Do some mainland Chinese want Taiwan’s Republic of China to return and replace the Chinese Communist Party? Recent images of people openly wearing ROC flag shirts in China have sparked intense discussion online. At the same time, an alleged internal security document has drawn attention to a Taiwan-based National Restoration Party that claims to be organizing resistance inside the mainland. This program examines the party’s founder, its “Republic of China 2.0” vision, and a provocative question: could the Republic of China return to China—not through military conquest, but as a democratic alternative to CCP rule?

Source: Could the Republic of China Ever Return to Mainland China?

The U.S. Coast Guard has deployed forces near China as Washington seeks to counter Beijing’s maritime pressure in the region. President Donald Trump drops fees on cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and reinstated the blockade targeting Iran’s oil shipments. What impact will these U.S. moves have on China? China fired a nuclear-capable missile into the Pacific Ocean that landed near U.S. ally Australia. What message is Beijing sending to the world? “This is really like a dog marking its territory,” Grant Newsham, a retired U.S. Marine said. David versus Goliath: UK residents take China’s mega-embassy plan to court, warning of national security risks. China’s economic growth figures for April to June are out. What broader economic trends do they reveal? 00:00 Intro 01:02 U.S. Coast Guard Deployed Near China 02:34 U.S. Targets China–Iran Oil Network 03:04 Hormuz Toll Could Set China Precedent 04:56 Trump Squeezes Iran’s Oil Revenue 07:23 Sen. Jim Banks: CCP Targets U.S. Research 08:55 China “Marking Its Territory” in the Pacific: Expert 10:51 Can Australia’s Pacific Deals Challenge China? 12:41 China Mega Embassy Plan Faces U.K. Court Challenge 14:21 China’s Q2 Economic Growth Misses Forecasts 15:39 China’s Consumption Challenge Continues 16:00 U.S. Countering China in the Western Hemisphere 🔵Tiffany Meier’s documentary Hollywood Takeover – how Beijing is rewriting the script in America’s film industry: hollywoodtakeover.com 🇺🇸 Stay updated with breaking news, special reports, and LIVE COVERAGE on NTD: https://ept.ms/NTDlive_

Source: US Coast Guard Deployed Near China; China’s Q2 Economic Growth Misses Forecasts | China in Focus

This master video stitches the full Taiwan PMESII story into one coherent picture of deterrence, coercion, and crisis risk. We connect the physical reality of the Taiwan Strait to the political dynamics in Taipei, Beijing’s pressure campaign, and how a blockade or invasion could actually unfold. Then we tie the economy to TSMC and global chips, showing why markets react long before wars start. We cover the social and information battle shaping elections and identity, and the infrastructure vulnerabilities like undersea cables that can “soft-isolate” Taiwan. If you want the full strategic logic in one place, this is the complete Taiwan brief. Timeline: 0:00 Physical 10:29 Political 20:07 Military 28:33 Economic 39:21 Social 48:33 Information 55:35 Infrastructure 1:06:15 Closing Thoughts

Source: How Taiwan Survives China

When you think of naval powers, North Korea probably isn’t at the top of your list…and frankly given the state of their naval forces for the last seventy years it shouldn’t be. But now the DPRK apparently has ambitions to nuclear-armed, Blue Water navy status, and it’s pouring funding into subs and surface combatants to try and get there. So today, let’s talk about North Korea’s weird new navy.

Source: North Korea’s Weird New Navy – New Destroyers & A North Korean Blue Water Navy?

Source: President Trump Delivers an Address to the Nation, Jul. 16, 2026

Millions of Chinese families believed they were doing everything right. Yet today, some young college graduates are sharing a single bed with complete strangers because they can’t afford rent. At the same time, a viral online discussion about the “Seven Mistakes That Bankrupt the Middle Class” has sparked a nationwide debate. Were buying a home, starting a business, investing for the future, and raising children really financial mistakes—or did China’s economic reality change? This report examines how collapsing confidence, shrinking opportunities, and a deepening economic downturn are reshaping the lives of China’s middle class and its younger generation.

