In this unique book offering personal, spiritual, and historical reflections—some never shared before—His Holiness the Dalai Lama tells the full story of his struggle with China to save Tibet and its people for nearly seventy-five years.
The Dalai Lama has had to contend with the People’s Republic of China for about his entire life. He was sixteen years old when Communist China invaded Tibet in 1950, only nineteen when he had his first meeting with Chairman Mao in Beijing, and twenty-five when he was forced to escape to India and became a leader in exile. In the decades since, he has faced Communist China’s leaders—Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping—in his efforts to protect Tibet and its people, with their distinct language, culture, religion, history, and environment, in the face of the greatest possible obstacles.
mandag 30. juni 2025
The Dalai Lama’s Succession: Strategic Realities of the Tibet Question
The Post-Dalai Era, according to Chinese analysts, will begin immediately after the 14th Dalai Lama dies. Public statements by Chinese officials are vague about the risks they expect to face at the time of his death: Officials speak in public only in general terms about the overriding importance at that time of “safeguarding the unity of the motherland, strengthening national unity, and carrying out the anti-secession struggle”,36 and of the urgent need at that “critical moment” to win “the battle ... to ensure sustained social stability, long-term stability, [and] comprehensive stability”.37 The main step being taken to prepare for this moment, and the enormous expenditure that it involves, however, suggests a highly unusual, indeed unique, level of concern.
How the Dalai Lama is planning to use his death to thwart China
The Dalai Lama will be 90 on July 6. According to his doctors, he remains in “excellent health”, but following knee replacement surgery last year in the United States, his advancing age and frailty have become more evident. It is a particularly significant age for the man who since 1959 has lived in India, having fled Tibet following the Chinese invasion of his country.
He has said that his 90th birthday is when he will make the decision, based on the Tibetan Buddhist belief in reincarnation, about his own future, and the future of the Dalai Lama as an institution. It is a decision that calls into play a religious tradition going back 800 years, the fate of a six-year-old boy described as the world’s youngest political prisoner, and the Chinese Communist government’s efforts to neutralise the influence of the man whom it has long considered the greatest obstacle to its control over Tibet and its people.
He has said that his 90th birthday is when he will make the decision, based on the Tibetan Buddhist belief in reincarnation, about his own future, and the future of the Dalai Lama as an institution. It is a decision that calls into play a religious tradition going back 800 years, the fate of a six-year-old boy described as the world’s youngest political prisoner, and the Chinese Communist government’s efforts to neutralise the influence of the man whom it has long considered the greatest obstacle to its control over Tibet and its people.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's Tough Childhood Revealed in New Book: Excerpt
Chinese President Xi Jinping's father, Xi Zhongxun, was a Communist Party official for more than seven decades—from the Communist Revolution through the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution, the Tiananmen Square protests and beyond. In the first English biography of Xi Zhongxun, The Party's Interests Come First, Professor Joseph Torigian uncovers the story of his life and of the modern Communist Party—and sheds light on the formative influences on Xi Jinping. This excerpt from Torigian's deeply researched book talks about the family's home life.
China Research Ship Spotted on NATO's Doorstep
China continues to expand its military reach around the world as one of its naval ships was seen transiting the Strait of Gibraltar and heading into the Atlantic Ocean over the weekend. The presence of the Chinese navy near NATO member states comes as the United States has dispatched an aircraft carrier-led strike group from the East Coast for a mission in Europe. The Chinese military possesses the world's largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 vessels in service—enabling Beijing to flex its military muscle both within and beyond East Asia.
In January, a Chinese three-ship flotilla concluded a 339-day overseas mission, during which it carried out escort missions, port visits and war games across Asia, Africa and Europe. Situated between Morocco, Spain and the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, the Strait of Gibraltar serves as a passage for about 300 ships daily. American warships, along with those of other NATO allies, frequently transit this key strait as part of their operations.
In January, a Chinese three-ship flotilla concluded a 339-day overseas mission, during which it carried out escort missions, port visits and war games across Asia, Africa and Europe. Situated between Morocco, Spain and the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, the Strait of Gibraltar serves as a passage for about 300 ships daily. American warships, along with those of other NATO allies, frequently transit this key strait as part of their operations.
Chinese factory activity improves slightly with delay on tariffs, but still lags
Chinese factory activity improved somewhat in June after President Donald Trump agreed to delay imposing higher tariffs on imports from China for 90 days, but overall activity was still contracting, according to a survey released Monday. The purchasing managers index, which reflects new orders and other measures, rose to 49.7 from 49.5 in May, the National Bureau of Statistics reported. That’s on a scale of 0 to 100 where 50 and above shows expansion.
