China Competition

Business

BHP Navigates Tech Ambition and Trade Tensions: Autonomous Mine Push Meets China Market Headwinds

As BHP Group advances plans to create one of the world's first fully autonomous copper mines at Escondida Norte, it simultaneously contends with Chinese import restrictions on its Jimblebar iron ore and ramps up exploration via its 2026 Xplor program, highlighting the complex balancing act facing the global mining giant.

Feb 2, 2026

Trump Unveils $12 Billion 'Project Vault' to Secure Critical Minerals, Counter China's Supply Chain Stranglehold

The White House announces a major public-private initiative to stockpile rare earths and critical minerals, aiming to insulate U.S. defense and tech sectors from foreign supply shocks and geopolitical leverage.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ford Explores Potential Partnership with China's Xiaomi, Eyeing U.S. Manufacturing Footprint

Ford Motor Company is reportedly in preliminary discussions with Chinese tech and auto newcomer Xiaomi, exploring a joint venture that could facilitate Xiaomi's entry into U.S. vehicle manufacturing, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Feb 2, 2026

World

China Eases Dairy Tariffs on EU Imports, Industry Seeks Further Dialogue

Beijing has lowered punitive tariffs on key EU dairy products, offering some relief to exporters like Arla and Lactalis. While welcomed as a de-escalation, European trade bodies argue the remaining duties are unjustified and call for continued negotiations to resolve the trade dispute.

Feb 2, 2026

World

China Executes Four Leaders of Myanmar-Based Crime Syndicate Over Vast Scam Empire

Chinese courts have executed four senior members of a Myanmar-based criminal organization for murder, trafficking, and running a multi-billion dollar scam operation that exploited thousands, including Chinese citizens. The move is part of a broader crackdown on cross-border cyber fraud hubs.

Feb 2, 2026

World

China Executes Four Over Deadly Myanmar Scam Empire, Intensifying Regional Crackdown

Chinese courts have executed four individuals convicted of running a multi-billion dollar scam and gambling network from Myanmar, responsible for multiple deaths. The move signals Beijing's escalating pressure on Southeast Asia's industrial-scale cybercrime hubs.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Starmer Warns Against UK Isolationism on China Amid Trump's Transatlantic Pressure

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer urges sustained engagement with Beijing, countering Donald Trump's call for Western disengagement and highlighting deepening geopolitical divides.

Feb 2, 2026

World

China Executes Four in Myanmar-Linked Scam Syndicate, Widening Crackdown on Cross-Border Crime

Chinese authorities have executed four individuals convicted of running a multi-billion dollar telecom fraud and gambling network from Myanmar, responsible for six deaths. The move follows last week's execution of 11 others, signaling Beijing's intensifying campaign against organized cybercrime in Southeast Asia.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

USA Rare Earth Secures $3.1B in Federal and Private Funding, Fueling Ambitions to Challenge China's Dominance

Backed by a major U.S. government loan and a surge in private equity, USA Rare Earth is accelerating its domestic mining and manufacturing projects, positioning itself at the forefront of a critical national strategy.

Feb 2, 2026

World

China Executes Four in Cross-Border Crackdown on Multi-Billion Dollar Myanmar Scam Syndicate

Chinese authorities have executed four individuals convicted of leading a massive online fraud and gambling ring based in Myanmar, linked to over $4 billion in illicit proceeds and the deaths of six Chinese nationals. The move is part of a widening crackdown on cross-border criminal networks targeting Chinese citizens.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Xi's Financial Vision Resurfaces: China Eyes Yuan's Global Role Amid Dollar Uncertainty

A renewed emphasis by President Xi Jinping on building a 'strong financial nation' with a globally powerful currency is being interpreted as a signal for accelerated yuan internationalization, as global confidence in the dollar shows signs of strain.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

China Reportedly Grants DeepSeek Approval to Procure Nvidia's H200 AI Chips

In a significant policy shift, Chinese authorities have reportedly cleared the AI startup DeepSeek to purchase Nvidia's advanced H200 processors, potentially easing a major hardware bottleneck for its competitive large language model.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Jim Cramer Weighs In on NVIDIA's China Prospects Amid Renewed Market Speculation

CNBC's Jim Cramer offers a detailed take on NVIDIA's stock trajectory, highlighting analyst optimism around its data center partnerships while expressing skepticism over reported Chinese AI chip purchases.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK-China Trade Breakthrough: Scotch Whisky Tariffs Halved as New Deal Takes Effect

A landmark trade agreement secured during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing will see Chinese import duties on Scotch whisky cut from 10% to 5%, effective immediately. The move, hailed by industry leaders, is projected to inject £250 million into the UK economy and boost competitiveness in a key growth market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Tencent Secures Nvidia H200 Chips, Bolstering China's AI Ambitions Amid Tech Tensions

Tencent Holdings has received regulatory approval to import Nvidia's advanced H200 AI chips, a significant move that enhances its competitive edge in cloud and AI services while navigating ongoing US technology restrictions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Atour Emerges as a Premium Contender in China's Hotel Wars, Says CLSA

Brokerage firm CLSA initiates coverage on Atour Lifestyle Holdings with an 'Outperform' rating and a $49 price target, highlighting its unique brand ecosystem and asset-light model as key differentiators in a competitive market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Baidu's Self-Driving Bet Gains Traction, Fueling Investor Debate on Future Value

As Baidu pivots from its search engine roots, its heavy investments in autonomous vehicle technology are beginning to yield operational results, reshaping analyst views and sparking fresh valuation discussions amidst fierce AI competition.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

From Motor City to Ghost Town: Joe Rogan and Bernie Sanders Decry Detroit's Industrial Collapse

Podcaster Joe Rogan and Senator Bernie Sanders dissect the stark decline of Detroit's auto industry on a recent episode, highlighting abandoned factories, job offshoring, and a city where homes can sell for pennies. The conversation underscores the human cost of deindustrialization and the fierce global competition now facing American automakers.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

XPeng's Stock Slump: A Buying Opportunity or a Sign of Deeper Trouble?

Shares of Chinese EV maker XPeng have tumbled roughly 12% over the past month, reigniting the debate over its valuation. While long-term holders remain in profit, the recent weakness prompts a fresh look at the company's prospects amid fierce competition and its path to sustained profitability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Alibaba Bets $431 Million on AI App Push During Lunar New Year, Intensifying Tech Rivalry

Alibaba Group has pledged 3 billion yuan ($431 million) to promote its Qwen AI app during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, significantly outpacing similar campaigns by rivals Tencent and Baidu and marking a major escalation in China's competitive AI landscape.

Feb 2, 2026