Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • From Pax Silica to water security: What was discussed at US-UAE economic policy dialogue

    From Pax Silica to water security: What was discussed at US-UAE economic policy dialogue

    In a significant demonstration of strengthened bilateral relations, the United States and United Arab Emirates convened their eleventh Economic Policy Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on January 15, 2026. The high-level meeting, co-chaired by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State, and Jacob Helberg, US Under-Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, yielded substantial advancements across multiple strategic sectors.

    The dialogue reaffirmed the UAE’s position as America’s premier trade partner in the Gulf region—a distinction maintained for nearly two decades—while highlighting the substantial US trade surplus with the Emirates. Central to discussions was the UAE’s reaffirmed commitment to channel $1.4 trillion into the US economy over the coming decade, cementing its status as Washington’s most significant regional economic ally.

    Trade metrics revealed impressive growth, with total non-oil commerce surpassing $38 billion by 2024. Preliminary 2025 data indicated continued expansion, with first-half bilateral trade reaching $19.3 billion—a 3.4% year-on-year increase—particularly benefiting American energy, aviation, and technology industries.

    Strategic technological collaboration featured prominently, with both nations endorsing the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership established during President Trump’s May 2025 visit. This framework enables US companies to export advanced AI semiconductors to approved Emirati entities while implementing enhanced security protocols. The partnership has already catalyzed substantial Emirati investment into American AI infrastructure, research centers, and cloud architecture.

    Attention focused on the developing five-gigawatt AI campus in the UAE, poised to become the world’s largest such facility outside the United States. Both parties explored additional cooperation in quantum computing, genomics, and space exploration through a proposed Science and Technology Agreement.

    Supply chain security emerged as a critical priority, with officials discussing operationalization of the US-led Pax Silica Declaration—which the UAE formally joined on January 14, 2026. This initiative aims to establish secure, innovation-driven supply chains for AI-era technologies. Both nations also reiterated support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), emphasizing port and rail capacity enhancements.

    The dialogue extended to financial cooperation, including counter-illicit finance measures, sanctions coordination, and the anticipated 2026 launch of the UAE-US Treasury Engagement Framework. UAE representatives welcomed the US Treasury’s Known Investor pilot program for CFIUS processes.

    Environmental sustainability gained prominence as Al Hajeri announced UAE’s co-hosting of the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal. Both delegations expressed commitment to exploring cooperation among I2U2 nations (India, Israel, UAE, US) in energy security, critical minerals, and water security.

    The comprehensive discussions spanned investment, trade, intellectual property, tourism, digital economy, emerging technologies, energy, transportation, and infrastructure, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the US-UAE economic partnership and their shared commitment to global economic stability.

  • Days after a disputed election, Uganda’s army is on the hunt for opposition leader Bobi Wine

    Days after a disputed election, Uganda’s army is on the hunt for opposition leader Bobi Wine

    KAMPALA, Uganda — A dramatic political cat-and-mouse game unfolds in Uganda as opposition leader Bobi Wine continues to evade military capture for over a week, exposing deepening tensions within the nation’s political landscape. The 43-year-old musician-turned-politician, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has been hiding since the disputed January 15 presidential election that returned President Yoweri Museveni to a seventh term.

    In a recently circulated video recorded from an undisclosed location, Wine appeared in his family graveyard in central Uganda, openly mocking Army Chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba—the president’s son and presumed successor—for failing to locate him. ‘The whole army is looking for one person. It’s now coming to 10 days but they have failed to find me,’ Wine declared in the footage shared on social media platform X. ‘That means they are not as strong as they tell you.’

    The election itself was marred by technical failures and government restrictions, including an internet shutdown and malfunctioning biometric voter identification systems intended to prevent ballot manipulation. Official results gave Museveni 71.6% of the vote, a outcome Wine has vehemently rejected.

