Month: December 2025

As the world focuses on the delicate diplomatic crisis between China and Japan at the end of 2025, something less noticed is happening on a remote atoll in the Pacific. Workers from a Chinese company are braving the sea winds to restore an old runway that has been dormant for decades. This atoll, located in Micronesia, is about 900 kilometers from the U.S. military base in Guam, and it has suddenly become a hotspot in the strategic competition between China and the U.S.

China Update provides the most up to date political, economic, and geopolitical news and analysis on China. Videos are based on hundreds of articles, think tank reports, government statements and other resources in English and Chinese. China Update is fully independent and I make the videos.

China has launched one of its largest military exercises yet — dubbed Exercise Justice Mission 2025 — around Taiwan. The exercise included the deployment of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, Army, Air Force and Rocket Force units in five zones on all sides of Taiwan, as well as live-fire drills and a simulated blockade. The show of force was accompanied by a message on the PLA’s Weibo page warning against “Taiwan Independence separatist forces.” In the South China Sea, however, the PLA took a brief break from its gray-zone harassment campaign against Filipino fishers to provide drinking water to a single stranded fisher. The incident — highlighted on social media by the Chinese Embassy in Manila as an example of China’s “humanitarianism” — occurred within the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone. It was widely criticized as a public relations stunt, particularly given a recent incident on December 12 in which 20 Filipino boats were water-cannoned. Meanwhile, the US National Defense Authorization Act has allocated up to a record US$3.5 billion to Manila for its military modernization. What do the PLA drills mean for regional peace and stability? And was China’s treatment of the Filipino fisher a genuine act of kindness, or something more sinister? In this episode, we examine China’s latest actions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, as well as the US-Philippines security alliance. *Recorded on December 29, 2025 at 3pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Producer: Julien Oeuillet Our guests: Tsai Jung-hsiang National Chung Cheng University Political Science Professor

Donald Trump said he is “very angry” after hearing reports that Vladimir Putin’s home was attacked.Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed that Kyiv launched a drone attack on Putin’s state residence on Sunday (28 December). Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has denied the allegations, dismissing them as “typical Russian lies”.Speaking during a press conference with Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (29 December), the US president said that he was not pleased by the reports. “It’s not the right time to do any of that”, he said.“It’s one thing to be offensive, because they’re offensive,” he said. “It’s another thing to attack his house”

​Taiwan has pushed back against growing military pressure from China as Beijing conducts large-scale live-fire drills around the country. The exercise has drawn condemnation from around the world.

On the evening of December 27, a monument and park symbolizing “China-Panama friendship” near the Panama Canal entrance were unexpectedly demolished by the local government. This move caught the Chinese government by surprise, prompting a call for a thorough investigation.The demolished structure was a traditional Chinese archway, located near the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. After crossing the Americas Bridge over the canal, vehicles would turn right and see the archway, with its yellow roof and red columns, standing at a prominent viewing point. The archway had long been a well-known landmark in the area.

Footage released from China’s long‑range live‑fire drills around Taiwan shows rockets and artillery striking designated targets north of the island as part of the “Justice Mission 2025” exercises, which Taipei condemned as intimidation while its forces remain on high alert and Japan watches developments closely amid regional security concerns.#chinataiwanconflict #chinavstaiwan #chinataiwanwar #worldnews

Operation Honey Pot: Paste this emoji 🍯 in your comment below.The Chinese Communist Party loves to quote Sun Tzu’s Art of War—especially when it wants to look wise, peaceful, and five steps ahead of everyone else. But here’s the problem: the CCP is lying about what The Art of War actually teaches.In this episode of China Uncensored, Chris Chappell breaks down how Sun Tzu is routinely misinterpreted—and deliberately misused—by the CCP to mask China’s aggressive strategy toward the United States and its allies.

A deadly rampage in Taipei has left Taiwan with more questions than answers. Beyond the violence itself, troubling irregularities — early reporting by mainland media, missing evidence, and coordinated movements by the attacker — have fueled speculation about whether the incident was meant to generate fear at a politically sensitive moment. Coming on the same day as a major impeachment push against President Lai, the attack highlights how violence, political pressure, and psychological shock can intersect. This program explores why many now see Taiwan as a growing pressure point in a wider struggle.

