Podcasts about Beijing

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) President Trump prepares to address the nation tonight, fueling speculation about what he may announce. Bryan walks through the most likely possibilities, from the economy and falling inflation to explosive new revelations showing the Biden DOJ pushed ahead with the Mar-a-Lago raid despite FBI warnings that no probable cause existed. Trump may also signal major changes on marijuana policy or escalate pressure on Venezuela, as the White House orders a blockade of oil tankers that could trigger cascading unrest in Caracas and Havana. Abroad, China hardens its grip on the Panama Canal by blocking US-led efforts to reclaim port operations, raising the stakes for American naval access. Trump counters Beijing's influence by naming Peru a major non-NATO ally, part of a broader strategy to lock down South America's Pacific coast alongside new conservative governments in Chile and Ecuador. In Europe, the Green Revolution falters as Brussels backs away from banning combustion engines and Ford writes down nearly $20 billion after abandoning its electric truck push. The episode closes with remarkable scientific news from Japan, where researchers discovered a bacteria found in the Japanese tree frog that eradicated tumors in mice with a 100 percent success rate, offering new hope for future cancer treatments.    "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: Trump national address, US economy data, Mar-a-Lago FBI raid documents, DOJ lawfare, marijuana reclassification, Venezuela oil blockade, Panama Canal China, Peru non-NATO ally, South America strategy, EV collapse Europe, Ford EV losses, combustion engine reversal, Japanese tree frog cancer research

In this episode of China Decode, Alice Han and James Kynge break down a quieter but consequential shift in Washington's China strategy. They unpack Trump's new national security playbook, why Beijing is suddenly sounding upbeat, and whether this signals a real reset or just a tactical pause in U.S.-China tensions. They also dig into China's baby bust — and the backlash to a new tax on condoms — as policymakers search for answers to falling birth rates. Plus, Alice sits down with Chip War author Chris Miller to discuss Trump's surprise reversal on AI chip exports to China, what it means for NVIDIA, and why semiconductors are now at the center of global power politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Monday on the News Hour, authorities renew their search for the Brown University shooter and Australian leaders vow to toughen gun laws after an attack at a Hanukkah festival. Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai is convicted in a case that's become a symbol of Beijing’s crackdown on dissent. Plus, how Trump's immigration crackdown is affecting people who spent years trying to become citizens. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Our Chief Fixed Income Strategist Vishy Tirupattur responds to some of the feedback from clients on Morgan Stanley's 2026 global outlooks.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Vishy Tirupattur: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I am Vishy Tirupattur, Morgan Stanley's Chief Fixed Income Strategist. Today, I consider the pushback we've received on our 2026 outlooks – distilling the themes that drew the most debate and our responses to the debates. It's Tuesday, Dec 16th at 3:30pm in New York. It's been a few weeks [since] we published our 2026 outlooks for the global economy and markets. We've had lots of wide-ranging conversations, much dialogue and debate with our clients across the globe on the key themes that we laid out in our outlook. Feedback has ranged from strong alignment to pointed disagreement, with many nuanced views in between. We welcome this dialogue, especially the pushback, as it forces us to re-examine our assumptions and refine our thinking. Our constructive stance on AI and data center-related CapEx, along with the pivotal role we see for the credit market channels, drew notable scrutiny. Our 2026 CapEx projections was anchored by a strong conviction – that demand for compute will far outstrip the supply over the next several years. We remain confident that credit markets across unsecured, structured, and securitized instruments in both public and private domains will be central to the financing of the next wave of AI-driven investments. The crucial point here is that we think this spending will be relatively insensitive to the macro conditions, i.e., the level of interest rates and economic growth. Regarding the level of AI investment, we received a bit of pushback on our economics forecast: Why don't we forecast even more growth from AI CapEx? From our perspective, that is going to be a multi-year process, so the growth implications also extend over time. Our U.S. credit strategists' forecast for IG bond supply – $2.25 trillion in gross issuance; that's up 25 percent year-over-year, or $1 trillion in net issuance; that's 60 percent year-over-year – garnered significant attention. There was some pushback to the volume of the issuance we project. As CapEx growth outpaces revenue and pressures free cash flow, credit becomes a key financing bridge. Importantly, AI is not the sole driver of the surge that we forecast. A pick-up in M&A activity and the resulting increase in acquisition-driven IG supply also will play a key role, in our view. We also received pushback on our expectation for modest widening in credit spreads, roughly 15 basis points in investment grade, which we still think will remain near the low end of the historical ranges despite this massive surge in supply. Some clients argued for more widening, but we note that the bulk of the AI-related issuance will come from high-quality – you know AAA-AA rated issuers – which are currently underrepresented in credit markets relative to their equity market weight. Additionally, continued policy easing – two more rate cuts – modest economic re-acceleration, and persistent demand from yield-focused buyers should help to anchor the spreads. Our macro strategists' framing of 2026 as a transition year for global rates – from synchronized tightening to asynchronous normalization as central banks approach equilibrium – was broadly well received, as was their call for government bond yields to remain broadly range-bound. However, their view that markets will price in a dovish tilt to Fed policy sparked considerable debate. While there was broad agreement on the outlook for yield curve steepening, the nature of that steepening – bull steepening or bear steepening – remained a point of contention. Outside the U.S., the biggest pushback was to the call on the ECB cutting rates two more times in 2026. Our economists disagreed with President Lagarde – that the disinflationary process has ended. Even with moderate continued euro area growth on German fiscal expansion, but consolidation elsewhere, we still see an output gap that will eventually lead inflation to undershoot the ECB's 2 percent target. We also engaged in lively dialogue and debate on China. The key debate here comes down to a micro versus macro story. Put differently, the market is not the economy and the economy is not the market. Sentiment on investments in China has turned around this year, and our strategists are on board with that view. However, from an economics point of view, we see deflation continuing and fiscal policy from Beijing as a bit too modest to spark near-term reflation. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.

There's more evidence that China's economy is stalling. Beijing released a batch of government data today that was not encouraging. Chinese consumers have slammed their wallets shut, and data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China paints a picture of stagnating investment, output, and consumption. And later, we'll preview long-delayed economic data slated to come out this week and learn why retailers are hiring fewer workers for the holiday shopping season.

There's more evidence that China's economy is stalling. Beijing released a batch of government data today that was not encouraging. Chinese consumers have slammed their wallets shut, and data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China paints a picture of stagnating investment, output, and consumption. And later, we'll preview long-delayed economic data slated to come out this week and learn why retailers are hiring fewer workers for the holiday shopping season.

Hong Kong's High Court found media mogul and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai guilty of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and sedition. The case has become a symbol of Beijing’s crackdown on dissent. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Claire Lai, Jimmy Lai’s daughter. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Today's episode breaks down OpenAI's quiet adoption of Anthropic's “skills” mechanism and why it could meaningfully change how AI agents work in practice. The discussion explains what skills are, how progressive disclosure improves efficiency and reliability, and why modular, shareable instruction folders may matter more than building ever-more complex agents. In the headlines: fallout from the White House executive order blocking state AI regulation, GOP infighting over AI policy, Nvidia H200 export approval to China and Beijing's response, and early benchmark results for GPT-5.2.Brought to you by:KPMG – Discover how AI is transforming possibility into reality. Tune into the new KPMG 'You Can with AI' podcast and unlock insights that will inform smarter decisions inside your enterprise. Listen now and start shaping your future with every episode. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kpmg.us/AIpodcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rovo - Unleash the potential of your team with AI-powered Search, Chat and Agents - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rovo.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AssemblyAI - The best way to build Voice AI apps - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.assemblyai.com/brief⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LandfallIP - AI to Navigate the Patent Process - https://landfallip.com/Blitzy.com - Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://blitzy.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to build enterprise software in days, not months Robots & Pencils - Cloud-native AI solutions that power results ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://robotsandpencils.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Agent Readiness Audit from Superintelligent - Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://besuper.ai/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to request your company's agent readiness score.The AI Daily Brief helps you understand the most important news and discussions in AI. Subscribe to the podcast version of The AI Daily Brief wherever you listen: https://pod.link/1680633614Interested in sponsoring the show? sponsors@aidailybrief.ai

