The leader of Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), will visit China in April after being invited ‌by Chinese President Xi Jinping, a trip that will come a month before U.S. President Donald Trump goes to Beijing for his own summit.
Former lawmaker Cheng Li-wun won election as KMT chairwoman in October and has signalled a swing towards even closer ties with Beijing than her predecessor ​Eric Chu, who did not visit China during his term as chairman that began in 2021.

Taiwan's Opposition Leader to Visit China Weeks Before Trump's Trip to Beijing

The numbers coming out of Beijing tell one story. The reality unfolding inside China tells another. China's National Bureau of Statistics reported 5.0 percent GDP growth for 2025, neatly hitting the government's annual target. But headline figures in authoritarian states are political instruments as much as economic ones, and this one is doing a great deal of heavy lifting. Independent analysts at the Rhodium Group put real growth somewhere between 2.5 and 3.0 percent — roughly half the official reading — with fixed asset investment down 11 percent in nominal terms in the second half of the year compared to the same period in 2024. The divergence between what Beijing reports and what the data actually shows is not a rounding error. It is a portrait of an economy being propped up by narrative as much as by output.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-raises-doubts-about-supreme-leader-mojtaba-s-wellbeing-rules-out-iran-war-deal-for-now-1773538495777">Trump raises doubts about Supreme Leader Mojtaba's wellbeing, rules out Iran war deal for now</a>&nbsp;What growth did materialize in 2025 came overwhelmingly from exports. China's trade surplus jumped 20 percent to a record $1.19 trillion, with exports accounting for a third of total economic growth — the highest share since 1997. An economy of China's size cannot sustain itself on the backs of foreign consumers indefinitely, and the IMF's December 2025 Article IV assessment said exactly that, warning that China's continued reliance on exports is politically unsustainable for its trading partners and structurally unviable for China itself. The current account surplus is projected to reach 3.3 percent of GDP for 2025. Meanwhile, retail sales grew just 3.7 percent in nominal terms across the year — far too slow to rebalance an economy that desperately needs domestic demand to carry more weight.&nbsp;The property sector, now in its fifth year of contraction since the market peaked in 2021, remains the deepest wound. Roughly 80 million homes sit unsold or vacant. New housing starts are running at approximately 75 percent below their peak; property investment has fallen around 50 percent from its high. The downstream effects on local government finances have been brutal. Land lease revenues — once the fiscal lifeblood of Chinese municipalities — have cratered. Consolidated local government fiscal revenue managed just 0.2 percent year-on-year growth in the first ten months of 2025. Beijing launched a 10 trillion yuan debt-swap program in late 2024 to refinance local government financing vehicle liabilities at lower rates and longer maturities, but the scale of the structural hole means most municipalities will be in fiscal austerity for years — cutting precisely the infrastructure spending and social services that might otherwise help restore consumer confidence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-as-a-sincere-friend-china-responds-after-trump-urges-countries-to-send-warships-to-secure-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-threat-1773524775265">'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;Deflation is now the defining condition of this economic era. An economy-wide price gauge shows China in deflation for three consecutive years — the longest such streak since the country's market transition in the late 1970s. Producer prices fell 3.6 percent year-on-year in June 2025, the ninth consecutive month of factory-gate deflation and the sharpest monthly drop in nearly two years. Consumer prices barely registered a pulse across 2025 as a whole, with core inflation remaining below 1 percent. These are not temporary fluctuations. They reflect a structural collapse in domestic demand that Xi Jinping's economic framework has not come close to addressing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-us-intelligence-reports-says-iran-laying-mines-in-strat-of-hormuz-1773548072232/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-us-intelligence-reports-says-iran-laying-mines-in-strat-of-hormuz-1773548072232/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Chinese households know this better than any statistic captures. Youth unemployment — even after the government's 2023 statistical revision stripped students from the calculation — hit 16.9 percent for the 16-to-24 cohort in February 2025. Household savings rates have stayed elevated as families brace for job insecurity, thin pension coverage, and the continued erosion of their biggest asset: their homes. The World Bank's December 2025 China Economic Update projected consumer spending growth to remain subdued well into 2026, constrained by a soft labor market and persistent property price adjustments.&nbsp;The long-run picture is no more encouraging. China recorded 7.92 million births in 2025, the lowest figure since records began in 1949. The total population declined for a fourth consecutive year. Government subsidy programs have not reversed the trend. A shrinking workforce combined with a rapidly aging population puts mounting pressure on an already underfunded pension system — adding a slow-burn fiscal crisis to problems that are already acute.&nbsp;External conditions are worsening too. US tariffs on Chinese goods surged above 100 percent in April 2025 before a partial truce brought them back to 30 percent in May. The European Union's anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles, imposed in mid-2024, have since been followed by additional trade friction across multiple sectors. Fitch Ratings projected in January 2026 that Chinese growth would slow further to 4.1 percent this year. The World Bank sees 4.4 percent; the IMF, 4.5 percent. Every credible independent forecast sits well below Beijing's comfort zone.&nbsp;And then there is Xi Jinping himself. Overseas Chinese media have reported that he sought treatment for a cerebral aneurysm as far back as late 2021. His notable absence from the BRICS Summit in Brazil in October 2025 and the cancellation of a planned APEC meeting with President Trump in South Korea — attributed by some analysts to internal political pressure rather than logistics — have intensified speculation about both his health and his authority within the Party. The 21st Party Congress is scheduled for 2027, and who leads China into that moment, with what mandate and in what condition, has become one of the most consequential open questions in global affairs. Xi's economic model was always a bet that the state could manufacture durable growth through investment, industrial policy, and export competitiveness. That bet has produced a real estate catastrophe, a deflation trap, hollowed-out local governments, and an increasingly isolated trading position. Without a genuine pivot toward household-level reform — stronger social safety nets, wealth redistribution, and policies that put money in ordinary people's pockets — the 5 percent headline will continue to be what it already is: a number designed to manage perceptions rather than reflect reality.

