Newswire

Nepal’s Foreign Minister to Visit China on Official Trip

Newswire / /

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal will pay an official visit to China from June 14-17. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and aims to further deepen political, economic, and strategic cooperation between Beijing and Kathmandu.

During the visit, high-level bilateral meetings are scheduled, where the two sides will discuss trade and economic relations, the development of cross-border connectivity, infrastructure projects, tourism, and broader regional cooperation. Meetings are also expected with representatives of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Department of the Communist Party of China.

Both sides are expected to place particular emphasis on infrastructure cooperation, including ongoing and planned projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, as China has become one of Nepal’s largest partners in recent years, playing a significant role in developing the country’s transport, energy, and logistics systems.

The visit is also being viewed in a broader regional geopolitical context. According to Nepalese media, Khanal is scheduled to travel to China just days after completing a three-day official visit to India, which analysts say reflects Kathmandu’s efforts to maintain a balanced foreign policy between its two neighboring countries, India and China.

The visit highlights China’s interest in strengthening its position in South Asia, while for Nepal it represents an opportunity to attract additional investment and expand economic cooperation with one of the region’s most influential powers.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister to Visit China on Official Trip Read More »

Xi Jinping to Visit North Korea After a Seven-Year Pause

Newswire / /

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to North Korea on June 8-9, where he is scheduled to meet with the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un. The visit will mark Xi’s first trip to Pyongyang since 2019.

Analysts say, Xi’s visit reflects Beijing’s efforts to maintain and strengthen its influence on the Korean Peninsula, particularly as North Korea continues to expand its cooperation with Russia.

The high-level talks are expected to focus on bilateral relations, regional security, economic ties, and the 1961 China-North Korea mutual defense treaty, which remains a key pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The visit also comes against the backdrop of North Korea’s ongoing expansion of its nuclear program. Just days ago, Kim Jong Un inspected a new nuclear facility and emphasized the need for the country’s nuclear capabilities to grow rapidly and significantly. International observers believe such statements are intended to strengthen Pyongyang’s negotiating position ahead of the talks.

At the same time, high-level contacts between Beijing and Pyongyang have intensified over the past year. In September 2025, Kim Jong Un visited China and attended events marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan in World War II, including a military parade alongside Xi Jinping and the Russian president.

The upcoming summit is expected to demonstrate how successfully China can maintain its influence over North Korea amid growing geopolitical competition in the region.

Xi Jinping to Visit North Korea After a Seven-Year Pause Read More »

1989 events anniversary once again pits US, China and Taiwan against each other

Newswire / /

A new wave of diplomatic tension has emerged between Washington, Beijing, and Taipei, linked to the 37th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square events, a date interpreted in sharply different ways by the three sides.

The escalation in relations was triggered by renewed criticism from the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that no state censorship can erase the memory associated with the forceful suppression of pro-democracy protests by the Chinese military on 3-4 June 1989.

The statement drew an immediate and strong response from Beijing. China’s Foreign Ministry accused the United States of deliberately distorting historical facts and interfering in China’s internal affairs.

According to Beijing’s official position, a “clear assessment” of the late 1980s events has long been established, while Washington’s remarks were described as a political provocation and a deliberate attempt to discredit China’s political system.

Taiwan’s leadership also joined the geopolitical exchange. President Lai Ching-te urged Beijing to ultimately confront historical reality and acknowledge the truth, which he described as the only viable path toward reducing regional tensions, fostering reconciliation, and enabling future dialogue.

These opposing narratives once again underline that the Tiananmen events are no longer confined to historical memory and remain a significant political factor in US–China–Taiwan relations. 

1989 events anniversary once again pits US, China and Taiwan against each other Read More »

China responds to Japan-Philippines maritime talks by expanding patrols

Newswire / /

On June 1, China’s coast guard said it had carried out “law enforcement” patrols in waters east of Taiwan, framing the operation as a response to newly announced maritime boundary delimitation talks between Japan and the Philippines.

Beijing described the patrols as a countermeasure to what it called “unilateral” maritime delimitation discussions between Tokyo and Manila. Chinese authorities stated that the deployment was carried out “in accordance with the law” and was intended to safeguard China’s “sovereign rights and interests”.

Although no precise coordinates were disclosed, officials emphasized that the patrols were necessary in response to developments they argue affect disputed maritime areas.

The move followed an agreement between Tokyo and Manila to begin formal talks on defining their exclusive economic zones and continental shelf boundaries. Both governments maintain that the process is consistent with international law and aims to clarify overlapping maritime claims in the region.

The initiative forms part of a broader expansion of security cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, including discussions on intelligence sharing and closer defense coordination amid rising regional tensions.

Beijing has strongly objected to the negotiations, labeling them “illegal” and “null and void”. Chinese officials argue that the talks infringe on its maritime rights in waters east of Taiwan and have urged both countries to halt actions they say could undermine regional stability.

