In advance of President Trump's trip to China this week, U.S. lawmakers are continuing to ratchet up political pressure against allowing the sale of Chinese automobiles in the U.S. They are also moving to restrict Chinese purchases of U.S. farmland.

Seventy-four Democrats in the House of Representatives have sent a letter to President Trump pressing him not to allow imports of Chinese automobiles or Chinese automobile production in the U.S.

China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has officially blocked Meta's acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus. The decision marks the first time Beijing has applied its 2020 foreign investment security review mechanism to explicitly prohibit an AI-sector acquisition, signaling increasing regulatory oversight over cross-border deals.

Last month, the UK's Minister for Energy announced a ban preventing Chinese turbine suppliers from participating in offshore wind projects, further fueling tensions with Beijing.

After China's parliamentary session this month, Beijing released the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for National Economic and Social Development, signaling a fundamental shift in its global economic engagement. The new blueprint prioritizes "voluntary" and "unilateral" opening on China’s own terms,

Earlier this week, China's Ministry of Transport (MOT) summoned officials from shipping giants Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping (MSC), a sign of Beijing’s efforts to safeguard its strategic overseas commercial interests.

In its 2026 government work report, China vowed to open wider to the outside world while doubling down on manufacturing and homegrown innovation. Premier Li Qiang's report to the National People's Congress last week promised to promote "balanced development of trade," streamline investment especially