Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Protesters in South Africa condemn US intervention in Venezuela, call for Maduro’s release

    Protesters in South Africa condemn US intervention in Venezuela, call for Maduro’s release

    PRETORIA – Dozens of demonstrators assembled outside the U.S. Embassy in South Africa’s capital on Thursday, voicing strong opposition to American military actions in Venezuela and the detention of former President Nicolas Maduro. Organized primarily by the South African Communist Party (SACP), a key ally of the ruling African National Congress, the protest featured participants brandishing signs with messages such as “Hands Off Venezuela,” “Free President Maduro Now,” and “End American Imperialism.”

    Solly Mapaila, Secretary General of the SACP, addressed the crowd, accusing the U.S. of openly seeking control over Venezuela’s extensive oil reserves. “Donald Trump has not hidden this intention from the world. He has pronounced it with his own mouth,” Mapaila stated.

    The demonstration also drew support from pro-Palestine activists who expressed solidarity with Venezuela. Sarah Mukwevho, one of the protesters, warned that U.S. actions in Venezuela could set a dangerous precedent for other nations. “Today it is Venezuela and Maduro, tomorrow it can be any other smaller country that the U.S. is not happy with,” she remarked.

    The protest aligns with the South African government’s official condemnation of Maduro’s capture. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the country’s commitment to international law and the UN Charter, stating that U.S. actions had “undermined the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a UN member state.” He demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife.

    This demonstration occurs against a backdrop of strained U.S.-South Africa relations, exacerbated recently by diplomatic disagreements over Trump’s comments regarding South Africa’s domestic policies.

  • Report issues red alert over Japanese nuclear ambitions

    Report issues red alert over Japanese nuclear ambitions

    A comprehensive report jointly released by two prominent Chinese research institutions has sounded a global alarm regarding escalating nuclear aspirations within Japan’s political establishment. The China Arms Control and Disarmament Association (CACDA) and China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy (CINIS) presented their findings on Thursday, identifying what they characterize as dangerous trends threatening international security frameworks.

    The study, titled ‘Nuclear Ambitions of Japan’s Right-Wing Forces: A Serious Threat to World Peace’, documents several concerning developments including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s apparent openness to revising Japan’s longstanding three non-nuclear principles. Additionally, the report references an unnamed senior Cabinet official who recently advocated for Japan’s acquisition of nuclear weapons.

    CACDA Secretary-General Dai Huaicheng emphasized that these developments represent more than isolated opinions, stating they reflect ‘inflated ambitions to break free from international order, revive militarism and speed up re-militarization.’ The report underscores Japan’s dual obligations as a defeated World War II power and signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which prohibits manufacturing, acquiring, or controlling nuclear weapons.

    The analysis presents ten specific recommendations, including urging the Japanese government to reaffirm its commitment to non-nuclear principles and calling upon the 2026 NPT Review Conference to address these concerns formally. The report further recommends enhanced International Atomic Energy Association oversight of Japan’s nuclear materials and activities, while advocating for strict limitations on civil nuclear cooperation to ensure exclusively peaceful applications.

    CINIS Chairman Luo Qingping warned that these developments pose fundamental challenges to the post-war international order, asserting that right-wing efforts to modify Japan’s nuclear policies ‘gravely challenge the authority and effectiveness of the NPT, undermining efforts to uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.’

  • Russia frees French political scholar in a prisoner swap for a basketball player

    Russia frees French political scholar in a prisoner swap for a basketball player

    In a significant diplomatic maneuver, France and Russia have concluded a prisoner exchange agreement resulting in the release of French political scholar Laurent Vinatier from Russian custody. The swap, confirmed by officials on Thursday, marks the resolution of a high-profile case that had strained bilateral relations.

    Vinatier, who had been serving a three-year sentence in Russia since his June 2024 arrest in Moscow, returned to France following months of diplomatic negotiations. Russian authorities had initially convicted him for violating foreign agent registration laws, alleging he gathered sensitive military information that threatened national security. Subsequently, the Federal Security Service (FSB) brought additional espionage charges carrying potential 10-20 year imprisonment.

    The exchange counterpart saw the release of Russian basketball professional Daniil Kasatkin, who had been detained in France since late June pending extradition to the United States. American authorities sought Kasatkin for alleged involvement in computer fraud operations, though his legal representation maintained his complete innocence regarding the hacking accusations.

    French President Emmanuel Macron publicly announced Vinatier’s return via social media platform X, expressing both “relief” and “gratitude” toward diplomatic personnel involved in securing his release. Simultaneously, Russia’s FSB confirmed Kasatkin’s repatriation in an official statement.

