Breaking AI & Tech News Analyzed

The Crisis Escalates: Cuba's Power Grid CollapsesCuba is facing its most severe energy crisis in recent history, plunging millions into darkness as fuel reserves are depleted and the national grid buckles under immense pressure. The situation has escalated from routine rolling blackouts to a systemic failure, triggering rare public demonstrations in the capital, Havana. Fuel Depletion and Domestic Production LimitsThe root cause of the crisis lies in the complete depletion of fuel reserves. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy confirmed that the island has "absolutely no fuel, oil, and absolutely no diesel." To compensate, the government is relying on increased domestic crude oil production and gas from local wells, though these sources are insufficient to meet the massive demand. Vicente de la O Levy confirmed the lack of fuel imports. Government is increasing domestic crude oil and gas production. Officials attribute the shortage to the "energy blockade" by the US. Quantifying the Deficit: 2,000 MW Gap and 19-Hour OutagesThe scale of the failure is staggering. President Miguel Diaz-Canel reported that the country faces a deficit of more than 2,000 megawatts during peak evening demand. On Wednesday alone, 1,100 megawatts of generation were lost due to fuel shortages. In specific neighborhoods like San Miguel del Padron and Playa, residents have endured outages lasting more than 19 hours a day. Peak demand deficit: >2,000 MW. Generation lost on Wednesday: 1,100 MW. Max outage duration in some areas: 19+ hours. Population affected: Approximately 10 million. Geopolitical Fallout: The US Blockade NarrativeThe crisis has deepened the political rift between Havana and Washington. Cuban officials are blaming the "genocidal energy blockade" imposed by the US for the inability to secure fuel imports. In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio renewed an offer of $100 million in aid, contingent on distribution through the Catholic Church rather than the Cuban government. Cuban government blames US sanctions for the crisis. Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Havana this year. Marco Rubio offered $100m aid via Catholic Church. US suggests Cuba could be a target for political change. Future Outlook: A Fragile Grid Amid Political PressureThe future for Cuba's energy sector remains bleak without significant external intervention or infrastructure overhaul. With eight ageing thermoelectric plants operating for over 40 years, the grid is structurally incapable of handling current demand. As US pressure mounts and domestic fuel production struggles to keep pace, the risk of prolonged instability and humanitarian hardship is likely to increase in the coming months.

The Diplomatic Opening in BeijingOne day into US President Donald Trump's visit to China for trade talks, both he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have exchanged toasts at a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and hailed their relationship as the world's most "consequential". On Thursday, following a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a 600-year-old landmark in the Chinese capital, Xi spoke of a "shared US-China future", while also warning that failure to handle this bond would create a "very dangerous situation"."We must make it work and never mess it up," he said.The Personal Diplomacy Between LeadersThe US president described his Chinese counterpart as "my friend" in his opening remarks at the state banquet that Xi hosted for the American leader. "We are going to have a fantastic future together. I have such respect for China, for the job you've done. You are a great leader," he told Xi.Trump also invited Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan to pay a return visit to the White House on September 24. For his part, the Chinese president said he was "very happy" to meet Trump in Beijing at a time of "historic turbulence" when "the world stands at a new crossroads".Xi posed a series of questions to the US president: "Can we join hands to address global challenges and inject greater stability into the world? Can we uphold the wellbeing of our respective peoples and the shared future of humanity, working together to create a bright future for our bilateral relationship?"China's reception underscored how highly Xi regards this visit. Trump was welcomed at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of power in China, "the equivalent of the White House and all other important centres of power combined". Additionally, Vice President Han Zheng greeted Trump at the airport when he landed in Beijing on Wednesday, making him the highest-ranking Chinese official to ever welcome a US president.Strategic Framework for Bilateral RelationsXi and Trump agreed to frame their relationship as "constructive, strategic and stable" in a new positioning that is intended to guide US-China ties for the next three years and beyond, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement about talks between the two.Trump said the