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1219: Carvana adds another CDJR store as its retail expansion heats up. Mexico hits Chinese auto imports with a crushing 50% tariff. And Tesla tests its first fully driverless vehicle on the streets of Austin — no humans required.Carvana's push into franchised retail continues as it acquires South Atlanta CDJR‑Fiat, marking its fourth traditional dealership buy of 2025. Once known for vending machines and used cars, Carvana is rapidly becoming a notable player in new‑car retail.The store, now Carvana CDJR of South Atlanta, sits in Union City, GA, just outside Atlanta.It was acquired from Houston‑based ZT Corporate, a group ranked 132nd among U.S. dealership organizations.The aggressive expansion comes on the heels of a Q3 record: $5.6B in revenue, up 55%, and 155,941 used units sold—a 44% increase YoY.Carvana has said it's “always experimenting” and views select dealership acquisitions as tests to learn how to “provide great customer experiences” in a franchise setting.Mexico is drawing a bold line in the sand, approving sweeping new tariffs with some aimed squarely at imported Chinese cars.Chinese vehicles will now face a 50% import tariff, the highest among 1,400 affected products.The policy is seen as a direct defense against a surge of low-cost Chinese EVs and ICE vehicles entering Latin America.Mexico's auto industry has voiced support, fearing China's growing presence could erode market share and local jobs.Beijing slammed the move as “protectionist” and warned of possible retaliation.The future Elon Musk promised is officially rolling through Austin — driverless, empty, and already controversial. Tesla has begun testing its Robotaxi platform without a human behind the wheel or even a safety monitor in the car, marking its most aggressive autonomy move yet.The sighting appears to involve a Model Y testbed rigged for Tesla's upcoming Robotaxi platform.Elon Musk confirmed: “Testing is underway with no occupant in the car.”This marks the first known on-road test without a safety driver or passenger.According to NHTSA filings, Tesla's Robotaxi tests in Austin have already logged a crash every ~62,000 miles — with safety monitors still inside.Thank you to today's sponsor, Mia. Capture more revenue, protect CSI, and never miss a call or connection again with 24/7 phone coverage and texting (SMS) follow-up for sales, service, and reception. Learn more at https://www.mia.inc/Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Marina Chiche is a renowned French classical concert violinist. She's also a musicologist, a radio host, a speaker, and an author. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician at venues including the Berlin Philharmonie, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, and the National Concert Hall in Beijing. She has a focus on great female artists of the past, and she strives to promote French culture beyond its borders. My featured song is “Ma Petite Fleur”, from the album Spring Dance by my band Project Grand Slam. Spotify link.—-----------------------------------------------------------The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries!Click here for All Episodes Click here for Guest List Click here for Guest Groupings Click here for Guest TestimonialsClick here to Subscribe Click here to receive our Email UpdatesClick here to Rate and Review the podcast—----------------------------------------CONNECT WITH MARINA:www.marina-chiche.com—----------------------------------------ROBERT'S LATEST SINGLE:“MA PETITE FLEUR STRING QUARTET” is Robert's latest release. It transforms his jazz ballad into a lush classical string quartet piece. Praised by a host of classical music stars.CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINKCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—---------------------------------------ROBERT'S RECENT SINGLE“MI CACHIMBER” is Robert's recent single. It's Robert's tribute to his father who played the trumpet and loved Latin music.. Featuring world class guest artists Benny Benack III and Dave Smith on flugelhornCLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINKCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—--------------------------------------ROBERT'S LATEST ALBUM:“WHAT'S UP!” is Robert's latest compilation album. Featuring 10 of his recent singles including all the ones listed below. Instrumentals and vocals. Jazz, Rock, Pop and Fusion. “My best work so far. (Robert)”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—----------------------------------------Audio production:Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com  

The death of Pope Francis came at a delicate moment in the Vatican's relationship with China. Since 2018, the Holy See has pursued a cautious and often controversial diplomatic engagement with Beijing to maintain the Church's relevance in China while navigating the Chinese Communist Party's strict control over religion.   This approach has unfolded against a backdrop of repression of underground clergy and growing pressure from Beijing for the Vatican to sever ties with Taiwan. For observers, this period offers insight into how a global religious institution operates within a system in which space for religion and civil society is tightly constrained. With the new pope's first hundred days behind him, long-standing questions about religious freedom, geopolitical recognition, and the boundaries of engagement remain central, and may take on new dimensions under his leadership.  In a conversation recorded on August 17, Ian Johnson, Francesco Sisci, and Karrie Koessel discuss the key issues currently shaping China–Vatican relations and how they may evolve under the new pope.  About this program

All the hostage-taking, election meddling and spy rings are being swept aside by a Liberal Prime Minister who, like the last one, seems only too eager to cozy up to China. That's what Brian discusses with Charles Burton, former diplomat to China, who has a new book: The Beaver and the Dragon: How China Out-Manoeuvred Canada's Diplomacy, Security, and Sovereignty. Burton points out the alarming way Carney has obligingly adopted Beijing's spin on bilateral relations, even as the communists continue to harm Canada, including with tariffs on agriculture. Xi Jinping has succeeded in “subordinating” Carney, Burton says, while the dictator revs up more subversion and undermining of what he believes is now the most Chinese-infiltrated country in the western world: ours. (Recorded December 5, 2025) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Braga, King, and Ski talk Karate Kid Legends, the movie that joined the Jackie Chan reboot with the Ralph Macchio originals. A kid from Beijing moves to New York, meets a girl, and fights a bully while Mr. Han and Daniel san teach him about two branches, one tree. Is it any good? Listen!

China has pledged to build a robust domestic market to bolster its economy and counter external challenges, as it set out priorities for next year's economic policy at the two-day annual Central Economic Work Conference, which concluded on Thursday.Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a speech at the conference.In his speech, Xi, who is also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed economic progress in 2025, analyzed the current economic situation, and laid out priorities for economic work in the next year.By setting a clear agenda for 2026, the Central Economic Work Conference aims to navigate China through its economic challenges while seizing opportunities for high-quality growth.While highlighting the need to continue to expand domestic demand, the conference urged efforts to advance the construction of a unified national market in greater depth and develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions to promote "effective qualitative improvement" and "reasonable quantitative growth" in the country's economy.A statement released after the meeting said that, to achieve better performance in economic work under the new circumstances, "we must strengthen our capabilities to cope with external challenges", highlighting the importance of enhancing policy support as well as promoting reform and innovation.Acknowledging that numerous long-standing issues and new challenges still remain in the country's economic development, the conference noted the growing impact of changes in the external environment on the country's economic growth, the prominent contradiction of strong supply and weak demand in the domestic market, and risks and hidden dangers in key areas.Most of the problems are coupled with development and transformation, and can be resolved through efforts, the statement said, adding that the supporting conditions and fundamental trend of long-term, positive economic growth in China remain unchanged.Setting the tone for next year's economic work, the conference emphasized the need to adhere to the overarching principle of "seeking progress while maintaining stability", and better coordinate domestic economic work and endeavors in the international economic and trade arena, as well as development and security.It is important to fully align incremental policies with existing ones, and strengthen countercyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments to effectively enhance the efficiency of macroeconomic governance, the statement said.The nation will continue exerting a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately accommodative monetary policy next year, the statement said, adding that when formulating monetary policy, both promoting stable economic growth and allowing a reasonable rise in prices are important aspects that should be taken into consideration.It is essential to flexibly and efficiently use various policy tools such as reserve requirement ratio cuts and interest rate cuts to maintain ample liquidity, and guide financial institutions to strengthen support for expanding domestic demand, technological innovation, and small and medium-sized enterprises, the statement said.China will maintain the basic stability of the RMB exchange rate at a reasonable and balanced level, it added.As one of the priorities for next year's economic agenda, China plans to boost its domestic market by implementing a consumption enhancement campaign and urban-rural income growth plans, optimizing consumption policies, removing unreasonable restrictions hindering consumption, and stimulating service consumption potential, according to the statement. Investment will be stabilized with measures such as an increase in central budget investment, effective use of local government bonds and high-quality urban renewal.The conference underlined the need to promote innovation-driven growth to enhance the fresh growth drivers for the country's economy. Major international science and technology innovation centers will be established in Beijing, Shanghai and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.The country will also work to improve systems of intellectual property protection in emerging areas, roll out an action plan to promote the service sector, and launch a new round of a campaign to bolster the high-quality development of the industrial chain in key sectors, the statement said.The conference outlined plans for comprehensive reforms to enhance market vitality, including efforts to advance the construction of a unified national market, address rat-race competition, reform State-owned enterprises, and promote development of the private economy. Efforts to tackle issues such as overdue payments to enterprises and deepen the comprehensive reform of investment and financing in the capital market were also highlighted.It is important to fully align incremental policies with existing ones, and strengthen countercyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments to effectively enhance the efficiency of macroeconomic governance, the statement said.The nation will continue exerting a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately accommodative monetary policy next year, the statement said, adding that when formulating monetary policy, both promoting stable economic growth and allowing a reasonable rise in prices are important aspects that should be taken into consideration.It is essential to flexibly and efficiently use various policy tools such as reserve requirement ratio cuts and interest rate cuts to maintain ample liquidity, and guide financial institutions to strengthen support for expanding domestic demand, technological innovation, and small and medium-sized enterprises, the statement said.China will maintain the basic stability of the RMB exchange rate at a reasonable and balanced level, it added.As one of the priorities for next year's economic agenda, China plans to boost its domestic market by implementing a consumption enhancement campaign and urban-rural income growth plans, optimizing consumption policies, removing unreasonable restrictions hindering consumption, and stimulating service consumption potential, according to the statement. Investment will be stabilized with measures such as an increase in central budget investment, effective use of local government bonds and high-quality urban renewal.The conference underlined the need to promote innovation-driven growth to enhance the fresh growth drivers for the country's economy. Major international science and technology innovation centers will be established in Beijing, Shanghai and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.The country will also work to improve systems of intellectual property protection in emerging areas, roll out an action plan to promote the service sector, and launch a new round of a campaign to bolster the high-quality development of the industrial chain in key sectors, the statement said.The conference outlined plans for comprehensive reforms to enhance market vitality, including efforts to advance the construction of a unified national market, address rat-race competition, reform State-owned enterprises, and promote development of the private economy. Efforts to tackle issues such as overdue payments to enterprises and deepen the comprehensive reform of investment and financing in the capital market were also highlighted.China will continue to expand opening-up to advance win-win cooperation across multiple fields, with a focus on advancing institutional opening-up and expanding openness in the service sector, the statement said.The development of free-trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port will be prioritized, along with efforts to boost digital and green trade, promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and facilitate the negotiation and signing of more regional and bilateral trade and investment agreements, it said.The conference also emphasized the importance of promoting urban-rural integration and coordinated development across various regions, bolstering green transformation on all fronts and enhancing people's well-being.While underscoring the need to bear in mind the worst-case scenarios and proactively and prudently defuse risks in key areas, the conference highlighted a cautious approach to managing risks in the real estate sector and local government debt. Measures will be taken to stabilize the housing market and build a new development pattern for the real estate sector, the statement said.

