Slogans have echoed loudly across Tibet in recent days. “Long live Tibet’s peaceful liberation!” has crackled from loudspeakers and megaphones. “Let us build the Chinese national community!” and “Long live the great, glorious, and correct Chinese Communist Party!”
Seventy-five years have passed since Chinese and Tibetan representatives signed an agreement that paved the way for the People’s Republic of China’s takeover of Tibet. The event took place in Beijing, where the Tibetan delegation was isolated and placed under intense pressure by the hosts. The outcome was inevitable.
In Tibet’s capital, Lhasa, the Chinese authorities have marked the anniversary with singing, dancing, and lengthy speeches. A local leader, Sun Xianzhong, said in his speech that the people of “Xizang” had created a “human miracle” by leaping over several thousand years in just a few decades. In recent years, the Chinese authorities have been eager to replace Tibetan place names with Chinese ones. Xizang is therefore Beijing’s preferred name.
onsdag 27. mai 2026
Torbjørn Færøvik: Kina feirer Tibets nederlag for 75 år siden
Slagordene har sittet løst i Tibet de siste dagene. «Lovet være Tibets fredelige frigjøring!» har det spraket fra høyttalere og megafoner. «La oss bygge det kinesiske nasjonale felleskapet!» og «Lenge leve det store, ærerike og korrekte kinesiske kommunistpartiet!»
75 år er gått siden kinesiske og tibetanske representanter signerte en avtale som banet vei for Folkerepublikken Kinas maktovertakelse i Tibet. Hendelsen fant sted i Beijing, hvor den tibetanske delegasjonen ble isolert og satt under kraftig press av vertskapet. Resultatet var uunngåelig.
I Tibets hovedstad Lhasa har de kinesiske makthaverne feiret jubileet med sang, dans og lange taler. En lokal leder, Sun Xianzhong, sa i sin tale at folket i «Xizang» hadde skapt et «menneskelig mirakel» ved å hoppe over flere tusen år på noen tiår. De kinesiske makthaverne har i de senere år hatt det travelt med å erstatte tibetanske stedsnavn med kinesiske. Xizang er derfor Beijings foretrukne navn.
75 år er gått siden kinesiske og tibetanske representanter signerte en avtale som banet vei for Folkerepublikken Kinas maktovertakelse i Tibet. Hendelsen fant sted i Beijing, hvor den tibetanske delegasjonen ble isolert og satt under kraftig press av vertskapet. Resultatet var uunngåelig.
I Tibets hovedstad Lhasa har de kinesiske makthaverne feiret jubileet med sang, dans og lange taler. En lokal leder, Sun Xianzhong, sa i sin tale at folket i «Xizang» hadde skapt et «menneskelig mirakel» ved å hoppe over flere tusen år på noen tiår. De kinesiske makthaverne har i de senere år hatt det travelt med å erstatte tibetanske stedsnavn med kinesiske. Xizang er derfor Beijings foretrukne navn.
Trump’s $1.5 trillion military splurge destined to backfire
Earlier this month, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stood in front of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to defend the Trump administration’s record-breaking US$1.5 trillion military budget proposal for FY2027. According to the White House, this 66% year-over-year increase signals a renewed commitment to “defeating any adversary” and will deliver what President Trump has referred to as a “Dream Military.”
This blueprint will not pass Congress unscathed. However, the larger problem is that the Trump administration’s budget request reflects Washington’s aimless and self-defeating grand strategy.
According to its supporters, a massive military buildup will help the US deter and counter “complex [threats] across multiple theaters,” including those posed by a rising China and a resurgent Russia. Washington may also reassure its allies and partners and incentivize them to double down on recently initiated defense budget increases, in part under American impetus.
This blueprint will not pass Congress unscathed. However, the larger problem is that the Trump administration’s budget request reflects Washington’s aimless and self-defeating grand strategy.
According to its supporters, a massive military buildup will help the US deter and counter “complex [threats] across multiple theaters,” including those posed by a rising China and a resurgent Russia. Washington may also reassure its allies and partners and incentivize them to double down on recently initiated defense budget increases, in part under American impetus.
Chinese human rights cases in limbo after Trump-Xi meeting
During his summit with China's Xi Jinping this month , US President Donald Trump said that he brought up two prisoners — Christian pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai. Mingri is the founder of the Zion Protestant Church, one of China's largest underground churches, who was arrested in 2025.
Lai, meanwhile, was sentenced in February to 20 years for foreign collusion and sedition over his ownership of the now-defunct, pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper. In remarks to reporters on May 15, Trump said Xi had said he would "strongly consider the pastor." But the US president pointed out that his Chinese counterpart had described Lai's case as "a tough one," with Trump admitting he "didn't feel optimistic" about it.
