TOPIC

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.
A customer makes a payment using China’s digital currency, or e-CNY, at a store in Beijing. Photo: Getty Images
Yuan

China expands digital-yuan push to Singapore and Asean trade routes

PBOC pledges to integrate e-CNY into the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, boost adoption in Southeast Asia via China’s CIPS payment network.

China-Latin America relations

China, Russia clash with US at UN over Venezuela oil seizures and naval pressure

videocam
63
Singapore

Explainer | Will US-led ‘Pax Silica’ be a new dawn for the international AI supply chain?

videocam
15
Mainland China

US labels Chinese chips an economic threat, but delays tariff impact until 2027

Timeline reflects effort to preserve trade truce with Beijing rather than build leverage through faster import duty escalation, analysts say.

videocam
53
The USTR said China’s industrial plans target “every major segment of the semiconductor supply chain,” including fabrication, design, assembly, testing and packaging. Photo: Shutterstock
US-China relations

‘Bad policy’: China’s drone makers to shrug off US ban, analysts say

The addition of foreign drone makers, including those from China, to a US trade blacklist is unlikely to heat up relations, observers said.

videocam
11
Technology

Opinion | Forget the US dollar. Watch water and energy resources instead

In our increasingly hi-tech-based economy and financial systems, energy and water resources will be macroeconomically critical.

videocam
4
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
DJI

US adds new models of China’s DJI and all other foreign drones to its blacklist

The FCC move, which does not affect existing DJI models, is a significant escalation in Washington’s battle to crack down on Chinese drones.

4
A drone on display at DJI’s flagship shop in Hong Kong. The Trump administration has barred the approval of Shenzhen-based DJI’s new models. Photo: Reuters
China economy

Opinion | Why China has moved to curb steel exports

China’s pivot to emerging markets has kept its export machine running. But frictions are growing and steel is the most visible flashpoint.

China trade

China’s record trade surplus could prompt protectionist response in 2026: report

American researchers say restrictions on Chinese imports could help create complications for Beijing’s economic growth target next year.

58
European Union

Trump tariffs push Swiss pharma CEO to urge price alignment with US

Switzerland and the United States are locked in negotiations on the details of a deal slashing a whopping 39 per cent levy to 15 per cent.

A 3D-printed miniature model of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Switzerland flag and the word ‘Tariffs’ in this illustration from July 23. Photo: Reuters
United States

Opinion | How Trump is hastening the end of American hegemony

Although the US economy is growing and inflation remains low, the uncertainty sowed by the president’s policies will have sobering long-term consequences.

videocam
Illustration: Craig Stephens
US-China relations

Editorial | Less hostility towards China in new US security strategy is welcome

The plan’s watering down of America’s antagonism towards China bodes well for both nations and the world.

United States

Are Trump loyalists struggling in US rural heartland ready to say ‘enough’?

Hammered by crippling costs and precious revenue lost to China, Midwest farmers’ loyalty to the US president will be tested in 2026 midterms.

videocam
17
US-China relations

Rubio swaps hawk for diplomat in year-end pivot on China

Top US envoy eschews ‘pacing threat’ label, stressing cooperation and Western hemisphere priorities for 2026.

videocam
36
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his end-of-year press conference at the State Department on Friday. Photo: Reuters
China economy

Opinion | Why China is cracking down on ‘involution’

Involution is a structural phenomenon with both domestic and global implications that China’s leaders are dedicated to addressing.

videocam
An employee stands next to solar modules at a solar energy technology company in Huaian, in China’s Jiangsu province, on December 17. Photo: AFP
TikTok

TikTok deal, China slowdown, Vanke debt deadline

This week: TikTok owner agrees sale of US operations, China’s retail sales growth unexpectedly cools, US approves Taiwan arms sales and Jimmy Lai is found guilty. Next week: China Vanke bondholders conclude debt-extension vote, Chinese lawmakers gather, Xiaomi 17 Ultra comes to market, and more.

US-China relations

China cuts US Treasury holdings to lowest level since 2008

The stockpile has now fallen to nearly half its November 2013 peak, financial data shows, as long-term sell-off continues.

33
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Mainland China

Trump signs defence bill restricting investment in Chinese tech, military firms

Key provisions target contracts with Chinese biotech companies and outbound investment in technologies with military applications in China.

videocam
8
US President Donald Trump signed an extensive defence bill on Thursday that restricts US investment in Chinese technology companies and military firms. Photo: TNS
United States

TikTok reaches deal on new US venture with American investor group

The deal was signed on Thursday, with the landmark move ending years of legal and political uncertainty.

videocam
47
Mainland China

China reportedly sticking to its soybean deal with US, but worries remain

Beijing secures 7 million tonnes of soybeans, passing halfway mark of its US purchase agreement. However, little has been shipped so far.

videocam
8
US-China relations

Opinion | Mark 2025. It’s the year China became a peer power to America

China not only forced a trade war backdown, it displayed its hi-tech military might from the waters off Australia to the skies near Japan.

videocam
11
Illustration: Craig Stephens
US-China relations

US highlights Panama security ties as China-linked canal ports deal stalls

US envoy’s coastguard visit near Panama comes as Beijing presses for Cosco control and Washington pushes back.

videocam
16
US Ambassador Kevin Cabrera visited the US Coast Guard cutter Alert during its port call in Panama City, highlighting the enduring maritime partnership between the United States and Panama. Photo: Handout
US-China relations

As Trump upends US foreign policy, analysts see fresh openings for China

After a turbulent year, experts expect continued disruption to reshape global influence, testing alliances and altering the balance of power.

videocam
15
China exports

China confirms issuing of first general licences for rare earth exports

Beijing says it is now granting longer permits giving foreign companies easier access to vital minerals, but many details remain unclear.

8
China trade

China jails antimony smugglers in tough stance on critical minerals

Dozens convicted of illegally shipping 166 tonnes of the strategic material, marking a major enforcement of Beijing’s export controls.

videocam
The Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court in Guangdong province has found several people guilty of illegally shipping antimony without obtaining export licences. Photo: SCMPOST
China trade

China’s Hainan launches separate customs regime allowing tariff-free imports

Most goods can enter Hainan with zero import duties under the new system, as China looks to turn the island into a strategic buffer zone.

videocam
4
Shoppers browse an international duty-free mall in Sanya, a city in China’s southern Hainan province. Hainan has implemented a slew of special policies to attract global talent and tourists in recent years. Photo: Xinhua
China trade

As trade deficit mounts, is EU selling what China wants to buy?

Traditional European exports like cars are losing their appeal, while restrictions crimp sales of sought-after lithography machines.

US-China decoupling

Open Questions | Yeo on how Trump wants to avoid Taiwan upending China relations

Former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo says that Donald Trump is prioritising stable relations with China, and that the US is facing decline amid a shift to a multipolar world.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement