US-China Relations Under Strain

Apple CEO Tim Cook discussed the company's plans to invest $600 billion in domestic manufacturing in the US over the next four years, emphasizing semiconductor production. The investment includes a $2.5 billion expansion of its partnership with Corning and working with companies like Taiwan Semiconductor, Texas Instruments, and Applied Materials to grow domestic semiconductor production. Cook highlighted Apple's existing business with 9,000 partners across the US, creating 450,000 jobs, and its efforts to train more manufacturing workers through its 'Manufacturing Academy' in Detroit. Apple is receiving support from the Trump administration, with President Donald Trump announcing a 100% tariff on imports of semiconductors and chips except for companies like Apple that are 'building in the United States'.

The article discusses the impact of US sanctions on Xinjiang's economy. Chinese scholars have criticized the sanctions, citing job losses and economic damage. The sanctions were imposed over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang, which Beijing denies. The US has added 144 Chinese companies to its entity list, barring them from the US market. Despite this, the region shows resilience. The article provides an analysis of the effects of the sanctions and the reactions of the Chinese government.

China has accused the US and Britain of undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait after they sent warships through the waterway. The People's Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command said Chinese naval and air forces monitored the destroyer USS Higgins and the British frigate HMS Richmond as they transited the strait. China described the passage as 'harassment and provocation' and warned that it would remain on high alert to safeguard national sovereignty and regional peace and stability. This incident comes after a similar warning from Beijing when Canadian and Australian ships sailed through the strait a week ago. China's third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, also passed through the strait, with Beijing announcing it was on its way to conduct scientific research and training exercises in the South China Sea.

A recent report by two US House committees has identified around 50 US-China education partnerships as 'high-risk' and recommended that they be terminated. The partnerships, including joint degree programs in science and technology, are seen as providing China with access to US expertise and advancing its military and technological modernization. The report is part of a broader effort by House Republicans to curb US-China academic cooperation amid concerns about Beijing's growing military capabilities. The Chinese government has responded by stating that such cooperation is 'mutually beneficial' and has encouraged more Americans to study in China.

The article discusses how China's retail market is evolving due to the instant commerce war between Alibaba, Meituan, and JD.com. Instant commerce, a combination of online shopping and swift delivery, has expanded beyond food delivery to other products, including Apple's new iPhone 17 models. The competition has led to promotional subsidies and speedy deliveries, transforming the retail landscape in China. The article highlights how these instant commerce providers have focused on becoming more efficient to fulfill orders across the country, marking a significant shift in the retail industry.

The article discusses the growing anti-immigration sentiment in Australia, particularly among Chinese nationals. Recent marches across the country have left many feeling insecure and vulnerable. The protests, driven by right-wing sentiment and economic challenges, have sparked concerns that Australia's multicultural society may be undermined. Chinese immigrants are particularly at risk due to the country's conservative and right-wing politicians taking a hard stance on China. The article highlights the personal experiences of Chinese nationals living in Australia, including a 27-year-old woman who cancelled her plans due to the protests, feeling insecure and unwelcome.

The Trump administration is considering severe restrictions on medicines from China, which could significantly impact the American pharmaceutical industry and the availability of various treatments. The proposed crackdown is driven by concerns over national security vulnerabilities due to the US' reliance on China for medicines. Major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and AstraZeneca, have been buying rights to drugs created in China, sparking a lobbying battle between investors who want a decisive crackdown and large drugmakers who benefit from the current arrangement. The draft executive order aims to boost US production of certain medicines and give preference to American products in government purchasing.