Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Minneapolis activists track Trump’s immigration enforcers

    Minneapolis activists track Trump’s immigration enforcers

    In a high-stakes digital surveillance operation, Minneapolis-based activists have mobilized sophisticated technology to monitor the movements of federal immigration enforcement agents deployed throughout the city. Utilizing encrypted messaging applications and real-time mapping software, these civilian observers—many with military backgrounds—are conducting around-the-clock monitoring of approximately 3,000 federal officers operating under President Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown.

    The volunteer network, organized through neighborhood-specific groups on the encrypted Signal platform, operates as a decentralized intelligence-gathering system. When suspicious vehicles or potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity is reported, the network springs into action with verified sightings and coordinated response teams.

    Chelsea Kane, a 37-year-old software engineer and military veteran, coordinates one such monitoring team from her electric SUV. “For me, it’s just what you do. You protect your community,” stated Kane, who accuses federal authorities of racial profiling practices. Alongside her rides Carrie Thompson, a 45-year-old mother of two who asserts, “Just because you have brown skin doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be here.”

    The operation has documented numerous concerning incidents since its inception, including the shooting of an undocumented Venezuelan man, detention of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy, and fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens that administration officials initially characterized as domestic terrorists until witness footage contradicted these claims.

    Despite Trump’s partial withdrawal of Border Protection personnel following public outcry, activists maintain the reduction is merely cosmetic. “They’re not taking a significant amount of agents off the streets,” Kane emphasized, noting that the monitoring operation continues indefinitely as federal presence persists in Minnesota communities.

    The Trump administration has labeled these observers as criminals obstructing law enforcement, while the FBI has acknowledged reviewing the activists’ Signal communications. The volunteers maintain they merely document encounters to ensure accountability, with Kane stating: “All we’re doing is recording so that if something happens it’s documented.”

  • Peaceful reunification to offer socio-economic benefits for Taiwan

    Peaceful reunification to offer socio-economic benefits for Taiwan

    A senior Chinese official has articulated a compelling vision for Taiwan’s future development, emphasizing the substantial socioeconomic advantages that would accompany peaceful reunification with mainland China. Zhang Han, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, articulated these prospects during a recent briefing, highlighting how integration would transform Taiwan’s infrastructure landscape and economic potential.

    Addressing growing discussions within Taiwan about mainland China’s transportation achievements, Zhang pointed to the massive expansion of China’s high-speed rail network as a model for what could be accomplished in Taiwan. The mainland’s rail system has expanded dramatically to over 50,400 kilometers, with more than 12,000 kilometers added during the 14th Five-Year Plan period alone. This network now connects 128 counties and serves 97% of cities with populations exceeding 500,000, representing the world’s most extensive and technologically advanced high-speed rail system.

    Zhang specifically addressed geographical challenges that have long hampered Taiwan’s transportation infrastructure, noting that with mainland expertise and resources, ambitious projects like tunneling through Taiwan’s central mountain range would become feasible. Such developments would eliminate persistent travel disruptions caused by road closures and landslides, significantly enhancing transportation safety and reliability across the island.

    The economic argument for integration received substantial emphasis, with Zhang revealing that mainland China already dominates Taiwan’s import market, supplying 24.5% of all consumer goods imported by Taiwan in 2025—a total of $49.4 billion worth of products. This established economic relationship provides a foundation for deeper cooperation and shared prosperity.

    Zhang concluded by reinforcing that cross-strait economic collaboration and integrated development represent a mutually beneficial path forward, ensuring that Taiwanese compatriots would fully participate in and benefit from Chinese-style modernization across all aspects of daily life, from basic necessities to advanced infrastructure.

  • First-time Taiwan applicants for mainland travel permits surge over 57%

    First-time Taiwan applicants for mainland travel permits surge over 57%

    In a significant development for cross-strait relations, Taiwan residents are applying for mainland travel permits at unprecedented rates following the implementation of a fee exemption policy. Official data from China’s National Immigration Administration reveals a remarkable 57.2% year-on-year increase in first-time applicants from Taiwan since the policy took effect on July 1, 2025.

    The comprehensive statistics demonstrate a substantial growth in cross-strait mobility. Overall permit applications from Taiwan residents increased by 11.9% during the same period, while first-time entries to the mainland surged by 40.9% in the latter half of 2025. The total number of Taiwan residents entering mainland China climbed by 24.4% year-on-year, indicating strengthened people-to-people exchanges across the strait.

