Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Survey finds bipartisan support for Sino-US cooperation

    Survey finds bipartisan support for Sino-US cooperation

    A comprehensive national survey has uncovered significant bipartisan support among American citizens for enhanced cooperation between the United States and China, even as concerns mount regarding how escalating geopolitical tensions are adversely affecting Chinese American communities.

    The landmark study, conducted through collaboration between the Committee of 100 and the University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center (NORC), represents one of the most extensive independent social research initiatives in the United States. According to Alex Chew, NORC AmeriSpeak director and head of Amplify AAPI, this third iteration of the State of Chinese Americans research provides unprecedented breadth in examining public perceptions regarding issues impacting Chinese American communities.

    The findings reveal that 59% of US citizens advocate for their government to strengthen collaborative efforts with China on diplomatic matters and policies of mutual concern. This perspective transcends political affiliations, with 65% of Democrats and 63% of Republicans expressing support for closer Sino-American cooperation.

    The collaborative sentiment extends significantly into scientific and technological domains. Merely 23% of respondents endorsed prohibiting Chinese researchers from working within US institutions, revealing a substantial partisan divide—with only 16% of Democrats but 34% of Republicans supporting such restrictions.

    Sam Collitt, research lead at the Committee of 100, emphasized that these findings demonstrate minimal public support for policies that would undoubtedly strain international relations and produce negative outcomes. The survey questions regarding researcher restrictions were formulated in response to numerous federal and state efforts to prosecute, restrict, and ban Chinese researchers from American institutions.

    Collitt noted that these results align with recent surveys by Pew Research Center and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, suggesting that negative attitudes toward China among the American public may have peaked. However, researchers caution that it remains uncertain whether this represents a temporary fluctuation or the beginning of a sustained trend toward improved perceptions.

    The research also highlighted how initiatives like the “China Initiative” program—which resulted in numerous Chinese American scientists facing false espionage allegations—exemplify how bilateral tensions directly harm Chinese American communities. As China narrows the economic gap with the United States, resulting in many Americans perceiving China as a threat, University of Maryland history professor Madeline Hsu suggests Americans need historical context, noting China’s pre-1800 status as an extremely wealthy civilization before its decline under Western imperial exploitation.

  • Vision for Gaza faces obstacles

    Vision for Gaza faces obstacles

    Jared Kushner, former Middle East adviser to President Donald Trump, has presented an ambitious vision for Gaza’s future featuring modern cities with sleek high-rises, attractive coastline developments, and state-of-the-art port facilities. His presentation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, outlined a rapid reconstruction timeline claiming Gaza’s cities could be rebuilt within three years given adequate security conditions.

    This optimistic projection emerges as world leaders gather to ratify the charter of the Board of Peace, a newly proposed body intended to oversee Gaza’s ceasefire and reconstruction process. However, the initiative faces significant international resistance and skepticism regarding its feasibility and potential implications for global governance structures.

    Major European powers have expressed strong reservations about the Board of Peace, with Spain explicitly declining participation in the initiative. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized the country’s commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations system. European Council President Antonio Costa similarly voiced serious doubts regarding the board’s scope, governance structure, and compatibility with the UN Charter following emergency summit discussions in Brussels.

    Academic experts have raised concerns about the potential undermining of United Nations authority. Ayman Yousef, Professor of International Relations at the Arab American University in Jenin, warned that such alternative bodies could weaken the UN’s mission and legal resolutions regarding the Palestinian question.

    Practical obstacles further complicate the ambitious reconstruction timeline. The United Nations Office for Project Services estimates Gaza contains over 60 million metric tons of rubble—enough to fill nearly 3,000 container ships—requiring more than seven years for clearance alone, not including subsequent demining operations. Rights groups note that rubble clearance and demining activities have not substantially begun due to Israeli restrictions on heavy machinery entry.

    Security concerns present additional complications. Conflict resolution expert Nomi Bar-Yaacov of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy described the high-rise development concept as “unrealistic,” noting Israel would unlikely accept structures providing clear visibility into its military installations near the border. Former US Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller concluded the initiative lacks both bandwidth and guiding principles necessary for serious international participation.

