【Epoch Times News on January 16, 2026】Epoch Times provides readers with essential articles to read behind the Great Firewall every day:
Analysis: Political Intimidation Behind Confessions on Chinese Television in Anti-corruption Campaign
As the anti-corruption investigations in China continue to delve into historical issues, Xu Xianping, a former party member and deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission of the Chinese Communist Party, recently appeared in a special anti-corruption program. Some commentators have pointed out that these televised confessions are not merely anti-corruption measures but also carry a clear sense of political intimidation.
No Bids Placed, Assets of Jiangsu Guanzhou Automobile Factory Auctioned Again
On January 16, information disclosed by the JD Asset Trading Platform revealed that the real estate, factory equipment, facilities, spare parts, and other assets at No. 1 Tongda Road in Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, went unsold for the second time at auction due to no bids being placed. This auction has gained attention after being publicly reported by Yao Zhenhua, the chairman of Baoneng Group.
Apple Announces Support for Cross-border Payments with Chinese Visa Cards through Apple Pay
Customers holding Visa credit cards issued by ICBC, Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Communications, China Merchants Bank, CITIC Bank, Ping An Bank, and Industrial Bank, as well as Visa debit cards issued by CITIC Bank, can add their cards to the Apple Wallet app for cross-border payments using Apple Pay. These banks have jointly provided support for cross-border payments with Apple Pay in cooperation with China UnionPay.
Director of Central Policy Research Office Changes, Wang Huning’s Political Power Draws Attention
Tang Fangyu, Deputy Director of the Central Policy Research Office of the CCP, has been promoted to Director. The Central Policy Research Office is a political stronghold of the current Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning, and Tang Fangyu is an old associate of Wang Huning. Wang Huning has been alleged to have controlled this CCP “brain-like” organization for over 20 years. Analysts believe that Wang Huning designed a leftward path for Xi Jinping from the beginning, provoking public discontent and accelerating the downfall of the CCP.
2376 Flights to Japan Cancelled During Chinese Spring Festival Travel Period
China has continued its so-called retaliatory actions against Japan, resulting in a sharp decrease in flights from China to Japan. Data shows that as of January 15, a total of 2376 flights from mainland China to Japan during the Chinese Spring Festival travel period have been cancelled, with an overall cancellation rate reaching 36%.
Navarro: How to Break the Trade “Hostage” of Chinese Soybeans
“When American farmers heavily rely on a single foreign buyer, U.S. trade policy is no longer independent but becomes a hostage,” wrote Peter Navarro, White House trade and industry advisor.
Former President of Tianjin University and Academician Jin Donghan in Trouble, Former Military Industry Executive
Jin Donghan, former president of Tianjin University and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, was impeached from his position as a Tianjin Municipal People’s Congress representative on January 15, 2026, and removed from the list of academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Jin Donghan had long served as director and chief engineer of the 711 Institute of China Shipbuilding Heavy Industry group, as well as president and party secretary of Shanghai University.
Wealthy Chinese Businesswoman Arrested in Saipan for Violating U.S. Immigration Laws
Lijie Cui, a Chinese citizen and wealthy businesswoman, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday, January 13 in Saipan, where she is a major shareholder of a luxury casino. Some Chinese-language media revealed that her other, more well-known identity is as the mother of the boyfriend of Taiwanese actress Pace Wu.
China Aviation Trust Defaulted on Billions, Investors Reveal Insider Information
China Aviation Trust, a state-owned enterprise, has been officially placed under supervision and fined by the Chinese authorities due to the suspension of a large number of trust products, involving unpaid amounts totaling billions of yuan, making it the first large state-owned enterprise-related trust institution to enter the supervision process since the implementation of the Trust Law.
White House: Trump Monitoring Iran Situation Closely, Retains All Options
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on Thursday, January 15 that although President Trump has received information that Iran has stopped killing and executing protesters, he will closely monitor the situation in Iran and retain all available options.
Annual Spring Gathering Banned, Overseas Statement from Tiananmen Mothers Condemns
For the first time, the Tiananmen Mothers, a group of relatives of those who died in the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident, have been banned from holding their annual Spring gathering. The Tiananmen Mothers have issued a statement overseas condemning this move.
Maduro Captured, Double Loss for CCP in “Backyard” of America
Following the arrest of Venezuelan President Maduro by the U.S. government, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission on January 5 issued a request for its policy banks and other major lending institutions to report on their loan risks with Venezuela. Since 2007, China has provided over $67 billion in loans to Venezuela, and not only could these debts become non-performing, but China has also lost an important strategic support point in America’s “backyard” to balance Trump’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Analysis: Trump’s Policies Take Effect, CCP Loses Ground in the Americas
Trump’s “America First” policy is taking effect, with China losing ground in multiple countries in the Americas. Former and newfound friends are either being detained or turning away, and even those remaining are facing precarious situations. This marks a significant shift in the global landscape.
CIA Incites Chinese Officials, Professor Provides Nine-step Security Contact Guide
On Thursday, January 15, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) released a new video targeting officials within the Chinese system, providing nine operational steps for secure contact.
Shenzhen Shuibei Gold Exchange Default, Industry Exposes High Risks
Against the backdrop of historical highs in international gold prices and significant adjustments to China’s gold tax system, Shenzhen’s Shuibei Gold and Jewelry wholesale market, known as the “China Treasure Capital,” has seen multiple gold merchants default last September. Recently, rumors of a storefront owner fleeing have triggered panic among businesses upstream and downstream.