QI Research CEO Danielle DiMartino Booth discusses her forecast for four Fed rate cuts in the first half of 2026, driven by rising unemployment and corporate layoffs on ‘Making Money.’ #fox #media #us #usa #new #news #foxbusiness #makingmoney #economy #economic #markets #finance #financial #federalreserve #fed #interest #rates #inflation #unemployment #jobs #layoffs #wallstreet #business #policy

Taiwan is responding to China’s latest military drills around the island. It’s condemning the Chinese regime’s actions as a threat to regional security.China is quietly expanding the factories that build its nuclear weapons. Experts say it could change how quickly Beijing responds to an attack. We break down the potential implications.U.S. tariffs have raked in over $200 billion dollars this year. A closer look at how President Donald Trump has used them to reshape trade.Cambodia and Thailand have finally signed a ceasefire deal. Now, both the United States and China are racing to take credit. But who actually brought peace to the region?00:00 Intro01:10 China Stages Warships, Fighter Jets near Taiwan04:02 China Ramps up Nuclear Weapons Program, Raising Global Concerns05:16 Inside Trump’s Tariff Push and Its Global Impact09:13 U.S., China Vying for Influence Over Cambodia, Thailand10:38 Race to the Moon: The U.S. vs. China

【 Anchor’s Comment 】 Two Chinese fishing boats were caught illegally operating in our waters by the Coast Guard. However, these Chinese boats were equipped with steel bars and metal barriers while fleeing before being apprehended. Why was that? Reporter Jeong Chi-hoon explains.

The Chinese Communist Party loves to quote Sun Tzu’s Art of War—especially when it wants to look wise, peaceful, and five steps ahead of everyone else. But here’s the problem: the CCP is lying about what The Art of War actually teaches.In this episode of China Uncensored, Chris Chappell breaks down how Sun Tzu is routinely misinterpreted—and deliberately misused—by the CCP to mask China’s aggressive strategy toward the United States and its allies.

China Update provides the most up to date political, economic, and geopolitical news and analysis on China. Videos are based on hundreds of articles, think tank reports, government statements and other resources in English and Chinese. China Update is fully independent and I make the videos. X (Formerly Twitter): / tonychinaupdate Channel email: [email protected]:00 Introduction00:12 Taiwan Tensions: Military Drills03:35 Chinese Economy: Industrial Profits Continue Decline07:25 Local Fiscal Crisis: Asset-backed Securities

Recently, military vloggers who once boasted about “zero casualties in war” have suddenly started sharing grim stories. They now admit that this war will be tough and that breaking through the First Island Chain could cost at least 100 million lives. They point out that if war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, 30 million people could be displaced.

US and Philippines Launch Joint Task Force to Reinforce South China Sea Deterrence.This video explains why the United States and the Philippines have launched a new joint task force to strengthen deterrence in the South China Sea. It breaks down rising maritime tensions with China, the task force’s limited, non-combat role, and how closer coordination aims to protect sovereignty, manage gray-zone incidents, and preserve regional stability without provoking conflict.#CrossWorldNews #SouthChinaSea #USPhilippines #IndoPacific #MaritimeSecurity #RegionalStability #ChinaTensions

What if the next major battlefield isn’t the Taiwan Strait? The CCP has its tentacles all over the world, and could use those to cause chaos, or even trigger war. Former U.S. Air Force strategist Guermantes Lailari shows how much the US is at risk.

China launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan, warning what it called “external forces” against interference. The exercises heightened regional tensions, prompting close monitoring by Taiwan and raising questions over Japan’s military readiness as security concerns grow across the Indo-Pacific.#chinataiwanconflict #PLA #drills #taiwanstrait #breakingnewslive #asiasecurity #militarydrills #indopacificreport

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported dozens of Chinese ships, aircraft, and drones near the country’s main island as Beijing initiates its “Justice Mission 2025” military drills, set to begin Tuesday. The exercises come a day after President Lai Ching-te called for increased defense spending.

