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US-China Geopolitical Competition
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Japan and the US begin joint military exercises near southwestern islands
On Monday, Japan and the U.S. launched the biennial Keen Sword 27 military exercise, involving 45,000 Japanese troops and 12,000 American service members, with participation from seven other nations including France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The drills focus on the defense of Japan's southwestern islands and northern coasts, featuring the deployment of advanced weaponry such as the Type-25 land-to-ship missile, the NMESIS anti-ship system, and HIMARS. The exercises were initiated amid growing regional tensions involving China, North Korea, and Russia, as well as specific Japanese concerns regarding Chinese military activity in the Pacific and around its southwestern territory.
Chinese car brands featured at Mondial de l'Auto in Paris
Twenty-five Chinese carmakers, including Zeekr, Changan, Denza, and AITO, participated in the 2026 Mondial de l'Auto in Paris, comprising nearly half of the 60 exhibitors present. The event served as a platform for these firms to introduce their models to the European market amid existing trade tensions between China and the EU. These tensions included a new agreement to limit hybrid car exports from China to the EU and the imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports.
United States Views China as a Competitor in Space Development
The United States identified China as a full-spectrum peer competitor in space, as Beijing aggressively developed satellite networks, nuclear-powered moon bases, and space weaponry. While the United States maintained a lead in total satellite numbers—possessing approximately 10 times more than China—and orbital situational awareness, China leveraged a vertically integrated manufacturing base and a commercial sector of over 500 companies to accelerate its launch cadence. In 2025, China conducted 92 space launches compared to 165 by SpaceX alone, reflecting an ongoing technological and industrial rivalry in low Earth orbit.
PLA criticizes Chinese student for wearing Japanese military flag in Russia
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) publicly criticized a Chinese student for wearing a Japanese rising sun flag while in a classroom at a Russian university. The social media account Jun Zhengping, managed by the PLA, described the incident as "egregious" and "shocking." The military body accused the student of whitewashing Japanese militarism, noting that the flag remains a symbol of aggression for many countries, including China. The statement emphasized that advocating for militarism constitutes an offense against human conscience.
The Pentagon and Defense Industrial Base Supply Chain Transparency
The U.S. Department of Defense initiated efforts to gain transparency into its defense industrial base supply chain to address a lack of visibility compared to China's targeted industrial policies. While China utilized precise export controls and licensing requirements to gain strategic advantages, the U.S. historically prioritized lean manufacturing and low-cost supply chains during the post-Cold War era. Following a mandate from Congress, specifically through provisions like Section 857 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, the Department of Defense began exploring partnerships with entities like the Responsible Business Alliance and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance to track critical materials. This shift aimed to move away from previous reliance on market-first solutions that left U.S. defense capabilities vulnerable to supply chain interruptions.
Philippines summons China's envoy over remarks regarding potential conflict
On Monday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to express formal objection to remarks he made to the media the previous week. Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro characterized the ambassador’s comments, in which he claimed China would "easily win" a potential conflict but preferred peace, as "provocative and unacceptable." The incident followed heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where both nations have experienced recurring maritime standoffs. In response, China's foreign ministry accused Philippine individuals of "maliciously hyping" issues and urged the country to restrain its political rhetoric.
Indian chemical firms seek foreign partnerships to enter chip supply chains
Indian chemical companies announced their entry into the semiconductor industry, supported by a multibillion-dollar national chip supply chain initiative. Firms sought foreign joint ventures to gain access to necessary purification technology and customer bases, as they currently lack the domestic capacity to meet exacting fabrication standards. While some businesses aimed to supply a Tata Electronics-built fab in Gujarat, others pursued international partnerships to expedite their entry into the market.
China completes construction of US$110 million fishing port in Tanzania
The Chinese government completed the construction of a US$110 million fishing port in Kilwa Masoko, Tanzania, located approximately 300km south of Dar es Salaam. Chinese Ambassador Chen Mingjian confirmed the facility passed its final inspection, marking it as the country's first large-scale modern fishing harbour. The project was designed to accommodate larger vessels, process 60,000 tonnes of fish annually, and facilitate the entry of Tanzanian aquatic products into the Chinese market.
Cancer scientist Wan Fengyi joins Zhejiang University in China
Wan Fengyi, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, transitioned to a full-time chair professorship at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China. Wan is recognized for his research linking brief stomach bugs to an increased risk of colon cancer and is currently based at a national laboratory within the university’s Second Affiliated Hospital. He was one of at least five senior scientists from top-tier US institutions to accept full-time appointments at Zhejiang University this year.
Joseph Wu calls for increased Taiwan-Europe cooperation
Taiwan’s National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu visited Berlin last week to address the Taiwan Forum, where he urged for increased cooperation between Taiwan and Europe regarding security, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. Joined by European Parliament Committee on Security and Defence Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Wu argued that peace in the Taiwan Strait is integral to European economic prosperity and regional security. The discussion highlighted that while Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underscored the interconnectedness of global security, European member states currently lack a unified policy toward China due to varying levels of economic dependence.
