China and President Xi Jinping are now viewed more positively than the US and Donald Trump in most of the world, according to Pew Research Center survey. The trend is particularly pronounced across the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The survey polled more than 42,000 people from February 8 to May 13.
The Trump administration shifted policy focus from aid to trade in Africa. The Commercial Diplomacy Strategy was introduced at the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term. In 2025, U.S. exports to sub-Saharan Africa increased by 23% to $22.6 billion and continue to grow this year. The Bureau of African Affairs has worked on 37 commercial transactions that have closed since the current administration, representing $25.67 billion in value.
Beijing expanded its zero-tariff policy across Africa in May. China's imports from Africa soared by 21.1% and 40.2% year on year in May and June. The increase was partly driven by China’s growing hunger for critical minerals. China invests heavily in clean energy, semiconductors and data centres to power its fast-growing artificial intelligence industry. Imports of unwrought copper from Africa increased by more than 110% in May from a year earlier to US$1.65 billion, while purchases of strategic minerals such as platinum and spodumene rose sharply.
US lawmakers are pushing for more scrutiny of Chinese investment in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. There are growing concerns over US dependence on China for critical drug ingredients and medical supply chains. China's embassy in Washington says global industrial and supply chains are determined by market forces and independent business choices.
China and President Xi Jinping are now viewed more positively than the US and Donald Trump in most of the world, according to Pew Research Center survey. The trend is particularly pronounced across the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The survey polled more than 42,000 people from February 8 to May 13.
The Trump administration shifted policy focus from aid to trade in Africa. The Commercial Diplomacy Strategy was introduced at the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term. In 2025, U.S. exports to sub-Saharan Africa increased by 23% to $22.6 billion and continue to grow this year. The Bureau of African Affairs has worked on 37 commercial transactions that have closed since the current administration, representing $25.67 billion in value.
Beijing expanded its zero-tariff policy across Africa in May. China's imports from Africa soared by 21.1% and 40.2% year on year in May and June. The increase was partly driven by China’s growing hunger for critical minerals. China invests heavily in clean energy, semiconductors and data centres to power its fast-growing artificial intelligence industry. Imports of unwrought copper from Africa increased by more than 110% in May from a year earlier to US$1.65 billion, while purchases of strategic minerals such as platinum and spodumene rose sharply.
US lawmakers are pushing for more scrutiny of Chinese investment in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. There are growing concerns over US dependence on China for critical drug ingredients and medical supply chains. China's embassy in Washington says global industrial and supply chains are determined by market forces and independent business choices.