The World This Quarter

CWA # 2234
The World This Quarter
China's External Landscape (Apr-Jun 2026):
Trump-Xi Summit, Pressure on Taiwan and Managing the US-Iran War

Lakshmi Karlekar 
12 August 2026
Photo Source:

The second quarter of 2026 saw a more robust and proactive diplomatic posture than the first quarter; Beijing mostly focused on mending relations with Europe and reducing its engagement in Middle Eastern crises. To control bilateral tensions and strengthen its strategic interests in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, Beijing sought high-level meetings with Washington. In tandem with these initiatives, China increased its interaction with the Global South, bolstered collaboration through multilateral organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, and presented itself as a reliable economic partner in the face of growing international unpredictability. The quarter demonstrated China's ongoing efforts to adjust to a more fractured international order while striking a balance between regional security, economic diplomacy, and strategic competitiveness.

1. US-China Summit: Managing Competition without Confrontation
The Trump-Xi summit during 14-15 May 2026 was important to increase supply-chain resilience; the China-US rrivalry has progressively moved away from tariffs and toward technical leadership, especially in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, essential minerals, and next-generation telecommunications. President Xi Jinping welcomed Trump to the Great Hall of the People during the visit, and the two leaders had discussions there. Xi said during the conference that a "Constructive Strategic and Stable Relationship" will be established. Trump's visit ended without major trade breakthroughs or tangible Chinese support for ending the Iranian conflict, underscoring persistent strategic differences despite the friendly atmosphere, symbolic gestures, and repeated public praise exchanged between the two leaders.

2. Sustaining strategic pressure on Taiwan
As a key component of its asymmetric defense strategy deployed Taiwan has been accelerating its domestic drone industry to lessen reliance on foreign military systems and bolstering deterrence against a possible Chinese invasion through increased investment in domestic unmanned systems and defense technology. Beijing continued to apply economic, political, and military pressure on Taiwan. On 12 June, Cheng Li-wun, the chairman of the Taiwanese opposition Kuomintang (KMT), concluded her two-week journey to the United States. During her visit, she reaffirmed popular KMT talking lines and claimed to advance cross-strait peace. Cheng's international activities may be seen by the PRC as a chance to subtly further its favored cross-strait policy.
 
3. Countering containment in the South China Sea
Since June, China and the Philippines battled three times in a week at Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, leading to joint maritime drills with the US, the Philippines, and Japan. After the Philippines formally submitted its petition to the UN for enhanced seabed rights in the South China Sea, Beijing condemned Manila of "flagrantly infringing" on Chinese sovereignty and jeopardizing regional stability. Following Manila's presentation to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), China criticized Manila's attempt "as a pretext to hype up" the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling. Beijing has declared the decision to be "illegal, null and void." Nearly all the islands and rock formations in the South China Sea are claimed by Beijing; China shares certain territorial claims with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei along the resource-rich waterway.

Following an incident between their respective warships in the disputed seas, the governments of China and the Philippines exchanged accusations, prompting the US and Japan to join the Philippines in maritime drills in the South China Sea. The goal of the five-day exercises, which took place during 21-25 July, was to improve interoperability among the allies by bringing together warships, coast guard boats, and fighter and observation planes.

4. Renewed ties with the UK
On 2 June 2026, Yvette Cooper, UK’s Foreign Secretary, visited China. The UK has continued to emphasize "de-risking" economic reliance on China, especially in areas including vital technology, electric cars, and important infrastructure. During the visit, the UK announced a new collaboration between Prudential plc and the National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) to establish several regional hubs for healthy ageing throughout China. The partnership is expected to boost the UK's position as a global leader in health innovation and open up new business prospects for British healthcare and life sciences companies, bringing growth back to the UK.
Additionally, the Foreign Secretary promoted the UK as an open, competitive investment destination by interacting with technology businesses, investors, and top business executives while in Shenzhen. She advocated for the need for international norms and international collaboration regarding AI safety and security as technology evolves after witnessing some of the robotics and AI advancements in China.

5. India-China strategic visits
Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, on 22 June 2026, in New Delhi. According to Wang Yi, the border regions have remained mostly quiet, communication and collaboration are developing in an orderly manner, and exchanges in a variety of disciplines have gradually restarted because of both sides' combined efforts. According to Ajit Doval, both India and China have agreed that they are partners rather than adversaries and have set the path for the growth of bilateral ties through their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin. India has maintained its stance on the Taiwan issue and was among the first nations to acknowledge the People's Republic of China. 

6. Managing the US-Iran Crisis
Since April, one of the most difficult challenges of China's Middle East foreign policy was the US-Iran conflict. China and Iran continue to have a broad strategic alliance; China buys most Iran's oil exports through the Chabahar port; both nations cooperate under the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) frameworks and reject the US-led world order. For the first time, Beijing's primary regional interests—maintaining relations with the Gulf nations, protecting the stability of the Iranian government, and avoiding open conflict with the UN have come under simultaneous strain. 