A new Pentagon report warns China is ramping up pressure on Taiwan militarily. It also says Beijing is making advancements in quantum computing, even as corruption inside its military raises serious questions about readiness.China is slapping sanctions on 20 U.S. firms and 10 executives, following Washington’s largest arms sale to Taiwan. We break down what these sanctions mean.Japan has approved a record $58 billion defense budget for the coming year, aiming to strengthen its military capabilities amid rising tensions with China.As the year comes to a close, we take a look back at how Congress has tackled the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party.00:00 Intro01:01 Pentagon: China Stepping Up Nuclear, Military Capabilities03:16 China Sanctions 20 U.S. Defense Firms, 10 Executives03:48 Japan’s Cabinet Approves Record Defense Budget: $58B04:46 Congress Bans CCP Links to Pentagon Supply Chain13:47 China Revives WWII Airfield 370 Miles From Guam

00:00 China Converts a Containership into an Armed Warship03:17 Armed Merchant Cruisers vs Commerce Raiders05:33 Why Did China Arm Zhong Da 79?07:44 China’s Merchant Marine as a Naval Auxiliary Force 10:56 How does this compare to US Navy’s Battleship and Frigate programs? 13:03 Strategic Use and First Strike Capability16:48 Cost Effectiveness and Expendability – Battleship or Armed Merchant Cruisers?Marine Traffic www.marinetraffic.comChinese Cargo Ship Packed Full Of Modular Missile Launchers Emergeshttps://www.twz.com/sea/chinese-cargo…German WW2 Commerce Raidershttps://naval-encyclopedia.com/ww2/ge…Pentagon Annual Report on Chinese Military and Security Developmentshttps://news.usni.org/2025/12/24/pent…

After the Rocket Force purge and the downfall of Xi Jinping’s closest military allies, the PLA’s internal cleansing appears to have reached the Air Force. China’s Air Force commander and political commissar have vanished from public view, with online profiles quietly erased. At the same time, multiple senior Air Force figures have died suddenly or disappeared amid a widening investigation. These patterns mirror earlier purges that preceded official announcements. Together, they point to deep instability inside China’s military—signs not of war preparation, but of a force under internal collapse.

Japan’s decision to remove key weapon systems from JS Sendai, an Abukuma-class destroyer escort, before its expected transfer to the Philippine Navy has raised major questions across the Indo-Pacific security community. Why would a modern warship be handed over without its primary weapons—and what does this move really signal about Japan’s defense strategy, export laws, and regional deterrence?In this video, we provide a deep-dive military and geopolitical analysis explaining why JS Sendai was disarmed, what systems were removed, and how this transfer fits into the rapidly evolving Japan–Philippines defense partnership. This is not just about a single ship—it reflects a broader shift in regional security dynamics, especially amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific.🔍 What We Break Down in This Video:• Which weapons and combat systems were removed from JS Sendai• Why Japan cannot legally export fully armed warships• How Japan’s post-war defense restrictions still shape modern policy• What capabilities the ship retains despite being disarmed• How the Philippine Navy could re-arm or repurpose the vessel• What this transfer means for maritime security and regional balance• How China and other regional powers may interpret this moveWhile JS Sendai may arrive without missiles or advanced strike systems, its hull, propulsion, sensors, and command infrastructure still provide significant value for training, patrol, surveillance, and future upgrades. For the Philippines, this transfer represents a strategic stepping stone toward naval modernization, rather than a simple hardware acquisition.From Japan’s perspective, this move allows Tokyo to support a regional partner without violating its strict arms export framework—while still sending a strong political and strategic signal about cooperation, stability, and shared security interests.