  • Pentagon to offer ‘more limited’ support to US allies in defence strategy shift

    Pentagon to offer ‘more limited’ support to US allies in defence strategy shift

    The U.S. Department of Defense has unveiled a transformative National Defense Strategy that fundamentally reorients American security priorities toward domestic protection and Western Hemisphere security. This strategic pivot marks a significant departure from previous frameworks that prioritized countering China as the primary defense concern.

    The 34-page document, published quadrennially, establishes homeland security as the Pentagon’s foremost objective rather than focusing on great power competition. While acknowledging China and Russia as security considerations, the strategy approaches relations with Beijing through a lens of ‘strength, not confrontation’ rather than direct opposition. Notably, the document omits specific mention of Taiwan, though it affirms commitment to preventing any nation from dominating the U.S. or its allies.

    This revised framework emphasizes burden-sharing among international partners, particularly regarding European security and North Korean deterrence. The strategy characterizes Russia as a ‘persistent but manageable threat’ to NATO’s eastern members while asserting that South Korea should assume primary responsibility for addressing North Korean threats.

    The document reflects President Trump’s repeated calls for allied nations to contribute more substantially to collective security arrangements. It explicitly denies representing a move toward isolationism, instead framing the approach as ‘a focused and genuinely strategic approach to the threats our nation faces.’

    The strategy identifies specific geographical priorities including the Panama Canal, Gulf of America, and Greenland as areas where the Pentagon will guarantee military and commercial access. This focus aligns with recent administration actions including strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and pressure on allies regarding Greenland’s acquisition.

    The philosophical underpinnings of the new strategy reject ‘utopian idealism’ in favor of ‘hardnosed realism,’ signaling a definitive break from post-Cold War defense paradigms. This repositioning occurs alongside growing international concern about the erosion of established global order, as expressed by leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum.

  • IP protection for new fields to improve

    IP protection for new fields to improve

    China is poised to significantly enhance intellectual property safeguards for cutting-edge sectors, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence domains, while actively shaping international IP governance frameworks throughout 2026. Senior officials from China National Intellectual Property Administration unveiled comprehensive strategies during a State Council Information Office briefing, highlighting multilateral cooperation with World Intellectual Property Organization as cornerstone to developing global standards for nascent industries.

    Deputy Administrator Rui Wenbiao confirmed deepened intellectual property collaboration within Belt and Road Initiative frameworks, emphasizing consolidation of pragmatic cooperation across multilateral, regional and bilateral contexts. This advancement occurs alongside strengthened mechanisms supporting Chinese enterprises navigating international markets, where foreign-related IP disputes have become increasingly prevalent.

    Intellectual Property Protection Department Director Guo Wen revealed substantial progress in overseas rights protection, with 99 specialized guidance platforms established across 30 provincial-level regions by end-2025. Six industry-specific platforms now focus on critical sectors including automotive and photovoltaic technologies. Remarkable achievements include over 4,800 guidance consultations conducted during 2025 alone, resolving cross-border e-commerce disputes and trademark squatting cases while recovering approximately 2.75 billion yuan ($0.39 billion) in corporate losses.

    The administration plans intensified cross-departmental coordination and enhanced dispute response networks throughout 2026. Strategic initiatives will provide targeted risk warnings and precision guidance for key industries, with specialized expert recruitment strengthening capabilities in complex disputes involving standard-essential patents and trade secrets.

    Strategic Planning Department Director General Liang Xinxin highlighted patent-intensive industries’ crucial role in national innovation development, particularly noting digital economy sectors’ growing prominence. Information and communication technology manufacturing and services approached 8 trillion yuan in combined added value, representing over 40% of patent-intensive industries’ total output. Emerging sectors including advanced equipment manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and environmental protection demonstrate accelerating growth, reflecting China’s industrial transition toward high-end, intelligent and green development paradigms.

