China

中方重申：日本根本没有资格要求“入常”

Xinhua | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Sun Lei, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, stated that Japan lacks the qualifications to demand permanent membership on the UN Security Council. He argued that Japan cannot shoulder the responsibilities of maintaining international peace and security or win the trust of the international community.

Sun Lei highlighted that the Security Council is central to the international collective security mechanism and recalled the Tokyo Trials that punished Japanese war criminals and upheld international justice. However, he claimed that Japanese militarism has resurfaced in new forms through efforts to deny historical crimes such as the Nanjing Massacre and the forcible conscription of "comfort women," revision of history textbooks, and visits by Japanese leaders to Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of militarism. He also pointed to remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, support for nuclear armament, and moves to revise Japan's security policies as evidence of attempts to revive militarism, posing threats to regional and global peace.

Sun Lei emphasized that a country showing no remorse for historical crimes and violating international norms cannot be entrusted with the responsibilities of maintaining peace and security or seek permanent Security Council membership.

Regarding Security Council reform, China supports necessary and reasonable reforms aimed at enhancing the Council's authority and efficiency, particularly emphasizing the increased representation and voice of developing countries. He urged for a comprehensive resolution to fundamental reform issues through a “package” solution during the current intergovernmental negotiations.

Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Political Scandal or Corruption

Taiwan's legislature held the first plenary meeting to review an impeachment motion against leader Lai Ching-te on January 21, 2026. Lai was invited to attend and provide explanations but did not appear. The impeachment motion, submitted by lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party, had been approved on December 26, 2025.

This meeting was the first of four scheduled sessions for Lai to respond in person, with the remaining meetings planned for January 22 and May 13 and 14. Lai declined the invitation in a letter, stating that the legislature had no authority to question him. The KMT caucus criticized Lai for his absence, interpreting it as a sign of guilt and cowardice.

During the meeting, lawmakers placed satirical cardboard cutouts of Lai to express their dissatisfaction. KMT lawmaker Fu Kun-chi accused Lai of lacking courage and criticized the Democratic Progressive Party for allegedly harming Taiwan's interests in areas such as tariff negotiations with the United States and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s overseas expansion. The legislature is expected to vote on the impeachment on May 19, 2026.

Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

China has established the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, capable of supporting the charging needs of more than 40 million new energy vehicles. By the end of 2025, the total number of EV charging facilities in China reached 20.092 million, according to the National Energy Administration (NEA).

The expansion of China’s charging infrastructure accelerated significantly in 2025, with the number of units doubling from 10 million to 20 million in just 18 months. The average power capacity of public EV charging facilities increased to 46.5 kilowatts, marking a 33 percent rise year on year.

China has also installed 71,500 charging piles at more than 98 percent of its expressway service areas. Additionally, 19 provincial-level regions have achieved complete coverage of charging infrastructure in all townships.