Legendary British rock band The Who is set to bid farewell to North America with a final tour this summer. Frontman Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend confirmed the details of “The Song Is Over North America Farewell Tour” on Thursday, named after their iconic 1971 track. The tour will feature a retrospective of their six-decade career, kicking off in Florida on August 16 and concluding in Las Vegas on September 28, with stops in major cities like New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. The band, which rose to global fame in the 1970s, became a powerhouse in the music industry, headlining events like Woodstock and filling stadiums worldwide. Daltrey, 81, and Townshend, 79, have remained a dynamic duo despite the loss of drummer Keith Moon in 1978 and bassist John Entwistle in 2002. Townshend reflected on their journey, stating, “Roger and I still carry the banner for Keith, John, and our loyal fans. It’s been the best job I could ever have had.” The Who’s influence on rock music is undeniable, with hits like “My Generation,” “Baba O’Reilly,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” defining the genre. Their albums “Tommy” and “Quadrophenia” were even adapted into successful films. Ticket pre-sales begin May 13, with general sales starting May 16. While this marks the end of their North American performances, the band has not yet confirmed plans for a U.K. farewell tour. Daltrey humorously remarked, “Let’s see if we survive this one first.”
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China rips Japan over aircraft’s intrusion
China has issued a stern protest to Japan following the unauthorized entry of a Japanese civilian aircraft into the airspace over the Diaoyu Islands. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has prompted Beijing to demand an immediate halt to such provocative actions, warning that they could jeopardize the stability of bilateral relations. Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Asian Affairs Department at China’s Foreign Ministry, conveyed the protest to Yokochi Akira, the Chief Minister of the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The Chinese Coast Guard swiftly responded by deploying ship-based helicopters to warn and expel the intruding aircraft during a routine patrol in the area. Japan’s Ministry of Defense, however, accused Chinese helicopters of violating its territorial airspace—a claim vehemently denied by Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense. Zhang reiterated that the Diaoyu Islands and their affiliated islets are an inherent part of Chinese territory, and any unauthorized entry constitutes a serious breach of China’s sovereignty. He defended the Coast Guard’s actions as ‘completely legitimate and legal,’ urging Japan to restrain its citizens and avoid further provocations. Both Liu Jinsong and China Coast Guard spokesman Liu Dejun emphasized that China will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard its territorial integrity and maritime rights. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations over the disputed islands, with China calling for Japan to act responsibly to maintain regional stability.
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US foreign student purge an exercise in economic self-destruction
In early April 2025, the Trump administration abruptly terminated the immigration statuses of thousands of international students listed in a government database, leaving them without legal permission to remain in the country. This decision prompted some students to self-deport rather than face formal deportation proceedings. However, following widespread legal challenges, the US Department of Homeland Security announced it would reverse these terminations after courts across the nation deemed them unjustified. This reversal comes as the White House continues to emphasize stricter vetting and screening of foreign nationals, including plans to use artificial intelligence to review international students’ social media accounts.
International students in the US have long been subjected to rigorous vetting, screening, and monitoring. Despite this, the introduction of additional bureaucratic measures risks making the US a less attractive destination for global talent. Such policies could undermine the Trump administration’s ‘America First’ agenda, which aims to bolster the economy, advance science and technology, and enhance national security.
The US remains a global leader in attracting international students, but its dominance is waning. According to the Institute of International Education, the US now hosts 16% of all students studying abroad, down from 22% in 2014 and 28% in 2001. During the 2023-2024 academic year, over 1 million international students were present in the US, with 54% hailing from China and India. Most international students pursue graduate degrees in STEM fields, and they contribute significantly to the US economy, generating $43.8 billion in tuition and living expenses while supporting nearly 378,000 jobs.
However, global competition for international students is intensifying. Countries like Germany and South Korea are implementing strategies to attract foreign talent, offering more flexible visa policies and post-study work opportunities. The US’s stringent immigration policies and increased monitoring could further deter international students, redirecting talent to other nations.
International students play a critical role in the US’s global leadership in STEM, with 45% of STEM workers holding doctoral degrees being foreign-born. They also contribute to the economy by launching startups at a rate eight to nine times higher than their domestic peers. Restricting their ability to study in the US could hinder the nation’s ability to maintain its competitive edge in science, technology, and innovation.
As the global landscape shifts, the US must balance security concerns with the need to attract and retain top international talent to sustain its economic and technological leadership.
