Month: January 2026

00:00 Introduction00:12 Chinese Economy: Official 2025 Numbers05:30 Taiwan Escalation 08:27 Belt and Road Initiative

President Donald Trump will address the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday emphasizing the “hot economy” in the United States and what American leadership in the world looks like. Notably, Xi Jinping will not attend the forum.Greenland continues to dominate headlines. Trump has threatened new tariffs on European countries, prompting them to reach a deal. How are European nations reacting?An NTD contributor’s mother was abducted by police in China over her faith. More on the daughter’s urgent plea.More than 120 Falun Gong practitioners died as a result of persecution in China last year, but experts warn that the true toll could be far higher. We break down the report and what’s behind this ongoing crackdown.00:00 Intro01:10 Trump to Speak Wednesday; Bessent: U.S. Economy ‘Hot’03:22 Tensions Over Greenland Continue06:29 Trump Threatens New Tariffs Over Greenland07:35 EU Leaders Hold Emergency Meeting Over Tariffs08:25 Starmer: UK Not Planning Counter-Tariffs10:41 Europe Reacts to Trump’s Tariff Threats11:56 Importance of the Arctic to the U.S., China, Russia12:22 Regulations Slow Western Rare Earths: Nadrowski14:15 ‘Chinese Police Abducted My Mother’16:04 124+ Falun Gong Practitioners Killed in China in 202517:55 China Reports Lowest Birthrate Since 194919:46 Japan PM Seeks Election Amid Money, China Concerns

A military police command in Taipei tasked with defending sensitive government facilities is being deployed with anti-air units in response to growing threats from China.

January 16-17 saw the U.S. Navy’s guided missile destroyer USS John Finn and the specialized ocean survey and reconnaissance vessel Sears transit the Taiwan Strait again, in what appeared to be just another “routine passage.” However, the undercurrents beneath the water and in the air were far more intense than what could be seen on the surface.

China has officially raised concerns over a new U.S. military runway project in the Philippines, intensifying geopolitical tensions in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions. As the United States strengthens its military infrastructure under expanded defense cooperation agreements, Beijing is warning that such moves could destabilize the Indo-Pacific and escalate South China Sea rivalries.The runway project is part of broader U.S.–Philippines security cooperation aimed at improving rapid response, logistics, and regional defense readiness. However, China views the development as a direct challenge to its regional influence, particularly given the Philippines’ proximity to disputed waters and key maritime trade routes.With rising military patrols, competing territorial claims, and growing alliance networks, the Philippines is increasingly positioned at the center of great-power competition. Supporters argue the runway enhances deterrence and disaster-response capabilities, while critics fear it may turn the country into a frontline in a potential U.S.–China confrontation.In this video, we examine:• Why China is objecting to the U.S. military runway project• The strategic importance of the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific• How this development affects South China Sea tensions• What it means for U.S.–China relations and regional security• Possible diplomatic and military outcomes ahead

First laid out by US President James Monroe in 1823, his eponymous ‘Monroe Doctrine’ was based on the idea of separate spheres of influence, with the US being the dominate power in the Americas. US President Donald Trump and his cabinet have recently promoted their own corollary to this doctrine, including in a speech by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in December. This policy was on full display in the US operation in Venezuela as well as Trump’s recent refusal to rule out seizing Greenland by force. Similar foreign policy concepts were later articulated by Imperial Japan and modern-day China and used to justify their expansionist policies. That has included Chinese President Xi Jinping’s escalating threats towards Taiwan, as well as a proposal during the Obama years to divide up the Pacific Ocean into separate Chinese and American spheres of influence. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the Monroe Doctrine, the US and China’s foreign policies, and the geopolitical implications for the Taiwan Strait and wider Indo-Pacific region.

China just posted a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus. The media calls it a win. The reality is more complicated. This episode breaks down what China’s trade numbers really mean, why exports are surging, and why this doesn’t prove the CCP beat the US in the trade war.

South Korea is reportedly preparing to establish a naval support hub in the Philippines, marking a major milestone in bilateral defense cooperation. The facility will be designed to support future Philippine Navy ships, particularly those acquired through South Korean shipbuilding programs under the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization initiative.This naval support hub will provide critical services such as maintenance, spare parts logistics, technical upgrades, and crew training. By hosting these capabilities locally, the Philippine Navy can significantly reduce downtime, increase fleet availability, and strengthen maritime security operations across its vast archipelagic waters.The initiative highlights South Korea’s emergence as a trusted defense supplier and strategic partner in Southeast Asia. With years of experience producing advanced frigates, corvettes, and offshore patrol vessels, South Korea’s involvement ensures long-term sustainment and technology transfer for the Philippine Navy.Regionally, the facility could enhance cooperative security efforts, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations. It also aligns with broader efforts to promote stability, deterrence, and freedom of navigation in contested waters.As geopolitical dynamics evolve in the Indo-Pacific, this partnership underscores the importance of practical defense collaboration. The Philippines gains a reliable logistics backbone, while South Korea strengthens its strategic presence and partnerships in the region.

