China has been a fierce critic of sweeping U.S. tariffs that Trump announced on April 2. He later delayed the implementation of most but China, which has said it will respond with its own tariffs on U.S. imports, now faces a deadline next month to negotiate a deal.

China has failed to intimidate rival claimant states into surrendering their sovereign interests in the disputed South China Sea despite its intensifying ''bullying tactics'' and the United States and other allied countries are ready to further boost deterrence against Beijing's aggression,

Chinese research ships are studying the seas for science and resources, but the data they gather could also be useful in a conflict with Taiwan or the United States.

China's economy is expected to have slowed down in the second quarter from a solid start to the year as trade tensions with the United States added to deflationary pressures, reinforcing expectations that Beijing may need to roll out more stimulus.

The U.S. and China have reached an agreement — again — to deescalate trade tensions. China is making it easier for U.S. companies crucial magnets and rare earths materials.

The average car price in China is around $22,900 (165,000 yuan). BYD Co. Ltd., the world's largest EV maker, announced discounts of 30% or more on 20 models in late May. Its budget-friendly electric Seagull compact car saw its starting price drop to $7,750 (55,800 yuan).

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, as the two major powers vied to push their agendas in Asia at a time of simmering tension over a U.

The administration is aiming to strike deals to expand the United States’ access to critical minerals and to counter China’s rising influence in Africa.