China Vows to "Play Along" Amid US Trade Tensions

China has declared its readiness for "any type of war" with the United States in response to President Donald Trump's escalating trade tariffs. The two nations are inching closer to an economic conflict, with Trump recently imposing additional tariffs on all Chinese imports, prompting Beijing to retaliate with 10-15% tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, according to statements from China's embassy reposted on social media. In a speech at the National People's Congress, Premier Li Qiang emphasized the government's focus on increasing defense spending by 7.2% this year, while asserting that China remains confident in its economic growth despite external pressures. As reported by Reuters, this increase is part of China's broader strategic initiative amid claims that the U.S. is attempting to shift blame for the fentanyl crisis onto China. The statement also expressed Beijing's condemnation of what it sees as U.S. bullying tactics, asserting that intimidation will not deter China. Analysts suggest that while China maintains a military budget of $245 billion, it may underreport actual defense spending. As tensions rise, both nations' leaders are grappling with complex geopolitical challenges that could affect global markets.

Chinese researchers have reportedly made significant advancements in rocket propulsion technology that could lead to the development of stealth missiles capable of midair speed adjustments and evasion of detection systems. According to a study published in the journal Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, the new engine design utilizes helium gas mixed with fuel in a unique way that enhances propulsion efficiency and reduces leak risks, as reported by Interesting Engineering. The innovation reportedly stems from issues encountered with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft that affected NASA astronauts stranded on the International Space Station in June 2024. The researchers aim to create a propulsion system capable of generating over three times the thrust compared to traditional engines. Furthermore, their design produces exhaust significantly cooler than current alternatives, potentially rendering missiles nearly invisible to tracking technologies. While the technology has yet to be tested in practical applications, its implications for both military capabilities and cost-effective space exploration are considerable. This development aligns with China's broader ambitions in aerospace, including plans for advanced lunar expeditions.

Researchers in China have identified a new bat coronavirus named HKU5-CoV-2, which may pose a risk of transmission from animals to humans. The study, published in the journal Cell, indicates that this virus can bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, similar to the mechanism used by SARS-CoV-2, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by renowned virologist Shi Zhengli, the research team from the Guangzhou Laboratory, Wuhan University, and other institutions highlighted that HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the Middle East respiratory syndrome virus. The virus was initially found in Japanese pipistrelle bats in Hong Kong. While the virus can bind to ACE2 receptors in multiple mammalian species, the efficiency of HKU5-CoV-2 in attaching to human ACE2 is noted to be lower than that of SARS-CoV-2. The researchers cautioned against excessive alarm, stating that while the risk of spillover to humans exists, it should not be overstated.