    Administration spokesperson Lyu Ning emphasized the policy enhancements that have accompanied the fee waiver. “Immigration authorities have implemented refined systems to ensure equal treatment for Taiwan compatriots,” stated Lyu. These measures include issuing temporary travel documents for emergency situations involving lost or damaged permits, and establishing verification services that link travel permits with residence permits.

    The administration has maintained free real-time identity verification services to facilitate first-time visitors’ access to transportation, financial, and telecommunications services on the mainland. Looking forward, authorities plan to introduce additional innovative policies specifically targeting first-time applicants and younger demographics to further streamline cross-strait travel procedures.

    Infrastructure expansion has also played a crucial role in this increased connectivity. In 2025, the administration significantly expanded processing capabilities by adding 42 ports authorized to issue single-entry travel permits, bringing the total to 100 facilities across the mainland. Additionally, nationwide processing was implemented for mainland residents applying for exit and entry permits to visit relatives in Taiwan, creating more balanced travel opportunities across the strait.

  • Senior Biden aide demands ‘thank you’ for US role in Israel’s Gaza genocide

    Senior Biden aide demands ‘thank you’ for US role in Israel’s Gaza genocide

    A sharp diplomatic rift has emerged between the Biden administration and Israeli leadership as senior US official Amos Hochstein publicly condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for what he termed as “untruthful and ungrateful” statements regarding American military support.

    The controversy erupted following Netanyahu’s assertion that Israeli military casualties in Gaza resulted from perceived US arms restrictions. Hochstein, a specially appointed envoy with deep ties to Israel having been born there and served in the Israeli military, delivered a stinging rebuke minutes after Netanyahu’s press conference remarks.

    Hochstein’s background lends particular weight to his criticism. After his military service in the 1990s as a tank crewman, he transitioned into business and energy sectors before becoming a key diplomatic intermediary between Israeli leadership and multiple US administrations.

    The US envoy detailed the substantial military assistance provided to Israel, citing over $20 billion in support—the largest in Israel’s history—along with the deployment of two aircraft carriers to the region. Hochstein emphasized that President Biden’s administration had “saved Israel at its most vulnerable moment,” making Netanyahu’s claims particularly jarring.

    This criticism was echoed by another senior Biden official, Brett McGurk, who categorically denied Netanyahu’s account of arms restrictions. McGurk highlighted the administration’s achievements including securing a Gaza ceasefire, facilitating hostage returns, neutralizing Hezbollah threats in Lebanon, and countering Iranian aggression through coordinated military operations.

    The White House has consistently denied implementing any comprehensive arms embargo, acknowledging only a single paused shipment of high-payload bombs due to concerns about their use in densely populated urban areas. Netanyahu revived these claims while attempting to explain his previous comments to The Economist regarding Israeli military tactics in Gaza.

    This public airing of grievances reveals underlying tensions in the US-Israel relationship despite substantial American military and diplomatic support throughout recent conflicts.

  • France’s finance minister demands tech firm Capgemini explain ICE contract

    France’s finance minister demands tech firm Capgemini explain ICE contract

    PARIS — French Finance Minister Roland Lescure has issued a strong appeal to technology giant Capgemini, demanding complete transparency regarding its subsidiary’s contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This development occurs amid escalating concerns about the agency’s enforcement of the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies.

    The multinational corporation, which maintains a workforce exceeding 340,000 across more than 50 countries, entered into an agreement with ICE in December through its U.S.-based subsidiary Capgemini Government Solutions (CGS). Minister Lescure addressed French legislators Tuesday evening, emphasizing that Capgemini must provide comprehensive clarification about its activities and reconsider the ethical implications of this engagement.

    This governmental pressure follows revelations that Capgemini’s CEO Aiman Ezzat only recently became aware of the contract. In a LinkedIn statement, Ezzat acknowledged that the nature of this work has raised significant questions compared to the company’s typical business operations. He revealed that CGS operates under a specialized governance structure that permits handling classified U.S. government work, with strict separation from Capgemini Group operations.

    According to Ezzat, CGS maintains completely independent decision-making processes, firewalled networks, and a board controlled by U.S. directors with security clearances. This structure, mandated by U.S. regulations, prevents the parent company from accessing any classified information or contracts.

    Minister Lescure remained unconvinced by these explanations, asserting that corporate ownership inherently requires knowledge of subsidiary activities. The controversy emerges against the backdrop of intensified immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, where recent ICE actions resulted in the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens, amplifying scrutiny of the agency’s methods.