China responds to Japan-Philippines maritime talks by expanding patrols Read More »

China condemns Canadian frigate’s passage through the Taiwan Strait as a provocation

Newswire / /

Amid efforts to ease tensions between Beijing and Ottawa, China has strongly reacted to the passage of the Canadian warship HMCS Charlottetown through the Taiwan Strait, accusing Western countries of attempting to undermine China’s security interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the statement on May 29.

According to Canadian media reports, the Royal Canadian Navy frigate crossed the Taiwan Strait on May 22-23. Canada’s defence authorities described the transit as a “routine operation”. Beijing strongly rejected this position, stating that the Taiwan Strait constitutes China’s internal waters.

Taipei firmly disputes this characterization, stressing that the strait does not fall under China’s sovereignty, as it is an international shipping route where freedom of navigation is guaranteed under international law. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence also said it monitored the Canadian vessel’s movement and that the situation remained fully under control.

Just days after the incident, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Canada, marking the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to the country in over a decade.

The move was intended to signal a renewal of bilateral relations, but the naval transit has cast uncertainty over the process. This is especially significant given that weeks earlier, China’s ambassador to Ottawa had warned that military and political contacts related to Taiwan could damage bilateral ties.

In recent years, transits by Western warships through the Taiwan Strait have become systematic. Such operations, regularly conducted by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, are viewed by China as a threat to regional stability and are described as “provocations”.

China condemns Canadian frigate’s passage through the Taiwan Strait as a provocation Read More »

China condemns Canadian frigate’s passage through the Taiwan Strait as a provocation

Newswire / /

Amid efforts to ease tensions between Beijing and Ottawa, China has strongly reacted to the passage of the Canadian warship HMCS Charlottetown through the Taiwan Strait, accusing Western countries of attempting to undermine China’s security interests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the statement on May 29.

According to Canadian media reports, the Royal Canadian Navy frigate crossed the Taiwan Strait on May 22-23. Canada’s defence authorities described the transit as a “routine operation”. Beijing strongly rejected this position, stating that the Taiwan Strait constitutes China’s internal waters.

Taipei firmly disputes this characterization, stressing that the strait does not fall under China’s sovereignty, as it is an international shipping route where freedom of navigation is guaranteed under international law. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence also said it monitored the Canadian vessel’s movement and that the situation remained fully under control.

Just days after the incident, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Canada, marking the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to the country in over a decade.

The move was intended to signal a renewal of bilateral relations, but the naval transit has cast uncertainty over the process. This is especially significant given that weeks earlier, China’s ambassador to Ottawa had warned that military and political contacts related to Taiwan could damage bilateral ties.

In recent years, transits by Western warships through the Taiwan Strait have become systematic. Such operations, regularly conducted by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, are viewed by China as a threat to regional stability and are described as “provocations”.

China condemns Canadian frigate’s passage through the Taiwan Strait as a provocation Read More »

China-Pakistan Talks in Beijing: Strengthening Strategic Partnership and Regional Crises

Newswire / /

On May 25, a meeting took place in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the two sides discussed deepening their strategic partnership and addressing regional crises, including efforts toward de-escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Xi Jinping referred to Pakistan as a “old friend” of China during the meeting, emphasizing the “unbreakable friendship” between the two countries. He stated that Beijing and Islamabad have maintained decades-long relations based on mutual support and are ready to further strengthen their strategic partnership.

The meeting was held at the Great Hall of the People in China and followed Sharif’s talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. It was also attended by Pakistan’s military leadership, including the Chief of Army Staff, highlighting the importance of security issues on the agenda.

According to international media assessments, one of the key topics of the meeting was the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and diplomatic efforts to bring it to an end. Pakistan has recently been seeking to enhance its role as a mediator between the United States and Iran, while China has called for restoring stability in the region.

At the same time, Pakistan-China economic cooperation remains central to the agenda. In recent business forums, agreements worth more than $1.2 billion were signed between the two countries, covering sectors such as energy and infrastructure.

The meeting underscores China’s efforts to maintain its influence in South Asia amid growing engagement from the United States and other powers in the region. For Pakistan, Beijing continues to be one of its key economic and security partners, particularly in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.

China-Pakistan Talks in Beijing: Strengthening Strategic Partnership and Regional Crises Read More »

Liaoning aircraft carrier drills trigger regional tensions

Newswire / /

The People’s Liberation Army of China has begun large-scale military exercises in the western Pacific Ocean led by the aircraft carrier Liaoning, prompting security concerns in Japan.

The Chinese navy states that the drills are “routine exercises conducted under the annual plan”, however part of the Western media notes that the activity is taking place amid growing strategic competition in the region, making the waters near Okinawa and Taiwan particularly sensitive and critical hotspots.

