China

China Daily | English | News | Nov. 18, 2025 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

China and Germany are advancing their automotive cooperation from complementary market roles to joint development of technologies and standards aimed at the global industry's shift toward electrification and intelligence. This evolution was highlighted at the ninth Sino-German Automotive Conference in Changchun, where experts emphasized building a new global auto cooperation ecosystem rooted in mutual technological innovation and industrial integration.

The cooperation is transitioning from traditional trade and investment toward innovation-driven partnerships. Chinese automotive players are increasingly proactive in electric and intelligent vehicle development, supported by a comprehensive supply chain that empowers international partners. Volkswagen's collaboration with China's Xpeng exemplifies this shift, reflecting China's expanding role in global industrial restructuring.

China's rapid pace of innovation and digital advancements complement Germany’s strengths in engineering and industrial precision, creating opportunities for mutual learning and competitive advantage. The joint development of plug-in hybrids on dedicated electric vehicle platforms was identified as a promising area that combines German quality with Chinese speed.

China's auto sector continues strong growth, producing 27.69 million vehicles from January to October 2025, a 10 percent increase year-on-year, with new energy vehicle (NEV) output rising 33.1 percent to 13.01 million units. NEVs accounted for over 51.6 percent of new car sales in October, marking a historic milestone, and exports surged 90.4 percent to 2.01 million units in the first 10 months. Chinese automakers intend to deepen cooperation into new energy, smart connectivity, and supply chain resilience.

The partnership has already produced results such as Audi FAW New Energy Vehicle Co Ltd’s all-electric vehicle plant in China, delivering the Audi Q6L e-tron in July. Both countries see collaboration as a means to accelerate green and digital industry transitions. Germany values access to China’s large NEV market and innovations in batteries and smart technologies, while China benefits from German engineering and brand-building expertise.

Looking ahead, the next phase of Sino-German cooperation will emphasize joint research, shared platforms, and co-created standards to maintain competitiveness and support global industry sustainability. Industry leaders also stressed the need for stronger integration among companies and governments to manage challenges like rising tariffs and supply chain risks, highlighting the success of long-term, balanced collaboration between the two nations.

Global Times | English | News | Nov. 18, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks on China's Taiwan region have intensified Chinese concerns over Japan's military expansion, which is seen as a departure from its pacifist constitution. Since the passing of Japan's "three new strategic documents" in 2022, the country has been developing multiple long-range missiles, improving military infrastructure, and stockpiling ammunition. Notably, Japan recently deployed F-35B stealth fighter jets capable of carrier operations for the first time since World War II, and is converting destroyers into aircraft carriers. Japanese officials have also expressed consideration of adding nuclear-powered submarines to their fleet.

Chinese experts view these developments as a direct indicator of Japan's strategic shift toward greater military assertiveness, with potential negative implications for regional peace and stability. The PLA Daily warned that Japan's military activities could lead to catastrophic consequences if it intervenes militarily in the Taiwan Strait. Chinese authorities see Japan's expansion as a violation of its pacifist constitution and a confrontation with historical lessons from World War II.

In response, China has emphasized continuous military deterrence, conducting patrols and exercises around Taiwan and deploying advanced equipment to counter external interference. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin condemned Takaichi’s remarks as serious violations of the one-China principle and international norms, viewing them as interference in China's internal affairs. The spokesperson warned Japan against military involvement in Taiwan, citing heavy consequences if it repeats historical aggressions.

Thai Examiner | English | News | Nov. 18, 2025 | Supply Chain Issues

Thailand will impose a 10% duty on low-value imports under ฿1,500 starting January 1, 2026, ending the previous exemption for small parcels. This move aims to combat a surge in cheap Chinese imports that have pressured local manufacturers and retailers, aligning Thailand with similar policies enacted by the United States and the European Union. The Finance Minister, Ekniti Nithanprapas, stated that the new duty will support Thai small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by curbing low-cost foreign goods that have undermined domestic production and market share.

The removal of the de minimis exemption will require that all imports, regardless of value, face duty assessment, increasing logistics complexity and processing times for cross-border e-commerce shipments. Logistics providers and carriers will need to implement new workflows and IT system upgrades to manage duty collection and customs clearance, while sellers must adjust pricing and shipping strategies. Some sellers may consolidate shipments to mitigate the new costs, and online platforms are expected to reconsider fulfillment models, potentially boosting local warehousing.

Local businesses, which have reported factory closures linked to cheap imports primarily from China, welcome the policy as it aims to equalize competition. However, detailed customs guidelines on valuation, classification, and documentation have yet to be issued, causing uncertainty among importers, carriers, and customs brokers preparing for compliance. The combined effects of the 2025 VAT and the upcoming 2026 duty overhaul signal a structural shift in Thailand’s e-commerce and import regime, likely raising prices on low-cost imports while supporting domestic manufacturing resilience in a globally tightening trade environment.