Beijing's Sequential Strategy to Break the Coalition: Colleague Elbridge Colby explains that Beijing has abandoned "hide and bide" for a focused and sequential strategy designed to dismantle the anti-hegemonic coalition, targeting vulnerable US partners to demonstrate American hollowness, hoping to erode regional confidence and achieve dominance without fighting a total, catastrophic war.

How might a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan unfold? China's anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategy—a combination of missiles, submarines, sensors, and air defenses—is designed specifically to block and disrupt US air, sea, and even space and cyber power.But the true outcome of the operation will hinge on the rapid mobilization of People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground forces, argues recently retired four-star general Charles Flynn, former commander of U.S. Army Pacific.He warns that the real “center of gravity” of a Chinese invasion will lie in its ability to rapidly assemble, deploy, and transport land forces across the Taiwan Strait.“What keeps me up at night is their ability to actually pull that off in 96 hours,” Flynn says.He is convinced that building a “strategic land power network” and forging deep, enduring ties with partner armies in Asia will be vital to deterring the Chinese regime.In this episode, Flynn lays out a roadmap for how the U.S. military should rethink its strategy, technology, and partnerships to deter Beijing and safeguard its allies in the Indo-Pacific.“This century is going to be defined by the relationship between the United States and China. … We've said we've pivoted to the Pacific for more than a decade, and in actual behavior and actions, that's not accurate,” Flynn says.Before commanding U.S. Army Pacific, Flynn served as the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Training (G3/5/7). He is the brother of General Michael Flynn, former national security advisor to President Donald Trump.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Today, as I ride the slow train to Calcutta, this very full episode drops, in which I discuss the New US-India Visa Rules and Potential Collateral Damage it will bring, India's Deportation of a Chinese Spy and Chinese Military Targets on the India-Tibet Border, the Shaolin Temple Scandal (Birthplace of Kungfu), the World’s Longest One-Way Flight, the Chinese Missiles Breaking Trump’s Ceasefire in Cambodia/Thailand, the Hong Kong Apartment Fire (and Beijing’s Cold Response) + More Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post new/unique Chinese city prayer profiles every single day. Also, you can email me any questions or comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com) and find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us! New US-India Visa Rules & Collateral Damage https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-to-scan-social-media-of-all-h-1b-h-4-visa-applicants-from-december-15/articleshow/125767066.cms https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/want-us-tourist-visa-you-might-need-to-disclose-5-year-social-media-history-vetting-h1b-f1-esta-fifa-world-cup-olympics-2833929-2025-12-10 India Deports Chinese Spy & Chinese Military Targets Tibet-India Border https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/chinese-national-detained-in-j-k-deported-to-hong-kong-101765448427109-amp.html https://www.wsj.com/world/china/chinese-forces-battle-dizzying-altitudes-to-expand-military-footprint-c9350bbd Shaolin Scandal, World’s Longest One-Way Flight & Trump’s Failed Ceasefire https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-shaolin-monk-arrest-embezzlement-charges-5470356 https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202512/1349711.shtml https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/10/chinese-missile-launcher-conflict-cambodia-thailand/ Hong Kong Fire (and Beijing’s Cold Response) https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-02/tai-po-fire-hong-kong-mainland-grief-red-lines/106087732 https://asiatimes.com/2025/11/hong-kong-is-chinas-most-underestimated-strategic-asset/ “[The vision for communism is not only] not to allow religious liberty, but actually to replace faith with trust in the Chinese Communist Party.” Rep. John Moolenaar (MI) - Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Pray for China (Dec 15-21): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-15-21-2025 Subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and send any questions or comments to (bfwesten at gmail dot com). You can find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Talk again soon!

Japan prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s assertion that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a threat to her nation’s survival has spurred a crisis between Tokyo and Beijing. Can de-escalation be achieved? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, as I ride the slow train to Calcutta, this very full episode drops, in which I discuss the New US-India Visa Rules and Potential Collateral Damage it will bring, India's Deportation of a Chinese Spy and Chinese Military Targets on the India-Tibet Border, the Shaolin Temple Scandal (Birthplace of Kungfu), the World’s Longest One-Way Flight, the Chinese Missiles Breaking Trump’s Ceasefire in Cambodia/Thailand, the Hong Kong Apartment Fire (and Beijing’s Cold Response) + More Follow me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post new/unique Chinese city prayer profiles every single day. Also, you can email me any questions or comments (bfwesten at gmail dot com) and find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us! New US-India Visa Rules & Collateral Damage https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-to-scan-social-media-of-all-h-1b-h-4-visa-applicants-from-december-15/articleshow/125767066.cms https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/want-us-tourist-visa-you-might-need-to-disclose-5-year-social-media-history-vetting-h1b-f1-esta-fifa-world-cup-olympics-2833929-2025-12-10 India Deports Chinese Spy & Chinese Military Targets Tibet-India Border https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/chinese-national-detained-in-j-k-deported-to-hong-kong-101765448427109-amp.html https://www.wsj.com/world/china/chinese-forces-battle-dizzying-altitudes-to-expand-military-footprint-c9350bbd Shaolin Scandal, World’s Longest One-Way Flight & Trump’s Failed Ceasefire https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-shaolin-monk-arrest-embezzlement-charges-5470356 https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202512/1349711.shtml https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/12/10/chinese-missile-launcher-conflict-cambodia-thailand/ Hong Kong Fire (and Beijing’s Cold Response) https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-02/tai-po-fire-hong-kong-mainland-grief-red-lines/106087732 https://asiatimes.com/2025/11/hong-kong-is-chinas-most-underestimated-strategic-asset/ “[The vision for communism is not only] not to allow religious liberty, but actually to replace faith with trust in the Chinese Communist Party.” Rep. John Moolenaar (MI) - Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Now let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Pray for China (Dec 15-21): https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-15-21-2025 Subscribe to China Compass and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and send any questions or comments to (bfwesten at gmail dot com). You can find everything else, including my books, at PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, verse 2, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Talk again soon!

PREVIEW — Brandon Weichert — Jensen Huang and Nvidia's Geopolitical Influence. Weichert identifies Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang as potentially America's most consequential and strategically important technology tycoon, arguing he now surpasses Elon Musk in direct geopolitical influence and institutional power to shape American foreign policy and national security priorities. Weichert suggests that Huang's desire to expand semiconductor chip sales into Chinesemarkets is systematically influencing the Biden administration to soften its national security rhetoric and shift from hawkish threat characterization to dovish diplomatic accommodation regarding Beijing, potentially subordinating American strategic autonomy to Nvidia's commercial interests and market access imperatives. 1958

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Federal officials testify that Antifa is now America's top domestic terror threat, a claim Democrats reject as they continue to argue white supremacy and dismiss recent Islamist violence as "accidents." The alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk appears in court as his widow publicly calls on conspiracy peddlers to stop exploiting her husband's death. Republicans suffer setbacks in state and local races, including a failed GOP redistricting push in Indiana that triggers open warfare within the party. At the same time, deportations rise to 2.5 million, rents fall for a fourth straight month, and the White House prepares a major political push ahead of America's 250th anniversary. Abroad, the Pentagon moves F-35s into the Caribbean as pressure mounts on Venezuela and additional oil tanker seizures loom. Mexico slaps tariffs on Chinese goods amid "China Shock 2.0," while Beijing deepens its support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Gaza remains frozen over a missing hostage body, the US expands counterterror operations in Africa, Australia bans social media for children under 16, and new research highlights why kids raised on farms develop stronger immune systems.    "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: Antifa domestic terrorism, FBI DHS testimony, Charlie Kirk assassination, Candace Owens, GOP redistricting Indiana, Trump deportations, falling rents, Venezuela military buildup, F-35 Caribbean, China Shock 2.0, Mexico tariffs, China Russia Ukraine war, Gaza ceasefire, Africa counterterrorism, Australia social media ban, childhood immunity study