relationship between the two countries went back to the founding of the US, noting that the early American traders who visited China were described, by the Chinese, as "the new people". Today, he said, the two countries' bilateral ties were among "the most consequential" in the world.The Chinese president said the two countries should become partners, rather than rivals, adding that "mutual respect is key to stable China-US ties". "I have always believed that the common interests between China and the US outweigh the differences," Xi said. "Let 2026 be a historic and landmark year for Sino-US relations to carry on the past and open up the future."Trade and Economic NegotiationsTrump and Xi discussed trade, with Xi saying that China's door of opportunity will open wider. What this means is not explicitly clear yet, but Trump will be hoping it includes a Chinese pledge to buy US soya beans, beef and aircraft. Officials in the Trump administration also hope to move towards setting up a Board of Trade with China to manage commercial disputes between the two countries.Xi also met with US business leaders who have accompanied Trump on this trip on Thursday. The US and China entered a tariff threat standoff last year, with each side imposing retaliatory tariffs on each other's exports. China also restricted exports of some rare-earth metals, which are crucial for technology manufacturing, in April. Later in the year, it announced plans to restrict several others. Those later plans are on pause since a truce was agreed between the two presidents in October last year on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea.In return for China's agreement to pause restrictions on rare-earth metal exports, Trump dropped a threat of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese goods.The Taiwan ChallengeThe Taiwanese government maintains that the self-governing island of 23 million people is a sovereign state. During the meeting on Thursday, Xi reportedly warned Trump that the issue of Taiwan – which China regards as its own territory – could lead to conflict between Washington and Beijing if it is not handled carefully.However, Taiwan was not mentioned in a joint statement following the meeting, and Trump notably ignored a question from reporters about his stance on Taiwan. This is a tricky issue for the US. While the US government officially acknowledges that China views Taiwan as part of its territory, it does not explicitly state whether or not it agrees with that stance.The US formally severed official diplomatic ties with Taiwan – also known as the Republic of China – decades ago, but remains committed under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act to supporting the defence of the self-governing democracy. That law has enabled Washington to supply Taiwan with billions of dollars' worth of weapons and to deepen cooperation in areas such as military training and intelligence sharing, moves Beijing regards as meddling in its internal affairs.Xi has told Trump that the "Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted on X on Thursday. "If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy," she wrote.Taiwan's Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that China is "currently the sole risk to regional peace and stability", after Xi warned Trump. "Beijing has no right to make any claims on behalf of Taiwan internationally," the statement added.Global Security CooperationThe US-Israel war on Iran, which entered its 76th day on Thursday, also came up in the meeting between Trump and Xi. In their joint statement, Trump and Xi agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and Iran should never have nuclear weapons.US officials have previously said that they might need China's help in convincing Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. But analysts say Beijing will want concessions from the US, likely regarding Taiwan, in exchange for any aid in resolving the crisis.Future Outlook for US-China RelationsTrump and Xi may meet again on at least two other occasions this year – the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' meeting, in Shenzhen, China, in November; and the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Miami, Florida in the US in December. It would be unprecedented for the US president to travel to China twice in one year.The tone set during these initial talks suggests both sides recognize the importance of managing their complex relationship carefully. Xi's warning about not "messing it up" indicates the high stakes involved, while Trump's personal approach and emphasis on friendship suggests he may be seeking a personal channel for diplomacy alongside official channels.As both nations navigate differences on trade, Taiwan, and global security issues, the framework they've established as "constructive, strategic and stable" will be tested in the coming months. The frequency of their planned meetings suggests both sides understand the need for constant communication to prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into conflict.