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US security policy in Asia shows some continuity in sea of change
The first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second administration have been marked by significant upheaval, yet one policy remains steadfast: the construction of a regional defense architecture aimed at deterring Chinese aggression. However, this strategy faces challenges due to collateral damage from the administration’s foreign policy shifts, particularly its embrace of tariffs and skepticism toward traditional alliances.
During Trump’s first term (2017-2021), US policy toward China hardened as Washington concluded that deep economic engagement had failed to liberalize or pacify Beijing. Instead, China under Xi Jinping grew more authoritarian domestically and assertive internationally. The pandemic further highlighted America’s reliance on Chinese supply chains, prompting Trump to label China as an adversary rather than a partner. Tariffs were imposed on Chinese imports, and efforts began to reroute global supply chains away from China. Simultaneously, Trump criticized US alliances, arguing that allies benefited disproportionately from American protection.
Trump’s foreign policy diverged sharply from post-war norms, rejecting American exceptionalism and liberal values while expressing admiration for authoritarian leaders like Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un. He prioritized tariffs over free trade and questioned the value of US global commitments, particularly in Europe and Asia.
President Joe Biden (2021-2025) extended some of Trump’s tariffs on China and restricted Chinese access to advanced technology. However, Biden reversed Trump’s alliance skepticism, reaffirming the strategic value of US partnerships. In contrast, Trump’s second administration has doubled down on tariffs and disdain for alliances, implementing these policies with unprecedented intensity.
The global impact of Trump’s tariffs is significant, with most countries now facing a 10% tariff on US imports, up from an average of 2.5% in 2024. The threat of higher ‘reciprocal tariffs’ looms, potentially taking effect as early as May. Additionally, the US has effectively abandoned NATO, antagonizing Western Europe and Canada while accommodating Russia despite its aggression in Ukraine.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the Pentagon’s agenda to counter China has continued largely uninterrupted. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s March trip to Japan and the Philippines underscored efforts to strengthen military cooperation. In Japan, the US plans to enhance joint training and weapon development, while upgrading its military headquarters to a command post. In the Philippines, Hegseth reaffirmed the US-Philippine defense treaty’s coverage of the South China Sea, where Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels has escalated. The US also announced plans to co-produce military systems and deploy advanced sea drones and anti-ship missiles in the Philippines.
The AUKUS agreement, which aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, remains on track despite uncertainty over Trump’s support. While Australia has committed $3 billion to the initiative, Trump’s apparent unfamiliarity with the agreement raises doubts about its future.
Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs have strained relations with key allies like Japan and South Korea, both of which face additional tariffs and pressure to increase defense spending. Despite their contributions to US military bases, Trump has criticized these countries as ‘free-riders,’ further complicating alliances.
In Australia, Trump’s policies have eroded confidence in US reliability. Tariffs on Australian exports, despite a US trade surplus with the country, have fueled disillusionment. While Australian leaders have resisted Chinese overtures to align against the US, the damage to the US-Australia relationship is evident.
In summary, Trump’s second administration has intensified its focus on tariffs and alliance skepticism, creating friction with traditional partners while pursuing a counter-China strategy. The challenge lies in reconciling ‘America First’ policies with the need for a cohesive Asian security architecture. Until this balance is achieved, these conflicting priorities will continue to undermine US foreign policy objectives.
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Measles jumps borders in North America with outbreaks in Canada, Mexico and US
The measles outbreak sweeping across North America has become a pressing public health crisis, with over 2,500 confirmed cases and four fatalities reported in the U.S. and Mexico. The epidemic, which began in Ontario, Canada, last fall, has since escalated in Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua, Mexico, with significant clusters in Mennonite communities. Dr. Hector Ocaranza, El Paso’s top public health official, warned that the highly contagious virus knows no borders, as evidenced by the 38 cases in El Paso and 14 in neighboring Ciudad Juarez. The outbreak’s rapid spread is fueled by cross-border travel and low vaccination rates in certain regions. Health officials in both countries are racing to contain the virus, with vaccination clinics set up in public spaces and free vaccines offered regardless of residency. The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have raised alarms, noting an elevenfold increase in measles activity in the Americas compared to last year. The economic burden is also significant, with each U.S. case costing between $30,000 and $50,000 to manage. Despite efforts, health experts warn that the outbreak is far from contained, with new cases emerging in Michigan and Alberta, Canada. The crisis underscores the urgent need for coordinated cross-border health strategies and improved vaccination coverage to prevent future epidemics.
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High-level exchanges seen as positive
Recent high-level visits by Japanese political figures to China have been interpreted as a strategic move to bolster economic cooperation and mitigate risks posed by Washington’s unilateral and protectionist policies, according to analysts. These visits, led by prominent figures such as Hiroshi Moriyama, chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union and secretary-general of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, underscore a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. Moriyama, accompanied by a bipartisan delegation, met with Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, on April 29, 2025. During the meeting, Zhao emphasized the importance of win-win cooperation and long-term bilateral development. Moriyama echoed this sentiment, expressing a willingness to strengthen trade and cultural exchanges while addressing differences constructively. The visits follow a trip by Komeito party leader Tetsuo Saito and his delegation earlier in April, further highlighting Japan’s bipartisan consensus on fostering ties with China. Analysts, including Da Zhigang of the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, noted that these interactions aim to counterbalance the disruptive effects of US tariff policies and promote regional stability. Xiang Haoyu of the China Institute of International Studies added that while these visits signal a positive shift, underlying issues such as political mistrust and fragile public sentiment remain challenges. Both sides have pledged to uphold multilateralism and strengthen regional collaboration, particularly in Southeast Asia, to address global economic uncertainties.
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Japan urged to expedite removal of chemical weapons from Chinese territory
China has issued a renewed call to Japan, urging the nation to expedite the removal of chemical weapons abandoned on Chinese soil during World War II. This appeal comes as the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the 28th anniversary of the enforcement of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized that Japan bears an inescapable historical, political, and legal responsibility to address this issue, which is also an international obligation under the Chemical Weapons Convention. The disposal of these weapons is critical to ensuring the safety and environmental well-being of affected Chinese communities. Despite China’s significant support in excavating and destroying approximately 120,000 of the 150,000 recovered chemical weapons, progress remains slow. Guo highlighted that lingering remnants of these weapons continue to pose severe threats to local lives, property, and ecological security. China insists that Japan must fully implement its post-2022 plan to eliminate these hazardous remnants comprehensively and efficiently.
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Ex Japanese PM: Japan should properly handle the Taiwan question as an internal affair of China
In a recent exclusive interview with China Daily, former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama underscored the necessity of maintaining the foundational principles of China-Japan relations, particularly referencing agreements established in the 1970s. Hatoyama highlighted that the Chinese government’s stance on Taiwan, viewing it as an inseparable part of China, was acknowledged and respected by Japan at that time. He emphasized that Japan should continue to honor this consensus and manage the Taiwan issue appropriately, treating it as an internal matter of China. This approach, according to Hatoyama, is crucial for sustaining the stability and progress of bilateral relations between the two nations.
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Former Japanese PM wowed by China’s tech development, calling for Sino-Japan collaboration
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has expressed admiration for China’s rapid technological advancements, emphasizing the potential for a synergistic partnership between Japan and China, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Speaking at the Shanghai Forum 2025 on Friday, Hatoyama highlighted the complementary strengths of the two nations, suggesting that Japan’s meticulous attention to detail and expertise in basic materials could be effectively paired with China’s robust organizational capabilities and recent industrial achievements to foster mutual benefits. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Hatoyama underscored the importance of collaboration in these cutting-edge fields, envisioning a macro-micro partnership that could drive innovation and economic growth for both countries. The former prime minister’s remarks come at a time when global technological competition is intensifying, and strategic alliances are increasingly seen as vital for maintaining a competitive edge. The Shanghai Forum 2025, which attracted over 500 guests and representatives, served as a platform for discussing key issues in global development, with Hatoyama’s call for Sino-Japan collaboration resonating strongly among attendees. As both nations continue to invest heavily in AI and robotics, the potential for joint ventures and knowledge exchange could pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in these critical sectors.
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Ex-Japan PM urges tech collaboration with China
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has called for enhanced technological collaboration between Japan and China, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Speaking at the Shanghai Forum 2025, Hatoyama emphasized the complementary strengths of the two nations, with Japan excelling in precision and fundamental materials, and China demonstrating robust organizational capabilities and industrial achievements. He highlighted China’s rapid advancements in AI and robotics, noting that the country has achieved a world-leading position in these fields. Hatoyama also pointed out the potential for mutual benefits through a macro-micro partnership, leveraging each country’s unique advantages. He stressed the importance of adhering to historical agreements in Sino-Japanese relations and called for a reconsideration of Japan’s strategic alignment with the United States. Hatoyama proposed the establishment of a mechanism to regulate competition between China and the U.S. in technology fields, advocating for collaborative efforts involving Japan, South Korea, and European countries. The forum, themed ‘Age of innovation: Technology, development and governance,’ brought together over 500 participants from more than 50 countries and regions, fostering discussions on global technological advancements and governance.