China

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.

Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Natural Disasters

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Qiaojia County in Yunnan Province, China, on Monday evening at 7:32 p.m., occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers. The quake damaged over 1,900 residential houses and eight school buildings, mostly causing minor cracks. No casualties or building collapses were reported.

The earthquake also caused significant infrastructure damage, including 466 slope collapses and rockfalls on roads, 483 road surface damages, and 19 mountain fissures that do not threaten residential safety or public transportation. Additionally, 544 water conservancy facilities, 270 production water cellars or pools, and 178 water supply pipeline locations were damaged.

Local authorities have relocated and accommodated 334 residents from 147 households, ensuring their basic needs such as food, water, heating, and shelter. Post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts are planned as the next step. The China Earthquake Administration activated a Level-III emergency response and sent teams to assist with relief efforts.

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.