The Lead: A Critical Test for International Climate JusticeThe UN's willingness to tackle the climate crisis through legal means will be tested next week during a pivotal vote of the UN General Assembly in New York. Every member state is being asked to back a series of landmark findings on climate justice from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as part of a new political resolution that could establish legal responsibility for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.The ICJ's Landmark Climate Ruling: A Historic Win for Vulnerable NationsThe ICJ's advisory opinion, published last year following hearings in the Hague, had been requested by an unprecedented 132 states without opposition in 2023. This unanimous decision was hailed as a "historic win" for small island states, particularly those facing existential threats from rising sea levels. The opinion establishes that countries have legal obligations to address climate change, including tackling fossil fuel production and use.The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu has since been leading a group of states to draft a resolution that welcomes the ICJ opinion and aims to help it make a difference on the ground. Ahead of the UN vote on May 20, Vanuatu is seeking support from as many other nations as possible, aiming to match or exceed the 132 co-sponsors of the original request.The Diplomatic Negotiations: Balancing Legal Clarity with Political RealityThe text of the resolution has undergone significant changes since an initial draft circulated in February. Notably, calls for a "rapid, just and quantified phase-out of fossil fuel production and use" were replaced with a more moderate urge to transition away. An original aim to set up an international register of climate damage was dropped altogether.These changes reflect pressure from major powers, particularly the US, which lobbied to drop the resolution entirely. However, Vanuatu's climate justice envoy, Lee-Ann Sackett, emphasized that the text was adjusted to be both "meaningful and unifying," with explicit reassurances where requested and safeguards where restraint was asked for.The final text clearly states that the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement remain the primary international forums for negotiating climate responses. It explicitly notes that the resolution does not adjudicate disputes, attribute responsibility to specific states, create new obligations, or prejudice existing legal positions.The Global Significance: Beyond Environmental Policy to International Legal AuthorityDespite the compromises, the resolution represents more than just environmental policy—it's a test for the credibility of the international legal system. The ICJ's opinion is already being used in climate litigation worldwide and referenced by judges in climate-related rulings, though it has faced resistance in diplomatic circles.The resolution's importance extends beyond its text, particularly for small island developing states. For these nations, "this is about the affirmation and protection of our territories, sovereignty and fundamental rights of our populations," according to Tania Romualdo, the permanent representative of Cape Verde to the UN representing the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).The unusual engagement from states that typically don't intervene on climate texts highlights the broader significance of this vote. As Sackett noted, delegations recognize this is about "the authority of the court, the integrity of the UN system and how we translate legal clarification into multilateral cooperation."The Future Outlook: Implementation and International CooperationRegardless of the vote's outcome, the ICJ's advisory opinion is already influencing global climate action. It has been referenced at international climate talks and fossil fuel conferences, with leaders like Vanuatu's climate minister emphasizing that international cooperation is indispensable for addressing what the court has identified as a legal obligation.The resolution, if passed, will call on all states to comply with their existing obligations as established by the ICJ and help member states think through implementation. While the text has been softened to gain broader support, it still represents a significant step toward formalizing climate responsibilities in international law.For small island states, this process has required many sacrifices and compromises, but they reflect the reality of negotiation in a system where major powers hold significant influence. The vote will determine whether the international community is willing to translate legal clarity into concrete action on climate change.

The Lead: A $100 Million Conditional Aid PackageTrump administration announced a public offer of $100 million in direct humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people, contingent on “meaningful reforms” by the island’s communist government.Conditional Humanitarian Assistance to CubaOffer made public in a State Department statement on May 13 2026.Aid would be routed through the Catholic Church and other independent humanitarian organizations, bypassing the Cuban state.Reform conditions are not detailed but are described as “Trump‑approved changes”.Financial Scale and Distribution MechanismAmount: $100 million in direct assistance.Distribution: Managed by non‑governmental actors to avoid Cuban government control.Context: Part of a broader pressure campaign that includes recent sanctions and an oil blockade.Potential Ripple Effects on Cuba’s Economy and US‑Cuba RelationsHumanitarian impact could alleviate shortages highlighted by recent UN warnings of possible “collapse”.May increase diplomatic leverage for the United States if Cuba accepts the terms.Could intensify criticism of the longstanding U.S. embargo, which has been blamed for worsening humanitarian conditions.Risk of further isolation if Cuba rejects the aid, maintaining the current energy shortages and blackouts.What May Follow If Cuba Accepts or Rejects the OfferIf accepted, the aid could provide immediate relief while setting a precedent for conditional assistance.If rejected, the United States may expand sanctions, increase surveillance flights, or consider additional economic pressure.Long‑term, the episode could reshape the strategic calculus of U.S. policy toward Cuba and the broader Caribbean region.

