China keeps deepening ties with neighbors and Global South states through high-level diplomacy, assembling a bloc that runs parallel to Western-led alliances and hardens a multipolar order.
forming · confidence 84 · -7 7d · +12 30d · Short term (next 30 days) · tracking since July 16, 2026 · updated October 10, 2026
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Lai's speech responded to direct talks between Washington and Beijing, while officials on both sides watch the Kuomintang's leadership struggle. US-China bilateral engagement over Taiwan cuts against a picture of hardening rival blocs, though Lai's speech showed no change in Taipei's position.
Satellite images show light attack jets on a new Chinese-opened air base at Ban Keun, north of Vientiane in Laos. This moves China's ties with a neighbour from diplomacy to a military presence. Washington's new direct talks with Myanmar's military government show the US competing for the same region.
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Context · October 10, 2026
Taiwan's Lai Ching-te Vows to Defend the Status Quo and Criticizes Beijing in National Day Speech
Lai's speech responded to direct talks between Washington and Beijing, while officials on both sides watch the Kuomintang's leadership struggle. US-China bilateral engagement over Taiwan cuts against a picture of hardening rival blocs, though Lai's speech showed no change in Taipei's position.
Jiji PressSupporting · October 9, 2026
China opens an air base in Laos as Washington starts direct talks with Myanmar's military government
Satellite images show light attack jets on a new Chinese-opened air base at Ban Keun, north of Vientiane in Laos. This moves China's ties with a neighbour from diplomacy to a military presence. Washington's new direct talks with Myanmar's military government show the US competing for the same region.
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