Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has drawn sharp criticism from scholars and experts following her recent comments on Taiwan during a parliamentary session. On November 7, Takaichi suggested that a military conflict in the Taiwan Strait could pose a ‘survival-threatening situation’ for Japan, implying potential military intervention. This stance has been widely condemned as a violation of China’s core interests and a significant strain on Sino-Japanese relations. Ukeru Magosaki, a former senior official at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Taiwan is a critical issue for China, and any provocation would elicit a strong response. He warned that Japanese society underestimates China’s resolve, which could lead to severe repercussions, including reduced Chinese tourism, trade disruptions, and increased pressure on Japanese businesses in China. In response to Takaichi’s remarks, China has suspended imports of Japanese aquatic products, citing Japan’s failure to provide promised technical materials. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning criticized Takaichi’s ‘erroneous’ statements, which have sparked public outrage in China. The Tokyo-based Japan-China Friendship Association has also lodged a formal protest, demanding Takaichi retract her comments and urging the Japanese government to take corrective actions. Noriyuki Kawamura, an emeritus professor at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, described Takaichi’s remarks as a ‘declaration of war on China,’ marking a departure from Japan’s traditional pacifist stance. Despite recent efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, Takaichi’s actions have undermined trust and cooperation between the two nations.
分类： politics
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Senior CPC official attends meeting on Beijing’s planning, construction
Cai Qi, a prominent member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Capital Planning and Construction Committee (CPCC), attended and addressed the sixth plenary meeting of the 20th CPCC in Beijing on November 20, 2025. The meeting focused on the strategic planning and development of the Chinese capital, emphasizing its role in the broader context of Chinese modernization. Cai highlighted the importance of understanding Beijing’s positioning and fostering its development in the new era. Key discussions revolved around the orderly relocation of non-essential functions from Beijing to support the growth of the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei province, urban renewal initiatives, and the optimization of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regional urban system. The meeting also underscored the necessity of integrating security considerations into the city’s planning and governance to build a resilient and secure capital. Yin Li, another member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the CPCC, chaired the session, ensuring a comprehensive dialogue on these critical issues.
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Summit to help Africa reinforce its reforms
The inaugural G20 summit on African soil, hosted in South Africa, represents a pivotal moment for the continent to harness support from Global South nations in driving transformative reforms. This historic event aims to address systemic inequalities in global governance, foster equitable development, and strengthen genuine international cooperation. Scholars and diplomats have long criticized the marginalization of Africa in global affairs, attributing it to the dominance of a few powerful nations that have consistently sidelined the voices and interests of developing countries. David Monyae, director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, emphasized that this structural imbalance has perpetuated inequality and restricted meaningful participation in global governance. Despite these challenges, developing economies are increasingly shaping global outcomes, as noted by Wu Peng, China’s ambassador to South Africa. Wu highlighted China’s zero-tariff treatment for products from 53 African countries as a practical step toward fairer trade systems. He also criticized the U.S.-led tariff wars for undermining the modernization efforts of the Global South. The summit underscores the need for unity and leadership from the Global South to reform global governance. China has reaffirmed its support for South Africa’s G20 presidency, emphasizing mutual respect and shared prosperity. Paul Frimpong, an economic analyst, described the summit as an opportunity to recalibrate global engagement, moving beyond aid dependency to genuine partnerships and investment. He stressed that hosting the G20 in Africa allows the continent to reframe global priorities through its lens of justice, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Frimpong also highlighted China’s expanding engagement with Africa as a model for inclusive global cooperation, citing initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and green financing as evidence of mutual benefit rather than charity.