China reported 5 per cent GDP growth in 2025, but analysts estimate real growth closer to 2.5–3 per  cent, pointing to weak domestic demand, deflation, and a deep property crisis. Experts warn China’s economic model faces serious structural challenges.

The numbers coming out of Beijing tell one story. The reality unfolding inside China tells another. China's National Bureau of Statistics reported 5.0 percent GDP growth for 2025, neatly hitting the government's annual target. But headline figures in authoritarian states are political instruments as much as economic ones, and this one is doing a great deal of heavy lifting. Independent analysts at the Rhodium Group put real growth somewhere between 2.5 and 3.0 percent — roughly half the official reading — with fixed asset investment down 11 percent in nominal terms in the second half of the year compared to the same period in 2024. The divergence between what Beijing reports and what the data actually shows is not a rounding error. It is a portrait of an economy being propped up by narrative as much as by output. Also Read: Trump raises doubts about Supreme Leader Mojtaba's wellbeing, rules out Iran war deal for now What growth did materialize in 2025 came overwhelmingly from exports. China's trade surplus jumped 20 percent to a record $1.19 trillion, with exports accounting for a third of total economic growth — the highest share since 1997. An economy of China's size cannot sustain itself on the backs of foreign consumers indefinitely, and the IMF's December 2025 Article IV assessment said exactly that, warning that China's continued reliance on exports is politically unsustainable for its trading partners and structurally unviable for China itself. The current account surplus is projected to reach 3.3 percent of GDP for 2025. Meanwhile, retail sales grew just 3.7 percent in nominal terms across the year — far too slow to rebalance an economy that desperately needs domestic demand to carry more weight. The property sector, now in its fifth year of contraction since the market peaked in 2021, remains the deepest wound. Roughly 80 million homes sit unsold or vacant. New housing starts are running at approximately 75 percent below their peak; property investment has fallen around 50 percent from its high. The downstream effects on local government finances have been brutal. Land lease revenues — once the fiscal lifeblood of Chinese municipalities — have cratered. Consolidated local government fiscal revenue managed just 0.2 percent year-on-year growth in the first ten months of 2025. Beijing launched a 10 trillion yuan debt-swap program in late 2024 to refinance local government financing vehicle liabilities at lower rates and longer maturities, but the scale of the structural hole means most municipalities will be in fiscal austerity for years — cutting precisely the infrastructure spending and social services that might otherwise help restore consumer confidence. Also Read: 'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz Deflation is now the defining condition of this economic era. An economy-wide price gauge shows China in deflation for three consecutive years — the longest such streak since the country's market transition in the late 1970s. Producer prices fell 3.6 percent year-on-year in June 2025, the ninth consecutive month of factory-gate deflation and the sharpest monthly drop in nearly two years. Consumer prices barely registered a pulse across 2025 as a whole, with core inflation remaining below 1 percent. These are not temporary fluctuations. They reflect a structural collapse in domestic demand that Xi Jinping's economic framework has not come close to addressing. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-us-intelligence-reports-says-iran-laying-mines-in-strat-of-hormuz-1773548072232/embed Chinese households know this better than any statistic captures. Youth unemployment — even after the government's 2023 statistical revision stripped students from the calculation — hit 16.9 percent for the 16-to-24 cohort in February 2025. Household savings rates have stayed elevated as families brace for job insecurity, thin pension coverage, and the continued erosion of their biggest asset: their homes. The World Bank's December 2025 China Economic Update projected consumer spending growth to remain subdued well into 2026, constrained by a soft labor market and persistent property price adjustments. The long-run picture is no more encouraging. China recorded 7.92 million births in 2025, the lowest figure since records began in 1949. The total population declined for a fourth consecutive year. Government subsidy programs have not reversed the trend. A shrinking workforce combined with a rapidly aging population puts mounting pressure on an already underfunded pension system — adding a slow-burn fiscal crisis to problems that are already acute. External conditions are worsening too. US tariffs on Chinese goods surged above 100 percent in April 2025 before a partial truce brought them back to 30 percent in May. The European Union's anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles, imposed in mid-2024, have since been followed by additional trade friction across multiple sectors. Fitch Ratings projected in January 2026 that Chinese growth would slow further to 4.1 percent this year. The World Bank sees 4.4 percent; the IMF, 4.5 percent. Every credible independent forecast sits well below Beijing's comfort zone. And then there is Xi Jinping himself. Overseas Chinese media have reported that he sought treatment for a cerebral aneurysm as far back as late 2021. His notable absence from the BRICS Summit in Brazil in October 2025 and the cancellation of a planned APEC meeting with President Trump in South Korea — attributed by some analysts to internal political pressure rather than logistics — have intensified speculation about both his health and his authority within the Party. The 21st Party Congress is scheduled for 2027, and who leads China into that moment, with what mandate and in what condition, has become one of the most consequential open questions in global affairs. Xi's economic model was always a bet that the state could manufacture durable growth through investment, industrial policy, and export competitiveness. That bet has produced a real estate catastrophe, a deflation trap, hollowed-out local governments, and an increasingly isolated trading position. Without a genuine pivot toward household-level reform — stronger social safety nets, wealth redistribution, and policies that put money in ordinary people's pockets — the 5 percent headline will continue to be what it already is: a number designed to manage perceptions rather than reflect reality.

