Overall Highlights

• China’s military capabilities are expanding, with the Fujian aircraft carrier sailing through the Taiwan Strait, raising concerns in the US and Taiwan.
• China’s economy shows signs of recovery with the yuan hitting a 14-month high, while the US faces challenges with trade policies and economic outlook.
• Tensions in the Taiwan Strait are escalating, with both sides preparing for potential military confrontations.
• China’s economic policies are shifting towards investing in people, indicating a potential pivot in its approach to domestic and international challenges.
• The geopolitical rivalry between the US and China continues to influence global markets and diplomatic relations.

United States Perspective (United States Sources)

• The US is concerned about China’s military expansion, particularly the capabilities of its new aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which sailed through the Taiwan Strait.
• Economic reports indicate that China’s yuan is strengthening due to a trade surplus, which may challenge US economic interests.
• There are rising tensions regarding military activities in the Taiwan Strait, with the US closely monitoring China’s actions and Taiwan’s responses.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China emphasizes its military advancements as a necessary response to external threats, particularly from the US and its allies in the region.
• The Chinese economy is showing signs of recovery, with a focus on boosting domestic consumption and reducing reliance on exports.
• China is positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the region, offering support to Taiwan businesses to foster economic ties despite political tensions.

Sources

This summary is based on 20 articles from the following sources:

1. [en-US] The Fujian, China’s third aircraft carrier and its most capable to date, just sailed through the Taiwan Strait - Gamereactor UK (12/17/2025)
2. [en-US] China’s Yuan Hits 14-Month High on Trade Surplus, Weaker Dollar - Caixin Global (12/17/2025)
3. [en-US] JINF Report: Evidence Points to China’s First Nuclear Aircraft Carrier - JAPAN Forward (12/17/2025)
4. [en-US] China’s Market Revival Hinges on Gloomy Economy Turning Corner - Bloomberg.com (12/17/2025)
5. [en-US] Mainland to help Taiwan businesses seize development opportunities: spokeswoman - China Daily (12/17/2025)
6. [en-US] ‘Invest in people’: how a new slogan signals a pivot in China’s economic policy - South China Morning Post (12/17/2025)
7. [en-US] Hong Kong stocks trade sideways as investors reassess rate-cut outlook - South China Morning Post (12/17/2025)
8. [en-US] Taiwan says Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through Taiwan Strait - Reuters (12/17/2025)
9. [en-US] EU trade barriers breach WTO rules - China Daily (12/17/2025)
10. [en-US] ‘STOP NOW OR…’: China Tells Japan It Has ‘NO RIGHT’ To Criticise Military Spending | Watch - Times of India (12/17/2025)
11. [en-US] Calls to halt Indonesia’s free meal drive after horror crash injures 21 children - South China Morning Post (12/17/2025)
12. [en-US] Trump expands US travel ban and restrictions to include another 20 countries - South China Morning Post (12/16/2025)
13. [en-US] Chile’s sharp shift to the right puts it at the centre of China-US rivalry - South China Morning Post (12/16/2025)
14. [en-US] US ‘seizes’ Chinese cargo, Mexico stands by tariffs: SCMP daily highlights - South China Morning Post (12/16/2025)
15. [en-US] Hong Kong customs seizes HK$256 million of suspected cocaine hidden in ship hull - South China Morning Post (12/16/2025)
16. [en-US] AMD chief Lisa Su visits Lenovo in Beijing as US hints at easing chip curbs - South China Morning Post (12/16/2025)
17. [en-US] MetaX set for Shanghai debut amid frenzy over AI chip stocks, Nvidia uncertainty - South China Morning Post (12/16/2025)
18. [en-US] China’s build-up of Yellow Sea facilities tipped to fuel South Korean suspicions - South China Morning Post (12/16/2025)
19. [en-US] Chinese biotech Scizeng’s global licensing deal to yield up to US$1.44 billion - South China Morning Post (12/16/2025)
20. [en-US] Will holiday high season survive Thai-Cambodian border conflict? - South China Morning Post (12/16/2025)