Overall Highlights

• The US is focusing on green steel technology and its implications for global competitiveness, particularly in relation to China.
• China is emphasizing its military readiness and regional influence, particularly regarding Taiwan and its One-China policy.
• Both nations are engaged in a technological arms race, particularly in semiconductors, which is seen as crucial for future military and economic power.
• There is a growing narrative in the US about the ‘China threat’ influencing political discourse and elections, while China is advocating for a pragmatic approach to international relations amidst tensions.
• China is actively seeking to internationalize the yuan, which reflects its desire to reduce reliance on the US dollar amidst ongoing trade tensions.

United States Perspective (United States Sources)

• The US is shifting towards green steel production as part of its climate strategy, which is seen as a competitive advantage over China.
• Concerns are rising about China’s military capabilities and its assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly regarding Taiwan.
• The semiconductor industry is highlighted as a critical battleground in the US-China rivalry, with implications for national security and economic stability.
• Political narratives in the US are increasingly focused on the perceived threat from China, influencing upcoming elections and policy decisions.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China is reinforcing its military posture and readiness, particularly in response to US actions in the region and support for Taiwan.
• There is a strong emphasis on maintaining economic ties and pragmatism in international relations, countering narratives of decoupling from the US.
• China is advancing its goal of internationalizing the yuan to reduce dependency on the US dollar, reflecting a strategic financial shift.
• Chinese sources criticize US military expansions in Asia and emphasize the importance of regional stability and cooperation.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Momentum shifts east in green steel transition - Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) (2/2/2026)
2. [en-US] ‘China Threat’ Should Be the Focus of the Lower House Election - JAPAN Forward (2/2/2026)
3. [en-US] You wish! China’s military delivers a resounding response - China Military (2/2/2026)
4. [en-US] Follow The Money: Why The EU, Not China, Matters Most To Serbia And Georgia – Analysis - Eurasia Review (2/2/2026)
5. [en-US] East Asia Semiconductors Will Decide The Next US-China Arms Race – Analysis - Eurasia Review (2/2/2026)
6. [en-US] Video evidence adds details of Japan’s germ-warfare crimes in China - China Military (2/2/2026)
7. [en-US] Shoigu backs China’s position on Taiwan, says Russia watching Japan’s ‘militarization’ - The Japan Times (2/2/2026)
8. [en-US] Belt and Road Becomes Key Tool in China’s Push to Enforce One-China Policy - Modern Diplomacy (2/2/2026)
9. [en-US] Behind Western Leaders China Reset – OpEd - Eurasia Review (2/2/2026)
10. [en-US] Why China’s academics turned to de-dollarisation amid trade war, global shocks - South China Morning Post (2/2/2026)
11. [en-US] Minnesota bid to thwart ICE crackdown blocked - China Daily - Global Edition (2/2/2026)
12. [en-US] Snowstorm disrupts travel in US South - China Daily (2/2/2026)
13. [en-US] Pragmatism doesn’t mean some are ‘decoupling’ from ‘decoupling’ - China Daily - Global Edition (2/1/2026)
14. [en-US] Opinion | US-China rivalry: great powers that don’t make things won’t be great for long - South China Morning Post (2/1/2026)
15. [en-US] US open to Iran talks as regional mediators push for meeting - newsaf.cgtn.com (2/1/2026)
16. [en-US] Trump claims India will buy Venezuelan oil, welcomes China’s investment; Chinese expert notices remarks ‘unilateral,’ no confirmation from Indian side - Global Times (2/1/2026)
17. [en-US] Pentagon eyes expanded role for South Korea-based US forces to help deter China - South China Morning Post (2/1/2026)
18. [en-US] My Take | How to prevent war with China: return Taiwan to the mainland - South China Morning Post (2/1/2026)
19. [en-US] How China’s plan to internationalise yuan has quietly taken a step forward - South China Morning Post (2/1/2026)
20. [en-US] EXPLAINER: Why is the UN facing ‘financial collapse’? - CGTN (2/1/2026)