us china relations

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.

The United States has stepped up efforts to restrict Iranian oil exports, a major source of revenue for Tehran. Late last month, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on Hengli, targeting one of the most prominent and well-connected companies in China’s large crude-processing sector.

China's industry regulator has ordered Meta to cancel its $2 billion acquisition of Singapore-based AI firm Manus, citing national security concerns. This move follows the US announcing a crackdown on foreign tech companies exploiting AI models. China is also reportedly restricting US capital in its leading tech firms without government approval, signaling an escalating AI war.

Despite controversial remarks, visitors from China and India are the biggest spenders in the US, according to a National Travel and Tourism Office study. These top overseas markets, along with seven other nations, contributed significantly to the $169.8 billion spent by international travelers in 2024, supporting nearly a million jobs.

This risky double-game may dent Islamabad’s relations with Beijing, as also cause international humiliation

UAE exits Opec, impacting global oil dynamics amid regional tensions. Ukraine escalates attacks on Russia, forcing Moscow to scale back Victory Day parades. King Charles' US trip strengthens UK-US ties. Syria begins its first transitional justice trial. China pressures African nations, forcing Taiwan's President to cancel a trip.

Iran and the US remain locked in a standoff, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and the US imposing a naval blockade. Both actions disrupt global commons, while escalating rhetoric and social media influence commodity prices worldwide. India, heavily reliant on regional energy flows, faces significant economic fallout from this 'dual blockade'.

Country needs time to build up domestic capacities, till then reduce dependence on those ‘perfect’ imports

Defence veterans, including former IAF chief R K S Bhadauria, strongly back the Greater Nicobar project, deeming it vital for India's national security and military presence. They argue it enhances surveillance of the Malacca Strait, crucial for checking China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean. The project is seen as a strategic and economic win.

India remains on the US Trade Representative's Priority Watch List for intellectual property protection, a designation that carries no legal ramifications but serves as a negotiation tool. The US cited concerns over pharmaceutical IP rules, while India maintains its regime ensures affordable medicine access and WTO compliance.

Global military expenditure has hit a record $2.9 trillion, signalling a world preparing for prolonged instability. India’s increased defence spending reflects a broader strategic doctrine focused on modernisation, indigenisation and preparedness for multi-front challenges

Meta's $2 billion AI acquisition of Manus AI has been blocked by China, citing national security and technology transfer concerns. Chinese regulators reviewed the deal, restricted Manus founders from leaving the country, and ultimately ordered the companies to cancel the transaction. This move highlights escalating US-China tensions over advanced AI technology and offshore structures.

Congress slammed the Centre, accusing it of giving Pakistan a "clean chit" after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated terrorism lacks nationality or theology. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called this appeasement of the US and capitulation to China, questioning Pakistan's role in terror attacks. Singh's remarks were made at the SCO meet in Bishkek.

President Trump revealed the US seized a ship carrying "not very nice" items, calling it a "gift from China." He linked this to Iran tensions, threatening to bomb bridges and expressing no desire to extend the Iran ceasefire. Trump anticipates a "great deal" but also expects bombing, despite China denying weapon supplies to Iran.

The US government is reportedly exploring new measures to compel AI firms like Google and Anthropic to cooperate on government use of their tools. Proposals include a vetting system for advanced AI models and restrictions on companies refusing government demands, potentially impacting national security applications and raising industry concerns about development speed.

A New Jersey firm, Royal Sovereign, has been fined $8 million and ordered to pay over $395,000 in restitution for concealing dangerously defective air conditioners linked to over 40 fires and one fatality. The company knowingly sold thousands of units with a faulty motor, leading to a recall and a guilty plea for violating consumer safety laws.

The massacre a year before didn’t result in more Pak-backed terrorism. India’s deep strikes were effective. But, Iran’s ‘mosaic defence’ against US shows what India’s strategic capability needs

A Chinese national, Xu Zewei, has been extradited to the United States to face charges. He is accused of hacking into computers between 2020 and 2021. These alleged intrusions were part of the HAFNIUM campaign and targeted COVID-19 research. Xu is said to have worked under the direction of Chinese intelligence services.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has admitted that Pakistan lacks even a day’s worth of strategic petrol reserves, as oil prices climb to $126 per barrel — the highest since 2022 — amid ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz

India's indigenous fighter jet production is gaining momentum with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) procurement process advancing. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh revealed plans for sixth-generation fighter collaborations and a multi-layered missile force. Diversifying production is seen as strategically beneficial, with ambitious defence export targets set to be met comfortably.

Apple posted its best March quarter ever in Q2 FY2026—$111.2 billion in revenue, up 17% year over year, with iPhone sales jumping 22% to $57 billion and Services hitting an all-time high of $31 billion. Every product category and every geographic region grew. The catch: memory costs are rising fast, Mac supply can't keep up with demand, and Tim Cook is handing the CEO role to John Ternus on September 1.

Despite past fears from Chernobyl and Fukushima, nuclear energy is re-emerging as a reliable, clean power source. France's reliance showcases low emissions, while Germany's shutdown increased fossil fuel use. Modern reactors boast enhanced safety features, and global expansion is underway with new designs like SMRs promising efficiency and a smaller environmental footprint.

US President Donald Trump amplified controversial remarks by radio host Michael Savage, who made offensive comments about India and China while discussing birthright citizenship. Savage questioned the automatic citizenship for babies born in the US, calling immigrants "gangsters with laptops." India has since described the remarks as "uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste."

The US President's dismissal of the National Science Board and other scientific bodies has sparked concerns about the erosion of scientific norms. This move, alongside funding cuts and grant cancellations, is prompting foreign-origin scientists to consider leaving the US, with India actively recruiting talent.