Today’s Focus: Trump Clarifies No Third Term Seeking, Next President Who? Multi-Nation Military Exercise With China’s Carrier as Target; May Day Turmoil, Deaths in Guizhou Ship Capsizing.
Hello, viewers, welcome to “Epoch Focus.” I am Wan Yan. What are the noteworthy events today? Let’s take a look together.
Just this past Sunday, on May 4th, U.S. President Trump gave an interview to NBC News. In the program, he explicitly stated that he would not seek a third presidential term, marking his clearest stance so far on whether he would seek re-election.
In recent days, there has been speculation that Trump might aim for a third term. In particular, Trump’s group launched red hats on its official website with “Trump 2028” written on them, mentioning “rewriting rules” in the promotion. All this has led to speculation that Trump might be considering challenging the constitutional restrictions to continue in office.
This time, Trump clarified himself, explicitly stating that he would not seek re-election, dispelling doubts from the outside. He said, “Many people are buying the ‘2028’ hats, but I don’t want to do that. I want to have four great years and then hand over power to a great Republican.”
Under the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Trump pointed out that a president can only be elected for two terms at most. He said, “I will be an eight-year president, meaning two terms. This is crucial.”
In March, Trump said that his consideration of a third run was “not a joke,” and in the latest interview, he reiterated that allies strongly urged him to run again. But he bluntly stated that it is not allowed by the Constitution.
In addition to the term issue, Trump also mentioned the topic of a “successor” for the first time. He did not directly name Vice President Vance as his successor, as outsiders had expected. He said that up to 20 people within the Republican Party have the potential to become leaders, and it is too early to make a conclusion now.
Trump believes that after his term ends, these people have the ability to carry on his “Make America Great Again” banner. He particularly mentioned Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, considering them popular candidates for future Republican leaders.
Regarding Vance, Trump praised his “abundant talent,” believing that his vice-presidential status could give him an advantage in future Republican primaries. In addition, Vance has been active and well-received during Trump’s term.
As for Rubio, Trump praised his work as being “quite outstanding.” Currently, Rubio holds multiple positions, including Secretary of State, Acting Archivist of the National Archives, Acting Director of the U.S. International Development Agency, and National Security Advisor.
When it comes to the upcoming midterm elections in 2026, Trump is confident. He said that historically, those who win the presidential elections often face defeats in congressional elections. However, this time, the Republican Party will “easily reverse” this tradition.
Although Trump listed potential candidates to continue his “Make America Great Again” agenda, he also added that it is too early to discuss this matter now.
In this interview, Trump was also asked if he would replace Fed Chair Powell prematurely. Trump replied that he would not. Powell’s term ends in 2026, and even if he is not replaced early, a new candidate will need to be found to replace Powell.
In the program, Trump urged the Fed to cut interest rates, criticizing Powell as being rigid. He said, “Hmm, he should cut rates. Sooner or later, he will cut, but he prefers not to because he’s not a fan of me. You know, he just doesn’t like me, and I find him very stubborn.”
On April 21st, the U.S., Philippines, Japan, and Australia launched their annual “Shoulder-to-Shoulder” military exercises. Approximately 14,000 personnel engaged in various drills in the Philippines and surrounding areas, including air assaults, maritime blockades, anti-landing and air defense operations.
Interestingly, as these countries conducted exercises, China’s “Shandong” aircraft carrier fleet appeared in the northern waters of the Philippines. In addition, China had other fleets cruising in the South China Sea.
Overall, from the overall effect, the Chinese military seems to be “cooperating” with the multinational military exercises, serving as targets. What is going on? Let’s take a closer look at the situation:
On April 23rd, the Japanese Defense Ministry reported that the Chinese “Shandong” appeared in the northwest waters of the Philippines and then slowly moved towards the Bashi Strait, expected to return to the South China Sea on the 25th.
At the same time, the U.S. aircraft carrier fleet “Nimitz” also entered the Philippine waters. However, the “Shandong” seemed to be evading the U.S. aircraft carrier as it hurried back after a brief outing.
Coincidentally, on April 24th, U.S. and Japanese warplanes conducted joint exercises in the East China Sea and Philippine waters, including B-1B bombers, F-35 fighters, EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, refueling aircraft, and Japanese F-15 fighters.
Also on the same day, the “Shandong” aircraft carrier fleet happened to sail close to the Bashi Strait. During this time, these fleets acted as “targets,” making the simulated attacks by U.S. and Japanese warplanes more targeted.
