China

Yicai Global | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedEconomic Growth

The ASEAN+3 region, comprising the 10 ASEAN members along with China, Japan, and South Korea, is projected to experience stronger economic growth in 2026 than previously forecasted. The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) updated its outlook, predicting a 4 percent expansion in 2026 following 4.3 percent growth in 2025, marking a 0.2 percentage point upward revision for both years. China’s growth forecast was similarly raised to 4.6 percent in 2026 from the earlier estimate, supported by macroeconomic policies, resilient exports, and investment in high-tech manufacturing.

The region’s economic resilience is attributed to strong technology demand and robust foreign direct investment inflows into sectors such as advanced electronics, electric vehicles, and digital services. Semiconductor exports in the region grew by 21.7 percent in the second half of 2025, driven by demand related to artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure. The global purchasing managers’ index for electronics new orders showed improvement in December 2025, indicating continued export growth. Regional equity markets have also gained since October 2025, boosted by momentum in artificial intelligence despite concerns about US tariff policies.

Despite more balanced risks overall, AMRO identified ongoing uncertainties and downside risks, particularly linked to unpredictable US trade policies and potential expansions of protectionist measures. A significant slowdown in technology demand, possibly caused by market corrections or delays in AI adoption, could adversely affect regional exports, given the sector's cross-border ties. AMRO emphasized the importance of policy readiness to manage shocks in the short term, while encouraging diversification of growth drivers and deeper regional economic integration to enhance long-term resilience.

Global Times | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

China emphasized its commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, and resolving disputes through dialogue. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stressed that China does not engage in geopolitical rivalry or seek spheres of influence in Asia but aims to build a community with a shared future based on good-neighborliness and friendship.

China plans to work with regional countries to foster friendly, secure, and prosperous relations, adhering to principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. It seeks to create a peaceful, secure, prosperous, and harmonious shared home and is a defender of international peace and security.

China promotes a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, advancing the Global Security Initiative to achieve universal and common security. The country is actively applying its unique approach to resolve hotspot issues and aims to build an Asian security model based on shared security, respect for differences, dialogue, and consultation, jointly safeguarding international peace and tranquility.

Peoples Daily | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

A Chinese mainland spokesperson reiterated that recognizing the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, is essential for resuming dialogue and consultation mechanisms between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. The 1992 Consensus clearly defines cross-Strait relations and serves as the political foundation for their development, as well as an anchor for peace and stability.

The 1992 Consensus was reached in 1992 between mainland China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) and Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), with authorization from both sides. The spokesperson accused recent Taiwan authorities of deliberately confusing the public about this historical interaction.

The spokesperson emphasized that when the 1992 Consensus is recognized and the one-China principle upheld, cross-Strait relations improve, benefiting Taiwan residents. Between 2008 and 2016, agreements signed based on the consensus brought tangible benefits to people on both sides, especially in Taiwan.

Since May 2016, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities have refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, adopted a secessionist stance, and actively undermined the political foundation for cross-Strait consultations. They have also obstructed and restricted exchanges and cooperation across the Strait.