Source: Why Millions of Chinese Families Are Falling Behind

July 1 is the deadline for the renewal of the $2 trillion U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). But the United States has chosen not to renew it, triggering annual reviews between the three countries. What’s at the heart of the issue? America’s AI race with China is heating up. Why is the United States lifting export restrictions on some of its most advanced AI models? Ohio has canceled more than $20 million in tax incentives for a Chinese battery component company after it failed to deliver on its promises. July 1 marks the anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Outside China, it’s also observed by anti-communist Chinese communities as Global Quit the CCP Day. We take a look at how they’re marking the occasion. Beijing is stepping up its global clampdown with a new law that allows the communist regime to target people beyond China’s borders. 00:00 Intro 01:09 USMCA Review Begins as U.S. Presses to Counter China 02:29 USMCA First Review Begins With No Renewal in Sight 03:47 Chinese Battery Firm Loses $23M Ohio Incentives 06:23 Ohio Residents Concerned With Semcorp’s Operations 07:01 Report: CCP Harassment Rising Across U.S. 09:23 U.S. Lifts Anthropic Export Ban Amid AI Race With China 10:30 462 Million Chinese People Denounced CCP 11:05 End CCP Motorcade Rallies Across New York City 11:38Chinese New Yorkers Protest Before Chinese Consulate 11:58China’s Unity Law Expands Global Clampdown 13:22China Sends New Warship Into Pacific, Raising Concerns 14:30 Birthright Citizenship Fight Far From Over 15:16 Expert: 14th Amendment Blocks Birthright Changes 16:20 Expert: Congress Could Test Birthright Law 17:34 Philipp: Beijing Exploits U.S. Birthright Citizenship 18:49 Expert: Easier to Change Laws Than Constitution 🔵Tiffany Meier’s documentary Hollywood Takeover – how Beijing is rewriting the script in America’s film industry: hollywoodtakeover.com

Source: USMCA Closing China Trade Loophole? | China in Focus

For years, Xi Jinping looked untouchable. Then the CCP’s 105th anniversary celebration happened. Hu Jintao’s closest confidant suddenly reappeared. Xi Jinping’s closest allies quietly disappeared. A little-known diplomat appears to have been handed one of China’s most powerful security jobs. Even state media changed the way it portrayed Xi. Are these unrelated events—or signs that a quiet power shift is unfolding inside the Chinese Communist Party? Is Hu Jintao back? Let’s examine the clues one by one.

Source: The CCP’s Anniversary Revealed Something Nobody Expected

Taiwan’s government is condemning a new round of Chinese coast guard patrols east of the island. TaiwanPlus spoke with Ray Powell, founder and executive director of the SeaLight Foundation, about what the latest moves reveal about China’s expanding maritime strategy.

Source: Analysis: China Expands Patrols East of Taiwan｜TaiwanPlus News

The Great Leap Forward (1958–1962) remains history’s deadliest man-made disaster, resulting in an estimated 45 million premature deaths. Driven by Mao Zedong’s obsessive pursuit to economically surpass the West, the Chinese Communist Party implemented a lethal synergy of radical, unscientific policies. The regime coerced local officials into fabricating agricultural outputs, instituted the oppressive People’s Commune system, and orchestrated the violent “Anti-Grain Concealment Campaign” to seize all rural food. Simultaneously, millions of farmers were diverted to primitive backyard steel furnaces, leaving mature harvests to rot in the fields. While a draconian household registration (Hukou) system trapped starving peasants in their villages to prevent escape, the Party leadership in Beijing enjoyed extreme luxury and exported millions of tons of grain to secure foreign political prestige. Ultimately, this peacetime catastrophe demonstrates that unchecked totalitarian dictatorship is far more destructive than conventional warfare.

Source: The Most Lethal Policy in Human History: Inside Mao’s Great Leap | Digging into China

Source: China’s Leading the World in TOFU DREG Infrastructure!

