China is likely to view the latest US dealings with Russia as “transactional”, according to observers, who said Beijing was likely to wait and see what the longer-term impact would be given the possibility that Donald Trump might abruptly change course again. The US president announced that under a deal with Vladimir Putin, Russia would “immediately” supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets. He wrote on social media that another 500,000 tonnes would follow in...

Chinese President Xi Jinping projected a message of confidence about the country’s ability to overcome challenges during his annual National Day address, issuing a rallying call for robust economic growth and more certainty amid geopolitical complications. Xi’s address, delivered at a state reception in Beijing on Wednesday evening to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic, was his first to the nation following his state visit to the US last week. It came weeks ahead...