Day: December 9, 2025

China has set a new record, with its trade surplus topping one trillion dollars as exports surge beyond U.S. markets. Other countries are raising concerns, as leaders in Europe warn Beijing they could impose tariffs if cheap Chinese imports continue to flood European markets.Tensions are rising in the Pacific after a Chinese jet locked its radar on Japanese fighter planes near Japan’s territory over the weekend.SANAE TAKAICHI, Japanese prime minister: “We strongly protested to the Chinese side, and we have sternly demanded that it not recur. We will respond calmly and resolutely.”Japan is warning Australia to stay vigilant, as China ramps up its military activity across the Pacific. Retired Marine Colonel Grant Newsham highlights why the first island chain is critical to regional defense: “If you break the chain, you take Taiwan, then you can easily push the Chinese military into the central Pacific. You swing up to the north, you isolate Japan. Swing down to the south and you isolate Australia. You make it very hard for the Americans to operate.”Top U.S. and Australian officials are sitting down in Washington, with China and Indo-Pacific security topping the agenda.00:00 Intro01:29 China Hits $1T Trade Surplus Driven by Non-U.S. Markets02:38 Macron Warns EU May Act on China’s Growing Trade Gap03:57 Japan Disputes China’s Claims Over Fighter Jet Incident05:22 Japan, Australia Discuss China Radar-Lock, Taiwan Issue07:39 China Taking Taiwan Would Hurt U.S. Interests Globally10:07Taiwan Is an “Existential Threat” for Beijing: Newsham 11:19 How Should U.S. Allies Push Back on Beijing?13:08 Rubio, Hegseth Welcome Australian Counterparts15:33 Lawmakers Advance Bill to Counter China, Secure