Trump’s China-Vietnam claim, tariffs hit China’s chip traders: SCMP daily highlights

From Beijing firing back at US over aid claims to Trump’s crude remark after Xi’s visit to Vietnam, here’s a round-up from today’s China coverage

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US President Donald Trump has expressed concerns that China’s President Xi Jinping is working on ways to “screw” America during the latter’s visit to Vietnam. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:15pm, 15 Apr 2025Updated: 9:34pm, 15 Apr 2025

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1. China fires back after US official takes swipe at aid to Global South

Beijing has accused Washington of undermining the welfare of the Global South to serve its own geopolitical interests following remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who described Chinese aid to developing nations as “rapacious deals”.

2. Trump says China’s talks with Vietnam are probably intended to ‘screw’ US

China’s efforts to deepen economic ties with Vietnam was likely part of a plan to “screw” the US, American President Donald Trump suggested on Monday while discussing tariffs and possible exemptions for automobiles and auto parts.

3. Questions remain 5 years after death in US of Chinese scientist Nongjian Tao

Tao Nongjian was a leading researcher and founder of two biotech start-ups. He won numerous honours and received more than US$10 million in NIH funding over the years. Photo: Handout

Amid the China Initiative era and pressure on the Chinese research community, a police report concluded Tao died by suicide amid “work-related stress”.