    The prisoner transfer was documented through FSB-released footage showing Vinatier receiving notification of his pardon from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visual evidence depicted the scholar expressing thanks in Russian before boarding an aircraft shortly after Kasatkin’s disembarkation.

    This exchange follows Putin’s December commitment to review Vinatier’s case during his annual news conference, despite initially claiming unfamiliarity with the situation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov subsequently revealed Russia had extended a formal proposal to French authorities regarding potential resolution.

    Vinatier, an advisor for the Switzerland-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, received welcoming ceremonies at France’s Foreign Ministry alongside family members. The organization had previously stated it was pursuing all available avenues to assist their colleague during his detention.

    This incident represents another chapter in Russia’s pattern of detaining foreign nationals on security-related charges followed by prisoner exchanges with Western nations. The practice has drawn criticism from human rights organizations who view the foreign agent legislation as part of broader efforts to suppress dissent regarding Russia’s military activities in Ukraine.

  • Senate considers limiting Trump’s war powers after Venezuela raid

    Senate considers limiting Trump’s war powers after Venezuela raid

    The U.S. Senate is poised for a crucial vote on Thursday regarding a war powers resolution that would restrict President Donald Trump’s ability to initiate further military actions against Venezuela without congressional approval. This legislative move follows the controversial capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a surprise nighttime raid conducted by U.S. forces over the weekend.

    The resolution, championed by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), represents the latest congressional effort to reassert legislative authority over military deployments after multiple previous attempts failed during Trump’s escalating campaign against the South American nation. The administration has employed evolving legal justifications for its operations across Central and South America, ranging from counter-terrorism authorizations to law enforcement operations aimed at extraditing Maduro to face trial in the United States.

    Republican leadership has largely expressed support for Trump’s actions, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) praising the president’s ‘peace through strength’ approach in the hemisphere. However, some Republican senators including Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina indicated they were carefully considering their positions on the resolution, with Tillis emphasizing the need for congressional authorization before committing troops to Venezuela.

    The debate occurs against the backdrop of the rarely enforced War Powers Act, passed over President Nixon’s veto following the Vietnam War. This legislation requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of military deployments and obtain authorization for sustained operations—provisions that multiple administrations have routinely stretched.

    Democratic leaders have characterized Trump’s foreign interventions as distractions from domestic issues, with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer questioning why a president who campaigned on ‘America First’ was dedicating substantial energy to overseas escapades. The discussion has expanded beyond Venezuela to include potential actions against Greenland, with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) asserting the commander-in-chief’s unilateral authority while other Republicans criticized such proposals as ‘amateurish’ and ‘absurd.’

    Progressive Democrats are preparing additional resolutions to prevent military action against multiple countries, signaling an ongoing constitutional confrontation between the legislative and executive branches regarding war powers.

  • China committed to fostering peace, friendship, cooperation in South China Sea: spokesperson

    China committed to fostering peace, friendship, cooperation in South China Sea: spokesperson

    In a recent development regarding South China Sea tensions, China’s Ministry of National Defense has publicly condemned what it characterizes as disingenuous rhetoric from Philippine naval officials. The exchange emerged following a humanitarian incident where Chinese naval personnel rescued a distressed Filipino fisherman during routine patrol operations in disputed waters.

    Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang addressed reporters Thursday, revealing that the rescue operation—conducted within areas China considers under its jurisdiction—had been widely appreciated by the Filipino public despite being dismissed as ‘propaganda’ by a Philippine Navy representative.

    Zhang sharply criticized certain Philippine actors for what he described as exploiting fishermen as pawns in maritime provocations. ‘These actions not only place fishermen in precarious situations but also demonstrate a blatant disregard for their safety and livelihoods,’ he stated.

    The spokesperson further accused these individuals of making unfounded allegations against China while engaging in what he called hypocritical and cold-blooded behavior. ‘Facts speak louder than words, and justice prevails in people’s hearts,’ Zhang asserted, echoing a common Chinese diplomatic refrain.

    Reaffirming China’s strategic position, Zhang emphasized Beijing’s unwavering commitment to protecting its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests. Simultaneously, he reiterated China’s dedication to collaborative efforts with regional nations to transform the South China Sea into a zone characterized by peace, friendship, and mutual cooperation.

  • US involvement in Venezuela could last years, Trump says

    US involvement in Venezuela could last years, Trump says

    President Donald Trump has indicated that American involvement in Venezuela may extend for an indefinite period following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. In an exclusive interview with The New York Times, Trump stated that “only time will tell” how long his administration would oversee the South American nation’s governance.