The CCP has sunk more than $100 Billion into Venezuela. Now, with Trump in charge, the CCP fears it could lose everything. So they’re going to fight back, and Trump needs to watch out. We’re joined by Venezuelan expert Jorge Jraissati.

Gatestone Institute senior fellow Gordon Chang joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to break down President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on countries doing business with Iran and China’s growing role in funding Tehran.

Hundreds of protesters marched in London, urging the government to reject plans for a new Chinese embassy site. Critics say the city center site poses security risks due to nearby sensitive communications cables and warn it could be used for surveillance and intimidation of dissidents. Beijing has denied the claims though, saying the proposed site is only for diplomatic purposes. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a Jan. 20 deadline to approve or reject the project.

Population and economic data are key indicators in the competition between major global powers, but under the Chinese Communist Party’s rule, China has been accused of falsifying these figures, with many flaws exposed!

China has said it opposes a long-awaited trade deal between the US and Taiwan reached on Thursday. Taipei says Beijing has no right to interfere.

China and Russia have shown greater ambition in the Arctic in recent years by investing in military infrastructure and conducting naval operations. Our guests discuss the impact of these developments.

Hundreds of protesters marched in London, urging the government to reject plans for a new Chinese embassy site. Critics say the city center site poses security risks due to nearby sensitive communications cables and warn it could be used for surveillance and intimidation of dissidents. Beijing has denied the claims though, saying the proposed site is only for diplomatic purposes. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a Jan. 20 deadline to approve or reject the project.

Chinese Communist Party infighting is intensifying. Ten generals were absent from a significant meeting in Beijing this week—a step often taken before officials are formally ousted. Does this signal a delay in Beijing’s timeline to take Taiwan?High-stakes talks at the White House failed to reach a consensus. After meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance, the Danish foreign minister said the potential U.S. takeover of Greenland is “absolutely not necessary.”Is the Chinese regime fearing protests like those in Iran and preparing for that possibility? Videos circulating online show Chinese police drilling for riot control, including simulated scenarios of shooting at civilians.Meanwhile, China’s planned embassy in London is raising international concerns. It would include more than 200 rooms underground, just one yard from the UK’s most sensitive communications infrastructure.00:00 Intro00:58 Expert: China’s Taiwan Takeover Plan Could Be Delayed01:34 10 Generals Absent From Top Anti-Corruption Meeting02:22 Expert: Xi Might Have Lost Control Over the Military04:00 Denmark: U.S. Takeover of Greenland Not Necessary05:39 China’s Trade Surplus Hits Record; Exports to U.S. Drop06:50 China EVs Face EU Tariffs or Sales Limits07:30 Trump: To Be Anti-Tariff Is to Be Pro-China08:12 U.S. Approves NVIDIA H200 Chip Exports to China09:12 Activists Urge Int’l Leaders to Support Iranian People11:16 Videos: Chinese Police Practice Shooting at Civilians11:53 Authorities Link China-Made Airbags to Fatal Crashes12:52 Crane Falls on Train in Thailand, China Involved14:58 Proposed Chinese Embassy in London Raises Security Concerns16:31 As Iran Protests Grow, Lessons From the Arab Spring

The arms race is a key part of the U.S.-China confrontation. Recently, the U.S. has taken multiple actions to strike back at China for stealing American military technology.On January 12, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that former U.S. Navy sailor, Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick, was sentenced to 200 months in prison after being convicted of espionage. He was involved in a conspiracy to send defense information to Chinese officials.

The U.S. Marine Corps is reshaping modern warfare with the Lightning Carrier — a bold new concept that turns amphibious assault ships into fast, flexible mini-aircraft carriers. Equipped with F-35B stealth jets and designed for island and littoral operations in the Indo-Pacific, these ships offer speed, agility, and unpredictability the traditional supercarriers can’t. From rapid deployments to night operations, Lightning Carriers are redefining forward presence and distributed maritime power. Could this be the future of naval combat?

Over the last year China has had an epidemic of fires and it is crazy!

After the U.S. captured Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, attention is turning to another longtime CCP ally just 90 miles from Florida. From Chinese spy bases and PLA war planning to Cuba’s collapsing economy, the island may be more vulnerable than ever. Is Cuba next on the Trump administration’s list—and what would that mean for China’s influence in the Americas?

Prosecutors in southern Taiwan ordered the arrest of 6 individuals, including a reporter from a local media outlet, for their alleged roles in a Chinese spy ring.

