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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Politics

Are Trump loyalists struggling in US rural heartland ready to say ‘enough’?

Hammered by crippling costs and precious revenue lost to China, Midwest farmers’ loyalty to the US president will be tested in 2026 midterms.

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Rubio swaps hawk for diplomat in year-end pivot on China

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Trump Justice Department releases partial set of Epstein files for now

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Tech War

US launches review of Nvidia’s H200 chip sales to China: sources

The inter-agency licensing review involves the US departments of Commerce, State, Energy and Defence.

A high-performance server equipped with Nvidia’s H200 graphics processing units seen at an event in Barcelona, Spain, earlier this year. Photo: Shutterstock
A high-performance server equipped with Nvidia’s H200 graphics processing units seen at an event in Barcelona, Spain, earlier this year. Photo: Shutterstock

China Economy

China cuts US Treasury holdings to lowest level since 2008

The stockpile has now fallen to nearly half its November 2013 peak, financial data shows, as long-term sell-off continues.

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Diplomacy

Trump signs defence bill restricting investment in Chinese tech, military firms

Key provisions target contracts with Chinese biotech companies and outbound investment in technologies with military applications in China.

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Economy, Trade & Business

TikTok reaches deal on new US venture with American investor group

The deal was signed on Thursday, with the landmark move ending years of legal and political uncertainty.

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TikTok has reached a deal to sell its US operations to a consortium of American investors. Photo: dpa
TikTok has reached a deal to sell its US operations to a consortium of American investors. Photo: dpa

Politics

US arms deal supports Taiwan’s effort to reassure Trump on defence burden

Weapons package underpins Taipei’s move towards an asymmetric ‘porcupine’ strategy as Washington presses allies to do more.

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Diplomacy

China reportedly sticking to its soybean deal with US, but worries remain

Beijing secures 7 million tonnes of soybeans, passing halfway mark of its US purchase agreement. However, little has been shipped so far.

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China

US highlights Panama security ties as China-linked canal ports deal stalls

US envoy’s coastguard visit near Panama comes as Beijing presses for Cosco control and Washington pushes back.

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US Ambassador Kevin Cabrera visited the US Coast Guard cutter Alert during its port call in Panama City, highlighting the enduring maritime partnership between the United States and Panama. Photo: Handout

Diplomacy

As Trump upends US foreign policy, analysts see fresh openings for China

After a turbulent year, experts expect continued disruption to reshape global influence, testing alliances and altering the balance of power.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
Illustration: Brian Wang

Politics

Trump gives himself high marks in 2025 report card, with his eyes on 2026 fight

In a White House speech, the president claimed economic and foreign policy wins while urging voters to back his agenda in the midterms.

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Global Economy

‘A risk’: wealthy Chinese appear to shun Trump’s ‘gold card’ immigration scheme

Initial excitement fizzles amid limited benefits and security concerns, immigration agents say.

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China Economy

Explainer | What does future hold for Brazil, US in China’s soybean balancing act?

The two countries remain top suppliers, but efforts to promote self-sufficiency are set to reduce reliance on imports.

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Soybeans are loaded into a truck in Dwight, Illinois, in August. Photo: Getty Images

Global Economy

China bets big on copper processing, but ‘weaponisation’ risks are low: analysts

Beijing views copper as critical for EVs and AI, but a reliance on imported ore limits China’s ability to use the strategic metal as leverage.

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A coil of copper rod sits on the production line for copper flat wire at a factory in China’s Jiangxi province in August. Photo: Reuters
A coil of copper rod sits on the production line for copper flat wire at a factory in China’s Jiangxi province in August. Photo: Reuters

Military

Senior US and Chinese defence officials continue ‘military-to-military’ dialogue

Talks follow Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s meeting with China’s Minister of National Defence, Admiral Dong Jun, to help stabilise ties.

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China Economy

Surviving the shocks: what China and the US learned from 2025’s trade war

Businesses and officials faced a year of disruption – and in some cases, resilience – as tariffs and export controls roiled global markets.

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US Elections

For lame duck Biden, an anticlimactic exit from the world stage

Outgoing US president, who will give way to Donald Trump in two months, has little to no clout at upcoming global summits.

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US President Joe Biden will leave office on January 20. Photo: AP
US President Joe Biden will leave office on January 20. Photo: AP

Politics

Exclusive | In China, fear of regime change has shaped US policy. Here’s why

For Beijing, regime security is everything and concerns about ‘hostile Western forces’ will continue, no matter who ends up in the White House.

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World

Rise of Asian-American voters in US elections — a visual explainer

Asian-Americans have emerged as a significant voter demographic in the United States. Recent polling sheds light on which candidate they may prefer in 2024.

China

‘Feeling attacked’ by Texas law threat, Chinese-Americans turn to activism

Legislation to bar Chinese citizens from buying property in the state ultimately failed, but many became politically engaged because of it.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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OPINION
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Opinion | As Doha Forum made clear, Europe is losing its seat at the table

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