Laffer Tengler Investments CEO and CIO Nancy Tengler reviews her successful ‘5 for ’25’ stock picks, introduces her ‘6 for ’26’ picks and more on ‘Making Money.’#geopoliticalshock #chinataiwan #marketrisk #investing #stockmarket #nancytengler #makingmoney #foxbusiness

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s course of remilitarizing the country has sparked significant controversy and concern, with critics arguing that it poses serious security implications for the Indo-Pacific region and contravenes the provisions of the United Nations Charter, specifically Article 107. Kishida’s recent policies reflect a notable shift in Japan’s defense strategy, long characterized by a pacifist orientation rooted in the post-World War II constitution and the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. This strategic pivot, which includes substantial increases in defense spending, a broader military role, and intensified joint military exercises with the United States, has raised alarms both domestically and internationally.This episode has been researched by our friend and podcast editor James! Check out his channel here / @drivenmental

China is loudly backing Venezuela at the UN amid rising tensions with the US—but not because it cares about Maduro. It’s because America seized a tanker carrying Chinese oil. So now the CCP is crying “unilateral bullying” while pretending this is about international law. Here’s what’s really behind China’s sudden concern for Venezuela.

Reviewing the year in Taiwan, from political divides to unity in the face of national tragedies. Forget about generative AI, come to TaiwanPlus to get the full story on Taiwan.

The U.S. Navy’s Underwater Threat China Can’t Track or Stop is reshaping the balance of power beneath the oceans. This video reveals why America’s Virginia-class submarine remains nearly invisible to modern Chinese anti-submarine warfare systems, despite massive investments in sensors, patrol aircraft, and seabed surveillance.Operating at extremely low acoustic levels, these U.S. Navy submarines exploit undersea warfare advantages that China still cannot counter. From the South China Sea to the Western Pacific, advanced acoustic stealth, pump-jet propulsion, and superior naval technology allow U.S. submarines to detect threats first — and strike without warning.We break down how this underwater threat China can’t track or stop impacts China Navy vs U.S. Navy planning, why passive detection claims fall short in real ocean conditions, and how American military technology continues to dominate the silent domain.As China builds more submarines, the United States builds quieter, smarter, and deadlier ones. In modern naval power competition, whoever controls the deep controls deterrence itself.#USNavy, #VirginiaClass, #ChinaNavy, #UnderseaWarfare, #MilitaryTechnology, #NavalPower, #SubmarineWarfare, #SouthChinaSea, #WesternPacific, #Geopolitics, #DefenseNews, #ModernWarfare, #StealthTechnology, #NavalStrategy, #militaryanalysis

China’s military is facing its most serious internal crisis in decades. After the purge of the Rocket Force and the downfall of Xi Jinping’s key political allies inside the Central Military Commission, the crackdown has now spread to the PLA Air Force. Senior commanders have disappeared, died while under investigation, or vanished from public view, pointing to a force being dismantled from the top down. This program then turns to Taiwan, where a deadly knife attack in central Taipei shocked the public on the same day political tensions surged over an impeachment move against President Lai Ching-te. By examining the attack’s strange timelines, missing evidence, and unanswered questions, the program explores how internal military collapse in China may coincide with rising political pressure and social shock in Taiwan — suggesting not preparation for open war, but a shift toward other methods.

Taiwan helped power the world’s tech boom in 2025, but it’s still navigating an increasingly contested global landscape. Under constant pressure from China, can Taiwan find the space not only to endure, but to thrive in 2026 – and maintain its critical role as a global tech hub? On this edition of #CorrespondentsOnTaiwanPlus, Reuters Taiwan Bureau Chief Ben Blanchard and CommonWealth Magazine Senior Managing Editor Silva Shih share the stories they’ll be watching in 2026. Hosted by Andrew Ryan. 00:00 – Intro 01:47 – Biggest stories for Taiwan in 2025 03:22 – Reporting from Taiwan’s frontline with China 05:10 – Making sense of a fading buffer zone 07:11 – Defense budget still a key issue in 2026 08:06 – What to expect from Han Kuang drills in 2026 10:46 – APEC in China: Where does Taiwan stand? 13:12 – Japan-China row over Taiwan: What’s next? 15:12 – 2026 Elections: What’s at stake for Taiwan 19:59 – Key domestic issues for Taiwan in 2026 20:43 – Taiwan’s hidden gems to visit in 2026 24:03 – Hopes for journalism in 2026Editor’s note: This episode was recorded on December 16, 2025.#TaiwanPlus #TaiwanPlusNews #TaiwanNews #Taiwan #LookAhead #2026 #Trump #Tariffs #TSMC #semiconductor #China #HanKuang41 #TaiwanDefense #DefenseBudget #TaiwanStrait #MediaLine #DadanIsland #JapanChina #2026Elections #DomesticConcerns #LittleMynamar #Matsu #Journalism2026

