China carried out a second consecutive day of live-fire military exercises around Taiwan under the name “Justice Mission 2025.” According to Beijing, the two-day drills included simulated attacks on maritime targets and blockade exercises around key Taiwanese ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, and bombers were deployed, with operations covering northern and southern waters to test sea-air coordination and blockade capabilities. Taiwan condemned the drills as an act of military intimidation and lodged a strong protest.

The exercises took place as the United States approved a major arms sale to Taiwan and Japan’s prime minister suggested possible military response if force is used against the island. China’s foreign ministry warned that foreign arms support to Taipei could quickly escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait. PLA spokesperson Shi Yi described the drills as a legitimate and necessary warning to “Taiwan independence” forces.

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 130 Chinese aircraft and 14 naval vessels near the island within 24 hours, calling the maneuvers a sign of China’s growing aggression.

China has announced a reduction in import tariffs on several categories of goods starting January 1, 2026. According to a statement from the State Council’s Customs Tariff Commission, the Ministry of Finance’s website detailed that the ‘2026 Tariff Adjustment Plan’ will take effect on the first day of the new year. The plan, guided by Xi Jinping’s socialist thought with Chinese characteristics, aims to optimize tariff classifications, implement preferential rates, and promote high-quality development.

The plan introduces temporary import tariff rates lower than the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates for 935 products across three categories. These include key industrial components such as CNC hydraulic cushions and composite contact strips, resources like recycled black powder for lithium-ion batteries, and medical products such as artificial blood vessels and diagnostic kits for infectious diseases. However, products like micro motors, printing machines, and sulfuric acid will retain MFN rates in line with China’s WTO commitments.

China will continue reducing tariffs under 24 free trade agreements with 34 partners, adding items like intelligent bionic robots and sustainable aviation fuel to support scientific progress and circular economy goals.

China has voiced firm opposition to any attempt to divide Somalia’s territorial integrity. At a regular press briefing on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated Beijing’s unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that no country should encourage or support separatist forces within another nation for its own interests. He also urged Somaliland authorities to halt separatist activities and cease collaboration with foreign powers.

The statement came shortly after Israel became the first country to officially recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state last Friday. Tel Aviv also expressed interest in immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economic sectors.

China’s position underscored its stance against interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and its commitment to upholding Somalia’s full sovereignty in accordance with international law.

A robot developed in China has set a new world record in badminton by successfully returning the shuttlecock 1,452 times in a row. The match took place in Shaoxing city of Zhejiang province, where the robot competed against several human players. The achievement marks the highest number of consecutive counter-hits ever recorded by a mobile robot without interruption.

The robot was created by Zhejiang Shenzhen Kaidong Technology Company. Organizers explained that the athletic robot was built using advanced vision systems and motion control technology. The event highlighted China’s growing capabilities and potential in the field of robotics.

According to the organizers, the record demonstrates the progress of Chinese engineering in developing robots capable of performing complex athletic tasks with precision and endurance.

China has announced plans to conduct large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, including live-fire drills in five maritime and air zones near the island on Tuesday. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Chinese military, said the exercises, code-named “Justice Mission 2025,” will involve the army, navy, air force, and rocket force under the PLA Eastern Theater Command. The state news agency Xinhua confirmed that the drills will begin on December 29.

In response, Taiwan has deployed what it described as “appropriate forces” around the island. Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo condemned China’s actions as “military intimidation.” The announcement follows Japan’s recent plan to deploy missiles near Taiwan, which prompted China to warn that any foreign interference in Taiwan would be thwarted. Beijing reiterated its determination to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The exercises mark another escalation in the region, reflecting ongoing military and political friction between China and neighboring countries over Taiwan’s security and foreign involvement.

China has appointed its first female captain for the domestically produced C919 passenger aircraft, according to the South China Morning Post. The historic appointment went to Yu Yue, a former Boeing 737 pilot with China Southern Airlines. Since joining the airline in 2015, Yu has maintained a zero-error record. Earlier this year, she joined the C919 program and completed extensive training at the Civil Aviation Flight University of China and COMAC’s Shanghai training center, which included simulator sessions for emergency scenarios.

The C919, developed by the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is a narrow-body jet designed for short- and medium-haul routes and is seen as China’s alternative to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The aircraft began commercial service on domestic routes in May 2023. Major state-owned carriers—China Southern, Air China, and China Eastern—are incorporating the C919 into their fleets and retraining pilots accordingly.

Yu highlighted the challenges faced by women pilots in balancing professional duties with family responsibilities. In 2024, China had 941 female pilots, less than two percent of the total, though participation has been gradually increasing.

China’s Foreign Ministry announced sanctions on 20 US defense companies and 10 executives on Friday, following the Trump administration’s approval of a record arms sale to Taiwan. The sanctions include freezing assets held in China and banning Chinese entities and individuals from conducting business with the targeted firms and persons.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration approved eight new arms packages for Taiwan worth more than 11 billion dollars. Beijing condemned the move, calling Taiwan a core interest and the first red line in China-US relations that should not be crossed. The ministry stated that any provocative actions crossing this line would face a strong response from China.

Beijing urged Washington to adhere to the One-China policy and the three joint communiqués, halt arms sales to Taiwan, and avoid undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

China announced sanctions on 20 US defense companies and 10 executives following the Trump administration’s approval of a record arms sale to Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry made the announcement on Friday, citing the sale of eight new weapons packages worth over 11 billion dollars. The sanctions include freezing assets of the targeted firms and individuals in China and prohibiting domestic entities from conducting business with them.

Beijing condemned Washington’s decision, reiterating that the Taiwan issue lies at the core of China’s national interests and marks the first red line in China-US relations. The ministry emphasized that crossing this line would not be tolerated and warned of strong countermeasures against any provocative actions related to Taiwan.

