Hi Focus Readers,

China's participation in last weekend's Saudi Arabia-hosted talks between several countries on ending the war in Ukraine signaled a potential willingness to engage in conflict resolution. The Chinese and American representatives were also able to meet for a brief separate conversation. While the details of the meeting remain undisclosed, the U.S. State Department characterized it as "positive."

In the aftermath of these talks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and noted there's been "new progress" in strategic coordination and practical cooperation with Moscow, highlighting the close ties between the two nations. But Wang Yi also stated that China will maintain an "independent and impartial position," and advocated for peace talks and a political solution.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden announced plans for new restrictions on investments that American companies can make overseas— a move seen largely as targeting China. This is the latest in a series of actions aimed at curtailing China's access to technologies that could potentially undermine U.S. national security. Biden classified the move as "a national emergency," while China has expressed its disappointment in the new measures.

Stay up to date on global affairs by reading our latest Focus highlights, including commentary on Hong Kong's role in the China-U.S. relationship, China's foreign policy, China's economy, and more.

Enjoy your weekend!

Team Focus