标签： Asia

BEIJING – China has issued a firm diplomatic protest against the United States’ decision to impose additional tariffs on Chinese semiconductor products, denouncing the move as unjustified and contrary to international trade norms.

The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian stated on Thursday that China categorically rejects the findings of the US Section 301 investigation into China’s semiconductor policies. The strong response comes after the Office of the United States Trade Representative published investigation results outlining planned tariff measures against Chinese semiconductors.

According to the US plan, the tariffs will commence with a zero percent initial rate before escalating to a yet-to-be-determined higher level within an 18-month timeframe. The final tariff rate is scheduled to be announced at least 30 days prior to June 23, 2027.

China has formally expressed its objections through established bilateral consultation channels, utilizing the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism to lodge stern representations with American officials. The Chinese government maintains that the proposed tariffs represent an unfair trade practice that could disrupt global semiconductor supply chains and undermine international economic cooperation.

The escalating trade measures occur against the backdrop of ongoing technological competition between the world’s two largest economies. Semiconductor chips have become a focal point in this technological rivalry, with both nations implementing policies to strengthen their domestic capabilities in this critical industry.

Chinese officials emphasized their commitment to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises while calling for constructive dialogue to resolve trade differences. The ministry spokesperson reiterated China’s position supporting multilateral trade rules and opposing unilateral protectionist measures that could destabilize global markets.

In a historic parliamentary move, Algeria has unanimously enacted groundbreaking legislation that formally classifies France’s colonial occupation as a criminal act. The new law mandates an official apology and comprehensive reparations from France for its 132-year colonial rule, which resulted in approximately 1.5 million Algerian deaths during the independence struggle from 1954 to 1962.

The comprehensive legislation establishes France’s legal responsibility for colonial-era atrocities and asserts Algeria’s incontestable right to full compensation. The law additionally criminalizes any glorification of French colonial practices, marking a significant step in Algeria’s national reckoning with its traumatic past.

The parliamentary session culminated in emotional celebrations as lawmakers, draped in national colors, chanted ‘long live Algeria’ following the vote. The legislation specifically references the systemic violence, mass killings, torture, deportations, and second-class status imposed on native Algerian Muslims during French occupation that began in 1830.

This legislative action occurs amidst growing global demands for former colonial powers to address historical injustices through artifact repatriation and reparations. Algeria has specifically demanded the return of the 16th-century bronze cannon Baba Merzoug, taken by French forces in 1830 and currently located in Brest, France.

The political context remains complex, with French President Emmanuel Macron having previously characterized colonization as a ‘crime against humanity’ while stopping short of offering a formal apology. Meanwhile, far-right factions in France, including Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, continue to resist acknowledging colonial atrocities, with some members openly defending colonial practices.

Algeria recently hosted a conference of African states to advance reparations claims, with Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf emphasizing that restitution should constitute neither ‘a gift nor a favor.’ Historical experts note the persistence of colonial-era mentalities, with historian Benjamin Stora describing France’s current ‘obsession with Algeria’ as summoning a ‘colonial unconscious’ that continues to affect bilateral relations.

China’s Ministry of National Defense has issued a stern warning regarding Japan’s accelerated development of satellite-jamming capabilities, characterizing these advancements as a dangerous escalation in space weaponization. Defense Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang addressed these concerns during a Thursday press briefing in Beijing, responding directly to Japan’s claimed technological breakthroughs in systems capable of disrupting other nations’ orbital assets.

The spokesperson emphasized that Japan’s aggressive space policy is triggering alarm bells within the international community, particularly given the nation’s historical precedent for surprise military attacks. Zhang specifically referenced growing apprehensions about a potential ‘Pearl Harbor scenario’ unfolding in the space domain, drawing parallels between current developments and Japan’s past military actions.

Zhang underscored the critical importance of maintaining space as a peaceful domain, noting that lasting security in orbit is fundamental to global stability and prosperity for all nations. The Chinese military official expressed particular concern that Japan’s unrestrained pursuit of counter-space capabilities is not only accelerating the militarization of space but also potentially fueling a dangerous arms race beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

The statement comes amid increasing international scrutiny of space warfare capabilities and follows Japan’s recent announcements regarding substantive progress in satellite disruption technologies. Chinese defense officials characterize these developments as extremely dangerous and contrary to global consensus on maintaining space as a weapons-free environment.

