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Tag: Chinas
What Is China’s DeepSeek and Why Is It Freaking Out the AI World?
(Bloomberg) — DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that’s just over a year old, has stirred awe and consternation in Silicon Valley after demonstrating breakthrough artificial-intelligence models that offer comparable performance to the world’s best chatbots at seemingly a fraction of the cost.
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DeepSeek’s emergence may offer a counterpoint to the widespread belief that the future of AI will require ever-increasing amounts of power and energy to develop.
Global technology stocks tumbled in late January as hype around DeepSeek’s innovation snowballed and investors began to digest the implications for its US-based rivals and their hardware suppliers.
What exactly is DeepSeek?
DeepSeek was founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, the chief of AI-driven quant hedge fund High-Flyer. The company develops AI models that are open-source, meaning the developer community at large can inspect and improve the software. Its mobile app surged to the top of the iPhone download charts in the US after its release in early January.
The app distinguishes itself from other chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT by articulating its reasoning before delivering a response to a prompt. The company claims its R1 release offers performance on par with OpenAI’s latest and has granted license for individuals interested in developing chatbots using the technology to build on it.
How does DeepSeek R1 compare to OpenAI or Meta AI?
Though not fully detailed by the company, the cost of training and developing DeepSeek’s models appears to be only a fraction of what’s required for OpenAI or Meta Platforms Inc.’s best products. The much better efficiency of the model puts into question the need for vast expenditures of capital to acquire the latest and most powerful AI accelerators from the likes of Nvidia Corp. That also amplifies attention on US export curbs of such advanced semiconductors to China — which were intended to prevent a breakthrough of the sort that DeepSeek appears to represent.
DeepSeek says R1 is near or better than rival models in several leading benchmarks such as AIME 2024 for mathematical tasks, MMLU for general knowledge and AlpacaEval 2.0 for question-and-answer performance. It also ranks among the top performers on a UC Berkeley-affiliated leaderboard called Chatbot Arena.
China’s DeepSeek is a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) technology that is revolutionizing the way data is processed and analyzed. This powerful tool has the ability to sift through massive amounts of information at lightning speed, making it a game-changer for industries ranging from healthcare to finance.But what is it about DeepSeek that is causing such a stir in the AI world? The answer lies in its unprecedented capabilities and potential for both good and harm. On one hand, DeepSeek has the power to uncover hidden patterns and insights that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various fields. However, its ability to process data at such a rapid pace also raises concerns about privacy, security, and the potential for misuse.
As China continues to invest heavily in AI research and development, DeepSeek is just the latest example of the country’s growing influence in the global tech landscape. With its vast resources and ambitious goals, China is positioning itself as a major player in the AI race, sparking both excitement and trepidation among industry experts and policymakers.
In conclusion, China’s DeepSeek is a cutting-edge AI technology that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in data analysis. While its potential for innovation is undeniable, its implications for privacy and security are also cause for concern. As this technology continues to evolve, it will be crucial for stakeholders to carefully consider the ethical and social implications of its widespread adoption.
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#Chinas #DeepSeek #Freaking #WorldChina’s Tech Giant At A Discount: What’s Holding Alibaba Back?
Chinese e-commerce and cloud behemoth Alibaba stock stock has gained about 12% since early 2024 but remains down over 70% from its 2020 highs. The stock trades at a reasonable $85 per share, equivalent to less than 10x projected FY’25 earnings. In comparison, Amazon trades at approximately 36x forward earnings. Alibaba also holds about $50 billion in net cash—roughly a quarter of its market value—bringing the ex-cash multiple down to under 8x. So, what factors are holding the stock back, and what are the potential catalysts for recovery? Separately, SNOW has lagged. See Snowflake Stock: Melting Expectations Or Temporary Setback?
What’s Held Alibaba Stock Back of Late?