    The confrontation escalated dramatically when Ugandan soldiers raided Wine’s residence the day after the election, only to find the opposition leader had already gone underground. The situation intensified further on January 23 when soldiers conducted another raid on Wine’s home on the outskirts of Kampala, resulting in his wife Barbara Kyagulanyi being hospitalized with anxiety and bruises. She described to journalists how masked soldiers broke doors and windows, physically assaulting her while demanding information about her husband’s whereabouts.

    Gen. Kainerugaba, who has developed a reputation for posting inflammatory tweets that he frequently later deletes, has taken responsibility for the raid but denies any mistreatment of Wine’s wife. The army chief has publicly labeled Wine a coward, ‘baboon,’ and ‘terrorist,’ claiming the opposition leader is wanted for criminal offenses—though government spokespersons simultaneously assert Wine is not actually wanted and may return home freely.

    The very public feud between Wine and the president’s son has raised concerns among Ugandans about potential unrest. Wine commands substantial support among urban youth frustrated with government corruption, limited economic opportunities, and four decades of uninterrupted rule under Museveni. The 81-year-old leader, a long-time U.S. ally, has accused the opposition of attempting to incite violence during the electoral process.

    As the standoff continues, Wine urges his followers to ‘do whatever is possible without breaking the law’ to demonstrate government vulnerabilities, highlighting what he characterizes as ‘family rule’ where ‘the ruling family is always above the law.’ The situation remains fluid, with many fearing that any escalation could trigger broader civil unrest in a nation that has historically been a haven for refugees fleeing violence elsewhere in the region.

  • Experts say Carney speech marks reassessment of global rules

    Experts say Carney speech marks reassessment of global rules

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s landmark address at the World Economic Forum in Davos has ignited expert analysis regarding the fundamental restructuring of global governance systems. Speaking on January 20, 2026, Carney declared the postwar international order effectively terminated, emphasizing that middle-power nations must adapt to an increasingly fragmented and coercive global landscape.

    According to Ronald Stagg, History Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Carney’s reference to the ‘old order’ pertains to the framework of international relationships established following World War II. “This system operated on principles of mutual respect among nations and relied heavily on multilateral institutions like the United Nations for conflict resolution,” Stagg explained. However, he noted that this order “never truly existed in its idealized form,” as powerful nations only participated when it served their interests.

    The critical shift, experts suggest, lies in the reemergence of overtly coercive tactics by major powers. Stagg identified the United States as Carney’s primary subject of criticism, citing Washington’s withdrawal from international organizations, consistent UN criticism, and poor treatment of allied nations. “We’re witnessing the return of Great Power politics where force prevails over diplomacy,” Stagg observed.

    Adam Chapnick, Defense Professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, elaborated that the postwar system functioned through rules-based mechanisms with consequences for violations. “The current reality demonstrates eroded constraints on power,” Chapnick stated. “Without universal frameworks, dominant nations increasingly utilize military and economic superiority to advance self-interests without systemic considerations.”

    Carney’s proposed solution involves middle-power nations forming strategic coalitions based on shared objectives rather than negotiating individually with major powers. This approach received substantial support at Davos but triggered immediate backlash from Washington. President Donald Trump subsequently rescinded Carney’s invitation to join a proposed ‘Board of Peace’ addressing Gaza and publicly criticized Canada’s perceived ingratitude toward American protection.

    Stagg characterized Trump’s worldview as fundamentally transactional, noting potential complications for upcoming United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement reviews. This diplomatic friction underscores Carney’s central thesis: in today’s geopolitical environment, survival priorities must supersede secondary objectives, though not eliminate them entirely.

  • Trump says Iran wants talks as US aircraft carrier deploys

    Trump says Iran wants talks as US aircraft carrier deploys

    Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, a US naval strike group spearheaded by the USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed to Middle Eastern waters, according to US Central Command. The deployment coincides with Iran’s explicit threats to retaliate against any military aggression, creating a volatile standoff between the two nations.

    President Donald Trump presented contradictory statements regarding US intentions, simultaneously highlighting military capabilities while asserting his belief that Iranian leadership desires diplomatic negotiations. “We have a big armada next to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela,” Trump told Axios, referencing recent US military actions. However, he added, “They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk.”