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha is joined by photographer, publisher, editor, and educator Nelson Chan. Together, they trace the winding path that led Nelson to his dream job as a professor at the Rhode Island School of Design. Along the way, Nelson reflects on the “guardian angels” who helped him stay the course, the openness that allowed unexpected opportunities to shape his trajectory, and the community of friends and collaborators who eventually inspired the founding of TIS Books. Sasha and Nelson also talk about the value of building connections, putting yourself out there, and treating your career as a marathon rather than a sprint. https://www.nelsonchanphotography.com/ https://www.tisbooks.pub/ Nelson Chan was born in New Jersey to immigrant parents from Hong Kong and Taiwan and has spent most of his life between the States and Hong Kong. Having grown up between two continents, this immigrant experience influences the majority of his work. Nelson received his BFA and MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and the Hartford Art School, respectively. He has been exhibited nationally and internationally at institutions such as the Museum of Chinese in America, New York, NY; Boston Center for the Arts, Boston, MA; The Print Center, Philadelphia, PA; Kunstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin, Germany; and 798 Space, Beijing, China. His books are collected in the institutional libraries of The MET, The Guggenheim, SEMOMA, The Whitney Museum, The Harry Ransom Center, and MoMA, among others. Along with his own photographic work, book publishing and education are extensions of, what Nelson refers to as, an industrious studio practice. He is co-founder of TIS books, an independent art book publisher and was production manager at the Aperture Foundation from 2016-19. In 2025, Nelson was awarded tenure at California College of the Arts but ultimately left the Bay Area to teach at the Rhode Island School of Design as an associate professor of photography.

Josh Hammer unpacks the decades-long rise of Communist China and explains why President Trump cannot now go wobbly when it comes to confronting and containing this preeminent civilizational foe. On the contrary, it must be all hands on deck for the United States to prevail in the China challenge. Beijing cannot be appeased—it must be defeated in every way other than the actual military battlefield itself. Josh also blasts Indiana Republicans for their failed redistricting effort, explains the latest twists and turns in the roiling Somali fraud scandal, unpacks why the terrorist Syrian leadership still cannot be trusted, and more. The episode ends, as always on Friday, with the signature end-of-week "Hammertime" segment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade tensions rise as the EU investigates Chinese firms over possible unfair government subsidies. We hear from the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU who says they are being unfairly targeted. Plus, who will pay the new €3 tax on small parcels from China - businesses or consumers?Why are most household things still not being recycled?And sport fans in the US will soon be able to subscribe to a new YouTube TV package.[Photo: An attendant walks past EU and China flags in Beijing, China. Credit: REUTERS/Jason Lee]

How has China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs transformed itself into one of the most assertive diplomatic actors on the global stage? What explains the rise of “wolf warrior” practices, and how should we interpret Beijing's evolving diplomatic identity? In this episode, Duncan McCargo speaks with Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme at Nanyang Technological University (Dr. Dylan M.H. Loh - Associate Professor | International Relations Scholar | Chinese Foreign Policy), about his award-winning new book China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy (Stanford University Press, 2024). Dylan Loh unpacks how Chinese diplomats craft narratives and balance assertiveness with professionalism, touching on institutional habitus, ritualised loyalty, and China's bid for discourse power on platforms like X. This conversation offers timely insights for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy, diplomacy, and the future of great-power relations. Host: Duncan McCargo is President's Chair in Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. Podcast Editing: Ishaan Krishnan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In Ep. 117, Washington Post Southeast Asia Bureau Chief Rebecca Tan joins co-hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso to discuss her investigative reporting on the massive surge of methamphetamines flooding the Asia-Pacific. While the U.S. remains focused on the fentanyl crisis, Tan explains how the same network of Chinese chemical manufacturers is simultaneously fueling a "meth tsunami" that is overwhelming law enforcement from Thailand to Australia.The Global SyndicateRebecca details how Chinese chemical companies—often the very same entities supplying Mexican cartels with fentanyl precursors—are shipping vast quantities of drug ingredients into Southeast Asia. Unlike the U.S. opioid crisis, the Asian market is being inundated with methamphetamine produced in Myanmar's lawless borderlands. Tan explains that this is not a parallel problem but a singular, global supply chain rooted in China's massive chemical industry.The New Golden TriangleThe conversation explores how drug production has shifted from mainland China to the "Wild West" of Myanmar's Shan State. Following crackdowns by Beijing, criminal syndicates relocated to border areas controlled by ethnic militias like the United Wa State Army. Tan describes the surreal atmosphere of border towns like Tachilek, where casinos, scam compounds, and drug trafficking operations thrive under a distinct set of rules, shielded by the chaos of Myanmar's civil war.Geopolitics of PrecursorsA key takeaway is the geopolitical leverage Beijing holds over this trade. Tan notes that while China has the capacity to clamp down on these exports—as it does with critical minerals—it treats counternarcotics cooperation as a political bargaining chip. The hosts and Tan discuss the frustration of regional powers like Thailand and Australia, who lack the geopolitical weight of the U.S. to demand action from China, leaving them vulnerable to a flood of cheap, potent narcotics.

The assumptions that once defined global trade are cracking. The United States can no longer absorb the world's trade surpluses, China has become a near-peer adversary, and allies are facing hard choices about their own dependence on Beijing. This year has made it clear that the era of unquestioned free trade is over—and that America is charting a new course.Mark DiPlacido, policy advisor at American Compass, joins Oren to discuss why the United States is embracing a new trade paradigm. They also explore the history that led to this turning point, how a results-oriented approach is replacing the old rules-based order, and what a post-WTO world could mean for America's partners, competitors, and workers.Further Reading:“On Balance“ by Mark DiPlacido

How has China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs transformed itself into one of the most assertive diplomatic actors on the global stage? What explains the rise of “wolf warrior” practices, and how should we interpret Beijing's evolving diplomatic identity? In this episode, Duncan McCargo speaks with Dylan Loh, an Associate Professor in the Public Policy and Global Affairs programme at Nanyang Technological University (Dr. Dylan M.H. Loh - Associate Professor | International Relations Scholar | Chinese Foreign Policy), about his award-winning new book China's Rising Foreign Ministry: Practices and Representations of Assertive Diplomacy (Stanford University Press, 2024). Dylan Loh unpacks how Chinese diplomats craft narratives and balance assertiveness with professionalism, touching on institutional habitus, ritualised loyalty, and China's bid for discourse power on platforms like X. This conversation offers timely insights for anyone interested in Chinese foreign policy, diplomacy, and the future of great-power relations. Host: Duncan McCargo is President's Chair in Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University. Podcast Editing: Ishaan Krishnan Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Winter Solstice Reunion: Healing at the Temple of Heaven Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-12-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 冬至节的清晨，阳光透过薄雾洒在天地之间，笼罩着整个北京。En: On the morning of the Dongzhi Festival, sunlight seeped through the light fog, enveloping the entire city of Beijing.Zh: 天坛，古老而神圣，静静地伫立在冬日的寒风中。En: The Temple of Heaven, ancient and sacred, stood quietly in the winter's chill winds.Zh: 空气中弥漫着一种静谧，访客们轻声私语，尊敬地向天地神灵致意。En: The air was filled with a sense of tranquility as visitors whispered softly, respectfully paying homage to the deities of heaven and earth.Zh: 明和佳在天坛前停下脚步，冷风裹挟着回忆扑面而来。En: Ming and Jia paused in front of the Temple of Heaven, the cold wind carrying memories rushing over them.Zh: 许多年未见，他们此刻站在一起，是为了逝去的父亲。En: After many years apart, they stood together now, for their deceased father.Zh: 明是一个沉思的人，他常常后悔未能和父亲和解。En: Ming was a reflective person, often regretting not reconciling with his father.Zh: 冬至这天，他和佳站在青瓦红墙间，心情沉重。En: On this winter solstice, he and Jia stood amidst the green tiles and red walls, feeling heavy-hearted.Zh: “我们应该为父亲做些什么，”佳说。En: "We should do something for father," Jia said.Zh: 她的声音坚定，眼里却有一丝不安。En: Her voice was firm, but there was a hint of unease in her eyes.Zh: 家族仪式是她的责任，更是一种希望。En: The family ritual was her responsibility, and also a form of hope.Zh: 明点点头，尽管他的内心充满挣扎。En: Ming nodded, though he was filled with internal struggle.Zh: 过去的误解让他犹豫不决。En: Past misunderstandings made him hesitant.Zh: 害怕自己无法尽到责任，他在心底与自己的负罪感挣扎。En: Afraid of failing his responsibilities, he wrestled with his feelings of guilt.Zh: “你知道父亲生前一直希望我们团结在一起。”佳轻声说，“冬至是个好机会。”En: "You know father always wished for us to unite," Jia softly said, "The winter solstice is a good opportunity."Zh: 他们在广场上走着，冬日的阳光洒在他们身上。En: They walked across the square, the winter sun shining on them.Zh: 佳停下脚步，转向明：“我也有很多心结，我希望你能理解我。”En: Jia stopped and turned to Ming: "I also have many concerns; I hope you can understand me."Zh: 明吃惊地看着她，随后叹了口气。En: Ming looked at her in surprise and then sighed.Zh: “我很抱歉，很多事情都是我的错。”En: "I'm sorry; a lot of it is my fault."Zh: 佳摇了摇头，“我们都需要原谅自己，原谅彼此。”En: Jia shook her head, "We both need to forgive ourselves and each other."Zh: 他们停在祭坛前，点上香，向天地神灵祈祷。En: They stopped before the altar, lit incense, and prayed to the heavenly deities.Zh: 随着一缕缕烟雾升起，他们的心也渐渐平静。En: As wisps of smoke rose, their hearts gradually calmed.Zh: 明想起小时候，全家一同来这儿，父亲微笑着告诉他们关于冬至的故事。En: Ming recalled coming here as a child with the family, hearing his father smile and tell them stories about the winter solstice.Zh: 那一刻，过去与未来似乎交织在一起。En: In that moment, the past and future seemed intertwined.Zh: 明觉察到一种不曾有过的安宁。En: Ming felt a peace he had never known before.Zh: 他和佳交换了一个默契的微笑，所有的误解和遗憾仿佛都在这一刻消散。En: He and Jia exchanged a knowing smile, and all misunderstandings and regrets seemed to dissolve in that instant.Zh: 仪式结束后，明对佳说：“我们要保持联系。”En: After the ceremony, Ming said to Jia: "We need to stay in touch."Zh: 佳微笑着点头，“家庭是最重要的。”En: Jia smiled and nodded, "Family is the most important."Zh: 在这片古老的土地上，两个曾经疏远的兄妹重拾亲情。En: On this ancient land, the once estranged brother and sister rediscovered their familial bond.Zh: 他们承诺，今后不再让误解和距离阻碍他们。En: They promised not to let misunderstandings and distance come between them again.Zh: 尽管寒风依旧，心中却涌动着温暖。En: Despite the continued cold wind, warmth flowed through their hearts.Zh: 明放下了心中的负担，他明白了，家庭的团结原来如此强大。En: Ming set down his burden, realizing the incredible strength of family unity.Zh: 佳也意识到，脆弱与宽恕才是真正的力量。En: Jia also understood that vulnerability and forgiveness were true strengths.Zh: 于是，他们肩并肩，走向天坛外，迎接新的明天。En: Thus, side by side, they walked out of the Temple of Heaven, ready to embrace a new tomorrow. Vocabulary Words:seeped: 透过enveloping: 笼罩sacred: 神圣tranquility: 静谧whispered: 私语homage: 致意reconciled: 和解solstice: 冬至tiles: 青瓦altitude: 高度internal: 内心misunderstandings: 误解hesitant: 犹豫不决responsibilities: 责任wrestled: 挣扎unease: 不安tangible: 可触摸的vulnerability: 脆弱forgiveness: 宽恕responsibility: 责任intertwined: 交织estranged: 疏远的ceremony: 仪式dissolve: 消散promise: 承诺embrace: 迎接regretting: 后悔deities: 神灵incense: 香past: 过去