Alibaba reported better-than-expected Q2 FY’25 results, with revenue rising 5% year over year to 236.5 billion yuan (approximately $33.7 billion) and net income surging 58% to 43.9 billion yuan (around $6 billion). However, China’s retail market remains weak due to mixed consumer sentiment and slowing economic growth following the real estate crisis. This has impacted spending, particularly on discretionary items. Increasing competition in the e-commerce space has also proved a challenge for the company. PDD, the owner of discount platforms Pinduoduo and Temu, has gained traction as Chinese consumers have turned a bit more value-conscious on account of the sluggish economy. Revenue from Alibaba’s Taobao and Tmall online marketplaces grew by just 1% year-over-year to $14.1 billion in Q4 FY’24. Concerns about a mixed recovery in consumption could linger, potentially exacerbated by higher U.S. tariffs and the risk of an escalating U.S.-China trade war as Donald Trump assumes the U.S. presidency.
Trends That Could Help Alibaba
Since late September 2024, China has introduced substantial stimulus measures and interest rate cuts, which could help to stimulate economic growth and consumer spending. Alibaba has also been tweaking its fee model and recently replaced its annual fixed service fee for vendors with a 0.6% software service fee on gross merchandise value for transactions on Tmall and Taobao. This move could enhance revenue from its core customer management services, following significant investments in its platforms and technology. The company’s digital marketing tool, Quanzhantui, is also expected to boost monetization for Taobao and Tmall marketplaces.
Alibaba’s cross-border e-commerce platforms, AliExpress and Trendyol, have emerged as key growth drivers, with revenues soaring nearly 29% to $4.5 billion in the most recent quarter, led by the strong performance of initiatives such as the AliExpress Choice program which offers free shipping and other services. Growth in the international business could help soften the weakness in China in the interim. Alibaba is also adjusting its broader e-commerce strategy to emulate value-focused competitors like Pinduoduo.
While Alibaba’s cloud computing business saw a slowdown post the Covid-19 pandemic due to waning demand for computing power associated with remote work, and remote education, things have been getting better. Over the last quarter, the company’s Cloud Intelligence Group has returned to growth, with sales rising 7% year-over-year to 29.6 billion yuan ($4.2 billion), driven by strong public cloud growth and a triple-digit increase in AI-related product revenue. There’s a possibility that the company’s AI initiatives could potentially see backing from the Chinese government, amid U.S. restrictions on advanced semiconductor chip exports to China and the growing geopolitical importance of AI. In the AI space, Alibaba is developing open-source large language models, allowing developers greater flexibility to build custom solutions using its technology. This strategy could encourage developers to adopt Alibaba’s cloud services for deploying these models.
Notably, BABA stock has performed worse than the broader market in each of the last 4 years. Returns for the stock were -49% in 2021, -26% in 2022, -11% in 2023, and 12% in 2024. The Trefis High Quality Portfolio, with a collection of 30 stocks, is less volatile. And it has comfortably outperformed the S&P 500 over the last 4-year period. Why is that? As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks provided better returns with less risk versus the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster ride as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics. Given the current uncertain macroeconomic environment around rate cuts and multiple wars, could BABA face a similar situation as it did in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and underperform the S&P over the next 12 months – or will it see a recovery?
We estimate Alibaba’s valuation at about $108 per share – indicating a 27% upside from the market price of about $85 per share. See our analysis of Alibaba revenues for more details on how Alibaba’s revenues are likely to trend.
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China’s Tech Giant At A Discount: What’s Holding Alibaba Back?Alibaba, the e-commerce giant founded by Jack Ma, is often referred to as the “Amazon of China.” With a market cap of over $500 billion, it is one of the largest tech companies in the world. However, despite its impressive growth and dominance in the Chinese market, Alibaba’s stock price has recently been trading at a discount compared to its peers.
So, what’s holding Alibaba back? There are a few factors at play.
First, regulatory challenges in China have been a major concern for Alibaba. The Chinese government has been cracking down on tech companies, including Alibaba, for various reasons such as antitrust violations and data privacy concerns. This has led to increased scrutiny and potential fines for Alibaba, which has weighed on its stock price.
Second, competition in the e-commerce space in China is fierce. While Alibaba has been the dominant player for many years, it faces stiff competition from other tech giants like JD.com and Pinduoduo. These competitors have been gaining market share and putting pressure on Alibaba’s growth prospects.
Lastly, concerns about Jack Ma’s influence and involvement in the company have also impacted Alibaba’s stock price. Ma’s outspoken nature and clashes with Chinese regulators have raised questions about his leadership and the company’s future direction.