Micron Long-Term Deals Amid Concerns Over Chinese Semiconductor Supply
Micron and other memory stocks experienced a decline. This occurred amid concerns regarding the potential impact of increased semiconductor supply from China on the market.
Taiwan's MAC reports four additional individuals missing or detained in China
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council reported that the number of Taiwanese citizens missing, detained, or restricted in China rose to 458 as of mid-October, an increase of four individuals in one week. Straits Exchange Foundation Secretary-General Luo Wen-jia identified that these recent detentions involved followers of the I-Kuan Tao religious group, including individuals who were long-term residents of China. Previously, three other I-Kuan Tao followers were prosecuted under Article 300 of China's Criminal Law and sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to three years in October 2024.
Chinese maritime control a growing issue
Chisako Masuo, a professor at Kyushu University, stated that China is increasingly using maritime law enforcement patrols and gray zone tactics east of Taiwan to exert influence over the western Pacific. The strategy involves integrating fisheries reform, port development, and maritime militia members to challenge the U.S.-led international system. Masuo noted that while Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines share security concerns, cooperation remains limited by a lack of deep mutual understanding and a recent decline in Japanese focus on potential regional contingencies.
Palau reaffirms diplomatic ties with Taiwan, says President Lai
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. reaffirmed his nation's diplomatic ties with Taiwan during the 40th anniversary celebration of the Shin Kong Wu Ho-su Memorial Hospital in Taipei. President William Lai stated that the Palauan government has maintained this support despite what he described as severe pressure and infiltration tactics from Beijing intended to influence Palau's presidential election. Whipps reported that the Chinese government had threatened retaliatory consequences and offered economic incentives, such as tourism and hotel development, in an attempt to persuade Palau to sever its relationship with Taiwan. The diplomatic alignment is reinforced by long-standing medical cooperation, with Shin Kong Hospital having dispatched over 450 professionals to provide more than 15,000 instances of care to Palauan residents since 2007.
Canada's U.S. Treasury debt holdings rise to $465 billion
Canada's holdings of U.S. Treasury debt reached $465 billion in August 2026, a significant increase from $169 billion five years prior. Experts including former Treasury official Brad Setser suggested that this surge reflected China’s practice of using non-U.S. custodial banks in countries like Canada and Belgium to manage its assets. While official U.S. data indicated that China's direct Treasury holdings dropped to a 18-year low of $591 billion, observers noted that these figures often failed to capture securities held in overseas custody accounts. This shifting distribution of assets occurred as China maintained record-breaking trade surpluses despite ongoing geopolitical friction and efforts by Beijing to diversify its reserves.
Pakistan plans 2035 Moon landing and expands space cooperation with China
Pakistan’s planning minister, Ahsan Iqbal, announced a target for a national lunar landing by 2035 and noted that the country’s first astronaut is scheduled to embark on a mission from a Chinese space center on November 25, 2026. The mission, part of an ongoing partnership between Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and the China Manned Space Agency, involves training two candidates, Khurram Daud and Muhammad Zeeshan Ali, for a one-week stint on China’s Tiangong space station. Furthermore, Pakistan plans to contribute a lunar rover featuring AI-based navigation to China's Chang'e-8 mission around 2028. Minister Iqbal also announced the establishment of Pakistan’s first Space Museum at the University of Narowal to bolster scientific education and national interest in space technology.
Think tank urges China to study Pentagon's hi-tech warfare project
The Beijing-based Blue Army Open-Source Intelligence Research Institute issued an analysis urging Chinese officials to study the Pentagon’s recently launched Project Meridian. Project Meridian was created to identify future battlefield requirements and prioritize investments in fields such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, directed energy, robotics, and biotechnology. The think tank recommended that China learn from the project’s approach to inter-domain military assessment, civil-military analysis collaboration, and the alignment of technological development with operational needs. However, the institute also cautioned China to avoid potential conflicts of interest and other shortcomings identified in the U.S. defense review process.
Taiwan reports Chinese vessels conducting maritime operations near its coast
On Sunday, Taiwan’s coast guard reported driving away 16 Chinese vessels, including coast guard, research, and fishing boats, that were involved in coordinated maritime operations around Taiwan’s main island and the Pratas islands. Taipei labeled the maneuvers as “hybrid warfare” and noted that some vessels entered restricted waters in an attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo. This deployment followed a October 1 incident near Pratas where Taiwan used a water cannon against a Chinese recreational fishing vessel, an action that drew an angry response from Beijing.
Samsung to use TSMC technology for Nvidia's next-generation memory chips
Samsung Electronics agreed to utilize TSMC's 3-nanometre manufacturing process to produce base dies for Nvidia's next-generation custom high-bandwidth memory (NVHBM) chips. This decision followed a request from Nvidia for Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology to adopt TSMC’s process for base dies and sixth-generation DRAM technology for core dies. While Samsung accepted these requirements for NVHBM, the company plans to maintain its internal production model for standard HBM and custom products for other clients. This collaboration marks the first instance of Samsung working with the Taiwanese contract chipmaker at the HBM manufacturing stage.