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Blue Moon Spirits Fridays, is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, “we are ALL Abrego Garcia and this is a fight over due process and the power of a federal judge to provide a remedy for constitutional injuries.”Then, on the rest of the menu, Trump's plot to put an image of his favorite president on National Park passes turns ugly; the Oregon Nurses Association alleges ICE is allowed to dictate patient care at Portland's Legacy Emanuel Hospital; and, a small school district in Vermont was hit with racist death threats after a Somali flag was put up in response to Trump referring to Minnesota's Somali community as “ garbage.”After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where a Chinese whistleblower now living in the US is being hunted by Beijing with help from US tech; and, cut off by their banks and even iced out by Alexa, International Criminal Court staffers sanctioned by Trump remain resolute.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live Player​Keep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Structural linguistics is a bitterly divided and unhappy profession, and a large number of its practitioners spend many nights drowning their sorrows in Ouisghian Zodahs.” ― Douglas Adams "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

Paul Blackstone, longtime education operator and founder of SummitLearn, joins Jeremy Au to unpack his path from running a small health-food shop in Australia to leading one of China's largest English-learning organizations and advising education companies worldwide. He shares how early failures taught him to learn fast, why teaching adults unlocked his passion for human development, and how China's boom years shaped his leadership approach. They discuss how culture and discipline drive scale more than perfect products, why schools struggle to build creativity and mindset, and how parents can raise independent kids in an AI-first world. Their conversation explores the tension between academic metrics and behavioral growth, the power of founder-led culture in scaling teams, and why entrepreneurship can thrive both inside companies and in startup life. Paul also reflects on world-schooling his children, building Curio to fill classroom gaps, and why resilient learners will define the next generation. 01:20 Teaching sparks purpose: Paul discovers a powerful energy exchange with adult learners which anchors his lifelong commitment to education. 03:42 Early founder hardship builds awareness: Running a health-food shop from age 24 forces him to confront gaps in knowledge and learn real operational discipline. 07:14 A mis-hire becomes a breakthrough: Rejected as a teacher, Paul is instead hired as center manager and sent to Barcelona which launches his education leadership journey. 12:05 China becomes the rocket ship: Beijing's hypergrowth teaches him how culture, discipline and incentives scale teams faster than perfect pedagogy. 16:31 Performance culture drives results: Paul learns that resilient teams, strong habits and founder-aligned values matter more than any technical playbook. 22:21 Curio fills a missing layer: Seeing schools overlook mindset, creativity and curiosity, he creates a program that develops behavioral skills for children across multiple countries. 26:36 Independence shapes future learners: A year of world-schooling shows him that real-world exposure and discomfort accelerate resilience and academic growth. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/paul-blackstone-mindset-over-method #EdTechLeadership #FounderJourney #ChinaHypergrowth #MindsetMatters #ParentingAndLearning #GlobalEducation #ScalingStartups #FutureOfLearning #EntrepreneurialMindset #BRAVEpodcast

Penang's Boom Contrasts with China's Decline: Colleague Charles Ortel contrasts Penang's economic boom and diverse hardworking culture with China's decline, discussing China's suppressed financial data and property crisis with Gordon Chang, arguing Western elites were "bought off" by Beijing while investors should demand transparency regarding assets trapped in ChiNA. 1916

SHOW 12-9-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1916 MONTENEGRO THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE HUBBLE CONSTANT. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Baltic Defenses and NATO's Uncertain Resolve: Colleague Blaine Holt discusses the Baltics preparing defensive "Mino lines" and bunkers fearing a potential Russian attack, noting Baltic citizens feel trapped between NATO bureaucracy and Russian hybrid warfare while doubting NATO's resolve to intervene, arguing diplomatic solutions are necessary as Europe lacks resources for a cohesive defense. 915-930 NATO's Viability and Europe's Demographic Shifts: Colleague Blaine Holt questions NATO's viability through 2050, citing rising US sentiment to withdraw and Europe's demographic shifts due to mass migration, warning that diverging values and economic instability could lead to civil unrest or new geopolitical alignments between Russia, China, and the US. 930-945 European Leaders Meet Zelenskyy Amid Strategic Dilemmas: Colleague Judy Dempsey discusses the "Big Three" European leaders meeting Zelenskyy, questioning their ability to resolve the war without wider coalitions, noting the EU is bypassing unanimity rules to seize Russian assets but struggles with the dilemma of offering Ukraine EU membership while demanding territorial concessions. 945-1000 Europe's Lack of Self-Confidence Facing Global Challenges: Colleague Judy Dempsey criticizes Europe's lack of self-confidence and ambition when facing Trump's transactional administration and Chinese aggression, arguing European leaders complain about US criticism rather than leveraging their own economic power, noting they are "sleepwalking" regarding the auto industry and dependencies on China. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 The National Security Strategy and the First Island Chain: Colleague Steve Yates analyzes the National Security Strategy's focus on the "first island chain" and deterrence against China's bullying of Japan and the Philippines, noting the CCP's obsession with WWII-era Japan for propaganda fails to resonate regionally as neighbors face modern Chinese aggression and grey zone tactics. 1015-1030 Nvidia Chip Sales to China Raise National Security Concerns: Colleague Brandon Weichert reports on the Trump administration approving Nvidia H200 chip sales to China while taking a 25% cut, warning this transactional approach compromises national security by aiding China's military AI, signaling a shift from hawkish policies to favoring business interests like soybeans. 1030-1045 SpaceX Dominance and the Golden Dome Defense Project: Colleague Bob Zimmerman highlights SpaceX's dominance with record-breaking booster reuse and launch frequency compared to rivals, discussing the secretive "Golden Dome" defense project, defects on the Orion capsule's hatch threatening the Artemis mission, and Airbus surprisingly choosing a Chinese satellite constellation for in-flight internet. 1045-1100 Cosmological Crises and Mars Rover Progress: Colleague Bob Zimmerman details cosmological crises including the "Hubble tension" where expansion rates conflict and a baffling 7-hour gamma-ray burst, reporting on Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS images confirming it is a comet rather than a spacecraft, and the Perseverance rover moving toward promising mining terrain on Mars.           THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 The 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Catholic Desperation: Colleague Claire Jackson explains the 1605 Gunpowder Plot as a desperate attempt by Catholics, frustrated by James I's retention of penal laws and peace with Spain, to destroy the Protestant establishment, with the plotters aiming to kill the king and install a puppet Catholic monarch amidst the ensuing chaos. 1115-1130 The Mirror of Great Britain and James I's Violent Childhood: Colleague Claire Jackson explains the "Mirror of Great Britain" jewel symbolizing James I's union plans, though it was destroyed during the Civil Wars, detailing his violent childhood in Scotland, his father Darnley's murder, and his separation from his mother Mary Queen of Scots, which shaped his intellectual upbringing. 1130-1145 The Hampton Court Conference and the King James Bible: Colleague Claire Jackson describes how James I convened the Hampton Court Conference to resolve religious differences, resulting in the King James Bible, highlighting his unique role as an author of works like Basilikon Doron, using print to converse with subjects and establish the divine right of kings. 1145-1200 James I as Ecumenicist Amid Confessional Complexity: Colleague Claire Jackson portrays James I as an ecumenicist seeking accommodation, provided Catholics recognized his temporal authority via an Oath of Allegiance, noting he faced a "confessional complexity" ruling Protestant Scotland and England alongside Catholic Ireland, aiming to isolate radical Jesuits from the loyal majority. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Commodities Update from France: Colleague Simon Constable reports from France on unseasonably warm weather and rising copper prices driven by tech demand, noting cocoa prices dropped while coffee remains expensive, discussing farmers' effective non-violent protests in Europe and contrasting European energy shortages with the electricity needs of AI development. 1215-1230 UK Labour's Struggles and the Workers' Rights Bill: Colleague Simon Constable analyzes the UK Labour Party's struggles despite a large majority, citing Keir Starmer's low approval, warning that the return of "Red Rayner" and a new workers' rights bill preventing easy firing could stifle economic growth and deter foreign investment, worsening Britain's debt. 1230-1245 The National Security Strategy as Transatlantic "Divorce Papers": Colleague Blaine Holt argues the National Security Strategy resembles "divorce papers" for a perilous transatlantic relationship, contending Europe, having de-industrialized, refuses Trump's diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war, fearing the aftermath of a conflict they cannot sustain against a re-industrialized Russia. 1245-100 AM Penang's Boom Contrasts with China's Decline: Colleague Charles Ortel contrasts Penang's economic boom and diverse hardworking culture with China's decline, discussing China's suppressed financial data and property crisis with Gordon Chang, arguing Western elites were "bought off" by Beijing while investors should demand transparency regarding assets trapped in ChiNA.