The Geopolitical Chess Game of the Trump-Xi SummitWhen President Donald Trump meets with his counterpart, Xi Jinping, a new item will be added to the long list of issues of mutual interest and potential disagreement between the United States and China: the war in Iran. US officials have suggested that China should play a greater role in pushing Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but analysts say Beijing will require concessions from the US, likely over Taiwan, if it were to aid in resolving the crisis.Iran as a New Front in US-China RelationsAlthough the Iran issue is not really the central issue for either party in this summit, according to Christopher Heurlin, an associate professor of government and Asian studies at Bowdoin College, it represents a new dimension in the complex relationship between Washington and Beijing. China is a major importer of Iranian and Middle East oil, so its economy could come under strain from the disruption caused by Tehran's Hormuz blockade and the US naval siege on Iran.The Strategic Calculus Behind China's InvolvementWhile Beijing has amassed oil reserves that have helped it weather global energy shortfalls, such resources are finite, so China has an interest in opening the strait. At the same time, if Washington – Beijing's chief strategic competitor – is weakened globally from the Iran conflict, which is increasingly looking like an unwinnable war for many observers, China could gain geopolitical advantage. Inderjeet Parmar, professor of international relations at City St George's, University of London, noted that Trump heads to China "chastened" by the shortcomings of the Iran war.The Taiwan Factor in Iran NegotiationsA major priority for Beijing is Taiwan, the self-governing island that China claims as its own. If Xi were to help Trump in his push to reopen Hormuz, the assistance would not come for free, analysts say. China may demand opposition to Taiwanese independence in exchange for putting pressure on Iran to reopen Hormuz. Trump is yet to sign off on the latest arms package to Taiwan – worth $14bn – which has been approved by Congress, and Chinese officials are expected to press him on this issue during the summit.Contrasting Approaches to Middle East CrisisWhile China and the US both want Hormuz to open, their preferred approaches to achieve this goal don't align. China has been calling for restraint from all sides, while Trump has been threatening Iran with enormous military attacks almost daily. In April, Xi proposed a "four-point plan to safeguard and promote Middle East peace and stability" that reflected a preference for multilateralism and diplomacy in contrast with Trump's reliance on military power to advance his goals in the region.The Future of US-China Relations Beyond the SummitAlthough the United States seeks to continue to cooperate with China, the relationship between the two countries has soured in recent years over several points of tension: trade practices, sanctions, Beijing's claims to the South China Sea, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the status of Taiwan. Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump and his administration have put less emphasis on the great power competition, with Trump's most recent National Security Strategy aiming to shift its focus to the Western Hemisphere. However, tariffs and trade remain a major irritant in the relationship, and Iran and Taiwan could exacerbate tensions in the coming months.

