Panama Court Ruling Triggers China Warning And Arbitration Over Canal Port Contracts

A Panama Canal port dispute erupted into an international standoff after Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that the concession contracts for two key container terminals at the Panama Canal, held by a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd., are unconstitutional. The ruling has prompted a stern warning from China and triggered international arbitration proceedings...

Canada Pursues Strategic Partnership on China Trade Mission

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney initiated a high-stakes China trade mission on 14 January 2026, marking the first visit by a Canadian Head of Government to the nation since 2017. Arriving in Beijing with a delegation of five government ministers, the Prime Minister met with senior officials of the People’s Republic of China to recalibrate bilateral relations...

China Exports Beat Forecasts in 2025

China’s export activity in 2025 surpassed market forecasts, contributing to a record annual trade surplus of about 1,2$ trillion, even against a backdrop of external tariffs and geopolitical tensions. Exports to major markets expanded, while demand for high-value commodities, including rare earth elements, supported robust shipment volumes. Data indicate that exports to the European Union...

China–Japan Export Ban on Dual Use Goods Deepens Tensions

China has imposed an export ban on dual-use goods to Japan following diplomatic friction linked to security issues and political statements concerning Taiwan. The measure, announced by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, restricts exports of goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes when destined for military-related use. Beijing...

Jimmy Lai Found Guilty of Collusion and Sedition in Landmark Hong Kong National Security Trial

HONG KONG — The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has delivered a guilty verdict against media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying on charges of colluding with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious material. The judgment, handed down on 15 December 2025 by a panel of three designated national security judges, marks...

China-Japan Tensions Escalate: Island Clashes, Factory Closures and Calls for Mediation

Tokyo/Beijing — Diplomatic and military friction between China and Japan has intensified significantly this week, marked by a maritime confrontation over disputed islands, the high-profile closure of a major Japanese factory in China and urgent diplomatic maneuvering involving France and South Korea. Maritime Clash in the East China Sea On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the...