Despite these challenges, many analysts believe that Alibaba’s long-term growth prospects remain strong. The company’s diverse business model, strong brand recognition, and expanding international presence are all positive factors that could drive future growth.
Investors looking for a tech giant at a discount may see Alibaba as an attractive opportunity, but it’s important to consider the risks and challenges the company faces in the current market environment. Only time will tell if Alibaba can overcome these obstacles and continue its impressive growth trajectory.
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China’s “Artificial Sun” Breaks New Record In Longest Sustained Ultra-Hot Plasma
The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), known as the “Artificial Sun”, is China’s cutting-edge fusion reactor. Over the last several years, it has consistently broken fusion records, and it can now add a new one to its collection: the longest sustained ultra-hot plasma. They kept it going for 1,066 seconds – that’s 17 minutes and 46 seconds of plasma well beyond 100 million degrees.
As reported by Xinhua, the Chinese state media agency, the achievement happened on Monday, January 20, 2025, led by researchers from the Institute of Plasma Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Back in May 2023, EAST had achieved its previous record of 403 seconds for its ultra-hot plasma. The temperature of this was in the past defined as over 160 million degrees Celsius (288 million degrees Fahrenheit), although if this was the temperature achieved this time it has not yet been disclosed.
EAST previously sustained a plasma of 120 million degrees Celsius (216 million degrees Fahrenheit) for an incredible 1,056 seconds back on December 30, 2021, so no matter which temperature was reached above the 100 million degree mark, the new record is the officially longest sustained ultra-hot plasma. This demonstration is an important step forward in fusion reactors becoming a consistent energy source.
These temperatures are much higher than the cores of stars where fusion is constantly happening. Stars can count on the pressure to hold hydrogen (usually) together so it can fuse at a lower temperature. The hydrogen or helium in reactors has a much lower density, so the plasma needs higher temperatures and it needs to be kept going for a long time – otherwise, you are not going to get the consistent output you’d want from a commercial power plant.
“A fusion device must achieve stable operation at high efficiency for thousands of seconds to enable the self-sustaining circulation of plasma, which is critical for the continuous power generation of future fusion plants,” Song Yuntao, ASIPP director, told Xinhua.
China is a member of the ITER collaboration, together with the European Union, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. The full-scale nuclear fusion power plant was expected to see its first plasma later this year, but it is now expected for 2034. Experimental reactors such as EAST, as well as many others across the world, are constantly refining what ITER is going to be like when it opens.
[H/T: Xinhua]
China’s “Artificial Sun” Breaks New Record In Longest Sustained Ultra-Hot PlasmaChina’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as the “artificial sun,” has achieved a new milestone by sustaining ultra-hot plasma at a record-breaking temperature of 120 million degrees Celsius for 101 seconds.
This breakthrough in nuclear fusion technology brings us one step closer to harnessing the power of the sun to generate clean and limitless energy. The sustained high-temperature plasma is a crucial step towards achieving nuclear fusion, which has the potential to revolutionize the world’s energy landscape.
The success of EAST highlights China’s commitment to advancing nuclear fusion research and its position as a global leader in the field. With further advancements in this technology, we may soon see a future where clean and sustainable energy is readily available to all.
The record-breaking achievement of China’s “artificial sun” is a testament to the power of human innovation and the endless possibilities of scientific research. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the dream of harnessing the power of the sun may soon become a reality.
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Trump says he discussed ‘balancing’ TikTok with China’s Xi Jinping as platform faces US ban
Incoming President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social he discussed “balancing” TikTok with China’s President Xi Jinping in a phone call on Friday.
Trump’s post came just minutes before the Supreme Court on Friday rejected TikTok’s appeal to overturn a ban on the social media platform set to begin Jan. 19, just one day before Trump’s inauguration.
“The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A.,” Trump wrote.
“It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately,” Trump added. “We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!”
The president-elect told CNN anchor Pamela Brown in reaction to Friday’s court ruling that the ban “ultimately goes up to me, so you’re going to see what I’m going to do.”
“Congress has given me the decision, so I’ll be making the decision,” he added.