Lai, meanwhile, was sentenced in February to 20 years for foreign collusion and sedition over his ownership of the now-defunct, pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper. In remarks to reporters on May 15, Trump said Xi had said he would "strongly consider the pastor." But the US president pointed out that his Chinese counterpart had described Lai's case as "a tough one," with Trump admitting he "didn't feel optimistic" about it.
Serbian president deepens ties with China while facing pressure from protests at home
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic deepened ties with China on Monday during a trip to Beijing as he faced pressure at home from anti-government protests in his Balkan country, including a major rally that prompted clashes over the weekend.
After a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two leaders witnessed the signing of more than 20 cooperation agreements, covering areas such as politics, trade, technology and education, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported. During their talks, Xi told Vucic that their countries should strengthen exchanges and cooperation to push their comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.
After a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two leaders witnessed the signing of more than 20 cooperation agreements, covering areas such as politics, trade, technology and education, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported. During their talks, Xi told Vucic that their countries should strengthen exchanges and cooperation to push their comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.
Penpa Tsering begins second term as Sikyong of exile Tibetan administration
Mr Penpa Tsering has taken his oath of office as the Sikyong (executive head) of the Central Tibetan Administration for a second five-year term this morning following his more than 61% electoral victory in February at a ceremony attended by Tibet’s exile spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with Indian and international guests. The venue was the courtyard of the Tsuglakhang, the main Buddhist temple in Dharamshala, India.
Amid warnings from China against India over the event, the ceremony was also attended by parliamentarians and parliamentary Tibet group representatives from several countries, including India, El Salvador, Chile, the United Kingdom, and Scotland. CTA’s Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo administered the oath of office.
Amid warnings from China against India over the event, the ceremony was also attended by parliamentarians and parliamentary Tibet group representatives from several countries, including India, El Salvador, Chile, the United Kingdom, and Scotland. CTA’s Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo administered the oath of office.
How China Got One of the World’s Largest Human Rights Convenings Canceled
On April 29, the shocking news broke that RightsCon 2026, one of the world’s largest human rights-related convenings, would be cancelled. On April 30, Access Now, the organizers of RightsCon, issued a statement saying that RightsCon would not take place either in-person or online. The news came less than a week before opening day and left over 3,000 participants scrambling to cancel their flights and accommodations.
RightsCon is an annual gathering of primarily civil society and human rights advocates, joined by business leaders, policymakers, government representatives, technologists, academics, and journalists, on topics exploring the intersection of human rights and technology. In 2025, it was held in Taipei, Taiwan and before that in Costa Rica, Tunisia, Canada, and Belgium, as well as virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. The May 5-8 gathering in Lusaka, Zambia was celebrated as a historic event, being the first time RightsCon would be held in Sub-Saharan Africa.
RightsCon is an annual gathering of primarily civil society and human rights advocates, joined by business leaders, policymakers, government representatives, technologists, academics, and journalists, on topics exploring the intersection of human rights and technology. In 2025, it was held in Taipei, Taiwan and before that in Costa Rica, Tunisia, Canada, and Belgium, as well as virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. The May 5-8 gathering in Lusaka, Zambia was celebrated as a historic event, being the first time RightsCon would be held in Sub-Saharan Africa.
European companies double down on China manufacturing despite EU de-risking push
More European companies are maintaining or expanding their supply chains in mainland China to remain competitive globally, according to a survey released Wednesday by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.
Nearly one-third of respondents said they were onshoring further in China, while 37% said they had not changed their supply chain strategy over the last two years, the report said. The survey was based on responses from nearly 300 members collected from January to February who were familiar with their companies’ mainland China supply chain strategies. In total, 68% of respondents said they were either staying or expanding operations in China. By comparison, only 7% said they were moving factory sourcing outside the country or setting up alternative manufacturing bases elsewhere, the report said.
Nearly one-third of respondents said they were onshoring further in China, while 37% said they had not changed their supply chain strategy over the last two years, the report said. The survey was based on responses from nearly 300 members collected from January to February who were familiar with their companies’ mainland China supply chain strategies. In total, 68% of respondents said they were either staying or expanding operations in China. By comparison, only 7% said they were moving factory sourcing outside the country or setting up alternative manufacturing bases elsewhere, the report said.
Dissident escapes China by inflatable boat in fourth attempt to reunite with family
A Chinese dissident has made a daring 30-hour escape from China by sea to South Korea, his fourth attempt to try and flee authorities in his homeland and reunite with his family who have been granted asylum in Canada.
Dong Guangping, a former police officer who has faced years of imprisonment and detention for his activism, fled using an inflatable boat and was picked up by South Korean Coast Guard on Monday, his lawyer and a fellow activist told CNN.