China reported 5 per cent GDP growth in 2025, but analysts estimate real growth closer to 2.5–3 per &nbsp;cent, pointing to weak domestic demand, deflation, and a deep property crisis. Experts warn China’s economic model faces serious structural challenges.

China's growth on paper, stagnation in practice

China blacklisted 20 Japanese entities and tightened scrutiny on a raft of other firms, signaling Beijing won’t drop its pressure campaign against Tokyo even after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent landslide victory.


China Tightens Export Controls Citing National Security Concerns 

China has showcased the CJ-1000, a land-based scramjet-powered hypersonic missile, during a military parade in Beijing. A Chinese military magazine claims the system gives Beijing an edge over the United States in operational scramjet weapons. But Is China truly ahead in the hypersonic race? Watch the full breakdown.


China Unveils CJ-1000 Scramjet Missile, Hypersonic Race With US Intensifies | Gravitas

#Gravitas Japan has seized a Chinese vessel and arrested its captain, after he allegedly ignored repeated calls by Tokyo to stop and tried to flee. This is the first time since 2022 that Japan has seized a Chinese fishing vessel. And it comes at a moment when relations between the two Asian powers are already on edge.


Japan Seizes Chinese Vessel Amid Heightened Tensions With Beijing

China is stepping up efforts to strengthen its military as authorities launch a probe into senior officials accused of weakening combat effectiveness. Top general Zhang Youxia is under investigation over alleged discipline and legal violations, signalling a renewed crackdown within the PLA.


China: Top General Zhang Youxia Probed As Beijing Moves To Boost Combat Readiness 

UK PM Pushes Trade Reset with China, Set to Meet President Xi

Britain and China will aim to revive a "golden era" business dialogue when Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Beijing next week, three sources familiar with the initiative said, with top company executives from both sides invited to participate.

UK, China to Revive 'Golden Era Business' | London Seeks to Reset Ties with Beijing

Hong Kong’s High Court on Thursday began hearing the landmark national security trial of three former leaders of a now disbanded group that organized annual vigils marking Beijing’s 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.

Hong Kong: National Security Trial of Activists who Held Tiananmen Vigil

Questions are being raised about China’s air defence capabilities after reports suggest Chinese stealth radar systems failed to detect U.S. aircraft during recent operations. The development has sparked debate among military analysts over the effectiveness of Beijing’s early warning systems and the evolving balance of air power in the Indo-Pacific. This video breaks down what is known about the incident, how stealth technology challenges modern radar, and what it could mean for U.S.–China military dynamics.

Chinese Stealth Radars 'Fail' to Detect U.S. Aircrafts

China has launched large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, signaling heightened tensions in the region. Beijing has announced major war games, showcasing its military capabilities and readiness. Stay updated on the latest developments in Asia-Pacific security and geopolitical dynamics.

Chinese MASSIVE War Drills Shake The Taiwan Strait

China on Monday condemned the demolition of a monument honoring the Chinese community in Panama, the latest development as the Trump administration pushes for the Central American nation to distance itself from Beijing.

Panama’s president echoed the condemnation, blaming local authorities and pledging that the monument would be rebuilt.

Chinese Monument Demolished in Panama, China Calls For Investigation

The global nuclear arms race enters a dangerous phase as China expands its plutonium pit production and high-explosive capabilities. Experts warn this escalation could heighten geopolitical tensions and alter global security dynamics. Stay informed on the latest developments in nuclear weapons and international security.


China expands nuclear arsenal: Satellites reveal Beijing's plutonium pit and explosive production 

Taiwan plans to procure nearly 50,000 military drones by 2027 to counter rising threats from Beijing. In a bold shift, UAVs will be treated like "bullets"-as fast-moving consumables. The new tender bans Chinese components and spans five drone categories, including combat-ready and surveillance systems.

China-Taiwan Tensions: 2,000 Drones To Form 'Electromagnetic Net'

China is making a renewed push to boost service consumption by relaxing market access and increasing supply – across sectors such as culture, sports and healthcare – as Beijing doubles down on expanding domestic demand for economic growth.

Beijing Rolls Out 19-Point Plan to Recharge Consumption

India has strongly rejected China’s latest remarks on Arunachal Pradesh, with the Ministry of External Affairs reiterating that the state is an inalienable and integral part of India. The MEA condemned Beijing’s claims as baseless and politically motivated. This report breaks down India’s response, the geopolitical context, and what this means for ongoing border tensions.

MEA Reiterates Arunachal Pradesh an Integral Part of India 

The UK Government faces a high-stakes decision
Whether to approve China’s proposed mega embassy in London,
Despite concerns over espionage and national security.
Watch this story to find out more.


MI5 Officers to Commons Speaker: Can Handle Risks From China

The UK’s Security Service has issued a warning over potential Chinese espionage activities targeting the country. In response, the UK Security Minister has launched a comprehensive action plan to strengthen national security and counter intelligence threats. The move underscores growing concerns over foreign interference and highlights the government’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.

UK Security Service Flags Chinese Espionage, Minister Unveils Action Plan 

UK's Security Service Warns of Chinese Espionage; Security Minister Launches Action Plan

China has accused the United States of stealing $13 billion worth of Bitcoin in what it calls a “state-level hacker operation.” Beijing’s cybersecurity agency alleges that U.S. authorities were behind the 2020 LuBian Bitcoin mining pool hack, one of the largest crypto breaches in history. Washington, however, has charged Cambodian billionaire Chen Zhi with money laundering linked to the same funds, deepening tensions between the two powers.

China Blames U.S. for $13 Billion Bitcoin Heist | ‘State-Level Hack,’ Says Beijing 

#Gravitas | Facing a deepening demographic crisis, China is easing marriage rules to encourage couples to tie the knot. The government has launched a nationwide reform allowing people to register their marriages anywhere in the country — from shopping malls to subways. As wedding rates hit historic lows and birth numbers continue to fall, Beijing hopes this bold step will help reverse the baby bust and revive family growth across China.

China Relaxes Marriage Rules To Fix Its Baby Bust

The entire world relies on China for rare earths. President Trump's trade war this year has clearly shown that. Beijing is dominant in the processing of rare earth minerals, controlling over 70 percent of the global supply chains. China has used its critical minerals dominance to its advantage in responding to the trade war initiated by Trump.

rump Lowers Tariffs On China After Meeting With Xi: Ties Going Strong?

The entire world relies on China for rare earths. President Trump's trade war this year has clearly shown that. Beijing is dominant in the processing of rare earth minerals, controlling over 70 percent of the global supply chains. China has used its critical minerals dominance to its advantage in responding to the trade war initiated by Trump.


Can China Build a 'Global Export Control Network' Like US? 

Former Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been spotted in Beijing for the first time since his sudden removal from office in July 2023. Qin, who vanished from public view amid swirling rumors of scandal and internal party tensions, was reportedly seen attending a music festival in the capital. This surprise sighting is fueling speculation over whether Qin is being quietly rehabilitated — or simply kept out of the spotlight.

China’s Ex-FM Qin Gang Spotted in Beijing | First Public Appearance Since Ouster

Tensions flared as nine Panamanian lawmakers joined the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), a move supported by the US ambassador and sharply condemned by Beijing. China accused Washington of bullying and manipulating Latin American politics to contain Chinese influence. The war of words escalates with accusations over debt diplomacy, cyberattacks, and sovereignty. What does this mean for US-China relations in Latin America?

Beijing hits back as Panama joins Anti-China alliance | US blamed for meddling

A team led by Professor&nbsp;Zhao Jieliang at the&nbsp;Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) has built the world’s lightest insect brain controller, which can be strapped to a bee's back. The device, at 74 milligrams, is lighter than a sack of nectar bees normally carry. It attaches to the brain of the insect with three needles and makes it follow directional commands using electronic&nbsp;pulses. During testing, the bee obeyed nine out of 10 times.&nbsp;The study was published in the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering. The&nbsp;cyborg bee could serve as military scouts or search for survivors in the ruins of an earthquake, according to the peer-reviwed&nbsp;paper.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Insect-based robots inherit the superior mobility, camouflage capabilities, and environmental adaptability of their biological hosts," wrote Zhao and his colleagues, according to the South China Morning Post.&nbsp;The device can be used for&nbsp;reconnaissance in urban combat, counterterrorism, and narcotics detection. Before this, the lightest cyborg controller was developed in Singapore which was three times this device's weight. It could be used on insects like beetles and cockroaches. However, unlike bees, they moved at slower speeds and didn't have enough endurance.&nbsp;The innovation, however, isn't without its flaws. Bees currently need wired power, and cockroaches get tired very early. For the device to be effective, a long-lasting battery would be needed, which would turn out to be too heavy for a bee.&nbsp;“In future research, precision and repeatability of insect behaviour control will be enhanced by optimising stimulation signals and control techniques,” wrote Zhao’s team.

A team led by Professor Zhao Jieliang at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) has built the world’s lightest insect brain controller, which can be strapped to the bee's back. 

A team led by Professor Zhao Jieliang at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) has built the world’s lightest insect brain controller, which can be strapped to a bee's back. The device, at 74 milligrams, is lighter than a sack of nectar bees normally carry. It attaches to the brain of the insect with three needles and makes it follow directional commands using electronic pulses. During testing, the bee obeyed nine out of 10 times. The study was published in the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering. The cyborg bee could serve as military scouts or search for survivors in the ruins of an earthquake, according to the peer-reviwed paper. "Insect-based robots inherit the superior mobility, camouflage capabilities, and environmental adaptability of their biological hosts," wrote Zhao and his colleagues, according to the South China Morning Post. The device can be used for reconnaissance in urban combat, counterterrorism, and narcotics detection. Before this, the lightest cyborg controller was developed in Singapore which was three times this device's weight. It could be used on insects like beetles and cockroaches. However, unlike bees, they moved at slower speeds and didn't have enough endurance. The innovation, however, isn't without its flaws. Bees currently need wired power, and cockroaches get tired very early. For the device to be effective, a long-lasting battery would be needed, which would turn out to be too heavy for a bee. “In future research, precision and repeatability of insect behaviour control will be enhanced by optimising stimulation signals and control techniques,” wrote Zhao’s team.

The study was published in the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering. The&nbsp;cyborg bee could serve as military scouts or search for survivors in the ruins of an earthquake.

Chinese scientists develop cyborg bee that obeys commands: Check details

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 6) once again targeted China, saying that their economy is "suffering greatly" because of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tariffs">tariffs</a>&nbsp;they brought in.&nbsp;
The US president further said that the Chinese are "not doing business right now" and their ships are "turning around in the Pacific Ocean."
Trump added that the Chinese leadership "want to meet", adding that they want to negotiate a trade deal to end the tariffs.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-services-growth-9039421">US tariffs stall China&rsquo;s services growth: PMI hits 7-month low as trade tensions escalate</a>
"We will be meeting with them at the right time," he said during his meeting with UK Prime Minister Mark Carney.&nbsp;
US President Trump and UK PM Keir Starmer have now departed for private talks, where the media is not invited.&nbsp;
Earlier today, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that China has not engaged in negotiations yet.
"We are currently negotiating with 17 of those trading partners. China, we have not engaged in negotiations with as of yet," Bessent said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-to-visit-russia-on-may-7-10-says-kremlin-9037068">China's Xi Jinping to visit Russia on May 7-10, says Kremlin</a>
Last week, Trump in an interview to NBC, hinted at lowering tariffs on China, stressing that Beijing wants to do business with them.&nbsp;
He acknowledged that the current tariffs are so high that the two of the world's largest economies have essentially stopped doing business with each other.&nbsp;
"At some point, I'm going to lower them, because otherwise, you could never do business with them, and they want to do business very much," Trump said in an interview on NBC's 'Meet the Press with Kristen Welker'.
He further said that there have been "positive" statements from China in the last few days, while, he also said that any deal finalised with China has to be "fair".&nbsp;
China on Friday last week, hinted at being open to sit across the US on the negotiation table since Trump's tariffs were announced on Liberation Day, saying it was evaluating the possibility of trade talks with the US.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-dont-need-anything-from-canada-trump-blasts-canada-ahead-of-first-meeting-with-pm-carney-at-white-house-9041768">&lsquo;We don&rsquo;t need ANYTHING from Canada&rsquo;: Trump blasts Canada ahead of first meeting with PM Carney at White House</a>

The US president further said that the Chinese are "not doing business right now" and their ships are "turning around in the Pacific Ocean." world

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (May 6) once again targeted China, saying that their economy is "suffering greatly" because of the tariffs they brought in. The US president further said that the Chinese are "not doing business right now" and their ships are "turning around in the Pacific Ocean." Trump added that the Chinese leadership "want to meet", adding that they want to negotiate a trade deal to end the tariffs. Also read: US tariffs stall China’s services growth: PMI hits 7-month low as trade tensions escalate "We will be meeting with them at the right time," he said during his meeting with UK Prime Minister Mark Carney. US President Trump and UK PM Keir Starmer have now departed for private talks, where the media is not invited. Earlier today, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that China has not engaged in negotiations yet. "We are currently negotiating with 17 of those trading partners. China, we have not engaged in negotiations with as of yet," Bessent said. Also read: China's Xi Jinping to visit Russia on May 7-10, says Kremlin Last week, Trump in an interview to NBC, hinted at lowering tariffs on China, stressing that Beijing wants to do business with them. He acknowledged that the current tariffs are so high that the two of the world's largest economies have essentially stopped doing business with each other. "At some point, I'm going to lower them, because otherwise, you could never do business with them, and they want to do business very much," Trump said in an interview on NBC's 'Meet the Press with Kristen Welker'. He further said that there have been "positive" statements from China in the last few days, while, he also said that any deal finalised with China has to be "fair". China on Friday last week, hinted at being open to sit across the US on the negotiation table since Trump's tariffs were announced on Liberation Day, saying it was evaluating the possibility of trade talks with the US. Also read: ‘We don’t need ANYTHING from Canada’: Trump blasts Canada ahead of first meeting with PM Carney at White House

China 'suffering greatly' from tariffs: Trump once again targets Beijing, says Xi Jinping 'wants to meet' him

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots evolve in this fast-paced world, twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of humans at the Yizhuang half-marathon in China on Saturday (April ).&nbsp;
This marks the first time, these <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/musks-eerie-declaration-robots-will-overpower-humanity-8920525">robot</a>&nbsp;machines have raced alongside humans over a 21-kilometre course.&nbsp;
The robots from Chinese manufacturers such as DroidVP and Noetix Robotics came in all shapes and sizes, some shorter than 120cm (3ft 9in), while others are as tall as 1.8m (5ft 9in).
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
The humanoid robot half-marathon in Beijing just started! <a href="https://t.co/8vr2nXQwuR">pic.twitter.com/8vr2nXQwuR</a>
&mdash; The Humanoid Hub (@TheHumanoidHub) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHumanoidHub/status/1913395610138579143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tech-absorption-in-indian-army-ai-robotics-quantum-computing-and-advanced-materials-8979264">Tech absorption in Indian Army: AI, robotics, quantum computing and advanced materials</a>
One of these Chinese companies said that their robots looked almost human, with feminine features and the ability to wink and smile.&nbsp;
Chinese officials said that the marathon event was more similar to a race car competition, given the need for engineering and navigation teams.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The robots are running very well, very stable &hellip; I feel I&rsquo;m witnessing the evolution of robots and AI,&rdquo; Spectator He Sishu, who works in artificial intelligence, said.&nbsp;
These robots were accompanied by human trainers, while some of them had physical support via machines, during the race.&nbsp;
This isn't it, some of the robots also wore running shoes, with one donning boxing gloves and another wearing a red headband with the words &ldquo;Bound to Win&rdquo; in Chinese.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-humanoid-robots-race-alongside-humans-in-beijing-half-marathon-8978208">China: Humanoid robots race alongside humans in Beijing half-marathon</a>
Amongst the all, the winning robot was Tiangong Ultra, from the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the men's winner of the race had a time of 1 hour 2 minutes.&nbsp;
Tang Jian, chief technology officer for the robotics centre, said Tiangong Ultra&rsquo;s performance was aided by long legs and an algorithm allowing it to imitate how humans run a marathon.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to boast but I think no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong&rsquo;s sporting achievements,&rdquo; Tang said.&nbsp;
He added that his robot switched batteries just three times during the race.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/ai-cops-to-robots-on-mars-gemini-chatgpt-and-grok-ignite-an-ai-innovation-wave-releasing-new-updates-8929944">'AI cops to robots on Mars': Gemini, ChatGPT, and Grok ignite an AI innovation wave, releasing new updates</a>

Chinese officials said that the marathon event was more similar to a race car competition, given the need for engineering and navigation teams. WORLD | TRENDING

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots evolve in this fast-paced world, twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of humans at the Yizhuang half-marathon in China on Saturday (April ). This marks the first time, these robot machines have raced alongside humans over a 21-kilometre course. The robots from Chinese manufacturers such as DroidVP and Noetix Robotics came in all shapes and sizes, some shorter than 120cm (3ft 9in), while others are as tall as 1.8m (5ft 9in). The humanoid robot half-marathon in Beijing just started! pic.twitter.com/8vr2nXQwuR — The Humanoid Hub (@TheHumanoidHub) April 19, 2025 Also read: Tech absorption in Indian Army: AI, robotics, quantum computing and advanced materials One of these Chinese companies said that their robots looked almost human, with feminine features and the ability to wink and smile. Chinese officials said that the marathon event was more similar to a race car competition, given the need for engineering and navigation teams. “The robots are running very well, very stable … I feel I’m witnessing the evolution of robots and AI,” Spectator He Sishu, who works in artificial intelligence, said. These robots were accompanied by human trainers, while some of them had physical support via machines, during the race. This isn't it, some of the robots also wore running shoes, with one donning boxing gloves and another wearing a red headband with the words “Bound to Win” in Chinese. WATCH | China: Humanoid robots race alongside humans in Beijing half-marathon Amongst the all, the winning robot was Tiangong Ultra, from the Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes. Meanwhile, the men's winner of the race had a time of 1 hour 2 minutes. Tang Jian, chief technology officer for the robotics centre, said Tiangong Ultra’s performance was aided by long legs and an algorithm allowing it to imitate how humans run a marathon. “I don’t want to boast but I think no other robotics firms in the West have matched Tiangong’s sporting achievements,” Tang said. He added that his robot switched batteries just three times during the race. Also read: 'AI cops to robots on Mars': Gemini, ChatGPT, and Grok ignite an AI innovation wave, releasing new updates

Robots now running in marathons? Chinese humanoid robots compete with humans amid AI evolution | WATCH

