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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.
President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan as they leave the National Archives in Washington on Friday, alongside US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. Photo: AFP
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Why Xi’s US trip leaves Europe relieved by trade truce – but wary of the future

The summit in Washington eases near-term uncertainty over rare earths, but analysts fear the bloc could have less say over decisions shaping its economic interests.

Diplomacy

Opinion | How China is seeking to transform the meaning of great power

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China-Latin America relations

Exclusive | China-based Brics bank set for hunger alliance lead role this year, Brazil says

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

Trade truce aside, was AI the real Xi-Trump summit breakthrough?

New AI dialogue becomes latest formal channel to manage competition while coming leader-level meetings grant further room to stabilise ties, analysts say.

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President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump arrive for a tour of the National Archives Museum on Thursday in Washington, the United States. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Xi-Trump summit: Hong Kong’s Paul Chan predicts positive market response

Local business representatives expect that greater stability in bilateral ties may reinforce the city’s role as a connector between markets.

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US-China relations

Asian Angle | Southeast Asia faces a false binary in US-China mineral trade

The real question for rare earth exporters is how to turn global mineral competition into higher-value industries.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi-Trump atmospherics welcomed but mask structural rifts: analysts

That two economic and military giants are talking – and pledging to talk some more – suggests some period of relative stability with caveats.

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US President Donald Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to a state dinner in the East Room of the White House on Thursday in Washington. Photo: Getty Images
US-China relations

As I see it | China and the US can make nice, if not peace

Outright enmity is too costly for both superpowers. Even without trust, shared interests leave room for pragmatic cooperation.

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi ends Trump visit with vow to meet again in China this year – as it happened

Chinese president’s three-day visit ends with plans for two more face-to-face talks with Trump this year.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

How China’s wartime cooperatives gave us ‘gung-ho’

Trump’s mention of a ‘Chinese phrase’ may have puzzled some, but the US Marine Corps adopted gung-ho from the name of wartime cooperatives.

Not only has gung-ho – derived from the Chinese gong he – entered the English dictionary, but it also features in the names of several awards associated with the US Marine Corps. Photo: The Boston Globe via Getty Images
2026 Xi-Trump summits

AI war, Taiwan and translation: SCMP answers your questions from Xi-Trump summit

China Editor Wendy Wu tackles reader queries in this live question-and-answer session, after the two leaders’ closely watched summit.

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US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Oval Office of the White House. Photo: AP
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Inside Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan’s visit to the Smithsonian’s Peacock Room

The celebrated museum’s Chinese art collection and longstanding ties with China made it a fitting stop for first ladies’ 45-minute tour.

2026 Xi-Trump summits

In Focus | What Xi’s letter to old friends in Iowa means in an altered America

The personal thread may be intact, but the US agricultural partnership that once gave it weight is not.

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Donald Trump

US senators delay effort to permanently ban Chinese cars

Proposed ban is a move to ensure that hundreds of thousands of US automotive jobs are not at risk of ‘total domination’ by Chinese car firms.

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US Senator Elissa Slotkin backs a permanent ban on Chinese cars in the United States. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
2026 Xi-Trump summits

B-2 Spirit, AI cooperation, no US-China conflict: key Xi-Trump takeaways so far

In morning remarks of state visit’s second day, US president and Chinese leader seek to project image of stability between the two sides.

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Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan, Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend a military review in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on Thursday. Photo: Getty Images
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi talks up US friendship ‘forged in blood’ at state dinner – as it happened

Following an unprecedented reception upon landing, formal proceedings – including talks – between the two leaders took place today.

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Chinese offshore investment

China is investing record amounts overseas. Why are US-bound flows plunging?

Chinese investment in the US has fallen to its lowest level since 2011 amid tighter scrutiny and trade tensions.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

What a 2-month trade-truce extension reveals as US-China rifts persist

Analysts say that the relatively short window, while a positive sign, could also raise pressure on both Beijing and Washington.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice-Premier He Lifeng met in Washington on Wednesday. Photo: X/SecScottBessent
2026 Xi-Trump summits

US, China agree two-month trade truce extension ahead of summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping received a rare runway reception after touching down on Wednesday ahead of a White House meeting with US President Donald Trump.

2026 Xi-Trump summits

‘Deep respect’: analysts weigh in on Trump’s red carpet welcome for Xi

Elaborate greeting ceremony immediately preceded by extension of tariff truce, both positive early signs for Chinese leader’s trip.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi lands in US for high-stakes summit with Trump amid deep tensions

Chinese leader begins 48-hour visit as Trump seeks progress on AI, Iran, rare earths and trade, with expectations for deals low.

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US President Donald Trump (right) greets Chinese President Xi Jinping as he arrives at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Xi calls for cooperation with US after Trump’s airport welcome – as it happened

The Chinese president began a three-day visit to Washington, with a host of vital topics to be discussed.

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US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping participate in an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Photo: AP
2026 Xi-Trump summits

All you need to know about a state visit, as US rolls out red carpet for Xi

On these grand occasions, which aim to strengthen relationships between countries, it’s more than just pomp and pageantry involved.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

Bessent announces 2-month extension of US-China trade truce

Scott Bessent and He Lifeng held an unscheduled meeting in Washington on Wednesday following Sunday’s productive trade talks.

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China consumption

Boosting China’s social safety net could address consumption woes: IMF director

The global organisation found that savings of rural households decrease when social and healthcare spending is higher.

People wait outside a busy restaurant in Beijing on Monday. Photo: AFP
2026 Xi-Trump summits

China CEOs to likely miss Xi’s US trip amid thin summit expectations

Plans for a Chinese business delegation to join Xi on his visit to the US are in doubt amid a lack of agreement on investments.

Photo: Associated Press
China energy security

China launches ‘mineral exploration offensive’ amid growing global uncertainties

Beijing is scouring the nation for resources ranging from oil to rare earths, as it tries to shield its economy from rising geopolitical turbulence.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

Exclusive | Split on US investments stalls Chinese business visit alongside Xi, sources say

With the window for travel narrowing by the hour, uncertainty surrounds the inclusion of corporate leaders in China’s delegation.

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