To be sure, US presidents do not have the power to overturn Supreme Court rulings. But as Yahoo Finance’s Alexis Keenan has reported, Trump could try to push Congress to repeal the law or try delaying it from taking effect.
The AP reported Friday that President Biden does not plan to enforce the ban on TikTok.
Trump promised on the campaign trail to “save” TikTok from a US ban — which was put into place by an April law signed by Biden. The law said TikTok, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, must be sold to a US owner or face a ban on operating in the country, citing national security concerns.
Trump’s pro-TikTok rhetoric is a reversal from his stance during his first term as president, in which he made an executive order attempting to ban the platform.
His potential strategies to rescue the social media platform aren’t guaranteed to succeed. One viable solution could be found in the hands of Trump ally Elon Musk, whose own social media company X could buy TikTok from ByteDance.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew plans to join other Big Tech CEOs at Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Trump’s discussion of “balancing” trade with Xi also follows some mixed messaging on his plans to stick new tariffs on Chinese goods.
Trump said during his campaign he plans to impose tariffs of 60% or higher on Chinese imports, but a more recent post on Truth Social from the incoming president said he’d enact less severe, additional 10% tariffs on existing duties on Chinese goods.
In a recent development, President Trump has revealed that he had a discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the ‘balancing’ of TikTok, the popular social media platform. This conversation comes as TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States over national security concerns.Trump’s comments suggest that he is trying to find a middle ground with China in order to prevent a complete shutdown of TikTok in the US. The President has previously expressed concerns about the app’s data collection practices and its potential ties to the Chinese government.
It remains to be seen how this discussion will impact the future of TikTok in the US, as the Trump administration continues to push for the sale of the app’s US operations to an American company. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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Trump, China’s Xi speak on phone ahead of inauguration
President-elect Trump confirmed Friday that he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping days before Trump will be inaugurated into office.
“I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A.,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!”
China’s state news agency Xinhua had first reported the call, which comes three days before Inauguration Day.
TIKTOK CEO TO ATTEND INAUGURATION WITH FRONT-ROW SEAT AT TRUMP’S INVITE
Trump had extended an invitation to Xi to attend the inauguration ceremony on Monday. Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Digital last month Trump hopes to create “an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and our competitors, too.”
Xi declined to attend, but he is sending one of his top representatives, Vice President Han Zheng, to Washington, D.C. in his stead.
China’s foreign ministry made the announcement Friday morning before the two leaders spoke, the South China Morning Post reported.
“We stand ready to work with the new US government to enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly pursue a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship, and find the right way for the two countries to get along,” the ministry said.
XI JINPING WARNS TRUMP US WOULD ‘LOSE FROM CONFRONTATION’ WITH CHINA AS RENEWED TRADE WAR LOOMS
On the campaign trail, Trump threatened to slap steep tariffs on Chinese-made products, renewing fears of a trade war once he assumes office. Now questions abound whether Trump will keep that promise amid deteriorating U.S. relations with Beijing.
China has been threatening U.S. allies like the Philippines, Japan and Taiwan in the South China Sea. They’ve been accused of sending Chinese nationals to spy on U.S. military bases and sent what was believed to be a surveillance balloon across the U.S.
While Trump ushered in an era of steep trade competition and increased support for Taiwan in his first term, President Biden did not necessarily warm the relationship.
REPUBLICANS PROPOSE BILL THAT WOULD DOUBLE TARIFFS ON CHINESE IMPORTS AND END FAVORED TRADE STATUS
Trump increased duties by at least 10% during his first term on over $300 billion worth of goods. Biden did not lift those tariffs.
That was on top of export controls on a variety of items that started under Trump and furthered under Biden.
If Trump successfully raises tariffs to 60%, it could reduce China’s exports by $200 billion and cause a one percentage point drag on GDP, said Zhu Baoliang, a former chief economist at China’s economic planning agency, at a Citigroup conference.
Last year, China exported about $500 billion worth of goods to the U.S., about 15% of all of its exports.
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Officials with the Trump transition team have reportedly been in talks with the Chinese government ahead of Trump’s inauguration. Trump said earlier this month that he thought he and Xi would “probably get along very well.”