China also urged the United States to adhere to the One-China policy and the three joint communiqués, halt arms sales to Taiwan, and avoid undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

China plans to build six new aircraft carriers by 2035, according to a report released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon). The report states that this would give China a total of nine carriers, marking the largest carrier expansion in the Indo-Pacific region since World War II. China currently operates three aircraft carriers, ranking second after the United States, which has 11.

The Pentagon report highlights the Type 003 Fujian carrier as a major advancement for China’s navy. The 80,000-ton vessel is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system and can carry fifth-generation J-35 fighter jets and KJ-600 transport aircraft. Compared with earlier ski-jump carriers Liaoning and Shandong, the Fujian can support longer missions with heavier fuel and armament loads. The report also notes that China has begun work on a fourth carrier this year.

Additionally, China is developing Type 076 amphibious assault ships with electromagnetic catapults, though the number planned remains unclear. The report mentions that China deployed its carriers during the Joint Sword exercise around Taiwan, signaling its intent to challenge potential third-party intervention during conflicts.

A draft report from the U.S. Department of Defense alleges that China has deployed more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) across three newly built silo fields near its border with Mongolia. The report, cited by Reuters, suggests Beijing shows little interest in arms control talks despite Washington’s calls for renewed disarmament dialogue.

According to the Pentagon, China is modernizing and expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other nuclear power. Beijing has rejected the allegations, calling them an attempt to tarnish its image and mislead the international community. The report estimates China’s nuclear warhead count exceeded 600 in 2024 and could surpass 1,000 by 2030 if current trends continue.

The document also raises concerns about China’s military ambitions toward Taiwan, suggesting Beijing aims to achieve the capability to prevail in a potential conflict by 2027. China maintains that its nuclear policy remains defensive and adheres to a “no first use” principle.

China has reportedly discovered an enormous undersea gold deposit off the coast of Laizhou in Shandong province, which local media describe as Asia’s largest underwater gold mine. The find, located near Yantai, is estimated to contain over 3,900 tons of gold, accounting for roughly 26 percent of China’s total reserves. While the central government has yet to confirm the discovery, reports from the South China Morning Post suggest the actual volume may exceed initial estimates.

The discovery follows a series of major gold finds across China, including deposits in Liaoning and Xinjiang provinces. The China Gold Association notes that China remains the world’s top gold ore producer, with 377 tons mined last year. However, it still trails South Africa, Australia, and Russia in total reserves. Geological teams have increasingly used artificial intelligence, high-powered radar, and satellite imaging to locate new mineral resources.

Analysts believe this discovery could strengthen China’s position in global gold markets and reduce import dependency. The government’s ongoing investment in exploration—totaling about 4.5 trillion yuan since 2021—signals a strategic push to secure critical resources amid global economic uncertainty.

China has introduced a value-added tax (VAT) on condoms and other contraceptives for the first time in three decades, as part of a broader effort to modernize its tax system and address the country’s persistently low birth rate. The new VAT law, passed in 2024, ends a long-standing exemption dating back to 1993. At the same time, Beijing has launched a national childcare subsidy program worth 90 billion yuan ($12.7 billion) and expanded maternity coverage under the national health insurance scheme.

The policy shift comes as China’s birth rate stood at just 6.77 per 1,000 people in 2024, despite incentives such as cash bonuses, IVF discounts, and extended paid leave for new couples. Social media users have mocked the condom tax, calling it a desperate attempt to boost fertility. Experts argue the measure is largely symbolic and unlikely to influence reproductive decisions, though it signals the government’s preference for pro-natalist behavior.

Sociologists warn that restricting access to contraception could disproportionately affect women, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, while raising concerns about intrusive local monitoring of women’s reproductive cycles.

China is advancing plans to build the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, a $168 billion undertaking that could generate around 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—three times the output of the Three Gorges Dam. President Xi Jinping has called for the project to be pursued with force and efficiency, framing it as a cornerstone of China’s renewable energy ambitions.

Experts describe the project as an unprecedented engineering feat involving tunnels and reservoirs stretching up to 150 kilometers through the Himalayas. However, India and Bangladesh, both downstream nations, fear severe ecological and hydrological impacts, including altered river flows, flooding, and displacement. Indian analysts have dubbed it a potential “water bomb,” citing its proximity to disputed borders.

While Beijing insists the project follows decades of research, limited transparency has fueled speculation about its environmental and geopolitical risks. Analysts warn that the dam could reshape regional water politics, potentially intensifying Sino-Indian tensions and affecting millions dependent on the Brahmaputra basin.

China has announced a $100 million aid package to assist the Palestinian Authority in rebuilding Gaza and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The announcement was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed gratitude to Xi in a letter, highlighting China’s continued support for Palestinian rights and its role in opposing Israeli occupation in Gaza and the West Bank. According to Chinese state media Xinhua, Xi emphasized China’s commitment to working closely with France to achieve a fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. The move underscores Beijing’s growing diplomatic engagement in Middle Eastern affairs and its efforts to strengthen strategic ties with both Arab nations and European partners amid shifting global dynamics.

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck China's northwestern Xinjiang region on Thursday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The quake occurred at 3:44 p.m. local time near Akqi County, close to the Kyrgyzstan-Xinjiang border, with its epicenter located about 10 kilometers underground. State media outlet Xinhua reported that as of 4:34 p.m. local time, there were no reports of casualties or building collapses. Local authorities confirmed that transportation, electricity, and telecommunications systems across Akqi County remained fully operational. The CENC recorded the epicenter at 41.13 degrees north latitude and 78.40 degrees east longitude. While the tremor was strong, initial assessments suggest minimal impact on infrastructure or residents in the affected area.