Beijing in the news as Trump heads to China amid US-Iran tensions and talks with Xi; China’s capital, 21+ million, political hub.
The Middle East conflict has pushed up fuel, fertiliser and packaging costs, feeding higher food prices globally. Retailers warn inflation is likely to continue if the war persists, while farmers face rising input costs and potential production cuts.
On March 12, 2026, China’s National People’s Congress approved a five-year plan aiming for 4.5-5% GDP growth in 2026 amid economic slowdown. The plan prioritizes technological self-reliance in AI, quantum computing, biotech, and green energy, while addressing demographic challenges and social welfare. It reflects China's strategic push for innovation and stability amid global geopolitical tensions, including the Middle East conflict.
Oil prices have risen sharply due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, with Brent crude surpassing $85 a barrel. Markets are volatile as shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, impacting global supply and energy costs. The conflict's duration remains uncertain.
At the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, Russia and Belarus competed under their national flags for the first time since 2014, following bans due to doping and the 2022 Ukraine invasion. Their participation sparked boycotts by seven countries, including Ukraine, and boos from some spectators. Russian athletes have won multiple medals, marking a contentious return amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The US president’s Beijing dinner has featured a menu of Huaiyang-inspired dishes, with lobster, roast duck and beef ribs among offerings. Xi Jinping hosts and Elon Musk is seen dining; the menu contrasts with the UK banquet last year. A live blog is available for updates.
Recent Chinese military flights around Taiwan have sharply decreased over the past two weeks, with no flights recorded since February 27. The decline coincides with China's legislative meetings and possible strategic shifts, raising questions about Beijing's intentions amid ongoing tensions. Small flights resumed recently, but activity remains low.
North Korea launched over 10 ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan during ongoing US-South Korea military exercises. The launches, from near Pyongyang, come amid heightened tensions and North Korea's calls to end joint drills, which it views as invasion rehearsals. South Korea has increased surveillance and maintains readiness.
China has restarted train services to North Korea after a six-year suspension due to COVID-19. Regular routes between Beijing and Pyongyang now operate multiple times weekly, signaling a potential shift in bilateral relations and easing of border restrictions. The move follows China's full border reopening, while North Korea remains cautious.
On March 15-16, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met in Paris to discuss trade issues ahead of President Trump's planned visit to China from March 31 to April 2. Talks focused on tariffs, rare earth minerals, export controls, and agricultural purchases amid ongoing tensions and a fragile global economy impacted by the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Recent polls reveal a significant shift in global perceptions: allies increasingly trust China over the U.S., citing U.S. foreign policy disruptions under Trump. Meanwhile, Americans' views on their country's role abroad remain divided, with some support for military actions amid ongoing debates about U.S. global influence.
China expressed concern over US trade investigations amid ongoing diplomatic preparations for President Trump's planned visit to China, which may be delayed. The talks in Paris focused on trade issues and the Iran war, with the visit being the first since 2017.
China and the Philippines have increased military activity in the South China Sea. China’s survey ship was spotted near disputed islands, and Chinese patrols have challenged Philippine vessels. The Philippines signed a new military agreement with France, amid ongoing confrontations with China over territorial claims and maritime safety.
Macao has enacted new legislation expanding the authority of its national security committee, allowing closed-door trials for cases deemed to threaten national security. The law aims to safeguard sovereignty but raises concerns over political freedoms, especially after recent arrests under the security law. It takes effect immediately.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly appeared with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, during military drills, fueling speculation about her potential succession. Recent images show her participating in military activities, amid ongoing tensions with South Korea and the US over military exercises and regional security.
President Trump has postponed his planned trip to China from late March to mid-May, citing the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran. The delay follows military actions in Iran and tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, complicating US-China relations and international diplomacy.
China announced new trade investigations in response to US Section 301 probes targeting Chinese policies and exports. The Chinese probes aim to safeguard domestic industries and could influence ongoing trade negotiations, with both sides signaling reciprocal measures amid a fragile trade truce.
A mother in the US received a $5,185 phone bill after her daughter unknowingly made international calls on Roblox. Reddit users suggested solutions like blocking international calls or negotiating with the provider. The story highlights online safety and billing issues for parents today.
European Parliament members visited China to discuss safety concerns over Chinese e-commerce platforms and the high volume of unsafe products entering the EU. The trip follows the EU's recent overhaul of customs rules targeting illegal goods, especially from China, to improve market access and consumer protection.