According to the South China Morning Post, the current exercises follow an incident that occurred in December last year. At that time, Japan says that Chinese J-15 fighter jets aimed fire-control radars at Japanese fighters near Okinawa, prompting an official protest from Tokyo.

Reuters reported that in April, Chinese naval vessels passed through straits near islands in Okinawa Prefecture en route to the western Pacific after completing exercises. The Japanese government assessed this as an indication of China’s growing naval and military capabilities.

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai said earlier this week that China’s military activities are “the greatest source of regional instability”. He added that Beijing continues to intensify military and political pressure on both Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Analysts assess that China’s more active operations of aircraft carriers in the western Pacific reflect Beijing’s attempt to expand its military influence beyond the “first island chain”, where the United States and its allies, including Japan, maintain a significant military presence.

Liaoning aircraft carrier drills trigger regional tensions Read More »

Xi and Putin in Beijing: Demonstration of Strategic Partnership and Unresolved “Power of Siberia 2”

Newswire / /

On May 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin on an official visit, during which the two sides signed dozens of cooperation documents and described bilateral relations as having entered a “new stage”.

The meeting took place just a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump visited China, which, according to international media assessments, allowed Beijing and Moscow to once again demonstrate a unified political stance toward the West. This reflects China’s strategy of maintaining strategic ties with Russia while simultaneously managing its relationship with Washington.

In a joint statement issued after the talks, China and Russia reaffirmed their support for a “multipolar world order”. According to official statements, the sides paid particular attention to strengthening cooperation in the fields of the economy, energy, technology, science, education, and media.

Xi Jinping described bilateral relations as being at a “historically highest level”, while Putin stated that China-Russia cooperation is developing steadily “under conditions of external pressure”. Both leaders criticized “unilateralism” and “hegemonic approaches” in international politics. This rhetoric has been frequently used by Beijing and Moscow in recent years when assessing Western, particularly U.S., policies.

International security issues were also discussed at the summit, including the war in Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, and growing competition in the Asia-Pacific region. China reiterated that conflicts should be resolved through “dialogue and political negotiations”.

One of the key topics of the meeting was energy cooperation. Russia is attempting to expand its lost positions in European markets toward China. In this context, the strategically important “Power of Siberia 2” project aims to transport 50 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually to China from the Yamal fields via Mongolia.

However, despite high expectations, the sides once again failed to reach a final agreement at the Beijing summit. According to the Kremlin, there is agreement on the “main aspects” of the project, but several details still need to be finalized. International media reports that disagreements relate to gas pricing, financing, and long-term contractual terms.

Western media note that relations between Beijing and Moscow are asymmetrical. After the war in Ukraine and amid Western sanctions and the loss of European markets, Russia’s economic dependence on China has significantly increased, giving Beijing additional leverage. China is taking advantage of this and seeks to secure Russian energy resources under the most favorable conditions. At the same time, China is trying to manage cooperation with Russia in a way that does not fully damage its own economic relations with the West.

This situation shows that despite strategic and political rapprochement, relations between Beijing and Moscow are still clearly based on pragmatic economic interests, where both sides seek to maximize protection of their own conditions.

Xi and Putin in Beijing: Demonstration of Strategic Partnership and Unresolved “Power of Siberia 2” Read More »

A new phase in US-China trade relations is underway

Newswire / /

Following the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing, the White House announced that China will purchase at least $17 billion worth of American agricultural products annually between 2026 and 2028.

The agreement covers a wide range of agricultural goods, including soybeans, beef, poultry products, and other agricultural commodities. This step is particularly important for American farmers, as US agricultural exports to China have sharply declined in recent years amid US-China trade tensions.

According to Reuters, US agricultural exports to China fell by 65.7% year-on-year in 2025, reaching only $8.4 billion. During the same period, China also significantly reduced its dependence on American soybeans, from 41% in 2016 to about 20% in 2024.

Agriculture was one of the key topics of the negotiations. According to Reuters, Washington sought stronger purchasing guarantees from Beijing, particularly regarding soybeans. The two sides are also planning to establish US-China trade and investment councils that will work on tariff reductions and market access issues.

The Financial Times reports that the new mechanisms are expected to cover so-called “non-sensitive” goods and investments. The plan also includes opening the Chinese market to American beef and the aviation sector.

The Trump administration describes the agreement as a step toward “stabilizing economic relations”. Despite optimistic statements, Beijing says the agreements have not yet been finalized. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated on May 16 that agreements related to tariffs, agriculture, and aviation are still “preliminary” and require further negotiations.

Despite ongoing crises surrounding Taiwan and the tech sector, the Beijing summit showed a willingness for mutual economic compromise. Washington and Beijing are attempting to rebuild ties in areas where interdependence is vital.

A new phase in US-China trade relations is underway Read More »

Scroll to Top