Other reports showed similar trends in Japan and Korea.
Trump has said he’s not planning to extend the 90-day pause on tariffs on most nations beyond July 9. The delay for imposing much higher tariffs on China, agreed to in early May, expires about a month later. The hiatus for tariffs brought a revival of manufacturing activity as companies and individuals rushed to take advantage of lower import duties. But that mainly helped large manufacturers, with small and mid-size companies’ output still contracting. Hiring also fell.
Other reports showed similar trends in Japan and Korea.
Trump has said he’s not planning to extend the 90-day pause on tariffs on most nations beyond July 9. The delay for imposing much higher tariffs on China, agreed to in early May, expires about a month later. The hiatus for tariffs brought a revival of manufacturing activity as companies and individuals rushed to take advantage of lower import duties. But that mainly helped large manufacturers, with small and mid-size companies’ output still contracting. Hiring also fell.
CHINA-TAIWAN WEEKLY UPDATE, JUNE 27, 2025
The China–Taiwan Weekly Update is a joint product from the Institute for the Study of War and the American Enterprise Institute. The update supports the ISW–AEI Coalition Defense of Taiwan project, which assesses Chinese campaigns against Taiwan, examines alternative strategies for the United States and its allies to deter the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) aggression, and—if necessary—defeat the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The update focuses on the Chinese Communist Party’s paths to controlling Taiwan and cross–Taiwan Strait developments.
Maps Show Russian Territory China Could Annex Amid FSB 'Suspicion'
Russia fears China could annex part of its Far East region, including the port city of Vladivostok, and beyond, according to a leaked document from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). The eight-page internal FSB document, obtained by The New York Times, reveals that despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's outward projection of warm ties with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, he fears Beijing is "trying to encroach" on Russian territory.
When contacted for comment, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told Newsweek: "Regarding China-Russia relations, in recent years, with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Russia relations have maintained a stable, healthy and high-level development trend. "Long-term good-neighborliness, friendship, mutual benefit, cooperation and win-win results have become the distinctive characteristics of the relationship between the two countries."
The emergence of the document comes against the backdrop of a shifting alliance between Moscow and Beijing. Both countries have forged closer ties in recent years, despite Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Putin and Xi declaring a "no-limits partnership" in 2022.
When contacted for comment, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told Newsweek: "Regarding China-Russia relations, in recent years, with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Russia relations have maintained a stable, healthy and high-level development trend. "Long-term good-neighborliness, friendship, mutual benefit, cooperation and win-win results have become the distinctive characteristics of the relationship between the two countries."
The emergence of the document comes against the backdrop of a shifting alliance between Moscow and Beijing. Both countries have forged closer ties in recent years, despite Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Putin and Xi declaring a "no-limits partnership" in 2022.
søndag 29. juni 2025
Is Chinese President Xi Jinping on his way out?
Over the past few months, unprecedented developments point to the potential, and potentially imminent, fall of China’s “Chairman of Everything” Xi Jinping. Chinese Communist Party elders — including Hu Jintao, Xi’s immediate predecessor, whom Xi humiliated at the 20th Party Congress in 2022 — are now running things behind the scenes.
Xi is in poor health and likely to retire at the CCP Plenary Session this August or take a purely ceremonial position. Xi’s downfall has been rumored before. But never have we seen the recent purges (and mysterious deaths) of dozens of People’s Liberation Army generals loyal to Xi; all replaced by non-Xi loyalists.
Xi is in poor health and likely to retire at the CCP Plenary Session this August or take a purely ceremonial position. Xi’s downfall has been rumored before. But never have we seen the recent purges (and mysterious deaths) of dozens of People’s Liberation Army generals loyal to Xi; all replaced by non-Xi loyalists.
US, China formalize deal on rare earth shipments in trade breakthrough
China on Friday signaled it would approve the export of rare earth minerals to the US, hours after White House officials said the two sides had reached a deal, in what would be a major breakthrough following weeks of negotiations over US access to the key materials. Rare earths – essential in everything from everyday electronics to fighter jets – had become a key focus of trade frictions between the world’s two largest economies in recent weeks as their tit-for-tat tariff escalation morphed into a supply chain struggle.
“China will approve the export application of controlled items that meet the conditions in accordance with the law. The United States will cancel a series of restrictive measures taken against China accordingly,” China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.