Xi had called Trump in November to congratulate him on his election win and had warned the U.S. would “gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation” with China.
Fox News Digital’s Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.
In a recent phone call, President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed a range of issues, including the upcoming inauguration of Joe Biden. Despite their recent tensions, the two leaders reportedly had a cordial conversation, with Trump expressing his gratitude for their cooperation during his time in office.The call comes at a critical time as Biden prepares to take office and reshape US-China relations. It is unclear what impact this conversation will have on the future of the two countries’ relationship, but it is clear that Trump and Xi have laid the groundwork for a smooth transition.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. #Trump #Xi #Inauguration
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#Trump #Chinas #speak #phone #ahead #inaugurationTrump holds ‘very good’ phone call with China’s President Xi
CNN
—
Donald Trump said he held a “very good” phone call with China’s President Xi Jinping, as the US-president elect prepares to return to the White House next week.
“I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. “It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately.”
Trump said the pair discussed trade, fentanyl, TikTok and other subjects, and that the call was “very good” for both countries.
“President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!” he wrote.
In a readout from China’s Foreign Ministry, Xi said he and Trump “attach great importance to mutual interactions,” and “hope for a good start of the China-US relationship” during Trump’s second term.
The phone call, believed to be the first between the pair since Trump left office after his first term, comes during a tense moment in Washington-Beijing relations.
Swiftly after the call, the US Supreme Court ruled that a controversial ban on TikTok can take effect on Sunday, rejecting an appeal from the popular app that claimed the ban violated the First Amendment.
Earlier, China’s Foreign Ministry said that Xi would skip Trump’s inauguration on Monday. Instead, Vice President Han Zheng will attend the ceremony in Washington, DC, as Xi’s special representative.
Xi sent Trump a message of congratulations after his reelection in November, telling him that the US and China “stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,” and said he hoped the two countries could find a way ‘to get along with each other.”
In an interview with NBC following his reelection, Trump said he got along “very well” with Xi during his time in office.
But Trump’s rhetoric has not always been so amicable. As a candidate, Trump pledged to slap 60% tariffs on all goods coming in from China. As president-elect, he has tempered his claims, threatening to raise tariffs on Chinese goods by an additional 10% until Beijing prevents the flow of illegal drugs to the US.
Trump’s cabinet picks also comprise several prominent China hawks, including Marco Rubio, tapped for secretary of state and currently sanctioned by Beijing, and Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host tapped for defense secretary who has warned China is bent on defeating the US and achieving global domination.
A complicating factor, however, is Elon Musk, the billionaire founder of the electric vehicle giant Tesla, which makes more than half its cars in China. Musk is often invited to meet Chinese officials on his trips there.
Echoing some of Beijing’s talking points, Musk has previously said the two countries can maintain a “win-win” relationship, in a sharp break from Trump’s more zero-sum attitude.
Despite pointing to the prospects for cooperation, Xi told Trump that it is “natural for two big countries with different national conditions to have some disagreements,” singling out “the Taiwan question.”
Beijing has repeatedly stressed that it views Taiwan as a breakaway territory that must be “unified” with the mainland, and that it is willing to use force if necessary.
Trump was seen as a friend to Taiwan during his first term, but his rhetoric has since hardened. On the campaign trail, Trump claimed the self-ruling democracy should pay the US more for “protection” and that it had “stolen” America’s chip business.
Former President Donald Trump recently had a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which he described as “very good” and productive. The call took place amid escalating tensions between the two countries over issues such as trade, technology, and human rights.During the call, Trump and Xi reportedly discussed a wide range of topics, including the ongoing trade war, the situation in Hong Kong, and North Korea. Trump also reportedly praised Xi for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite criticism from many quarters about China’s initial response to the outbreak.
The call comes at a time when relations between the United States and China are at a low point, with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat tariffs and other measures. Many analysts see the call as a positive development, as it could potentially pave the way for improved relations between the two superpowers.
However, it remains to be seen whether the call will lead to any concrete outcomes or if it was simply a gesture of goodwill between the two leaders. In any case, the fact that Trump described the call as “very good” is likely to be seen as a positive sign by many observers.