Some analysis suggests that this joint military exercise of the U.S. and Japan is likely targeting China’s “Shandong” aircraft carrier.
The recent deployment of the U.S. B-1B bomber can carry 24 AGM-158C long-range anti-ship missiles. With a range of 926 kilometers, this missile can launch attacks beyond the air defense range of China’s carrier fleet. It can be said that this missile is tailored for the Chinese fleet.
In the past three years, the U.S. has acquired 446 AGM-158C long-range missiles. This means that China’s aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, etc., whether outside of the first island chain or within it, will find it challenging to evade U.S. airstrikes. Once a war breaks out, even if Chinese warships manage to reach the waters east of Taiwan, it will be difficult for them to survive.
After the outbreak of war, U.S. warplanes will not only attack Chinese fleets but also conduct airstrikes on China’s coastal military bases. To counter China’s ground forces, in the past three years, the U.S. has increased its procurement of AGM-158 long-range air-to-ground missiles with a range exceeding 926 kilometers, totaling up to 1,700 missiles.
It is reported that the U.S. has disclosed this data as a warning to China not to act recklessly. China also appears to be “startled.” On April 23rd, the “Shandong” aircraft carrier may have realized that the U.S. aircraft carrier was also in the waters near the Philippines, approaching, forcing it to choose to return.
Furthermore, on April 24th, it seemed that the Chinese military was unaware of the joint airstrike exercises by the U.S. and Japan, which might have led them to play the role of a “target.”
In addition, China’s air force response seemed somewhat sluggish. According to reports from Taiwan’s military, within 24 hours from April 24th to 25th, a total of nine Chinese aircraft intruded into the northern airspace, the Taiwan Strait’s central line, and the southwestern airspace of Taiwan. This data indicates that China’s air force did not respond promptly to the U.S. and Japanese fighter exercises.
On April 25th, the “Shandong” carrier that was supposed to pass through the Bashi Strait moved halfway through but then returned. During this period, only one Chinese aircraft was detected by Taiwan’s military, indicating that the military did not deploy a large number of warplanes to provide air protection for the carrier.
On April 26th, the U.S. Marine Corps’ Naval Strike Missile Launch Vehicle (NMESIS) was deployed to the Batan Island in the middle of the Bashi Strait, capable of striking maritime targets 185 kilometers away.
This deployment implies that the U.S. can blockade the Bashi Strait in cooperation with the Philippines, effectively sealing off China’s southern theater, preventing Chinese carriers, destroyers, frigates, and supply ships from crossing the strait.
During this “Shoulder-to-Shoulder” exercise, the U.S. deployed F-16 and F/A-18 fighter jets, along with B-1B bombers for joint airstrike exercises, while the Philippines sent FA-50 fighter jets. Some critics pointed out that after the Philippines receives F-16 fighter jets, its combat capabilities will significantly enhance.
On April 29th, the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines conducted joint patrols in the western Philippine Sea, which irritated China. China also announced sending its fleet on a cruise in the South China Sea. However, if China indeed did so, it would effectively set up a clear target for multiple nations.
Moreover, on April 28th, the U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (M142) was deployed to Palawan in the Philippines and conducted simulated strikes towards the South China Sea direction. These missile systems are the latest versions of tactical missiles with ranges exceeding 500 kilometers, capable of attacking China’s military outposts in the South China Sea.
If China were to start a war recklessly, the U.S. might initiate direct attacks on the South China Sea reefs from this location, opening up a second battlefield.
In addition to offensive exercises, the “Shoulder-to-Shoulder” operation also involves defensive drills. Starting April 27th, U.S. and Philippine forces conducted anti-drone training near the Huangyan Island. The U.S. demonstrated the MADIS low-cost integrated air defense system, capable of quickly deploying machine guns, “stinger” missiles, etc., to counter drone attacks.
Furthermore, the U.S. also tested its latest high-power microwave weapon, capable of emitting energy beams to incapacitate groups of drones.
Regarding coastal defense, multinational forces also simulated amphibious landing operations, using tanks, Javelin missiles, and howitzers to prevent amphibious tanks from approaching the shore.
Overall, this “Shoulder-to-Shoulder” military exercise aims not only to fulfill commitments to defend the Philippines but also simulate Taiwan’s defense battle and how to combat China’s military targets in the South China Sea.
