TikTok Renaissance: Trump Embraces the Platform, Offering ByteDance New Opportunities in the U.S.

Trump's recent appreciation for TikTok, spurred by his success on the platform, paves the way for potential agreements with ByteDance, navigating through existing legal challenges.

The corporate leader was beside Tulsi Gabbard, nominated by the president for the role of Director of National Intelligence, just one day after Chew temporarily halted its operations in the nation following a tense dispute with the government regarding concerns over national security linked to TikTok’s ownership by China.

"The individual noted that Trump was exceptionally pleased."

Joy represents a significant shift from President Trump's stance on the brief video platform five years ago when he attempted to compel a sale via an executive order. This change underscores how a major political transformation in Washington has provided ByteDance with a renewed opportunity to continue running its flagship service in its key foreign market. Similarly, Beijing has indicated a possible readiness to collaborate, provided certain conditions are met.

Taiwan's conflicting political factions escalate tensions through competing recall efforts

In a move that could exacerbate the country's internal splits, both ruling and opposition parties are attempting to remove each other's legislators from office.

Time: 01

Taiwanese legislators engaged in a physical altercation in the legislative chamber amid debates

The intensity of their endeavors is anticipated to increase when individuals resume their jobs on Monday, as both factions pledge to oust each other's legislators following a dispute concerning recent budget reductions by the opposition.

On January 21, the legislature, controlled by the opposition, passed a trimmed national budget of NT$2.9 trillion (US$88.2 billion), slashing NT$207.5 billion – approximately 7 percent from the initial proposal – and putting a hold on another NT$160.7 billion in expenditures.

Concerned that the proposed budget cuts could hinder government functions, Premier Lai and his cabinet head, Cho Jung-tai, have voiced serious reservations. They have committed to seeking a review of these cuts in the legislature once work starts again on Monday.

The reductions have led DPP legislative caucus whip Ker Chien-ming to once again urge a large-scale recall effort targeting opposition members of the legislature.

Chinese regulatory chief aims to enhance market stability amid uncertainties

Wu Qing, the leader of the securities regulatory authority, highlights numerous domestic and international challenges as he defines key objectives for the upcoming year.

China's financial market authority has committed to focusing on maintaining market stability and boosting investor confidence throughout the year as the nation prepares for increased uncertainty.

In a recent issue of Qiushi, a magazine affiliated with the Communist Party, released on Saturday, Wu Qing, the head of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, cautioned that China's capital markets are confronting various challenges and risks, stemming from both domestic and international sources this year.

"It's essential to conduct a thorough and impartial evaluation of the financial markets. While we confront various risks and obstacles, maintaining market confidence is paramount."

Wu further mentioned that the agency plans to enhance Hong Kong's position as a global financial hub and increase collaborations with international markets, while also backing the public offering of premier technology firms.

"[It is necessary to] take into account the wider framework of economic and social progress while devising and advancing capital markets," Wu stated.

"Recognizing possible external impacts and swiftly collaborating with pertinent stakeholders is crucial to mitigate and manage risks and covert threats, thus preventing significant disruptions in the market."

Scam Networks in Southeast Asia, Rebirth of Chinese Traditional Arts: Top 5 Weekend Stories You Might Have Overlooked

From criminal groups in Thailand and Myanmar focusing on Chinese citizens to the boost in flower sales during the Lunar New Year, here are five significant articles you might not have caught this past weekend.

1. The Thailand-Myanmar border has become a hotspot for criminal groups targeting Chinese citizens.

2. Weather and lackluster demand dampen China’s Spring Festival flower market.

3. China’s emphasis on 'cultural confidence' is fueling a resurgence in traditional handicrafts.

Xi Jinping emphasizes addressing economic challenges in Lunar New Year address

In his Lunar New Year message, Xi Jinping highlighted China's role as a crucial driver of worldwide growth, committing to continue reforms and protect against external disruptions.

"China continues to be a major driver of global economic expansion," stated Xi, while acknowledging the presence of impending challenges.

He stated that determination is essential, emphasizing that the nation must "bolster our belief and assurance, face issues and obstacles head-on, and address risks and challenges decisively."

Xi emphasized the need for perseverance in pursuing "high-quality development" and in reducing vulnerabilities.

"He stated that they will continue to advance significant reforms, broaden their approach to high-level international engagement, address and mitigate critical risks and external disturbances, and foster ongoing economic growth and enhancement, all while preserving societal harmony and stability."

In his Lunar New Year address, Xi Jinping emphasizes the importance of addressing economic challenges. According to the Chinese leader, the nation continues to be a major driver of worldwide economic expansion and is committed to advancing reforms and protecting against 'external shocks'.

"China continues to be a major driver of worldwide economic expansion," Xi stated, acknowledging the presence of emerging challenges.

He emphasized the importance of determination, stating that the nation must "bolster our belief and assurance, face issues and barriers head-on, and address risks and challenges decisively."

Xi emphasized the need for resilience in order to attain "high-quality development" and to reduce risks.

"He emphasized the commitment to advancing major reforms, enhancing openness at a high level, addressing and mitigating significant risks and external disruptions, and fostering ongoing economic growth and betterment in a context of societal harmony and stability."

In his Lunar New Year address, Xi Jinping emphasizes tackling economic challenges

Xi Jinping asserts that China continues to be a crucial driver of worldwide economic expansion, committed to advancing reforms and shielding against international disturbances.