Two decades of international sanctions have fundamentally reshaped Iran’s socioeconomic landscape while driving strategic military realignments and technological investments, according to recent analyses from Iranian media outlets.

The economic toll of sustained sanctions has been devastating, with Ham Mihan daily documenting a dramatic rise in poverty from 9 million to 25.5 million people between 2006-2021. Concurrently, marginalized settlements expanded to accommodate over 14 million residents. Report author Farzaneh Tehrani notes that purchasing power has severely deteriorated, with meat and dairy disappearing from low-income diets and school dropout rates increasing significantly.

Tehrani emphasizes the profound societal transformation: “The Iran of 2025 is not the Iran of 2006. People have endured approximately 50% inflation, with millions descending below poverty thresholds. Housing costs have escalated while living spaces have diminished, forcing migration to cheaper cities and peripheries. Families now allocate larger income portions to food yet consume less nutritionally.”

This economic pressure coincides with strategic military developments. Following Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Belarus, state media confirmed expanded military cooperation between the two Russian-aligned nations. While specifics remain undisclosed, unofficial reports suggest Belarus seeks Iranian technology for producing low-cost Shahed military drones.

Concurrently, Iran has restructured its air defense command following criticism of its performance during June’s 12-day conflict with Israel and the US. The appointment of Brigadier General Alireza Elhami to lead both the Khatam al-Anbiya Joint Air Defence Headquarters and Army Air Defence Force signals efforts to unify command structures. Journalist Jafar Yousefi, close to conservative circles, describes this as prioritizing “unity of command during crises” amid potential upgrades involving Chinese and Russian technical cooperation.

Parallel to military adjustments, Iran inaugurated its first national artificial intelligence center at Shahid Beheshti University. Named after assassinated nuclear scientist Amir Hossein Feqhhi, the Shahid Feqhhi Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science potentially signals Tehran’s intent to integrate AI into its nuclear program. Officials announced plans for five additional specialized AI centers within universities nationwide, creating an integrated research network addressing the country’s practical needs.

In a watershed moment for Bangladeshi politics, Tarique Rahman, the exiled opposition leader and heir apparent to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), made a dramatic return to Dhaka on Thursday after 17 years of self-imposed exile. The politically charged homecoming attracted massive crowds of enthusiastic supporters who had been gathering since early morning, transforming the capital’s streets into a sea of banners and festoons bearing Rahman’s image.

The emotional significance of the occasion was palpable as Rahman, accompanied by his wife and daughter, performed a symbolic gesture upon arrival—removing his shoes to touch and collect soil from his homeland in a display of reverence. The BNP’s acting chairman, who had resided in London since 2008 citing political persecution, was greeted by senior party leaders at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport before departing under tight security.

Rahman’s return occurs against a backdrop of profound political upheaval following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year autocratic rule ended with a student-led uprising last year. The upcoming February 12 general election represents the first electoral contest since Hasina’s departure, with Rahman positioned as the BNP’s prime ministerial candidate should the party secure a majority.

The political landscape has been further complicated by recent unrest triggered by the assassination of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent critic of India, whose death sparked violent protests including attacks on media outlets perceived as pro-Indian and the Indian High Commission in Chattogram. These events have strained diplomatic relations with India, historically Bangladesh’s ally, which is currently considering extradition requests for the exiled Hasina, convicted in absentia for her administration’s crackdown on protesters.

Adding to the tensions, religious divisions surfaced recently when a Hindu garment worker was lynched by a mob over blasphemy allegations on December 18, reigniting anti-India sentiments in the predominantly Muslim nation.

Rahman’s legal standing has shifted significantly since Hasina’s fall from power, with courts acquitting him of the most serious charge—a life sentence connected to a 2004 grenade attack on a political rally, which he consistently denied. His return symbolizes hope for many supporters like former BNP lawmaker Jahan Panna, who described him as ‘the symbol of hope for this country’ capable of ending the current ‘cycle of anarchy.’

The BNP’s main rival, Hasina’s Awami League party, has been barred from contesting the upcoming elections, potentially clearing the path for a BNP victory. Meanwhile, Rahman’s ailing mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, remains hospitalized in Dhaka after being admitted to intensive care shortly after vowing to campaign in November.

During his exile, Rahman maintained political engagement through social media and significant meetings, including a June discussion in London with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who leads the interim government until the February elections.