New chapter for US-China rivalry, pioneering scientist is honoured: SCMP daily highlights

From uncertainty surrounding US-China ties to Zhuhai car attack driver’s execution, here’s a round-up from today’s China and economy coverage

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A conductor attends a rehearsal in front of the US Capitol in Washington ahead of Donald Trump’s January 20 presidential inauguration. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:30pm, 20 Jan 2025Updated: 10:50am, 21 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. With Trump’s inauguration, US-China rivalry opens new and uncertain chapter

When Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, a new chapter of geopolitical uncertainty will be written, potentially ushering in an intensified rivalry between the US and China under his “America First” policy.

2. Han and Vance strike positive tone for US-China ties ahead of Trump inauguration

Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng held talks with the US vice-president-elect J.D. Vance and tech billionaire Elon Musk at separate meetings in Washington ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a “long and fruitful” relationship.

3. China names lunar crater after Manhattan Project physicist Chien-Shiung Wu

Chien-Shiung Wu visited China many times from the 1970s onwards to lecture and promote physics research and education. Photo: Wikipedia

China has named a crater on the far side of the moon after the pioneering Chinese-American scientist Chien-Shiung Wu.