Amidst escalating trade tensions, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared China’s unwavering stance against what it terms “unilateral bullying” by the US, rejecting accusations of starting a trade war. China raised tariffs on US goods to 125%, but asserted this was a response to US actions and not a sign of further escalation. Xi engaged in diplomatic efforts with Spain and other nations, aiming to solidify alliances and present China as a reliable trading partner amidst global economic uncertainty. While China maintains it will not initiate further tariff increases, it has several alternative countermeasures available.
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Amidst escalating trade tensions, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that a trade war yields no winners, asserting China’s resilience against unfair pressure. Following President Trump’s tariff increase to 125% on Chinese goods, Beijing retaliated with reciprocal tariffs of 125% on U.S. imports and reduced U.S. film imports. Xi’s statement underscored China’s commitment to self-reliance, while the Chinese Finance Ministry condemned the U.S. actions as damaging to the global trading system. The ongoing trade war’s impact on the global economy remains uncertain.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent affirmed President Trump’s confidence that China will not invade Taiwan during his presidency, citing Trump’s strong relationship with Xi Jinping. While Trump himself avoided direct comment on the possibility of military action, Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly stated US opposition to any forceful change in Taiwan’s status. This stance contrasts with some Trump administration appointments initially expressing pro-unification views, though such individuals were subsequently withdrawn.
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China is constructing a massive new military command center near Beijing, a project that dwarfs even the Pentagon in scale, reportedly ten times larger. This sprawling, 1,500-acre complex, dubbed “Beijing Military City,” is raising significant international concern, particularly given its apparent purpose: sheltering China’s top military brass in the event of a nuclear war.
The sheer scale of this undertaking is striking. Satellite imagery reveals extensive construction underway, indicating a significant investment in reinforced bunkers designed to withstand the devastation of a nuclear attack. The timeline suggests construction began in mid-2024, coinciding with the People’s Liberation Army’s preparations for its centenary in 2027, a date President Xi Jinping has previously linked to his ambition of annexing Taiwan.… Continue reading
Despite threatening to increase tariffs on Chinese goods by 10% as early as February 1st and launching investigations into harmful Chinese trade practices, President Trump expressed a desire for fair trade and a level playing field with China. He simultaneously asserted that his tariff threats hold significant leverage over China, a sentiment seemingly echoed by China’s recent willingness to negotiate and its positive market response to Trump’s comments. A recent phone call between Trump and Xi Jinping further suggests ongoing dialogue, although the details of the conversation vary slightly between the two countries’ accounts. Ultimately, the situation reveals a complex interplay of threats, conciliatory statements, and ongoing negotiations between the two nations.
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President Xi Jinping affirmed a commitment to elevating Sino-Russian relations to unprecedented heights, emphasizing stability and resilience in the face of global uncertainty. President Putin reciprocated this sentiment, highlighting the unwavering strength of their bilateral ties, independent of domestic or international pressures. This strengthened partnership follows China’s increased support for Russia since the Ukraine invasion, marked by a prior “no limits” cooperation agreement. The article contrasts this strengthened relationship with former President Trump’s previously stated intentions to adopt a more confrontational approach towards China and to negotiate with Putin regarding Ukraine.
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Fan Weiqu and Xu Jiajin, perpetrators of deadly attacks in Zhuhai and Wuxi respectively, resulting in a combined death toll exceeding 40, were executed on Monday. Fan, driven by divorce-related anger, used his car to kill at least 35, while Xu, fueled by academic and professional frustrations, stabbed eight to death. These “revenge on society crimes” prompted President Xi Jinping to call for preventative measures. Both death sentences, handed down in December, were swiftly carried out following Supreme Court approval.
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President-elect Trump spoke with President Xi Jinping, expressing optimism about resolving various bilateral issues, including trade imbalances, fentanyl trafficking, and TikTok’s future. Despite Trump’s previous threats of high tariffs on Chinese imports and a history of strained US-China relations, he anticipates collaborative problem-solving. The call follows increased tensions stemming from trade deficits, cybersecurity concerns, and differing geopolitical strategies. However, both sides have consistently affirmed their desire to avoid a new Cold War.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood