A new generation of young Americans are still interested in working in the world’s No 2 economy, despite deteriorating relations between China and the United States.

A record 10.76 million graduates are set to enter the job market in China this year, but the number of openings has fallen amid high unemployment in the 16- 24 age group.

Lockdowns and shipment delays caused by China’s zero-Covid strategy are adding to cost pressures for global PC makers, who are moving to diversify production away from the world’s No 2 economy.

Food security is a paramount concern for the world’s most populous nation, and its dependence on imported soybeans likely means ‘another good year for farmers in the US heartland’.

If China’s disruptive lockdowns persist, they could fuel global inflation, slow the pace of exports shipped from the ‘world’s factory’, and weaken demand in the world’s largest consumer market, economists say.

With Australia’s reduced trade with China, exports to the US have increased, but the US$1billion a month of trade isn’t enough to offset the loss.

Florida properties, especially in Miami and Orlando, are attracting a lot of interest from Chinese buyers, many of whom already own real estate in the United States.

The self-ruled island built itself into a powerhouse, first with cheaply manufactured products then as an indispensable player in the tech industry.

US companies in China face ‘significant impact’ on revenue as growth slows in world’s No 2 economy amid new coronavirus outbreaks, but Southeast Asia could be in a position to gain.

The gradual resumption of business activity and public events is a promising sign for overseas Chinese in the neighbourhood, but as many remain wary of reopening doors, kerbside sales have become more common.

China has set its sights on surpassing Silicon Valley in hi-tech development to increase self-reliance amid a heightened rivalry with the US. But its recent crackdown on the internet sector may threaten progress.

‘We are clear-eyed about China’s doubling down on its harmful trade and economic abuses,’ the United States Trade Representative’s annual report says.

Supply shortages caused by a global shipping container shortage and pandemic-driven factory slowdowns have hit Chinatowns across the US especially hard, with many running short on Chinese goods.

Experts say geopolitical and trade rifts could persist, but China is also looking to join larger multi-country pacts while ramping up investment in home-grown hi-tech innovation.

Chinese demand for US property is growing and expected to expand rapidly throughout 2022, especially if pandemic-related travel restrictions are eased.

American vineyards have recouped their losses in China by reselling domestically, expanding into other countries and capitalising on Chinese tariffs imposed on Australian wine.

China has already launched pilot schemes for its digital currency in 11 cities plus inside venues used for the ongoing Winter Olympics, with a total of 470 million yuan (US$73.9 million) currently held in electronic wallets.

Surging demand from American consumers, reined in during the pandemic shutdowns, helped drive imports from China.

Trade ties between the world’s two largest economies are likely to remain on the back burner as China focuses on the Winter Olympics and prepares for its upcoming ‘two sessions’ legislative meetings.

Qing dynasty houses in Kinmen, Taiwan are being restored to their original appearance, with subsidies from the islands’ government, and owners are turning them into guest houses.

Trade talks between Washington and Taipei are expected to be centered around hi-tech hardware, as a global semiconductor shortage piles pressure on chip buyers to secure supplies.

Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturers have been forced to draw up contingency plans to meet the challenges of surging coronavirus infections, a drought and erratic power supply.

New restrictions on gatherings and movement in Taiwan are posing a threat to the island’s vital service sector, which makes up nearly two-thirds of gross domestic product.

Following a spike in coronavirus infections, Taiwan has reintroduced strict containment measures that could potentially derail economic growth in a ‘worst-case scenario’.

Mainland tech firms said to be stockpiling for the foreseeable future in case worsening relations with the United States make it even harder to get Taiwanese tech supplies.

Although socially responsible investing is taking off in Taiwan, the island faces a number of hurdles, including a lack of established domestic ESG funds.

Taiwan’s economy grew by 3.11 per cent in 2020, while Hong Kong’s followed the global trend amid the coronavirus and shrank by 6.1 per cent last year.

Roughly 1,000 guests have so far experienced a one-of-a-kind farm stay in Taiwan where tourist-labourers do everything from plant quinoa crops to make local arts and crafts.

Taiwan contract chip maker TSMC will begin ‘risk production’ of its 3-nanometre process this year, a technology advance that will deliver higher performance and longer battery life for 5G smartphones and other high-end electronics products.

Taiwan is becoming increasingly attractive for expats due to its successful handling of the coronavirus pandemic, its media freedoms and ‘gold card’ scheme for skilled workers.