A small civilian aircraft flew through the heart of Beijing and exposed far more than an air-defense failure. The incident may have revealed two of Xi Jinping’s biggest political vulnerabilities: a stalled power struggle inside the PLA surrounding Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, and a growing security crisis for Xi’s closest ally, Cai Qi. Could one plane have exposed cracks in both Xi’s military control and his inner circle?

Source: How One Plane Exposed Xi Jinping’s Two Biggest Weaknesses

China’s struggle to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights may seem like a dispute over price—but it reveals something much bigger. In this video, we examine why CCTV refused FIFA’s asking price, how China’s advertising market has changed, why major Chinese sponsors are pulling back, and what this tells us about the country’s slowing economy. From collapsing real estate to shrinking consumer demand and growing fiscal pressure, the World Cup has become an unexpected window into China’s deeper economic challenges. Is this simply a business decision, or a sign that China’s economic model is facing a new reality?

Source: Why China Couldn’t Afford the World Cup Anymore

President Donald Trump takes aim at communism, responding to New York’s congressional primaries. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party holds a hearing exposing China’s malign influence on American soil. Beijing is adding another tool to its legal arsenal. A draft law would allow state prosecutors to bring public-interest lawsuits against foreign entities and individuals. Australia announces a $1.75 billion deal to export radar technology to Canada, as NATO allies ramp up efforts to safeguard the Arctic from the Chinese regime. Cheaper or better? The global AI race is heating up as lower-cost Chinese models challenge America’s push to lead the next generation of technology. 00:00 Intro 01:06 Trump Sounds Alarm on Communism 02:14 Trump Calls Progressive Candidates ‘Solid Communists’ 02:45 House Hearing Exposes CCP’s Malign Influence in US 05:08 China Adds Foreign Targets to Public Interest Lawsuits 06:14 FCC Toughens Submarine Communication Cable Rules 07:13 Small Plane Crashes Into Beijing’s Tallest Building 08:07 Australia Ships $1.75 Billion Tech to Canada for Arctic Defense 09:12 Gray: Keeping Greenland Safe Vital to US Security 10;53 Shen Yun Back in Toronto Despite Earlier Hoax Threats 13:37 Chinese Cyber Firm Claims Superior MythOS Rival 14:25 US–China AI Race: The Fight for Global Influence 15:57 Expert Backs Linux to Counter China Cyber Risks 16:12 Concerns Over Data Sharing in Global Tech Ecosystems

Source: Trump Sounds Alarm on Communism; Shen Yun Back in Toronto Despite Earlier Hoax Threats

Is China’s military as strong as it looks? A sweeping new PLA audit—“Sharp Sword–2025”—is tearing open weapons depots, missiles, radars, and supply chains with no warning. Reports point to mismatched inventory, downgraded components, falsified test results, and even training drills that were staged for show. As anti-corruption pressure meets real war-readiness concerns, this inspection is turning into a full-scale purge. What is Beijing really finding—and what does it reveal about the PLA’s true combat capability?

Source: Behind China’s Massive Military Audit and What It Reveals

China is expanding trade pressures on Japan. It announced new export curbs on dozens of Japanese firms amid rising tensions over Taiwan and defense. Oil prices are dropping, peace talks in the Middle East are underway, and uncertainty remains. From preschool to college, China is making artificial intelligence a mandatory subject. Why are top American CEOs ringing alarm bells for U.S. schools? President Donald Trump criticizes communism—what do three young media professionals think about the topic? The Arctic is becoming the northernmost front in countering Russia and China. Europe and Canada are showing Washington that they can help defend the Western world on its northern flank. 00:00 Intro 01:07 China Expands Export Curbs on Japan 02:22 Trump: US–Iran Talks Set for Tuesday in Doha 03:36 Mike Waltz: Iran Faces a Choice 04:20 Israel Strikes Hezbollah Terrorists in Lebanon 05:07 China Expands Nationwide AI Education Across All Grades 07:10 Top US CEOs Push for K–12 AI Classes 07:43Trump: Communism ‘Easy to Sell,’ Ends in Failure 09:06 Why Communism Goes Against Human Nature 10:49 Why Gen Z Is Embracing Socialism 12:49 Trump: Democrats Won’t Confront Communists 14:07 Are Socialists Taking Over the Democratic Party? 16:50 NATO Pledges Arctic Security to Trump 18:37 Russia Rebuilds Arctic Bases Near US 19:33Why the Arctic Matters to All Parties 20:10 Australia, Vanuatu Sign Pact Amid China Concerns