    Recent data from National Bureau of Statistics and intellectual property administration confirmed patent-intensive industries achieved 18.04 trillion yuan added value during 2024, accounting for 13.38% of GDP and demonstrating robust expansion momentum.

  • After accepting US deportees, South Sudan wanted sanctions relief for top official, documents show

    After accepting US deportees, South Sudan wanted sanctions relief for top official, documents show

    Recently disclosed diplomatic communications between South Sudan and the United States have revealed the African nation’s extensive list of political requests in exchange for accepting U.S. deportees. The documents, made public by the State Department this month, show South Sudan sought American support for prosecuting opposition leader Riek Machar and sanctions relief for former Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, who stands accused of diverting over $1 billion in public funds.

    The correspondence details how South Sudan became the first African country to receive third-country deportees from the U.S. in July, followed by Rwanda, Eswatini, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea. The eight deportees sent to Juba included nationals from Mexico, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan itself. These individuals arrived after spending weeks at a U.S. military base in Djibouti following a temporary court block on their deportation.

    In confidential communications dated May 12, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented eight specific demands ranging from visa restriction easements to construction of rehabilitation facilities and support in addressing armed civilians. The most politically sensitive requests involved Washington’s backing for Machar’s prosecution and lifting sanctions against Bol Mel, who was recently dismissed and placed under house arrest despite previously being considered a potential presidential successor.

    The Machar case has drawn international criticism as a potential violation of the 2018 peace agreement that ended civil war. The UN has warned that renewed fighting has brought South Sudan “back to the edge of a relapse into civil war,” with over 1,800 killed between January and September 2025.

    While Human Rights Watch documents show the U.S. agreed to pay Rwanda $7.5 million and Eswatini $5.1 million for accepting deportees, the specifics of the South Sudan arrangement remain undisclosed. Both U.S. and South Sudanese officials have declined to comment on whether any promises were made or benefits provided, with a State Department official citing standard diplomatic practice of keeping such discussions private.

    Despite the deportation agreement, relations between the two nations have deteriorated recently, with the U.S. threatening to reduce its substantial aid contributions—totaling approximately $9.5 billion since 2011—over accusations that South Sudan’s government has imposed fees on aid groups and obstructed their operations.

  • Young leaders stress need to strengthen Sino-US ties

    Young leaders stress need to strengthen Sino-US ties

    A new generation of leadership advocates for reinvigorated Sino-American relations through sustained engagement and collaborative action. During a recent symposium at Beijing’s Tsinghua University, emerging leaders from both nations emphasized the critical importance of face-to-face diplomacy in an era of increasing technological mediation.

    The dialogue brought together students from Harvard University, New York University, Peking University, and Tsinghua University to address pressing global challenges. Discussion panels focused on science and technology innovation, social governance frameworks, and sustainable development strategies, creating a platform for cross-cultural problem-solving.

    This event forms part of President Xi Jinping’s ambitious “50,000 in Five Years” initiative, designed to facilitate educational exchange by bringing 50,000 young Americans to China. The program represents a significant investment in track-two diplomacy, recognizing youth engagement as fundamental to navigating complex bilateral challenges.

    Zhao Xiuye, a Tsinghua PhD candidate with extensive experience in both countries, highlighted the transformative power of personal connection. “Our happiness and sorrows do connect,” he noted, recalling shared experiences during the Beijing 2008 Olympics and US presidential campaigns. “There’s far more that we share than that differentiates us.”

    Harvard Business School student Lily Bailey emphasized the potential of “subnational collaboration” between US states, cities, and universities with their Chinese counterparts. “We are a federal society,” she stated. “There are many people and companies excited and interested in continuing cooperation.”

    University and government officials expressed strong support for these efforts. Tsinghua Vice-President Bai Benfeng invoked both Chinese philosophical tradition and Western poetry to express optimism about future relations, while Education Vice-Minister Ren Youqun reported that 45,000 young Americans have already visited over 200 Chinese cities, fostering substantial people-to-people connections.