Beijing has taken a course of action designed to keep its leeway in the area while also avoiding having to decide. Mao Ning, the spokesperson for the foreign ministry, emphasized the efforts to create diplomatic exposure at a conference on 7 April. China suggested several political ideas, participated in the UN Security Council, and sent a special envoy to the Middle East. Chinese "non-action" maintained its strategic adaptability and its connections with all parties involved, but it did not necessarily increase trust in its readiness to bear expenses on their behalf in an emergency. The US-Iran conflict demonstrates both the benefits and limitations of Chinese forbearance.

7. Leveraging the BRI
In order to create a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that is environmentally benign and green, China wants to be the world leader in independent, research-based policy creation, advice, and action. This calls for bring free of greenhouse gas emissions and climate-neutral with biodiversity protection. China has also suggested an economic corridor connecting its southwestern regions with Bangladesh and Myanmar during Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's June visit to Beijing. Beijing has stated that it will continue to be open to India and other nations, while Dhaka claims it is still reviewing the plan. This is Beijing's first significant move in years to revitalize regional connectivity within a smaller framework. The concept is similar to the much-discussed Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor, which aimed to provide road and rail connections to the Bay of Bengal between Kunming, Mandalay, Dhaka, and Kolkata.

To conclude: China in the second quarter (April-June 2026)
Beijing's foreign engagement remained centered on strategic competition with the US, which went far beyond trade issues to include developing technology, vital supply chains, regional security, and the struggle for worldwide influence. Beijing's emphasis on defending what it views as its primary strategic interests has been strengthened by regional events in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, which have continued to influence Beijing’s security objectives. China attempted to increase its diplomatic engagement despite these obstacles by fortifying its connections with international players and regional organizations. 

About the author

Dr Lakshmi Karlekar is an Assistant Professor at the School of Law, Christ University, Central Campus, Bangalore.


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Lekshmi MK

Ocean Darkening: 
What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
The World This Week
July 2025 | CWA # 1748

GP Team

The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
Conflict Weekly
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1733

Ananya Dinesh

China and the Pacific Islands 
What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1725

Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Santhiya M, Aparna A Nair & M Kejia

Operation Midnight Hammer: US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran
What were the three Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted? What are the B2 Bombers and Bunker Buster Bombs? What do these attacks mean? What Next?
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

Who are the Afrikaners?
Why is Trump interested in the Afrikaner question in South Africa?
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

New WMO Report on Arctic Warming
What are the social, economic and environmental implications of Arctic warming
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1719

J Yamini  

China’s EV Surge
What contributes to the rise of BYD
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1715

Femy Francis

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1713

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
CW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1712

R Preetha

The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

The World This Week #313
China-ASEAN-GCC Summit I President Macron's visit to South East Asia I Trump Vs Harvard
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

The World This Week #312
Elections in Romania, Portugal & Poland I UK-EU Summit
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1689

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
Continuing Russia’s Aerial Attacks, despite exchange of prisoners
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
The Humanitarian Crisis and Israel’s Renewed Offensive
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1679

Aashish Ganeshan

US in the Middle Easr
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1677

GP Team

The World This Week #310-311
China in Latin America and the Carribbean I Trump's Middle East Visit I Denmark as the new Arctic Chair
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1670

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Singapore Elections in 2025:
People’s Action Party (PAP) Wins, Again
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
Tough Tariff Negotiations with the US
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1666

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
Conflict Weekly
May 2025 | CWA # 1665
Conflict Weekly # 280-81
India-Pakistan De-escalation I Ukraine Discussion in Istanbul I The Battle over Port Sudan I Disbanding of PKK in Turkiye I France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
Conflict Weekly 250th Issue
October 2024 | CWA # 1480

IPRI Team

This Week in History
July 2024 | CWA # 1413

Ramya B

Global Politics Early Bird
May 2024 | CWA # 1336

Femy Francis

This Week in History
April 2024 | CWA # 1275

Ramya B

NIAS Global Politics Database
March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
This Week in History
March 2024 | CWA # 1246

Sivasubramanian K

NIAS Global Politics Database
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
The World This Week
November 2023 | CWA # 1148

GP Team

The War in Ukraine
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
NIAS Pakistan Weekly
October 2023 | CWA # 1087

PR Team

The World This Week
October 2023 | CWA # 1083

GP Team

Conflict Weekly
August 2023 | CWA # 1049

IPRI Team

IPRI Quarterly Forecasts I Triggers, Trends, and Trajectories
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
The World This Week
July 2023 | CWA # 1009

GP Team

2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 872

Sapna Elsa Abraham

Europe: Heatwaves, Wildfires, Droughts, and Ice Melt in Alps
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
NIAS Africa Weekly
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
The World This Week: 150th Issue
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
GLOBAL PROTEST MOVEMENTS
September 2020 | CWA # 337

Anju Annie Mammen

The FATF Meeting, February 2020
February 2020 | CWA # 235

Lakshmi V Menon

Science, Technology and International Relations
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan
United States
July 2018 | CWA # 47

Rahul Arockiaraj

East Asia
June 2018 | CWA # 26

Siddhatti Mehta