Tensions between China and Japan have spiked since November 7 when Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, said in the Japanese parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would be a situation threatening Japan's survival. Under Japan's 2015 security laws, that suggests Japan's self-defense forces could be activated to respond. The following day, the Chinese consul general in Osaka, Xue Jian, posted that China had no choice but to cut off the prime minister's head. China-Japan relations have since plummeted. China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, stated that Takaichi had “crossed a red line that should not have been touched.” China has taken retaliatory actions, restricting tourism to Japan and banning imports of Japanese seafood, among other actions. Why has Beijing reacted so strongly and how far are China-Japan relations likely to deteriorate?Joining us today to discuss the latest episode in China-Japan relations is Professor Akio Takahara. Professor Takahara is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tokyo Woman's Christian University and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Tokyo. He is also an Honorary Senior Fellow on Chinese Politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[02:07] The State of China-Japan Relations Pre-Dispute[02:49] Beijing's Reaction and Intended Audience[05:42] Continuity in Takaichi's Stance [10:31] Why a Chinese Takeover of Taiwan is Existential to Japan [13:03] China's Signals and Restraint[16:30] Recommendations for De-escalation[19:18] Senkaku Islands Dispute in Connection to Taiwan Dispute[22:04] Beijing's Potential Claims on Okinawa[24:23] View in Japan of the US Reaction[26:36] Takaichi's Support in Japan

SHOW 12-9-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1918 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE FED CUT AND THE MARKETS. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Wall Street Bets on Rate Cuts Despite Mixed Economic Signals: Colleague Elizabeth Peek discusses the near certainty of a Federal Reserve rate cut, noting Wall Street's optimism despite steady inflation and mixed employment signals, highlighting strong holiday spending and arguing that fears regarding tariffs were overblown, while emphasizing that AI investment is reshaping, rather than reducing, corporate hiring. 915-930 Concerns Over New York City Mayor-Elect Mamdani's Appointments: Colleague Elizabeth Peek criticizes Mayor-elect Mamdani's controversial appointments, including an ex-convict as a criminal justice adviser and anti-car activists for transportation roles, arguing these ideological choices neglect the pragmatic needs of citizens concerned with safety and education, predicting administrative failure for the new administration. 930-945 Rising Tensions: Hezbollah's Rearmament and Hamas's Defiance: Colleague Jonathan Schanzer warns that Hezbollah has rebuilt its strength in Lebanon using Iranian weapons, prompting Israeli threats of a full-scale attack, noting that Hamas refuses to disarm in Gaza, supported by Turkey and Qatar, while the U.S. moves to designate Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations. 945-1000 Syria's Fragmentation and the Regional Arms Race: Colleague Jonathan Schanzer describes Syria as a chaotic mix of armed factions, including Al-Qaeda-led pragmatists and Iranian proxies, held together only by regime brutality, mentioning potential U.S. plans for a base to deter bad actors and highlighting rapid military expansions by Turkey and Egypt amid regional instability. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 The Trump Corollary: Reasserting Influence in the Western Hemisphere: Colleague Mary Kissel analyzes the new National Security Strategy, praising its focus on the Western Hemisphere to counter Russian and Chinese influence in Venezuela and Cuba, warning against accepting separate global spheres of influence and emphasizing that the U.S. faces a coordinated threat from China, Russia, and Iran globally. 1015-1030 Europe's Defense Dilemma and Demographic Decline: Colleague Mary Kissel attributes Europe's inability to fund Ukraine's defense to decades of relying on U.S. protection while prioritizing generous welfare states, citing "scary statistics" regarding France's aging population and pension burdens, arguing that Europe must pursue economic growth rather than government handouts to survive security challenges. 1030-1045 Europe's Economic Stagnation and the Innovation Gap: Colleague Joseph Sternberg discusses Europe's economic decline relative to the U.S., driven by high energy costs and excessive regulation, noting a growing debate in Brussels about deregulation but arguing Europe lacks a unified vision to encourage the entrepreneurship and healthcare innovation seen in the American system. 1045-1100 Angela Rayner's Return and Labour's Economic Struggles: Colleague Joseph Sternberg analyzes the political return of Angela Rayner and her push for a "workers rights bill" despite Prime Minister Starmer's plummeting popularity, arguing this move highlights internal Labour Party conflict and risks imposing policies detrimental to an economy already struggling with inflation and stagnation.THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Paul Manafort and the Origins of Modern Foreign Lobbying: Colleague Ken Vogel chronicles how Paul Manafort revolutionized the lobbying industry by merging political consulting with foreign representation, creating a model later adopted by Tony Podesta and others, explaining how the fall of Ukraine's Yanukovych and subsequent investigations exposed the industry's widespread failure to comply with FARA regulations. 1115-1130 Robert Stryk's Risky Lobbying Missions in Somalia and Venezuela: Colleague Ken Vogel details lobbyist Robert Stryk's dangerous mission to Mogadishu to secure U.S. aid for Somalia's President Farmajo during the Trump administration, also describing Stryk's controversial efforts to represent Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, illustrating the lucrative and often perilous nature of foreign influence peddling in unstable regions. 1130-1145 The Revolving Door: Democratic Insiders and Foreign Influence: Colleague Ken Vogel explains how Democratic operatives like Anita Dunn and Antony Blinken leveraged government experience for lucrative consulting roles at firms like SKDK and WestExec, also discussing Hunter Biden's pardon regarding Chinese business dealings and Robert Stryk's representation of sanctioned Russian defense executives. 1145-1200 The Decline of FARA Enforcement and Politicized Justice: Colleague Ken Vogel argues that enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act is weakening, citing Rudy Giuliani's work for sanctioned Balkan leaders and Attorney General Pam Bondi's potential decriminalization of FARA, suggesting the U.S. is returning to a "Wild West" era of unregulated foreign influence where laws are flouted. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Reviving the Monroe Doctrine via the Trump Corollary: Colleague Gregory Copley analyzes the Trump administration's National Security Strategy, which reasserts the Monroe Doctrine to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Western Hemisphere, arguing that "gunboat diplomacy" off Venezuela effectively restores U.S. sovereignty, signaling a shift toward self-reliance and away from traditional alliances like NATO. 1215-1230 European Leaders Scramble to Support Ukraine Amidst Domestic Crises: Colleague Gregory Copley discusses the meeting between UK, French, and German leaders with Zelenskyy, noting they are using the Ukraine war to distract from domestic political failures, tracing Europe's defense dependency to U.S. post-WWII policies and suggesting Zelenskyy is leveraging European fears against Washington to secure his future. 1230-1245 The Strategic Implosion of China and Global Realignments: Colleague Gregory Copley asserts that the People's Republic of China has strategically collapsed due to economic failure and demographic decline, claiming Xi Jinping is no longer effectively in power, noting that Russia is distancing itself from Beijing and Western leaders like Albanese are pivoting back toward Washington. 1245-100 AM King Charles, Environmental Realism, and UK Political Instability: Colleague Gregory Copley observes that King Charles avoids political climate statements despite Bill Gates' recent realism regarding environmental alarmism, discussing political instability in the UK and suggesting Prime Minister Starmer faces challenges from the left that could force new elections, potentially benefiting reformists like Nigel Farage.

