East Asia
The Implications of the China-U.S. Tariff Battle
Global markets have been shaken this past week by a tariff tit-for-tat between the U.S. and China, as both countries engage in what has been described by Chinese officials as a “fight to the end.” This tariff war is unique as President Donald Trump reversed the majority of his “reciprocal tariffs” on dozens of other countries—keeping a universal 10% on all imports to the U.S.—while elevating those against China due to a perceived “lack of respect” at the country’s decision to retaliate.
China’s Parliamentary Session Begins: Main Foreign Policy Takeaways
Yesterday marked the start of China’s 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, a week-long meeting attended by top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership including Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Politburo Standing Committee, and over 3,000 delegates from across the country. The session, also known as Two Sessions, is a means for top leadership to convey decisions about the priorities of the CCP for the next year, including economic and foreign policy decisions.
Chinese Territorial Incursions Prompt Japanese Military Buildup Near Taiwan
The Japanese military has been shoring up its defensive capabilities on the small island of Yonaguni, which is the nation’s westernmost island, and closest to Taiwan. Despite its small population, the island has become essential to the Japanese military in the past few years.
Japan and the Philippines Bolster Defense Ties Amid South China Sea Tensions
As China’s assertiveness grows in the South China Sea, Japan and the Philippines have further deepened their security partnership. Building on the 2024 Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which allows Japanese forces to deploy in the Philippines for military and humanitarian operations, the two countries signed a new defense framework enhancing technology sharing. The initiative signals mounting regional concerns over China’s actions and reflects Japan’s expanding role as a key security player on the global stage.
Taiwanese Economics Ministry Officials in Washington to Discuss Semiconductor Tariff Threats
Taiwanese Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei states that officials from his ministry have been in Washington since Tuesday on a “routine visit” to U.S. President Donald Trump following his Jan. 27 threats of a “25, 50 or even 100 percent” tariff on semiconductors.
China’s Position on Russia-Ukraine War
Following U.S.-Russia peace talks on the Russo-Ukrainian war, Chinese officials argue that all necessary parties should be involved in discussions. Chinese involvement in negotiations evokes questions about their connections to Russia, Ukraine, and North Korea.
China Retaliates Against Trump’s New Tariffs
China has announced retaliatory tariffs following Trump's 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, targeting key U.S. industries, including energy and technology.
China’s Coal Expansion Hits a Nine-Year High, Undermining Emissions Targets
A Feb. 13, 2025, review of coal projects in China revealed that coal expansion in 2024 reached a nine-year high, raising concerns about continued fossil fuel reliance despite clean energy efforts.
Hong Kong’s Top Court Loses Another Foreign Judge as Nicholas Phillips Resigns
British judge Nicholas Phillips has become the latest overseas justice to resign from Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal, stepping down on Sep. 30.
Beyond the Ban: China's Path to AI Supremacy
The United States’ strategy of export restrictions on computing chips has proven futile as Chinese companies find ways to circumvent these barriers. As China surges ahead with state-backed investments and open-source innovation, the U.S. risks losing its technological edge unless it reevaluates its approach in this escalating AI competition.
Japanese Warship Sighted in the Taiwan Strait for the First Time
This past Wednesday, a Japanese warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time. Government officials reported to Yomiuri Shimbun that the JS Sazanami would complete exercises within the South China Sea, a territory contended between China and Taiwan.
Sino Stimulus Splurge: China’s Unprecedented Response to Economic Slowdown
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Chinese government officials and the People’s Bank of China (PBC) announced a new fiscal stimulus package aimed at uplifting the decelerating Chinese economy and restoring faith in the nation’s domestic stock markets.
China & Russia Seek Closer Security Cooperation Amidst Growing American Influence
On Tuesday, April 9, Chinese State Official Wang Yi hosted his Russian counterpart Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing for talks on economic and security cooperation. The new cooperative measures are set to displace American influence in Asia and Europe, the United States’ most strategically important region and former most strategically important region, according to political scientist and professor John Mearsheimer.
China’s Credit Downgraded amid Negative Future Forecast
This week, U.S.-based credit rating agency Moody downgraded China’s economic outlook. Though not an official credit downgrade — China’s credit remains rated A1 — the news still carries heavy significance, as an outlook downgrade is generally the first step taken before credit is downgraded in the future.
China, Japan, and South Korea Vow to Restart Cooperation Summits
“We three ministers agreed to restore and normalize three-nation cooperation at an early date,” stated the South Korean foreign minister, signaling a resumption of talks in 2024.
Tech War Tensions: China Restricts Graphite Exports
On Friday, Dec. 1, China began new export restrictions on the key rare earth mineral of graphite. The new restrictions will require state approval for high-grade graphite exports to foreign nations.
Commonality or Confrontation? Sino-Japanese Relations at APEC and Beyond
At the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this weekend, all eyes were on the United States and China, but Xi Jinping was looking to shore up ties with another country as well: Japan.
APEC Summit: Biden’s Bittersweet Meeting with Xi Jinping
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, US President Joe Biden hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Filoli Estate in San Francisco for a four hour one-on-one discussion. The meeting comes amidst the backdrop of this year’s Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit where leaders from twenty-one Asian-Pacific nations gather to discuss economic cooperation and trade integration.
Changes in Rhetoric to China's Women's Congress Push Patriarchal Values
A patriarchal agenda dominated China’s 13th National Women’s Congress this year. The Congress, held every five years, has largely symbolized the Chinese Communist Party’s dedication to gender equality and women’s rights.
Economic Meltdown: China Faces Capital Outflow
For the first time in twenty-five years, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into China has fallen below zero. That is, there is more capital currently leaving China for other markets, than there is foreign capital being invested into China, a phenomenon called capital outflow.