13-11-2025

Escalating Tensions: US-China Relations Under Strain

Date: 13-11-2025
Sources: economist.com: 4 | scmp.com: 3
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Source: scmp.com

Image content: The image depicts Chinese President Xi Jinping toasting with a glass of red wine at a formal event. **Key Elements in the Image:** 1. The main subject is Xi Jinping, dressed in a suit and tie, holding a glass of red wine. 2. News-worthy elements include the formal setting with microphones and a floral arrangement, suggesting a significant event or speech. 3. The image relates to news coverage of Xi Jinping's public appearances and diplomatic events. **Concise Description:** This image shows Xi Jinping at a formal event, likely a diplomatic reception or meeting, highlighting his role in international relations and China's global presence. The scene is significant for news coverage of China's diplomatic efforts and Xi's leadership.

Summary

A cluster of news articles highlights the strained relations between the US, China, and Japan, focusing on the fentanyl epidemic, trade wars, and territorial disputes. The US is grappling with a severe fentanyl crisis, with China being a significant source of synthetic opioids. Meanwhile, China's Belt and Road Initiative is gaining momentum, and tensions between Japan and China are escalating over Taiwan.

Key Points

  • The US is struggling with a fentanyl epidemic, with over 300,000 deaths since 2020, and is pressuring China to take action against fentanyl manufacturers.
  • China's Belt and Road Initiative is experiencing a resurgence under Xi Jinping's leadership, potentially expanding China's global influence.
  • Tensions between Japan and China are rising due to disputes over Taiwan, with Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sparking diplomatic tensions with comments on potentially deploying Japan's military in response to a Taiwan contingency.
  • The US and China are engaged in a protracted trade war, with the opioid crisis being a significant factor in the strained relations.
  • China is offering cash rewards for tips on Taiwanese online influencers accused of promoting separatist activities and 'Taiwan independence.'

Articles in this Cluster

America and China share a dangerous addiction

The article discusses the ongoing issue of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, and its impact on the trade war between America and China. The US has been struggling with fentanyl overdoses, with over 300,000 deaths since 2020, and has been pressuring China to take action against its manufacturers. As part of a recent trade deal, China has promised to take 'significant' measures to address the issue, and the US has agreed to halve its 20% tariff on Chinese goods. The article highlights the complexities of the issue and the challenges of addressing it.
Entities: America, China, Fentanyl, Donald Trump, Xi JinpingTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

America’s fentanyl epidemic, explained in six charts

The article discusses the ongoing fentanyl epidemic in the United States, highlighting its severity and impact through six charts. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, has been a major contributor to overdose deaths, accounting for 70% of annual overdose deaths. The DEA first raised concerns about illicit fentanyl supplies in 2014, and since then, the situation has worsened. The article notes that more Americans die from fentanyl overdoses every 14 months than were killed in all US wars since 1945 combined. The opioid epidemic, which began in the late 1990s, has entered its most lethal phase. The article aims to explain the current state of the epidemic through data visualization.
Entities: Fentanyl, United States, America’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Heroin, Opioid epidemicTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

China’s Belt and Road Initiative is booming again

China's Belt and Road Initiative is experiencing a resurgence under Xi Jinping's leadership as he seeks to counter the instability caused by Donald Trump's presidency by drawing more countries into China's orbit. Despite warning of difficult times ahead due to rising uncertainties, Xi views the initiative as a key component of an alternative global order. The article discusses Xi's efforts to navigate the challenges posed by Trump's trade policies and the potential for China's growing influence in poor countries.
Entities: Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, China, Communist Party, South KoreaTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Donald Trump’s new trade war with China is also an opioid war

The article discusses the escalating trade war between the US and China under Donald Trump's presidency, with a focus on the role of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, in straining the relationship. Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, citing the opioid crisis as a reason. The article argues that the battle over opioids will be protracted and devastating for American lives. It highlights the complexity of the issue, noting that the US and China share a 'dangerous addiction' to fentanyl, and that China is a significant source of synthetic opioids. The trade war is expected to continue, with significant implications for both countries.
Entities: Donald Trump, China, United States, Canada, MexicoTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Has Sanae Takaichi planted a Taiwan ‘time bomb’ in Tokyo’s ties with Beijing? | South China Morning Post

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on potentially deploying Japan's military in response to a Taiwan contingency have escalated diplomatic tensions with Beijing, risking further damage to bilateral ties. Analysts warn that Takaichi's remarks have planted a 'time bomb' for future relations between Tokyo and Beijing, as Taiwan is a highly sensitive issue that could trigger major disruptions. Beijing views Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary, while Japan and the US do not recognize Taiwan as an independent state but oppose any attempt to take it by force.
Entities: Sanae Takaichi, Japan, China, Taiwan, BeijingTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Japan ‘very much willing’ to keep talking to mainland China over Taiwan, top diplomat says | South China Morning Post

Japan's ambassador to Australia, Kazuhiro Suzuki, has stated that Japan is willing to maintain open communication with mainland China regarding Taiwan to prevent misunderstandings. Suzuki emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for the international community and Japan. He also urged Australia to strengthen 'joint deterrence' with Japan during these 'turbulent' times. Suzuki expressed Japan's willingness to talk with the Chinese government at various levels to avoid miscommunication.
Entities: Kazuhiro Suzuki, Japan, mainland China, Taiwan, AustraliaTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Mainland Chinese police offer cash rewards for tips on Taiwan’s ‘terrible’ influencers | South China Morning Post

The Quanzhou police department in Fujian province, China, is offering a cash reward of 50,000 to 250,000 yuan for tips on Taiwanese online influencers Wen Ziyu and Chen Boyuan, accused of promoting separatist activities and 'Taiwan independence.' The police statement claimed they had been publishing and spreading separatist remarks, smearing mainland China's policies, and serving as internet trolls for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and anti-China forces. The Taiwan Affairs Office hailed the decision as 'justified and necessary.'
Entities: Wen Ziyu, Chen Boyuan, Taiwan, Quanzhou police department, Fujian provinceTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform