Global Scans · China · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Any disruption in economic activity between China and the United States will necessarily affect other Asian and world economies. How China handles Donald Trump's administration, its relationship with Russia and develops its leadership ambitions will be key areas to watch intently in the coming years.

• [New] China -, Russia -, and Iran-affiliated threat actors conducted AI-driven disinformation and influence operations to disrupt elections. Information Systems of Montana
• [New] The Philippines' terms of trade could benefit from lower commodity prices or a diversion of Chinese exports. Manila Bulletin
• [New] Trade Representative would impose hefty levies on vessels operated by firms based in China and could quadruple cargo handling costs. The Journalist's Resource
• [New] High US tariffs on Chinese goods are pushing American sourcing firms and Chinese exporters to approach Indian companies for supplies, creating major opportunities for Indian exporters. The Economic Times
• [New] A Chinese invasion of Taiwan could begin with sea mines laid by fishing trawlers and submarines, potentially blockading ports and disrupting maritime traffic. Economic Times
• [New] Most data centers in China are located in the east where about 70% of electricity supply is from coal, but the rise of renewables and nuclear power should push coal to decline after 2030. Reccessary
• [New] In common with other countries, China expects the electricity consumption of its data centers to grow rapidly over the next few years, partly as a result of the rise of AI. Reccessary
• [New] Countries representing about 45% of global emissions, including China and India, which are two of the three top-emitting countries, never even signed up to a 2050 target but rather have pushed out their ambitions to 2060 or 2070. Electricity Info
• [New] Oil markets have slumped in recent weeks over fears of a trade war between the US and China and a surprise decision by OPEC + countries to increase output in May. CNN
• [New] Who will decide that the European side of NATO and the Canadian side of NATO will ramp up spending, which is crucial because of the Russian threat, and because of the Chinese buildup of its military. NPR
• [New] The strategic stockpile is expected to help Australia leverage its vast geological wealth as critical minerals become a key bargaining chip in the United States' trade disputes with China and others. Metal Tech News
• [New] China's recent export restrictions on critical mineral shortages, retaliating against U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration, have exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Discovery Alert
• [New] We could soon see COVID era empty shelves, high prices and panic buying as cargo into the US from China has dropped 60%. Middleton Private Capital
• [New] If the trade surplus with the U.S. vanished thanks to Mr Trump's tariffs and the trade deficit with China grew larger, it will worsen the situation for India. The Indian Express
• [New] Unlike the United States, which now treats China as its greatest threat, Japan views China as a neighboring country with which it shares strong economic ties. The Mainichi
• [New] Russia and China may exploit the US dollar's weakness as a vulnerability, potentially challenging US economic dominance. Dollar Collapse
• [New] In return, the DRC is seeking security guarantees and military support, with hopes that a closer partnership with the US will also encourage American investment and lessen its economic reliance on China. FirstPost
• [New] More Chinese EVs assemblers may move to other countries like Pakistan to avoid disruption in export after the highest tariff imposed on China by the USA. DAWN.COM
• [New] Amazon stock has tumbled more than 14% YTD and is down more than 22% from its all-time high due to tariff fears and an escalating trade war with China. Seeking Alpha
• [New] Taiwan's ability to recover quickly from a natural disaster would lessen Chinese justification for NWMOs and reduce the PLA's window of opportunity to conduct NWMOs. Mad Scientist Laboratory
• [New] A Chinese fait accompli disguised as humanitarian aid and disaster relief will likely take on a multidomain approach, with the PLA working to take territory and disrupt an already overburdened Taiwanese government and society. Mad Scientist Laboratory
• [New] As a key area in the game between China and the US, China's controlled nuclear fusion is advancing at an accelerated pace, and the industrial chain is expected to continue to benefit. Webull

Last updated: 02 May 2025