China has stated it is working with African countries to respond to the Middle East conflict, urging a ceasefire and international cooperation. Meanwhile, Vietnam's top leader is visiting China to strengthen ties, despite ongoing maritime disputes. US-China relations remain focused on stability and managing critical mineral supplies.
King Norodom Sihamoni, Cambodia's constitutional monarch, announced he has prostate cancer after a medical exam in Beijing. He plans to stay in China for one to three months for treatment. His condition's severity remains undisclosed. The king's role is largely ceremonial, and he is unmarried with no children.
China has avoided becoming deeply involved in the Middle East conflict, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and international law. Xi Jinping has called for peace talks and a cease-fire, while balancing its partnership with Iran and relations with Gulf states. Beijing is preparing for a summit later this year.
Xi Jinping has met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing, emphasizing the importance of China-Russia strategic cooperation. Xi highlights their role in defending mutual interests and supporting the Global South. The leaders discuss international stability, energy shortages, and ongoing conflicts, signaling deepening partnership in a complex global landscape.
China has announced plans to guide enterprises in participating in railway construction projects in Vietnam, following a high-level meeting between President Xi Jinping and Vietnam's President To Lam. The leaders have signed cooperation agreements on railway feasibility studies and other sectors, emphasizing strategic ties and security cooperation amid ongoing regional tensions.
The White House has issued a memo saying foreign actors, principally based in China, have been running industrial-scale campaigns to "distil" US frontier AI systems by using proxy accounts and jailbreaking techniques to extract capabilities. The administration has said it will share intelligence with US AI firms and explore measures to punish offenders ahead of a planned US–China summit.
A humanoid robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor has completed a 13-mile half-marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, surpassing the human world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds. The event in Beijing has seen rapid progress from last year, with over 100 robots competing and many running faster than professional athletes.
Paraguay's president Santiago Peña has visited Taiwan and has reaffirmed diplomatic support, signing cooperation agreements and praising shared democratic values. China has urged Paraguay to sever ties, saying most Paraguayans favour establishing relations with Beijing, and has criticised Paraguayan officials who visit Taipei.
China has expanded its legal and regulatory toolkit to deter supply-chain shifts away from the country, publishing new rules and measures that could punish foreign entities moving production elsewhere. The moves come as Beijing seeks to strengthen leverage before a mid-May Xi-Trump summit and amidst a fragile bilateral truce.
Washington and Tehran have been closing in on a one-page memorandum that would pause fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and start 30 days of detailed talks on sanctions and nuclear limits; Iran has said it will respond soon via Pakistan, while oil prices have fallen on the prospect of a deal (06 May 2026).
The United States has said it does not want destabilizing events around Taiwan. Rubio has noted a topic of conversation with Taiwan will continue, and both nations understand stability is in their interests. Trump is set to visit Beijing in mid-May as Beijing maintains Taiwan is a core concern in its relations with Washington.
China has extended zero-tariff treatment to 20 more African nations, bringing the scheme to 53 of Africa’s 54 countries. Eswatini remains excluded due to its ties with Taiwan. Analysts say gains are limited, but the policy signals Beijing’s openness push and aims to boost China‑Africa trade.
France 24 reports that Beijing rejects simplistic depictions as a “puppet master,” instead pursuing mercantilist and predatory motives while balancing Washington and Tehran. The interview highlights China’s energy interests and its role in the Persian Gulf crisis, with warnings against Western overreaction to Iran’s maritime pressure. The New Arab notes Pakistan’s mediation of the US–Iran ceasefire, signaling a broader shift in South Asia–Middle East security, despite ongoing tensions and new defence partnerships. Together, the pieces describe a tense, evolving regional landscape with multiple actors pursuing strategic lines.
President Trump has travelled to Beijing for a two-day summit with Xi Jinping (May 14–15, 2026). Talks have focused on the Iran war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, narrow U.S. trade deals for soybeans, Boeing jets and energy, and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan; a large $11bn Taiwan package remains pending Congress approval.
North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC is set to face Suwon FC Women in the AFC Women’s Champions League semifinal in Suwon on May 20, the first inter-Korean women’s club match in the South since 2018. A North Korean delegation will travel with 27 players and 12 staff, while South Korea restricts flags and national anthems under security rules.
