Beijing placed the restrictions on 20 Japanese entities with ties to the defense industry, the latest ratcheting up of its monthslong feud with Tokyo.

As Washington weighs military options against Tehran and pushes for nuclear talks, Beijing calls for calm and diplomacy, also voicing support for negotiations to end the Ukraine war ahead of Trump’s planned trip.

Inevitably, this re-engagement has caused a backlash. Leaders have returned home from Beijing to critics who say their visits yielded precious few gains, while only deepening reliance on China. Nevertheless, for all the accusations of capitulation, the actual substance of the various bilateral meetings has been thin.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s trip will test his ability to address tensions between the countries, at a time of strain between Europe and Washington.

People visit the Yandaixiejie street in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 18, 2026. People visit cultural scenic areas in Beijing to feel the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Eileen Gu will probably have to build an extra shelf for all the medals she won in Milan because she added another one to her collection. The USA-born freestyle skier competed for her mother’s country,

From earthquake warnings to bear attack alerts, Beijing is deploying a campaign of exaggeration and disinformation to punish Tokyo’s support for Taiwan.

Chancellor must strike a balance between those wanting a toned-down Brussels trade policy and those backing tougher action against Beijing.