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Trump speaks with China’s Xi, says leaders will make world ‘more peaceful’ | Donald Trump News
‘It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together,’ the incoming US president says after a call with Xi Jinping.
United States President-elect Donald Trump says he had a “good” phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, suggesting that Washington and Beijing will work to resolve various issues going forward.
The call on Friday came three days before Trump — who has pledged to impose steep tariffs of up to 60 percent on Chinese imports — returns to the White House.
Trump’s trade policies may deteriorate the already tense ties between the US and China. High tariffs on Chinese goods could raise prices for US consumers, harm China’s economy and set off a trade war between the two countries.
But the incoming US president expressed optimism about the future of the relationship with China.
“It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects,” Trump wrote in a social media post.
“President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe.”
The US Congress passed a bill last year to ban the video platform TikTok, which is owned by a Chinese parent company, citing perceived concerns about privacy and content manipulation.
But Trump aides have suggested that the president-elect is assessing options to save the popular platform from the federal ban.
Ties between Beijing and Washington have soured over numerous points of tension in recent years, including trade issues, the status of Taiwan, claims to the South China Sea and an ongoing US push to curb Chinese influence in the Asia Pacific region.
During his first term, Trump centred the competition with China in his foreign policy, often complaining that Beijing’s trade policies were unfair.
Washington has a significant trade deficit with Beijing. Last year, Chinese exports to the US totalled around $401bn, while its imports from the US amounted to $130bn.
Trump’s successor Joe Biden also prioritised the competition with China and tried to deepen US ties with allies in the Asia Pacific.
Over the past two years, the US has accused China of cyberattacks and flying a spy balloon over the country, allegations that Beijing has rejected.
In the most recent US National Security Strategy — a document produced every four years outlining the country’s international interests — the Biden administration called Beijing the “most consequential geopolitical challenge” for Washington.
It added that the US is “in the middle of a strategic competition to shape the future of the international order”.
Trump has appointed many China hawks to his incoming administration, including naming Senator Marco Rubio — who is under Chinese sanctions — to be his secretary of state, the top US diplomat.
During a Senate confirmation hearing earlier this week, Rubio called China the “biggest threat” to US prosperity.
“If we don’t change course, we are going to live in [a] world where much of what matters to us on a daily basis from our security to our health will be dependent on whether the Chinese allow us to have it or not,” he said.
Still, US and Chinese officials often stress that they are not seeking another Cold War.
“We view and handle China-US relations in line with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation put forward by President Xi Jinping, and resolutely safeguard our own sovereignty, security, and development interests,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters on Thursday.
In a recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, former President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-China relations, stating that the two leaders will work together to make the world a more peaceful place.During the call, Trump and Xi discussed a range of issues, including trade, the coronavirus pandemic, and regional security. Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with China, while also highlighting the need for fair and reciprocal trade agreements.
Trump’s positive remarks about Xi and China come as a surprise to many, given his past criticism of the country’s trade practices and human rights record. However, Trump has been known to have a cordial relationship with Xi, and has often praised him for his leadership.
In a statement following the call, Trump said, “President Xi and I have a great relationship, and we will continue to work together to make the world a more peaceful and prosperous place for all.”
The phone call between Trump and Xi is seen as a positive step towards improving relations between the two countries, which have been strained in recent years. Many hope that the leaders’ commitment to cooperation and dialogue will lead to a more stable and peaceful world.
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Trump and China’s Xi discuss TikTok, trade, fentanyl, president-elect says
President Donald Trump talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping as Xi arrives for dinner at the start of their summit at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. April 6, 2017.
Carlos Barria | Reuters
President-elect Donald Trump said he spoke on the phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday about TikTok, fentanyl, trade and more.
“The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A.,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
“It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately,” said the president-elect, who is set to be sworn into office on Monday.
“We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!” Trump wrote.
Xi after the call said that he and Trump both expressed hope for greater progress in U.S.-China relations, Reuters reported, citing the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Trump’s talk with Xi about TikTok came shortly before the Supreme Court upheld a federal law that will effectively ban the popular video-sharing app in the U.S.
