Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s high-stakes visit to Washington — originally meant to reinforce the US–Japan alliance and refocus attention on Indo-Pacific security — was instead overshadowed by the US-Israeli war …
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s high-stakes visit to Washington — originally meant to reinforce the US–Japan alliance and refocus attention on Indo-Pacific security — was instead overshadowed by the US-Israeli war with Iran, a global energy crisis and an eyebrow-raising comment by US President Donald Trump about Pearl Harbor. Earlier in the week, Tokyo signed a joint declaration with the UK and several EU countries expressing support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical passageway for 20 percent of the world’s oil. However, Japan’s pacifist Constitution and domestic opposition put major constraints on any potential military role. Meanwhile, a US intelligence report described Takaichi’s comments about Taiwan as “a significant shift,” seemingly siding with Beijing’s interpretation and putting Tokyo on the defensive. How will Takaichi and her government navigate this “very difficult” political terrain? In this episode, we examine Japan’s diplomatic challenge, shifting US alliance dynamics and what it means for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. *Recorded on March 20, 2026 at 10:30am Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Consultant: Max Yu Research Assistant: April Lin Our guests: Ota Fumio Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces Vice Admiral (Ret.) Patrick Cronin Hudson Institute Asia-Pacific Security Chair Michael Chen Democratic Progressive Party International Affairs Director Chapters: 00:00:00 – Japan PM Visits US Amid Iran Conflict 00:03:28 – Takaichi Navigates ‘Very Difficult’ Terrain in DC 00:15:24 – Tokyo Rejects US Intel on PM’s Taiwan Remarks
A recent report about Venezuelan dictator Maduro may have kept Xi Jinping awake at night. It is said that the former president reportedly called for help when at the Brooklyn Metropolitan …
A recent report about Venezuelan dictator Maduro may have kept Xi Jinping awake at night. It is said that the former president reportedly called for help when at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center in New York, yelling, “I am the president of Venezuela, tell my country that I’ve been kidnapped. Tell my country that we are being mistreated here.”
Chinese leader Xi Jinping wanted a new world order—but his closest allies are crumbling. With Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in U.S. custody and Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dead, Xi’s global ambitions …
Chinese leader Xi Jinping wanted a new world order—but his closest allies are crumbling. With Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in U.S. custody and Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dead, Xi’s global ambitions are facing a major reality check. We examine how Washington is squeezing Beijing’s partners and dismantling China’s global agenda. A Chinese researcher in Texas has been sentenced to one year in prison and is set to be deported after pleading guilty to attempting to smuggle sensitive medical data to China. Chinese nationals have been receiving flight training in the United States, and some could one day pilot Chinese military aircraft in an attack on Taiwan. A lawmaker is sounding the alarm. A new book, “Killed to Order,” exposes the Chinese Communist Party’s crime of forced organ harvesting. It’s authored by Jan Jekielek, senior editor at The Epoch Times. 00:00 Intro 02:36 Trump’s South America, Mideast Actions Dismantle Xi’s Global Agenda 08:59 MD Anderson Researcher Gets 1-Year Prison Term: Chinese IP Theft 10:40 China Pilots Trained in U.S. Schools 11:56 Experts to Congress: Robotics Race with China Critical 14:45 New Book Unpacks CCP’s Organ Harvesting Industry 17:01 Expert: Widespread Chinese Influence in South Korea
Donald Trump’s upcoming China trip is already hitting snags—delays, a scaled-down itinerary, and one very awkward guest: Marco Rubio, who’s technically banned from entering China. As Beijing scrambles to save face, …
Donald Trump’s upcoming China trip is already hitting snags—delays, a scaled-down itinerary, and one very awkward guest: Marco Rubio, who’s technically banned from entering China. As Beijing scrambles to save face, this visit is shaping up to be less diplomacy—and more geopolitical trolling between Trump and Xi Jinping.
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 …
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!
