分类： society

As the United States intensifies visa scrutiny due to national security and commercial espionage concerns, Russia is rapidly becoming a favored academic hub for Chinese students. This shift is bolstered by the deepening strategic alliance between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. During a recent visit to China, Russia’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, Valery Falkov, revealed that over 56,000 Chinese students are enrolled in Russian universities for the 2024–2025 academic year, with more than 21,000 Russian students studying in China. Falkov emphasized the mutual benefits of this educational exchange, noting that visa applications from Chinese students to Russian consulates have doubled in just two years. He highlighted the affordability, cultural affinity, and political alignment that make Russia an attractive alternative to traditional Western destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Over 200 joint educational programs are currently active, including 115 bachelor’s and master’s degree offerings. A notable example is Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, established in 2017 through collaboration between Moscow State University and Beijing Institute of Technology. Falkov also outlined plans for a joint Institute for Fundamental Research and the finalization of intergovernmental agreements on educational cooperation and mutual recognition of diplomas. Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized the US for its harsh treatment of Chinese students, including extended interrogations and visa revocations. Despite US President Donald Trump’s pledge to welcome 600,000 Chinese students, skepticism remains due to inconsistent policies and heightened scrutiny in sensitive fields like aerospace and AI. Observers note that while Russia offers stability and affordability, it may not fully replace the cutting-edge innovation found in Western institutions.

In an era dominated by digital devices, the act of handwriting has become increasingly rare. However, research reveals that handwriting engages the brain more extensively than typing, fostering intricate motor skills and enhanced visual processing. This practice not only influences our thinking and creativity but also offers a unique way to express ourselves and generate new ideas. One of the oldest and most profound forms of handwriting is Chinese calligraphy, a practice that has transcended centuries, blending cultural, philosophical, and artistic elements. Chinese calligraphy, with its emphasis on brushstrokes and composition, values both the inked and the empty spaces on the scroll, symbolizing balance and harmony. The tools of calligraphy—a soft brush, Xuan paper, and ink—are simple, yet the art demands a clear mind, sincerity, humility, and self-restraint. As generative AI takes over more writing tasks, there is a growing concern that humans are becoming disconnected from their creative ideas. The multi-sensory experience of handwritten calligraphy fosters a deeper connection with the writer’s emotions and surroundings, promoting patient introspection and grounding the practitioner in the physical world. This practice offers lasting benefits for our often overwhelmed and restless minds. Writers like Nicholas Carr and Aden Evens highlight the ongoing rewiring of our minds due to excessive online engagement, which can diminish attention spans and deep-reading abilities, leading to superficial information processing. Artist and author James Bridle warns of the dangers of tech-dependency and over-reliance on automated systems, which can blind us to bias and bad data. Ink artist Pan Jianfeng, based in Finland, has embraced handwriting with a brush as a modern pursuit of self-cultivation and creative freedom. Through his experimental use of paper and brush, Pan invites us to reconsider the meaning of ‘content generation,’ ‘human creativity,’ and ‘communication.’ His artworks, created with traditional organic materials, engage with concepts beyond our expectations and imagination, without adding to the environmental burden of generative AI. Pan’s ‘One Breath Workshops’ advocate for mindful handwriting that brings stillness and peace in an age saturated with information. His exhibitions, such as ‘Ink Roamings,’ encourage visitors to engage in imaginative discovery and contemplation, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and each other. As Pan aptly puts it, ‘We don’t need more content—we need a better understanding of the world with all its challenges, and of each other.’

For Iranians, the changing seasons bring not just weather shifts but also recurring energy crises. Scorching summers are plagued by rolling blackouts, while freezing winters are marked by toxic smog from burning low-grade fuel in power plants. These challenges are symptomatic of Iran’s chronic electricity imbalance, a structural crisis that has evolved into a significant economic and public welfare burden. Despite a nominal installed capacity of 94 gigawatts, Iran’s power grid is in systemic decay. Aging thermal plants, over-reliance on natural gas, recurring droughts crippling hydropower, and soaring demand have created a persistent gap between capacity and reliable output. This crisis is further exacerbated by geopolitical isolation, which hampers access to international finance and technology. A comparative analysis reveals Iran’s underperformance in electricity generation, lagging behind industrial economies and even Gulf neighbors. To address this, a four-point recovery plan has been proposed, emphasizing international contracts, budgetary realignment, fuel mix reformation, and regional power exchange agreements. However, the success of these measures hinges on resolving Iran’s geopolitical standoff with the West, as domestic reforms alone are insufficient. Without a sustainable solution, Iran risks further economic isolation, technological backwardness, and continued degradation of public health and industrial competitiveness.

Dan Wang’s forthcoming book, ‘Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future,’ provides a groundbreaking perspective on the contrasting governance styles of China and the United States, as well as the barriers to mutual understanding between the two superpowers. Published by W.W. Norton & Company in 2025, the book merges Wang’s economic analysis from his years in China (2017–2023) with his personal experiences as a Canadian of Chinese descent educated in the US. Wang’s unique background allows him to offer a balanced view of the two nations, free from the hostility that often characterizes their relationship. He describes China as an ‘engineering state,’ driven by rapid construction and technological advancement, while portraying the US as a ‘lawyerly society,’ marked by legal obstructionism. Wang argues that both countries are deeply flawed yet fundamentally alike in their ambition and restlessness. Through vivid anecdotes, such as his cycling trip through Guizhou, Wang highlights China’s rapid modernization and cultural richness. He also critiques the inefficiencies of the US legal system, using the stalled California high-speed rail project as a case study. Wang’s work calls for mutual curiosity and a new lens to understand the China-US rivalry, moving beyond outdated ideological labels. ‘Breakneck’ is set to release on August 26, 2025.