【Epoch Times, January 14, 2026】Epoch Times compiles must-read articles for readers every day:
1.
Retirees in Beijing Can Reimburse Health Checkups, Sparking Controversy
Recently, “Retirees in Beijing Can Reimburse Health Checkups” has become a hot topic on Weibo, sparking controversy.
2.
Behind the Craze of Young People in Mainland China Bidding for Unsold Stocks of Failed Cars at 39% Discount
Young people in Mainland China are eagerly bidding for unsold stocks of failed car manufacturers at around a 39% discount, attracting attention. Some analysis suggests that this behavior may seem like picking up bargains, but it actually hides risks.
3.
Former Senior Officials like Luo Baoming Appear to “Confess,” Analysis: More Like a Performance
In an anti-corruption series broadcasted by the Chinese Communist Party in 2026, a recent episode featured the former Secretary of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee, Luo Baoming, “confessing,” revealing details of his corruption. Besides Luo Baoming, several other fallen former senior CCP officials have also “confessed” on television recently. Some analysts believe that they may be acting under duress, more like a performance.
4.
Concerns Raised Again About the Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines in China as 150 Million People Are Diagnosed with Pulmonary Nodules
The number of people diagnosed with pulmonary nodules in China has rapidly increased after the COVID-19 pandemic, reigniting anxiety among the public. Authorities repeatedly emphasize that this is the result of “technological advancements in screening.” However, experts point out that the key issue lies not in “finding so many cases,” but in “why the actual incidence rate continues to rise,” and the long-term non-disclosure of the safety, side effects, and long-term consequences of COVID-19 vaccines by the authorities.
5.
Shenzhen Tenants Swiftly Evicted, Long-Term Rental Apartment Operator Mogu Apparent Explosion Concerns
The rental housing intermediary “Mogu Apartment” in Mainland China is suspected to have exploded. Following Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Xi’an, and other places, tenants in multiple locations in Shenzhen are being ordered to vacate their rented apartments by January 15 because landlords are not receiving rent.
6.
Renaming of Tsinghua University’s Academic Journal Public Account, Removal of “Independent Spirit”
Against the backdrop of the Chinese Communist Party’s continuous strengthening of ideological control and tightening of the ideological space in universities, the Tsinghua University Academic Journal WeChat public account was renamed recently. Its original name “Independent Spirit” was changed to “Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition of Tsinghua University Academic Journal.” The renaming announcement was issued on January 12, with immediate effect, without mentioning any reasons. After screenshots related to the renaming circulated on the internet, it sparked widespread discussions about the CCP systematically cleaning up academic symbols in universities and suppressing academic independence.
7.
Ten Generals Absent from the Central Discipline Inspection Commission Meeting, Including Former Deputy Secretary of the Military Discipline Commission
The fifth session of the CCP Central Discipline Inspection Commission opened on January 12, with eight major generals and two brigadier generals, members of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission from the military, absent, including Chen Guoqiang, major general, political commissar of the National Defense University, and former full-time deputy secretary of the Military Discipline Commission.
8.
Tight Finances of the CCP Lead to Schools in Guangdong Charging for Lunchtime Nap
A school in Qingyuan, Guangdong, stirred anger among the public for charging students a “nap fee.” Some parents reported that in the list of school miscellaneous fees for the next semester, the school listed the student nap time as a chargeable item. “Napping at the table” costs 250 yuan per person per semester, while choosing a bed for a nap has an increased fee of 600 yuan. After screenshots of the payment notice circulated on the internet, there were doubts expressed about the CCP shifting its financial crisis onto the education system.
9.
Iran Shuts Down the Internet, Chinese Use Friend’s Company Network to Buy Tickets to Return Home
Iran’s anti-government protests have entered the third week, with the Iranian government shutting down the national internet for several days. Some of the Chinese citizens who were on a flight from Tehran to Shanghai indicated that they managed to buy tickets by asking their local friends to use their company’s network and establish contact with their families in China.
10.
Shenzhen Grid Personnel Intrude into Residence Late at Night to Take Photos, Accused of Crossing the Line
Residents in the Guangming District of Shenzhen reported that community workers knocked on doors after 11 p.m. to check if the fire safety was compliant, and despite being rejected, they entered the bedroom and bathroom to take photos. This was the third time within a week. Residents believed that these actions disturbed their privacy and violated their rights. Media comments pointed out that grid personnel, who are not law enforcement officers and lacked permission, forcibly entered residents’ homes without consent and took photos around the house, potentially infringing on citizens’ rights to housing and privacy.
11.
【On-site Interview】Violent Land Requisition in Fujian Causes Villagers to Be Injured
On January 5, in Xijin Village, Shuitou Town, Nanan City, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, over a hundred individuals in camouflage outfits with shields broke into the village and forcibly acquired land without the consent of the villagers, resulting in injuries to two villagers.
12.
Analysis: US Sanctions on Iran “Killing Two Birds with One Stone,” Inflicting Damage on the CCP
The situation in Iran is at a crucial moment. Protesters are being massacred on a large scale but continue to resist, and US President Trump is developing a plan to hit Iranian dictatorships. Before the US military intervenes, Trump announced a 25% tariff on Iran’s trade partners. The CCP is said to be severely impacted but responded weakly. Many experts believe that once there is a change in Iran, the blow to the CCP regime politically and economically will be severe.
13.
Investigation: Rububu’s China Factory Hires Minors, Violating Labor Rights
The New York-based labor rights organization “China Labor Watch” revealed the results of an investigation on Tuesday (January 13), indicating that the Chinese factory producing the popular toy Rububu employed underage workers and violated labor rights.
14.
Crane Collapses on Train in Thailand, Killing at Least 25
On the morning of January 14, a major accident occurred in Bangkok, Thailand, at a “Belt and Road” construction project when a crane suddenly collapsed, hitting a passenger train in service, causing the train to overturn, derail, and catch fire. As of the afternoon, the accident has resulted in at least 30 deaths and 67 injuries. The high-speed rail project where the collapse occurred was invested and constructed by China.
15.
Senior US Military Officials Discuss Challenges Posed by the CCP, Analysis: Turbulence Behind US-China Relations
As the US-Japan Defense Ministers Meeting unfolds, the highest military commander in the US Indo-Pacific region states that Beijing continues to exert military pressure on countries in the region, emphasizing the importance of unity among allies. Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono calls for strengthening the Japan-US alliance. Experts point out that the temporary “relatively stable” relationship between the US and China hides turbulent undercurrents.