Trump’s tariff threat to ‘US back door’, Shanghai woos Taylor Swift: SCMP daily highlights

From Shanghai having talks with Taylor Swift to US users’ RedNote challenges, here’s a round-up from today’s China and economy coverage

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The only Asia stops on Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour were Japan and Singapore. Photo: AP

Published: 9:15pm, 15 Jan 2025Updated: 1:43am, 16 Jan 2025

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China and economy stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. Good night, Vietnam? China economist says Trump tariffs could shut US back door

Economist Li Daokui has warned Chinese firms looking to use Vietnam as a way to avoid US tariffs to act with caution. Photo: AFP

Chinese enterprises hoping to use Southeast Asia as a back door into the US market will have to reassess their investment strategies, a former central bank adviser warned, saying US president-elect Donald Trump “will certainly escalate tariffs” on shipments originating there.

2. Shanghai courts Taylor Swift as Chinese cities bet on stars to boost economy

Shanghai has entered preliminary talks with American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift about a potential concert this year, according to a local tourism official, as Chinese cities aim to attract international stars and fire up the economy.

3. Are China’s researchers now dominating the world’s top science journals?

Chinese researchers are scattered across universities and research institutes worldwide, while articles by scientists from China’s top research institutes are appearing more frequently in top journals. Photo: Shutterstock