China

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.

Peoples Daily | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedTaxes

In 2025, China's manufacturing sector accelerated its shift toward intelligent and green development, solidifying its role as a key stabilizer of the national economy. The sector's sales revenue growth exceeded the national average by 1.7 percentage points, reaching 29.7 percent of the country’s total sales revenue, a 0.5-percentage-point increase from 2024.

Procurement of automated and digital equipment by manufacturing enterprises rose by 11.3 percent and 10 percent respectively, illustrating progress in intelligent transformation and digital upgrading. The intelligent equipment manufacturing industry's sales revenue jumped 28.1 percent, supported by output increases in industrial robots (17.4 percent) and special operation robots (42.1 percent).

The share of high-energy-consuming manufacturing enterprises' sales revenue declined by 1.1 percentage points, indicating ongoing industrial structure optimization. Spending on environmental governance services by manufacturing enterprises also increased steadily. Moreover, procurement of digital technologies surged 10.4 percent in value, an acceleration of 3.5 percentage points compared to the previous year.

Going forward, China's tax authorities plan to implement preferential tax and fee policies to support the sector's transformation and upgrading. They will continue optimizing tax and fee services to promote the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry.

时政微观察丨为人民出政绩 以实干出政绩

China Daily | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

On January 20, 2026, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to deepen the study and implementation of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, aiming to unify thinking and concentrate efforts to ensure a successful start to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. This plan prioritizes economic development-centered, high-quality growth amid a complex environment of risks and opportunities. Xi stressed the importance of leadership at all levels improving political judgment and execution, noting the Party Central Committee’s unified leadership is essential for steady and successful economic progress.

The seminar for provincial- and ministerial-level leading cadres underscored adhering to the Party’s major strategies, policies, and economic tasks outlined in the 2025 Central Economic Work Conference. Initial 2026 measures include national subsidies, green consumption promotion, and expanded government financing guarantees to stimulate market vitality and support business entities. Xi highlighted the need for localities to pursue sustainable development tailored to their unique resources and conditions, advocating against one-size-fits-all approaches by encouraging efforts aligned with comparative advantages and local realities.

Xi called for a correct view of performance focused on tangible achievements that benefit the people, emphasizing that success is measured by public satisfaction and improvements in livelihoods. The Party prioritizes practical work that addresses the urgent needs of the population, from ecological protection along the Yangtze River to child-raising subsidies and major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing public services and living environments. Local and central plans must align strategically while remaining adaptable to local circumstances to ensure effective implementation.

In the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, authorities are tasked with anchoring targets in concrete actions, with solid results serving to establish momentum for the broader goals of building Chinese-style modernization. The leadership underscores that practical work and execution are paramount for political success and the continued prosperity of the people.