Ethan Zhao
Senior Reporter
The Latest
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China Tightens Rare Earth Export Controls, Targeting U.S. Defense and Semiconductor Firms Ahead of Trump-Xi Talks
China moved Thursday to expand its control over the global rare earth supply chain, announcing new export restrictions that target foreign defense contractors and semiconductor manufacturers and adding five more rare earth elements to its list of controlled materials. The decision, unveiled by the Ministry of Commerce, escalates Beijing's strategic use of critical minerals just weeks before a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. 
China moved Thursday to expand its control over the global rare earth supply chain, announcing new export restrictions that target foreign defense contractors and semiconductor manufacturers and adding five more rare earth elements to its list of controlled materials. The decision, unveiled by the Ministry of Commerce, escalates Beijing's strategic use of critical minerals just weeks before a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. -
Chinese Jets Intercept Canadian Air Force Plane Tracking North Korean Ships Over East China Sea
A Canadian patrol aircraft enforcing United Nations sanctions on North Korea was intercepted twice by Chinese fighter jets over the East China Sea, highlighting the growing tension between Beijing and Western allies operating in international airspace. 
A Canadian patrol aircraft enforcing United Nations sanctions on North Korea was intercepted twice by Chinese fighter jets over the East China Sea, highlighting the growing tension between Beijing and Western allies operating in international airspace. -
Japan Set to Appoint First Female Prime Minister as Sanae Takaichi Wins Ruling Party Leadership
Japan is on the brink of appointing its first female prime minister after ruling party members elected conservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi as their new leader on Saturday, setting the stage for a historic shift in the nation's political landscape. 
Japan is on the brink of appointing its first female prime minister after ruling party members elected conservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi as their new leader on Saturday, setting the stage for a historic shift in the nation's political landscape. -
China Deploys Bomber, Warships at Scarborough Shoal as Philippines Warns Against Militarization
China escalated tensions in the South China Sea this week with a high-profile military deployment over the disputed Scarborough Shoal, while Philippine officials warned that any move toward militarization of the feature would cross a red line. 
China escalated tensions in the South China Sea this week with a high-profile military deployment over the disputed Scarborough Shoal, while Philippine officials warned that any move toward militarization of the feature would cross a red line. -
China Pledges 7%-10% Emissions Cut by 2035, Rebukes U.S. Climate Stance at UN Summit
China moved to stake out a leading role in global climate diplomacy Wednesday, unveiling its first pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions and urging developed nations to accelerate their efforts - a move that underscored the widening gulf between Beijing and Washington on climate policy. 
China moved to stake out a leading role in global climate diplomacy Wednesday, unveiling its first pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions and urging developed nations to accelerate their efforts - a move that underscored the widening gulf between Beijing and Washington on climate policy. -
Typhoon Ragasa Slams Southern China, Leaves at Least 20 Dead Across Taiwan and Philippines
Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful tropical cyclone of 2025, has made landfall in southern China after killing at least 20 people across Taiwan and the Philippines and paralyzing Hong Kong with hurricane-force winds and torrential rain. China's National Meteorological Center said the storm struck Guangdong province Wednesday afternoon packing sustained winds of 112 mph before moving toward the Gulf of Tonkin. 
Typhoon Ragasa, the most powerful tropical cyclone of 2025, has made landfall in southern China after killing at least 20 people across Taiwan and the Philippines and paralyzing Hong Kong with hurricane-force winds and torrential rain. China's National Meteorological Center said the storm struck Guangdong province Wednesday afternoon packing sustained winds of 112 mph before moving toward the Gulf of Tonkin. -
Super Typhoon Ragasa Slams Northern Philippines, Millions Brace in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southern China
Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world's most powerful storm so far this year, battered the northern Philippines Monday with destructive winds and torrential rains, triggering mass evacuations and widespread power outages as authorities across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and southern China braced for impact. 
Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world's most powerful storm so far this year, battered the northern Philippines Monday with destructive winds and torrential rains, triggering mass evacuations and widespread power outages as authorities across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and southern China braced for impact. -
Trump, Xi Hold Call to Finalize TikTok Deal Amid Broader Trade Talks
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a high-stakes call Friday morning aimed at finalizing a deal that could allow TikTok to keep operating in the United States, even as the two countries continue to navigate their fraught trade relationship. The call began at 8 a.m. ET, according to the White House and China's Xinhua News Agency, and could set the stage for a future in-person summit between the leaders. 
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a high-stakes call Friday morning aimed at finalizing a deal that could allow TikTok to keep operating in the United States, even as the two countries continue to navigate their fraught trade relationship. The call began at 8 a.m. ET, according to the White House and China's Xinhua News Agency, and could set the stage for a future in-person summit between the leaders. -
Wells Fargo Banker Freed From China After Months-Long Exit Ban Lifted
Wells Fargo managing director Chenyue Mao has returned to the United States after being barred from leaving China for several months, in a case that had raised concerns among multinational companies about the growing use of exit bans. 
Wells Fargo managing director Chenyue Mao has returned to the United States after being barred from leaving China for several months, in a case that had raised concerns among multinational companies about the growing use of exit bans. -
China-Philippines Clash at Scarborough Shoal Leaves Vessel Damaged, Crew Injured
Tensions between China and the Philippines flared again Tuesday when Chinese Coast Guard ships fired water cannons at Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal, damaging a fisheries ship and injuring a crew member, in the latest confrontation over the disputed South China Sea outcrop. 
Tensions between China and the Philippines flared again Tuesday when Chinese Coast Guard ships fired water cannons at Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal, damaging a fisheries ship and injuring a crew member, in the latest confrontation over the disputed South China Sea outcrop.
