ICAS Bulletin (online ISSN 2836-3418, print ISSN 2836-340X) is published every other week throughout the year at 1919 M St NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036.
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– In response to escalating trade tensions, a Spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the U.S. tariffs.
– It is reported by the U.S. media that Washington and Beijing are exploring a potential June summit between Trump and Xi, aiming to improve relations amid escalating trade tensions, while Chinese officials declined to comment on the issue.
– U.S.-China tariff talks remain stalled at lower diplomatic levels, frustrating both sides as economic pressures mount. Progress is limited, with no clear timeline for resolving trade disputes.
– President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico and raised Chinese tariffs to 20% on March 4, 2025, triggering retaliatory measures. The move has shaken markets and is expected to drive up consumer prices on essentials like food, electronics, and gasoline.
– China is imposing new tariffs of up to 15% on U.S. agricultural exports, including soybeans and pork, starting March 10, 2025, in retaliation for U.S. tariff hikes. The move escalates trade tensions, affecting farmers and global markets.
– China has warned the U.S. that it is ready to engage in any type of war in response to President Trump’s growing tariffs. The statement, issued during China’s National People’s Congress in March 2025, comes as the country increases its defense spending and maintains a focus on economic growth, despite the rising tensions with the U.S.
Associated News References:
“China’s Tariffs on U.S. Agricultural Products Take Effect” The New York Times, March 11
“U.S., China Discuss a Trump-Xi Summit for June” The Wall Street Journal, March 10
“US-China Tariff Talks Stuck at Lower Levels, Stoking Frustration” Bloomberg, March 10
“China Says It Is Ready For ‘any Type Of War’ With Us” BBC, March 5
“China And Canada Immediately Retaliate Against Trump’s Tariffs. Mexico Is Next” CNN, March 4
”China Slaps Extra Tariffs Of Up To 15% On Imports Of Major Us Farm Exports And Adds Trade Limits“ APNews, March 4
–Trump’s looming reciprocal tariffs and strained relations with Ukraine have made Europe question the U.S.’s reliability.
– President Trump expressed optimism about upcoming Ukraine peace talks ahead of discussions in Saudi Arabia. The talks are expected to focus on reaching a ceasefire agreement with Russia, with Trump anticipating positive outcomes.
– Amid Trump’s shift on the Ukraine war, Europe is also seeking to step up efforts to play peacekeeping role in the conflict.
– Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin warns that China stands to gain the most from President Trump’s foreign policy shift, including closer U.S.-Russia ties. This could expand China’s influence in Europe as traditional alliances weaken.
Associated News References:
“Trump’s Spat With Ukraine Opens Door for China in Europe” Newsweek, March 11
“Europe’s Armies Review a Peacekeeping Role in Ukraine” The New York Times, March 11
“Trump Says Us Has “Just About” Ended Pause On Ukraine Intel Sharing” Reuters, March 10
“Ex-Ukraine Foreign Minister Predicts China Is ‘main Beneficiary’ Of Trump Foreign Policy” South China Morning Post, March 4
–China’s electric vehicle industry continues to expand globally, especially as U.S. clean energy policies under President Trump reverse course, creating challenges for U.S. automakers.
– The U.S. has reduced funding for Arctic science, which may provide China with an opportunity to increase its influence in Arctic research. This shift is related to climate cooperation, as the Arctic plays an impactful role in global climate change studies, and China’s increased presence could reshape international collaboration on climate science and policy.
– China announced major renewable energy projects, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060. These efforts are part of the country’s broader strategy to reduce emissions and transition to clean energy.
– China has emerged as a leader in clean energy technologies, outpacing global competitors in solar, wind, and electric vehicles, with its aggressive government policies and low manufacturing costs fueling rapid growth. This shift, which began in the 2010s, continues as China dominates key raw materials for green energy, securing its role as a central player in the future of global energy markets.
– COP30 President-Designate Andre Aranha Correa do Lago says China’s leadership in climate action is increasingly vital, especially in renewable energy. Its role in solar panel production has driven global adoption and lowered costs for developing nations.
Associated News References:
“Current Climate: China’s EV Edge Accelerates As U.S. Goes Into Reverse” Forbes, March 10
“The US Steps Back From Arctic Science, Paves Way for China” High North News, March 7
“China Announces Plans For Major Renewable Projects To Tackle Climate Change” Reuters, March 5
“How China Came To Dominate The World In Renewable Energy” The Washington Post, March 3
“China Plays Key Role On Climate Change, May Be Looked To For Additional Leadership, Cop30 President Says”, Reuters, February 27
–The U.S. has strained relations with South Africa through political disagreements, including criticisms of land reform and foreign policy. As a result, South Africa has turned to China for economic ties, capitalizing on China’s trade investments without the political demands of the U.S.
– The U.S.-China trade dynamic is undergoing significant shifts, with China expanding its trade relations with regions like Africa and Latin America, while also realigning its trade routes towards Asia. This change impacts global supply chains and challenges U.S. strategic influence in these regions.
– China’s expanding trade dominance in South America, particularly with Argentina, is diminishing U.S. influence in the region. This shift marks a significant challenge to President Trump’s strategic interest.
– The administration’s strategy in competing with China and engaging globally could inadvertently pave the way for an increase in Beijing’s influence.