Source: China Expands Export Restrictions on Japan | China in Focus

The Pentagon is facing a new legal challenge. Chinese tech giant Alibaba is suing after being designated a Chinese military company—but the Defense Department isn’t the only target. Here’s how Beijing is weaponizing U.S. courts to silence critics. A new clash in the U.S.–China AI race. Anthropic is accusing Alibaba of a large-scale effort, involving thousands of fake accounts, to steal AI capabilities. A Chinese EV battery maker is demanding millions of dollars from a small Michigan township. How local backlash against a Chinese-owned factory turned into a federal lawsuit. A successful test of the Golden Dome. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described it as the first milestone test of the missile defense program. Which countries is the Golden Dome primarily defending against? The semiconductor industry is riding the AI boom. South Korean chip workers are reaping the rewards, enjoying high demand in both career and marriage. 00:00 Intro 01:26 Alibaba Sues Pentagon for Chinese Military Designation 02:35 Beijing Weaponizes U.S. Courts to Silence Critics 05:14 Anthropic Accuses Alibaba of Large-Scale AI Theft 06:47 Chinese Battery Firm Seeks $23.7M From Small Michigan Town 08:34 Hegseth Says Golden Dome Test a Success 09:37 U.S. University Program for Communist Elites: Report 10:30 U.S. Snubs China APEC Meeting Over Visa Dispute 11:16 Chip Workers in High Demand at Work and in Marriage 12:41 Semiconductor Industry Lures Top Students From Medicine 14:14 Expert on China Cyber Threats in U.S. Infrastructure 14:31 Experts Warn of Deep Grid Infiltration Risk 15:53 China-Made Parts Raise AI Data Center Concerns 20:16 Expert Warns of Telecom Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Source: How Beijing Weaponizes U.S. Courts to Silence Critics | China in Focus

Japan is undergoing a historic shift. It is abandoning previous decades of low key diplomacy and deflection and instead pushing back against China’s military narrative more forcefully than at any point in recent years, arguing that Beijing’s lack of transparency — not Tokyo’s defense buildup — is the real threat to regional stability. As Japan raises defense spending, expands security partnerships and eases restrictions on arms exports, China has accused it of reviving militarism. But Japanese officials counter that their policies are openly debated and publicly scrutinized, while China’s true military spending and strategic intentions remain opaque. Is Beijing’s criticism of Japan designed to shift attention away from its own unprecedented military expansion? In this episode, we examine China’s propaganda war, the debate over military transparency and what it means for security across the Indo-Pacific.

Source: Japan Challenges China’s Defense Spending as Tokyo Finally Hits Back | Taiwan Talks EP864

It’s been over six years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, yet much of the scientific establishment still seems unwilling to acknowledge or openly debate where this virus came from. In this episode, Matt Ridley, co-author of “Viral,” breaks down the significance of newly declassified documents released by Homeland Security Secretary Tulsi Gabbard and the evidence of a coordinated cover-up of COVID-19’s origins. Ridley delves into a key paper, “The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2,” published by Nature Medicine, exposing how the authors themselves believed that a lab leak was a likely possibility while publicly pushing the opposite narrative. Troubling questions arise: Why hasn’t the international community held China accountable for what happened at the Wuhan lab? Why is America so attentive to cybersecurity, but completely blind to biosecurity? And why are there such close ties between Western scientific research and Chinese dual-purpose facilities like the lab in Wuhan? Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Source: Here’s What They Hid in Wuhan | Matt Ridley

Source: This was Spying on me all Along? A Chinese DJI Drone Almost got me Arrested

Source: Why Trump Flew to China with 18 CEOs

The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026 is bringing together 31 nations, more than 25,000 personnel and some of the world’s most advanced naval forces for the largest maritime exercise on the planet. The drills come at a time of growing tensions across the Indo-Pacific, with China excluded from the exercise for a fourth consecutive iteration and Taiwan once again left on the sidelines, despite repeated support from members of the US Congress. At the same time, questions are mounting over how closely the US and Taiwan could actually operate together in a crisis and whether existing military cooperation is enough to close critical interoperability gaps. In this episode, we examine what RIMPAC reveals about deterrence, coalition-building and the evolving state of US-Taiwan defense cooperation.