    The development comes after US forces conducted a raid on Saturday that resulted in Maduro’s seizure. Trump declined to specify whether or when elections would be conducted to replace the interim government currently led by Maduro loyalist Delcy Rodríguez.

    Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado characterized Maduro’s ouster as triggering an “irreversible process” toward Venezuelan freedom. This contrast highlights the complex political landscape unfolding in the oil-rich nation.

    The White House announced earlier Wednesday that the United States would control sales of sanctioned Venezuelan oil “indefinitely.” Energy Secretary Chris Wright justified this measure as necessary leverage over Caracas’ interim government. Trump acknowledged that while his administration would be “taking oil” from Venezuela—home to the world’s largest proven reserves—restoring the country’s crippled oil industry would “take a while.”

    Venezuela’s oil production has dramatically declined due to years of mismanagement under Maduro and his predecessor, compounded by extensive US sanctions.

    Trump revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintains “constant communication” with Rodríguez, who was designated as Venezuela’s interim leader by the Supreme Court—still dominated by Maduro loyalists. According to Trump, Rodríguez is “giving us everything that we feel is necessary.” The US president previously stated that the interim government had agreed to use oil proceeds exclusively for purchasing American-made goods.

    Notably, Trump dismissed opposition leader Machado’s potential leadership, claiming she lacked necessary “respect” and support. This contradicts expectations among Venezuela analysts who anticipated the rapid return of opposition leaders Edmundo González and Machado following Maduro’s removal.

    Machado, who united opposition groups before being barred from the 2024 presidential election, subsequently supported former diplomat González as her proxy. Independently verified voting tallies suggest González won by a landslide, though the government-loyal electoral council declared Maduro re-elected. Both opposition leaders faced government repression, with González going into exile and Machado hiding within Venezuela before her perilous journey to Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize.

    In an interview with Venezuelan opposition news site La Patilla, Machado insisted that González remains the legitimate president-elect and demanded release of over 800 political prisoners—a demand echoed by Republican lawmaker María Elvira Salazar.

    According to NYT journalists, Trump appeared more focused on the rescue mission than navigating Venezuela’s complex political future. When pressed on US plans, he stated: “We will rebuild it in a very profitable way… We’re going to be using oil, and we’re going to be taking oil. We’re getting oil prices down, and we’re going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need.”

    The president is scheduled to meet with representatives from three major US oil companies at the White House on Friday to further discuss these plans.

  • In pictures: Protests held in US cities after woman shot dead by immigration agent

    In pictures: Protests held in US cities after woman shot dead by immigration agent

    Minneapolis has become the epicenter of national unrest following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration officer on Wednesday. The incident has triggered widespread demonstrations across multiple U.S. cities and sparked conflicting narratives between federal authorities and local officials.

    Federal immigration officials assert that Good attempted to strike immigration agents with her vehicle, necessitating what they describe as a defensive response. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has publicly condemned the shooting as reckless, while other local officials characterize Good as merely caring for her neighbors when she was shot at close range.

    This lethal encounter occurred amid the substantial deployment of hundreds of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Minneapolis as part of the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration. The government had recently assigned an additional 2,000 federal agents to the region following allegations of welfare fraud in Minnesota.

    The shooting has ignited passionate protests from coast to coast. In New York City, demonstrators gathered to express solidarity with Minneapolis residents and demand accountability. Oakland, California saw significant gatherings, while Chicago has witnessed daily protests against ICE operations that have become routine occurrences.

    Vigils honoring Good’s memory have accompanied the protests, creating a dual atmosphere of mourning and civic outrage. The contrasting official accounts of the incident have further polarized communities and raised serious questions about federal immigration enforcement tactics.

  • Starry Lee Wai-king elected president of HKSAR’s 8th-term LegCo

    Starry Lee Wai-king elected president of HKSAR’s 8th-term LegCo

    In a decisive political development, Starry Lee Wai-king has been elected as the President of Hong Kong’s eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo), marking a significant milestone in the Special Administrative Region’s governance structure. The election, conducted on January 8, 2026, at the Legislative Council Complex, saw Lee prevail over contender Ronick Chan Chun-ying by a narrow five-vote margin.

    The appointment represents a continuation of political leadership within Hong Kong’s legislative framework, with Lee bringing considerable parliamentary experience to her new role. The election process demonstrated the functioning of Hong Kong’s legislative mechanisms under the principle of ‘one country, two systems,’ with all procedures conducted according to established protocols.

