‘Golden Dome’ defence, new space rivals : 7 US-China relations reads

From a bloated UN to ‘red carpet’ visas for Chinese spies, here are highlights from our correspondents in the second half of April 2026

1. UN bloated, costly, but China fears to keep US involved, House committee told

The United Nations is bloated, costly, badly in need of reform, and too often works against US interests, but pulling out of the international organisation would see China expand its influence and leave Washington at a major disadvantage, according to testimony before a House oversight committee in April.

2. US lawmakers warn China is top space rival as race to the moon intensifies

China became the United States’ “most consequential threat and competitor in space,” leveraging its capabilities “as a tool of diplomacy and influence”, as the two countries’ race to the moon intensifies.

3. US lawmakers move to mandate first comprehensive review of China’s AI advances

As the race with China over artificial intelligence intensifies, US lawmakers unveiled a draft bill that would, for the first time, require the State Department to deliver a detailed assessment of Beijing’s artificial intelligence ambitions, including identifying “specific AI leaders”.