MediaUnlocked

China-based “energetic, patriotic young journalists” |
Covering China & Global Issues

#Xinjiang #SouthChinaSea #Taiwan #China

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In Taiwan, large-scale military drills have grown more intense, with armored vehicles rolling through city streets. Narratives of war are amplified year after year. Today, cross-Strait relations have been pushed to a freezing point by the so-called "new two-state theory".

How is separatist rhetoric being advanced by the ruling DPP? Would the US actually step in if conflict were to break out?

As talk of war intensifies, more people in Taiwan are questioning who would truly bear the cost. Mist over the Taiwan Strait, Episode Two, steps beyond manufactured anxiety to rediscover a more realistic understanding of where the region truly stands. Watch now↓↓↓
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When people talk about the AI race, they usually talk about chips, algorithms, and models. But behind every AI breakthrough is something far more physical: electricity.

Every AI-generated token consumes power. As AI systems grow larger and more capable, electricity supply is emerging as a critical constraint. And the pressure is already showing in the United States.
·For the past 20 years, US electricity demand barely grew, leaving grids and power systems unprepared for an AI boom of this scale.
·Even though the US operates the largest nuclear fleet, its total output — about 97 gigawatts — still won't be enough to support the massive surge in AI-driven electricity demand now coming.

However, when you look at China, the numbers are staggering.
·In 2024, China generated over 10,000 TWh of electricity, more than double any other country on Earth.
·Xinjiang is one of the largest renewable energy bases on Earth.
·A single rotation of a wind turbine blade can generate about 8 kWh of electricity. That's enough for more than 2,000 AI searches.
·Through China's ultra-high-voltage transmission network, electricity from Xinjiang can reach over 20 provincial-level regions in the blink of an eye.

But does it have to be a race at all? When competition becomes confrontation, innovation slows down. But if the world's two biggest AI powers can find a way to cooperate, the future of AI may accelerate far beyond what either side could achieve alone. #MediaUnlocked

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Recently, Japan and the Philippines issued a joint statement announcing the start of talks on the delimitation of their so-called exclusive economic zones and continental shelves, a move that seriously infringes upon China's maritime rights and interests.

On May 29, China's Foreign Ministry firmly stated that the so-called delimitation talks are completely illegal, null and void.

On June 1, the China Coast Guard conducted routine law enforcement patrols in accordance with the law in the waters east of China's Taiwan island, a necessary operation in response to the so-called maritime delimitation talks between Japan and the Philippines.

We spoke with Yang Xiao, a research fellow at the Institute of Peaceful Development, CASS. Here are the key takeaways from the interview.
·When they are pushing forward maritime delimitation, actually, they're talking about the waters east of China's Taiwan island.
·China may establish a more regular presence in the relevant waters. But such moves would be reactive rather than aggressive, because it is Japan and the Philippines that have changed the status quo.
·China will be more resolute in safeguarding its national interests and will do more to strengthen its administration of the waters surrounding Taiwan. #MediaUnlocked

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A video of a Chinese truck driver giving two foreign travelers a ride has gone viral online. After sharing the experience online, Mr Yang was flooded with comments and likes. Later, he discovered who the two travelers were.

One is Lex Fridman, the well-known podcaster who has interviewed figures such as Elon Musk and Jensen Huang. The other is travel content creator Mike O'Kennedy, who documents his journeys around the world for millions of viewers online.

According to Lex's post, he is traveling around the world and trying hitchhiking for the first time. China is the very first stop on his journey.

We interviewed the truck driver, Mr Yang. Here is his fascinating story. #MediaUnlocked

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On May 27, a Dutch navy frigate, De Ruyter, illegally intruded into China's Xisha Islands. The warship repeatedly launched its shipborne helicopter into Chinese airspace.

In response, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command organized naval and air forces, issued radio warnings, and took necessary measures, including warning electronic interference, to drive it away in accordance with law and regulations.

A recent report on military activities in the Western Pacific shows that many extra-regional countries are trying to increase their military presence in the region. However, most of them lack strong operational capabilities in the Western Pacific. And their military moves are often more symbolic than practical. #MediaUnlocked

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On May 26 and 27, the Fujian coast guard conducted law enforcement patrols in accordance with the law in the waters near Jinmen. Footage from the scene showed Fujian coast guard officers warning a Taiwan "coast guard" vessel not to approach dangerously.

In recent days, the Taiwan authorities have also hyped up the deployment of Chinese mainland vessels in certain maritime areas. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that remarks by "Taiwan independence" separatists are not worth commenting on, adding that the Chinese military's activities are fully consistent with international law and international practices. #MediaUnlocked

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A report on the military activities of non-US extra-regional countries in the Western Pacific in 2025 has revealed an alarming military presence in the Western Pacific.

In 2025, according to incomplete statistics, as many as 18 extra-regional countries sent nearly 200 warships into these waters. On average, about two non-US foreign warships were present every single day.

"Freedom of Navigation Operations" are an American invention. Yet citing regional tensions, more countries from Europe and Oceania have joined in since 2024, turning sporadic moves into a routinized political performance.

Why do these distant powers sail thousands of miles to flex their muscles and make a scene here?

Their provocative and politicized military moves far outweigh their actual military value, only heightening confrontation and increasing regional security risks. #MediaUnlocked

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At a congressional hearing, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the US is pausing a 14-billion-dollar weapons sale to Taiwan.
Just days earlier, Trump also signaled that he may hold off on the Taiwan arms sale.
For years, the US has used arms sales to Taiwan as a political tool — to pressure China, to send signals, and to keep tensions across the Taiwan Strait alive.
But now, the Trump administration seems to be moving more carefully.
Why? It is the most sensitive issue in China-US relations.
And Beijing has made its position very clear: China urges the US to exercise extra caution in handling the Taiwan question, stop sending any wrong message to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as well as the momentum of steady development of China-US relations with concrete actions. #MediaUnlocked

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What is the "Thucydides Trap"? Why was it mentioned during the meeting between the Chinese and US presidents?

