China-US Trade War

Trump in Beijing: Why China may miss Trump after 2029

Even as US-China rivalry deepens, Beijing may look back on Trump’s transactional unpredictability as a rare stabiliser in an increasingly ideological and uncertain post-Trump world, argues Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei.

Sim Tze Wei

America’s tariff wars are far from over

While the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs has put a dent in President Trump’s strategy and the Middle East crisis adds caution, the US’s tariffs wars are far from over. China and other major surplus economies could be vulnerable to new measures. As trade talks continue and China-US industrial relations stay firmly intertwined, says Chinese academic Tao Zhigang, Chinese companies need to transform to survive.

Tao Zhigang

Supreme Court ruling weakens Trump ahead of China visit

The US Supreme Court has struck down Trump’s tariffs, limiting his leverage and signalling rising domestic opposition. Ahead of his visit to China, his ability to secure favourable trade and political concessions is under pressure, says Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan.

Yu Zeyuan

Will China’s US$1.2 trillion trade surplus overwhelm global trade?

China’s exports are booming like never before. With a US$1.2 trillion surplus, the world wonders: can global trade absorb it, or is a reckoning on the horizon? Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing contemplates what China could do next.

Chen Jing

Malaysia-US rare earths deal: Gold or poison?

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim certainly has his hands full after being accused of selling out Malaysian interests by signing an MOU on critical minerals with the US. How will Anwar balance both domestic criticism and his desire to develop Malaysia’s rare earths industry? Malaysian writer Anthony Chong tells us more.

Anthony Chong Lip Teck

Tariffs can’t stop them: How US farmers are winning Chinese tables

Despite trade tensions and shifting tariffs, American farmers are finding ways to keep their products — chicken feet, soybeans and more — on Chinese tables. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang observed at this year’s China International Import Expo in Shanghai how determined US farmers and traders are to ensure business continues, no matter the obstacles.

Li Kang

The pause before the storm? US and China test control of the seas

The US and China have suspended their maritime feud — for now. Beneath the calm, both are manoeuvring for long-term control of the global commons, using trade rules, technology and statecraft to shape the next era of oceanic power, writes researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May.

Genevieve Donnellon-May

Busan summit: Trump, Xi and America’s fight to stay on top

The Busan summit eased trade tensions but solved little. Behind the smiles, Washington still faces its defining challenge — how to contain China without conceding America’s global leadership. Professor Robert S. Ross analyses what the Busan summit tells us about US–China rivalry.

Robert S. Ross

Xi-Trump meeting: Has China won?

The long-awaited Xi–Trump meeting in Busan ended with smiles but few deals. Yet beneath the calm surface, China may have quietly emerged stronger — ready to play the long game in a shifting global order. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong gives her take.

Han Yong Hong

Busan diplomacy: When Xi and Trump met as equals

Behind the smiles in Busan, both Washington and Beijing came seeking results. Taiwan stayed off the table but loomed in the background, as a rising China now stands as a peer the US can no longer afford to ignore. US academic Zhiqun Zhu lays out takeaways from the session.

Zhiqun Zhu

Why China wants Indonesia’s palm oil

China is seeking long-term palm oil supplies from Indonesia to safeguard its food and energy security. But as trade deepens, Jakarta faces tough questions — from environmental pressures to managing domestic demand and export commitments. Researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May examines the issue.

Genevieve Donnellon-May

Mutual suspense: The Xi–Trump bargain that no one fully trusts

The China-US trade talks in Kuala Lumpur ended on a positive note, paving the way for a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. Will that meeting result in a consensus? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan looks at the possibilities.

Yu Zeyuan