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Shanghai announced ambitious economic plans targeting significant growth by 2035, focusing on its Lin-gang area as a world-class innovation hub and strengthening financial markets. Concurrently, China reported several breakthroughs in its domestic semiconductor industry, including a new fiber-based chip from Fudan University and progress on a hydrogen ion implanter, alongside Chinese AI chip firms leading a global ranking. The government launched new policies to stimulate domestic consumption and attract foreign investment, emphasizing institutional opening-up, particularly in foreign exchange by 2026. Major state-owned enterprises were highlighted for driving innovation in fields like robotics. Regionally, Xinjiang solidified its role as a key transportation hub, with record rail freight and new visa-free policies boosting connectivity.
The global trade landscape was reshaped by aggressive U.S. tariff policies, including a 25% levy on South Korean imports and threats of 100% tariffs on Canada if it proceeded with a China trade deal. In response, Canada and the EU moved to strengthen economic ties with China; Canada agreed to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for reduced tariffs on Canadian farm products, while the EU reached a deal to avoid tariffs on Chinese EVs by implementing a minimum price. The U.S. granted Nvidia permission to sell advanced AI chips to China, but reports indicated inconsistent Chinese approval of shipments. UK leader Keir Starmer visited China to reset economic relations, resulting in agreements to deepen cooperation. Meanwhile, China tightened export controls on dual-use items to Japan, targeting rare earth elements, and positioned itself as a stable alternative partner, with record trade volumes recorded with Brazil.
9 topics | 482 sources
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China and met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Both sides announced progress on trade, including a reported resumption of Canadian beef exports and discussions on canola seeds. Carney described the new agreements as a 'landmark' deal and a 'strategic partnership' that marks a turning point in relations. Meanwhile, China reported strong growth in its foreign trade for 2025, including in the Xinjiang region.
China has implemented and defended new export controls on dual-use items to Japan. A spokesperson said the controls are lawful and that China's stance on global supply chains remains unchanged. In response, Japan has begun a deep-sea trial to extract rare earth mud, aiming to reduce its reliance on China. The G7 group of nations has also agreed to speed up efforts to reduce their dependence on China for rare earth materials.
Shanghai's economy grew significantly in 2025, with its total economic output exceeding 5.6 trillion yuan. The city has set ambitious new targets for future growth and is launching several initiatives to boost its status as a global hub. These initiatives include a plan to link futures and spot markets for metals, the launch of a radiopharmaceutical development alliance, and hosting a major expo on embodied intelligence. The New Development Bank also signed a loan agreement for sustainable projects in the city. Separately, a survey indicates Chinese firms are continuing to invest steadily overseas, and a foreign media report mentions a $4.5 billion agricultural investment memorandum with China. A politician in India, Asaduddin Owaisi, has criticized his government's approach to Chinese investment.
Chinese researchers and companies have reported a series of developments in the semiconductor industry. A team from Fudan University created a new fiber-based chip for brain-computer interfaces, while other groups announced breakthroughs in core chipmaking equipment and the development of a new 2D chip in Shanghai. At the same time, a report ranked Chinese AI chip firms highly for 2025, and a major Chinese memory-chip company, CXMT, is noted as a growing global competitor. The developments come amid international trade tensions, with Europe and China in a dispute over chips and China refusing shipments of NVIDIA's H200 processors.
Chinese government ministries have announced a series of new policy plans aimed at stimulating the economy. The focus is on encouraging more consumer spending, particularly around holidays like the upcoming Spring Festival, and on further opening up the country's financial markets and business environment to foreign investment. Specific measures include a work plan for service-sector consumption, a policy package to support private investment, and plans to expand the opening of the foreign exchange market. The province of Hainan is highlighted as an example of this push for greater commercial development and openness.
23 topics | 505 sources
Jan 29
Trump announces new tariffs on allies, pushing them toward trade deals with ChinaPresident Donald Trump has announced a series of new and increased tariffs, targeting U.S. allies like Canada and South Korea. He has threatened 100% tariffs on Canadian goods over a potential trade deal between Canada and China, and raised tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%. In response, several allies are moving to diversify their trade relationships. Canada, led by Prime Minister Carney, has broken with the U.S. to strike a deal with China, agreeing to cut tariffs on some Chinese electric vehicles. Other countries are also reportedly looking to China for new trade deals as a result of the uncertainty created by U.S. policy. Despite the tariffs aimed at it, China's trade position has remained strong. It announced a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus for 2025. A new point of tension emerged as Trump also announced 25% tariffs on any country that does business with Iran, a move China has denounced and threatened to retaliate against.
Jan 29
China's approval process for Nvidia's advanced AI chips remains unclearThere is confusion over whether China will allow its tech companies to buy Nvidia's latest H200 AI chips. The U.S. government has approved the sales, but reports conflict on whether Chinese authorities have given their final permission, with some saying approvals have been granted to companies like ByteDance and Alibaba, while others say shipments are being blocked. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, visited Shanghai, which analysts linked to efforts to sell the chips in China. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's decision to allow these exports has drawn criticism from some U.S. lawmakers.
Jan 27
German companies increase investments in China during US trade warGerman companies significantly increased their investments in China in 2025. This happened during a period of trade tensions between the United States and China. China's economy grew by 5% in 2025, hitting its official target despite the trade war. At the same time, other countries like Cambodia are looking to reduce their economic reliance on China.
Jan 29
China seeks trade cooperation as US partners turn to it amid Trump policiesChina has stated it is willing to work with the United States on economic and trade issues. At the same time, several of America's top trading partners are looking more toward China for trade. This shift is described in headlines as a reaction to what are called erratic or unpredictable trade policies from President Donald Trump. For example, Brazil's trade with China has reached a record high, more than doubling its trade volume with the US.
Jan 30
Apple reports strong earnings and gains in China's smartphone marketApple's latest financial results were strong, driven by a significant increase in iPhone sales in China. The company also became the top-selling smartphone brand in China during the last quarter of 2025. Separately, a company that supplies batteries to Apple is expanding its business by competing with Chinese manufacturers in the market for smart glasses.