When a rising power begins to catch up with an established one, both sides can start misreading each other. The established power feels increasingly anxious. The rising power, on the other hand, becomes more confident, but also more sensitive to pressure and perceived threats. Over time, this mutual fear can spiral into conflict.

The term was popularized in the 2010s, when US political scientist Graham Allison used this theory to describe China-US relations.

Can China and the US transcend this "trap"?

In an interview, Allison drew lessons from Chinese history and told us that China and the US can be partners in understanding that they can't have a war.

Building a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability could be a path to avoiding the "trap". #MediaUnlocked

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Donald Trump just wrapped up his China trip. Putin is now in China.

In just half a year, China has brought together the leaders of the other four permanent members of the UN Security Council. Within six months, France, the UK, the US and Russia, the other four P5 members, have all chosen Beijing for high-level diplomacy.

Beijing is no longer just one stop on the diplomatic map. It is becoming one of the main stages where the future of the global order is being discussed.

In a world full of uncertainty, China is becoming the ballast that helps keep the world steady. #MediaUnlocked

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"I'm not looking to have somebody go independent."
That was Donald Trump speaking to US media after his state visit to China. And for "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, those words were another heavy blow.

China and the US are working toward a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability. And in that context, "Taiwan independence" should not be used as a tool to contain China.

Trump's remarks show that the US side understands China's position, takes China's concerns seriously, and does not stand for or accept Taiwan's moving toward independence.

The space for separatist forces is shrinking. Those still clinging to the illusion of "Taiwan independence" should wake up to reality. #MediaUnlocked

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On May 14, the Chinese and US presidents held talks in Beijing. The two sides agreed to build "a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability". What does this new vision mean for China-US relations? We spoke with Victor Gao, vice president of the Center for China and Globalization. #MediaUnlocked

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China and US presidents kicked off a closely watched summit in Beijing. More details↓↓↓ #MediaUnlocked

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China and the US wrapped up the seventh round of economic and trade talks in South Korea. China described the talks as "candid, in-depth and constructive".

Here are the details:
· The talks were held at Incheon International Airport, showing a compact and efficiency-focused arrangement.
· It is widely seen as laying the groundwork for the upcoming meeting between the two heads of state.
· Before departing, US President Donald Trump said China and the US have a lot to discuss, and the meeting would be "great".
· The latest round of trade talks once again highlights the importance of dialogue. #MediaUnlocked

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🇨🇳 🇺🇸 national flags along the airport expressway in Beijing. Ready to welcome @POTUS @RapidResponse47

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As trade frictions continue to intensify, can economic ties still serve as the "ballast stone" of China-US relations? As Trump visits China again for the first time in nine years, we spoke with Wu Xinbo, dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, about this question.

According to Wu, the deep economic ties between the two countries remain an important ballast stone for China-US relations. "At the same time, there is also a new factor that can serve as another ballast in this relationship. That's China's role in this relationship," Wu said. #MediaUnlocked

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US President Donald Trump will visit China soon.
What can we expect from this visit?
·Key issues such as trade, the Taiwan question, people-to-people exchanges, and major international and regional issues may be discussed.
·Trade will likely top the agenda. The Chinese and US trade teams are expected to meet in South Korea ahead of the summit. Several top US business leaders, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and other major CEOs, will travel with Trump to Beijing.
·World peace will be discussed as well. That could include pressing international challenges, such as the conflict involving Iran. #MediaUnlocked

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US President Donald Trump will visit China from May 13 to 15, marking his first visit to the country in nine years. According to Wu Xinbo, dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, today's China is "more powerful, more confident, and more determined to defend its national interests". Against this backdrop, how has Trump's China policy changed? Watch Professor Wu's analysis ↓↓↓#MediaUnlocked

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"Unprecedented". "Rare". "A watershed moment".
That is how some US media described China's latest move against US sanctions.

On May 2, China's Ministry of Commerce issued a blocking order prohibiting any recognition, enforcement, or compliance with US sanctions imposed on five Chinese companies over alleged Iran oil ties.

For years, US sanctions worked as a form of one-way pressure. What makes China's response significant is this: it changes the calculation. Third parties now face a new choice. Complying with US sanctions could also mean violating Chinese law and facing legal consequences in China.

China's response is not truly "unprecedented". Its determination to oppose unilateral sanctions, defend international law, and protect the legitimate rights of Chinese companies has always been entirely predictable. #MediaUnlocked

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A so-called "civilian group" from the Philippines landed on China's Tiexian Reef.

China Coast Guard officers quickly boarded the reef to conduct inspections, raised the national flag to reaffirm sovereignty, and collected evidence of the Philippine side's illegal activities.

They carried out a full sweep using metal detectors and even cleared waste left behind — plastic bottles brought by those very intruders.

This was never a civilian, spontaneous action. It was planned. It challenges China's territorial sovereignty, violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and causes ecological damage to the reef. #MediaUnlocked

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On April 16, a Philippine C-208 aircraft took off from Puerto Princesa and intruded into China's Nansha Islands.

PLA tracked the aircraft the entire way. They issued radio warnings and fired signal flares to drive it off.

This is the same old playbook, stage a provocation, wait for China to respond, then package the whole thing as "China bullying the Philippines".

In the South China Sea, peace will not be protected by staged incidents. China will safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights — every time. #MediaUnlocked