Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated after Beijing conducted military drills near the island, prompting a response from the United States. US officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and urged restraint, as concerns grow over regional stability in the Taiwan Strait. This video breaks down what the drills involve, how Taiwan and the US are responding, and why the developments matter geopolitically.

China-Taiwan Tensions: US Reacts To Chinese Drills Near Taiwan

More Chinese travellers are pivoting from mass-market sightseeing to bespoke adventures to ring in the new year, fuelling a surge in demand for pet-friendly itineraries and winter excursions as service consumption defies a broader economic gloom.

China’s Service Sector Shines as Holidaymakers Embrace Pet Travel and Bespoke Adventures

Beijing has imposed tax on Condoms. People in China will have to pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt. After imposing a strict one-child policy for more than 30 years, China has over the past decade been introducing a range of attractive offers to induce people to have more children in a bid to boost the falling birthrate.


Tax on contraceptives draws ridicule & concern inside China

China has moved swiftly and decisively to counter Trump's ambitious Genesis mission. It has unveiled a powerful new artificial intelligence system that signals a major escalation in the global technology race and while Washington is still laying the groundwork for its so-called 'AI Manhattan Project,' Beijing has already taken the leap to execution.


AI arms race heats up: China counters Trump's Manhattan AI project with its own 

Beijing has imposed tax on Condoms. People in China will have to pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt. After imposing a strict one-child policy for more than 30 years, China has over the past decade been introducing a range of attractive offers to induce people to have more children in a bid to boost the falling birthrate.

Beijing Imposes 13% Vat on Condoms, Tax on Contraceptives Draws Ridicule & Concern Inside China 

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to achieve the “reunification” of China and Taiwan, calling Beijing’s long-held goal “unstoppable.”

In a New Year’s address delivered a day after China’s military wrapped up war games around Taiwan, Xi on Wednesday invoked the “bond of blood and kinship” between Chinese people on each side of the Taiwan Strait.

China's president Xi Jinping says China's reunification is unstoppable

The global beef trade faces uncertainty as China extends new tariffs for three years, keeping markets on edge, while Australian beef exports surpass China’s 2026 quota, intensifying trade tensions.


New China beef tariffs to run for 3 years

Chinese artificial intelligence unicorn Moonshot AI has raised US$500 million in its recent Series C funding round, according to a report, as start-up rivals MiniMax Group and Zhipu AI gear up for their initial public offerings (IPOs).


China’s Moonshot AI raises US$500 million in latest funding round: Report

China has announced new restrictions on beef imports, imposing a 55% tariff on shipments that exceed newly set quota levels in a move aimed at protecting its domestic cattle industry. The commerce ministry said the 2026 import quota will be capped at 2.7 million metric tons for key suppliers including Brazil, Australia, and the United States.

China Imposes Beef Import Curbs | 55% Tariff, New Quotas Hit Global Suppliers 

Chinese President's Warning to Taiwan in New Year's Speech 

Quad partners held a rare meeting in Beijing, showcasing unity amid ongoing Chinese military drills. The development underscores shifting diplomatic dynamics and rising security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.


Quad unity on display amid Taiwan tensions 

Beijing says it played a mediating role in recent tensions between India and Pakistan. The announcement highlights China’s growing involvement in regional diplomacy and its efforts to ease bilateral conflicts in South Asia.


Chinese FM Wangi Yi echoes Trump's claims on ending India-Pak tensions

China is accelerating its push into the Arctic, expanding scientific missions, infrastructure and strategic partnerships as it seeks a larger role in polar governance. 

China stepping up plans to increase its presence in polar regions

China has intensified military drills around Taiwan, including live-fire exercises and naval maneuvers, as part of its ongoing show of force in the Taiwan Strait. Germany has expressed concern over these developments, highlighting growing international attention on regional security. Taiwan’s defense authorities monitored PLA activities closely, emphasizing vigilance amid rising tensions in East Asia and underscoring global worries about stability in the Taiwan Strait.

China Grills Taiwan: Germany 'Concerned' Over Chinese Drills 

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Tuesday claimed that tensions between India and Pakistan were among the list of issues “mediated” by Beijing this year. However, this claim has been described as “bizarre” by people familiar with the matter who said that China played no role in the ceasefire.

Beijing Says it Mediated Recent Tensions Between Pakistan & India

China is stepping up direct government control over Buddhist monasteries, particularly in Tibetan regions such as Larung Gar, by installing Communist Party cadres to oversee finances, admissions, curriculum, and daily monastic life. Authorities are also expanding surveillance and intervening in religious affairs to ensure political loyalty.

The move comes amid investigations into prominent religious figures, including high-profile monks accused of corruption, signaling a broader campaign to regulate religious expression. Human rights groups warn these measures represent serious infringements on religious freedom and further restrict independent spiritual practice in China.

China Tightens Control Over Monasteries, Expands Surveillance and Party Oversight

China has launched large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, signaling heightened tensions in the region. Beijing has announced major war games, showcasing its military capabilities and readiness. Stay updated on the latest developments in Asia-Pacific security and geopolitical dynamics.

China Fires Rockets for Second Day in Drills Around Taiwan

China Is Rapidly Expanding Its Presence Across the Arctic Region

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Tuesday claimed that tensions between India and Pakistan were among the list of issues “mediated” by Beijing this year. However, this claim has been described as “bizarre” by people familiar with the matter who said that China played no role in the ceasefire.


India-Pak tension: Beijing says it mediated recent tensions between Pakistan & India

China has launched large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, signaling heightened tensions in the region. Beijing has announced major war games, showcasing its military capabilities and readiness. Stay updated on the latest developments in Asia-Pacific security and geopolitical dynamics.


Dragon's fire: China unleashes rocket barrage near Taiwan

China’s highly competitive public school system is facing growing criticism as long hours, intense academic pressure, and rigid structures push many parents to consider homeschooling and alternative education paths.


Parents question rigid public school system in China 

China is accelerating its push into the Arctic, expanding scientific missions, infrastructure and strategic partnerships as it seeks a larger role in polar governance. 


China is rapidly expanding its presence across the Arctic region

China views future sea routes through the high north

china

China, News on China, stories on China, articles on China, China stories at Wion, China news, China latest news