Bonus Episode: A life at sea

Chinese President Xi Jinping has delivered a New Year speech via China Media Group and the Internet (01:05). Beijing says the military exercises around Taiwan served as a warning to separatist forces on the island, and against foreign interference in the Taiwan question (10:40). The United States announces sanctions on 10 individuals and entities, targeting Iran's drone trade with Venezuela (19:27).

The Chinese president calls for unity to advance Chinese modernization at a gathering to usher in the New Year (01:06). Beijing says the military exercises around Taiwan served as a warning to separatist forces on the island, and against foreign interference in the Taiwan question (10:40). The United States announces sanctions on 10 individuals and entities, targeting Iran's drone trade with Venezuela (19:27).

China has held its annual Central Rural Work Conference in Beijing to map out priorities for the country's rural work in 2026 (01:10). The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army has run its second day of military drills around Taiwan, conducting long-range live fire exercises (05:33). U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have discussed breaking the Gaza deadlock (17:59).

The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army has begun drills around Taiwan to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity (01:10). Cambodia and Thailand vow to gradually consolidate a ceasefire in their disputed border area following talks that China hosted (11:46). Criticism over the Japanese government's record defense budget continues to mount across the country (21:17).

Beijing condemns Japan's substantial increase in defense spending after the Japanese cabinet approved a draft budget for fiscal year 2026 (01:01). China's high-speed rail network surpasses 50,000 kilometers with the opening of a new line in the country's northwest (17:29). The U.S. president confirms his country's military strikes against Islamic State targets in Nigeria (20:00).

A Chinese military spokesperson calls for joint actions to contain the revival of militarism by Japan's right-wing forces (01:05). The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is marking its 10th anniversary (11:46). The Ukrainian president unveils the main points of a draft peace proposal to end the conflict with Russia, while Moscow says it is still formulating its position (21:05).

China calls on Japan to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring nuclear safety (01:00). China finalizes its ratification of the landmark High Seas Treaty on protecting marine biodiversity (09:38). Members of the UN Security Council including China and Russia criticize the U.S. for escalating military tensions with Venezuela (19:02).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on state-owned enterprises directly administered by the central government to contribute more to Chinese modernization (01:07). A senior Japanese official who advocates for nuclear weapons in the country is facing criticism and opposition (11:54). A Russian investigative committee says Ukrainian Special Forces could be responsible for a car bomb attack in Moscow that killed a Russian general, while Ukraine has not yet made any comments (17:25).

China has denounced remarks by senior Japanese officials who say the country needs nuclear weapons (01:03). China's top legislature has begun reviewing the draft Childcare Services Law designed to provide stronger legal protection for children (11:15). Thailand and Cambodia are set to resume ceasefire discussions on Wednesday (21:15).

Residents and businesses in Hainan Province are welcoming the launch of special customs operations that took effect on Thursday (01:06). Beijing has expressed opposition to Washington's 2026 National Defense Authorization Act for playing up purported threats from China (11:27). European Union leaders have decided not to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense needs, a decision welcomed by Moscow (20:59).