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Beijing’s Show of Force: China Launches Major Drills Around Taiwan

  A ship fires a weapon during drills east of Taiwan in this screenshot from a video released by the Eastern Theater Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Dec. 29, 2025. China has initiated large‑scale military exercises around Taiwan, framing the operation as a direct warning to what it calls separatist forces and foreign supporters. The drills, conducted by the Eastern Theatre Command, involve naval vessels, fighter jets, and missile units operating across multiple zones encircling the island. According to Chinese military statements, the exercises are designed to test joint combat readiness and simulate scenarios such as blockades and precision strikes. The move follows heightened tensions over international engagement with Taiwan, including recent arms sales and diplomatic exchanges that Beijing views as challenges to its sovereignty claims. Taiwan’s defense ministry denounced the drills as coercive and destabilizing, placing its military on alert and trac...

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Wall Street Celebrates Record Highs for Stocks as Two of the Three Major Indexes Hit New Peaks


Wall Street Celebrates Record Highs for Stocks as Two of the Three Major Indexes Hit New Peaks

Wall Street is celebrating as two of the three major indexes hit new peaks. The S&P 500 climbed 1.2% to a record high of 4,839, eclipsing its previous peak of 4,796, set more than two years ago on January 3, 2022. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.1% to end the week at 37,863. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite had to settle for a 1.9% jump to a two-year high of 15,310.

The stock market has returned to form in recent weeks, capping multiple record highs. With inflation cooling, investors are anticipating the Federal Reserve will be able to end its interest rate hiking campaign sooner rather than later, creating a more friendly environment for corporations. Rob Swanke, senior equity strategist for Commonwealth Financial Network, explained that stock market valuations have been rising in recent months as investors factor in the prospect of lower borrowing costs and improved earnings expectations. He also argued that “there’s still room to move higher,” given that valuations are below their 2022 levels.


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