The U.S. seized two more oil tankers in waters near Venezuela. One, fully loaded with oil, was bound for China, while the other had previously been used to transport oil to China.A Chinese researcher at Indiana University has been charged with smuggling E. coli bacteria from China into the U.S. illegally.Japan is stepping up efforts to increase its defense budget amid escalating Chinese military aggression, plus pressure from Washington.Recently leaked footage from 30 years ago shows a Chinese general refusing Beijing’s order to fire on Tiananmen protesters in 1989. He lost his freedom for the rest of his life, but remained a hero in the eyes of many.Gold prices hit a record high—countries are quietly building up their reserves amid rising geopolitical tensions.00:00 Intro01:15 U.S. Seizes China-Bound Oil Tanker03:36 Chinese Researcher Charged for Smuggling E. Coli04:53 Japan Fast-Tracks Military Spending Increase06:28 Japan Reaffirms No-Nuclear Policy, China Fires Warning06:53 Video Goes Viral: Chinese General’s Refusal to Kill09:40 China Replaces Heads of Two Key Combatant Commands10:22 Countries Stockpile Gold Amid Global Tensions12:11 UK Gov’t Confirms Foreign Office Hacked Two Months Ago15:03 China Hits EU Dairy Products With Duties Up to 42.7:35 How Well Do Americans Recognize Cultural Marxism?19:36 Reconnecting With Traditional American Culture

Legal and political strategist Katie Zacharia joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to break down rising tensions with China, the Pentagon’s warning on Beijing’s military buildup and President Donald Trump’s strategy on tariffs, trade and global security.

China made something that royally backfired. Millions of people who are unified…

China has intensified its rhetorical campaign against Japan, accusing PM Takaichi Sanae of reviving the wartime militancy of Imperial Japan. Among other narratives, China is now challenging Japan’s sovereignty over the islands of Okinawa, formerly known as Ryukyu. Beijing has simultaneously pushed for Okinawan independence, while promoting a farfetched claim that the islands are historically part of China. Meanwhile, a survey found that trust in Japan was higher than trust in China in all Southeast Asian nations. Why is Beijing focused now on this island chain northeast of Taiwan? Are these claims falling flat? And what did Takaichi actually say about Taiwan that set off China’s latest burst of aggression? In this episode, we discuss Beijing’s propaganda, the history of Okinawa, Takaichi’s remarks, and what it means for the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. *Recorded on December 19, 2025 at 2pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Guests:Lai I-chung Prospect Foundation PresidentPeter Mattis The Jamestown Foundation President Chapters:00:00:00 – China Ups Its Anti-Japanese Rhetoric00:01:10 – Why Is Beijing Focusing on Okinawa?00:06:20 – China’s Farfetched Claim to Okinawa00:14:21 – Does China Have a Trust Problem in SE Asia?00:22:26 – What Did Takaichi Really Say About Taiwan?#ChinaJapanRelations #JapanTaiwanRelations #USTaiwanRelations #TakaichiSanae #XiJinping #PeoplesLiberationArmy #PLA #PLANavy #ChinaCoastGuard #IndoPacific #Grayzone #GrayzoneTactics #ChinesePropaganda #ChineseCommunistParty #CCP #PeoplesRepublicofChina #PRC #JapanSelfDefenseForces #JapaneseNavy #Ryukyu #RyukyuIslands #Okinawa #OkinawanIslands #OkinawanIndependence #RyukyuIndependence #Misinformation #Disinformation #JapaneseHistory #ChineseHistory #ASEAN #SoutheastAsia #Trustworthiness #TrustGap #TrustSurvey #TaiwanTalks #TaiwanPlus