Cheng, chair of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), is expected to travel from April 7 to 12, visiting cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Jiangsu, according to party officials.

Outreach contrasts with ruling party stanceThe visit highlights a divergence between the KMT and Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party, led by President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing has refused to engage and labels a “separatist.”

China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and has increased political and military pressure on the island, while continuing to engage with opposition figures seen as more open to dialogue.

Cheng has said improving ties with Beijing does not equate to weakening relations with Washington, stressing the need for stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Timing ahead of Trump visitThe trip comes weeks before Trump is expected to travel to China for talks with Xi, placing Taiwan at the center of broader U.S.-China strategic discussions.

Separately, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is also planning visits to Taiwan and the region ahead of the summit, reflecting Washington’s continued engagement despite tensions with Beijing.

Financial markets are showing signs of diminishing responsiveness to statements by Donald Trump on the conflict involving Iran, as investors weigh inconsistent signals against ongoing geopolitical and economic risks.

Earlier this week, a social media post by Trump describing talks with Iran as “very good and productive” triggered a broad market reaction. Oil prices dropped more than 10%, global equities rallied, the dollar weakened, bond yields fell and gold prices rose, illustrating the sensitivity of asset classes to perceived diplomatic progress.

However, subsequent remarks by Trump extending a deadline for potential U.S. military action against Iranian energy infrastructure to April 6 produced a more muted response. U.S. equities pared losses only slightly, while crude prices stabilised rather than reversing course.

By early Friday, Brent crude had resumed its upward trajectory, trading above $109 per barrel, and S&P futures were again in negative territory.

Market participants appear increasingly cautious amid conflicting narratives from Washington and Tehran. While Trump said Iran had requested a seven-day reprieve, reports citing mediators indicated no such request had been made. Iranian officials have also rejected a 15-point U.S. proposal aimed at ending the conflict.

At the same time, reports suggest the United States may deploy an additional 10,000 troops to the Gulf region, reinforcing concerns that the conflict could escalate even as diplomatic channels remain open.

This divergence has complicated pricing across asset classes, with investors struggling to assess the likelihood of either a near-term resolution or further escalation.

Since the conflict began on February 28, traditional safe-haven assets have not behaved uniformly. U.S. Treasury securities have weakened, reflecting inflation concerns and expectations of a more hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve, alongside signs of strain in government debt markets following a series of weak auctions.

Gold prices have also softened during the period, contrary to typical crisis-driven demand, prompting some investors to reassess assumptions about its role as a hedge during geopolitical shocks.Concerns are also building in private credit markets.

Firms including Ares Management and Apollo Global Management have restricted investor withdrawals from certain funds after an increase in redemption requests, signalling stress in less liquid segments of the financial system.

Despite volatility, some analysts are turning more constructive on U.S. equities, citing expectations of strong earnings growth. Several major banks have raised forecasts for the S&P 500, suggesting resilience in corporate performance even amid geopolitical uncertainty and concerns around artificial intelligence investment cycles.

In energy markets, the oil futures curve continues to indicate expectations of a relatively swift resolution to supply disruptions, despite estimates that as much as 20 million barrels per day could be affected by the conflict and related infrastructure damage.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor, remains central to market dynamics. Investors appear to be pricing in a reopening of the route, although current conditions reflect ongoing disruption.U.S. gasoline prices are approaching $4 per gallon, indicating that domestic consumers are beginning to feel the impact of higher crude prices despite the country’s substantial energy production capacity.

Public sentiment has also weakened. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed only 29% approval for Trump’s handling of the U.S. economy, marking the lowest level recorded for him on this measure.

The effects of the conflict are extending beyond crude markets. Natural gas markets may face more severe disruptions due to limited storage capacity, rigid supply chains and infrastructure constraints, particularly in Europe, which remains heavily dependent on gas imports.

This could force policymakers in Europe to reconsider elements of their climate transition strategies in the near term, as energy security concerns take precedence.

In contrast, the crisis may accelerate the adoption of alternative energy technologies in Asia, especially electric vehicles, where supply chains remain more flexible and policy support is strong.Geopolitical scheduling also reflects expectations around the conflict’s trajectory.

Trump has postponed a planned visit to China to meet Xi Jinping until mid-May, signalling an expectation that the situation may stabilise within weeks rather than days.

