China security · May 2026

Ahead of a summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping, China has reiterated its opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan, warning that such sales undermine bilateral relations. Beijing is also bracing for the visit with tight security and public skepticism, while a Chinese tanker is reportedly set to test the US naval blockade in the Hormuz Strait. The mayor of a US city has resigned after admitting to being a Chinese agent, drawing Democratic criticism over 'malign Chinese influence' and raising questions about undisclosed donations. China has voiced concern over pro-nuclear remarks by a non-nuclear state, and a report questions whether a breakthrough in the US fentanyl crisis originated in China. The PLA Navy’s new terminal defense system has completed type certification trials, with experts citing world-class ultra-low-altitude interception capability, while China is reportedly targeting German elite universities for security reasons.