Taiwan is racing to build a layered air defense system — known as the “T-Dome” — to counter growing missile threats from China. With high-altitude Tien Kung (Sky Bow) interceptors, mid-altitude …
Taiwan is racing to build a layered air defense system — known as the “T-Dome” — to counter growing missile threats from China. With high-altitude Tien Kung (Sky Bow) interceptors, mid-altitude US NASAMS and PAC-2/PAC-3 systems, last-resort point defense weapons like Stingers and Skyguards, PAVE PAWS radars, and AI-enabled IAMD command networks, the plan is to create a fully integrated shield capable of defending against ballistic missiles, drones, advanced aircraft and saturation attacks. A new US$14 billion arms package and the timely delivery of 102 Patriot missiles suggest Washington remains committed to Taiwan’s defense, despite concerns over resource constraints. But can Taiwan meet its ambitious 2027 target? And are there any remaining gaps? In this episode, we examine Taiwan’s evolving deterrence strategy, political challenges at home, and what it means for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
A new US intelligence report says Beijing has no plans to invade Taiwan in 2027, despite much speculation around a potential timeline for the PLA under Chinese President Xi Jinping. Source: …
A new US intelligence report says Beijing has no plans to invade Taiwan in 2027, despite much speculation around a potential timeline for the PLA under Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China says it wants peace—but is that just part of the strategy? As China expands its influence through cyber, economic, and information warfare, anti-war narratives are spreading in the U.S. and …
China says it wants peace—but is that just part of the strategy? As China expands its influence through cyber, economic, and information warfare, anti-war narratives are spreading in the U.S. and beyond. From tensions over Taiwan to global propaganda campaigns, is Beijing shaping public opinion to gain the upper hand before a real conflict begins?
Shocking! Japan Strikes Back at China,Deploys Deadly Weapon with Range Covering China’s Largest City China Observer 801K subscribers 68,124 views Mar 15, 2026 #chinaobserver On March 9, Japan’s first launchers equipped …
Shocking! Japan Strikes Back at China,Deploys Deadly Weapon with Range Covering China’s Largest City China Observer 801K subscribers 68,124 views Mar 15, 2026 #chinaobserver On March 9, Japan’s first launchers equipped with domestically-made long-range missiles entered the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force base. This move is in response to the increasing security challenges posed by China to Japan.
China’s Two Sessions are usually tightly controlled political theater—but this year, something felt different. From over 100 unexplained absences to a rare dissenting vote, from missing generals to subtle shifts in …
China’s Two Sessions are usually tightly controlled political theater—but this year, something felt different. From over 100 unexplained absences to a rare dissenting vote, from missing generals to subtle shifts in language on Taiwan and the economy, a series of unusual signals emerged behind the scenes. Even Xi Jinping’s inner circle appears unsettled, raising new questions about loyalty, control, and the balance of power inside the CCP. In this video, we break down what these signals really mean—and whether they point to deeper instability within China’s political system.
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 …
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] 00:00 Introduction 00:10 US-China: Trump-Xi Summit & Iran Crisis 02:31 Vietnam-China 04:25 Tech War: Nvidia’s H200s & ‘Apple Tax’ 07:50 The New Space Race
Leaked documents reveal China is using advanced AI to generate and spread misleading or manipulated information online. TaiwanPlus spoke with Jasper Hewitt, a digital intelligence analyst with DoubleThink Lab to learn …
Leaked documents reveal China is using advanced AI to generate and spread misleading or manipulated information online. TaiwanPlus spoke with Jasper Hewitt, a digital intelligence analyst with DoubleThink Lab to learn more about the threats posed by Beijing’s information warfare efforts. 📹 Reporter(s): Yuan Tuan/Alan Lu #TaiwanPlus #TaiwanPlusNews #TaiwanNews –
Clashing narratives, competing coverage—what’s shaping the story we see? And how is China influencing the global conversation on the Iran war? Taiwan is reaffirming its resolve to defend itself, as the …
