分类: politics

  • China injects stability into turbulent world, experts say

    China injects stability into turbulent world, experts say

    Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and accelerating economic fragmentation, China is systematically providing stability to a volatile global landscape, according to leading experts. The assessment emerged during the Beijing launch of two comprehensive reports compiled by the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on March 17.

    The Annual Report on International Politics and Security (2026) identifies the global shift toward multipolarity as not merely an inevitable trend but an established reality. The report analyzes that current US foreign policy approaches have effectively accelerated this historic transformation. However, researchers caution that multipolarity doesn’t automatically guarantee an equitable international order, noting concerning returns to unilateralism and power politics that threaten global stability.

    Research Fellow Xiao He emphasized China’s growing role in addressing global governance challenges. As traditional international systems face unprecedented pressure, China has demonstrated responsible leadership through initiatives like the Global Governance Initiative, which provides substantive solutions to contemporary governance dilemmas.

    The parallel World Economy Analysis and Forecast (2026) examines serious challenges stemming from geopolitical conflicts and rapid restructuring of global industrial chains. The report identifies artificial intelligence and other revolutionary technologies as dual-edged forces—fostering new growth industries while simultaneously transforming global labor markets and international regulatory frameworks.

    Fellow researcher Gao Lingyun projected global economic growth to slow to 3 percent in 2026 due to combined short-term challenges and profound structural transformations. Within this context, China’s economy is expected to maintain stable expansion, thereby providing crucial stability to worldwide economic recovery efforts.

    Both publications represent systematic analyses of current international dynamics, highlighting China’s increasingly central role in shaping global responses to contemporary challenges through coordinated policy approaches and economic stability.

  • Iran was not rebuilding nuclear enrichment, US intelligence finds

    Iran was not rebuilding nuclear enrichment, US intelligence finds

    In a significant revelation before the Senate Intelligence Committee, U.S. intelligence officials presented findings that directly challenge the Trump administration’s justification for ongoing military operations against Iran. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified that Iran has not attempted to rebuild nuclear enrichment capabilities destroyed in the June 2025 Operation Midnight Hammer, contradicting President Trump’s repeated claims of an “imminent threat” requiring continued military action.

    Gabbard’s prepared statement asserted that Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was “obliterated” during the 2025 joint U.S.-Israel attack and that “there has been no efforts since then to try to rebuild their enrichment capability.” However, during live testimony, Gabbard acknowledged she hadn’t fully reviewed the complete assessment, though she did not refute its conclusions.

    The intelligence assessment further determined that despite severe degradation of military capabilities and leadership—including the elimination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—Iran’s governing regime remains functionally intact. Gabbard warned that Tehran would likely embark on a multi-year reconstruction effort for its military, missile, and drone capabilities if the current regime survives.

    The hearing also addressed global security concerns beyond Iran. Intelligence assessments indicated Russia maintains “the upper hand” in its prolonged conflict with Ukraine, with U.S.-mediated negotiations ongoing. Gabbard expressed concern about potential “escalatory spirals” in Ukraine or other regions that could potentially lead to nuclear weapon deployment.

    Regarding China, intelligence officials reported Beijing is “rapidly” modernizing its military with capabilities aimed at potentially seizing Taiwan, though assessment suggests China currently prefers peaceful reunification strategies. President Trump’s postponed trip to China, delayed due to Middle East hostilities, is expected to proceed in coming weeks.

    The testimony occurred amid significant internal dissent, including the resignation of National Counterterrorism Center director Joseph Kent, who protested that Iran posed no imminent threat and that the administration had been misled by Israeli intelligence and media reports.

  • Japanese politicians hype up China’s defense budget to justify Japan’s hidden military expansion ambitions, says PLA spokesman

    Japanese politicians hype up China’s defense budget to justify Japan’s hidden military expansion ambitions, says PLA spokesman

    China’s Ministry of National Defense has issued a sharp rebuke against Japanese political leaders, alleging they are deliberately exaggerating China’s military expenditures to conceal Japan’s own ambitions for military expansion. The statement came from PLA spokesman Jiang Bin, who characterized Japan’s rhetoric as a strategic diversion from its hidden militarization agenda.

