Tag: China

International Business and TradeManufacturing

UK Rare Earths Refinery Scrapped as Project Shifts to US Market

A major rare earths refinery project in the UK has been abandoned as the company shifts focus to American partnerships. The Saltend facility would have reduced British dependence on Chinese-dominated supply chains for critical minerals.

UK Loses Strategic Rare Earths Project to US

A planned rare earths refinery that would have given the United Kingdom a strategic foothold in the critical minerals sector has been scrapped in favor of US development, according to reports. The Saltend project, which would have produced magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and robotics, has been abandoned by mining company Pensana after what sources indicate was insufficient government support.

by Bennett Laura
International Business and TradePolicy

US-China Rare Earth Tensions Escalate as Trade Dispute Intensifies

Trade tensions between Washington and Beijing have intensified over rare earth export controls, with both sides accusing the other of blindsiding their trade counterparts. Chinese state media has issued a detailed rebuttal to US claims about export restrictions as the diplomatic standoff continues.

Rare Earth Dispute Escalates Between World’s Largest Economies

Trade tensions between the United States and China have intensified significantly over rare earth export controls, with both nations exchanging accusations ahead of an anticipated meeting between their leaders, according to reports from Reuters. The dispute centers around China’s new licensing regime for rare earth elements, which are crucial components in electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defense systems.

by Bennett Laura
CybersecurityGovernment

UK Government Denies Cummings’ Claims of China Breaching Top-Secret Systems

Former adviser Dominic Cummings claims China breached highly sensitive UK intelligence systems containing “Strap” classified material. Security officials and the Cabinet Office have strongly denied the allegations, calling them “categorically untrue” according to reports.

Allegations of Major Security Breach

Former government adviser Dominic Cummings has claimed that China successfully breached high-level systems used to transfer classified intelligence material, according to reports. Cummings stated the compromised information included what the government classifies as “Strap” material – highly sensitive intelligence data considered extremely dangerous if accessed by foreign entities.

by Bennett Laura
International Business and TradePolicy

Trade Truce Extension Proposed Amid China EV Safety Scrutiny and Tech Updates

Key financial figures are reportedly pushing for extended trade agreements between major economies as safety concerns emerge in China’s electric vehicle market. Meanwhile, technology giants continue advancing their product lines with latest chip innovations.

Trade Diplomacy Developments

Financial strategist Scott Bessent has reportedly proposed extending the Beijing-Washington trade truce, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposal suggests a longer tariff pause if China delays plans to tighten control over critical rare earth minerals. This comes as G-7 finance chiefs are said to be considering a joint response to potential supply restrictions.

by Bennett Laura
International Business and TradePolicy

US Offers China Trade Truce Extension in Exchange for Rare Earth Export Delay

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has presented China with a potential path out of the ongoing trade standoff, offering to extend the current tariff truce in exchange for delaying implementation of rare earth export controls. The proposal comes as both nations approach a potential presidential summit later this month in South Korea.

US Proposes Trade Compromise Amid Rare Earth Tensions

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has adopted a dual approach in the latest China trade negotiations, according to reports from Washington, simultaneously criticizing Chinese officials while offering a potential compromise to resolve the escalating rare earth elements dispute.

by Ortega Rafael
GovernmentPolicy

UK Government Releases Evidence in Collapsed China Spy Case Amid Political Tensions

The UK government has published witness statements from the collapsed spy case against two men accused of spying for China. The case collapsed after prosecutors couldn’t obtain evidence showing China was considered a national security threat at the time of the alleged offenses, creating political controversy between the current and previous governments.

Government Releases Evidence in Collapsed China Espionage Case

The government has published witness statements submitted in the now-collapsed case against two men accused of spying for China, according to official documents released under political pressure. Deputy national security adviser Matthew Collins provided three witness statements to prosecutors regarding whether China had been regarded as a national security threat during the alleged offenses period.

by Bennett Laura
Assistive TechnologyBusiness

Apple’s iPhone 17 Series Boosts China Shipments Amid Sluggish Smartphone Market

Apple’s smartphone shipments in China grew 0.6% year-over-year to 10.8 million units in the third quarter, according to IDC data. The iPhone 17’s value-for-money positioning reportedly helped Apple achieve slight growth while competitors declined in China’s challenging smartphone market.

Apple Defies China Smartphone Market Slump with iPhone 17 Success

Apple’s smartphone shipments in China showed resilience in the third quarter, growing 0.6% from a year earlier to 10.8 million units despite overall market weakness, according to data from research firm International Data Corporation. The company secured the second-highest shipment tally during the period, capturing a 15.8% market share in the world’s largest smartphone market.

by Bennett Laura
International Business and TradePolicy

China Escalates Shipping Dispute with U.S. Through Capital Market Countermeasures

Beijing has retaliated against U.S. port fees with targeted measures affecting vessels connected to American capital. The new rules reportedly extend to companies with significant U.S. ownership, potentially disrupting global shipping lanes and freight rates. Analysts suggest this escalation marks a significant shift in the ongoing maritime trade conflict.

Trade Tensions Extend to Capital Markets

China has reportedly opened a new front in its ongoing maritime dispute with the United States by targeting the capital market, according to analysis from Breakingviews. Sources indicate that Beijing has implemented reciprocal port fees specifically designed to impact entities with American ownership connections, potentially affecting major firms with New York-traded stock. The report states this strategic move demonstrates China’s determination to defend its shipping dominance even at the risk of disrupting global trade patterns.

by Ortega Rafael
International Business and TradePolicy

US-China Trade Tensions Escalate as New Port Fees Take Effect

The United States and China have begun implementing new port fees on each other’s vessels amid escalating trade tensions. Officials express concern that recent moves could disrupt the fragile truce established in May and potentially reignite a full-scale trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

New Port Fees Implemented Amid Trade Strain

The United States and China have reportedly begun charging new port fees on each other’s ships, according to sources familiar with the matter. This development comes as trade tensions between the two economic powers continue to mount, with analysts suggesting the move represents another significant strain in the bilateral relationship.

by Ortega Rafael