Markets remain highly sensitive to developments, but recent price action suggests that investors are placing greater emphasis on concrete developments rather than political messaging alone.

Speaking at the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Taipei, Cheng said her party’s long-standing ties with the United States would remain intact even as it seeks closer engagement with mainland China. “There is no contradiction between the two, and there is no need to choose one over the other,” she said, rejecting criticism that outreach to Beijing would weaken relations with Washington.

Cheng, a former lawmaker who became KMT chair in October, has signalled a stronger push for engagement with Beijing compared to her predecessor Eric Chu, who did not visit China during his tenure starting in 2021. She has expressed interest in meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, though she did not provide details on any potential timeline.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has refused to engage with the government of President Lai Ching-te, whom it labels a separatist. However, Beijing has maintained contacts with senior KMT figures, underscoring the party’s role as an alternative channel for cross-strait communication.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has criticised the KMT’s approach, accusing it of undermining Taiwan’s democracy and aligning too closely with Beijing. Cheng rejected those claims, saying her party supports arms purchases from the United States, though she emphasised that such spending must be carefully evaluated.

The KMT, alongside the smaller Taiwan People’s Party, holds a parliamentary majority, allowing it to influence defence budgets and legislative priorities, including measures related to security cooperation with Washington.

Taiwan’s political parties are preparing for mayoral and county chief elections in November, seen as a key indicator of public sentiment ahead of the 2028 presidential race. Analysts say cross-strait policy and defence spending are likely to remain central campaign issues.

China has intensified military pressure on Taiwan and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control, keeping geopolitical risks elevated in the region.

The Middle East supplied about 57% of China’s direct seaborne crude imports in 2025, equivalent to around 5.9 million barrels per day. Of that volume, roughly 1.4 million barrels per day originated from Iran.However, analysts say China’s large strategic stockpiles give it a cushion against short-term disruptions. Kpler analyst Muyu Xu estimated that China holds about 1.2 billion barrels of crude oil in onshore inventories.Those reserves equal roughly 115 days of China’s seaborne crude imports, providing what Xu described as a “meaningful buffer” that allows the country and its refiners to manage temporary supply shocks and price spikes caused by instability in the region.The scale of those reserves, built up over years of government-directed stockpiling, reduces pressure on Beijing to respond militarily or economically to the crisis.

Diplomatic balancing actChina has expanded its diplomatic footprint in the Middle East in recent years as part of a broader strategy to secure energy supplies and increase geopolitical influence.In 2023, Beijing brokered a landmark agreement restoring diplomatic relations between Iran and Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi Arabia after years of regional rivalry. Tehran later joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a full member, strengthening ties with China and Russia.At the same time, Beijing has sought to maintain stable relations with Gulf energy exporters while avoiding entanglement in regional conflicts.Chinese officials have called for an immediate halt to military operations following the strikes on Iran, urging restraint from all sides. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the priority was preventing further escalation and limiting the spread of conflict across the region.The crisis also comes weeks before a planned summit between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled to begin on March 31 in China.Analysts said the Iran conflict is unlikely to derail the meeting unless Washington moves aggressively to clamp down on Chinese purchases of Iranian oil.Russia seen benefiting from supply shiftsIf oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain disrupted, analysts say alternative suppliers could gain from the market shift.Russia could become a key beneficiary, as its crude exports represent one of the few large-scale alternatives available to Asian buyers seeking to replace Middle Eastern barrels.“Russian barrels are one of the most immediately available alternatives for India and China to replace disrupted Middle Eastern supplies,” Xu said.China’s reliance on imported energy, combined with its diplomatic ties across the Gulf, leaves Beijing walking a careful line as tensions in the region threaten to reshape global oil trade routes.

Despite global economic challenges, the summit emphasized unity, resilience, and mutual growth, setting a hopeful tone for the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

The joint declaration adopted by APEC leaders underlined the importance of shared benefits in trade and the collective responsibility to create a fair and balanced economic order.

The meeting, hosted by South Korea, saw active participation from major economies including China, Japan, and the United States, reflecting a growing determination to strengthen cooperation amid shifting global trade dynamics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and other regional leaders expressed optimism about revitalizing trade partnerships and exploring new opportunities in artificial intelligence, green energy, and demographic innovation.

Xi proposed the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, a visionary step aimed at fostering global collaboration in technology while encouraging ethical AI development.