  • A US warship is making a friendship visit to a Cambodian naval base upgraded with China’s help

    A US warship is making a friendship visit to a Cambodian naval base upgraded with China’s help

    In a significant diplomatic development, the USS Cincinnati has become the first U.S. Navy vessel to dock at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base since its Chinese-funded renovation was completed in early 2024. The Independence-class littoral combat ship arrived Saturday for a five-day visit through January 28th, marking a potential warming in U.S.-Cambodia military relations after years of tension.

    The base’s modernization, financed primarily by China, had raised substantial concerns in Washington about potential exclusive Chinese military access. Controversy has surrounded the facility since 2019 amid reports of a proposed 30-year agreement granting China special privileges at the strategic Gulf of Thailand location. Cambodian officials have consistently denied any such exclusive arrangement exists.

    Prime Minister Hun Manet, who presided over the base’s reopening ceremony in April 2025, has maintained that Ream remains open to all friendly nations for joint exercises, provided visiting vessels conform to the facility’s size limitations. The newly constructed pier and dry dock facilities can accommodate ships similar in scale to the Cincinnati, which is specifically designed for operations in shallow coastal waters.

    During the port call, the ship’s crew of approximately 100 personnel will participate in sporting events and cultural activities in nearby Sihanoukville. The visit coincides with scheduled meetings between U.S. Indo-Pacific Command leader Admiral Samuel Paparo and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha, signaling continued diplomatic engagement.

    This development represents the latest step in rebuilding military ties that had cooled considerably. Relations began improving with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s 2024 visit, followed by the USS Savannah’s port call at Sihanoukville’s civilian facility in December 2024—the first U.S. military ship visit in eight years. According to Cambodian Navy records, 37 U.S. warships have visited Cambodian ports between 2003 and 2026.

    Deputy Base Commander In Sokhemra emphasized the inclusive nature of the facility, stating: ‘Our government has worked diligently to construct this port to welcome all foreign vessels wishing to dock in Cambodia. We have succeeded in this effort, and we are open from this moment forward for American, Australian, Japanese, or any other ships that wish to visit.’

  • Prominent Saudi academic accuses UAE of being Israel’s ‘trojan horse’

    Prominent Saudi academic accuses UAE of being Israel’s ‘trojan horse’

    In a remarkable public denunciation, a distinguished Saudi academic has launched a blistering critique against the United Arab Emirates, accusing the Gulf neighbor of embracing Zionism and functioning as “Israel’s Trojan horse in the Arab world.” Dr. Ahmed bin Othman al-Tuwaijri, former dean at King Saud University and ex-member of the consultative Shura Council, articulated these charges in a provocative column published by Saudi newspaper Al Jazirah.

    Dr. Tuwaijri contends that Abu Dhabi’s leadership, driven by “hatred and jealousy,” has deliberately pursued policies designed to undermine Saudi Arabia and establish Emirati regional dominance. The academic specifically targeted Mohammed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi’s crown prince and a noted opponent of political Islam, alleging the UAE has engaged in “hostile plots under the guise of diplomacy” that threaten regional stability.

    The critique outlines multiple theaters of alleged Emirati interference, presenting a comprehensive indictment of UAE foreign policy. In Yemen, Tuwaijri accuses Abu Dhabi of supporting separatist Southern Transitional Council factions that challenged the Saudi-backed government, triggering military confrontations between the Gulf allies. The article further charges the UAE with fragmenting Libya through financial and military support to eastern factions, spreading chaos in Sudan by arming the Rapid Support Forces, and undermining post-Arab Spring transitions in Tunisia.

    Regarding North African affairs, the academic claims the UAE has leveraged its financial influence to dominate key sectors in Egypt while simultaneously supporting Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam project despite potential harm to Egyptian water security. The critique further alleges Emirati efforts to split Somalia and establish Israeli influence in the Horn of Africa to control the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

    The deteriorating relations between these traditional allies represent a significant geopolitical shift in the Gulf region. Tensions escalated notably following Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s November visit to Washington, where he reportedly lobbied against Emirati activities in Sudan. The rift has since expanded with Saudi Arabia courting Pakistan for military partnerships while the UAE strengthens ties with India, and diverging positions on Somaliland further highlight the growing divide between these former partners who once collaborated closely during the Qatar blockade.

