Day: June 23, 2026

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

Chen Xi, Cai Qi, and Wang Xiaohong have long been considered Xi Jinping’s three most trusted civilian allies—the men who helped him build, protect, and manage his political empire. According to one theory, all three also played critical roles in Xi Jinping’s move against Zhang Youxia, the powerful vice chairman of the Central Military Commission. Now, one of Xi’s “Three Musketeers” has fallen. Chen Xi has been abruptly removed and reportedly demoted, while growing questions surround Cai Qi and Wang Xiaohong. Is this merely routine CCP politics, or are Xi Jinping’s closest loyalists becoming targets in a broader power struggle? Tonight, we examine the rise of Xi’s Three Musketeers, their alleged connection to the Zhang Youxia case, and why their troubles may reveal far more about Xi Jinping’s own political standing than Beijing wants to admit.

Source: One Has Fallen. Are the Other Two Next?