Global Scans · China · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Any disruption in economic activity between China and the United States will necessarily affect other Asian and world economies. How China handles Donald Trump's administration, its relationship with Russia and develops its leadership ambitions will be key areas to watch intently in the coming years.

• [New] China will have 858 million 5G connections, accounting for nearly 50% of the total number of 5G connections in the world. https://www.jiahomeopticable.com/
• [New] China will require automakers to obtain export licenses for EVs beginning in 2026, as part of an effort to reduce price wars and curtail the export of low-quality products. JD Supra
• [New] Asia Pacific: Projected to grow fastest, with China leading at a 48.1% CAGR, fueled by rapid e-commerce expansion and demand for secure transactions. The National Law Review
• [New] In some cases, China aims to triple AI chip output by 2026 to replace China-compliant imports and foreign chips under export restrictions. European Business Magazine
• [New] Economic spillovers: Productivity gains, new industries, AI-enabled manufacturing and services could help China's growth at a time when its labour cost advantages are eroding. European Business Magazine
• [New] Ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptive export regulations could still challenge Cadence's growth story if conditions in China or key partnerships deteriorate. Simply Wall St
• [New] By 2030, freight volumes could triple to 11 million tonnes, with a 30% increase in trade between China and the EU. International Business Times UK
• [New] Prices of electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, and semiconductor parts are expected to rise following the fresh trade escalation between the United States and China. Awaz The Voice
• [New] The convergence of digital innovation, diverse consumer preferences and comprehensive platform support points to promising opportunities for jewelry merchants in China's rapidly expanding online marketplace. JEWELLERYNET
• [New] Chinese shipping giants such as COSCO are among the most exposed, with potential charges estimated at $1.53 billion in 2026. Economy Middle East
• [New] There would be a risk of excess global capacity if China lifts its restrictions. Resources for the Future
• [New] For the United States, a critical part of trade agreements has been to ensure China will increase its supply of rare earth magnets. CNN
• [New] The Chinese economy will slow into 2026, given likely contracting exports and still soft domestic demand. Allianz Trade Corporate
• [New] Global supply chains for solar PV and rare earth elements used in wind turbines remain heavily concentrated in China, underscoring ongoing risks to supply chain security. IEA
• A proposed trillion-dollar U.S.-China investment deal could unlock American infrastructure and renewable energy projects, balancing geopolitical tensions with economic interdependence. Ainvest
• There is significant international concern, for example, that China's dominance of critical mineral production represents a security and economic risk. IRPP
• Global solar PV capacity is projected to reach over 3000 GW this year, with China having installed more than twice as much capacity as Europe, the next largest installer. DNV
• China will dominate global eCommerce in 2025 with over 52% of sales, followed by the U.S. at 20.1%. Enhencer.com
• Canada could potentially compete by offering other advantages such as the cleanest and most sustainable processes, or by reducing supply chain risks associated with overreliance on China. IRPP
• China is developing a world-first pregnancy robot capable of carrying a baby to term and giving birth - an innovation that could reshape reproductive health, infertility treatment, and ethical debates around motherhood. Nurse.org
• China is investing heavily in autonomous systems - and swarms of drones could overwhelm Taiwan's (and U.S.) defences. SOF News

Last updated: 17 October 2025