  • ‘A natural partner’: US treasury secretary weighs in on Alberta separatism

    ‘A natural partner’: US treasury secretary weighs in on Alberta separatism

    In a remarkable diplomatic intervention, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has openly sympathized with separatist sentiments in Alberta, describing the western Canadian province as a “natural partner for the United States” during an interview with right-wing commentator Jack Posobiec on Thursday.

    The comments emerge amidst significantly strained relations between the two neighboring nations and coincide with an active signature collection campaign in Alberta seeking an independence referendum. Bessent specifically criticized Canadian energy policies, noting that “Alberta has a wealth of natural resources, but they won’t let them build a pipeline to the Pacific,” while praising Albertans as “very independent people.”

    Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne delivered a sharp rebuke on Friday, stating he would tell Bessent “thanks but no thanks, we will do our own things.” Champagne highlighted Canada’s capability to develop its natural resources domestically and referenced a recently signed agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta that facilitates an oil pipeline to the Pacific coast—a long-sought project facing substantial implementation challenges.

    Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office issued a measured response, expressing support for pipeline expansion “west, east, north, and south” while maintaining collaboration with US partners. However, the statement emphasized that “the overwhelming majority of Albertans are not interested in becoming a US state.” This position is supported by recent polling data and a 430,000-signature petition from late last year advocating for a united Canada.

    Referendum organizer Mitch Sylvestre clarified to CBC that his movement seeks independence from Canada rather than annexation by the United States, though he acknowledged the obvious energy trading relationship between Alberta and the US. Some separatist organizers have reportedly traveled to Washington for meetings with Trump administration officials.

    The diplomatic friction extends beyond Alberta, with US-Canada trade negotiations currently suspended. Tensions escalated following Prime Minister Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he criticized “great powers” for weaponizing economic influence. President Trump responded pointedly: “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick further accused Canada of “arrogance” and characterized Carney’s stance as domestically-motivated anti-Americanism.

  • Abu Dhabi hosts trilateral talks on Ukraine: 5 previous attempts to end war

    Abu Dhabi hosts trilateral talks on Ukraine: 5 previous attempts to end war

    Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as a pivotal diplomatic arena for high-stakes trilateral discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict. On January 23, 2026, senior officials from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States convened in the UAE capital to deliberate on a American-proposed peace framework, despite persistent disagreements over territorial sovereignty.

    This latest diplomatic initiative represents the sixth major attempt to broker a cessation of hostilities since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The current negotiations follow five previously unsuccessful diplomatic endeavors:

    The initial negotiations occurred mere days after the invasion commenced, with meetings near the Belarusian border. Russian delegates presented ultimatums including Ukrainian recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea and the Donbas regions—terms immediately rejected by Kyiv as unacceptable.

    Subsequent talks in Antalya and Istanbul during March 2022 showed tentative progress, with Russia offering partial troop withdrawals and Ukraine considering neutral status. These discussions collapsed following the discovery of mass civilian casualties in Bucha after Russian forces withdrew from the Kyiv suburb.

    Diplomatic efforts remained dormant throughout 2023-2024 until President Donald Trump’s return to office in January 2025. The new administration reversed previous policies of isolating Moscow while simultaneously suspending military assistance to Ukraine. Despite direct engagement with Vladimir Putin, Trump’s administration secured only a temporary—and frequently violated—commitment to avoid targeting energy infrastructure.

    Further negotiations in Istanbul during May 2025 yielded limited success, resulting solely in prisoner exchanges without achieving a ceasefire agreement. The subsequent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska marked the Russian leader’s first visit to Western territory since the invasion began, yet concluded without tangible concessions or progress toward ending hostilities.

    The current Abu Dhabi negotiations represent a continuation of months of shuttle diplomacy conducted by American envoys between Moscow and Kyiv. While President Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a settlement, fundamental disagreements regarding territorial control continue to present significant obstacles to any comprehensive peace agreement.