SCMP overseas correspondents' highlights: US-China relations and defence

From a Chinese AI surprise to US defence bill, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in the first half of August 2026

We have selected seven of the most interesting and important news stories covering US-China relations from the past few weeks. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. US-China ‘Board of Investment’ stalls before expected Trump-Xi meeting

The US-China Board of Investment, one of the key outcomes of the May summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, is unlikely to be among the deliverables for their expected meeting next month in Washington, according to the head of a leading bilateral business group.

2. China competition looms large in 2027 US defence bill

The National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), which sets US defence policy and authorises military spending each year, reflects a broad bipartisan consensus on expanding Washington’s military, technological and economic rivalry with Beijing.

3. Daughter of ‘Chinese Schindler’ protests use of his legacy to sell homes

The legacy of Ho Feng-shan, a Chinese diplomat who saved the lives of thousands of Jews facing Nazi oppression before and during the second world war is being used to sell homes in his hometown – to the outrage of his daughter.