Source: RIMPAC 2026: Why Are Taiwan and China Absent From World’s Largest Maritime Drills? | Taiwan Talks EP861

Read the full, in-depth analysis on China News Update: https://chinanewsupdate.com/china-new… In today’s video, independent analyst Tony Fiddis breaks down China’s narrowing budget deficit and why Beijing is resisting aggressive stimulus despite a widening gap between thriving high-tech exports and fragile domestic consumer demand. We examine the muted results of the critical “618” shopping festival, the escalating semiconductor friction with Washington, and a high-stakes joint regulatory investigation into infant diaper chemical safety. 🕒 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 00:11 Chinese Economy Fiscal Space and Holiday Shopping 04:46 US-China: New Restrictions & Smuggling Concerns 09:26 Diaper Scandal

Source: 36% Down: Did China Just Blink? | Diaper Scandal | China’s Economy | US – China

With Chinese leader Xi Jinping repeatedly stating his plans to take Taiwan—by force if necessary—many are wondering: what might such an invasion look like and how prepared is Taiwan to defend itself and withstand such an assault? Enoch Wu is working to tip the balance in Taiwan’s favor. Born in Chicago to Taiwanese parents, he decided to quit his lucrative career as a finance executive in Hong Kong to join Taiwan’s special forces in his early 30s. And he’s since devoted his life to preventing Taiwan from being wiped from the map by its large totalitarian neighbor. In 2020, he founded Forward Alliance to train ordinary Taiwanese in trauma medicine, search and rescue, setting up communication networks, and organizing shelters in a crisis. The group has now trained tens of thousands of ordinary Taiwanese to become de facto first responders through partnerships with local churches, schools, and other community groups. Wu explains his philosophy that while the military acts as a country’s sword, societal resilience acts as a country’s shield. At the heart of our conversation is an urgent message: “The whole point of living in a democratic society,” Wu says, “is that we are all owners, and we have to take responsibility. We can’t treat democracy like a heritage that’s just passed down. You can’t take it as a given. You have to continue to nurture it. You have to invest in it. You have to improve it.” Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Source: Beijing Wants to Wipe Taiwan Off the Map. This Man Is Making Sure Its People Can Survive | Enoch Wu

No peace talks between the United States and Iran took place on Friday, and no new date has been announced. We have the latest updates. Ukrainian drones have helped repel Russian attacks for years. Now, China’s neighbors—including Taiwan and Japan—are eager to learn from Ukraine’s experience as they prepare to deter a potential conflict. Taiwan is pushing a new bill to invest billions in drone technology to counter China. Meanwhile, Australia is sending drones to the Philippines to strengthen maritime defenses. A historic shift in Cuba. The communist island is opening up to free-market reforms amid severe U.S. sanctions and secret diplomatic talks. Is Havana opening a new chapter—and how will Washington respond? 00:00 Intro 01:04 US-Iran Talks in Switzerland Postponed 03:21 Trump Criticizes Democrats Over Iran Deal Comments 03:55 Strait of Hormuz: Shipping Traffic Recovering 04:23 Israel–Hezbollah Ceasefire Takes Effect in Lebanon 05:04 U.S. Policy Shift: From Obama to Trump 06:53 Gulf Nations Fed Up With Iran Strikes 08:08 Ukrainian Drone Makers Target Taiwan, Japan 10:03 Taiwan Approves $6.7 Billion Domestic Drone Defense Plan 11:20 Australia Donates Drones to Philippine Coast Guard 13:04 Cuba Passes Historic Free-Market Economic Reforms 15:23 Trump: Cuba Operation May Mirror Venezuela 17:11 France Dismantles 9 Chinese Police Outposts 18:08 AI Data Center Boom Drives Solar Power Demand