President Donald Trump has met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing for two days of talks over trade, Taiwan, Iran and energy. The leaders have discussed reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Chinas oil purchases from Iran and military assistance; the White House has said Xi pledged not to send Iran military equipment.
Iranian Foreign Minister has held talks in Beijing with China’s top diplomat as Beijing urges a full ceasefire and renewed diplomacy in the ongoing crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and wider war dynamics. China describes the move as a critical moment for regional stability.
Eileen Wang has pled guilty to one count of acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government, for operating the US News Center to publish pro-PRC material from 2020 to 2022. She has resigned as Arcadia’s mayor. Co-operating with authorities, Yaoning Sun has already received a four-year sentence.
ASEAN leaders are coordinating a regional response to energy and food security amid disruptions from the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz closure. The Philippines is chairing the Cebu summit, pushing a voluntary oil-sharing framework, a regional power grid, and measures to diversify energy sources while maintaining open sea lanes.
Taiwan’s defense policy is guiding government messaging as U.S.-China meetings focus on the Taiwan question. Washington has reiterated that its policy toward Taiwan has not changed, while Beijing warns against destabilizing moves. Taiwan’s leaders are assessing how the summit could affect security and regional balance.
Paraguay, a rare South American ally of Taiwan, is hosting a business delegation led by Peña as President Lai Ching‑te welcomes him with military honors. Beijing is intensifying pressure on Taiwan’s diplomatic partners, while Taiwan has sought to project international presence and expand ties.
Oil prices have fluctuated amid war updates and cease-fire talk, with Brent trading around $101-$102 a barrel as U.S. and Iranian positions evolve. Market attention is on the Strait of Hormuz and shipping disruptions, while equities show mixed moves worldwide.
Hong Kong democracy advocate Jimmy Lai remains imprisoned amid a wider security crackdown, while a journalist from Guangming Daily faces a severe prison term; family and rights groups are urging medical parole and international pressure ahead of high-stakes talks between Trump and Xi.
Taiwan's president has said the island will not yield its democracy or sovereignty under pressure after US President Donald Trump met Xi Jinping in Beijing and suggested he is not "looking to have somebody go independent." China has warned Taiwan is the "most important issue" in US‑China ties; Taipei is emphasising defence cooperation with Washington.
The Guardian, New York Times, NY Post, The Independent and The New Arab report on Trump’s Beijing visit with Xi Jinping focusing on strategic stability, tariffs and Iran. The talks feature ceremonial pages, guarded language and warnings of a new approach, while both sides seek to reframe their relationship amid ongoing tensions.
The U.S. president is traveling to Beijing for a 36-hour summit, aiming to reset tense ties with China while Iran’s war continues to shape global energy and geopolitics. Officials say talks will cover tariffs, Taiwan, and Tehran’s oil sales as Beijing seeks to avoid being drawn into the conflict.
Trump has been meeting Xi Jinping in Beijing on a visit that seeks to stabilise the China-US relationship, with discussions focusing on trade, Iran and Taiwan. A small business delegation accompanies him, and both sides have signalled a desire to extend the trade truce and discuss future cooperation.
Trump has welcomed a delegation of executives to Beijing, including Tesla’s Elon Musk and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, as part of efforts to “open up” China and mobilize business support. The trip follows reports of competition with Chinese EV firms and ongoing AI export discussions.
The meetings between the U.S. leader and Xi Jinping have been framed as a bid to reset relations as both powers face rising strategic and economic pressures. Xi has emphasized long-term stability, while the U.S. seeks clarity on key issues including trade and regional security.
Trump has arrived in Beijing with a tech-focused delegation for talks with Xi Jinping. Ratner accompanies the trip to scout for Rush Hour 4 filming locations, while executives from major tech firms are present. The discussions centre on trade, Iran, and Taiwan, with some hints about potential film projects pending outcomes.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Beijing with Donald Trump amid Chinese sanctions that have been navigated by a name transliteration change. Beijing has reportedly shifted the first syllable of Rubio’s surname to a different Chinese character, enabling his entry while sanctions remain in place. The move follows Rubio’s history of criticizing China and backing human-rights measures.
Lu Jianwang has been acquitted on a conspiracy charge related to the Manhattan overseas police station case and remains free on bail pending sentencing; prosecutors argued he helped China locate a pro-democracy activist and acted as an unregistered foreign agent, while the defense framed the station as a community center.