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Fugees rapper Pras Michel sentenced to 14 years in prison for illegal lobbying
Prakazrel ‘Pras’ Michel, a former member of the Grammy Award-winning group Fugees, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in a high-profile political corruption case. The 53-year-old musician was convicted in April 2023 on multiple charges, including acting as an unregistered foreign agent, witness tampering, campaign finance violations, and lying to banks. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly delivered the sentence in a Washington, D.C., court on Thursday, despite prosecutors’ recommendation of a life sentence. Michel, who testified in his own defense during the trial, chose not to address the court during sentencing. His attorney, Peter Zeidenberg, criticized the verdict as ‘unsupported by the evidence’ and vowed to appeal, calling the sentence ‘completely disproportionate to the offense.’ The case centered on Michel’s alleged role in funneling over $100 million from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low to influence U.S. politics between 2012 and 2017, spanning the administrations of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Michel was also accused of lobbying on behalf of the Chinese government. Prosecutors argued that Michel ‘betrayed his country for money,’ exploiting and deceiving various U.S. government entities, including the White House and FBI. The trial featured testimony from Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Michel’s co-defendants received significantly lighter sentences, with Elliott Broidy pardoned, George Higginbotham receiving three months of probation, and Nicki Lum Davis sentenced to 24 months. The case also highlighted the broader 1MDB scandal, in which Low allegedly embezzled $4 billion from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund. In June 2024, the U.S. Justice Department reached an agreement with Low to return over $100 million to Malaysia. Michel’s case has raised questions about the enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which has seen narrowed prosecutorial scope under Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent memorandum.
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Venezuela says opposition leader will become fugitive if she collects Nobel
Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarik William Saab has declared that opposition leader María Corina Machado will be labeled a ‘fugitive’ if she travels to Norway to accept her Nobel Peace Prize. Machado, who has been in hiding since the beginning of the year to evade arrest, is accused of ‘acts of conspiracy, incitement of hatred, and terrorism.’ The 58-year-old was awarded the prestigious prize in October for her relentless efforts toward a ‘peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.’ She has consistently criticized President Nicolás Maduro’s government as ‘criminal’ and urged Venezuelans to unite to overthrow it. Many nations consider Maduro’s rule illegitimate. Machado, a prominent figure in Venezuela’s opposition, was barred from running in last year’s presidential elections, which were widely condemned internationally as neither free nor fair. Despite this, she united the opposition behind her surrogate, Edmundo González, who reportedly won by a landslide according to polling station tallies. However, the government-controlled National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner, leading to widespread protests. González later fled to Spain, fearing repression, followed by attempts to detain other opposition officials. The Nobel Committee praised Machado as ‘one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.’ Nobel chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes expressed hope that she could attend the award ceremony on December 10 but acknowledged the severe security risks she faces. Machado, expressing shock at the honor, stated, ‘I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve this,’ adding that it was the ‘achievement of a whole society.’ Meanwhile, Attorney General Saab revealed that Machado is under investigation for her support of U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, which have resulted in over 80 deaths, mostly Venezuelans. U.S. President Donald Trump, who congratulated Machado, has accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel, a claim Maduro denies. Maduro, in turn, has accused Trump of attempting to incite war to control Venezuela’s oil reserves but recently expressed willingness to hold talks with Trump’s administration. Machado continues to advocate for a post-Maduro Venezuela, urging the military to switch sides and outlining her vision in a ‘freedom manifesto.’ ‘We stand at the edge of a new era – one where our natural rights will prevail,’ she declared.
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Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev: Putin propagandist or key to peace with Ukraine?
Kirill Dmitriev, a prominent Russian diplomat and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), has emerged as a key figure in Russia’s efforts to end its diplomatic isolation in the West. At 50, Dmitriev stands out among Russian officials for his deep understanding of the United States, having studied and worked there for years. His unique blend of diplomatic acumen and commercial expertise has made him a pivotal player in U.S.-Russia relations, particularly during the Trump administration.
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US revokes visa of former South African minister who initiated genocide case against Israel
The United States has revoked the visa of Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s former Minister of International Relations, in a move widely perceived as retaliation for Pretoria’s decision to bring Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on charges of genocide. Pandor, who led South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation from 2019 to 2024, confirmed the revocation on Thursday, just days before Johannesburg hosts the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The US decision to send a low-level delegation to the summit, rather than Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has already strained relations. Pandor, a key figure in South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel, received an email from the US Consulate stating her visa was canceled immediately. She expressed confusion over the decision but suggested it was linked to her advocacy for Palestine. ‘I understand that it has happened to other South Africans, too,’ she told Middle East Eye. The visa revocation follows years of diplomatic, financial, and political pressure from both the Biden and Trump administrations. In January 2024, the Biden administration dismissed South Africa’s ICJ case as ‘meritless,’ while the Trump administration suspended aid and expelled South Africa’s ambassador to the US. Pandor, a vocal critic of US and Israeli policies, has faced accusations of being a ‘lackey of Iran’ and has been the target of character assassination in conservative media. Despite the backlash, she remains steadfast in her support for Palestinian self-determination. ‘These are issues of principle, not convenience,’ she asserted. The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing US think tank, has called for cutting aid to South Africa, arguing that Pretoria’s foreign policy undermines US interests. Meanwhile, 160 lawyers accused South Africa of taking the ICJ case in exchange for bribes, a claim dismissed by Pandor and her supporters. The US State Department has yet to comment on the visa revocation.
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Poland’s struggle to fix its justice system holds lessons for other countries
WARSAW, Poland — Two years into Donald Tusk’s government, Poland’s ambitious plans to reverse the judicial overhaul by its nationalist predecessor, Law and Justice (PiS), have encountered significant obstacles. PiS, which ruled from 2015 to 2023, consolidated political control over key judicial institutions by appointing sympathetic judges and punishing critics. These changes, condemned by European courts, have left Poland’s legal system in disarray. Despite Tusk’s promises to restore judicial independence, progress has been hindered by PiS-aligned presidents and deep political polarization. Tusk’s first justice minister, Adam Bodnar, was replaced in July due to perceived inaction. His successor, Waldemar Żurek, has adopted a more aggressive stance, pursuing legal action against PiS figures, including former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, accused of misusing funds for surveillance software. However, Żurek’s efforts face potential vetoes from President Andrzej Duda, a PiS ally. The government’s inability to pass reforms has led to a focus on prosecuting PiS allies, aiming to expose alleged abuses of power. Analysts warn that Poland’s judicial crisis is part of a broader democratic challenge, exacerbated by political polarization. Żurek emphasizes the need to engage with all citizens, not just legal experts, to safeguard democracy. Despite incremental progress, the path to restoring judicial independence remains fraught with challenges, as PiS remains a formidable political force.
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New indictment accuses Yoon of manipulating investigation of South Korean marine’s drowning
SEOUL, South Korea — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted on Friday for allegedly attempting to manipulate the investigation into the drowning of Marine Corporal Chae Su-geun, marking another legal blow to the ousted leader. This indictment adds to a series of criminal cases against Yoon, who was removed from office earlier this year following a rebellion charge tied to his controversial martial law decree on December 3, which triggered widespread political unrest. After assuming office in June, President Lee Jae Myung appointed three independent counsels to probe Yoon’s actions, including the imposition of martial law and other allegations involving his associates and family. The latest charges accuse Yoon, his former defense minister, and 10 others of abuse of power, specifically for attempting to alter the investigation report on Chae’s death. Chae died during a search-and-rescue operation for flood victims in 2023. The initial report by the Marine Corps held a division commander and seven others accountable, but Yoon reportedly expressed outrage over the commander’s inclusion. This led to pressure from top presidential and Defense Ministry officials to revise the report, excluding the commander. Assistant Special Counsel Choung Min-young revealed that Park Jung-hun, the head of the Marine Corps’ investigation team, resisted the pressure and forwarded the report to the police. However, Yoon allegedly ordered officials to retrieve the report, dismiss Park, and investigate him for insubordination. Choung emphasized that Park’s investigation adhered to legal principles, while Yoon and his associates systematically abused their power, undermining the fairness and independence of the Marine Corps’ investigation. Yoon, currently in jail, has not commented on the latest indictment but has previously denied all allegations. His ongoing trial for masterminding a rebellion could result in a verdict early next year, with potential penalties ranging from life imprisonment to capital punishment. Earlier this month, Yoon was also indicted for allegedly ordering drone flights over North Korea to provoke military tensions and justify martial law.
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New US rules say countries with diversity policies are infringing human rights
The Trump administration has introduced a controversial shift in its approach to global human rights, now classifying countries that enforce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, subsidize abortion, or facilitate mass migration as violators of human rights. The State Department has issued new guidelines to U.S. embassies and consulates, instructing them to include these practices in the annual report on global human rights abuses. These changes, described as a tool to ‘change the behavior of governments,’ have drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that the administration is redefining long-standing principles to advance its ideological agenda.