A violent confrontation broke out in China’s Hainan province on Oct. 31 after a state-owned enterprise (SOE) allegedly cut down local farmers’ betel nut trees without permission, triggering protests, property damage, and a heavy police presence, according to Chinese Villagers Clash With State-Owned Rubber Firm in Hainan Over Tree Clearing
A violent confrontation broke out in China’s Hainan province on Oct. 31 after a state-owned enterprise (SOE) allegedly cut down local farmers’ betel nut trees without permission, triggering protests, property damage, and a heavy police presence, according to 
China will halt investigations targeting U.S. companies involved in the semiconductor supply chain and issue licenses to exporters of rare earth and other minerals critical to high-tech industries, according to the White House. Following months of trade tensions,
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Nov. 2 that the United States is aiming to achieve supply chain independence from China on critical minerals within a year or two. “The U.S. has been asleep at the switch, and now this administration, we’re