The UN's Call for Accountability in Civilian DeathsThe United Nations human rights chief has demanded independent investigations into reports that separate air attacks by the Nigerian and Chadian forces in northern Nigeria killed more than 100 civilians. Nigeria's military has been battling "bandits" in the northwest and an armed rebellion in the northeast for 17 years, while Chadian forces have been targeting Boko Haram camps in the Lake Chad region.Market Massacre and Fishermen DeathsThe Nigerian military and the "bandit" gangs killed at least 100 civilians on Sunday in one of the bloodiest days in the state's conflict against armed groups, according to Amnesty International. Citing witnesses, Amnesty said many of those killed were women and children, and urged authorities to immediately investigate the attack on a crowded market in Tumfa village.Meanwhile, the bombardment by Chadian jets against Boko Haram camps on remote islands in the vast marshland shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad has reportedly killed dozens of Nigerian fishermen working on islands under Boko Haram control. Footage verified by the AFP news agency showed several fishermen with severe burns being treated at a hospital in Bosso, Niger.Mounting Casualty FiguresAmnesty International confirmed that at least 100 civilians were killed in the Nigerian military airstrikes on a market in Zamfara state on May 10, with many more injured. The Chadian attacks since Friday have also resulted in significant civilian casualties among fishermen who were forced to pay taxes to the armed group controlling the islands.Regional Security ImplicationsThe incidents highlight the complex security challenges in West Africa's Sahel region, where military operations against terrorist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) increasingly threaten civilian populations. The Lake Chad region has been particularly volatile, with cross-border military operations creating humanitarian concerns as civilians become caught between armed groups and national militaries.Future Investigations and Potential RepercussionsAs international pressure mounts for investigations, the Nigerian military maintains there is no evidence of civilian casualties, claiming their strikes targeted confirmed high-level gatherings of terrorists. The UN's demand for independent probes could lead to increased scrutiny of military operations in the region and potentially affect international support for counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa.

The Lead US President Donald Trump departed for Beijing on Tuesday for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying the two leaders would hold a 'long talk' on Iran even as trade remains the main focus of the visit. Iran's Stance on Peace Iran presses US on peace proposal: Iran's chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Washington must accept Tehran's latest peace plan or face failure. Report says Iran retains missile strength: The New York Times reported Tuesday that classified US intelligence assessments say Iran still has substantial missile capabilities, with about 70 percent of its mobile launchers and pre-war missile stockpile still in action. War Diplomacy Chinese supertanker crosses Hormuz: Chinese crude oil supertanker Yuan Hua Hu was reportedly transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, ship-tracking data showed, passing Iran's Larak Island while heading out of the Gulf. Hezbollah rules out disarmament talks: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said his group's weapons were not part of forthcoming ceasefire negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. Qatar warns over Hormuz pressure: Qatar's prime minister said Iran should not use the Strait of Hormuz, blocked since early in the war, as a means of 'blackmail' against Gulf states. The Gulf UAE gas facility hit by war: The UAE's main gas processing complex, one of the world's largest, will not resume full capacity until next year, its operator said, after it was hit in the Iran war. Kuwait arrests alleged IRGC operatives: The country said it arrested four men accused of belonging to Iran's IRGC after they tried to infiltrate Bubiyan Island by sea and injured a Kuwaiti soldier. In the US Trump on Xi: Trump said he does not believe the US needs China's help to end the war involving Iran, but confirmed the issue would still feature in his talks with Xi Jinping this week. Trump says war's end will bring down inflation: Facing growing domestic pressure over rising prices linked to the conflict, Trump said the war 'will not be long' and argued its end would trigger a sharp drop in oil prices and inflation. US says Iran war has cost $29bn: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers the war has cost Washington at least $29bn in munitions and equipment over 74 days, excluding damage to bases. The Impact Analysis The ongoing conflict in Iran has significant implications for the global economy, with rising oil prices and inflation being major concerns. The war has also led to a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of students displaced and schools destroyed in Lebanon. The Prediction The future outlook for the conflict in Iran remains uncertain, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. However, with growing domestic pressure and international diplomacy, there is a possibility that the conflict could be resolved peacefully in the near future.

