The US, Japan and other regional forces are coming together for the Philippines-hosted Salaknib (Shield), Cope Thunder and Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) exercises, as the First Island Chain enters a new phase of …
The US, Japan and other regional forces are coming together for the Philippines-hosted Salaknib (Shield), Cope Thunder and Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) exercises, as the First Island Chain enters a new phase of military coordination. With record troop numbers and expanded multi-domain drills, these exercises are meant to strengthen interoperability, while reinforcing a growing “missile arc” strategy aimed at deterring China. The historic deployment of Japanese troops to the Philippines for the first time since World War II also marks a significant shift in regional security dynamics. How will this evolving network of alliances affect Beijing’s strategic calculus? And could Taiwan join in the future? In this episode, we examine the scale and significance of these exercises and what they mean for the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific balance of power. *Recorded on April 14, 2026 at 2:30pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Research Assistant: Ryan Pham Our guests: Lee Ting-sheng Republic of China (Taiwan) Air Force Lt. General (Ret.) Kitsch Liao Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub Associate Director Chapters: 00:00:00 – US Allies Gather in the Philippines for Exercises 00:01:26 – Manila Hosts Large-Scale Land, Air and Sea Drills 00:10:06 – Why Does China Fear US-PH-Japan Alliance? 00:19:36 – Allied Defenses Complicate China’s Naval Aims
This episode of Taiwan Talks examines the historic convergence of US, Japanese, and other regional forces for major military exercises hosted by the Philippines. These drills, including Salaknib, Cope Thunder, and Balikatan, mark a significant shift in security dynamics within the First Island Chain. For the first time since World War II, Japan is deploying troops to the Philippines, signaling a new phase of military coordination aimed at strengthening interoperability among allies. The exercises feature record troop numbers and expanded multi-domain operations designed to reinforce a growing missile arc strategy intended to deter China. The program explores how this evolving network of alliances impacts Beijing's strategic calculations and the broader balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. Discussions also address whether Taiwan might join these future initiatives. The episode analyzes the scale and significance of these joint drills, covering land, air, and sea components across locations such as Luzon, Batanes, and Palawan. By examining these developments, the show provides context on how regional defense cooperation complicates Chinese naval aims and influences the geopolitical landscape surrounding the Taiwan Strait.
Several government officials, including a ranking Philippines Coast Guard officer and a media organization, have become the latest targets of China’s aggressive assertions against those critical of their actions in the …
Several government officials, including a ranking Philippines Coast Guard officer and a media organization, have become the latest targets of China’s aggressive assertions against those critical of their actions in the South China Sea. In this episode of #CorrespondentsOnTaiwanPlus, host Andrew Ryan speaks to Summer Chen, founder of Taiwan-based initiative FactLink, and Regine Cabato, a contributor at the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), to discuss China’s information war in the region and how journalists can fight back. 00:00 – Intro 01:30 – Chinese Embassy targets media in Manila row 04:20 – Cabato: ‘Scary’ to be on China embassy radar 05:42 – Taiwan fact-checkers on alert for disinformation 06:32 – Pro-Duterte influencers get Beijing training 08:17 – Chen cautions against labeling influencers 10:05 – Is influencer diplomacy being weaponized? Watch this episode of Correspondents, where we go beyond the headlines with experts and journalists in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region. Subscribe to the Correspondents’ playlist to get the latest episodes: • Correspondents #TaiwanPlus #TaiwanPlusNews #TaiwanNews #CorrespondentsOnTaiwanPlus #journalists #PCIJ #FactLink #propaganda #InfluenceOperations #influencers #vloggers #Pro-Duterte #Beijing #InfluencerDiplomacy #ChineseEmbassy #Philippines #Japan #Taiwan #China –
