China

China Daily | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

Chinese companies are shifting from a traditional overseas expansion model focused on exporting products and achieving scale to one emphasizing deep localization, digital integration, and service differentiation. This strategic shift aligns with China's growing outbound direct investment, which increased 6.9 percent year-on-year to $158.21 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, with non-financial investments covering 153 countries and regions. The key transformation lies in how Chinese firms operate abroad, moving toward "high-quality globalization" characterized by stronger operational depth, governance, and local integration.

In consumer sectors, experience gained in China's competitive domestic market, especially in digital execution and user engagement, is becoming a competitive advantage overseas. Trip.com Group exemplifies this by prioritizing service differentiation, offering 24-hour customer support in 35 languages with over 20,000 agents worldwide, which has driven triple-digit growth. Granular localization, such as tailoring services to local preferences like smart toilet features for Japanese users, has strengthened user stickiness and market performance.

Chinese brands are also leveraging digital technology to embed themselves into daily life abroad, moving beyond mere exposure to integrating within consumers' cultural contexts through coordinated data, technology, and content strategies. For example, Govee, a smart home brand, effectively used programmatic advertising in the U.S. to boost purchase intent and outperformed social media advertising in conversion rates. Despite these advances, challenges remain in brand recognition, as shown by Beijing Ultrapower Software, which relies heavily on overseas revenue but struggles with global brand awareness, with users often recognizing products without knowing the brand or country of origin.

China-US Focus | English | AcademicThink | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

In January 2026, Europe faces a critical choice between remaining a subordinate partner in a declining transatlantic alliance or becoming a key player in an integrated Eurasian economic bloc. The ongoing Ukraine conflict has turned unfavorably for Western ambitions, with Russian advances and widespread support among Ukrainians and Russians for peace negotiations signaling a shift toward diplomatic resolution. The United States is retreating from its commitment to Europe, focusing on Asia and demanding European countries take full responsibility for NATO's defense, while reducing support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Europe remains heavily dependent on costly U.S. LNG imports, undermining its industrial competitiveness and geopolitical independence.

Europe’s energy situation is framed as an urgent sovereignty challenge. The phase-out of Russian gas has left Europe reliant on expensive U.S. LNG, inflating industrial costs and risking deindustrialization. Although energy efficiency programs have reduced demand, Europe continues to face potential shortfalls in cold winters. Diversification of LNG imports from Qatar, Algeria, Norway, and others may offer a temporary reprieve, but true energy independence requires rapid electrification, expansion of renewables, and demand-side management. China’s dominance in clean energy technologies presents a pragmatic partnership opportunity, offering both supply of key components and potential investments in European manufacturing, provided Europe eases tariffs and balances protectionism with realistic supply needs.

Geopolitically, Europe is urged to overcome Russophobia and Sinophobia to assert genuine autonomy. Leading European politicians are advocating normalized relations with Russia and the establishment of a new pan-European security architecture, replacing NATO as US troop withdrawals signal diminishing American engagement in European defense. This includes direct peace negotiations with Russia acknowledging past provocations by NATO expansion. Simultaneously, stronger ties with China through cooperation on nuclear, renewable technology, and green hydrogen are seen as essential for energy security and economic revitalization. The recent EU-Mercosur trade deal enhances food security and trade diversification, reducing dependence on traditional partners.

Social and political pressures across Europe indicate a growing demand for bold leadership to break from outdated transatlantic loyalty. Rising populism, protests over energy costs, and war fatigue signal potential for a historical rupture in Europe’s trajectory if Brussels fails to act decisively. The proposed strategy emphasizes accelerating electrification with Chinese technology, LNG diversification for transition, pragmatic engagement with Russia, dismantling NATO in favor of a new security framework, and ensuring energy and food sovereignty. Europe’s future depends on embracing this courageous pivot to establish itself as the western anchor of a flourishing Eurasian economy rather than fading into geopolitical irrelevance.

突发！美国大举增兵！

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

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated significantly, prompting a substantial U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. Over a dozen F-15E “Strike Eagle” fighters and a C-17 transport aircraft departed from the United Kingdom to the region on January 18. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has also transited the Strait of Malacca and is en route to the Middle East. Additional deployment includes F-16 and A-10 attack aircraft, along with plans to increase missile defense systems to protect U.S. bases and Israel.

Iran has issued strong warnings in response to the U.S. military movements. Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Shekarchi warned that any attack targeting Supreme Leader Khamenei would provoke “devastating retaliation.” Foreign Minister Araqchi reiterated that Iran is prepared for a resolute response to any attacks but expressed willingness for fair negotiations based on mutual respect. Iranian leadership emphasized that recent protests turning violent were influenced by foreign and domestic terrorists, justifying measures like internet restrictions.

Senior Iranian officials, including advisor Velayati, claimed recent conspiracies by the U.S. and Israel to destabilize Iran were thwarted and announced continued strong resistance. Velayati also stressed regional implications if unrest spreads, urging accountability for the U.S. President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action and called for regime change, while officials acknowledge that military options remain under consideration amid rising uncertainty. Iranian leaders characterized U.S. threats as psychological warfare but maintained readiness to respond forcefully to any aggression.