Beijing

Iran's president has stated that all Iranian money held in China has been frozen, according to an emerging report circulating on prediction and news platforms. The claim, if confirmed, would have significant implications for Iran's economy, which has relied on Chinese purchases of its oil and credit lines as sanctions limit access to Western financial systems. Details about the amount involved, the reason for the freeze, and Beijing's response remain unclear.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has departed Beijing for Washington, in what is described as his first state visit to the US capital since 2015. President Trump is expected to greet him personally on the tarmac rather than at the White House, a gesture some observers read as a sign of warmth ahead of high-stakes US-China trade and diplomatic discussions.

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from a China-led cross-border currency platform, according to the Financial Times. The move marks a retreat from Beijing's efforts to build alternatives to dollar-based international payments, and it will fuel debate over the pace at which Gulf states are willing to align financially with China. The reported decision has drawn wide attention given the kingdom's central role in global oil trade and dollar settlement.

Chinese authorities are considering allowing ByteDance and Alibaba to purchase Nvidia's newest AI chips, according to a report by The Information picked up by Reuters. The possible approval would ease restrictions on two of China's largest technology companies as they race to build computing power for artificial intelligence. The report is drawing attention because it signals a potential shift in how Beijing balances domestic chip policy against its tech sector's demand for leading-edge semiconductors.

Chinese state announcements say Beijing and Washington agreed to a $30 billion tariff reduction and to open a dialogue on artificial intelligence during Xi Jinping's visit. The news, reported by Reuters, suggests a tentative easing of tensions between the two economic rivals on trade and technology. Details are sparse so far, and readers should note the figures come from the Chinese side; US confirmation and the fine print of the deal are not yet clear.

This week in U.S. politics, President Trump is confronting growing defections from within his own Republican Party, while preparing for a summit with China. A separate feud with the press is also drawing attention. Analysts are watching whether intra-party dissent will weaken Trump's position heading into high-stakes diplomacy with Beijing.

China used a speech at the United Nations to push back against the United States, defending Iran and Cuba and criticising American policies toward both countries, per Reuters. The remarks come as tensions between Washington and Beijing continue over trade, Taiwan and geopolitics, and as US sanctions on Iran and Cuba remain a flashpoint in international diplomacy.

The United States has accused China of conducting secret nuclear weapons tests, warnings that could deepen tensions between the two powers and fuel a new arms race. The claim, reported by Asia Times, adds to ongoing friction over nuclear arsenals, arms control agreements and transparency between Washington and Beijing.

The United States and China have agreed to establish a dedicated communication channel on artificial intelligence, according to the White House, following a summit between the two countries. The channel is intended to allow the two governments to exchange views and manage risks related to advanced AI. It marks a further step in stabilising relations between Washington and Beijing amid ongoing rivalry over technology.

Beijing has announced that the United States and China will pursue a military crisis-communication pact, according to the South China Morning Post. The reported agreement would aim to keep open channels between the two militaries and reduce the risk of escalation during incidents at sea or in the air. The announcement comes amid continued tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade, Taiwan and regional security.

China told the UN General Assembly that the international community must safeguard the postwar order, calling on member states to defend the framework established after World War Two. The appeal, delivered on the General Assembly floor, underscores Beijing's positioning of itself as a defender of the existing international system at a time of heightened global tension and debate over the rules-based order.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to establish a dedicated channel for discussing artificial intelligence safety, a step announced as military and trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing continue. The agreement marks a rare area of cooperation between the two powers, pairing AI risk dialogue with broader talks on defence and economic issues.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are maintaining steady channels of great-power diplomacy, according to Bloomberg reporting. The item suggests the two leaders are working to keep relations between Washington and Beijing stable and on course. Details of specific agreements or upcoming talks were not provided in the available reporting.

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump met officially, and Taiwan was not mentioned in any public statements from the meeting. DW reported the omission, which is notable given Taiwan is typically a central point of tension between Washington and Beijing. Observers are likely debating whether the silence reflects a deliberate diplomatic arrangement or signals a shift in how the two powers are handling the Taiwan issue.

Donald Trump is expected to meet Xi Jinping at the Apec forum in China this November, and analysts argue the Chinese leader will arrive in a stronger position than at their previous encounters. Beijing has spent the period since consolidating its economy, expanding trade partnerships and positioning itself as a defender of globalisation, while Washington's tariffs and erratic diplomacy have unsettled allies. The meeting is being watched for signals on the future of US-China trade talks.

China is expanding its security presence in the Red Sea region, according to a report by the Middle East Forum. The analysis argues that Beijing's growing involvement is opening a new front in regional security, adding another layer to the strategic competition already playing out along this vital shipping corridor.

Chinese regulators are considering letting ByteDance and Alibaba purchase new Nvidia chips, according to a report by The Information picked up by Reuters. The potential approval would mark a shift in Beijing's stance on access to advanced US semiconductors amid ongoing trade tensions and export restrictions, and is drawing attention from tech and markets watchers.