    The current crisis stems from Iran’s severe crackdown on domestic protests, which rights groups describe as the deadliest suppression of dissent in the country’s history. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), verified casualties include 6,126 fatalities—among them 5,777 protesters, 86 minors, and 263 security personnel and bystanders—with an additional 17,091 potential deaths under investigation. The organization reported at least 41,880 arrests, noting that security agencies continue tactics of “mass arrests, intimidation, and control of the narrative.”

    Intelligence assessments cited by The New York Times indicate the Iranian government’s hold on power may be at its weakest point since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Senator Lindsey Graham reinforced this perspective, stating that the ultimate US objective is regime change: “They may stop killing them today, but if they’re in charge next month, they’ll kill them then.”

    Iranian officials have responded with measured rhetoric while simultaneously issuing military warnings. Revolutionary Guards spokesman Mohammad Ali Naini cautioned that any entry of US vessels into Iranian territorial waters would trigger targeting procedures. Conservative media outlets echoed these threats, with Javan newspaper declaring Iran’s readiness to seize the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to aggression.

    The information landscape remains severely compromised by an almost three-week internet blackout imposed by Iranian authorities, which watchdogs argue aims to obscure the full extent of government repression. Activists have additionally reported raids on hospitals to arrest injured protesters, though Iran’s health ministry denies these allegations.

  • S Korea says no official notice on Trump’s tariff hike plan, trade minister to visit US

    S Korea says no official notice on Trump’s tariff hike plan, trade minister to visit US

    South Korean officials have stated they have received no formal communication from Washington regarding President Donald Trump’s announced plan to increase tariffs on select South Korean goods from 15% to 25%. The presidential office in Seoul confirmed this lack of official notification on Tuesday, following Trump’s Monday declaration.

    In response to the potential economic measure, South Korea is mobilizing its diplomatic and trade resources. An interagency meeting is scheduled to convene later today to coordinate the government’s approach. Furthermore, Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan, currently concluding an official visit to Canada, will extend his travel itinerary to include the United States for urgent discussions with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

    President Trump justified the proposed tariff escalation by accusing the South Korean legislature of failing to enact a previously agreed bilateral trade pact. This development threatens to destabilize recent trade accommodations between the two nations.

    According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, a foundation for this agreement was established during the October summit in Gyeongju. A resulting joint fact sheet outlined a compromise: The United States would reduce tariffs on South Korean products, including automobiles, contingent upon South Korea committing to $350 billion in investments within the US. A subsequent memorandum, signed on November 14, detailed that these tariff reductions would be applied retroactively from the first day of the month in which the relevant implementation legislation was submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly.

    The ruling Democratic Party did submit the required special bill on US investment on November 26. Honoring the agreement, the US retroactively lowered tariffs on South Korean automobiles to 15% effective December 4. The announced tariff hike appears to reverse this recent progress, creating fresh uncertainty in US-South Korea trade relations.

  • China to introduce policy documents to address the impact of AI and promote employment: ministry

    China to introduce policy documents to address the impact of AI and promote employment: ministry

    The Chinese government is formulating comprehensive policy measures to mitigate artificial intelligence’s disruptive impact on employment markets while harnessing technological advancements for economic growth. According to announcements from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, these forthcoming documents will establish frameworks for workforce adaptation during the AI transition period.

    The strategic initiative addresses growing concerns about automation’s potential to displace workers across multiple sectors. Rather than resisting technological progress, the policy approach emphasizes creating synergies between AI development and employment stability. The ministry’s announcement indicates China will pursue balanced development where technological innovation complements rather than replaces human workers.

    Key components of the policy package include retraining programs for vulnerable occupations, incentives for companies that combine AI implementation with workforce expansion, and social protection measures for workers during transition periods. The government is particularly focused on developing new employment opportunities that emerge alongside AI technologies, ensuring that productivity gains benefit both businesses and employees.