  • Is the US preparing to strike Iran?

    Is the US preparing to strike Iran?

    A substantial and methodical military buildup is underway in the Middle East as U.S. forces position themselves for potential action against Iran. This strategic mobilization follows President Donald Trump’s recent social media ultimatum warning Tehran that unless it agrees to limit its nuclear program, the next American attack would be “far worse” than previous operations.

    The Pentagon has significantly enhanced its regional presence with additional aircraft, defense systems, and naval assets. Open-source intelligence reports confirm the arrival of F-15 fighter jets, refuelling tankers, and specialized surveillance aircraft including RC-135s and E-3G Sentry planes—similar to those deployed in last June’s Operation ‘Midnight Hammer’ that successfully targeted Iranian nuclear facilities with precision bunker-buster bombs.

    Most notably, the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has been redirected from the Indo-Pacific to the Gulf region. This formidable naval force includes advanced F-35 stealth jets, three destroyers armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, and typically accompanies a nuclear-powered submarine. The deployment complements the approximately 50,000 U.S. military personnel already stationed across bases in Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf allies.

    Military analysts suggest this posture indicates serious preparation for potential strikes. Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at RUSI and former UK government Iran policy official, notes that current U.S. capabilities would allow strikes “almost anywhere in Iran” against all but the most deeply buried facilities. Possible targets include Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure, coastal defense systems, or even leadership figures within the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

    While the Trump administration maintains that diplomatic solutions remain possible, the president’s message emphasizes that time is “running out” for Iran to negotiate. The military movements suggest readiness for what Trump characterized as a mission capable of being fulfilled “with speed and violence, if necessary.”

  • China’s top court balances innovation, public interest in IP protection

    China’s top court balances innovation, public interest in IP protection

    In a significant development for China’s legal landscape, the Supreme People’s Court has articulated a sophisticated approach to intellectual property jurisprudence that carefully balances robust protection for innovators with broader public interest considerations. Deputy Chief Judge He Zhonglin of the court’s Intellectual Property Division revealed compelling data demonstrating this dual-focused strategy in action.

    Since its establishment in January 2019, the specialized IP Court has rendered punitive damages in 58 separate cases, amounting to total compensation awards of 2.05 billion yuan (approximately $295 million). Additionally, 73 cases have resulted in individual compensation exceeding 10 million yuan, collectively totaling 5.24 billion yuan in awarded damages.

    Judge He characterized protection and interest balancing as two fundamental pillars of effective IP governance. “Protection serves as the foundational element,” he explained, “while interest balancing represents the ultimate objective of our judicial work.” This philosophy responds to the increasing complexity of IP cases, particularly those involving cutting-edge technologies and strategic emerging industries.

    The rising compensation figures reflect both China’s evolving economic landscape and deliberate judicial policy. Judge He noted that higher awards directly correlate with the nation’s technological advancement, market expansion, and intensified business competition. “As China progresses toward high-quality development,” he observed, “intellectual property has transformed into core corporate assets and critical competitive tools, consequently increasing market valuations and amplifying the impact of infringement activities.”

    Addressing whether higher compensation invariably signifies better protection, Judge He emphasized evidentiary rigor as the court’s guiding principle. The judiciary calibrates awards according to innovation levels and infringement severity—applying substantial damages for highly innovative works with significant harm, while awarding appropriate but reduced compensation for cases involving modest innovation with limited damage.

    The court’s approach represents implementation of both central leadership directives and legal mandates strengthening IP rights. Looking forward, Judge He affirmed the court’s commitment to “maintaining strict protection while optimally balancing rights holders’ interests with public benefits, ultimately achieving equilibrium between protection and innovation promotion to stimulate market competition vitality.”

  • Europe must act urgently and stop outsourcing defence, says EU’s Kallas

    Europe must act urgently and stop outsourcing defence, says EU’s Kallas

    In a stark assessment of transatlantic relations, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has declared that Europe is “no longer Washington’s primary centre of gravity,” signaling a fundamental reorientation in global power dynamics. The warning came during a Brussels defense conference where European leaders grappled with the implications of diminished American focus on European security.

    Kallas emphasized that while the United States remains a vital partner, no great power has ever “outsourced its survival and survived.” She characterized Washington’s strategic pivot away from Europe as a structural rather than temporary shift, urging European nations to transition from thinking as individual states to “acting jointly as Europeans.”

