Politics News
Latest politics news and updates
Total: 172
The Transactional Pivot: Why Beijing Views a Second Trump Term as a Strategic Opening on Taiwan
Chinese analysts suggest a second Trump term could facilitate Taiwan's reunification as U.S. foreign policy shifts from ideological containment to a purely transactional 'America First' model. Beijing is betting that U.S. fiscal instability and deindustrialization will eventually force Washington to abandon its strategic commitments in the Western Pacific.
The Thief in the Heart: Xi’s Purge of ‘Fake Loyalty’ Within the PLA Air Force
China's Western Theater Command Air Force is undergoing an aggressive political purge following the downfall of top military leaders He Weidong and Miao Hua. The campaign targets 'fake loyalty' and 'ideological rot,' linking political purity directly to combat readiness and the PLA's 2027 modernization goals.
Beyond the Bombing: Trump’s Backchannel Diplomacy Signals a Risky Pivot in the Iran Conflict
The Trump administration has reportedly initiated secret backchannel negotiations with Iran via Egyptian and Qatari mediators while military strikes continue. The U.S. is demanding a total freeze on Iran's nuclear and missile programs, while Tehran insists on a permanent ceasefire and financial reparations.
Pomp and Patriotism: China’s 2026 Recruitment Drive Signals Continued Military Modernization
China has launched its first recruitment intake of 2026 with high-profile ceremonies nationwide, emphasizing both military readiness and ideological loyalty. The drive highlights the PLA's continued shift toward a biannual recruitment cycle aimed at attracting college-educated youth for a high-tech fighting force.
U.S. Counterterrorism Chief Resigns, Citing Conscience and Opposition to War with Iran
Chinese state media reported that Joe Kent, identified as director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on moral grounds, saying he could not support U.S. military operations in Iran. His letter, as quoted, accuses Israeli officials and pro-Israel lobbyists of pushing Washington into a war that does not serve an imminent American security interest and urges President Trump to change course.
MI5 Issues Rare Apology and Settlement After Woman Alleges Agent Knife Attack and Courts Were Misled
MI5 has apologised and paid compensation to a woman who alleges a purported MI5 operative attacked and abused her, while denying legal responsibility for the alleged conduct. The case has exposed claims that MI5 provided misleading evidence to courts while trying to block BBC reporting, prompting criticism from the Investigatory Powers Tribunal and renewed questions about oversight of intelligence services.
‘I’m Meeting Trump’: Japan PM’s Dismissive Reply on U.S. and Israel Draws Public Outcry
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s curt reply — “Because I’m going to see Trump” — when asked why Japan condemns Iran but not the U.S. or Israel provoked online outrage and intensified scrutiny of Tokyo’s diplomatic posture. The episode underlines tensions between maintaining a close U.S. alliance and preserving Japan’s normative credibility, while exposing political risks at home from perceptions of dismissiveness and poor decorum.
Former NDRC Deputy Director Xu Xianping Prosecuted on Major Bribery Charges
China has indicted former NDRC deputy director Xu Xianping on charges of taking especially large bribes. The case, investigated by the National Supervisory Commission, was handed to prosecutors and filed with the Chifeng Intermediate People’s Court, underscoring Beijing's sustained anti-corruption drive and its sensitivity around officials who oversaw economic planning.
Netanyahu Posts Third Straight 'Proof of Life' Video, Raising Questions About Information and Authority
Benjamin Netanyahu’s official social account posted a third consecutive short video to demonstrate he is alive, this time showing a meeting with a U.S. envoy named in the post. The repetition reflects efforts to counter online speculation and highlights how social media has become a frontline in political information battles, with implications for domestic trust and international reassurance.
Jilin’s Winter Drive: How a Northeastern City Recruited Its Next Cohort for the PLA
Jilin City completed its 2026 first-half recruitment drive by combining winter-tourism publicity, house-to-house outreach and strict medical screening to select a politically reliable, physically fit cohort for PLA service. The campaign emphasized personal sacrifice, ethnic inclusion and party commitment, signaling how local governments mobilize social resources to meet national defence needs.
China’s PLA Turns Scrutiny into Strategy: How Fiscal Discipline and Grassroots Oversight Are Being Wedded to Combat Readiness
Chinese military units are combining tighter fiscal oversight with political training to prioritise spending on combat-relevant capabilities. Digital supervision, empowered grassroots monitors and incentives for local innovation have redirected funds towards simulation facilities, low-cost drone projects and other readiness measures.
Taiwan Rhetoric, PLA Flights and a Shifting Calculus: Why One Provocation Matters as Trump Heads to Beijing
Lai Ching‑te’s recent declarations that Taiwan is a country and his provocative remarks about Japan’s colonial past have triggered sharp reactions from Beijing and coincided with a notable uptick in PLA flights and amphibious drills. The developments exacerbate electoral competition in Taiwan and complicate U.S.–China diplomacy at a sensitive moment, raising the risk of miscalculation in the Taiwan Strait.