    This proactive stance reflects China’s broader strategy of managing technological disruption through policy intervention. The ministry emphasized that while AI presents challenges, it also creates new categories of jobs and industries that will require strategic preparation and workforce development. The policy documents will provide guidelines for educational institutions, private enterprises, and local governments to collaboratively address the employment implications of AI adoption.

    The timing of this announcement coincides with accelerated AI integration across China’s manufacturing, service, and technology sectors, making workforce planning an urgent governmental priority.

  • Experts say Washington’s tariff threat to Ottawa driven by politics, not trade

    Experts say Washington’s tariff threat to Ottawa driven by politics, not trade

    A sudden reversal in US diplomatic posture toward Canada—from applauding trade engagements to threatening comprehensive tariffs—reveals deeper political motivations rather than substantive trade concerns, according to policy analysts. This shift occurred mere days after the US administration commended Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s negotiations with China, only to abruptly warn of imposing 100% punitive tariffs on all Canadian imports should the agreement proceed.

    Professor Jiang Wenran, founding director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta, attributed the contradictory stance to personal pique and strategic coercion. He identified Carney’s address at the World Economic Forum in Davos as the immediate catalyst. There, Carney criticized international “coercion” and cautioned against middle powers falling prey to “American hegemony”—a speech met with a standing ovation that reportedly overshadowed US President Donald Trump’s poorly received appearance.

    Jiang elaborated that beyond personal dynamics, the tariff threat constitutes a strategic instrument to reinforce US dominance in North America. From Washington’s perspective, Sino-Canadian trade talks represent a direct challenge to US economic strategy. The threat aims not only to realign Canadian policy but also to deter other US allies from pursuing independent trade agreements.

    In response, Carney clarified that Canada does not intend to pursue a full free-trade agreement with China, ensuring ongoing negotiations comply with existing US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) provisions. This approach seeks to avoid activating the pact’s “poison pill” clause while advancing pragmatic trade objectives.

    Domestically, the US threat has intensified debate within Canada. One faction emphasizes the catastrophic economic repercussions of losing access to the US market, which absorbs 75% of Canadian exports, and advocates accommodation. Another interprets US pressure as validation of the need to accelerate trade diversification and reduce dependency.

    Ottawa’s response has combined restraint with quiet resistance, emphasizing domestic resilience through initiatives like the “Buy Canadian” campaign while broadening international trade ties. This reflects a cautious balancing act—pursuing economic benefits from diversification while mitigating legal and political risks from the US.

    Ron Stagg, a history professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, noted that the tariff threat appears driven more by political signaling than clear trade mechanics. The US administration framed its warning around preventing Canada from becoming a “back-door for Chinese imports,” yet Stagg highlighted that Chinese electric vehicles entering Canada would remain subject to US duties if re-exported, minimizing any tangible threat.

    The situation underscores the complex interplay of personal diplomacy, strategic posturing, and economic policy shaping North American relations.

  • Senior CPC official urges high-quality development of social work

    Senior CPC official urges high-quality development of social work

    In a significant national address, senior Communist Party of China official Cai Qi has articulated a comprehensive vision for advancing social work development through strengthened Party mechanisms. The high-level meeting convened in Beijing on January 26, 2026, brought together social work department leadership from across the nation to coordinate governance strategies.

    Cai Qi, who holds dual positions on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized the critical importance of pursuing a distinctly Chinese approach to social governance. The address outlined several key priorities for development, including the substantial improvement of social governance frameworks and the refinement of institutional mechanisms governing social work practices.

    A central theme emerged around expanding Party influence within emerging economic sectors and new forms of employment. The official stressed the necessity of enhancing organizational coverage and Party work within these dynamic areas, particularly focusing on new economic and social organizations. This expansion aims to bolster the Party’s inspirational capacity and strengthen its cohesive influence among rapidly evolving workforce demographics.

    Additionally, the address highlighted the imperative of constructing efficient governance systems that foster vitality at primary operational levels. This grassroots emphasis signals a recognition that effective social work implementation requires robust foundational structures capable of responding to local needs while maintaining alignment with national strategic objectives.

    The meeting represents part of ongoing efforts to modernize China’s social governance capabilities while maintaining the Party’s guiding role across all sectors of society.

  • Another death, deeper divisions

    Another death, deeper divisions

    A fatal encounter between a Border Patrol agent and a Minneapolis healthcare professional has ignited nationwide protests and created a severe rift between state and federal authorities. The shooting death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during an altercation on icy roads Saturday has prompted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to demand the immediate withdrawal of federal immigration officers from his state.

    The incident represents the second controversial shooting death in Minneapolis within weeks, following the earlier killing of citizen Renee Good. Governor Walz confronted President Trump directly during a Sunday briefing, questioning what measures would be necessary to remove federal agents from Minnesota. The state’s chief executive emphatically declared that Minnesota’s justice system would have final authority in the investigation, stating unequivocally that the federal government “cannot be trusted to lead this investigation.”

    The confrontation has escalated into an institutional standoff, with Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reporting that federal Homeland Security officials denied state investigators access to the crime scene despite possessing a signed warrant. This obstruction highlights the deepening tension between cooperative federal-state investigations and the current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.

    Contradictory narratives have emerged regarding the circumstances of Pretti’s death. While Trump administration officials claim the nurse intended to harm federal agents and was carrying a firearm, bystander video evidence appears to show Pretti holding only a cellphone before being wrestled to the ground and shot at close range.

    The incident has drawn condemnation from former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, who both issued statements characterizing the shooting as an assault on core American values. Obama described the event as a “wakeup call,” while Clinton delivered a fierce indictment of administration practices that have resulted in protesters being “arrested, beaten, teargassed, and most searingly… shot and killed.”

    Law enforcement experts note the unusual nature of such public criticism between agencies. Seth Stoughton, a former police officer and use-of-force expert, acknowledged that while public criticism between law enforcement agencies is uncommon, behind the scenes there is “nothing but professional scorn” for how Homeland Security is handling these incidents.

    The shooting occurs against the backdrop of Minneapolis’ history with police brutality cases, notably the murder of George Floyd in 2020, which sparked global protests against police violence and systemic racism. Legal experts warn that the current situation represents an “incredibly dangerous place” where immigration agents appear to operate without meaningful accountability.

  • Chinese premier chairs symposium on draft govt work report, five-year plan

    Chinese premier chairs symposium on draft govt work report, five-year plan

    In a significant demonstration of China’s consultative governance approach, Premier Li Qiang convened a high-level symposium in Beijing on January 26, 2026, to gather expert input on two crucial policy documents: the draft government work report and the preliminary framework for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). The meeting brought together leadership from non-Communist political parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and prominent non-affiliated intellectuals, creating a diverse forum for policy refinement.

    During the comprehensive dialogue, participants presented substantial recommendations across multiple development domains. Key discussion points included strategies for enhancing macroeconomic regulation mechanisms, fortifying domestic market structures, cultivating innovative productive capabilities, advancing reform and opening-up initiatives, and improving social welfare systems. The exchange highlighted China’s multidimensional approach to policy formulation during a critical juncture in its development trajectory.

    Premier Li acknowledged the substantive value of these contributions, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between governmental planning and expert consultation. He contextualized the current economic landscape, noting increasing external uncertainties and persistent domestic challenges that require sophisticated policy responses. The Premier advocated for implementing more proactive macroeconomic measures with enhanced coordination between reform initiatives and broader economic policies, aiming for qualitative economic improvement alongside appropriate quantitative growth targets.

    Looking forward, Li expressed expectations for continued collaborative engagement from all participating organizations, particularly in addressing prominent development obstacles and contributing collective wisdom toward China’s high-quality economic and social advancement. This consultative process exemplifies China’s distinctive governance model that integrates specialized expertise into national strategic planning.