China bans exports of dual-use goods to Japan, escalating tensions with key US ally amid growing disputes over Taiwan and broader regional security concerns.

Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin is set to have more in-depth talks on trade with China's No. 2 official on Tuesday, working to strengthen strategic ties with the world's second-largest economy amid frosty China-European Union relations.

China blocked exports of a raft of goods with potential military applications to Japan, ramping up recent tensions between the Asian powers.

Beijing has directed several Chinese tech companies to suspend new orders for Nvidia’s H200 chips this week. The instruction comes as authorities evaluate regulatory requirements related to advanced semiconductor exports. China is expected to enforce a new policy requiring local firms to purchase domestic AI chips.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he wants to open a “new phase” for relations with China during his first trip to Beijing since he took office in June.

Policies meant to lure importers to Hainan, a resort island off China’s coast, signal an opening up, Beijing says. One expert calls it a “bait and switch.”

As South Korean President Lee began a state visit to China on Saturday, major Japanese media outlets closely tracked Beijing's efforts to ties.

Jan ‌7 (Reuters) - ​Beijing has ‌asked some ​Chinese ‍tech ​companies ​to halt ⁠orders for Nvidia's H200 ‌chips this week, ​and it ‌may ‍mandate domestic ⁠AI chip purchases, the ​Information reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

China is investing $10 billion across 50+ tech projects in Shanghai’s Pudong district, signaling a major push to challenge global tech dominance.

Carney will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday after accepting an invite from President Xi Jinping last year. The two leaders have shown interest in dropping the retaliatory nature of the bilateral relationship, beginning with addressing thorny trade issues related to canola and electric vehicles.