Chinese naval hospital ship visits Conakry
The Chinese PLA Navy hospital ship, the Auspicious Ark, docked in Conakry, Guinea, earlier this month to provide medical services to the local population. The ship offered various treatments, including surgery for cataracts, appendicitis, and hernias, alongside gynecological care. Medical teams also operated at a local hospital and a military camp to address the high demand for free consultations.
Accenture considers sale of Chinese operations for up to $1.5 billion
Accenture has considered the sale of its Chinese operations for a valuation of up to $1.5 billion. The potential divestment involves the company’s business presence within the Chinese market. The news emerged as part of broader reporting on corporate activities within the Asian region.
Former Johns Hopkins expert Qian Jiang joins hospital in Hangzhou, China
Professor Qian Jiang, a former senior eye expert at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University, relocated to China to join Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Hangzhou. During an October 5 ceremony, he announced his intention to pursue research on eye transplants and "virtual cell" computer modeling. Qian stated that he plans to leverage the expertise of specialists at Zhejiang University and its affiliated hospital to translate laboratory research into clinical applications, including new drug development and earlier disease diagnostics.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets Uzbekistan President to discuss cooperation
Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Saturday to discuss strengthening strategic communication and expanding bilateral cooperation. Premier Li called for deeper collaboration across sectors including energy, minerals, finance, connectivity, artificial intelligence, and aerospace. This engagement occurred as Beijing competes with Washington for regional influence in Central Asia.
Indonesian ethnic Chinese traders face increased competition from Chinese manufacturers
Indonesian-Chinese entrepreneur Kevin Stewart reported that factories in China increasingly bypass local traders by selling products directly to the Indonesian market. These manufacturers utilized e-commerce platforms to offer goods at prices sometimes lower than those quoted to local businesses. This shift affected traders like Stewart, who operated home-living and pet-supply companies and previously sourced stock through annual trips to China.
Vanderbilt head discusses AI and US-China rivalry impact on universities
Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier discussed the impact of the U.S.-China technological rivalry on higher education during an interview published on October 18, 2026. Diermeier stated that universities are increasingly required to navigate growing security compliance demands related to high-risk and dual-use technologies. He noted that academic institutions must simultaneously address national security concerns while maintaining the pace of innovation and relevance in the field of artificial intelligence.
US Army commanders discuss land power strategy for the Indo-Pacific
During the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting, General Ron Clark and other senior US commanders discussed the strategic necessity of land-based troops in the Indo-Pacific. General Clark, who oversees more than 107,000 soldiers in the region, identified the “tyranny of distance” as a challenge that limits the effectiveness of air and naval forces alone. This shift in discourse was triggered by concerns regarding China’s advancing military capabilities, which commanders feared could restrict the freedom of operation for American air and naval assets.
Trump to attend Asean summit in Manila
The Philippines confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the ASEAN summit in Manila from November 16 to 18, followed by the APEC summit in Shenzhen. During his visit, Trump was expected to pursue hard bargains on tariffs and critical minerals while maintaining a hawkish stance toward China. His attendance was framed as an opportunity to reassure regional partners of US commitment ahead of an expected meeting with President Xi Jinping.
Chinese electric vehicle imports increase in Astana
Car dealer Auyez Kabdygali transitioned his business in Astana, Kazakhstan, from importing European cars to Chinese electric vehicles to meet rising demand from local and Russian customers. This consumer preference was driven by the competitive price and quality of Chinese models, such as the BYD Han. The shift reflected a broader trend of positive sentiment toward China in Kazakhstan, which residents associated with China's expanding economic footprint and its non-interfering partnership approach. Astana's landscape currently features Chinese-built infrastructure, including a newly opened light rail train.
More Taiwanese traveled to China this year
Taiwanese residents made 2.492 million trips to China during the first eight months of this year, representing a 19.63 percent increase compared to the previous year. This growth occurred despite the Taiwanese government maintaining an orange travel warning—the second-highest level of advisory—for China, Hong Kong, and Macau since June 27, 2024. The Mainland Affairs Council attributed the rise partly to broader increases in outbound travel and higher household wealth driven by Taiwan's economic growth and rising stock prices. While China remained the second-most popular destination for Taiwanese travelers, officials and analysts cited ongoing concerns regarding the potential for detention or restricted movement under China’s national security and entry-exit laws.
Chinese ships enter restricted waters around Pratas: CGA
On Friday afternoon, two China Coast Guard vessels, identified as 3301 and 3303, entered restricted waters surrounding the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) detected the ships southwest of the atoll at 2:00pm, subsequently deploying the Cijin patrol ship and patrol boat PP-10032 to issue warnings and order the vessels to depart. This event marked the 11th operation this year by the CGA to expel Chinese coast guard ships from the area, totaling 14 encounters. The CGA stated that these maneuvers are part of Beijing’s effort to create an appearance of jurisdiction and expand its authority over the islands.
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