Amid Trump's ongoing trade war, China slammed the US for abusing tariffs under the pretext of seeking reciprocity and fairness, and called Trump's 245% tariffs a "number game".&nbsp;
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Thursday (April 17) said that the US has disregarded the balance of interests reached through multilateral trade negotiations, adding that it has "seriously undermined the interests and well-being of all countries."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-to-meet-trumps-big-claim-as-us-trade-war-with-beijing-heats-up-8973266">China wants to meet? Trump's BIG claim as US trade war with Beijing heats up</a>
<h2>'A number game'</h2>
Jian reacted to Trump's 245% tariffs, saying that China has made it very clear that the US extortionate tariff hikes on China have become a numbers game.&nbsp;
He added that economically, it doesn't make much actual difference anymore, except to further demonstrate how the US weaponises tariffs to coerce and bully others.
The ministry further highlighted that China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has maintained working-level communication with its US counterpart.&nbsp;
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-will-get-china-to-the-table-on-trade-talks-with-us-8971205">What will get China to the table on trade talks with US?</a>
<h2>'Up to the one who tied the bell'</h2>
China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian said that Beijing is open to holding consultations with the US on economic and trade issues.&nbsp;
"The unilateral tariff hikes were initiated entirely by the US side, and it is up to the one who tied the bell to untie it," He said.
He further urged the US to immediately stop its maximum pressure tactics, coercion, and blackmail, and resolve differences through equal dialogue based on mutual respect.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-now-needs-its-asian-family-xi-jinping-urges-regional-unity-as-us-donald-trump-threatens-beijing-with-massive-tariffs-trade-war-8972933">China now needs its 'Asian family'? Xi Jinping urges regional unity as Trump threatens Beijing with massive tariffs</a>
The White House released a factsheet on Tuesday, stating that China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the US as part of "retaliatory actions".&nbsp;
Earlier today, Trump pointed out that China wants to hold a meeting with the US amid the ongoing trade war. While emphasising that he held a productive call with Mexico's president, Trump said that "every nation" wants to meet him.&nbsp;
"Had a very productive call with the President of Mexico yesterday. Likewise, I met with the highest-level Japanese Trade Representatives. It was a very productive meeting. Every Nation, including China, wants to meet! Today, Italy!," Trump posted on Truth Social.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Trump's big statement on China, looks like progress in the ongoing two nations' trade war, as both countries continue to intensify the trade war by imposing higher tariffs.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-china-again-conspiring-against-taiwan-beijings-secret-nuclear-submarines-spotted-near-taiwan-on-google-maps-8972225">Is China again conspiring against Taiwan? Beijing's secret nuclear submarines spotted near Taiwan on Google maps</a>

Jian reacted to Trump's 245% tariffs, saying that China has made it very clear that the US extortionate tariff hikes on China have become a numbers game. WORLD

Amid Trump's ongoing trade war, China slammed the US for abusing tariffs under the pretext of seeking reciprocity and fairness, and called Trump's 245% tariffs a "number game". Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Thursday (April 17) said that the US has disregarded the balance of interests reached through multilateral trade negotiations, adding that it has "seriously undermined the interests and well-being of all countries." Also read: China wants to meet? Trump's BIG claim as US trade war with Beijing heats up 'A number game' Jian reacted to Trump's 245% tariffs, saying that China has made it very clear that the US extortionate tariff hikes on China have become a numbers game. He added that economically, it doesn't make much actual difference anymore, except to further demonstrate how the US weaponises tariffs to coerce and bully others. The ministry further highlighted that China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has maintained working-level communication with its US counterpart. WATCH | What will get China to the table on trade talks with US? 'Up to the one who tied the bell' China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian said that Beijing is open to holding consultations with the US on economic and trade issues. "The unilateral tariff hikes were initiated entirely by the US side, and it is up to the one who tied the bell to untie it," He said. He further urged the US to immediately stop its maximum pressure tactics, coercion, and blackmail, and resolve differences through equal dialogue based on mutual respect. Also read: China now needs its 'Asian family'? Xi Jinping urges regional unity as Trump threatens Beijing with massive tariffs The White House released a factsheet on Tuesday, stating that China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the US as part of "retaliatory actions". Earlier today, Trump pointed out that China wants to hold a meeting with the US amid the ongoing trade war. While emphasising that he held a productive call with Mexico's president, Trump said that "every nation" wants to meet him. "Had a very productive call with the President of Mexico yesterday. Likewise, I met with the highest-level Japanese Trade Representatives. It was a very productive meeting. Every Nation, including China, wants to meet! Today, Italy!," Trump posted on Truth Social. Meanwhile, Trump's big statement on China, looks like progress in the ongoing two nations' trade war, as both countries continue to intensify the trade war by imposing higher tariffs. Also read: Is China again conspiring against Taiwan? Beijing's secret nuclear submarines spotted near Taiwan on Google maps

'Using tariffs to bully us': China slams US trade war, asks Trump to 'untie the bell'

