Politics News
Latest politics news and updates
Total: 172
Xi Orders Steady, State-Led Push to Build China’s 'Future Industries' and Seize the Tech High Ground
At a January 30 Politburo study session, Xi Jinping called for a steady, comparative‑advantage driven development of China’s future industries, using state coordination and enterprise leadership to overcome technological bottlenecks. The plan emphasises mission‑oriented research, fiscal and financial support, talent cultivation, and a governance balance that manages risk while enabling innovation.
Trump Nominates Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair, Raising Stakes for Rate Cuts and Fed Independence
President Trump has nominated former Fed governor Kevin Warsh as his choice for Federal Reserve chair, a pick that aligns with the White House’s push for faster interest‑rate cuts. Warsh’s finance background, family ties to the Lauder fortune and political alignment with Trump heighten the stakes for Fed independence and global markets.
Guarding the State’s Voice: Life at Xinhua’s No. 3 Sentinel
A human-interest profile of an armed policeman’s long watch at Xinhua’s No. 3 sentinel post illuminates how routine guard duty doubles as both practical security and symbolic protection of the state’s information apparatus. Small details—seasonal ginkgo leaves, a stray cat, and the proximity to national parades—show how personal sacrifice is woven into China’s public rituals.
Silicon Valley Pours Cash into Pro‑AI Politics — Brockman, a16z Back Super PAC with $125m+
A pro‑AI super PAC, Lead the Future, has raised over $125 million with donations from Greg Brockman, Joe Lonsdale and Andreessen Horowitz. The move signals Silicon Valley’s growing willingness to use large‑scale political spending to influence AI policy and elections at a time when regulators are tightening scrutiny of the technology.
Xi Chairs Politburo Meeting to Lock In 2026 Agenda as China Enters the 15th Five‑Year Cycle
The CCP Politburo, chaired by Xi Jinping, reviewed and approved 2026 work plans for five major party‑led state organs and the Central Secretariat, praising their 2025 performance and demanding strict implementation of the party centre’s directives. The meeting frames 2026 as the start of the 15th Five‑Year Plan and emphasises political unity, disciplined party governance and a stability‑first approach to economic and institutional priorities.
Tokyo’s Taiwan Rhetoric and Robot Dogs: Why Beijing Sees a Dangerous Mix of Electioneering and Militarisation
Japan’s prime minister sparked Beijing’s ire by saying Tokyo and Washington would jointly evacuate citizens in a Taiwan crisis, prompting Chinese accusations of remilitarisation. The dispute unfolds amid U.S. efforts to balance deterrence with stable ties to China and Japan’s procurement of unmanned “machine dogs”, which signal a low‑risk military transformation that may alter crisis incentives.
Politburo Endorses 2026 Workplans and Tightens Party Oversight as China Enters 15th Five‑Year Period
China’s Politburo, chaired by Xi Jinping, reviewed and approved 2026 workplans for the Party leadership groups embedded in the country’s major state and judicial organs, praising 2025 performance and calling for strict implementation of Party directives. The meeting underlined centralised leadership, strengthened Party governance, and a focus on achieving a stable start to the 15th Five‑Year period while reducing formalism at the grassroots.
Trump Sues Treasury and IRS, Demands at Least $10 Billion Over Alleged Tax-Return Leak
Donald Trump has sued the U.S. Treasury and IRS in Miami federal court, seeking at least $10 billion for allegedly illegal disclosure of his tax returns from his first presidential term. The suit revives long-standing disputes over presidential tax transparency, raises questions about agency handling of confidential data, and carries significant political symbolism even if large damages are unlikely.
Congress Revives Boeing E‑7 AWACS Funding After Pentagon Pushes Cut, Exposing Rift Over Space-Based Warning
Congress restored roughly $1.1 billion for the Boeing E‑7 Wedgetail AEW programme in the FY2026 NDAA drafts, undoing a White House proposal that would have reduced funding to under $100 million. The move reflects congressional wariness about relying solely on a new space‑based warning architecture and concerns about replacing the ageing E‑3 AWACS fleet.
US Vice‑President’s Mockery of Disabled Senator Ignites Backlash and Raises Questions About Tone in Venezuela Debate
Vice‑President Vance drew condemnation after likening wounded Senator Tammy Duckworth to a fictional character in a social‑media post following a contentious hearing on U.S. policy toward Venezuela. Duckworth, an Iraq veteran who lost limbs in combat, accused Vance of insulting disabled people to deflect from ties between interventionist policy and Chevron’s interests; politicians and the public criticized Vance’s rhetoric.
Xi and Starmer Agree to a 'Long‑Term, Stable' Strategic Partnership as UK Prime Minister Visits Beijing
China and the UK agreed to develop a "long‑term, stable, comprehensive strategic partnership" after a meeting between Xi Jinping and Keir Starmer in Beijing. Beijing presented the outcome as a new, predictable framework for bilateral engagement, but the substance will be tested by future agreements and by how London balances ties with Washington and domestic scrutiny.
Senate Hearing Interrupted as Protester Shouts ‘Stop Intervening in Venezuela’ — Arrest Highlights Polarised Debate on U.S. Policy
A protester interrupted Senator Marco Rubio during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, demanding an end to U.S. interference in Venezuela and Cuba and was arrested. Rubio said Washington would soon set up a diplomatic presence in Venezuela to gather intelligence and engage locally, while denying preparations for military action. The Chinese report that carried the story also appended unverified claims of a U.S. military seizure of Venezuela’s president, which are not corroborated and appear false.