Beijing presses “strategic autonomy” as Ottawa seeks trade relief and a reset after years of strained ties and US tariff pressure.

Big accompanying U.S. press pool may help Americans understand China's current strengths: U.S.-China Business Council President Sean Stein

China is often portrayed in Washington as a revisionist power seeking global dominance, but this view misreads Beijing’s intentions. China’s leaders remain focused on domestic stability, economic management and long-standing sovereignty claims rather than military expansion or replacing the United States.

China imported a record volume of soybeans in 2025, as buyers sharply increased purchases from South America amid fears of supply shortfalls if a trade war with Washington persisted.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first China visit in eight years signals a cautious reset in ties with Beijing, driven by US tariff pressure, trade diversification goals and stalled Canada-China economic relations.

The United States has ‍no formal diplomatic ties with ⁠Taiwan, but Washington is the island's most important international backer and is required by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. The issue has been ⁠an irritant in U.S.-China relations for years.

U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to slap a 25% tariff on countries that trade with Iran risks reopening old wounds with Beijing, Tehran's biggest trading partner. Iran became a flashpoint in U.S.-China ties during Trump's 2017-21 first term as president as Washington tightened sanctions on Tehran and put China's Huawei,

China has pushed back against US claims over Greenland, urging Washington not to use other countries as a pretext to advance its own strategic interests. The response comes as US President Donald Trump renews his push to acquire the Arctic island,