations

Key US port for China imports records best-ever quarter despite trade doubt

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Shanghai

Chinese tech firm charged with smuggling ‘dual-use’ products out of country

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Exclusive | Bessent may skip Apec in Hong Kong to focus on Trump’s Shenzhen trip: sources

US Treasury secretary expected to meet Chinese vice-premier in Shenzhen ahead of summit in November as trade truce extension takes priority.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is said to be focused on preparing for President Donald Trump’s trip to Shenzhen next month. Photo: AP
US Federal Reserve

Why Hong Kong could feel little impact from possible US dollar funding curbs

A US lawmaker has asked Fed chair Kevin Warsh to review Hong Kong’s access to an emergency funding facility, citing Beijing’s global yuan push.

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi Jinping meets foreign leaders: tracker, September 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits US and India and prepares to meet US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the Apec summit.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi-Trump summit outcomes

A second Xi-Trump summit this year, held in Washington, was heavy on pageantry. What did it actually achieve?

Xi-Trump summit outcomes
US-China relations

Opinion | Beyond the summit: how US-China relations could still unravel

High-level optics from Xi’s state visit cannot hide underlying friction – over tech exports, investments and domestic politics – that threatens to pull ties back off track.

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US-China relations

Why US bans on Chinese EVs are ‘severe self-harm’ for American carmakers

They call for America to engage with carmakers and battery manufacturers ‘strategically’, saying protectionism is ‘an act of self-harm’.

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US-China relations

‘China already has spies’ at US AI labs, former Anthropic researcher warns

Jacob Coxon alleges Beijing can close any technological gap with the US as it has ways to ‘steal our progress at any time and catch up’.

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Former Anthropic and OpenAI researcher Jacob Coxon claims that China could steal technological advances from leading US AI labs. Photo: AP
US-China relations

US issues first outbound investment fine over Chinese robotics AI deal

Parent of Plug and Play Tech Centre fined US$200,000 for failing to report a roughly US$92,000 investment in Shanghai robotics AI firm.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Wednesday’s announcement underscores the department’s commitment to protecting US national security through investment security measures. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
China exports

Why China’s export engine may hit a ceiling as trading partners face limits

Exports likely to keep growing in near term but could face pressure in the years ahead, analysts say.

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US-China relations

China’s economy to slow as global growth stays solid, US think tank report says

Overcapacity and continued property slump weighing on domestic demand, Peterson Institute for International Economics reveals.

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Yuan

In Focus | After cordial Xi-Trump summit, could China’s US dollar pivot cause tremors?

Beijing is building a financial safety net around the yuan while reducing exposure to US Treasuries – a strategy that could draw increasing scrutiny from Washington.

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illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
US-China relations

Opinion | 2-month trade truce reveals truth about US-China economic ties

As long as the US’ transactional strategy towards China remains unchanged, the rhythm of crisis and managed de-escalation will continue.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump shake hands in the Oval Office after a welcome ceremony at the White House in Washington on September 24. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

US seeks to revoke citizenship of 2 China-born men convicted in Beijing-linked cases

Former US Navy sailor Jinchao Wei and Florida resident Ping Li are among 40 people named in DOJ announcement.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

Exclusive | Beijing wanted more from Xi’s state visit to Washington

Sources say US knocked back proposals such as engagement with the business community and public, talks on AI and security issues.

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E-commerce

In Focus | Boxed in: how Temu’s global shopping revolution ran off the rails

Temu is quickly losing its shine in the face of a wave of global regulation. Can the platform reinvent itself?

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Illustration: Dennis Yip
China trade

As US bears down, exporters China and Vietnam establish closer transport links

Two countries working to enhance cargo and passenger flows using trains, planes and ships.

US-China relations

Opinion | How the ‘G2’ effect of Xi-Trump summit is reverberating through Asia

When the world’s two biggest powers speak of respecting each other and swap stories about a war against Japan, the message is clear.

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France

Most G20 trade ministers reject US call for capacity curbs, China says

Ministry of Commerce says issue was ‘highly controversial’ at G20 trade meeting last week, contrasting with US statement.

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A photograph taken on April 18, 2024, shows BYD electric cars waiting to be loaded onto a ship at a port in Yantai, in eastern China’s Shandong province. Photo: AFP
US-China tech war

In Focus | China has dominated tungsten for decades. Can US investment loosen its grip?

Kazakhstan is at the centre of US efforts to build a new supply chain for the metal, but analysts say China’s lead will be difficult to overcome.

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Illustration: Davies Christian
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Exclusive | ‘No retreat’: key Trump ally urges continued US-China engagement on rare earths

Both sides need to keep working on their differences over critical minerals and other issues, Steve Daines tells the SCMP.

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China-Latin America relations

Brazil’s Lula hails Chinese investors as rival pitches rare earths to Trump

Brazilian president names China a possible partner in his critical minerals plans, as Flavio Bolsonaro courts Trump, with election looming.

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China-Latin America relations

Panama auditor targets ex-port regulators, CK Hutchison’s subsidiary in canal probe

Anel Flores says additional material concerns ex-maritime authority board members, executives of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s subsidiary.

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Panamanian authorities seized Cristobal port in February 2026. Photo: AFP
United States

‘America is back’, AI ‘conspiracy’, China’s Laos deal: 7 global relations reads

From anger over AI to Asian diplomacy and scam calls, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in September 2026.

US President Donald Trump speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
China airliners

China’s C919 jet faces further delivery delays amid US export chill: analysts

Washington has reportedly restricted exports of aircraft parts to China to gain leverage over Beijing, adding to Comac’s supply pressures.

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US-China relations

Opinion | The mindset shift defining US relations with China

Years of decoupling showed that independence was an economically ruinous illusion while pragmatic bargaining yields vastly superior returns.

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