This Month
Trump tests the world’s nervous system – again
The president’s fury at being mockingly labelled TACO on tariffs may be enough to ensure that he proceeds on schedule.
May
US to ‘aggressively’ revoke visas of Chinese students
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is targeting Chinese students in the administration’s latest move to crack down on foreigners hoping to study in America.
Chinese envoy slams ‘ethically questionable’ takeover of Darwin Port
Beijing’s ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian says Chinese port owner Landbridge shouldn’t be punished by having its lease ended on security grounds.
China’s battery giant eyes global domination in Trump era
CATL pulled off the world’s biggest stock listing so far this year. But the global maker of EV batteries has become caught in US-China tensions.
How Xi Jinping sparked China’s electricity revolution
Beijing’s aggressive pursuit of energy self-sufficiency could give it the upper hand in the trade war with the US.
April
No, Ambassador Xiao, China is not a champion of free trade
It is not Trump’s tariffs but Chinese economic policies and practices over many decades that are the greater challenge to economic globalisation as we know it.
China thinks it will win this trade game of chicken. Here’s why
Market turmoil and cracks in support for Donald Trump’s tariffs have further cemented the view that Beijing need only wait a little longer for backlash to build.
‘We’re not for sale’: Darwin Port rebuffs PM, Dutton takeover pledge
Both Labor and the Coalition are on a unity ticket that Darwin port’s Chinese owner should have its 99-year lease axed.
March
‘Parasitic illegal immigrant’: The Musk v Bannon feud fires up
Donald Trump has made clear he wants to keep both men and their allies within his MAGA movement, but the tensions are growing.
The Trump and Xi shows could not be more stark
For many observers, the contrast between China’s orderly political gathering at the Great Hall of the People this week and the White House chaos was stark.
China hits US farms in tariff fightback
A trade war between the world’s two biggest economies has officially erupted after Beijing hit back at the US with tit-for-tat tariffs, rocking markets.
China set to repeat 5pc growth target at annual political gathering
Investors and markets are watching the National People’s Congress for signs of how Xi Jinping plans to withstand Donald Trump’s tariffs on the sluggish economy.
January
Why Xiao Qian’s Taiwan claims are misinforming Australians
The Chinese ambassador is expected to convey his government’s official stance, but misrepresenting Australia’s positions is bad diplomatic form.
Xi Jinping’s most trusted confidante has a new job: Winning Taiwan
He was fascinated by democracy as a student but Wang Huning has been the definition of a party insider for the past three decades.
James Curran is wrong: ASPI is and will remain independent
Commentators are free to criticise research institutes critical of China but should focus on evidence, not innuendo.
December 2024
‘Chinese spy’ linked to Prince Andrew denies allegations
Businessman Yang Tengbo was described as the Duke of York’s “close confidant” and was banned from entering Britain on security grounds.
China’s ‘bazooka’ stimulus will have to wait - again
Beijing says “vigorous” efforts to boost domestic consumption are the country’s top economic priority, but details are once again lacking.
The four charts that show what’s wrong with China’s economy
Key indicators reveal the challenges facing Chinese policymakers as they gather to deal with the task of balancing short-term stimulus with longer-term reforms.
November 2024
Trump win puts global corporate tax deal ‘in peril’
Experts believe that countries will now be unlikely to apply rules over fears of retaliation from Trump-led administration.
October 2024
Xi Jinping tightens stranglehold on China’s academia
Scholars have been fired or ‘disappeared’ as Beijing clamps down on discussion of sensitive topics, including the economy.