The summit’s closing remarks highlighted the Asia-Pacific region’s resilience in navigating economic pressures and political complexities.

South Korea’s leadership, under President Lee, demonstrated a balanced diplomatic approach, welcoming China’s cooperation while maintaining constructive ties with the United States.

This approach reinforced the country’s role as a bridge for dialogue, peace, and trade stability in the region.

President Lee Jae-myung expressed confidence that Asia-Pacific nations could overcome current trade disruptions by working together with transparency and mutual trust.

He emphasized that the region must move beyond competition and build frameworks that promote innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable prosperity for all member nations.

China’s participation in the summit carried a message of collaboration and openness, with Xi Jinping reassuring partners that Beijing seeks shared enrichment, not dominance.

His announcement that China will host APEC 2026 in Shenzhen was met with enthusiasm, symbolizing continuity in dialogue and cooperation.

The move is expected to further strengthen ties between Asian economies and accelerate initiatives in digital transformation, clean energy, and cultural exchange.

The meeting also spotlighted South Korea’s growing influence as a regional mediator. President Lee’s vision of “balanced diplomacy” focuses on fostering peaceful engagement, supporting open trade routes, and promoting technological advancement through joint ventures.

His call for deeper collaboration with China on North Korea-related issues underscored South Korea’s dedication to peace and regional stability.

Throughout the summit, leaders discussed key topics including demographic change, digital innovation, and AI-driven economic models.

These forward-looking discussions reflected APEC’s shift toward a future-ready agenda, where technology and sustainability go hand in hand to shape a stronger global economy.

The absence of tension-filled rhetoric and the focus on mutual progress made this year’s summit one of the most constructive in recent memory.

The dialogue between President Xi and President Lee further symbolized a renewed spirit of cooperation. Both leaders expressed interest in expanding cultural, trade, and educational exchanges to deepen understanding and foster goodwill between their nations.

Analysts viewed this as a sign of growing optimism in the Asia-Pacific community despite ongoing geopolitical complexities.

The APEC 2025 Summit ultimately served as a reminder that collaboration and respect for diversity are the true engines of progress.

With countries reaffirming their shared vision for inclusive growth, digital innovation, and sustainability, the region stands poised for a new era of prosperity and partnership.

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Carney’s actions reflected Canada’s dedication to fostering stability, mutual respect, and balanced global trade relationships amid a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

During the summit, Carney addressed a recent political advertisement that had caused tensions between Canada and the United States.

He clarified that he had personally apologized to President Trump for the misunderstanding and emphasized Canada’s respect for its close ally.

By taking personal responsibility and reinforcing dialogue, Carney highlighted his government’s focus on maintaining friendly relations and promoting open communication between Ottawa and Washington.

Carney revealed that the advertisement, which featured a quote from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan about the dangers of tariffs, was not supported by him.

The ad was commissioned by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, but Carney explained that he had opposed its release, demonstrating his leadership in managing political differences while preserving Canada’s diplomatic integrity.

His quick response and willingness to extend an apology helped ease tensions and prevent further disruption in bilateral trade discussions.

At the same time, Carney’s meeting with President Trump during a dinner hosted by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung was described as cordial and positive.

Both leaders exchanged views on trade cooperation, investment opportunities, and mutual goals for regional stability. The interaction was seen as a step toward restoring confidence between the two countries, even as trade negotiations remain paused.

Carney’s diplomatic tour across Asia showcased Canada’s growing ambition to expand economic partnerships beyond North America. In his remarks, he underscored the importance of diversifying Canada’s trade relationships to reduce dependence on a single market.

“It can’t happen overnight, but we’re moving very fast,” Carney said, emphasizing that Canada aims to deepen its engagement with Asia through innovation, investment, and cultural exchange.

A major highlight of Carney’s trip was his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first high-level discussion between the two nations in nearly a decade.

The meeting symbolized a turning point in Canada-China relations after years of strain. Both leaders discussed cooperation in technology, trade, and global security, focusing on rebuilding trust and strengthening collaboration on shared challenges such as climate action and economic growth.

Carney’s diplomatic tone and practical approach drew praise from analysts, who noted that his balanced engagement with both the U.S. and China positions Canada as a mediator in global trade.