Source: Taiwan’s $6.7B Drone Defense Plan, Preparing For War | China in Focus

Beijing appears to be increasing its ability to launch nuclear strikes against countries such as the United States. What do satellite images reveal about a mysterious complex taking shape in a desert in the Xinjiang region? Drones are changing the battlefield—not only in the sky, but also at sea. The United States and two allies are working together to strengthen their maritime dominance and counter China. Beijing draws a dangerous new red line, expelling an American reporter over Taiwan. Washington responds in kind, while Taipei condemns Beijing’s tactics. Want to take Chinese technology, talent, or data overseas? Under Beijing’s new outbound investment rules, you’ll need permission first. Military-linked universities in China are pursuing Nvidia’s top AI chips, raising questions about U.S. efforts to control cutting-edge technology exports. China Appears to Boost Nuclear Strike Capability US Launches Golden Dome Missile Shield System US, UK, Australia to Develop Undersea Drones US Racing to Counter China’s Drone Dominance Pentagon Turns to Smaller Firms for Drones Pentagon Seeks 300,000 Low-Cost Attack Drones Security Concerns Over Chinese Drone Parts China, US Expel Each Other’s Reporters Expert: Chinese Outlets in US May Influence Elections Beijing to Lock Down Outbound Tech, Data Flows Rubio: US Must End Reliance on Chinese Supply Chains China Military-Tied Universities Seek Nvidia AI Chips EU to Join US-Led Chip Supply Initiative China Defense Minister No-Show at Asia Summit South Korea, Japan Weigh Military Logistics Deal

Source: China Appears to Boost Nuclear Strike Capability | China in Focus

Source: Taiwan’s emerging drone industry is taking off｜Taiwan News

As China expands its quantum capabilities, US President Donald Trump has issued executive orders aimed at maintaining American leadership in the emerging technology that officials predict will become one of the most important strategic battlegrounds in the AI race.

Source: Trump Signs Executive Orders on Quantum Tech To Counter China｜TaiwanPlus News

Japan is expanding its defense partnerships beyond the traditional First Island Chain, as Tokyo and Jakarta discuss a possible transfer of Japanese Asagiri-class destroyers. The move follows growing security cooperation with Australia and the Philippines and reflects Japan’s efforts to build a broader network of like-minded maritime powers. At the same time, Indonesia is facing increasing pressure from Chinese gray-zone activities near critical sea lanes and the North Natuna Sea. Is Japan creating a new “network of navies” to help balance China’s growing influence? In this episode, we examine the evolving Japan-Indonesia partnership, the rise of Japan’s defense diplomacy and what it means for the future of Indo-Pacific security.

Source: Japan Is Building a ‘Network of Navies’ Against Shared China Threat | Taiwan Talks EP858

Is Washington’s attention shifting away from the Indo-Pacific? Japan’s prime minister says not at all, following talks with President Donald Trump at the G7 summit. After Iran, could North Korea be next? South Korea is urging Trump to help address one of the world’s toughest nuclear challenges. The G7 leaders say they oppose any actions that could disrupt peace around Taiwan, and Trump is pushing to speed up U.S. weapons manufacturing. The Senate unanimously passed a bill condemning Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping. Missouri’s attorney general is suing Chinese security camera maker Lorex, a major seller of home security cameras and baby monitors in the United States. What’s the case really about? 00:00 Intro 1:24 Japan, U.S. Reaffirm Indo-Pacific Partnership at G7 3:20 S. Korea Asks Trump to Tackle N. Korea Nuclear Threat 4:28 S. Korea Narrows Civilian Restricted Zone Near Border 4:52 G7 Leaders Support Taiwan Strait Status Quo 5:25 Taiwan Detects 6 Chinese Naval Vessels Near Island 6:12 President Trump Invokes Act to Boost Weapons Supply 7:04 Senate Resolution Condemns CCP Leader Xi Jinping 9:13 Missouri AG Sues Baby Monitor Firm Over CCP Ties 11:03 Taiwan Protests Scholar Ban, Cites CCP Pressure 12:27 Taiwan on Standby for Possible Call From Trump 13:12 EU Says China Trained Russian Troops to Fight in Ukraine 14:40 G7 Summit Highlights China Concerns in France 15:04 G7 Unites on China Security, Economic Concerns 16:09 G7 Seeks Supply Chain Shift Away From China 17:26 G7 Pushes to Cut Reliance on Chinese Minerals 19:06 G7 Signals Security-First Approach on China Talks

