In China It’s Much Worse Than We Thought | Taiwan Tensions | China, Iran, & Oil

Taiwan’s cabinet has approved a record 1.12 trillion New Taiwan Dollar defense budget for the coming year, aiming to strengthen military deterrence amid heightened regional tensions and pressure from the United States. This expansion is bolstered by an AI-driven economic boom, with growth forecasts reaching 11.05% for 2026. Meanwhile, China’s long-standing energy security strategy—centered on diversifying suppliers, increasing domestic production, and expanding electric vehicle adoption—has successfully mitigated the impact of Middle Eastern conflicts on its oil supply. Finally, a significant academic debate persists regarding China’s global trajectory: while some scholars interpret official rhetoric as evidence of a status quo power focused on domestic stability, others argue that China’s military expansion and technological policies signal a revisionist ambition to challenge the existing world order and secure regional dominance.