Global Scans · China · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Any disruption in economic activity between China and the United States will necessarily affect other Asian and world economies. How China handles Donald Trump's administration, its relationship with Russia and develops its leadership ambitions will be key areas to watch intently in the coming years.

• [New] Given the prospect of further climate change, arctic waterways are expected to be open year-round and would be the fastest route from China to Europe. PwC
• [New] The Iran crisis could prompt Beijing to urge Tehran to accelerate BRI's mid-term goals, expanding energy transport routes between China and Iran, circumventing U.S. sanctions, diversifying trade, and fostering economic cooperation among China, Central Asian states, and Iran. Modern Diplomacy
• [New] China always avoids head-on conflict with the United States unless its core interests are threatened, and its core interest is Taiwan, not pursuing unipolar hegemony. Modern Diplomacy
• [New] With an estimated stockpile of 600 warheads now, and projections suggesting that it could reach 1,500 by 2035, China is on course to rival the nuclear might of the United States and Russia. Times of India
• [New] The reciprocal tariffs applicable to products with country of origin from China, Hong Kong SAR China, and Macau SAR China will decrease from 125% to 10% for 90 days. FedEx
• [New] Iran could ask Russia and China for assistance in rebuilding and protecting Iranian nuclear facilities damaged by Israeli and US attacks. Brave New Europe
• [New] Indirect Impact via China: Even if India does not import Iranian oil (due to US sanctions), any disruption in Iran's supply to China will push Chinese demand to India's suppliers, tightening global supply and raising prices. Compass by Rau's IAS
• [New] Establishing US bases could shield them from tariffs but risks stoking security concerns the US has with China in areas as varied as chip making and energy security. The Economic Times
• [New] Threat of Dumping: Surplus production from China & ASEAN countries may be redirected to India due to global demand mismatches, raising the risk of dumping & unfair competition for domestic producers. PMF IAS
• [New] The actions taken by China, on issues from international security to the global economy, technological development or climate change, have the potential to have a significant effect on the lives of British people. GOV.UK
• [New] China will remove tariffs imposed in response to US actions, reducing tariffs on US imported goods to 10%. Global Cold Chain Alliance
• [New] China and Russia have accelerated development of alternatives to the SWIFT international payments system, partly in response to sanctions threats. GovFacts
• [New] The United States is preparing to address any possible problems China could cause for nations with close links to the United States, such as Taiwan and Japan, as a result of the growing international confrontation with China over its aggressiveness in the South China Sea. Yahoo Finance
• [New] China has invested heavily in strategic petroleum reserves over the past decade precisely to mitigate the risk of supply disruptions from scenarios like the current crisis. Discovery Alert
• [New] As the world's largest oil importer and a major manufacturing hub, China faces particular vulnerability to energy supply disruptions that could cascade through its industrial base. Discovery Alert
• [New] Any significant disruption to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would have profound economic implications for China and the global economy. Discovery Alert
• [New] Despite increased Iranian exports and no major disruptions reported, oil derivatives markets reflect heightened risk, with bullish options premiums at a decade-high and shipping costs from the Middle East to China up over 50%. Marcellus Drilling News
• [New] Growth in the United States and China is expected to slow, at 1.8% and 4.0% respectively, while the euro area is projected to gain a modest 0.8%, weighed down by Germany's industrial slowdown and soft external demand. GAC
• [New] As other regions such as the United States and China ramp up their green hydrogen initiatives, the EU's policy adjustments could set a new benchmark for international cooperation and competitive advantage. archyde
• [New] China will provide a 1.5 billion yuan (US$ 208 million) grant in 2025 to support key projects aimed at enhancing public welfare and advancing their development goals in the five Central Asian countries. Friends of Socialist China
• [New] China, a major buyer of Iranian oil, might pressure Iran to avoid a closure to protect its own energy interests. theinterviewtimes.com

Last updated: 27 June 2025