Source: US, Japan Reaffirm Indo – Pacific Partnership; US Senate Condemns Xi Jinping | China in Focus

The Philippines and Taiwan are facing a surge in Chinese pressure across multiple flashpoints, as Beijing defends what it describes as “scientific research” activities at Scarborough Shoal (Minzhu Reef) and conducts operations near Pratas (Dongsha) Island. It comes as Beijing has sanctioned Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro for calling out China’s “deception” and growing maritime aggression. Meanwhile, Taiwan has launched major live-fire exercises featuring HIMARS, drones and long-range rocket systems designed to counter a potential amphibious assault along its west coast. Are China’s latest activities in the South China Sea isolated incidents or part of a broader campaign to reshape the region’s status quo? In this episode, we examine China’s expanding gray-zone activities, the strategic importance of these islands and how Taiwan and the Philippines are responding.

Source: Is China Moving to Seize Full Control of Scarborough Shoal? | Talks EP854

Taiwan is kicking off a five-day military drill. The goal is to better prepare the island’s military for a war scenario. China is targeting U.S. defense and rare earth companies. This comes just after the Pentagon accused major Chinese firms of helping Beijing’s military. What could this mean for U.S.–China trade relations? Could your fitness tracker be sending your health data to Beijing? Lawmakers are raising alarms about Chinese-made devices Americans use to track their health. A new Chinese law targets dissent globally. Are Americans still safe from Beijing’s secret police? Faced with growing military threats from China, people in Taiwan are preparing for a potential invasion—not only in combat capability but also in civilian preparedness. To support that effort, one Taiwanese man left Wall Street and returned home. 00:00 Intro 00:54 Taiwan Begins Drill Simulating War Scenario 02:16 China Sanctions U.S. Rare Earth, Defense Firms 04:03 Senators Urge FCC to Probe China-Made Health Wearables 05:06 President Trump to Visit China Again 05:48 Beijing’s New Law Threatens U.S. Citizens 07:10 China Implements ‘Ethnic Unity Promotion’ Law 10:01 Cuban Intel Facilities Show Possible Links to China 11:20 U.S. and Uzbekistan Launch Joint Investment Platform 12:09 How Taiwanese People Are Preparing for a Chinese Attack 12:52 Returning From Wall Street to Taiwan 15:27 How China’s Rise Put Taiwan in the Crosshairs 17:31 Protecting Democracy Through Resilient Societies 18:35 Why the World Can’t Ignore Taiwan

Source: Taiwan Begins Drill Simulating War | China in Focus

“INDO” has been dropped from “INDOPACOM”. The US Department of Defense’s decision to rename its Indo-Pacific Command back to Pacific Command has sparked questions about the future of one of the most influential strategic concepts in modern geopolitics. First championed by then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the early 2000s, it was later institutionalized as official US policy during President Donald Trump’s first term through the 2018 renaming of PACOM to INDOPACOM. This new name reflected the idea that India is an important strategic partner of the US and its allies, and that the Indian and Pacific oceans form a single strategic theater. The latest change comes as Trump met Indian PM Narendra Modi at the G7. Is this a symbolic shift, or does it reveal something deeper about Washington’s approach to China and Asia? In this episode, we examine the significance of the PACOM name change, the legacy of Abe’s Indo-Pacific vision and what it means for regional security.

Source: ‘USPACOM’ Name Change: What It Means For China, India, Quad | Taiwan Talks EP859