Beijing Moves Early to Extend Car Trade In Subsidies as Market Faces 2026 Slowdown

An Early Policy Signal From Beijing Beijing has moved sooner than expected to renew its car trade in subsidy scheme, signaling concern over the outlook for China’s domestic automotive market in 2026. The decision to extend the programme at least a week ahead

Can a US Led Pax Silica Reshape Global Minerals Supply Chains

The Strategic Meaning of Pax Silica The idea of a US led Pax Silica has emerged as Washington intensifies efforts to secure critical minerals that underpin modern technology and national security. Much like earlier eras defined by oil or maritime power, this strategy

Hainan Sees Surge in Duty-Free Spending After Customs Policy Expansion

China’s southern island province of Hainan has recorded a sharp rise in consumer spending following the rollout of a new customs regime that now applies across the entire island. The policy, which took effect last week, appears to have immediately boosted duty-free shopping

Why Germany’s Record Trade Deficit With China Is Fueling Protectionist Fears

A Trade Imbalance Moving Toward a New Peak Germany’s trade relationship with China is entering a more fragile phase as the country’s deficit with its largest import partner moves toward a historic high. Analysts warn that the widening gap, driven by falling German

Can a US Led Pax Silica Secure Critical Minerals and Challenge China

A New Strategy Built on Minerals and Power As competition between major powers intensifies, access to critical minerals has emerged as one of the defining strategic issues of the decade. These materials sit at the heart of advanced technologies ranging from electric vehicles

Taiwan Weapons Deal Raises Stakes Ahead of Trump Xi Meeting

A Diplomatic Visit Under Growing Strain As two thousand twenty five comes to a close, relations between Washington and Beijing are once again under pressure, this time due to a record breaking arms sale to Taiwan. Analysts warn that the deteriorating atmosphere could

Can Foie Gras Find a Place on China’s Luxury Dining Table

French Food and the Image of Fine Living For decades, Chinese consumers have linked French products with elegance, craftsmanship, and high living. From fashion and cosmetics to wine and cuisine, French branding carries a powerful cultural appeal in China. Now France is looking

Shenzhen Tops Chinese Cities in Foreign Trade From January to November

Shenzhen has once again emerged as China’s leading city for foreign trade, posting the highest total trade value nationwide during the January to November period. The performance underlines the city’s continued role as a core engine of China’s export and import activity despite

China Condemns Trump’s Venezuela Blockade but Sees Strategic Upside in Gunboat Diplomacy Era

China has publicly condemned the United States for escalating military pressure on Venezuela, but behind the strong language Beijing may also be quietly assessing the strategic opportunities created by a more confrontational global order. The recent interception of tankers linked to Venezuelan oil

Rural Revitalisation and Digital Payments: How Stablecoins Could Narrow China’s Urban Rural Divide

China’s rural revitalisation strategy aims to rebalance development after decades of urban led growth. While poverty reduction has achieved significant success, gaps remain in income, access to finance, and market connectivity between cities and the countryside. As policymakers focus on modern agriculture, rural