His willingness to address sensitive topics, such as foreign interference and human rights, while maintaining a spirit of cooperation reflected a new era of Canadian foreign policy — one rooted in integrity, pragmatism, and partnership.

The Asia-Pacific summit also provided Carney an opportunity to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to regional stability and sustainable development.

His participation in high-level dialogues highlighted Canada’s readiness to contribute to global economic recovery through innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive trade policies.

Throughout the trip, Carney maintained a message of optimism and collaboration, underscoring that diplomacy, respect, and open dialogue are the foundation of Canada’s foreign policy.

By balancing strong ties with traditional allies like the United States while expanding partnerships in Asia, Carney positioned Canada as a forward-looking nation ready to lead in an interconnected global economy.

The success of Carney’s engagements in South Korea and beyond reinforced Canada’s image as a nation dedicated to peace, cooperation, and mutual prosperity.

As trade relations evolve and new alliances form, Carney’s diplomatic approach signals a future where Canada continues to build bridges across continents, supporting a more resilient and inclusive world economy.

Officials in Beijing expressed their determination to create conditions for constructive engagement, while also reaffirming the country’s sovereignty and unity as central to its national vision.

At a recent news conference, a spokesperson from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office stated that while Beijing remains dedicated to peace, it will continue to uphold its responsibility to safeguard territorial integrity.

The official explained that peaceful reunification under the “one country, two systems” framework offers significant opportunities for both sides, ensuring stability, prosperity, and mutual development.

The spokesperson noted that China’s approach toward Taiwan is guided by the principle of goodwill and patience. “We are willing to create ample space for peaceful reunification and will spare no effort to pursue this prospect with the utmost sincerity,” he said.

This reflects Beijing’s belief that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation that benefit people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

However, the official also clarified that China would continue to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests. While the preference remains dialogue over confrontation, the country maintains its right to take necessary measures should external interference or secessionist activities threaten regional peace.

This balance of firmness and flexibility underscores China’s broader strategy of promoting harmony while protecting its national interests.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. During an address to military officers, President Lai Ching-te emphasized that Taiwan seeks cooperation, not confrontation, and that preserving peace across the strait remains a shared responsibility.

He urged continued focus on strengthening Taiwan’s defense and maintaining open channels of communication to prevent misunderstanding and escalation.

Observers noted that recent discussions in Chinese media highlighted a vision of how “patriots” from Taiwan could play constructive roles in governance and development under peaceful reunification.

These perspectives suggest that Beijing is willing to accommodate Taiwan’s existing social and economic systems, ensuring that the island’s lifestyle, freedoms, and institutions are respected within a unified framework.

This renewed focus on peaceful dialogue comes at a time of heightened global attention, as world leaders prepare for key diplomatic meetings aimed at promoting regional stability.

The upcoming discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea are expected to cover a range of strategic topics, including efforts to ease tensions in East Asia.

Both nations have expressed interest in preventing confrontation and fostering cooperation on economic and security issues.

Taiwanese officials have maintained that dialogue should be based on equality and respect. They have also pointed out that the island’s democratic values and open political system remain central to its identity.

Taiwan continues to advocate for constructive communication with Beijing while opposing external pressure or unilateral changes to the status quo.

Despite differing political perspectives, many experts believe that continued engagement could pave the way for greater understanding.

Economic and cultural exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan have already fostered stronger interpersonal ties, offering a foundation for mutual trust.

Business leaders and scholars on both sides continue to support initiatives that encourage trade, tourism, and education partnerships, seeing these as vital to reducing tensions.

China’s emphasis on peaceful reunification reflects its broader commitment to national development and stability. The country’s leadership continues to promote dialogue, regional cooperation, and inclusive growth as part of its vision for the future.

With open communication and mutual respect, many hope that both sides can continue moving toward a peaceful and prosperous coexistence.

Sun’s departure will leave a void in the party’s upper echelons

Sun Chunlan, China’s “Iron Lady” and the only woman in the ruling party’s Politburo, is due to step down from her post at the 20th Communist Party Congress this week. There’s no guarantee that another woman will succeed her, providing yet another example of the systemic under-representation of Chinese women in leadership positions, which can have very real consequences for the world’s most populous nation.

London (AFP) — British police are investigating an assault on a protester who was beaten by several men after being dragged inside the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester during a demonstration against President Xi Jinping.

But semiconductors only came to dominate the headlines in early 2021.