The World's Longest Football DerbyCarlisle and Barrow will play each other next season in the Cumbrian derby in the National League. The clubs are located at opposite ends of Cumbria and the distance between the two grounds is some 78 miles by car. But this is not the greatest distance between two teams involved in a 'derby'.When considering derbies, we are looking for matches between teams that are linked based upon their proximity or geography, rather than simply historical rivalries like the 'clásico' between Real Madrid and Barcelona.UK Derbies: The Cumbrian ContenderWithin the UK, the Cumbrian derby certainly looks the furthest derby by distance. If we are staying in England, the closest we can get to 78 miles is the A49 derby between Shrewsbury Town and Hereford United, separated by 51 miles, although it should be said that the two teams have not met since the latter was dissolved in 2014.In England, thoughts immediately go to Crystal Palace and Brighton, dubbed the M23 derby, but a quick search reveals that Selhurst Park is a mere 46 miles from the Amex Stadium. It is also 46 miles that separate the stadiums of Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City, the Devon derby. Just behind are Ipswich and Norwich – the East Anglian derby (AKA El Tractico or the Old Farm) – with Portman Road and Carrow Road 45 miles apart.International Long-Distance DerbiesFarther afield, we must mention the derby between Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta, who take part in the Indonesia derby, or Laga Klasikal as it is locally known, with Persib's Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium lying 108 miles away from Persija's Jakarta International Stadium in Indonesia's capital.Italy is fertile ground for a host of famous derbies, and it is here that we find some of the longest-distance derbies. Of course there is the Derby d'Italia between Milan and Juventus, with 85 miles separating San Siro and Juve's Allianz Arena in Italy's north-west. The Derby di Sicilia between Palermo and Catania spans a whopping 134 miles across the breadth of Sicily, while the Derby delle Isole (Derby of the Islands) between Palermo and Sardinian club Cagliari goes even further – a full 250 miles across the Tyrrhenian Sea.The Champion: New Zealand's 386-Mile DerbyOur winner, though, comes from New Zealand's North Island. With Auckland FC only entering the A-League Men in 2024-25, the New Zealand derby between themselves and Wellington Phoenix is still very much in its infancy but has already blossomed into something substantial. In February, just the sixth edition of the derby, a comical own goal from Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi sparked a 5-0 thrashing by Auckland, prompting Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano to resign immediately after the defeat. With 386 miles between the two grounds, the NZD is our clear winner.The Evolution of Geographic DerbiesThe existence of such long-distance derbies challenges our traditional understanding of what constitutes a local rivalry. In an era where football has become increasingly globalized, these geographic matchups represent unique connections between communities separated by vast distances. The New Zealand derby, in particular, showcases how even in a country with a relatively small population, football can create intense rivalries across significant geographical divides.The Future of Long-Distance DerbiesAs football continues to evolve, we may see more long-distance derbies emerge, particularly in regions with expanding leagues or where new clubs are formed to serve underserved areas. The New Zealand derby between Auckland and Wellington Phoenix is a prime example of how modern football infrastructure and scheduling can create meaningful rivalries regardless of distance. With the increasing popularity of travel and fan engagement, these long-distance derbies may become even more significant in the future of football culture.Double Winners in FootballDeji Elerewe has won the title with both Bromley (League Two) and Lincoln (League One) this season. Has any other player managed the same feat?We covered this answer 10 years ago in a previous Knowledge, but regular contributor Dirk Maas has come in clutch with some additions, although he does clarify that he has limited his search to the top five leagues in Europe in this century.There are several examples of players winning titles with different teams in the same season, including:Jonas Urbig with Köln (2. Bundesliga) and Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) in 2024-25Leigh Griffiths with Celtic (Scottish Premiership) and Wolverhampton (League One) in 2013-14Urby Emanuelson with Ajax and Milan in 2010-11Daniel Amartey with Leicester City and FC Copenhagen in 2015-16Timothy Weah with Paris Saint-Germain and Celtic in 2018-19Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with Napoli and PSG in 2024-25There are also alternative cases where seasons happen at different times of year, such as David Beckham achieving this by picking up an MLS winner's medal with LA Galaxy and a Ligue 1 winner's medal with Paris Saint-Germain in 2012-13.