Clashing narratives, competing coverage—what’s shaping the story we see? And how is China influencing the global conversation on the Iran war? Taiwan is reaffirming its resolve to defend itself, as the summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping is delayed and speculation grows over whether it could affect U.S. arms sales to the island. Chinese companies not only operate American port terminals, but are also being awarded U.S. military transportation contracts. Now, two lawmakers are pushing back. Argentina’s textile sector is facing its worst downturn in decades. Ultra-cheap imports from China are flooding its market. A U.S. cybersecurity firm has uncovered a massive North Korean scheme targeting American tech jobs. One suspect’s laptop provides an inside look, revealing China’s possible role in the operation. 00:00 Intro 01:03 Israel Confirms Killings of Top Iranian Officials 02:01 Trump Expects Iran War to End “Soon” 02:29 How Media Narratives Are Aiding Iran 04:26 China’s Role in Shaping Iran War Narratives 06:16 Taiwan Reaffirms Self-Defense Commitment 07:27 Bill Would Prevent CCP From Using Truck Drivers for Spying 08:32 Chinese Company Could Track U.S. Military Cargo 09:52 What’s Behind Trump’s Comment on Delaying China Visit 15:11 Argentina Fashion Hit Hard by Chinese Imports 18:34 U.S. Cybersecurity Firm Exposes N. Korea Job Scheme
Chinese leader Xi Jinping wanted a new world order—but his closest allies are crumbling. With Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in U.S. custody and Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dead, Xi’s global ambitions …
Chinese leader Xi Jinping wanted a new world order—but his closest allies are crumbling. With Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in U.S. custody and Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dead, Xi’s global ambitions are facing a major reality check. We examine how Washington is squeezing Beijing’s partners and dismantling China’s global agenda. A Chinese researcher in Texas has been sentenced to one year in prison and is set to be deported after pleading guilty to attempting to smuggle sensitive medical data to China. Chinese nationals have been receiving flight training in the United States, and some could one day pilot Chinese military aircraft in an attack on Taiwan. A lawmaker is sounding the alarm. A new book, “Killed to Order,” exposes the Chinese Communist Party’s crime of forced organ harvesting. It’s authored by Jan Jekielek, senior editor at The Epoch Times. 00:00 Intro 02:36 Trump’s South America, Mideast Actions Dismantle Xi’s Global Agenda 08:59 MD Anderson Researcher Gets 1-Year Prison Term: Chinese IP Theft 10:40 China Pilots Trained in U.S. Schools 11:56 Experts to Congress: Robotics Race with China Critical 14:45 New Book Unpacks CCP’s Organ Harvesting Industry 17:01 Expert: Widespread Chinese Influence in South Korea
China’s latest Two Sessions reveal a leader at a crossroads. For years, 习近平 doubled down on high growth and tech-driven exports, but the harsh reality of deflation and a shrinking population …
China’s latest Two Sessions reveal a leader at a crossroads. For years, 习近平 doubled down on high growth and tech-driven exports, but the harsh reality of deflation and a shrinking population has finally forced his hand. In this video, we analyze why the CPC has lowered its GDP target for the first time in decades and what the “half-convinced” mindset—a term rooted in Cultural Revolution struggle sessions—tells us about the government’s current state of panic. From a massive pivot toward “cultural warfare” regarding Taiwan to a record-breaking abandon of fiscal discipline, 习近平 is finally compromising with reality—but is it too little, too late? We break down why these half-hearted measures to stimulate consumption and births are likely to fall short, leaving China’s “Great National Rejuvenation” on shaky ground.
The US military has devastated Iran’s navy in a series of overwhelming strikes. But defeating Iran is one thing—facing China would be a completely different challenge. China has the world’s largest …
The US military has devastated Iran’s navy in a series of overwhelming strikes. But defeating Iran is one thing—facing China would be a completely different challenge. China has the world’s largest navy, a rapidly growing submarine fleet, and massive missile forces. And while the war with Iran is revealing important lessons about modern warfare—from drones and AI to long-range weapons—it’s also raising a bigger question: could the US win a war with China? In this episode of China Uncensored, we look at how the Iran conflict is shaping US military strategy—and what it could mean for a future confrontation with China.
