China

Global Times | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Accidents

An explosion at Baogang United Steel in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, occurred at 3:03 pm on January 18, resulting in 10 deaths and 84 injuries. Emergency rescue teams from national, regional, and city levels responded promptly to the incident.

After thorough search and verification by public security, health, and other departments, eight previously missing individuals were confirmed deceased. All injured persons are currently in stable condition. The investigation and follow-up arrangements related to the accident are ongoing.

Peoples Daily | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

During the 14th Five Year Plan period (2021-25), China attracted over $700 billion in foreign investment, ranking first among developing countries. Foreign-funded enterprises have significantly contributed to China's high-level opening up and high-quality development, according to Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce, who spoke at the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment New Year Reception held in Beijing.

Ling Ji emphasized the stability and certainty of China's rapid economic growth, foreign investment policies, and trade relations, which create a favorable environment for foreign companies operating in China. The upcoming 15th Five Year Plan (2026-30) presents a development blueprint and an "opportunity list" for foreign enterprises, encouraging them to continue investing and expanding their presence in the Chinese market to share in growth opportunities.

Representatives at the event, including Sean Stein from the US-China Business Council and Jens Eskelund from the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, expressed their commitment to supporting China's sustainable development and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation. Foreign-funded enterprises attending the reception also voiced confidence in China's market vitality and business environment improvements, indicating a willingness to increase long-term investment aligned with China's high-quality development goals.

China-US Focus | English | AcademicThink | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

In January 2026, Europe faces a critical choice between remaining a subordinate partner in a declining transatlantic alliance or becoming a key player in an integrated Eurasian economic bloc. The ongoing Ukraine conflict has turned unfavorably for Western ambitions, with Russian advances and widespread support among Ukrainians and Russians for peace negotiations signaling a shift toward diplomatic resolution. The United States is retreating from its commitment to Europe, focusing on Asia and demanding European countries take full responsibility for NATO's defense, while reducing support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Europe remains heavily dependent on costly U.S. LNG imports, undermining its industrial competitiveness and geopolitical independence.

Europe’s energy situation is framed as an urgent sovereignty challenge. The phase-out of Russian gas has left Europe reliant on expensive U.S. LNG, inflating industrial costs and risking deindustrialization. Although energy efficiency programs have reduced demand, Europe continues to face potential shortfalls in cold winters. Diversification of LNG imports from Qatar, Algeria, Norway, and others may offer a temporary reprieve, but true energy independence requires rapid electrification, expansion of renewables, and demand-side management. China’s dominance in clean energy technologies presents a pragmatic partnership opportunity, offering both supply of key components and potential investments in European manufacturing, provided Europe eases tariffs and balances protectionism with realistic supply needs.

Geopolitically, Europe is urged to overcome Russophobia and Sinophobia to assert genuine autonomy. Leading European politicians are advocating normalized relations with Russia and the establishment of a new pan-European security architecture, replacing NATO as US troop withdrawals signal diminishing American engagement in European defense. This includes direct peace negotiations with Russia acknowledging past provocations by NATO expansion. Simultaneously, stronger ties with China through cooperation on nuclear, renewable technology, and green hydrogen are seen as essential for energy security and economic revitalization. The recent EU-Mercosur trade deal enhances food security and trade diversification, reducing dependence on traditional partners.

Social and political pressures across Europe indicate a growing demand for bold leadership to break from outdated transatlantic loyalty. Rising populism, protests over energy costs, and war fatigue signal potential for a historical rupture in Europe’s trajectory if Brussels fails to act decisively. The proposed strategy emphasizes accelerating electrification with Chinese technology, LNG diversification for transition, pragmatic engagement with Russia, dismantling NATO in favor of a new security framework, and ensuring energy and food sovereignty. Europe’s future depends on embracing this courageous pivot to establish itself as the western anchor of a flourishing Eurasian economy rather than fading into geopolitical irrelevance.