The law is set to take effect Sunday. It is unclear how Trump, who has credited TikTok with helping him defeat Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 election, will handle the impending ban.
In a recent phone call, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed a range of issues, including the popular social media app TikTok, trade relations, and the opioid crisis in America.The conversation comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, with the Trump administration threatening to ban TikTok over national security concerns and imposing tariffs on Chinese goods. However, both leaders expressed a desire to work together on resolving these issues.
President-elect Joe Biden, who will take office in January, praised the discussion as a positive step towards improving relations between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of addressing trade imbalances and cracking down on the flow of fentanyl from China to the United States.
As the transition of power continues, it remains to be seen how the incoming administration will approach these complex issues with China. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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Vanuatu’s caretaker PM expresses appreciation for China’s assistance
Mao Ning
In response to a question about China’s disaster relief assistance following the earthquake in Vanuatu, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Thursday that after the earthquake, China immediately extended emergency humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu.
To better support Vanuatu’s disaster relief work, a chartered plane sent by the Chinese government carrying emergency disaster relief supplies arrived in Vanuatu’s capital city Port Vila on Thursday, Mao said.
This shipment, weighing approximately 35 tonnes and 235 cubic meters in volume, includes tents, folding beds, water purification equipment, solar lights, emergency food provisions, medical supplies and so on. Chinese post-disaster assessment engineers have been carrying out intensive work in Vanuatu, providing support to the local government and people of Vanuatu in their efforts to respond to the disaster, Mao said. China and Vanuatu are good friends, good partners and good brothers that support each other in overcoming difficulties. China will continue to do what we can to help with the relief and reconstruction effort in light of the damage and the need of Vanuatu. We believe the people of Vanuatu will overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homes soon, Mao added.
“We deeply understand that the recent earthquake has caused significant damage,” said Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu Li Minggang at the handover ceremony on Thursday as the emergency relief supplies from the Chinese government arrived in Port Vila, adding that China will always stand together with Vanuatu to assist the country, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Also attending the event, Vanuatu’s caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai expressed the country’s appreciation for China’s assistance, and said it will support Vanuatu’s recovery process going forward.
Previously, four experts from the Institute of Engineering Mechanics at the China Earthquake Administration (CEA) arrived in Port Vila on Monday. Their mission is to conduct post-earthquake assessments following the earthquake. This effort comes at the request of the Vanuatu government and is part of a coordinated deployment by the CEA and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the institute’s official WeChat account.
On Tuesday, the CEA team held a working meeting with Vanuatu’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities. During the meeting, they shared China’s expertise in post-earthquake rescue and structural assessments, reviewed the overall earthquake damage in Vanuatu, and finalized plans for the next phase of work. The team also inspected and assessed the structural and non-structural damage to several government buildings.
The expert team will stay in Vanuatu for eight days to assist the Vanuatu government and Chinese-funded enterprises in the country in conducting safety assessments of damaged buildings and bridges, as well as carrying out scientific investigation of earthquake damage in the disaster-affected areas, according to the Institute of Engineering Mechanics at the CEA.
Mao previously said that this was the first time China has urgently dispatched a disaster assessment team of experts to a Pacific island country.
A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila on December 17, killing at least 14 people, injuring more than 200 and severely damaging the city’s infrastructure, according to Xinhua.
Global Times
Vanuatu’s caretaker Prime Minister, Bob Loughman, has expressed his gratitude towards China for their assistance in various development projects in the Pacific island nation.In a recent statement, Loughman praised China for its ongoing support in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He highlighted the importance of the strong partnership between Vanuatu and China, stating that it has greatly benefited the people of Vanuatu.
Loughman also acknowledged China’s contributions to Vanuatu’s disaster response efforts, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters such as cyclones and earthquakes. He commended China for its quick and effective response in providing aid and assistance to those in need.
Overall, Loughman emphasized the positive impact of China’s assistance on Vanuatu’s development and expressed his appreciation for the continued support from the Chinese government. He reaffirmed Vanuatu’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with China and working together towards a brighter future for both countries.
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Vanuatu, caretaker PM, China, assistance, international relations, diplomatic relations, Pacific region, aid, support, gratitude, government support
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