China’s progress in building a modern economy, evident in its kung-fu fighting robots and self-parking cars, is hitting limits as a downturn in its housing industry drags on and young people struggle to find jobs.

China has removed three retired military generals, including a former commander of the People's Liberation Army ground force, from a top political advisory body just days before its largest annual political gathering.

The Chinese Navy has “dramatically increased” submarine production and could soon deploy a new vessel that’s able to hit “large portions” of the US with nuclear missiles from Chinese waters, according to the head of intelligence for the US Navy.

Boeing, US soybeans, and Trump tariffs are key topics as Beijing and Washington discuss aircraft deals, trade, and Taiwan amid rising tensions.

The escalating crisis tests China’s Gulf partnerships, oil security and ties with the United States, yet analysts say Beijing is more likely to recalibrate its language than its policy.

"The U.S.-Israeli strikes have no United Nations Security Council authorization and violate international law. China is deeply concerned over the regional spillover," ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during Monday's regular press conference.

China is the world's largest energy importer and would therefore appear vulnerable to the surge in crude oil and natural gas prices from the conflict between Israel and the United States against Iran.

The US Navy's Tomahawk cruise missiles have been used heavily in recent conflicts, deepening the strain on its stockpile.

Certain beliefs about the United States once seemed unshakable in China: that America was hopelessly far ahead, for example, and that moving there guaranteed a better life. That’s no longer how people talk in Beijing, where I live, or on Chinese social media.