Two giant pandas have left China on a flight to Zoo Atlanta, where they will live on loan from the Chinese government. The transfer continues Beijing's long-standing practice of "panda diplomacy," using the animals to strengthen ties with other countries. The pandas are expected to become a major draw at the zoo, and the loan is being read as a gesture in US-China relations.

China has called on the United States to immediately lift its blockade and sanctions against Iran and Cuba. The demand was reported by BRICS News, which covers developments involving the BRICS bloc. Beijing has long opposed unilateral American sanctions, arguing they violate international law and harm civilian populations, and it maintains close economic and diplomatic ties with both Tehran and Havana.

China has come out against unilateral military actions as fighting between the United States and Iran escalates, urging a return to diplomacy. Beijing also renewed its call for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, positioning itself as a voice for de-escalation and negotiation in the Middle East.

The New York Times examines why China remains wary of international appeals for AI safety regulation. The report suggests Beijing views such calls through strategic and economic lenses, seeing safety frameworks partly as attempts by rivals to slow its technological progress. The piece is prompting discussion about whether meaningful global cooperation on AI governance is possible given US-China competition.

Chinese state media says the United States shares responsibility with China for managing artificial intelligence, arguing the world's two leading AI powers must coordinate on oversight of the fast-moving technology. The statement comes amid ongoing US-China tensions over tech export controls and AI governance, and is being watched as a signal of Beijing's positioning ahead of potential international AI regulation talks.

Donald Trump has rejected proposals to combine American and Chinese efforts on artificial intelligence, ruling out cooperation between the two countries in the field. The decision signals a continued hard line on AI competition with Beijing, keeping the United States and China on separate technological tracks despite calls in some quarters for joint governance of rapidly advancing AI systems.

Taiwan's government says Washington understands the island's defense requirements, a statement issued amid heightened security concerns over the region. The comment signals Taipei's efforts to reassure the public and allies about continued US backing, even as tensions with Beijing and questions over American commitment keep cross-strait security at the center of international attention.

China is considering allowing ByteDance and Alibaba to buy Nvidia's newest chips, according to a report by The Information. The decision would mark a shift in Beijing's stance on American semiconductors amid ongoing US-China export restrictions, and would be significant for the two companies' artificial intelligence ambitions.

Global diplomacy dominated the past week, with the UN General Assembly in session in New York and Chinese President Xi Jinping travelling to the United States for high-stakes talks with American leaders. The meetings put relations between Washington and Beijing, along with multilateral cooperation at the UN, at the centre of international attention and commentary.

China may permit Alibaba to purchase Nvidia's newest chips, according to a report by The Information picked up by Bloomberg. The potential decision would mark a shift in Beijing's stance on access to advanced US semiconductors, which have been constrained by export controls and trade tensions. The move would matter for Alibaba's cloud and AI ambitions, and it is drawing attention as a possible sign of easing US-China tech friction.

Donald Trump has laid on a red carpet welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping, prompting questions about what the unusually warm reception signals for US diplomacy and the direction of US-China relations. Observers are asking whether the gesture reflects a shift in Washington's stance toward Beijing or a tactical move ahead of trade and security talks.

Reports say US export controls on advanced semiconductors were largely absent from the agenda when Donald Trump met Xi Jinping at their summit, despite chips being a central point of friction between Washington and Beijing. Analysts suggest both leaders prioritised broader trade truce issues, leaving technology restrictions unresolved and questions about future curbs open.

US President Donald Trump asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping to stop supporting Iran, according to an Axios report. The request highlights Washington's push to pressure Tehran by cutting off its key economic and diplomatic backing from Beijing, a major buyer of Iranian oil. The report is drawing attention amid ongoing tensions over Iran's role in regional conflicts.

India is exporting more manufactured goods to China, with electronics emerging as a standout growth area. The development points to a gradual diversification of India's export basket to its largest trading partner, though the overall trade relationship remains heavily skewed in Beijing's favour, with India running a large bilateral trade deficit.

A joint statement issued after Donald Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping includes wording on the Strait of Hormuz, drawing attention because Beijing agreed to language on a waterway far from its usual sphere of focus. Commentators highlighted the passage as a notable concession or signal in US-China relations, with the full statement published by China's foreign ministry.

The United States and China have agreed to open a dialogue on superintelligence, a move aimed at managing growing tensions over artificial intelligence between the two powers. The agreement signals an effort by Washington and Beijing to establish communication channels on advanced AI risks even as they compete for leadership in the technology.

The UK government is reviewing tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicles, according to Politico Europe. The review could signal a shift in Britain's trade stance toward Beijing, with potential consequences for EV prices, domestic carmakers and the broader UK-China trade relationship. Observers are watching whether the move will lower costs for British consumers or ease pressure on the country's struggling automotive industry.

Ambassador Mike Waltz said the United States held conversations with China regarding dealings connected to the war involving Iran. The remarks point to diplomatic contacts between Washington and Beijing over the conflict, though details of what was discussed and China's role have not been disclosed. The statement is drawing attention amid ongoing interest in how major powers are engaging over the Iran conflict.