President Donald Trump says he has asked to delay his planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing by about one month. He has also called on Beijing to help …
President Donald Trump says he has asked to delay his planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing by about one month. He has also called on Beijing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The United States and China have resumed trade talks in Paris, discussing tariffs, trade volumes, and a possible new “U.S.–China Board of Trade.” Officials say the talks are constructive as both sides prepare for a potential Trump–Xi summit in Beijing, though the dates may shift. China is ramping up military activity around Taiwan—again. Warplanes and ships are back in the area, raising concerns about renewed pressure on the island nation amid the ongoing war in Iran. A former U.S. Marine and intelligence analyst faces federal charges for allegedly sending top-secret U.S. defense information to two people, including one in China. 00:00 Intro 02:46 Trump Seeks to Delay China Trip, Calls on China to Help With Strait of Hormuz 05:28 Allies Respond to Trump’s Call to Secure Key Oil Route 06:57 U.S.-China Delegations Resume Trade Talks in Paris 09:42 CCP Resumes Military Pressure on Taiwan After Absence 11:35 Former U.S. Marine Indicted for Sharing Classified Information with China: DOJ 12:38 Lawmakers Criticize Nvidia H200 Chip Sales to China Over U.S. Security Risks 13:53 How Beijing Dehumanizes Christians in China
The shift in attitude among Chinese pilots is further evidenced by a significant incident. The US military disclosed that their F-35 jets had close encounters with Chinese J-20 fighters in the …
The shift in attitude among Chinese pilots is further evidenced by a significant incident. The US military disclosed that their F-35 jets had close encounters with Chinese J-20 fighters in the East China Sea. During these encounters, the J-20 displayed clear signs of lack of confidence and chose to evade when approached by the F-35. Subsequently, US pilots offered a simple and direct assessment of the J-20’s performance: “Not worth a shot.” In contrast, the CCP military remains tight-lipped about this encounter, avoiding any mention of it. #chinaobserver
00:00 Introduction 00:15 China’s Energy & Middle East Crisis 04:41 JD.com Enters Europe 06:36 Did China Really Eradicate Poverty? Source: It’s Bad: China’s System Exposed In New Leaks | Iran & …
After the Supreme Court ruling that ruled against many of his global tariffs, President Donald Trump is launching new trade probes into China that could result in new levies on Chinese …
After the Supreme Court ruling that ruled against many of his global tariffs, President Donald Trump is launching new trade probes into China that could result in new levies on Chinese goods. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply. Some ships are claiming to be China-owned to avoid Iranian missiles—but it’s not guaranteed. A Chinese-owned cargo ship was hit on Thursday. Mandating language, incentivizing cross-ethnic marriage, and rewriting the rules of faith among ethnic groups. China’s new law further requires parents to guide their children toward the Communist Party—raising alarms among human rights groups. A powerful AI tool—whose name is a nod to lobsters—is going viral in China while also raising major concerns. Why is Beijing now scrambling to regulate it—as it pushes for global AI dominance? A bipartisan pair of senators unveils a new bill aimed at protecting Falun Gong practitioners and countering forced organ harvesting in China. 00:00 Intro 01:06 U.S. Trade Probes: China May Face New Tariffs 01:58 Chinese-Owned Cargo Ship Might Be Hit by Iran 02:57 China’s New Law: Parents Must Teach Kids to Love CCP 06:15 OpenClaw Boom Pressures China to Regulate AI 08:11 New Bill to Protect Falun Gong, Counter Organ Harvesting 10:27 Senate Warns of China’s Grip on U.S. Drug Supply 13:47 Insider: Beijing Fears Iran Strikes Could Spur Uprising in China
China’s annual Two Sessions has concluded, but unusual signals from Beijing are raising new questions about elite politics inside the CCP. Rumors have spread online claiming that former leaders Hu Jintao …
China’s annual Two Sessions has concluded, but unusual signals from Beijing are raising new questions about elite politics inside the CCP. Rumors have spread online claiming that former leaders Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao are under house arrest. Are these claims credible, or are they part of a political narrative circulating amid intense factional struggles? In this program, we examine what actually happened during the Two Sessions: record absences among delegates, a rare dissenting vote on Premier Li Qiang’s government work report, shifting economic priorities, and unusual developments within the PLA delegation. We also analyze the political meaning behind rumors targeting Hu and Wen, and what they may reveal about the power struggle surrounding Xi Jinping.
00:00 Introduction 00:24 Chinese Economy: Consumption Crisis 03:34 China Approves First Invasive Brain-Computer Interface 06:28 Middle East War: China’s Strategic Stockpiles Hit
On March 7, 2026, Iran’s air force and navy suffered near-total destruction in a matter of hours. At Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, 16 military aircraft from the Qods Force were engulfed in …
On March 7, 2026, Iran’s air force and navy suffered near-total destruction in a matter of hours. At Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, 16 military aircraft from the Qods Force were engulfed in flames; meanwhile, 42 Iranian warships were sunk in the southern naval base of Bandar Abbas and surrounding waters. Iranian air defenses fired missiles indiscriminately, but failed to hit any targets, only watching as their bases were reduced to scrap metal. This is the brutal reality of modern warfare.