    The address follows contentious remarks from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who dismissed European defense autonomy as unrealistic dreaming. Rutte’s comments provoked immediate pushback from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who countered that “Europeans can and must take control of their security,” emphasizing that even the United States supports strengthening the European pillar of NATO.

    The recent diplomatic crisis over Greenland exemplifies the deteriorating relations. Former President Donald Trump’s threat to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory—and subsequent tariff threats against European allies—highlighted what Kallas termed a “tectonic shift” in the relationship. Though Rutte reportedly helped de-escalate tensions during Davos discussions, the incident exposed fundamental fractures in the alliance.

    EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, speaking at the same conference, reinforced Kallas’s message, noting that the US now expects Europeans to assume greater defense responsibility as America diminishes its continental presence. He described Europe as “a giant, but a sleeping giant” that must rapidly build defensive independence “without delays and without excuses.”

    The calls for European strategic autonomy come against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has paradoxically strengthened NATO through the accession of Sweden and Finland while simultaneously exposing European defense vulnerabilities. Although NATO members have committed to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 under US pressure, Rutte suggested true autonomy would require 10% of GDP and independent nuclear capabilities—a prospect he warned would sacrifice the “ultimate guarantor of our freedom” in America’s nuclear umbrella.

    The current deliberations represent the most significant reassessment of European security architecture since NATO’s 1949 founding, with leaders grappling with how to maintain alliance cohesion while developing meaningful strategic autonomy in an increasingly multipolar world.

  • Trump warns Iran ‘time is running out’ as US military builds up in Gulf

    Trump warns Iran ‘time is running out’ as US military builds up in Gulf

    President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Iran through a stark ultimatum on his Truth Social platform, declaring that time is expiring for Tehran to engage in nuclear negotiations. The warning coincides with a substantial U.S. naval deployment to the Persian Gulf, described by Trump as a “massive Armada” advancing with “great power, enthusiasm, and purpose.”

    This military mobilization follows Iran’s severe crackdown on domestic protests that began in late December. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), approximately 5,633 protesters are among nearly 6,000 confirmed fatalities, with an additional 17,000 alleged deaths under investigation despite communication blackouts. Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) estimates the final death toll could surpass 25,000.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. approach, stating through AFP translation that “conducting diplomacy through military threat cannot be effective or useful.” He emphasized that successful negotiations would require Washington to “set aside threats, excessive demands and raising illogical issues.”

    The nuclear standoff intensifies as BBC Verify confirms the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Middle East. Trump referenced the June 2025 U.S. strikes—codenamed “Midnight Hammer”—that targeted Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan uranium enrichment facilities, warning that “the next attack will be far worse.” While Trump urged Iran to “quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS,” Tehran maintains its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful and denies weapons development ambitions.

    The U.S. president characterized the current naval presence as exceeding the force deployed prior to the seizure of Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro, emphasizing its readiness to “rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.”

  • South Korean ex-president Yoon’s wife sentenced to 20 months in prison for bribery

    South Korean ex-president Yoon’s wife sentenced to 20 months in prison for bribery

    In a landmark judicial ruling that has captured national attention, Kim Keon-hee, spouse of impeached former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, has been sentenced to 20 months imprisonment for corruption offenses. The Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on Wednesday, finding the former first lady guilty of exploiting her official position for personal enrichment.

    The court mandated both incarceration and financial penalties, ordering confiscation of 12.81 million won (approximately $9,010 USD) acquired through illicit means. Presiding judges determined that Kim had accepted bribes from Unification Church representatives during 2022 in exchange for providing preferential treatment to the religious organization.

    However, the judiciary cleared Kim of several other serious allegations. The court returned not-guilty verdicts regarding capital markets act violations and political funds act infractions. Prosecutors’ claims of stock price manipulation involvement were rejected, with judges noting insufficient evidence to establish complicity despite acknowledging her awareness of the market interference activities.

    The case involved multiple layers of alleged misconduct. Prosecutors had contended that Kim collaborated with her husband to illegally obtain public opinion polling data valued at 270 million won ahead of the presidential election. Additional charges included attempting to influence party politics by orchestrating mass enrollment of Unification Church members in the People Power Party.

    This conviction marks a historic moment in South Korean judicial history, as Kim becomes the first spouse of a former president to undergo trial while in detention. She has remained incarcerated since August 2025 following her indictment, representing a dramatic fall from grace for the former presidential family.