Dong – who has also been granted asylum in Canada – previously fled to Thailand and later Vietnam, only to find authorities in those countries detain and deport him back to China, sparking anguish for his family and criticism from rights groups and United Nations officials.
Dong Guangping, a former police officer who has faced years of imprisonment and detention for his activism, fled using an inflatable boat and was picked up by South Korean Coast Guard on Monday, his lawyer and a fellow activist told CNN.
Dong – who has also been granted asylum in Canada – previously fled to Thailand and later Vietnam, only to find authorities in those countries detain and deport him back to China, sparking anguish for his family and criticism from rights groups and United Nations officials.
AI-Guided Missiles Feature in New North Korea Weapons Test
North Korea said it tested new AI-guided missiles and a new multipurpose launch system on Tuesday in the latest weapons test overseen by leader Kim Jong Un. A new "multiple tactical cruise missile weapon system" developed by Pyongyang's missile scientists proved to be highly accurate thanks to the AI-assistant guidance, the official Korean Central News Agency said the following day.
Kim approved of the system, which was to be supplied to "the long-range artillery brigades in the southern border area in particular," KCNA said, referring to North Korea’s de facto border with the South, known as the Military Demarcation Line.
Kim approved of the system, which was to be supplied to "the long-range artillery brigades in the southern border area in particular," KCNA said, referring to North Korea’s de facto border with the South, known as the Military Demarcation Line.
mandag 25. mai 2026
China’s New Preschool Rules in Tibet: Language and Culture at a Crossroads
Something is quietly happening inside the kindergarten classrooms of Tibet, and the world is starting to pay attention. A recent report has sparked international debate over China’s education policies in the region, specifically around preschools, which critics say are being used to phase out the Tibetan language in favour of Mandarin Chinese. The Chinese government calls it progress. Many others call it erasure, and the fact that it is happening to children as young as three makes it all the more urgent.
In July 2021, China rolled out what it called the “Children’s Speech Harmonization Plan.” The policy is straightforward in its requirement: all preschools across the country, including those in ethnic minority regions like Tibet, must use Mandarin as the sole language of instruction. Not just for lessons, but for play, conversation, and everyday communication.
In July 2021, China rolled out what it called the “Children’s Speech Harmonization Plan.” The policy is straightforward in its requirement: all preschools across the country, including those in ethnic minority regions like Tibet, must use Mandarin as the sole language of instruction. Not just for lessons, but for play, conversation, and everyday communication.
India’s Gen Z have flipped the lowly cockroach into a symbol of defiance
The spiny, long-legged, and often reviled cockroach has become an unlikely symbol of dissent among India’s Gen Z, in a sharp rebuke to the ruling establishment in the world’s largest democracy. The Cockroach Janta Party, its name a satirical riff on the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party, has amassed more than 19 million Instagram followers in less than a week, almost double the government’s audience.
It owes its existence to remarks made by Chief Justice Surya Kant, widely taken as calling the country’s unemployed youth “cockroaches.” “There are youngsters like cockroaches, they don’t get any employment, they don’t have any place in profession,” he said during a court hearing on May 15.
Kant later clarified he was talking about people who entered certain professions using fake degrees. But the damage was already done in a vast nation where youth unemployment remains stubbornly entrenched.
It owes its existence to remarks made by Chief Justice Surya Kant, widely taken as calling the country’s unemployed youth “cockroaches.” “There are youngsters like cockroaches, they don’t get any employment, they don’t have any place in profession,” he said during a court hearing on May 15.
Kant later clarified he was talking about people who entered certain professions using fake degrees. But the damage was already done in a vast nation where youth unemployment remains stubbornly entrenched.
Torbjørn Færøvik: Prime Minister Modi has much to learn from Emperor Ashoka
Otherwise, however, he is active enough. As prime minister, he governs a country of more than 1.4 billion people, around 80 percent of whom are Hindus.
Modi is a Hindu nationalist and basks in the glory of his grand project: making the country even more Hindu. But what happened to the Buddhists in Buddha’s spiritual homeland? Today, they make up only 0.7 percent of the population, or about 8.4 million people.
Three signs from APEC that the U.S. and China remain far apart on trade
Just over a week after the U.S. and Chinese presidents met in Beijing, the world’s two largest economies are sending different messages about their priorities for Asia.
First is tariffs. China’s economy relies significantly on exports — and the free-flow trade — as it accounts for about 28% of the goods made globally, according to CNBC calculations of World Bank data. Beijing’s statements on Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump’s summit last week have noted how duties will remain lower for longer, while the U.S. did not mention tariffs.
Then on Saturday, China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told reporters that affirming the “vision” of a free trade agreement was a key outcome of the just-concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation trade ministers meeting.