US Chipmaker Micron says it has signed a letter of intent to buy a Powerchip Semiconductor (PSMC) facility in central Taiwan’s Miaoli County for US$1.8 billion, eyeing a boost to computer memory production amid a global shortage. The company expects the deal to close by mid-year, with significant production by the second half of 2027. The move follows a strong run in Micron shares after TSMC’s earnings update and after Micron broke ground on its New York megafab earlier this month.

Venezuela relied on Chinese and Russian military tech, yet it failed to stop the US capture of Maduro. What message does this send to the world, specifically to Taiwan? Join our discussion.

Two US Navy vessels passed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday and Friday in the first crossings since US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in November.

Taiwan scores big as tariffs drop to 15 percent, with some goods now duty-free. It is also partnering with the United States on artificial intelligence. In exchange, Washington has secured an additional $500 billion in investments.Canada is lowering tariffs on some Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in exchange for modest relief from economic pressures. But trade with China comes with complications, including demands from Chinese leader Xi Jinping.Twenty-six people have been indicted in a game-fixing scheme in men’s college basketball. Authorities say it started with rigged games in China, then expanded to NCAA games in the U.S.China unveiled new equipment designed to target Starlink terminals and disrupt internet signals. Could this be preparation for an invasion of Taiwan?Military presence in Greenland has expanded. Some European countries are sending soldiers there. Which country are they targeting?00:00 Intro01:03 US Gets $500B Taiwan Investment for 5% Tariff Cut03:21 Canada, China Slash EV, Canola Tariffs to Reset Ties05:16 CIA Recruiting Chinese Spies06:11 26 People Charged in Scheme to Rig NCAA Games07:48 China Unveils Portable System to Jam Starlink08:53 US Approves $1.5B Proposal for Naval Base in Peru10:13 Some European Nations Send Troops to Greenland12:27 Why President Trump Wants US Control of Greenland15:11 ‘Are You Dead?’ Chinese ‘Loneliness’ App Removed16:12 Why the ‘Are You Dead’ App is Going Viral in China17:00 Growing Scrutiny Over China-Linked Online Scam Ads

The Chinese Communist Party’s most prized “rare earth card” is no longer effective.On January 12, Japan’s research vessel, the Chikyu, set sail from Shimizu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture, heading toward the waters near the remote island of Minami-Torishima, located about 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo. The vessel is embarking on a one-month deep-sea rare earth exploration mission.

The arms race is a key part of the U.S.-China confrontation. Recently, the U.S. has taken multiple actions to strike back at China for stealing American military technology.On January 12, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that former U.S. Navy sailor, Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick, was sentenced to 200 months in prison after being convicted of espionage. He was involved in a conspiracy to send defense information to Chinese officials.

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 Introduction00:26 Rhodium Report: Growth Bet Won’t Pay Off 04:20 Rare Cross-Border Basketball Fixing Scandal 07:36 China’s Trade Surplus Reshapes Global Capital Flows

As winter sets in, Chinese cars exported to Russia are facing serious issues. Russian media reports that these vehicles, which dominate the Russian car market, are now being dubbed “mobile coffins.”

As protests erupt in Iran and Venezuela, Beijing quietly shifts into crisis mode. This program reveals how the Chinese Communist Party monitors foreign unrest, activates early-warning systems, and moves to prevent external political shocks from echoing inside China.Behind closed doors in Zhongnanhai, these crises revive a core CCP fear: the collapse of the Soviet Union. From real-time embassy reporting to tightened media control and pre-emptive domestic management, Beijing’s response exposes deeper fractures at the top of the regime.As Xi Jinping’s authority weakens and elite consensus breaks down, foreign crises begin intersecting with internal power struggles—and with quiet preparations for a post-Xi future.Watch to understand why Iran matters to China, who is really making decisions in Beijing, and what these signals reveal about the CCP’s next phase.

The New York Times reports that on two occasions in December and January, thousands of Chinese fishing boats grouped together in the East China Sea. Analysts say the unusual formation could be a test of using civilian vessels in coordinated military efforts. While it may not be enough to form a blockade, their presence could disrupt American military operations.

Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is moving forward with snap elections in the lower house, vying for the chance to win her Liberal Democratic Party a majority. She’s taking advantage of boosted approval ratings, as she’s held a firm stance despite mounting Chinese pressure in retaliation for her comments on Taiwan.

Maduro’s capture wasn’t about drugs. It wasn’t even about oil. It was about China. For years, Beijing used Venezuela to expand its influence, intelligence, and power in the Western Hemisphere. Trump’s move didn’t just take down a dictator—it sent a message directly to the CCP. Here’s what everyone else is missing.