At an Asia-Pacific summit, the Chinese leader urged countries to “resist unilateral bullying,” an appeal that seemed at odds with his country’s recent actions.
By withholding soybean purchases and rare-earth exports, China extracted relief from U.S. tariffs and delayed export controls, without conceding much in return.
From Kuala Lumpur to Gyeongju, President Trump is casting himself as a deal-maker and peace negotiator, while a wary region looks for tariff relief and steadier ties.
In weaponizing its dominance over the crucial minerals, Beijing is using tactics that it once denounced, potentially alienating nations it wants to court.
Xi Jinping’s need to project strength before a crucial meeting of Communist Party leaders may help explain why Beijing announced new rare earth controls.
Beijing’s climate and trade pledges at the U.N. highlighted how modest moves can stand out when the United States is pulling back from global leadership.
Li Qiang, China’s second-highest-ranking official, portrayed Beijing as stable leader at a time when President Trump is pulling back from international institutions.
One million residents of Guangdong, in southern China, were evacuated before the powerful storm made landfall on Wednesday. At least 18 people have been killed along its path this week.