China

Chinese corporations are aggressively expanding global market share through acquisitions and joint ventures. TCL took control of Sony's TV business, TikTok formed a U.S. joint venture to avoid a ban, and companies are challenging Amazon online. This outward push is supported by technological advances in AI chips and a new tariff agreement with Canada on electric vehicles.

• 14Chinese companies expand globally in electric cars and tech
• 11Chinese companies take control of Sony's TV business and challenge Amazon online
• 6China advances in AI and robotics with new chips and humanoid platforms
• 6China sets new world record with powerful superconducting magnet
• 6Porsche sales fall sharply due to weak demand in China

China is actively resetting diplomatic relations with key Western partners, focusing on the UK and Canada. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Beijing, and the UK government approved a new Chinese embassy in London. Concurrently, China's President Xi Jinping engaged with Canadian leadership and framed India and Vietnam as partners, while also fielding international requests for mediation.

• 35UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits China to reset relations
• 14UK government approves plans for a large new Chinese embassy in London
• 11China and Canada discuss new strategic partnership during Carney visit
• 8Russia and China reject Trump's claims they want to seize Greenland
• 8Canadian Prime Minister meets with Chinese leader in Beijing

China is conducting assertive military patrols in the South China Sea and executing a severe cross-border crackdown on telecom fraud. The PLA deployed assets to monitor US transits near Taiwan and warned Philippine aircraft near Huangyan Dao. Simultaneously, China executed 11 people linked to scam gangs in Myanmar and secured extraditions from Cambodia, demonstrating a hardline approach to transnational crime.

• 4China executes 11 members of Myanmar-based group in crackdown on scam operations
• 4Cambodia extradites alleged scam boss to China
• 3Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrols around Huangyan Dao
• 3Iran to hold joint naval drills with China, Russia amid rising US tensions
• 3PLA’s naval and air forces warn, expel illegal intrusion of a Philippine government aircraft into China’s Huangyan Dao

The dominant societal tension is between a shrinking, aging population and the state's efforts to project normalcy and global influence. The birth rate hit a record low, intensifying the demographic crisis. In contrast, the government highlights climate action recognition, prepares for massive Lunar New Year travel, and expands healthcare access, while also managing overseas controversies like protests against its new UK embassy.

• 3China's birth rate hits record low as population continues to shrink
• 3Opponents protest against China’s planned UK ‘mega embassy’ as decision deadline loons
• 2TikTok blocks Epstein and anti-Trump videos under Trump-aligned ownership
• 2China's climate action is widely recognized: spokesperson
• 2President Xi Jinping extends condolences to Spanish King over high-speed train collision