CHINA is “credibly preparing” for a military invasion of Taiwan and the attack is “real and imminent”, the US Defence Secretary has warned. Pete Hegeseth said that

In his opening remarks, Hegseth warned China seeks no less than hegemony over the region and is increasingly willing to resort to force. He cited confrontations in the South China Sea, including incidents in which China's coast guard used water cannon against Philippine vessels, injuring several people last year.

Asked why China’s defence minister skipped this year’s event, Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng said it sends delegations of different levels each year and this should be seen as “part of normal operational arrangements”.

China’s factory activity contracted in May although the decline slowed from April as the country reached a deal with the U.S. to slash President Donald Trump’s sky-high tariffs.

Beijing has high hopes for its C919 single-aisle jet after years of delay, but the plane depends on engines, avionics and other gear from Western companies.

Without these essential automotive components, it would only be a matter of time before U.S. vehicle factories are disrupted, they said.

The U.S.-China trade truce in Geneva earlier this month hinged on Beijing agreeing to resume crucial mineral exports. Now China is slow-walking the concession, and the pact is in jeopardy.

BEIJING -- China's railway network is expected to handle 17.8 million passenger trips on Saturday, the first day of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, according to the national railway operator.