1. China vows to retaliate after ‘bullying’ US imposes 34% reciprocal tariffs

China has vowed to retaliate against the 34 per cent tariffs imposed by the US on Wednesday and protect its national interests, while condemning the move as “an act of bullying”.

2. After Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’, what’s China’s effective tariff rate?

With US “reciprocal tariffs”, taxes on Chinese goods have climbed even further – with some analysts predicting an effective rate of “almost 70 per cent”.

3. How is the PLA achieving progress with its drills near Taiwan and what is next?

Each military drill staged near Taiwan by the People’s Liberation Army – including this week’s exercises – has displayed further progress in mainland forces’ tactics and coordination, from mock attacks to anti-access strategies, analysts said.