    Observers note that Lee’s presidency comes at a crucial juncture for Hong Kong as the region continues to navigate complex socioeconomic challenges while maintaining its unique position within China’s governance structure. The leadership transition occurs amidst ongoing efforts to balance regional autonomy with national integration priorities.

    The new LegCo president’s background suggests a continuation of pragmatic governance approaches, with expectations focusing on legislative efficiency, procedural adherence, and administrative stability. The election outcome reinforces the current political trajectory within Hong Kong’s institutional framework, with implications for both local governance and broader regional dynamics.

  • Ex-Ghana minister detained by US immigration

    Ex-Ghana minister detained by US immigration

    Ghana’s former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been detained by US immigration authorities, according to legal representatives familiar with the matter. The detention comes amid an ongoing extradition request from Ghanaian prosecutors who have charged Ofori-Atta with multiple corruption-related offenses.

    Ofori-Atta’s legal team confirmed the detention while emphasizing their client’s compliance with US immigration procedures. The former minister was reportedly in the process of adjusting his immigration status to remain legally in the United States beyond his current visa’s validity period. His attorneys characterized the detention as a routine immigration matter that they expect to be resolved promptly.

    The case represents a significant diplomatic challenge between the two nations, both of which maintain generally warm relations. Ghana had previously sought Ofori-Atta’s extradition to face charges including conspiracy to commit procurement fraud and causing financial loss to the state during his tenure from 2017 to 2024 under the New Patriotic Party administration.

    Ofori-Atta’s lawyers have consistently challenged the extradition request, arguing that the allegations are politically motivated. The former minister left Ghana approximately one year ago for medical treatment, according to his legal representatives. While Ghanaian prosecutors briefly declared him a fugitive in February, this designation was withdrawn after assurances that he intended to cooperate with investigators.

    The detention occurs against the backdrop of Ghana’s recent political transition. The New Patriotic Party lost power in December 2024 elections, leading to the presidency of John Mahama from the National Democratic Congress, who campaigned on an anti-corruption platform. The case tests the bilateral relationship between the US and Ghana, which have collaborated on repatriation matters despite occasional policy disagreements on international issues.

  • Denmark sees talks with the US as a chance for ‘the dialogue that is needed’ over Greenland

    Denmark sees talks with the US as a chance for ‘the dialogue that is needed’ over Greenland

    Diplomatic channels are activating as Denmark confirms an upcoming high-level meeting with United States officials to address President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in establishing American control over Greenland. The strategic Arctic territory, rich in mineral resources and occupying a crucial geopolitical position, has become the focal point of international discussions.

    Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen characterized the dialogue as both necessary and requested, telling national broadcaster DR that the Greenlandic government would participate directly. This confirmation follows statements from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who announced the meeting would occur next week without disclosing specific details regarding participants or location.

    The principle of “Nothing about Greenland without Greenland” has emerged as a guiding tenet, with Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt emphasizing their requested involvement. This comes amid heightened rhetoric from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who asserted on Fox News that Denmark has inadequately secured the territory that hosts critical missile defense infrastructure partially dependent on Greenland’s strategic location.

    Vance maintained that historical military alliances, including Denmark’s support during World War Two and recent counterterrorism operations, don’t preclude current security concerns. “Just because you did something smart 25 years ago doesn’t mean you can’t do something dumb now,” Vance stated, framing Trump’s position as a clear assessment that Denmark is “not doing a good job with respect to Greenland.”

    European leaders have rallied behind Greenland’s sovereignty, with European Council President Antonio Costa declaring “Greenland belongs to its people” and affirming the European Union’s full solidarity. The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in defending Greenland’s territorial integrity within the NATO alliance.

    The diplomatic exchange occurs against the backdrop of existing defense agreements. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen referenced the 1951 defense pact between Denmark and the U.S., noting it offers “ample opportunity for the United States to have a much stronger military presence in Greenland” if desired. Rasmussen documented how the American military footprint has diminished from thousands across 17 bases to approximately 200 personnel at the remote Pituffik Space Base, which supports missile warning and space surveillance operations.

    Denmark is simultaneously enhancing its Arctic capabilities through a substantial 14.6 billion-kroner ($2.3 billion) agreement with Greenland and the Faroe Islands to improve regional surveillance and sovereignty maintenance. This initiative includes three new Arctic naval vessels, additional long-range surveillance drones, and enhanced satellite capacity, complementing the existing Joint Arctic Command headquartered in Nuuk and the elite Sirius Dog Sled Patrol that enforces Danish sovereignty in the Arctic wilderness.