The Trump-Xi Summit: A Pivotal Moment in US-China Relations Donald Trump's state visit to China this week – the first by the US president in nearly a decade – comes amid a time of geopolitical upheaval, a new and intractable conflict in the Middle East, and a sometimes rocky relationship between the world's two major superpowers. There is much for Trump and Xi Jinping to discuss, but a few key issues are likely to dominate the agenda. Five Critical Issues on the Summit Agenda The high-stakes meeting between the two leaders addresses several pressing matters that could reshape the global landscape: The Iran Conflict and Hormuz Strait Crisis Trump is eager for China to lean on Tehran to advance peace talks and reopen the strait of Hormuz. To now, Beijing has sat back and watched the US struggle against Iran, at least publicly. But with about half of China's crude oil imports passing through the strait, Xi does want the waterway unblocked. China knows its exports will suffer if a global recession results from an oil supply crisis. Complicating the picture, the US this week put sanctions on several Chinese firms accused of assisting Iranian oil shipments and supplying satellite imagery allegedly used in Iranian military operations, claims that Beijing denied. Trump's arrival comes after Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, visited Beijing last week. Taiwan: The Flashpoint in US-China Relations Beijing is keen to push the US on Taiwan, with Trump saying he is prepared to raise the issue of arms sales to the island, which China claims as a breakaway territory despite never having ruled it. In December, Trump authorised an $11bn arms package for Taiwan, the largest weapons sale ever to the island, but no shipments have been made yet. Xi may seek changes in how the US refers to Taiwan. Ideally, from the perspective of Beijing, this would be a statement from Washington "opposing" Taiwan's independence rather than "not supporting" it. Taiwan will be watching closely. Just two weeks ago, China's foreign minister in a phone call with Marco Rubio urged the US to "make the right choices" on Taiwan. With Trump known to veer off script, John Kirby, a former US state department and Pentagon spokesperson cautioned: "They just have to be so extraordinarily precise when you're talking about Taiwan because, quite frankly, the stakes are enormously high." The AI Cold War: Technological Supremacy at Stake China and the US are locked into a race on artificial intelligence that is becoming something of a technological cold war. In April, the White House accused China of stealing US AI labs' intellectual property on an industrial scale, claims Beijing denied. Meanwhile, Beijing has been frustrated by Washington's reluctance to allow Nvidia to export its most powerful processing chips to China. In January, the White House said Nvidia could export its second most powerful chip, the H200, but no shipments have been sent yet. Analysts and ethics leaders hope Trump and Xi will discuss non-binding AI guidelines, including sharing information about AI misuse and safety, which are seen as critical guardrails amid the advent of AI weaponry and military adoption. Trade War: Rare Earth Minerals and Economic Leverage Trump has repeatedly threatened China over trade, imposing tariffs above 140% last year. But Xi held some cards of his own and did not fold. Instead, China blocked exports of its rare earth minerals and magnets to the US. Trump, finally, backed down. The US has depleted notable levels of its weapons arsenal in the war against Iran, with many weaponry components requiring critical minerals that are linked to supply chains dominated by China. China is expected to announce purchases related to Boeing airplanes, American agriculture and energy, US officials have said. In turn, Beijing wants the US to ease curbs on exports of advanced semiconductors. Beijing also wants to reduce barriers to investment in the US, and hopes to establish a Board of Investment to match the Trump-back Board of Trade. Fentanyl: The Drug War and Political Posturing Fentanyl is a key item on Trump's agenda this week, Politico reported, citing an administration official granted anonymity to preview the closed-door sessions. The US has long accused Chinese businesses of knowingly supplying the chemical precursors to Mexican cartels who use them to make the drug. Trump knows that being seen to press China hard over fentanyl and precursors plays well with his Maga base. But Trump lost important leverage on the fentanyl front when China defied his tariffs threats. In March, the US and China clashed over fentanyl and trade at a UN drugs meeting. China wants to be removed from the state department's annual list of "major drug transit or illicit drug producing countries", due to be updated in September.