New satellite images on Google Maps have surfaced, showing a dramatic expansion in China's nuclear submarine base near Qingdao, with at least six nuclear-powered subs docked at a navy base near Qingdao, according to the US Sun.
The images taken from Google Maps, show six nuclear-powered submarines stationed at the First Submarine Base, about 18km east of Qingdao in the Yellow Sea. &nbsp;
The base gives China quick entry to strategic maritime areas including the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan.&nbsp;
Australian naval analyst Alex Luck shared the images on X, as he identified Type 091 subs, two Type 093A subs, and one unidentified vessel.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-where-is-the-taiwan-strait-and-why-is-it-important-8926626">Explainer: Where is the Taiwan Strait? Will it become a theatre of war if China invades Taiwan?</a>
Luck further noted the presence of the Type 092 ballistic missile submarine, which is China's only one of its kind until it was recently replaced by the Type 094.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
GE imagery update of Qingdao First Submarine Base, with several nuclear powered boats visible. Red Type 09I (likely training boats/MTS), green Type 09III(A), blue Type 09IV SSBN, yellow unidentified hull, 09IIIA or possibly 09IIIB, purple unidentified hull in dock. <a href="https://t.co/CaWPOGCk9T">pic.twitter.com/CaWPOGCk9T</a>
&mdash; Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexLuck9/status/1910527196143509704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Taiwan is conducting military drills as it anticipates a possible Chinese invasion. Both sides are preparing for their nation's security, with China developing floating bridges and barges for rapid troop deployment across the Taiwan Strait.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trumps-tariff-war-pushing-desperate-china-closer-to-its-neighbours-heres-how-beijing-wants-to-team-up-with-india-8969819">Is Trump&rsquo;s tariff war pushing 'desperate' China closer to its neighbours? Here's how Beijing wants to 'team up' with India</a>
<h2>'Taiwan preps for all-out Chinese assault'</h2>
Amid all this, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) also reported a sharp rise in Chinese military activity around its airspace and waters on Thursday.&nbsp;
The MND stated that 34 aircraft of the People&rsquo;s Liberation Army (PLA), six naval vessels from the People&rsquo;s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and two official ships were detected around the island until 6 am.&nbsp;
Moreover, after these satellite images surfaced, Taiwan launched a two-week military simulation, with the aim to prepare an all-out Chinese assault.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/potential-war-in-taiwan-can-cost-up-to-10-of-global-gdp-report-8955629">Potential war in Taiwan can cost up to 10% of global GDP: Report</a>
Using US-built simulation tools, the annual Han Kuang exercises are considering various scenarios, including grey zone attacks and a 2027 full-scale invasion.&nbsp;
Taiwan&rsquo;s defence minister Wellington Koo said this year&rsquo;s drills are based on &ldquo;a hypothetical invasion by China in 2027.&rdquo; Further, in July, they will also conduct live-fire drills.&nbsp;
China-Taiwan has been indulged in such military actions, as Beijing continues to force pressure on Taipei.&nbsp;
Despite Taiwan governed itself since 1949, Beijing considers it as a part of China and according to its "One China" policy, China still claims the island.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-continue-taiwan-friendly-approach-after-white-house-race-says-taipei-773819">US to continue Taiwan-friendly approach after White House race, says Taipei</a>

The images taken from Google Maps, show six nuclear-powered submarines stationed at the First Submarine Base, about 18km east of Qingdao in the Yellow Sea.  WORLD

New satellite images on Google Maps have surfaced, showing a dramatic expansion in China's nuclear submarine base near Qingdao, with at least six nuclear-powered subs docked at a navy base near Qingdao, according to the US Sun. The images taken from Google Maps, show six nuclear-powered submarines stationed at the First Submarine Base, about 18km east of Qingdao in the Yellow Sea. The base gives China quick entry to strategic maritime areas including the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan. Australian naval analyst Alex Luck shared the images on X, as he identified Type 091 subs, two Type 093A subs, and one unidentified vessel. Also read: Explainer: Where is the Taiwan Strait? Will it become a theatre of war if China invades Taiwan? Luck further noted the presence of the Type 092 ballistic missile submarine, which is China's only one of its kind until it was recently replaced by the Type 094. GE imagery update of Qingdao First Submarine Base, with several nuclear powered boats visible. Red Type 09I (likely training boats/MTS), green Type 09III(A), blue Type 09IV SSBN, yellow unidentified hull, 09IIIA or possibly 09IIIB, purple unidentified hull in dock. pic.twitter.com/CaWPOGCk9T — Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) April 11, 2025 Taiwan is conducting military drills as it anticipates a possible Chinese invasion. Both sides are preparing for their nation's security, with China developing floating bridges and barges for rapid troop deployment across the Taiwan Strait. Also read: Is Trump’s tariff war pushing 'desperate' China closer to its neighbours? Here's how Beijing wants to 'team up' with India 'Taiwan preps for all-out Chinese assault' Amid all this, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) also reported a sharp rise in Chinese military activity around its airspace and waters on Thursday. The MND stated that 34 aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), six naval vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and two official ships were detected around the island until 6 am. Moreover, after these satellite images surfaced, Taiwan launched a two-week military simulation, with the aim to prepare an all-out Chinese assault. WATCH | Potential war in Taiwan can cost up to 10% of global GDP: Report Using US-built simulation tools, the annual Han Kuang exercises are considering various scenarios, including grey zone attacks and a 2027 full-scale invasion. Taiwan’s defence minister Wellington Koo said this year’s drills are based on “a hypothetical invasion by China in 2027.” Further, in July, they will also conduct live-fire drills. China-Taiwan has been indulged in such military actions, as Beijing continues to force pressure on Taipei. Despite Taiwan governed itself since 1949, Beijing considers it as a part of China and according to its "One China" policy, China still claims the island. Also read: US to continue Taiwan-friendly approach after White House race, says Taipei

Is China again conspiring against Taiwan? Beijing's secret nuclear submarines spotted near Taiwan on Google maps

Bangladesh Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Friday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and discussed issues related to bilateral ties amid strained relations with India.

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Yunus meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing

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