    The defense spokesman’s remarks highlight growing tensions between the two Asian powers regarding military transparency and regional security dynamics. Jiang asserted that Japanese officials have consistently misrepresented China’s defense budget increases while simultaneously advancing their own military capabilities under the guise of regional security concerns.

    This diplomatic confrontation emerges against the backdrop of Japan’s recent moves to substantially increase its defense spending and reinterpret constitutional limitations on military operations. Chinese defense officials maintain that their country’s military development remains purely defensive in nature and proportional to its economic growth and security requirements.

    The exchange represents the latest chapter in the long-standing strategic competition between the two nations, with China characterizing Japan’s military modernization efforts as disproportionate to actual regional threats. The Chinese defense establishment has called for greater transparency from Tokyo regarding its military intentions and for cessation of what it describes as misleading narratives about China’s defense posture.

  • Mainland facilitates 93 Taiwan compatriots stranded in Middle East to return home via Shanghai

    Mainland facilitates 93 Taiwan compatriots stranded in Middle East to return home via Shanghai

    In a significant consular operation, Chinese diplomatic missions across the Middle East have facilitated the safe return of 93 Taiwanese compatriots who found themselves stranded in the region. The evacuation was coordinated through multiple channels with travelers ultimately transiting through Shanghai Pudong International Airport on their journey back to Taiwan.

    The operation involved concerted efforts from several Chinese diplomatic posts, including the Consulate General in Istanbul, which arranged for the transfer of stranded travelers to mainland-operated flights. Simultaneously, the Chinese Embassy in Israel and Consulate General in Dubai provided critical assistance to numerous other Taiwanese nationals, enabling either their safe return to Taiwan or relocation to more secure areas within the region.

    According to Chen Binhua, spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, the compatriots sought assistance through official channels including the China Consular Affairs application and dedicated emergency hotlines. Chen emphasized that Beijing consistently prioritizes the welfare and security of all Chinese citizens abroad, regardless of their region of origin within the nation.

    The successful operation stands in stark contrast to what Chinese officials characterized as “shameful” criticisms from Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party authorities, who have repeatedly questioned Beijing’s motives in providing consular protection to Taiwanese nationals. Recipients of the assistance expressed profound appreciation, noting they felt reassured by the motherland’s support and experienced firsthand the familial bonds connecting both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

  • Rand Paul presses Mullin on past assault remarks

    Rand Paul presses Mullin on past assault remarks

    In a striking Capitol Hill exchange, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) publicly challenged Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) regarding past remarks that appeared to trivialize political violence. The confrontation emerged during a Senate committee hearing focused on domestic security threats.

    The Kentucky lawmaker referenced his own traumatic experience in November 2017, when a neighbor tackled him in his Bowling Green yard, resulting in multiple broken ribs and life-threatening pneumonia. Paul emphasized the seriousness of physical assault, stating that ‘violence against political figures creates dangerous precedents that undermine our democratic foundations.’

    The discussion gained additional significance given Mullin’s previous comments before a 2022 Oklahoma debate, where the former mixed martial artist stated he wouldn’t ‘rule out’ physically confronting his opponent if provoked. Paul’s remarks served as both a personal testimony and a broader warning about normalizing political violence in increasingly polarized times.

    Security experts testified that rhetoric minimizing physical confrontations contributes to heightened risks for public officials. The hearing occurred amid ongoing concerns about the safety of elected representatives and their families, with congressional security officials reporting increased threats in recent years.