The United States is greenlighting two arms sales, together worth $1 billion, to Taiwan in a single week. Body-language clips online are sparking a political dispute—with Japan accusing China of misusing …
The United States is greenlighting two arms sales, together worth $1 billion, to Taiwan in a single week. Body-language clips online are sparking a political dispute—with Japan accusing China of misusing the footage, and now lodging a formal complaint. Under China’s threats to cut rare earth supplies, three American companies are speaking out about their experiences and the challenges they’re facing. Banks in China are now selling repossessed homes directly at steep discounts, but demand remains weak in the declining market. A Pacific island nation celebrates its ties with Taiwan—as Tuvalu’s prime minister prepares to sign the country’s first treaty during a visit. 00:00 Intro 01:06 U.S. Greenlights Two Arms Sales to Taiwan in One Week 02:38 China: There Is ‘No Market’ for Japanese Seafood 03:25 Japan: Viral Video Misrepresents Talks With China 04:22 Select Committee on China’s Control of Rare Earths 06:24 Report: CCP Could Weaponize Medicine, Tech Exports 09:13 Chinese Banks Sell Properties Amid Declining Economy 10:38 Tuvalu: We Treasure ‘Special Relationship’ w/ Taiwan 11:23 Taiwan Detains Chinese Citizen on Suspicion of Espionage 12:30 Prosecutors Grill Linda Sun’s Mother, Bankers Over Money Fraud Scheme 14:46 Dutch Halts Nexperia Seizure Order, Exports Resume 15:35 Tesla Plans to Cut China-Made Components: Analysis
China says Japan must ensure the safety of Chinese diplomatic missions and personnel after a member of the Japan Self-Defense Forces broke into the Chinese embassy in Tokyo seeking to confront …
China says Japan must ensure the safety of Chinese diplomatic missions and personnel after a member of the Japan Self-Defense Forces broke into the Chinese embassy in Tokyo seeking to confront the ambassador.
Japan is shifting away from China as its top partner. This follows months of Chinese pressure—diplomatic, military, and economic—forcing Tokyo to reassess its strategy. National security concerns: No foreign-made routers will …
Japan is shifting away from China as its top partner. This follows months of Chinese pressure—diplomatic, military, and economic—forcing Tokyo to reassess its strategy. National security concerns: No foreign-made routers will be allowed to be imported into the United States anymore, especially those tied to China. China is quietly mapping the world’s oceans, deploying research vessels and underwater sensors across key regions. Now, U.S. officials warn that this data could give Beijing a strategic advantage in naval warfare. Brewing dissent spills over, as hundreds of Chinese citizens clash with police in southern China, sparked by a crematorium project. A new documentary featuring two brothers dancing with Shen Yun Performing Arts premiered Tuesday night. It’s about their mission, their journey, and their passion. We spoke with the two dancers about their experiences. 00:00 Intro 01:30 Japan Set to Shift Away From China as Top Partner 02:04 Takaichi: Japan Remains Open to Dialogue With China 02:43 China Continues to Step Up Pressure on Japan 04:33 FCC Bans Foreign-Made Routers Over Security Risks 07:07 China’s Ocean Mapping Raises Military Concerns: Report 08:39 Guangdong Citizens Clash With Police Over Crematorium 11:12 Aus, EU Seal Trade Deal Amid China’s Threats 13:54 Teen’s Emotional Journey to Become a Shen Yun Dancer 14:51 Following His Brother: Lucas’s Path to Shen Yun 16:16 Shen Yun Faces Interference and Threats 17:37 Shen Yun Dancer Perseveres Amid CCP Pressure 18:46 Jesse Browde: Motivated by Mission and Culture 19:59 NTD Presents ‘Unbroken: The Untold Story of Shen Yun’
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.