Associated News References:
“How Trump Created a South African Team of Rivals” Foreign Policy, March 10
“Maps Showing China’s Growing Influence In Africa Distort Reality – But Some Risks Are Real” The Conversation, March 4
”Sanctions And The Geopolitics Of Trade“ GIS Reports, March 4
“China Trade Surge Poses Challenge For Trump’s South America Influence” Reuters, March 3
“Trump’s Foreign Policy Could Accelerate China’s Advance in Latin America” The Diplomat, February 28
–Chinese officials announced that they may introduce additional stimulus measures if economic growth weakens further, in response to deflation risks and U.S. tariffs.
– China is targeting a 5% growth rate for 2025, as announced during the National People’s Congress. This goal reflects the country’s focus on economic resilience amid ongoing trade tensions and challenges.
– China has opened its telecom sector to 13 foreign companies, a move aimed at boosting technological development and attracting investment.
– China’s economic challenges, including weak growth, deflation, and a struggling housing market, are drawing comparisons to Japan’s “lost decades” of stagnation. Economists argue that without sufficient fiscal stimulus, China risks falling into a similar long-term economic slump, with lessons from Japan’s policy missteps providing key insights for Beijing’s next steps.
Associated News References:
“China Is Ending Its Annual Congress With Questions Open Over How To Revive Its Slowing Economy? AP News, March 11
“China’s $41 Billion Plan To Boost Consumption Is Just A Start As Deflationary Pressures Deepen” CNBC, March 10
“Chinese Officials Say More Stimulus Possible If Growth Slowed” Reuters, March 6
“China’s Parliament Opens With Confidence About The Economy Despite Tariffs, Headwinds” NPR, March 5
“China Opens Up Its Vast Telecoms Sector To 13 Foreign Companies” South China Morning Post, February 28
“Trump is targeting China-made containerships in new flank of global economic war on the oceans” CNBC, March 11
“China, Iran and Russia hold joint naval drills in Mideast as tensions rise between Tehran and US” ABC News, March 11
“Missouri plans to seize assets to make China pay a $24.5 billion judgment, but can it collect?” AP News, March 10
“’Major Powers Should Not Bully The Weak’, China Foreign Minister Says” Reuters, March 7
“Chinese Ports in Panama Come Under New Management” CSIS, March 6
“China Research On Next-Generation Computer Chips Is Double The Us Output” Nature, March 3
Zhao Long on the Arctic: China
February 21, 2025
Following the first interview on “Canada and the Arctic,” Dr. Nong Hong, Executive Director and Senior Fellow at ICAS, conducted an in-depth discussion on February 21, 2025, with Dr. Zhao Long, a prominent Arctic expert from China.
As a key stakeholder in the Arctic, China has drawn significant attention for its evolving role in the region. This insightful interview explored several critical topics, including China’s Arctic policy, its relationships with the five Arctic littoral states—particularly the United States and Canada—and its role in ocean governance, among other issues.
Rolling Back Climate Policies Won’t Solve Industrial Struggles, and Better Solutions Exist
By Zhangchen Wang
March 11, 2025
Therefore, rather than rolling back climate-oriented rules, governments should focus on measures that strengthen their industries’ competitiveness in a decarbonized economy—whether through investment in research and development, targeted policy incentives, public-private partnership, or international collaboration to advance technology. The experience of countries like China, which has successfully expanded its EV sector while maintaining ambitious emissions policies, demonstrates that industrial competitiveness and strong climate regulations are not mutually exclusive. The Chinese government has consistently facilitated EV development through measures such as tax breaks and infrastructure investments, enabling automakers like BYD and Li Auto to achieve domestic success while also emerging as global leaders.
Thus, instead of reversing course, the EU should also look to successful models and strengthen their industries within the emission reduction framework. One key approach is to expand policy incentives that stimulate both consumer and corporate adoption of EV. The European Commission’s plan to phase out tax breaks for fossil fuel-powered corporate cars is a positive step, considering that corporate fleets make up around 60% of new car registrations in the EU. Additionally, discussions around pan-European subsidies to boost EV demand signal a growing recognition of the need for streamlined incentives across member states. Another critical strategy is strengthening international partnerships, particularly with established EV industry leaders. Given Europe’s current gaps in technology and production capacity, closer collaboration with China’s advanced EV sector could help accelerate industrial development. Some European companies have already recognized this potential—such as France’s Orano partnering with China’s XTC New Energy Materials to produce EV battery components, a €1.5 billion joint investment expected to create 1,700 jobs and strengthen Europe’s EV supply chain. This is a positive step, and more joint initiatives should follow—not only in battery production but also in the development and manufacturing of finished EVs. Expanding cooperation between European and Chinese automakers would allow both sides to leverage their strengths—Europe’s automotive expertise and demand for climate-friendly vehicles and China’s leadership in cost-effective EV production—to create competitive, high-quality electric vehicles for the global market.
On Sunday, March 9, 2025, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was interviewed by CGTN America on China’s growth target set at the Two Sessions meeting.
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Research Associate Yilun Zhang was interviewed by GD Today on China’s economic outlook and its focus on innovation.
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was quoted by China Daily on China’s annual Two Sessions.
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was interviewed by CGTN America on China’s foreign policy priorities in 2025 and the Two Sessions meeting.
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was interviewed by TRT World on China’s economy amid the Two Sessions.
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was interviewed by CGTN America regarding the opening meeting of the Two Sessions in Beijing.
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was interviewed by CGTN America to discuss the Two Sessions meeting.
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was interviewed by CGTN America to discuss the U.S. imposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
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