Brief

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin for a state visit to Beijing. Meanwhile, Tesla China has posted several job openings related to autonomous driving testing in nine cities, fueling speculation about the imminent launch of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in the Chinese market. The company's customer service indicated that the feature's rollout is pending regulatory approval. AI

Japan holds a critical position in the global semiconductor supply chain, particularly in advanced manufacturing processes. Chinese President Xi Jinping cannot easily interfere with this sector due to Japan's control over key elements of production lines operated by major companies like NVIDIA and TSMC. This strategic importance is highlighted by Japanese firms that are indispensable to the manufacturing capabilities of these global semiconductor giants. AI

Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the "Thucydides Trap" with former US President Donald Trump, framing it as a critical diagnosis of US-China relations. According to Harvard scholar Graham Allison, Xi views the current trajectory as a risk for catastrophic conflict unless both nations alter their approach. Xi has previously acknowledged the concept, which describes the dangers of a rising power challenging a ruling power, while also asserting that such a trap is not inevitable. AI

The South China Morning Post provided behind-the-scenes coverage of President Xi Jinping's separate summit meetings with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Beijing during May. The reporting highlighted symbolic details, such as the Beijing Great Hall's ceiling and Elon Musk's son's bag, which captured attention during these high-profile diplomatic events. The articles also delved into the personal rapport developed between Xi and Putin over the years, noting their shared activities beyond formal state visits. AI

The European Union should adopt a more cooperative stance towards China, similar to Serbia's approach, according to an opinion piece in SCMP. Serbia's experience demonstrates that collaboration with China yields tangible benefits in infrastructure, energy, and technology, revitalizing industries and creating employment. The author argues that Europe's current suspicion of China hinders potential cooperation and overlooks the positive outcomes seen in countries like Serbia. AI

China has commended Pakistan's role in mediating peace efforts in the Middle East, particularly concerning relations between Iran and the United States. During a meeting in Beijing, both nations committed to close communication and coordination to foster regional stability. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for China's support, noting that President Xi Jinping's four-point Middle East plan offers a valuable framework for achieving peace. AI

Taiwanese officials and citizens are accustomed to living under the threat of Chinese aggression, maintaining a calm demeanor despite recent remarks from Xi Jinping and Donald Trump regarding the island's security. While acknowledging the sensitivity to information warfare and military threats, daily life in Taiwan remains largely unaffected. Officials emphasize strengthening self-defense and indigenous capabilities, asserting that Taiwan will neither provoke China nor allow itself to be subjugated. AI

The article argues that Chinese President Xi Jinping stands apart from other global strongmen like Putin and Netanyahu, who have been politically weakened by engaging in war. While leaders such as Trump, Orban, Putin, and Netanyahu were once grouped as "strongmen," the author contends that their reliance on military conflict has led to international condemnation and diminished global standing. In contrast, Xi's approach of avoiding war is presented as a strategy that preserves China's strength and international position. AI

Soumaya Keynes and Chad Bown have released a new book, "How to Win a Trade War," offering a historical framework for understanding U.S.-China trade relations. The book argues that the U.S. is ill-equipped to handle the current economic rivalry with China, particularly regarding industrial policy. Keynes and Bown highlight China's success in dominating markets like electric vehicles through a combination of R&D funding and state-directed demand, contrasting it with U.S. approaches like the CHIPS Act, which they argue lacked sufficient demand-side support. AI

Former US President Donald Trump's visit to China aimed to establish a new tone in Sino-US relations, focusing on economic agreements like a significant Boeing aircraft purchase and the creation of joint investment and trade boards. This visit, the first by a US president in nine years, was characterized by special treatment from Chinese leadership and resulted in a consensus to build a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability." The recognition of China as a peer power by the US was a key outcome, highlighting China's strengthened position. AI

Hong Kong's financial secretary, Paul Chan, reported a notable increase in French investor interest in the city. This renewed confidence is attributed to Hong Kong's robust market performance, which saw a 28% rise in its stock market in 2025, and an improved geopolitical climate, particularly following a summit between US and Chinese leaders. French businesspeople operating in Hong Kong have also indicated strong operating profits over the past two years, further bolstering positive sentiment. AI

A Chinese state think tank, the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (Cicir), has proposed a framework for peaceful coexistence between China and the United States amidst escalating strategic competition. The paper, published on May 13, introduces the concept of "constructive strategic stability" as a means to manage the rivalry. This diplomatic approach was subsequently echoed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his discussions with then-US President Donald Trump, signaling Beijing's vision for navigating the complex relationship. AI

Chinese President Xi Jinping and former US President Donald Trump met in Beijing to discuss trade and AI safety, with both leaders emphasizing the need for best practices to prevent non-state actors from accessing advanced AI. However, the discussions reportedly overlooked critical governance issues related to autonomous systems and potential conflicts arising from US and Chinese AI operations. A key indicator for Beijing in assessing US-China relations, particularly concerning Taiwan, is US arms sales to the island. AI

Evan Medeiros, a political scientist and former US government advisor, believes that recent US-China summits, including one involving Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, primarily reflect existing power dynamics rather than altering them. Medeiros noted that China appeared confident and set the agenda, while the US focused on trade deals with soft commitments. He suggests that any perceived stability in US-China relations is unlikely to endure. AI

Senator Bernie Sanders has emerged as a vocal advocate for AI safety, warning of existential risks during a public appearance. Meanwhile, discussions around drone warfare highlight the West's unpreparedness for the rapidly evolving battlefield, with China's manufacturing capabilities posing a significant challenge. The increasing demand for fiber-optic cable, driven by both data centers for AI and ongoing conflicts, is escalating costs and creating supply chain pressures. AI