“China will approve the export application of controlled items that meet the conditions in accordance with the law. The United States will cancel a series of restrictive measures taken against China accordingly,” China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.
The ‘Central Contradiction’ That Plagued Xi Jinping’s Father
As China’s top leader, biographical details of Xi Jinping are tightly controlled. Official biographies are scripted and arranged around key messaging approved by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). That historical flattening applies to Xi Zhongxun, Jinping’s father as well. Though less known outside of China than his peers like Deng Xiaoping and Zhou Enlai, Xi Zhongxun too was one of the elder giants of the CCP, and his story provides a revealing glimpse of the upper echelons of power in the PRC – once pried away from the tight grip of party-sanctioned historiography.
Joseph Torigian sought to shine light on a figure both historically important and elusive in “The Party’s Interests Come First,” the first English-language biography of Xi Zhongxun. Torigian traces the political journey of Zhongxun, through all its contradictions and challenges. Ultimately, the life story of Xi Jinping’s father reveals the CCP’s capacity for cruelty and coercion, but also the immense loyalty and attraction it inspired in adherents like Zhongxun.
Joseph Torigian sought to shine light on a figure both historically important and elusive in “The Party’s Interests Come First,” the first English-language biography of Xi Zhongxun. Torigian traces the political journey of Zhongxun, through all its contradictions and challenges. Ultimately, the life story of Xi Jinping’s father reveals the CCP’s capacity for cruelty and coercion, but also the immense loyalty and attraction it inspired in adherents like Zhongxun.
Taiwan’s Model for Digital Defense of Democracy Goes Global
Taiwan, widely considered the world’s most-targeted democracy for foreign disinformation, made headlines earlier this month as it became a founding member in a new coalition formed by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). Convening policymakers and industry experts, the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Group on Elections (AI AGE) will build bridges between democratic governance and AI expertise to address the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in the conduct of free and fair elections.
Taiwan’s invitation was no courtesy. On the contrary, it has become a laboratory for democratic resilience in the AI age. At a time when those in the pay of authoritarian regimes look to undermine our elections through increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaigns, Taiwan’s playbook is seen as not just effective but essential.
Taiwan’s invitation was no courtesy. On the contrary, it has become a laboratory for democratic resilience in the AI age. At a time when those in the pay of authoritarian regimes look to undermine our elections through increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaigns, Taiwan’s playbook is seen as not just effective but essential.
US strikes on Iran may strengthen North Korea’s nuclear resolve, experts warn
The U.S. air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities will have reinforced North Korea’s perception that possessing nuclear weapons is essential for its survival and may even prompt Pyongyang to accelerate the development of its nuclear capabilities, warned South Korean experts.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that the U.S. had conducted “massive precision strikes” on three Iranian nuclear sites – Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan – that has “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities.
The attack on Iran’s nuclear sites marks the first offensive U.S. military action in Israel’s war with Iran – a major escalation in tensions in the Middle East – which South Korean analysts warn will make North Korea increasingly resistant to any diplomatic efforts or talks aimed at convincing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear program.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that the U.S. had conducted “massive precision strikes” on three Iranian nuclear sites – Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan – that has “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities.
The attack on Iran’s nuclear sites marks the first offensive U.S. military action in Israel’s war with Iran – a major escalation in tensions in the Middle East – which South Korean analysts warn will make North Korea increasingly resistant to any diplomatic efforts or talks aimed at convincing Pyongyang to give up its nuclear program.
lørdag 28. juni 2025
Torbjørn Færøvik: A Quiet Afternoon in Hafez’ Garden
In a time when Iran dominates the news and the world seems to be falling apart, I send a kind thought to Iran’s national poet, Hafez. True, he is dead, but he still lives on.
I became acquainted with him several years ago, while traveling in Iran. After covering endless miles through barren landscapes, I arrived in the city of Shiraz, a true oasis of water and life. It didn’t take long before I found myself in Aramgah-é-Hafez (Hafez’s garden), where locals came to enjoy the surroundings and listen to the occasional Hafez poem.
Like this one:
O wine lover, set my glass aflame
with the light of wine! O troubadour, sing:
The world has fulfilled my heart’s dream!
Deep in the glass, in the mirror of wine,
I see the glow of my beloved’s rosy cheeks.
They have little wisdom who fail to seek
the joys that only wine can bring!