The Strategic Implosion of China and Global Realignments: Colleague Gregory Copley asserts that the People's Republic of China has strategically collapsed due to economic failure and demographic decline, claiming Xi Jinping is no longer effectively in power, noting that Russia is distancing itself from Beijing and Western leaders like Albanese are pivoting back toward Washington. 1942

PREVIEW — Steve Yates (Heritage Foundation) — Beijing's "Wolf Warrior" Aggression and Regional Economic Threat. Yates analyzes Beijing's escalating "wolf warrior" diplomatic aggression directed at Japan and the broader Indo-Pacific region, characterizing this as systematic coercive pressure combining military intimidation with economic and informational warfare. Yates argues that China's blended military and civilian-sector capabilities threaten control over approximately 50% of global container shipping traffic and maritime commerce, transforming this geopolitical conflict from an internal Chinese regional matter into a pressing global economic and security crisis affecting international commerce, supply chains, and energy security. Yates warns that Beijing's coercive strategy represents a fundamental threat to rules-based international commerce and global economic stability transcending bilateral China-Japan relations.

PREVIEW — Charles Ortel — Western Elites "Bought Off" to Promote China's Global Leadership. Ortel argues that Western academic and publishing elites have been systematically "bought off" through financial incentives and institutional compromises to promote China as the inevitable global leader and future geopolitical hegemon, despite the absence of credible and reliable economic data supporting this characterization. Ortel contends that Western institutions have strategically conceded leadership legitimacy to Beijing based on ideological conviction rather than empirical economic evidence. Ortel emphasizes that China has systematically demonstrated institutional incapacity to fulfill the complex requirements of global leadership, including transparent governance, rule-of-law institutional frameworks, and multi-stakeholder consensus-building necessary for sustainable hegemonic authority.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: A major military buildup is underway as Japan races to construct a “missile archipelago” designed to counter China's expanding power near Taiwan. South Korea scrambles fighter jets after Chinese and Russian warplanes enter its air-defense zone, underscoring tighter coordination between Beijing and Moscow. New reporting claims Israeli operatives conducted both open and covert surveillance on U.S. and partner officials at a joint base involved in Gaza planning. And in today's Back of the Brief — UAE-backed separatists tighten their grip on southern Yemen, threatening to split the already troubled country. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Tax Relief Advocates: End your tax nightmare today by visiting us online at https://TRA.com/podcast  Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold TriTails Premium Beef: Get 15% OFF the ‘I'll Be Home for Christmas' steak box. Order by Dec 14 at https://TriTailsBeef.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump's National Security Strategy is another nail in the coffin for U.S. foreign policy. Sadly, and unsurprisingly, it furthers MAGA's anti-European ideology and only serves to benefit Russia, China, and other illiberal governments around the world. Ivo Daalder, President of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and former U.S. Ambassador to NATO, joins David Rothkopf and Rosa Brooks to discuss the concerning anti-European sentiment in Washington and the implications of this “strategy.” Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Sinica, I'm delighted to have Iza Ding as guest host. Iza is a professor of political science at Northwestern University and a good friend whose work on Chinese governance I greatly admire. She's joined by Deborah Seligsohn, who has been a favorite guest on this show many times. Deb is an associate professor of political science at Villanova University and was previously a science and environmental counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. This episode was recorded in three parts: the first two in Belém, Brazil during COP30 (the 30th UN Climate Change Conference), and the final segment after the conference concluded. Iza and Deb discuss China's role at the climate summit, the real story behind the famous 2007 U.S. Embassy air quality monitor in Beijing (spoiler: it wasn't China's "Silent Spring moment"), Brazil's management of the conference, why China leads on technology but not on negotiation, and what the outcomes of COP30 mean for the future of global climate cooperation. This is an insider's view of how climate diplomacy actually works, complete with unexpected fire evacuations and glut-shaming of The New York Times.3:43 – Deb's impressions of COP30 and Brazil's inclusive approach 9:21 – China's presence at COP30: technology leadership without negotiation leadership 15:34 – Xie Zhenhua's absence and the U.S.-China dynamic at previous COPs 24:46 – Inside the negotiation rooms: language, politeness, and obstruction 33:06 – BYD's presence in Brazil and Chinese EV expansion 40:54 – The real story of the 2007 U.S. Embassy air quality monitor in Beijing 45:00 – Fire evacuation at COP30 and UN territorial sovereignty 1:22:06 – What actually drove China's air pollution control: the 2003 power plant standards 1:41:27 – The dramatic final plenary and the Mutirão decision 1:55:17 – China's NDC 3.0: under-promise and over-deliver strategySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of China Decode, hosts Alice Han and James Kynge unpack China's high-stakes push for tech independence, from Moore Threads' explosive IPO to Beijing's drive to build a homegrown alternative to Nvidia. They also explore why the renminbi (CNY) remains deeply undervalued despite calls for a stronger yuan. Later, they sit down with Patrick McGee, author of Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company, to discuss Apple's deep reliance on China and the broader political and commercial leverage Beijing now wields over Western companies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PREVIEW — Elizabeth Peek — Trump's Embrace of AI and Crypto Viewed as Essential Against China. Peek defends Donald Trump's strategic alignment with cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence technology sectors against partisan criticism characterizing this relationship as favoring billionaire elites over working-class economic interests. Peek argues that American technological leadership in AI is strategically critical to national security and economic competitiveness; ceding dominance in artificial intelligence development to China would allow Beijing to establish global technological standards and dictate the future architectural framework governing digital civilization. Peek contends that Americaninnovation leadership in transformative technologies represents essential rather than ancillary to working-class prosperity. 1870

PREVIEW — Gregory Copley — Australian Prime Minister Pivots Toward Washington Despite Chinese Ties. Copleyanalyzes Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's rapid diplomatic pivot from Beijing toward Washington to establish direct engagement with President Trump following his election victory. Copley documents that Albanese was previously celebrated and cultivated by the Chinese Communist Party as a favorable political interlocutor. Copleysuggests that Albanese strategically recognizes the United States represents the "winning side" in great power competition, despite persistent Chinese institutional influence deeply embedded within Australian political consciousness, business networks, and strategic thinking, requiring deliberate recalibration of bilateral relationships and geopolitical alignment. 1914 AUSTRALIA TO THE FRONT

