分类： politics

Since September last year, U.S. lawmakers have made four unsuccessful attempts to close a significant loophole allowing China to bypass export bans on advanced AI chips by renting them through U.S. cloud services. Despite bipartisan efforts, these proposals have been thwarted by extensive lobbying from tech companies and their trade associations, with over 100 lobbyists actively opposing the measures. The issue has become a focal point as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare for a high-stakes meeting, with billions of dollars and technological dominance hanging in the balance. An Associated Press investigation reveals that, despite warnings about national security and human rights abuses, successive U.S. administrations have facilitated the sale of American technology to Chinese police, government agencies, and surveillance firms. For instance, in 2024, China purchased $20.7 billion worth of chipmaking equipment from U.S. companies, circumventing export controls. The tech industry’s immense lobbying power, coupled with political reluctance, has repeatedly undermined efforts to regulate these exports. Critics argue that this inaction has enabled China to strengthen its surveillance state, with American companies playing a pivotal role in its development. The AP’s findings highlight a complex interplay between economic interests, national security, and human rights concerns, raising questions about the U.S. government’s commitment to addressing these issues.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif issued a stark warning to Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Wednesday, vowing a severe response to any future “terrorist or suicide attack” on Pakistani soil. This comes hours after peace talks in Istanbul concluded without a resolution. The negotiations, mediated by Qatar and other nations, followed a brief ceasefire agreement on October 19 in Doha. However, the discussions failed to bridge the growing tensions between the two neighboring countries. Earlier this month, Pakistan’s military conducted strikes on alleged Pakistani Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan, claiming to have killed dozens of insurgents. Afghanistan countered by stating that civilians were killed and retaliated with attacks on Pakistani military posts, allegedly resulting in the deaths of 58 Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan acknowledged losing 23 soldiers in the border clashes. In a post on X, Asif accused the Taliban government of enabling militant activities and warned of dire consequences if attacks persisted. Afghanistan’s state broadcaster RTA reported that the talks collapsed due to what it termed “irrational demands” from Pakistan, including assurances that no attacks would originate from Afghan territory. The Taliban delegation maintained that the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, is an internal issue for Islamabad. Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of harboring militants, a claim Kabul denies. The recent surge in militant attacks in Pakistan, primarily claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, has heightened tensions. Despite the failed talks, the ceasefire remains intact, though major border crossings are closed, leaving hundreds of trucks and refugees stranded. At the Chaman border crossing in Balochistan, Afghan refugees and traders expressed frustration and fear over the uncertain future. “We are returning to Afghanistan, but it’s a scary situation,” said Ajab Khan, an Afghan refugee. “We don’t know how we will survive there.”

On October 28, 2025, the 14th Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) held a solemn oath-taking ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The event, chaired by Li Hongzhong, Vice-Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, underscored the commitment of its members to uphold the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China. The ceremony, a pivotal moment in China’s political calendar, reaffirmed the dedication of the NPC Standing Committee to the rule of law and the nation’s governance framework. The gathering highlighted the importance of constitutional allegiance in guiding the legislative body’s responsibilities and decisions. This event aligns with China’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional governance and ensure the effective implementation of its legal and political systems.

In a significant development for regional security, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has lauded Japan’s commitment to expediting its military expansion and increasing defense spending. During his visit to Tokyo on Wednesday, Hegseth emphasized the urgency of addressing China’s escalating military assertiveness, describing it as a tangible and pressing threat. He underscored the critical role of the U.S.-Japan alliance in deterring Chinese aggression and ensuring regional stability. Hegseth expressed his approval of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s pledge to raise defense spending to 2% of the nation’s gross domestic product by March, two years ahead of the original schedule. This move aligns with Japan’s broader strategy to revise its national security framework and enhance its military capabilities. Hegseth clarified that the U.S. had not pressured Japan into this decision, framing it as a proactive step by Tokyo. The agreement also includes expedited deliveries of U.S.-made Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), further strengthening Japan’s defensive posture. Japan’s shift from its post-World War II pacifist stance, marked by the 2022 security strategy, reflects its growing focus on self-reliance and offensive capabilities. The Takaichi administration is also exploring ways to ease restrictions on arms exports, signaling a historic transformation in Japan’s defense policy.

In a significant legislative move, China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee has approved a comprehensive revision of the country’s Maritime Law. The updated legislation, which will come into force on May 1, 2026, comprises 16 chapters and 310 articles, reflecting the latest developments in global shipping and trade practices. The revised law aims to balance the interests of various stakeholders while aligning with international maritime conventions. Key updates include adjustments to the rights and obligations of maritime participants, the legal recognition of electronic transport records, and enhanced provisions for marine environmental protection. Notably, a new chapter addressing liability for ship oil pollution damage has been introduced, underscoring China’s commitment to marine ecological conservation. The law also emphasizes international cooperation in maritime affairs, supporting the high-quality development of China’s shipping industry. Additionally, it includes provisions to address foreign-related legal applications, further solidifying China’s position as a maritime and shipping power.

In a significant diplomatic move, Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump solidified their nations’ alliance through a series of economic and defense agreements during their meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday. The leaders signed a document reaffirming the implementation of a trade deal initially reached in July, which includes Japan’s pledge to invest $550 billion in critical US industries such as semiconductors, rare earths, and shipbuilding. Additionally, Japan committed to increasing its purchases of US agricultural products.

US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held a significant meeting during the final leg of Trump’s whirlwind tour across Asia. The discussions, which lasted nearly two hours, focused on resolving the ongoing trade deal impasse between the two nations. Despite previous agreements in July, where South Korea committed to investing $350 billion in the US to mitigate tariffs, negotiations have stalled over the structure of these investments. Historically strong allies, the US and South Korea have recently faced tensions following the detention of hundreds of South Koreans in a US immigration raid last month. Trump, who is on a week-long trip in Asia, is also scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Gyeongju. This will be their first face-to-face meeting since Trump assumed office in 2025 and imposed global tariffs. During his address to CEOs in Gyeongju, Trump expressed optimism about reaching a beneficial trade deal with China and praised Apec countries for their efforts in reforming the global trading system. Trump was honored with South Korea’s highest decoration, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, in recognition of his contributions to peace on the Korean Peninsula. Despite the high-profile meeting, no concrete agreements were announced, leaving South Korea’s electronics, chip, and auto industries in uncertainty. Earlier this year, Trump had imposed a 25% tariff on South Korea, which was later negotiated down to 15% after Seoul pledged significant investments in the US. However, the White House has since increased its demands, pushing for cash investments. The visit was marked by protests and rallies, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.