Another major expectation for China's naval development in 2026 is the continuous buildup of landing capability, which will include further integration of landing barges and the use of civilian vessels in amphibious exercises, according to Luck and Shugart.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit starting on Sunday, signalling Beijing's intent to strengthen ties with Seoul amidst strained relations with Japan over Taiwan.

As Taiwan blasts China's "highly provocative and reckless" blockade rehearsal, Trump touts his relationship with Xi Jinping and says an invasion is unlikely.

The second day of the large-scale war games, called “Justice Mission 2025,” saw the Chinese military encircle Taiwan on Tuesday.

China will impose an added 55% tariff on beef imports that exceed quota levels from key suppliers including Brazil, Australia and the U.S. in a move to protect its domestic cattle industry.

One of the clearest reasons for cautious stability in China-U.S. relations in 2026 lies in the trajectory of the preceding year. In many respects, 2025 marked a phase of resilience for China – one in which pressure was absorbed, expectations stabilized, and the terms of competition subtly shifted.

Yet, China’s green push sits uneasily with its energy realities: coal still provides about 51% of its electricity as of mid‑2025, underpinning China’s difficulty in greening its energy system swiftly. Here are five major challenges that will shape China’s green transition as it moves into 2026.