During the exercise, while China’s “Shandong” carrier and warships seemed to approach and display confrontational and provocative gestures, their actions inadvertently created a simulated target for multiple nations’ exercises. It can be said that the political displays of the Chinese military contrast sharply with the practical combat exercises of the U.S. and its allies.
During this year’s May Day holiday, many irregularities were reported. For instance, in Guizhou, two tourist ships capsized, resulting in at least 3 deaths and 14 missing persons.
Around 4 p.m. on May 4th, two tourist boats carrying passengers traveled to the border area between Bijie Qianxi County and Qingzhen City in Xinxinxin Miao Village in Guizhou Province. About 70 people fell into the water due to a boating accident. As of the night, officials confirmed 3 deaths and 14 missing persons.
Witnesses claimed that hail fell at the time of the incident. Their boat happened to be docked in a sheltered place. After waiting for the storm and hail to stop, they saw the nearby ship capsized. They experienced a near-death experience, which was quite terrifying.
In addition, it was reported that at the time of the incident, the region was covered by a thunderstorm cloud, and nearby weather stations recorded phenomena such as heavy rainfall, hail, and gusts of wind.
Moreover, as multiple media outlets reported, this year’s May Day holiday saw a large number of people opting for outings, but many scenic area managements were chaotic, leading to a series of irregularities:
– At Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s south gate on the night of May 2nd, there was no vehicle transport for thousands of visitors, leaving them stranded and demanding ticket refunds.
– At Foshan Youlongxia scenic spot on May 2nd, chaos ensues as visitors demanded ticket refunds.
– At Guangdong Qingyuan Huangteng Gorge on May 2nd, visitors queued for hours without being able to experience the river drift, eventually requesting ticket refunds.
– In Henan’s Yuexi Grand Canyon on April 2nd, visitors waited hours in line for a ticket refund.
– A pattern of complaints emerged on social media about various deceptive practices and poor experiences during May Day travel.
An interesting incident was when a known bamboo raft paddler in Guilin Li River demanded payment from tourists taking photos.
Critics noted that to stimulate consumption, local governments across China have resorted to any means necessary, promoting scenic spots as “picturesque” and “green hills and clear waters.” However, upon arrival, tourists find these promises to be false. Some scenic spots are themed around flowers, but tourists arrive only to see very few blooms.
Another harsh critic recounted their experience during May 1st: “I went to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes for a trip, and it was a terrible experience. I left at six in the morning, traveled for six hours, arrived at the scenic area around two in the afternoon, then got stuck for almost three hours inside the park. It took over two and a half hours to cover a journey of only three kilometers from the park gate to the reserved hotel. The traffic was moving inch by inch. When will the tourism destinations in China treat consumers like humans? How much service capacity do you have, and what is your throughput? Can you increase your staff? The traffic was as congested as porridge. Ah, the travel experience was utterly terrible. When will people be treated as humans at tourist sites?”
It was reported that in Guangxi Nanning Zoo on May 1st, a famous orangutan performer threw a stone during a show, injuring a female visitor.
Near the Chishui Danxia Waterfall in Guizhou, a road landslide occurred on May 1st, with boulders hitting four private cars parked roadside, dispersing visitors in panic.
Heavy rain suddenly hit Mount Tai on the night of April 30th, causing chaos. Early on May 1st, Mount Yuhuangdeng’s mountain road was packed with overnight climbers, resting, some sleeping on makeshift beds, and many sought shelter in public restrooms.
Many questioned why so many people chose to travel when there were downgraded consumption standards.
An analysis indicated that travelers are already downsizing their own spending. Those who used to visit international destinations now go to places like Sanya; those who went further afield now opt for nearby scenic spots; weekend leisure travelers would usually have longer trips. Nowadays, most are indulging in budget travel, with per capita spending significantly lower.
This observer pointed out that China’s well-known tourist attractions, like Datang Night City, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, have now become places for people to walk around. While it may seem crowded, most of the spending is concentrated on entrance fees and travel expenses, but the money mostly stays within the state-run operations behind these destinations, rather than reaching ordinary businesses. The more famous a spot, the more likely it is operating under state control, leaving private vendors with minimal benefits.
Thus, despite the apparent crowds, the overall consumption at these locations is relatively low, mostly focused on entry tickets and basic travel expenses, with limited economic spillovers.
That concludes today’s news, and if you have any thoughts or comments, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for watching, and we’ll see you next time.
Produced by the “Epoch Focus” editorial team