Overall Highlights

• China reported a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025, despite ongoing tariffs from the US.
• US companies are concerned about China’s rare-earth material export curbs, which could impact technology sectors.
• China is diversifying its trade partnerships as exports to the US decline, indicating a strategic shift in its economic focus.
• China’s renewable energy initiatives are seen as a potential advantage in the AI race against the US.
• The US government is allowing some tech exports to China, reflecting a complex relationship between the two nations.

United States Perspective (United States Sources)

• Japan is assessing the impact of China’s rare-earth export restrictions, highlighting concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities.
• China’s trade surplus reached a record high, raising questions about the effectiveness of US tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.
• US media outlets emphasize the need for a strategic response to China’s growing economic power and trade practices.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China’s trade surplus surged by 20% in 2025, showcasing its resilience against US tariffs and economic challenges.
• The US has approved exports of Nvidia chips to China, indicating a nuanced approach to technology trade despite tensions.
• Chinese experts suggest that the US’s economic policies are forcing China to seek new trade partnerships, particularly with Canada and other nations.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan companies assessing impact of China’s rare-earth curbs - The Japan Times (1/14/2026)
2. [en-US] China had record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 - Newsday (1/14/2026)
3. [en-US] China’s trade ends 2025 with record trillion-US dollar surplus despite Trump tariffs - The Standard (HK) (1/14/2026)
4. [en-US] China’s trade ends 2025 with record trillion-dollar surplus despite Trump tariffs - MSN (1/14/2026)
5. [en-US] China urges Norway, Finland and other European states to deny visas to Taiwan politicians - Scandasia (1/14/2026)
6. [en-US] China had record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 - yourcentralvalley.com (1/14/2026)
7. [en-US] China’s December exports sharply beat estimates, imports also top expectations - CNBC (1/14/2026)
8. [en-US] China’s trade ends 2025 with record trillion-dollar surplus despite Trump tariffs - Yahoo Finance (1/14/2026)
9. [en-US] Breaking | As China’s US exports plunge, Beijing banks on diversification for 2026 growth - South China Morning Post (1/14/2026)
10. [en-US] China’s Trade Surplus Surged 20 Percent to New Highs - The New York Times (1/14/2026)
11. [en-US] US government approves Nvidia H200 chip exports to China - South China Morning Post (1/14/2026)
12. [en-US] U.S. Justice Department official says there’s ‘currently no basis’ for criminal civil rights probe in Minnesota ICE shooting - reports - news.cgtn.com (1/13/2026)
13. [en-US] Not ‘Trump-compatible’? China expert Rudd exits Australia’s US ambassador role - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
14. [en-US] Can China’s cheap, renewable energy help it outrun the US in the AI race? - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
15. [en-US] Chinese student numbers at Harvard rise despite Trump visa crackdown - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
16. [en-US] Greenland says ‘we choose Denmark’, as talks with Trump officials loom - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
17. [en-US] Trump urges on protesters in Iran as crackdown death toll hits 2,000 - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
18. [en-US] Why China may not act in Iran even if it has ‘more to lose’ than in Venezuela - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
19. [en-US] Trade reset? China, Canada look to revive ties after US tariffs force rethink - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)
20. [en-US] Alibaba reaffirms open-source AI commitment as it hails successes - South China Morning Post (1/13/2026)