To understand the significance of the sweeping military purges in China and how Beijing is reacting to America’s war with Iran, I’m sitting down with eminent China scholar Robert Suettinger, a …
To understand the significance of the sweeping military purges in China and how Beijing is reacting to America’s war with Iran, I’m sitting down with eminent China scholar Robert Suettinger, a former CIA and State Department intelligence analyst, a senior advisor at The Stimson Center, and author of “The Conscience of the Party: Hu Yaobang, China’s Communist Reformer.” “There’s no question of the fact that Xi Jinping is now less of a dominant leader than he was six or eight months ago,” Suettinger says. Earlier this year, Xi purged two top generals from the CCP’s military brass, on the heels of earlier purges last year. Now, only two of the originally seven members of the Central Military Commission remain. One of them is Xi himself; the other one, General Zhang Shengmin, is a political commander and has, like Xi, no combat experience. After the January purges, Xi issued an order to the military demanding that everyone acknowledge him as the head of the military commission. “The silence from all those military commands has been deafening and has been noticed by everybody,” Suettinger says. In the Chinese Communist Party itself, Xi is also facing trouble. The CCP is not a monolithic party, he told me, but a complex entity with many competing factions: “There’s a Shanghai group, there’s a Shandong group, there’s a Shaanxi group, and they all don’t like each other,” Suettinger says. Suettinger believes that Xi’s many purges have unified opposition against him not only in the military but also within the Communist Party. “Xi is hated by almost everybody in China,” he said.
How Millions of Drones Are Made Inside DJI’s Massive Factory Did you know that millions of drones are produced every year, powering a global industry worth billions of dollars? What looks …
How Millions of Drones Are Made Inside DJI’s Massive Factory Did you know that millions of drones are produced every year, powering a global industry worth billions of dollars? What looks like a small flying gadget is actually the result of advanced robotics, precision electronics, and highly automated manufacturing. In this documentary, The Factoran takes you inside DJI’s massive drone factory, where lightweight frames, high-speed motors, micro-sensors, and complex circuit boards come together on modern production lines. From the assembly of flight control systems to the final calibration and testing, witness how cutting-edge engineering and large-scale manufacturing transform raw components into intelligent flying machines used across the world. 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Drone Overview 01:42 Drone Design Process 04:45 Drone Manufacturing Process 15:20 Conclusion
As the war in Iran intensifies, the global oil market is on edge. Iran is threatening to shut down the Strait of Hormuz—the route for about 20% of the world’s oil—and …
As the war in Iran intensifies, the global oil market is on edge. Iran is threatening to shut down the Strait of Hormuz—the route for about 20% of the world’s oil—and reports suggest mines may already be in the water. Meanwhile, Chinese drivers are reportedly lining up at gas stations as prices surge. Is the world heading toward a major energy crisis, and what happens if Iran actually tries to close the strait?
On February 28, 2026, the U.S. military launched Operation “Epic Fury” against Iran. While the news may have already flooded social media, there is a particularly shocking and humiliating detail worth …
On February 28, 2026, the U.S. military launched Operation “Epic Fury” against Iran. While the news may have already flooded social media, there is a particularly shocking and humiliating detail worth noting: the U.S. military debuted its “LUCAS” suicide drone in combat.
Japan has received its first F-35B fighter jets from the United States, while also inking a deal to sell 11 Mogami-class frigates to Australia. Just days later, a Chinese Navy destroyer …
Japan has received its first F-35B fighter jets from the United States, while also inking a deal to sell 11 Mogami-class frigates to Australia. Just days later, a Chinese Navy destroyer crashed into a Chinese Coast Guard ship while in a reckless pursuit of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel east of Scarborough Shoal. If China had hit the Philippine ship, it would have triggered an international incident. But could it have activated Manila’s Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington? And what impact might this episode have on tensions in the region? In this episode, we discuss the significance of these major arms deals among U.S. allies in light of China’s rising maritime aggression.
Why is Beijing suddenly trying to help unmarried PLA soldiers find wives in remote frontier regions? A new policy jointly issued by six major Party and military organizations suggests this is …
Why is Beijing suddenly trying to help unmarried PLA soldiers find wives in remote frontier regions? A new policy jointly issued by six major Party and military organizations suggests this is more than simple matchmaking. In this program, we look at the disturbing historical precedent behind the policy. In the early 1950s, thousands of young women were recruited and sent to Xinjiang in what later became known as the “Eight Thousand Hunan Girls to the Tianshan Mountains.” Many were forced into marriages with soldiers to stabilize China’s western frontier. Is Xi Jinping reviving the same loyalty-through-family strategy today?