China

Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Accidents

Eight individuals who were previously missing after a steel plant explosion in Inner Mongolia have been confirmed dead, increasing the total death toll to 10. The victims were found without vital signs following extensive search and rescue efforts at Baogang United Steel's plate plant in Baotou City.

The explosion occurred on January 18 and involved a 650-cubic-meter saturated water and steam spherical tank. In addition to the fatalities, 84 people were injured, all of whom remain in stable condition. Over 1,000 personnel from various government departments participated in the rescue operation.

Authorities have initiated a city-wide inspection to identify hidden workplace safety risks. Public security officials have taken legal actions against those responsible within the company. An ongoing thorough investigation is examining the cause of the accident.

Global Times | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Chinese Ambassador Sun Lei, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. to the UN, stated on January 21, 2026, that Japan is fundamentally unqualified to seek a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. He argued that Japan cannot shoulder the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security nor gain the trust of the global community.

Sun highlighted that the Security Council is central to upholding the postwar international order and that Japan's historical militarism has not been fully addressed. Despite the Tokyo trials punishing Japanese war criminals 80 years ago, right-wing forces in Japan have sought to whitewash wartime atrocities such as the Nanjing Massacre and forced labor, while revising history textbooks and honoring Class-A war criminals at the Yasukuni Shrine.

He also criticized Japanese leaders, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, for provocative remarks on Taiwan, pro-nuclear positions, and efforts to revise security policies, which Sun viewed as a push toward remilitarization that threatens regional and global security.

Sun concluded that a country that denies its wartime crimes, challenges World War II outcomes, and disregards the postwar order cannot be trusted with the responsibilities of a permanent Security Council member. China, as a current permanent member, expressed its willingness to collaborate with peace-loving nations to uphold the postwar order and maintain the Security Council's authority and unity.

突发！美国大举增兵！

STCN | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated significantly, prompting a substantial U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. Over a dozen F-15E “Strike Eagle” fighters and a C-17 transport aircraft departed from the United Kingdom to the region on January 18. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has also transited the Strait of Malacca and is en route to the Middle East. Additional deployment includes F-16 and A-10 attack aircraft, along with plans to increase missile defense systems to protect U.S. bases and Israel.

Iran has issued strong warnings in response to the U.S. military movements. Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Shekarchi warned that any attack targeting Supreme Leader Khamenei would provoke “devastating retaliation.” Foreign Minister Araqchi reiterated that Iran is prepared for a resolute response to any attacks but expressed willingness for fair negotiations based on mutual respect. Iranian leadership emphasized that recent protests turning violent were influenced by foreign and domestic terrorists, justifying measures like internet restrictions.

Senior Iranian officials, including advisor Velayati, claimed recent conspiracies by the U.S. and Israel to destabilize Iran were thwarted and announced continued strong resistance. Velayati also stressed regional implications if unrest spreads, urging accountability for the U.S. President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action and called for regime change, while officials acknowledge that military options remain under consideration amid rising uncertainty. Iranian leaders characterized U.S. threats as psychological warfare but maintained readiness to respond forcefully to any aggression.