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SCMP

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. Apparently impatient Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan, South Korea
US President Donald Trump, apparently impatient with the slow progress of negotiations, on Monday slapped 25 per cent unilateral tariffs on Japan and South Korea and equal or higher import taxes on several other nations ahead of a self-imposed Wednesday deadline.
2. Rare earth dominance: why China still holds the cards despite global pushback
Beijing’s recent export controls on rare earths have spurred a flurry of international efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce China’s long-standing dominance in critical minerals.
3. ‘Pressure and division’: why Trump’s 14-nation tariff package puts China on edge
When US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to extend a pause on “reciprocal” tariffs until August 1, it offered little comfort to China. Instead, Beijing’s policymakers may feel increasingly cornered, as Washington also moved to target 14 countries – many of them China’s close trading partners – with tariffs of up to 40 per cent.
4. China’s trade war strategy? Bet on Guizhou, long one of its poorest provinces

Guizhou, a mountainous province in Southwest China, 400 kilometres from the nearest coast, has barely felt the shock waves from Donald Trump’s unprecedented tariff blitz. Instead, officials have identified opportunities as Beijing strategically pivots to the domestic market and renews its focus on economic security.
5. As US drops among Chinese study preferences, Singapore beckons
Universities in Singapore are beginning to offer programmes taught entirely in Mandarin and live support via WeChat for Chinese applicants.
6. Alarms ring in Taipei as Beijing activates another Taiwan Strait flight route

Beijing’s sudden activation of another civilian air route near the Taiwan Strait’s unofficial median line has renewed alarm in Taipei, with defence experts and lawmakers warning the move could raise the risk of miscalculation in an already tense air corridor.
7. China to speed up bullet-train connectivity with neighbours
China will further enhance connectivity with other countries by expanding its high-speed railway network, a senior politician pledged on Tuesday.


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SCMP Highlights

Trump’s fresh tariffs on East Asia, China’s rare earth dominance: SCMP daily highlights

China’s completed overseas rail projects include the China-Laos railway (pictured). Photo: Xinhua

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shows a letter on tariffs from US President Donald Trump to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, during a press briefing at the White House on Monday. Photo: Reuters


Illustration: Brian Wang

Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration says the activation of the W121 flight route will increase airspace complexity. Photo: AFP

China’s optical chip advances such as Meteor-1 light the way for AI development

Chinese researchers have developed the world’s first highly parallel optical computing integrated chip, named “Meteor-1,” a  milestone in photonic computing. Photo: Handout

How can China get consumers spending? Here are 5 ideas being floated in Beijing

China has made boosting domestic consumption a policy priority in 2025, as it tries to offset the impact of a trade war with the United States. Photo: Xinhua

China has invested billions of yuan to subsidise purchases of new cars and other big-ticket items in recent months, but the policy is now showing signs of losing momentum. Photo: AFP

Trump’s 25% tariff surprise for South Korea, Japan upends trade talk tactics

Pusan Newport Terminal in Busan. South Korea is looking for a mutually beneficial trade deal with the US after President Donald Trump announced a new 25 per cent tariff on its goods. Photo: Reuters

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba says US President Donald Trump’s new tariff rate on Japanese imports is ‘truly regrettable’. Photo: Reuters

Shipbuilding at Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering in Geoje. South Korea can offer its shipbuilding expertise to the US as part of bilateral trade talks, analysts say. Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images

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China Economy

From Trump’s 14-nation tariff package to China eyeing expansion of high-speed rail with neighbours, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage


From Trump’s 14-nation tariff package to China eyeing expansion of high-speed rail with neighbours, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.


Trump’s fresh tariffs on East Asia, China’s rare earth dominance: SCMP daily highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From Trump’s 14-nation tariff package to China eyeing expansion of high-speed rail with neighbours, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage

1. Apparently impatient Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan, South Korea

From Trump’s 14-nation tariff package to China eyeing expansion of high-speed rail with neighbours, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage