Xi Jinping

China's economic planning body, the NDRC, has effectively halted Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI firm Manus. Despite the company reincorporating in Singapore and moving its operations, Beijing intervened, barring founders from leaving and ordering the deal unwound. This move signals a significant shift in China's oversight of tech deals, impacting future foreign investments.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged global leaders, including PM Modi, to pressure Putin to end the war, stating mediation alone is insufficient. He emphasized unified international action over compromise. Meanwhile, Ukraine is bolstering defence ties in the Middle East, signing drone cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

President Trump claims China is pleased with his decision to permanently open the Strait of Hormuz, stating he's acting for their benefit and the world's. He asserts China has agreed to cease weapon shipments to Iran and anticipates a warm reception from President Xi during an upcoming visit, highlighting smart cooperation over conflict.

Despite a positive meeting, China is strategically expanding economic leverage against the US. New regulations target companies shifting supply chains and restrict foreign tech in state data centers. Beijing is building pressure tools, moving beyond trade, as both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape and competition for critical resources.

Until now, the United States had largely focused its efforts on smaller Chinese companies and facilities in an attempt to curb Iran’s oil revenues, partly to avoid broader economic and diplomatic consequences.

President Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping is pleased with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump anticipates a "special and potentially historic" meeting next month in China, where "much will be accomplished." This comes amid disruptions to global oil supplies due to Middle East conflict.

Iran's enriched uranium stockpile has become a focal point in a global power contest, with the US, China, and Russia vying for influence. Tehran insists the material will not be handed over, despite US claims of an impending agreement for its recovery. This dispute highlights the complex political and strategic stakes surrounding Iran's nuclear program.

China is considering restricting exports of advanced solar panel manufacturing equipment to the US, targeting high-efficiency technologies like HJT. This move could significantly impact US efforts to localize solar production and space-based computing ambitions, including those of Tesla, amid escalating tech rivalry.

China's President Xi Jinping met Taiwan's opposition party leader Cheng Li-wun in Beijing on Friday, Chinese state media said. The KMT leader also travelled to the eastern city of Nanjing where she visited the mausoleum of revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen, one of the few Chinese historical figures revered in both Beijing and Taipei.

China is set to resume direct flights to more Taiwanese cities. Imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products will also restart. These moves follow talks between Chinese and Taiwanese leaders. Beijing aims to establish a communication mechanism with Taiwan's Kuomintang party. Trade restrictions are being eased. Infrastructure proposals are also being advanced.

China's secret nuclear expansion in Sichuan, revealed by satellite imagery, signals a significant jump in its production capabilities. This build-up, including new high-security complexes, directly impacts India's strategic balance and exposes gaps in global nuclear governance. The developments raise concerns of a renewed arms race as rules appear to be applied unevenly.

China's export growth significantly decelerated to 2.5% in March, falling short of expectations and marking the weakest performance in six months. This slowdown is attributed to rising global energy costs and supply disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict. Conversely, imports surged by 27.8%, indicating robust domestic demand despite geopolitical uncertainties.

President Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz permanently open for China and the world, claiming Beijing assured him it would cease arms shipments to Iran. This announcement follows a naval blockade, causing global economic disruption. Trump's unpredictable approach, blending military pressure with personal diplomacy, fuels speculation about escalation or de-escalation, while European allies consider greater defense autonomy.

US intelligence suggests China is preparing to deliver new air defense systems, including MANPADS, to Iran within weeks. This comes as China claims to have supported a ceasefire, ahead of President Trump's visit to China. Beijing denies supplying weapons, stating it upholds international obligations.

US President Trump's administration has overseen a significant churn in senior US military leadership, with multiple high-ranking officers exiting their posts. These removals, including Army Chief of Staff Gen Randy George, have raised concerns about institutional continuity and operational decision-making amid ongoing conflicts. The administration frames these changes as streamlining efforts, though critics question the impact on experienced leadership.

Pakistan, Iran and the US all acknowledged China's role in enabling a last-minute US-Iran ceasefire.

Vietnam Communist Party boss To Lam was elected president by the National Assembly on Tuesday, capping his bid to centralise authority in a nation where senior cadres have traditionally governed collectively. It has "transitioned the country's leadership from a consensus-based collective model to a strongman leadership style," he told AFP. Tran Thanh Man, chairman of the National Assembly, said 100 percent of deputies who were present approved the resolution electing Lam president for the 2026-2031 term.

As BRICS nations explore non-dollar trade, the foundations of the petrodollar system face fresh scrutiny. The outcome could reshape global finance — and power — in the years ahead.

As the conflict stretches into its second month, leading economist Jeffrey Sachs expresses grave concerns regarding the intensifying war and global instability. He denounces US President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu for defying expert counsel in initiating the conflict, a choice that could lead to dramatic hikes in oil prices and prompt Iran to reassess its nuclear program.