Ethan Zhao
Senior Reporter
The Latest
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Trump Administration Quietly Reaches Out to China For Tariff Talks as Trade Deficit Hits $1.2 Trillion
The Trump administration has initiated backchannel efforts to restart tariff negotiations with Beijing, according to Chinese state-affiliated media, despite no formal talks being confirmed by U.S. trade officials. The development comes as the administration simultaneously pushes to finalize a series of targeted trade deals with other countries in response to mounting economic and political pressure. 
The Trump administration has initiated backchannel efforts to restart tariff negotiations with Beijing, according to Chinese state-affiliated media, despite no formal talks being confirmed by U.S. trade officials. The development comes as the administration simultaneously pushes to finalize a series of targeted trade deals with other countries in response to mounting economic and political pressure. -
China Blames U.S. for COVID-19 Origins in White Paper, Rejects Wuhan Lab Leak Allegations
China escalated the debate over the origins of COVID-19 on Wednesday, releasing an official white paper alleging that the virus may have emerged in the United States before surfacing in Wuhan. The document, issued by China's State Council Information Office and published by Xinhua News Agency, directly counters U.S. claims that a lab leak in China sparked the pandemic, calling the accusations politically motivated and unsupported by evidence. 
China escalated the debate over the origins of COVID-19 on Wednesday, releasing an official white paper alleging that the virus may have emerged in the United States before surfacing in Wuhan. The document, issued by China's State Council Information Office and published by Xinhua News Agency, directly counters U.S. claims that a lab leak in China sparked the pandemic, calling the accusations politically motivated and unsupported by evidence. -
China Shipments to U.S. Collapse as Trump’s Tariffs Hit Supply Chains, Retailers Warn of Shortages
Imports from China to the United States are plummeting amid escalating trade tensions, as President Donald Trump's sweeping 145% tariffs on Chinese goods bring trans-Pacific cargo traffic to a standstill. U.S. retailers and logistics firms are warning of impending product shortages, rising prices, and layoffs if the disruption persists. 
Imports from China to the United States are plummeting amid escalating trade tensions, as President Donald Trump's sweeping 145% tariffs on Chinese goods bring trans-Pacific cargo traffic to a standstill. U.S. retailers and logistics firms are warning of impending product shortages, rising prices, and layoffs if the disruption persists. -
Japan and Philippines Open Defense Pact Negotiations Amid China Tensions and U.S. Tariff Fallout
Japan and the Philippines agreed Tuesday to begin formal negotiations on two defense pacts as both nations deepen security ties in response to China's growing assertiveness in contested Asian waters. The announcement came during Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's first official visit to Manila, where he met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 
Japan and the Philippines agreed Tuesday to begin formal negotiations on two defense pacts as both nations deepen security ties in response to China's growing assertiveness in contested Asian waters. The announcement came during Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's first official visit to Manila, where he met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. -
At Least 22 Dead, 3 Injured After Restaurant Fire in Northeast China as Xi Jinping Orders Swift Investigation
At least 22 people were killed and three others injured after a devastating fire broke out Tuesday afternoon at a restaurant in Liaoyang, a city in northeast China's Liaoning province, according to state media reports. 
At least 22 people were killed and three others injured after a devastating fire broke out Tuesday afternoon at a restaurant in Liaoyang, a city in northeast China's Liaoning province, according to state media reports. -
First Hong Kong Democrats Freed After Four Years in Prison as National Security Crackdown Continues
Four former Hong Kong lawmakers were released early Tuesday after serving more than four years in prison for conspiracy to commit subversion, marking a rare moment of relief in the city's sweeping crackdown on political dissent under Beijing's national security law. 
Four former Hong Kong lawmakers were released early Tuesday after serving more than four years in prison for conspiracy to commit subversion, marking a rare moment of relief in the city's sweeping crackdown on political dissent under Beijing's national security law. -
China and Philippines Clash Over South China Sea Sandbars Amid Rising U.S. Military Drills
Tensions between China and the Philippines escalated this week after both countries unfurled their national flags on the disputed Sandy Cay sandbars in the South China Sea, intensifying a long-running territorial dispute in one of the world's most strategic waterways. The rival moves come as U.S. and Philippine forces conduct their largest-ever joint military exercises nearby. 
Tensions between China and the Philippines escalated this week after both countries unfurled their national flags on the disputed Sandy Cay sandbars in the South China Sea, intensifying a long-running territorial dispute in one of the world's most strategic waterways. The rival moves come as U.S. and Philippine forces conduct their largest-ever joint military exercises nearby. -
Lee Jae-myung Wins South Korea Opposition Primary, Emerges as Frontrunner for June 3 Presidential Election
Lee Jae-myung secured the nomination of South Korea's Democratic Party of Korea on Sunday, positioning himself as the frontrunner in the June 3 snap presidential election following President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment. 
Lee Jae-myung secured the nomination of South Korea's Democratic Party of Korea on Sunday, positioning himself as the frontrunner in the June 3 snap presidential election following President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment. -
North Korea Confirms Deployment of Thousands of Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine War
North Korea confirmed Monday that it has dispatched combat troops to Russia to aid in its war against Ukraine, marking the first official acknowledgment of its military involvement under a mutual defense treaty with Moscow. 
North Korea confirmed Monday that it has dispatched combat troops to Russia to aid in its war against Ukraine, marking the first official acknowledgment of its military involvement under a mutual defense treaty with Moscow. -
Kim Jong-un Showcases New 5,000-Ton 'Nuclear-Capable' Warship
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer Friday at a ceremony in the port city of Nampo, describing the vessel as a significant advancement in the country's nuclear strike capabilities and vowing decisive responses to what he called escalating threats from the United States and its allies. 
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer Friday at a ceremony in the port city of Nampo, describing the vessel as a significant advancement in the country's nuclear strike capabilities and vowing decisive responses to what he called escalating threats from the United States and its allies.