"China continues to be a crucial driver of worldwide economic expansion," Xi observed, acknowledging the presence of emerging challenges.

He emphasized the necessity for persistence, stating that the nation must "bolster our belief and assurance, face issues and hurdles head-on, and address risks and challenges decisively."

Xi emphasized the need for resilience in pursuing "high-quality development" and reducing risks.

"He emphasized the commitment to advancing comprehensive reforms, enhancing openness at a high level, mitigating and managing significant risks and external disturbances, and fostering ongoing economic revival and progress, all while preserving societal harmony and stability," he stated.

Xi Jinping Emphasizes Tackling Economic Challenges in Lunar New Year Address

In his Lunar New Year message, Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of mitigating economic risks. He stated that China continues to be a major driver of worldwide economic expansion and is committed to advancing reforms and protecting against 'external shocks'.

"China continues to be a major driver of worldwide economic expansion," Xi commented, acknowledging the presence of emerging challenges.

He stated that persistence is essential, emphasizing that the nation must "bolster our belief and assurance, face issues and hurdles head-on, and address risks and challenges decisively."

Xi emphasized the importance of resilience in pursuing "high-quality development" and reducing risks.

"He stated that they will continue to advance significant reforms, broaden extensive economic openness, mitigate and manage critical risks and external disruptions, and foster ongoing economic revival and enhancement, all while preserving societal harmony and stability."

The annual Lunar New Year show in China, a meticulously planned event to showcase Beijing's agenda, will unusually include a performance by the American rock group OneRepublic. American artists seldom appear in this highly orchestrated broadcast.

The group's show is expected to be a refreshing experience for millions of viewers in China, where the yearly TV spectacle seldom showcases American culture and where there has been a heated competition with the U.S.

An insider connected to the OneRepublic production, who preferred to stay unnamed, revealed that the band collaborated with a Chinese TV team to record their gala appearance following a concert they held in Wuhan, located in the central Chinese province of Hubei, on January 16.

"He added that he believes a lot of young people will enjoy it, calling the performance 'vibrant'."

Following their performance in Wuhan, the group departed from China and proceeded with their tour across Asia, staging additional shows in South Korea and Japan.

Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai Urges Reversal of 'Completely Irrational' Defense Spending Freeze

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai has voiced criticism against the opposition-controlled parliament for their reductions in defense spending and the freezing of NT$90 billion in military expenditures.

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai has urged for the removal of "unreasonable" halts on the defense budget for 2025, cautioning that they pose a significant threat to the island's security.

He also charged the opposition with "putting party interests first."

A collective effort between the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party has led to an unprecedented freezing of NT$160.7 billion in government spending.

In the latest budgetary decisions, the coalition reduced the proposed defense budget of NT$647 billion by NT$8.4 billion. Additionally, they placed a hold on NT$90 billion designated for military spending, which encompasses NT$74.4 billion intended for operational expenditures.

Cho, a member of the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), described the freeze on operational expenses as "completely illogical."

China confronts 'new challenge' amid cold Lunar New Year travel surge, says premier

Authorities call for vigilance and readiness as the globe’s largest human migration occurs during the Spring Festival

Authorities call for vigilance and readiness as the globe’s largest human migration occurs during the Spring Festival

The department reported that on Monday, 253 million individuals used different modes of transportation, a decrease of 6% from Saturday's peak of 273 million. Numerous travelers had reached their hometowns in preparation for Lunar New Year’s Eve on Tuesday. It was anticipated that the total number of trips on Tuesday would drop to approximately 194 million.

During a visit to the transportation ministry on Monday, Li commented on the situation, according to a report by the state news agency Xinhua.

Li described the record-breaking travel surge as a new challenge for China's transportation network, emphasizing the need for authorities to meticulously assess travel patterns and adapt by modifying train and flight schedules or by extending service hours to align with real demands.

Li urged transportation authorities to stay vigilant and brace for potential disturbances due to severe cold across many parts of China, including a blizzard engulfing the north. He emphasized the importance of monitoring weather developments, issuing prompt alerts, and ensuring that emergency supplies and equipment are ready.

China's Spring Festival Celebration Showcases Rock Music, Robotics, and Political Themes

The yearly Lunar New Year broadcast includes an AI-enhanced traditional dance, advanced technological displays, and a performance by American band OneRepublic, all while emphasizing Chinese cultural identity.

At Tuesday night's China Spring Festival Gala, the event showcased a robotic dance act, performances by an American rock group, and advanced visual effects, all while conveying political narratives that emphasized collective national unity and criticized administrative inefficiencies.

According to preliminary statistics, this year's live broadcast, which holds the Guinness World Records title for the most-viewed annual television program, captivated a staggering 2.8 billion viewers during its five-hour duration, an increase of 690 million from the previous year.

A standout moment from the evening was an AI-powered dance routine named "Yangge Bot".

Overseen by director Zhang Yimou, the performance included 16 humanoid robots from Unitree Robotics, accompanied by dancers from Xinjiang Arts University. Together, they executed a coordinated yangge dance, a traditional folk dance widely enjoyed throughout northern China.

Clad in flower-patterned cotton coats, the robots gracefully spun handkerchiefs, skillfully throwing and retrieving them mid-air, and rotated in flawless harmony with both the melody and their human partners.