How China Powers Its Electric Cars and High-Speed Trains

The White House is prioritizing the return of the rare-earth industry to the US, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent showcasing the first rare-earth magnet produced domestically in 25 years. This development is linked to the new rare-earth mineral processing center opened by eVAC in South Carolina, signaling a move towards reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains. Bessent emphasized that this marks a step towards US independence in rare-earth production.

China's carbon emissions have remained stable for 18 months, suggesting that the world's largest emitter may be approaching its long-anticipated peak. This plateau in emissions raises questions about the future trajectory of China's carbon output and its implications for global climate efforts. As the country grapples with its environmental policies, the significance of this development could indicate a turning point in its approach to carbon management.

China's drone production capacity is significantly greater than that of the United States, according to a recent report. This disparity highlights China's leading position in the drone manufacturing sector, which has implications for global markets and military capabilities. The report emphasizes the scale of China's production capabilities, suggesting that they are a multiple of those of the U.S.

China has deployed its coastguard to the disputed Senkaku Islands, known as Diaoyu in China, amid escalating tensions with Japan. Officials have indicated that there is no straightforward solution to ease the ongoing conflict over these territories. The situation remains tense as both nations assert their claims over the islands.

Foreign investors are making a notable return to China's stock market, marking the largest overseas inflows in four years. This resurgence is attributed to a breakthrough in DeepSeek AI, which has positively influenced investor confidence and market dynamics. The developments signal a renewed interest from foreign capital in China's financial landscape, reflecting optimism about future growth and stability.

China is poised to take on a larger role in global climate discussions as the United States opts out of the Brazil climate summit. This shift highlights China's increasing influence in international environmental matters, particularly in the context of the U.S. decision to sidestep the event. The summit, taking place on November 15, 2025, serves as a platform for nations to address climate change challenges, and China's participation may signal a strategic move to enhance its leadership in climate policy.

Tesla has mandated that its suppliers refrain from using parts made in China for vehicles produced in the United States, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This decision aligns with the company's strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese components, particularly in light of recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. The move reflects Tesla's commitment to localize its supply chain and mitigate potential geopolitical risks associated with sourcing from China.

China's artificial intelligence (AI) models have reportedly achieved 90% of the performance level of their U.S. counterparts while incurring only a fraction of the capital expenditure (capex). This development highlights the growing capabilities of China's AI technology in comparison to the U.S., suggesting a significant advancement in efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the field. The findings were published on November 15, 2025, by Investing.com.