Overall Highlights

• The US is actively pursuing a trade deal with Taiwan, indicating a shift towards strengthening ties with allies in the region.
• China is expanding its economic influence by establishing a new cross-border trade park near North Korea, showcasing its commitment to regional trade.
• Tensions remain high between the US and China, particularly regarding tariffs and trade policies, with both nations taking aggressive stances.
• Japan is seeking to unify with South Korea against perceived threats from China, highlighting regional alliances in response to China’s actions.
• China is pushing back against US tariffs and trade restrictions, emphasizing its focus on protecting its economy and supply chains.

United States Perspective (United States Sources)

• The Trump administration is nearing a trade deal with Taiwan, which could further strain US-China relations.
• Trump’s vow to impose additional tariffs on China and Iran’s trade partners raises concerns about the stability of the US-China trade truce.
• US sources report Japan’s concerns over China’s trade policies, indicating regional apprehension about China’s economic influence.
• The US is urging G7 countries to reduce reliance on critical minerals from China, reflecting strategic anxieties about supply chain dependencies.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China is prioritizing export controls and supply chain management to protect its economy amidst rising tensions with the US.
• China denounces the US’s aggressive stance in the Middle East, particularly regarding threats against Iran, framing it as a misuse of force.
• Chinese officials assert that the US should not use other countries as a pretext for pursuing its own interests, reflecting a defensive posture against US policies.
• China is pressing European nations to limit interactions with Taiwan, warning of consequences for crossing what it terms ‘red lines’.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Trump Administration Nears Trade Deal With Taiwan - The New York Times (1/13/2026)
2. [en-US] China breaks ground on new cross-border trade park on North Korea’s doorstep - NK News (1/13/2026)
3. [en-US] Trump Risks Upending US-China Trade Truce With Iran Tariff Vow - Bloomberg.com (1/13/2026)
4. [en-US] Japan PM seeks unity with South Korea’s Lee as China tensions persist - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
5. [en-US] Japan Firms Seek Assurance China Curbs Won’t Hit Civilian Trade - Bloomberg.com (1/13/2026)
6. [en-US] Trump says China and Iran’s other trade partners to face additional 25% tariffs - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
7. [en-US] Europe’s farmers march against EU’s deal with South American trade bloc - China Daily (1/13/2026)
8. [en-US] Opinion | The US wants to block China’s peaceful reunification. It won’t work - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
9. [en-US] China pressing European countries to bar Taiwan politicians or face crossing a ‘red line’ - The Guardian (1/13/2026)
10. [en-US] Trade tensions threaten green goals, scholars warn - China Daily (1/13/2026)
11. [en-US] Europe’s real threat is its own inner ‘demon’, not Russia: former Chinese envoy - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
12. [en-US] China prioritises export controls, supply chains to shield economy in 2026 - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
13. [en-US] China denounces use of force in Middle East as Trump threatens Iran strikes - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
14. [en-US] Did a bowl of millet help end a migrant crisis in China 1,500 years ago? - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
15. [en-US] US shouldn’t use other countries as excuse for pursuing own interests: FM on Trump’s Greenland claim - Global Times (1/12/2026)
16. [en-US] Britain in talks with Nato allies over Arctic security as US eyes Greenland - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
17. [en-US] US’ urging of G7 countries to reduce reliance on critical minerals from China underlines strategic anxiety; goal unachievable in foreseeable future: analyst - Global Times (1/12/2026)
18. [en-US] Chinese arms exporters may be the big winners in any Pakistan-Saudi JF-17 talks - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)
19. [en-US] Trump says U.S. and Iran to meet, Tehran details subsidy reform plans - news.cgtn.com (1/12/2026)
20. [en-US] Trump says might keep Exxon out of Venezuela after CEO called it ‘uninvestable’ - South China Morning Post (1/12/2026)