The US, Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan are deploying increasingly powerful coastal defense systems along the First Island Chain, creating a “missile arc” aimed at deterring China’s aggression. From Japan’s upgraded …
The US, Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan are deploying increasingly powerful coastal defense systems along the First Island Chain, creating a “missile arc” aimed at deterring China’s aggression. From Japan’s upgraded Type-12 missiles covering the Miyako Strait, to the Philippines’ Indian-made BrahMos batteries guarding the Bashi Channel, and Taiwan’s growing concentration of Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles, these overlapping ranges could transform key maritime chokepoints into highly contested zones. It comes as Washington discusses stockpiling more weapon supplies in Taiwan, which could be accessed during an attempted blockade. In this episode, we examine how this emerging missile arc could affect China’s military operations, the implications for a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait, and what it means for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
Washington is mulling a move that may free several hundred million barrels of oil. What does the Treasury secretary say about the possibility of lifting sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil …
Washington is mulling a move that may free several hundred million barrels of oil. What does the Treasury secretary say about the possibility of lifting sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil bound for China? President Donald Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House. Topping the agenda were the Iran war, China, and rare earth minerals. We have the key takeaways. U.S. intelligence is shifting its outlook on China and Taiwan, saying a 2027 invasion isn’t expected, but warning the broader threat from Beijing is still growing. Senior Trump administration officials say Taiwan remains a top priority in arms sales, pushing back on concerns the Iran military operation has shifted focus. 00:00 Intro 01:07 U.S. To Redirect Sanctioned Oil From China to Hit Iran 03:07 President Trump Hosts Japan Pm at White House 05:36 U.S. Intel Report: China Won’t Invade Taiwan by 2027 11:23 U.S. Official Says China May Be Conducting Secret Nuclear Tests 12:15 Leavitt: China Agrees to Postpone Trump Visit 12:50 China’s Control Over U.S. Drug Supply 15:35 Pro-china Factions’ Influence in S. Korea Politics
The US, Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan are deploying increasingly powerful coastal defense systems along the First Island Chain, creating a “missile arc” aimed at deterring China’s aggression. From Japan’s upgraded …
The US, Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan are deploying increasingly powerful coastal defense systems along the First Island Chain, creating a “missile arc” aimed at deterring China’s aggression. From Japan’s upgraded Type-12 missiles covering the Miyako Strait, to the Philippines’ Indian-made BrahMos batteries guarding the Bashi Channel, and Taiwan’s growing concentration of Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles, these overlapping ranges could transform key maritime chokepoints into highly contested zones. It comes as Washington discusses stockpiling more weapon supplies in Taiwan, which could be accessed during an attempted blockade. In this episode, we examine how this emerging missile arc could affect China’s military operations, the implications for a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait, and what it means for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
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
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.
Taiwanese artist Nanarih accepted the Silver Prize for her work “The Nature Chef” at Japan’s International Manga Award ceremony. The comic is about an Indigenous Amis chef during the Japanese occupation …
Taiwanese artist Nanarih accepted the Silver Prize for her work “The Nature Chef” at Japan’s International Manga Award ceremony. The comic is about an Indigenous Amis chef during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan.
Japan says it plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island by 2030, just 110 kilometers from Taiwan. TaiwanPlus spoke to Professor Tsai Hsi-hsun from Tamkang University for more on what …
Japan says it plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island by 2030, just 110 kilometers from Taiwan. TaiwanPlus spoke to Professor Tsai Hsi-hsun from Tamkang University for more on what this could mean moving forward.
Japan’s recent election delivered a landslide victory for Sanae Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party, securing 316 seats in the lower house—the strongest ruling-party performance since World War II. This gives …
Japan’s recent election delivered a landslide victory for Sanae Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party, securing 316 seats in the lower house—the strongest ruling-party performance since World War II. This gives Takaichi unprecedented power to advance policies once championed by her mentor Shinzo Abe: raising defense spending to 2% of GDP, introducing nuclear-powered submarines, and ultimately amending the constitution to normalize Japan’s military as a full National Defense Force.Far from reviving militarism, these moves stem from deep alarm over China’s rise and military expansion. Takaichi is accelerating Abe’s strategy of building a values-based alliance—especially with the United States—to counter the CCP threat, with clearer commitments to Taiwan’s defense likely ahead. As Cold War 2.0 takes shape, Japan is welding itself firmly to the American camp, setting the stage for sharper Sino-Japanese confrontation in the years to come.
US President Donald Trump said on Feb.16 he would decide soon on sending more weapons to Taiwan, after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against potential moveIn a phone call with Trump …
US President Donald Trump said on Feb.16 he would decide soon on sending more weapons to Taiwan, after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against potential moveIn a phone call with Trump on Feb 4, Xi had called for “mutual respect” in relations with the US, while also warning Washington over arms sales to the democratically-run island#japan #china #usa #taiwan #trump 0:00 INTRO 2:34 US WEAPONS TO TAIWAN? TRUMP TO DECIDE “SOON”3:47 AS CHINA PULLS BACK, RUSSIA ‘FILLS GAPS’ IN JAPAN TOURISM5:25 ENCIRCLING US MQ-9 DRONES SPOOK CHINA?
Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss Japan’s historic election, strengthening U.S.-Japan ties amid rising threats from China and the looming DHS shutdown in Congress.
Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss Japan’s historic election, strengthening U.S.-Japan ties amid rising threats from China and the looming DHS shutdown in Congress.
Taiwan Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s election win, saying she hopes it will lead to closer ties between the two sides.
Taiwan Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s election win, saying she hopes it will lead to closer ties between the two sides.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has won a snap election with a historic mandate and a large legislative majority in the Diet’s lower house for her Liberal Democratic Party. It is …
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has won a snap election with a historic mandate and a large legislative majority in the Diet’s lower house for her Liberal Democratic Party. It is a result experts say could strengthen ties between Japan, the US and Taiwan.
Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has taken a major political gamble, dissolving parliament less than three months after taking office and calling a snap election that effectively puts her leadership on …
Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has taken a major political gamble, dissolving parliament less than three months after taking office and calling a snap election that effectively puts her leadership on the line. The move comes amid economic strain, a fractured ruling coalition, and rising regional security tensions driven in large part by China’s actions around Taiwan. Takaichi is seeking a renewed mandate to advance her economic agenda, secure a clearer parliamentary majority and pursue a tougher security posture. But does this rapid political reset promise stability — or greater uncertainty for Japan and the region? In this episode, we analyze the risks and calculations behind Japan’s snap election, possible outcomes, and what the vote could mean for Japan’s security policy, regional partners and Taiwan.
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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 Introduction00:18 Land Use Sales Revenue Collapse05:44 China Escalates Japan Tensions10:06 South Korea-China
In late December 2025, a comic convention in Hangzhou banned all Japanese manga IPs and cosplay, highlighting the deepening rupture in China-Japan relations—the most severe since 1972. This move backfired spectacularly, …
In late December 2025, a comic convention in Hangzhou banned all Japanese manga IPs and cosplay, highlighting the deepening rupture in China-Japan relations—the most severe since 1972. This move backfired spectacularly, boosting Japanese Prime Minister Takamichi Sanae’s approval rating to a historic 67.5–75%.Japanese society now views China primarily as a security threat, with over 70% supporting a hardline stance. This consensus is accelerating Japan’s strategic decoupling: major firms like Mitsubishi, Nissan, Honda, Canon, and Sony are exiting China, pulling supply chains with them. Satellite companies—20,000 to 24,000—face collapse, threatening millions of jobs in manufacturing hubs.The exodus ends the “flying geese” model of economic interdependence. With profitability plummeting and geopolitical risks rising, Japan’s withdrawal is permanent. Beijing’s aggressive tactics have only strengthened Japan’s resolve, leaving little room for reversal.
China says it is banning exports of dual-use items to Japan that can serve military purposes, saying the move is in response to Japanese Prime Minister’s Takaichi Sanae’s comments in November …
China says it is banning exports of dual-use items to Japan that can serve military purposes, saying the move is in response to Japanese Prime Minister’s Takaichi Sanae’s comments in November about a possible intervention in a Taiwan contingency.
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 …
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
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 …
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
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. …
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.
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 …
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 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 …
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
China voiced deep concern on Dec. 19 after reports that a senior Japanese security official suggested acquiring nuclear weapons as a deterrent, stressing it was a personal view. The remarks come …
China voiced deep concern on Dec. 19 after reports that a senior Japanese security official suggested acquiring nuclear weapons as a deterrent, stressing it was a personal view. The remarks come amid rising Japan-China tensions over Taiwan.00:00 – INTRODUCTION02:44 – JAPAN ‘MUST DO DEEP SOUL-SEARCHING’04:03 – CHINA’S MILITARY BUILD-UP ‘THREATENS’ JAPAN#china #japan #nuclearweapons #regionaltensions #eastasia #taiwan #defence #security #geopolitics #cruxcollabwithcnn
China Insights delivers sharp, data-driven analysis of China’s politics, economy, and society.We connect the dots behind breaking headlines — from Beijing’s power shifts to global market trends — helping viewers understand …
China Insights delivers sharp, data-driven analysis of China’s politics, economy, and society.We connect the dots behind breaking headlines — from Beijing’s power shifts to global market trends — helping viewers understand the real forces shaping modern China.
by Zhang