First is tariffs. China’s economy relies significantly on exports — and the free-flow trade — as it accounts for about 28% of the goods made globally, according to CNBC calculations of World Bank data. Beijing’s statements on Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump’s summit last week have noted how duties will remain lower for longer, while the U.S. did not mention tariffs.
Then on Saturday, China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told reporters that affirming the “vision” of a free trade agreement was a key outcome of the just-concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation trade ministers meeting.
Saving Japan's elderly people from 'lonely deaths'
Japan is facing a rising number of "lonely deaths," or people dying in isolation, despite government efforts to stem the tide. The issue has become such a part of modern society in the country that it even has its own term, "kodokushi" — and they make up close to 5% of Japan's overall death rate.
Statistics released by the government and police in late April showed that 76,941 people died "lonely deaths" across Japan in the 2025 fiscal year, which ended on March 31. That is 921 cases more than the previous year.
Authorities estimate that 22,222 of the total "lonely deaths" were also "koritsushi," meaning that the person's body was not found for at least eight days. In 7,148 incidents, approximately 9% of the total, the body was not discovered for more than one month.
Read more
Statistics released by the government and police in late April showed that 76,941 people died "lonely deaths" across Japan in the 2025 fiscal year, which ended on March 31. That is 921 cases more than the previous year.
Authorities estimate that 22,222 of the total "lonely deaths" were also "koritsushi," meaning that the person's body was not found for at least eight days. In 7,148 incidents, approximately 9% of the total, the body was not discovered for more than one month.
Read more
Rubio tries to tackle a trust deficit between Washington and Delhi on first official India trip
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Sunday as the two countries look to steady ties that have fallen to their lowest point in over two decades.
Rubio’s first official visit to the South Asian country came amid an economic and diplomatic downturn between the United States and India, largely strained by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, which raised duties on several Indian exports. Rubio is set to meet in New Delhi on Tuesday his counterparts from India, Australia and Japan, members of the Indo-Pacific strategic alliance known as the Quad.
Rubio’s first official visit to the South Asian country came amid an economic and diplomatic downturn between the United States and India, largely strained by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, which raised duties on several Indian exports. Rubio is set to meet in New Delhi on Tuesday his counterparts from India, Australia and Japan, members of the Indo-Pacific strategic alliance known as the Quad.
søndag 24. mai 2026
Numbers of Tibetan exiles plummet as China tightens grip
For decades, the steady flow of Tibetans escaping across the Himalayas into India and Nepal served as a barometer of conditions inside Tibet. From the late 1990s through the mid‑2000s, several thousand Tibetans sought exile every year, bringing firsthand accounts of political restrictions, cultural pressures and daily life under Chinese rule.
But data from the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, the de facto capital of Tibetans in exile where the 14th Dalai Lama also resides, has revealed a collapse in the number of newly arrived Tibetans. Between 1995 and 1999, more than 12,000 Tibetans successfully sought exile. In the past five years, that number has plummeted to just 81. With fewer Tibetans able to leave, independent information is becoming scarcer. That has made Beijing's policies, like religious regulation, language reforms, or rural relocation, more opaque to the outside world.
But data from the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, the de facto capital of Tibetans in exile where the 14th Dalai Lama also resides, has revealed a collapse in the number of newly arrived Tibetans. Between 1995 and 1999, more than 12,000 Tibetans successfully sought exile. In the past five years, that number has plummeted to just 81. With fewer Tibetans able to leave, independent information is becoming scarcer. That has made Beijing's policies, like religious regulation, language reforms, or rural relocation, more opaque to the outside world.
New Chinese surveillance leaves foreigners nowhere to hide
When a cybersecurity researcher known by the pseudonym NetAskari recently clicked on a tab labeled "Inquiry for journalist files" on an unsecured Chinese web dashboard, he expected to see a jumble of auto-generated mock data.
Instead, familiar faces popped up on the screen. It was a comprehensive database of almost every foreign journalist based in Beijing around 2021, including official passport photos taken at the entry/exit bureau, private cellphone numbers, visa details and dates of birth. He also found his own exact personal information lying dormant on this Chinese police watch list.
"It was more interesting than shocking," NetAskari told DW. "When you work as a journalist in China, you basically assume you are always on their radar. But what surprised me was simply how easy it was to access this highly sensitive system."
Instead, familiar faces popped up on the screen. It was a comprehensive database of almost every foreign journalist based in Beijing around 2021, including official passport photos taken at the entry/exit bureau, private cellphone numbers, visa details and dates of birth. He also found his own exact personal information lying dormant on this Chinese police watch list.
"It was more interesting than shocking," NetAskari told DW. "When you work as a journalist in China, you basically assume you are always on their radar. But what surprised me was simply how easy it was to access this highly sensitive system."
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