Beijing unveiled ambitious plans last week, spearheaded by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), to accelerate market opening across services industries from telecommunications to financial services, in a bid to bolster growth and align with high-standard international trade rules.

As U.S.-China trade tensions rise, third countries may find themselves caught in the middle. China has warned against any third-country partnership with the U.S. that targets Chinese interests, while it also seeks enhanced cooperation and integration with other trading partners.

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to Malaysia with agreements deepening economic, technological, and strategic ties between the two countries, reinforcing China’s position as Malaysia’s top trading partner and a leading source of foreign investment.

China has appointed Li Chenggang as its new lead trade negotiator, a move signaling a tactical recalibration not only in the context of deepening trade conflict with the United States, but also in light of emerging opportunities with other trading partners.

As global supply chains shift and trade tensions simmer, Vietnam finds itself caught between two economic powerhouses. The challenge for Hanoi is to reap the benefits of Chinese capital and market access while keeping the door open to American trade.

In recent months, Microsoft has taken steps back from the Chinese market, suspending services for some Chinese clients and winding down several operations. The moves have intensified fears of a deepening technological decoupling between the U.S. and China.

A press conference held by China's State Council Information Office provided an overview of the country's import and export performance in the first quarter of 2025. Touting the total trade in the first quarter reaching 10.3 trillion yuan (approximately 1.4 trillion USD), Chinese officials