President Trump arrived in Beijing with major tech executives including Musk and Cook to negotiate trade concessions, technology disputes, and Iran support with President Xi, marking the first sitting US presidential visit to China in nearly a decade.
President Trump, preparing for his Beijing visit, stated he would discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi Jinping, confident his personal relationship would prevent Chinese invasion, dismissing congressional concerns about Taiwan's security and ignoring the 1982 agreements limiting such negotiations.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun holds a regular press conference on May 12, 2026.
President Trump downplayed Taiwan security concerns before his Beijing visit, asserting personal rapport with Xi Jinping would prevent Chinese invasion, while Congress pushed back demanding he greenlight a 14 billion dollar arms package to the island.
China confirmed Donald Trump will visit this week seeking "more stability" with the US, while trade negotiators prepare detailed discussions ahead of their summit amid tensions over tariffs, Taiwan, and Iran policy.
President Trump visits China, expecting a warm welcome from Xi Jinping amid trade tensions and Iran war concerns.
China conducted its largest military exercises on record, surrounding Taiwan with warships and fighter jets, demonstrating escalating military pressure and signaling increased tensions in the region amid ongoing cross-strait disputes.
Japan and the Philippines initiated weapons transfer talks and agreed to counter China's coercive actions in disputed waters through expanded defense cooperation and joint military exercises involving seventeen allied nations.
Japan's defense minister visits the Philippines to strengthen military cooperation and discuss potential transfer of used Japanese destroyers.
Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi visited the Philippines to deepen security ties amid China tensions, agreeing to negotiate weapons transfers including used destroyers while participating in a 17-nation combat exercise demonstrating allied deterrence.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited the Philippines to deepen security ties with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., witness a multinational combat exercise involving 16 countries, and discuss transferring used Japanese destroyers as Japan shifts its postwar defense policy amid rising regional tensions with China.
China to allow export of rare-earth metals for civilian use
China and Japan are on a collision course as military threats escalate in the Taiwan Strait.
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi lifted decades-old pacifist restrictions, authorizing lethal weapons exports following a $7 billion warship deal with Australia, marking a significant shift from postwar military restraint amid regional tensions.
The US and Philippines launched major combat drills involving 17,000 troops, with new participants Japan and Canada, demonstrating allied military deterrence in the Asia-Pacific amid China's territorial assertions in the South China Sea.
Trump ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to control shipping, but Chinese and Iranian tankers defied it, while Beijing condemned the move as dangerous and Saudi Arabia urged negotiations amid escalating tensions.
Next round of U.S.-Iran talks in doubt as tensions rise ahead of ceasefire deadline
Trump arrives in China for talks with Xi on trade and Iran.
Trump visits Beijing May 13-15 for high-ceremony talks with Xi focused on trade, Taiwan, and Iran, though both sides maintain limited expectations for major breakthroughs on these geopolitical tensions.
Trump visits Beijing May 13-15 for high-ceremony summit with Xi focused on trade, Taiwan, and Iran, though both sides expect limited breakthroughs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and efforts to rebalance US-China relations.
China seeks stability and certainty from the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing.
China's Foreign Ministry rejected US sanctions against Iran and Chinese entities, pledging to protect legitimate business interests while emphasizing regional stability as the urgent priority amid escalating tensions.
The Philippines and Japan jointly conducted anti-ship missile exercises during Exercise Balikatan, sinking a decommissioned corvette, while Japan offered to transfer six frigates and five aircraft to strengthen regional defense against Chinese expansion.
China's warning over military blocs resonates in Asia, where governments prioritize preserving options and stability.
China's warning over military blocs resonates in Asia, where governments prioritize preserving options and stability.
Iran's Foreign Minister visited Beijing amid regional tensions, emphasizing Iran's strengthened military position and coordinating with China on energy security, deterrence, and diplomatic initiatives while China publicly backed Tehran as a strategic partner.
The US test-fired a Tomahawk missile in the Philippines amid rising tensions with China.
Japan's defense chief visits the Philippines to deepen security ties and witness a combat exercise.
China and Japan escalate tensions through military posturing and diplomatic threats over Taiwan and the South China Sea, with Beijing sanctioning Tokyo and deploying warships while Japan joins allied defense exercises, risking potential limited military conflict.
China's government claims Japan's military rearmament violates international law based on post-World War II treaties, escalating a lawfare campaign driven by concerns over Japan's defense policy reforms and increased military spending rather than Taiwan remarks alone.
Canada deployed over 500 soldiers and naval assets to Exercise BALIKATAN, a 19-day US-led military exercise in the South China Sea, marking its first direct participation in the six-country war games designed to counter China's regional influence.
Trump ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to control shipping, but Chinese and Iranian tankers defied it Tuesday as Beijing condemned the move as dangerous and Saudi Arabia urged negotiations, escalating regional tensions.
Trump administration plan to sell Taiwan a record $10 billion in arms draws angry response from China
Trump extends ceasefire as uncertainty over U.S.-Iran peace talks remains
Trump visits Beijing May 13-15 for high-ceremony summit with Xi focusing on trade, Taiwan, and Iran, though both sides expect limited breakthroughs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and reciprocity demands.
China's government stated it seeks cooperation with the United States based on mutual respect to enhance global stability, as Donald Trump prepares for a three-day summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing this week addressing Taiwan, Iran, artificial intelligence, and nuclear weapons.
China's Foreign Ministry rejected Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's accusations that Beijing provided missile manufacturing support to Iran, asserting it opposes unfounded claims and emphasizes its commitment to international obligations and promoting peace talks.
China urged ASEAN to resist disruptions to a South China Sea code of conduct negotiations, emphasizing regional stability, while the Philippines called for legally binding agreements and established a maritime center to manage competing claims and ensure freedom of navigation.
China confirmed Donald Trump will visit this week, seeking stability amid tensions over trade, Taiwan, and Middle East policy, with top negotiators meeting in Seoul beforehand to finalize economic agreements.
Japan and the Philippines initiated weapons transfer talks and military exercises involving 17 nations to counter China's assertive actions in disputed maritime regions, marking Japan's significant shift toward offensive military capabilities.
China's warning over military blocs resonates in Asia as regional governments prioritize preserving options.
Japan participates fully in a US-Philippine joint military exercise for the first time.
Japan's defense chief visits the Philippines to deepen security ties and witness a combat drill.
Japan and Philippines agreed to discuss weapons transfers and conduct joint military drills amid escalating concerns over China's coercive activities in disputed East and South China Sea waters, marking increased regional security coordination.
Japan's defense chief visits the Philippines to deepen security ties and witness a combat exercise.
China and Japan's tensions escalate amid threats and military drills in the South China Sea.
China condemned the US military presence in the Strait of Hormuz as dangerously irresponsible, highlighting escalating geopolitical tensions over one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes.
Trump ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to halt Iranian oil exports, but Chinese and Iranian tankers defied it, transiting Tuesday as China condemned the move as "dangerous and irresponsible" and Saudi Arabia urged negotiations.
Trump blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Chinese tanker defiance and angering Beijing while dismaying Saudi Arabia, escalating geopolitical tensions over critical global oil shipping routes in a significant challenge to U.S. regional dominance.
China & Taiwan Update, April 24, 2026