  • Mainland willing to provide Taiwan with reliable energy supplies after reunification: spokesman

    Mainland willing to provide Taiwan with reliable energy supplies after reunification: spokesman

    BEIJING – In a significant diplomatic overture, Chinese authorities have articulated a comprehensive energy security proposal for Taiwan contingent upon peaceful reunification. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, articulated this position during Wednesday’s regular press briefing in response to growing concerns about Taiwan’s energy resilience amid Middle Eastern geopolitical instability.

    The spokesman addressed specific anxieties regarding potential disruptions to Taiwan’s oil and gas supply chains, emphasizing that cross-strait reunification would fundamentally transform Taiwan’s energy landscape. Chen outlined how full integration would enable the complete resolution of Taiwan’s chronic shortages in electricity generation, natural gas availability, and crude oil supplies through enhanced connectivity infrastructure.

    Beyond mere adequacy, the proposal promises qualitative improvements to Taiwan’s energy ecosystem. Chen guaranteed that post-reunification energy provisions would not only be reliable but also more economically accessible, environmentally sustainable, and operationally stable than current arrangements. The spokesperson framed this energy security commitment as part of broader socioeconomic benefits that would accrue to Taiwanese citizens following peaceful reunification, positioning energy cooperation as a cornerstone of integrated development.

    This energy proposal emerges against the backdrop of ongoing regional volatility that has exposed vulnerabilities in Taiwan’s resource supply chains, presenting Beijing’s vision as a comprehensive solution to both immediate and long-term energy challenges.

  • Brazilian academic: Protectionism is unsustainable

    Brazilian academic: Protectionism is unsustainable

    In a striking critique of contemporary economic trends, prominent Brazilian political scientist Dawisson Belém Lopes has declared protectionism fundamentally unsustainable for long-term global prosperity. The professor of international and comparative politics at Brazil’s Federal University of Minas Gerais identified a paradoxical shift among nations that previously championed free-market principles but are now embracing restrictive trade measures.

    Lopes presented his analysis against the backdrop of increasing trade barriers implemented by several developed economies. He argued that such protectionist approaches ultimately hinder worldwide economic advancement and create artificial constraints on international cooperation. The academic emphasized that historical evidence consistently demonstrates how isolationist policies lead to market inefficiencies, reduced innovation, and ultimately lower living standards across both developed and developing nations.

    Highlighting China’s economic trajectory as a compelling case study, Lopes pointed to the tangible benefits of maintaining open markets and committing to free trade principles. He noted that nations embracing globalization and international exchange have demonstrated stronger resilience during economic downturns and more sustainable development patterns.

    The professor’s comments arrive during a period of significant reevaluation of global trade relationships, with multiple nations reconsidering their strategic economic positioning. Lopes concluded that the temporary advantages gained through protectionist measures inevitably give way to long-term disadvantages, making cooperation and open exchange the only viable path forward for truly sustainable global development.

  • Trump’s failed strong-arming of allies on Iran shows that pressure is losing its effect

    Trump’s failed strong-arming of allies on Iran shows that pressure is losing its effect

    PARIS (AP) — In a stark demonstration of deteriorating transatlantic relations, U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands for military assistance in the Iran conflict have been met with resounding rejection from traditional allies. The president, adopting a transactional approach to international relations, has attempted to leverage decades of U.S. security guarantees to compel allied nations to contribute naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime passageway for global oil transportation.

    The response from European powers has been notably unified in its opposition. The United Kingdom, historically America’s closest military partner, has explicitly refused involvement in what Prime Minister Keir Starmer characterized as a conflict ‘with no clear endgame.’ British officials have emphasized that any military deployment would require both international legal justification and a comprehensive strategic plan, neither of which they believe currently exists.

    France has adopted a similarly cautious position, with President Emmanuel Macron stating that while naval escorts might be considered feasible eventually, such operations would only be viable after active combat subsides. Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius echoed this sentiment, asserting that European nations seek diplomatic solutions rather than military escalation.

    The widespread refusal follows months of diplomatic strain between the Trump administration and European allies. Recent tensions have included trade disputes, controversial remarks about allied military contributions in Afghanistan, and renewed American interest in acquiring Greenland—all contributing to what analysts describe as historically low levels of goodwill toward the current U.S. administration.

    Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, former commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe, observed that European leaders are increasingly recognizing that diplomatic appeasement strategies toward Trump yield limited benefits. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in how traditional allies perceive American leadership on the global stage.

    Despite possessing potential leverage through European dependence on Middle Eastern energy exports and need for continued U.S. support regarding Ukraine, Trump’s demands have thus far failed to generate the desired international coalition. The administration now faces the prospect of managing an escalated Middle Eastern conflict with notably limited international military support.

  • Former NDRC deputy director charged with bribery

    Former NDRC deputy director charged with bribery

    In a significant development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, former National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) deputy director Xu Xianping has been formally indicted on bribery charges. The Supreme People’s Procuratorate announced on Wednesday that prosecutors have completed their review and filed the case with the Chifeng Intermediate People’s Court in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

    The case, which was initially investigated by the National Commission of Supervision, alleges that Xu exploited multiple high-ranking positions throughout his extensive career to illicitly benefit others while accepting substantial monetary bribes and valuable assets. The prosecution asserts that the 71-year-old official should be held criminally accountable for these corruption offenses.

    Xu’s impressive career trajectory, which spanned nearly five decades, included influential roles as Vice-Governor of Hunan Province, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Hunan Provincial Committee, Deputy Head of the NDRC from 2009 to 2014, and most recently as Counselor of the State Council until 2022. According to judicial authorities, he manipulated these positions of power to facilitate improper advantages for third parties in exchange for significant financial compensation.

    The legal proceedings follow Xu’s initial investigation in March 2025 by anti-corruption authorities. After eight months of intensive scrutiny, he was expelled from the Communist Party in November 2025 and subsequently transferred to prosecutorial agencies for criminal proceedings. The case has been designated to regional authorities in Chifeng under the supervision of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, demonstrating the systematic approach to handling high-profile corruption cases within China’s judicial system.

    This prosecution represents another milestone in China’s comprehensive anti-graft campaign that has targeted officials at various levels of government and state-owned enterprises. The case against a former NDRC official—an institution responsible for China’s economic planning and policy formulation—highlights the continued determination to root out corruption regardless of an individual’s former status or political connections.

  • Juliana Stratton wins Illinois Democratic primary for US Senate

    Juliana Stratton wins Illinois Democratic primary for US Senate

    In a dramatic political turnaround, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton has secured the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate after mounting a remarkable comeback in the final stages of a fiercely contested primary race. With approximately 90% of votes counted Tuesday night, Stratton outpaced her main rival, U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, according to Associated Press projections.

    The victory marks a significant shift in political momentum for Stratton, who had trailed in polls for months before receiving a decisive endorsement and substantial financial backing—reportedly totaling $12 million—from Illinois billionaire Governor JB Pritzker. This support enabled her to launch a powerful late-stage campaign that resonated with Democratic voters.

    Stratton’s campaign gained traction through her strong stance on immigration reform, particularly her direct call to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—a position that distinguished her from Krishnamoorthi’s more moderate approach of targeting “Trump’s ICE” rather than the entire agency.

    Addressing supporters in Chicago during her victory speech, Stratton declared: “Courage inspired me to run. Courage powered this campaign and courage will bring this fight straight to Donald Trump’s front door.”

    The primary witnessed unusually high voter engagement for a non-presidential election year, with over 1.1 million ballots cast in the Democratic contest—potentially exceeding the record turnout from the 2004 primary when Barack Obama sought the Senate seat.

    Should Stratton prevail in November’s general election against her Republican opponent, she would make history as the sixth Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate since its establishment 237 years ago. Her election would also mark the first time three Black women—Stratton joining Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Lisa Rochester—simultaneously serve in the upper chamber. The seat is currently held by retiring five-term Senator Dick Durbin, 81, who will conclude his service next year.