I became acquainted with him several years ago, while traveling in Iran. After covering endless miles through barren landscapes, I arrived in the city of Shiraz, a true oasis of water and life. It didn’t take long before I found myself in Aramgah-é-Hafez (Hafez’s garden), where locals came to enjoy the surroundings and listen to the occasional Hafez poem.
Like this one:
O wine lover, set my glass aflame
with the light of wine! O troubadour, sing:
The world has fulfilled my heart’s dream!
Deep in the glass, in the mirror of wine,
I see the glow of my beloved’s rosy cheeks.
They have little wisdom who fail to seek
the joys that only wine can bring!
Torbjørn Færøvik: En stille stund i Hafez’ hage
I en tid hvor Iran preger nyhetsbildet og verden går av hengslene, sender jeg en vennlig tanke til den iranske nasjonaldikteren Hafez. Død er han riktignok, men han lever fremdeles.
Jeg ble kjent med ham for flere år siden, på reise i Iran. Etter å ha tilbakelagt uendelige mil gjennom golde landskaper kom jeg til byen Shiraz, en sann oase av vann og liv. Det varte ikke lenge før jeg befant meg i Aramgah-é-Hafez (Hafez’ hage), hvor innbyggerne kom for å nyte omgivelsene og lytte til et og annet Hafez-dikt.
Som dette:
O vinelsker, sett mitt glass i brann
med vinens lys! O trubadur, syng:
Verden har oppfylt mitt hjertes drøm!
Dypt i glasset, i vinens speil,
ser jeg glansen fra min elskedes røde kinn.
Den har liten visdom som unnlater å søke
de gleder som vinen alene kan bringe!
Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Party To Disband Under Pressure From Beijing
The League of Social Democrats, a pro-democracy party with a 19-year history, has announced it will hold a press conference Sunday to announce its disbandment, signaling the disappearance of pro-democracy parties from Hong Kong’s political landscape.
«Next year would have marked the 20th anniversary of our founding, but we will not make it to that day,»LSD said in a media notice on Friday. “We are announcing our dissolution.»A source told RFA Cantonese that LSD was warned several times, beginning in April, that it must dissolve before July 1 or risk being forcibly disbanded.
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«Next year would have marked the 20th anniversary of our founding, but we will not make it to that day,»LSD said in a media notice on Friday. “We are announcing our dissolution.»A source told RFA Cantonese that LSD was warned several times, beginning in April, that it must dissolve before July 1 or risk being forcibly disbanded.
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75 years after he was kidnapped to North Korea, these sisters still hope to see their brother
Min Young-jae has not seen or heard anything about her eldest brother for 75 years. He was 19 and she was only 2 when, during the early days of the Korean War, he was kidnapped to the North. “We were known in the neighborhood as a happy family,” the now 77-year-old told CNN, as her older sister Min Jeong-ja nodded in agreement.
Their peaceful days were shattered on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded the South. The three-year war would kill more than 847,000 troops and about 522,000 civilians from both sides, and tear apart more than 100,000 families, including Min’s.
Their peaceful days were shattered on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded the South. The three-year war would kill more than 847,000 troops and about 522,000 civilians from both sides, and tear apart more than 100,000 families, including Min’s.
Thailand Moves to De-Legalize Weed in Major Drug-Policy U-Turn
In 2022, Thailand bucked a trend in Asia. While many other countries in the region have historically meted out harsh punishments for drug use and even tightened restrictions in recent years, Thailand became the continent’s first to remove marijuana from its list of illegal narcotics.
Since then, marijuana production and sale became a sprawling national industry, spawning around 11,000 dispensaries, sourcing from farms across the country. The industry, which also helped Thailand become a tourist haunt for those looking to access the substance, was estimated in 2022 to hit $1.2 billion by 2025. Now, however, the Thai government is harshing that buzz as it moved to restrict access to the drug.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin signed an order Monday, which took effect this week, that reclassified cannabis buds as a controlled herb and banned shops from selling cannabis to customers without a prescription. A version of the policy is now available on the Thai Royal Gazette online.
Since then, marijuana production and sale became a sprawling national industry, spawning around 11,000 dispensaries, sourcing from farms across the country. The industry, which also helped Thailand become a tourist haunt for those looking to access the substance, was estimated in 2022 to hit $1.2 billion by 2025. Now, however, the Thai government is harshing that buzz as it moved to restrict access to the drug.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin signed an order Monday, which took effect this week, that reclassified cannabis buds as a controlled herb and banned shops from selling cannabis to customers without a prescription. A version of the policy is now available on the Thai Royal Gazette online.
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