SHOW 12-8-2025 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1895 KHYBER PASS THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE FEDERAL RESERVE  BOARD OF GOVERNORS. FIRST HOUR 9-915 The DC Shooter, the Zero Units, and the Tragedy of the Afghan Withdrawal: Colleagues Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio discuss recent violence in Washington, D.C. involving an Afghan immigrant that has drawn attention back to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021; the shooter, Ramanula Lakanal, was a member of the elite "Zero Units" of the Afghan National Army, a force that demanded priority evacuation for their families in exchange for providing security at the Kabul airport during the U.S. retreat, and while these units were stalwart allies against enemies like al-Qaeda and ISIS, they fought a "dirty war" and were accused of human rights violations, highlighting the broader failure of the withdrawal which occurred because political will faded across multiple administrations. 915-930 The Vetting Failure and the Lack of an Exit Strategy in Afghanistan: Colleagues Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggioexplain that the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan was exacerbated by the lack of a methodical exit strategy, unlike the British who organized their departure and evacuation lists well in advance; critics argue that the U.S. imported significant security risks by rushing the evacuation, bringing in over 100,000 Afghans without adequate vetting, and while there was a moral obligation to help those who served, experts suggest that wholesale importation of citizens from a war-torn country was not the only solution and that better vetting or resettlement in third countries should have been considered. 930-945 Martial Law in South Korea and the Shadow of the North: Colleagues Morse Tan and Gordon Chang discuss South Korea facing severe political turmoil following President Yoon's declaration of martial law, a move his supporters argue was a constitutional response to obstructionist anti-state forces; the opposition, led by figures previously sympathetic to North Korea, has been accused of attempting to paralyze the government, while accusations of "insurrection" against President Yoon are dismissed as nonsensical, with the political infighting fracturing the conservative party and leaving South Korea vulnerable to the North Korean regime in a way not seen since the Korean War. 945-1000 Japan Stands Up for Taiwan While Canada Demurs: Colleagues Charles Burton and Gordon Chang report that Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi recently declared that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a "survival threatening situation" for Japan, authorizing the mobilization of self-defense forces; this statement has triggered a massive propaganda campaign from Beijing demanding a retraction, as a successful invasion of Taiwan would likely require violating Japanese sovereignty, while in contrast Canada remains reluctant to support Tokyo or criticize Beijing, hoping to secure trade benefits and diversify exports away from the U.S., leaving Japan isolated by its allies. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 The Survival of UNRWA and the Flow of Terror Finance: Colleagues Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotterreport that despite investigations revealing corruption and ties to terrorism, the UN has renewed the mandate for UNRWA for another three years; the organization's facilities have been used by Hamas and its schools have been implicated in radicalizing children, yet international efforts to replace it have stalled, while Hamas leadership refuses to disarm or accept international oversight, demanding a Palestinian state as a precondition for any change, with financial support for terror groups continuing to flow through networks in Europe and the Middle East. 1015-1030 Greece's "Achilles Shield" and Israel's Iron Beam Laser Defense: Colleagues Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter report that Greece is undertaking a historic modernization of its armed forces, unveiling a new national defense strategy focused on long-range missiles and a modernized air defense system dubbed "Achilles Shield," allowing Greece to project power more flexibly in the Eastern Mediterranean and counter threats from Turkey; in Israel, a major defensive breakthrough is imminent with the deployment of the "Iron Beam," a laser defense system capable of intercepting threats at approximately $50 per shot, expected to rewrite the rules of air defense by effectively countering drone swarms and missiles. 1030-1045 Hezbollah's Quiet Regeneration Under Naim Qassem: Colleagues David Daoud and Bill Roggio report that since the ceasefire began, Hezbollah has received at least $2 billion from Iran and is actively rearming and regenerating its forces in Lebanon; the terror group is focusing on acquiring drone swarms and other asymmetrical weapons that are cheap to produce and difficult for Israel to counter, while Hezbollah's new leader Naim Qassem is leveraging his "bookish" and underestimated persona to lower the temperature and allow the group to rebuild without attracting the same level of scrutiny as his predecessor. 1045-1100 Fragmentation in Yemen: The Southern Transitional Council Advances: Colleagues Bridget Tumi and Bill Roggio report that the civil war in Yemen is fracturing further as the Southern Transitional Council, which advocates for southern secession, advances into eastern governorates to secure territory and combat smuggling; this move has heightened tensions within the anti-Houthi coalition, as the STC is backed by the UAE while other government factions are supported by Saudi Arabia, weakening the collective effort against the Houthis who control the capital Sanaa and maintain ambitions to conquer the entire country. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 The Druze National Guard and Internal Strife in Southern Syria: Colleagues Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio report that instability is growing in Syria's Druze-majority Suwayda province, where a newly formed "National Guard" militia has begun arresting and killing political opponents; the militia is spiritually guided by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, who has consolidated power by sidelining other Druze leaders who were open to reconciliation with the Assad regime, with Turkey expressing support for the anti-Assad Druze factions against both the Syrian government and Kurdish forces, while recent violence suggests a hardening of anti-regime sentiment. 1115-1130 The "Variable Geometry" of the Muslim Brotherhood and Its Global Affiliates: Colleagues Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio explain that the Muslim Brotherhood operates as a "mothership" for various Islamist movements, utilizing a strategy of "variable geometry" to adapt to local political environments while aiming for a global caliphate; Hamas functions as the Palestinian branch of the Brotherhood and despite being severely damaged by the war with Israel remains the dominant force in Gaza, with the Brotherhood finding state sponsorship primarily in Qatar, which provides funding and media support via Al Jazeera, and Turkey, where President Erdogan acts as a leader for the organization. 1130-1145 Ukraine Negotiations Hit a Cul-de-Sac Amidst Infiltration Tactics: Colleagues John Hardie and Bill Roggio report that peace talks regarding Ukraine are currently at a standstill, with the U.S. and Ukraine at odds over Russia's demands for territory in the Donbas versus Ukraine's need for meaningful security guarantees; while the U.S. has pressured Ukraine to concede territory, the security assurances offered are viewed skeptically by Kyiv, and Russia refuses to accept any Western military presence in Ukraine, while on the battlefield Russia employs infiltration tactics using small groups, sometimes single soldiers, to penetrate deep into Ukrainian positions. 1145-1200 The Trump Corollary: Reviving the Monroe Doctrine in Latin America: Colleague Ernesto Araújo discusses a new "Trump corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine reshaping U.S. policy in the Americas, signaling a more assertive stance against foreign influence and authoritarian regimes; this shift is evident in Venezuela, where President Maduro appears to be negotiating his exit in the face of U.S. pressure, while in Brazil the administration of Lula da Silva faces significant instability due to a massive banking scandal linking the government to money laundering and organized crime, with the new application of the Monroe Doctrine suggesting the U.S. will favor political figures aligned with its security strategy. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Devil's Advocates: Robert Stryk, Rudy Giuliani, and the Business of Influence: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel discusses how in the power vacuum created by Donald Trump's arrival in Washington, unconventional lobbyists like Robert Stryk rose to prominence by marketing access to the new administration; Stryk, described as an "anti-hero" with a checkered business past, hosted a lavish event at the Hay-Adams Hotel to legitimize the regime of Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, successfully delivering Rudy Giuliani as Trump's personal attorney, signaling a new informal channel for foreign diplomacy and highlighting how foreign regimes utilized large sums of money and unconventional intermediaries to seek favor. 1215-1230 The Accidental Diplomat: Robert Stryk and the New Zealand Connection: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel explains that Robert Stryk's rise in the lobbying world was fueled by serendipity and bold bluffs, exemplified by a chance encounter with a New Zealand diplomat at a cafe; the diplomat revealed that New Zealand, having prepared for a Clinton victory, had no contacts within the incoming Trump team and could not arrange a congratulatory call between their Prime Minister and the President-elect, and Stryk, leveraging a connection to a former Trump campaign field director, provided a phone number that successfully connected the embassy to Trump's team, establishing his credibility and launching his career in high-stakes foreign lobbying. 1230-1245 Hunter Biden, Chinese Spies, and the Monetization of Political Connections: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel reports that following his father's departure from the vice presidency, Hunter Biden faced financial pressure and sought lucrative foreign clients, leading to risky entanglements; one venture involved a corrupt Romanian real estate magnate who hired Hunter along with former FBI Director Louis Freeh and Rudy Giuliani to resolve his legal troubles, with the proposed solution involving selling land including the site of the U.S. Embassy in Romania to a Chinese state-linked fund, and Hunter Biden was aware of the nature of his associates, referring to one as the "spy chief of China." 1245-100 AM FARA: From Fighting Nazi Propaganda to Modern Transparency: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel explains that the Foreign Agents Registration Act was originally enacted in 1938 to counter Nazi propaganda in the United States before World War II; at the time, the Third Reich was paying well-connected American consultants to whitewash Hitler's image and keep the U.S. out of the war, operating without public knowledge, and Congress passed FARA to create transparency, requiring those paid by foreign principals to influence the U.S. government or media to register their activities, with the law remaining today the primary vehicle for accountability in foreign lobbying

Japan Stands Up for Taiwan While Canada Demurs: Colleagues Charles Burton and Gordon Chang report that Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi recently declared that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be a "survival threatening situation" for Japan, authorizing the mobilization of self-defense forces; this statement has triggered a massive propaganda campaign from Beijing demanding a retraction, as a successful invasion of Taiwan would likely require violating Japanese sovereignty, while in contrast Canada remains reluctant to support Tokyo or criticize Beijing, hoping to secure trade benefits and diversify exports away from the U.S., leaving Japan isolated by its allies. 1937 SHANGHAI

PREVIEW — Charles Burton — The US Silence Regarding China's Threats Against Japan. Burton and John Batchelor discuss the strategic "mystery" of the United States failing to explicitly defend Japan against China's recent escalated threats directed toward Japan's new Prime Minister. Burton argues that China systematically deploys disinformation campaigns to misrepresent democratic Japan's legitimate defensive modernization as aggressive militarism, thereby expanding Beijing's regional influence through propaganda and narrative manipulation. Burton warns that this absence of explicit American allied support for Japan against Chinese coercion is "repugnant," undermining the credibility of the U.S.-Japan security alliance and emboldening Beijing to escalate pressure against regional partners through nuclear threats and strategic intimidation. 1937 SHANGHAI

PREVIEW — Ken Vogel — Hunter Biden and Foreign Influence Peddling. Vogel discusses Hunter Biden'sdocumented involvement with Chinese business figures and financial entities, noting Hunter's own stated "wonderment" regarding the sophisticated networks he accessed and his acknowledged awareness that his personal value derived fundamentally from his family surname and paternal political connections to Vice President Joe Biden. Vogel argues that foreign entities, particularly Chinese governmental and commercial interests, deliberately targeted the Biden family for systematic influence operations and strategic cultivation, accurately calculating that Joe Biden possessed substantial political authority as a sitting Vice President and remained a viable prospective presidential candidate, making influence investment strategically rational from Beijing's geopolitical perspectives and national interest calculations. 1903