Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, said China is “ready to play a constructive role” in resolving the conflict, according to foreign ministry readouts of his calls with both Iran and Israel, but unlike with Saudi Arabia and Iran, Figueroa says, Israel has expressed no interest in negotiating a resolution. And even if Israel was interested in coming to the table, China is unlikely to be seen as a neutral arbiter given its ties with Iran, criticisms of Israel including over Gaza, and ongoing global power competition with the U.S., Israel’s biggest ally.
lørdag 21. juni 2025
‘If Middle East Is Unstable, World Will Not Be at Peace’: How China Views the Israel-Iran War
China has sought to deepen its investments and influence in the Middle East over the years, which has raised the expectations of its regional diplomacy to “sky high” levels, says Figueroa. But while Beijing touted brokering a historic truce between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, the task before it now is much taller.
Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, said China is “ready to play a constructive role” in resolving the conflict, according to foreign ministry readouts of his calls with both Iran and Israel, but unlike with Saudi Arabia and Iran, Figueroa says, Israel has expressed no interest in negotiating a resolution. And even if Israel was interested in coming to the table, China is unlikely to be seen as a neutral arbiter given its ties with Iran, criticisms of Israel including over Gaza, and ongoing global power competition with the U.S., Israel’s biggest ally.
Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, said China is “ready to play a constructive role” in resolving the conflict, according to foreign ministry readouts of his calls with both Iran and Israel, but unlike with Saudi Arabia and Iran, Figueroa says, Israel has expressed no interest in negotiating a resolution. And even if Israel was interested in coming to the table, China is unlikely to be seen as a neutral arbiter given its ties with Iran, criticisms of Israel including over Gaza, and ongoing global power competition with the U.S., Israel’s biggest ally.
Widespread pay cuts in China drive down consumer spending, fuel deflationary fears
Chinese workers across industries are facing salary cuts and layoffs as mounting economic woes engulf China’s public and private sectors, sources tell Radio Free Asia. That’s forcing families to slash spending. It is also triggering deflationary concerns as businesses enter into desperate price wars.
From Beijing’s central government offices to provincial agencies across China, as well as major state-owned enterprises like investment bank China International Capital Corp (CICC), employees have faced substantial pay reductions that have reduced household budgets and fundamentally altered consumer spending patterns.
“I used to earn 6,000 yuan (or US$835) a month but now I only get 5,000 yuan (US$696), and some allowances have been removed too,” Li, an employee at a Beijing-based state-owned enterprise, told RFA. Like many others interviewed for this story, Li wanted to be identified by a single name for safety reasons.
From Beijing’s central government offices to provincial agencies across China, as well as major state-owned enterprises like investment bank China International Capital Corp (CICC), employees have faced substantial pay reductions that have reduced household budgets and fundamentally altered consumer spending patterns.
“I used to earn 6,000 yuan (or US$835) a month but now I only get 5,000 yuan (US$696), and some allowances have been removed too,” Li, an employee at a Beijing-based state-owned enterprise, told RFA. Like many others interviewed for this story, Li wanted to be identified by a single name for safety reasons.
Xi and Putin present united front over Israel-Iran crisis, in veiled message to Trump
China and Russia positioning themselves as voices of reason, calling for de-escalation of a conflict the United States is contemplating on entering — these are the optics Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin sought to project during a phone call on Thursday.
As US President Donald Trump weighs joining Israel in attacking Iran, the fast-spiralling conflict between two sworn enemies in the Middle East has presented Beijing and Moscow another opportunity to cast themselves as an alternative to US power.
In their call, Putin and Xi strongly condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a breach of the UN Charter and other norms of international law, according to the Kremlin. (The elephant in the room, of course, is Russia’s own violations of international law in its ongoing war against Ukraine — which Beijing has consistently refused to condemn.)
As US President Donald Trump weighs joining Israel in attacking Iran, the fast-spiralling conflict between two sworn enemies in the Middle East has presented Beijing and Moscow another opportunity to cast themselves as an alternative to US power.
In their call, Putin and Xi strongly condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a breach of the UN Charter and other norms of international law, according to the Kremlin. (The elephant in the room, of course, is Russia’s own violations of international law in its ongoing war against Ukraine — which Beijing has consistently refused to condemn.)
China tightens internet controls with new centralized form of virtual ID
China has mastered the craft of policing the internet, operating one of the world’s most extensive online censorship and surveillance regimes. With mandatory identity checks on every online platform, it has become almost impossible for users to stay anonymous.
But this rigidly moderated online environment is about to face even stricter controls with the introduction of a state-issued national internet ID. Instead of requiring individuals to submit their personal information for identity checks separately on each platform, the government now seeks to centralize the process by issuing a virtual ID that will allow users to sign in across different social media apps and websites.
The rules for the new system, currently voluntary, were released in late May and will be implemented in mid-July. It aims to “protect citizens’ identity information, and support the healthy and orderly development of the digital economy,” according to the published rules.
But this rigidly moderated online environment is about to face even stricter controls with the introduction of a state-issued national internet ID. Instead of requiring individuals to submit their personal information for identity checks separately on each platform, the government now seeks to centralize the process by issuing a virtual ID that will allow users to sign in across different social media apps and websites.
The rules for the new system, currently voluntary, were released in late May and will be implemented in mid-July. It aims to “protect citizens’ identity information, and support the healthy and orderly development of the digital economy,” according to the published rules.
China criticises UK warship's patrol in Taiwan Strait
China's military has called a British warship's recent passage through the Taiwan Strait a disruptive act of "intentional provocation" that "undermines peace and stability". The British Royal Navy says HMS Spey's patrol on Wednesday was part of a long-planned deployment and was in accordance with international law. The patrol - the first by a British naval vessel in four years - comes as a UK carrier strike group arrives in the region for a deployment that will last several months.
China considers Taiwan its territory - a claim that self-ruled Taiwan rejects - and has not ruled out the use of force to "reunify" the island.
China considers Taiwan its territory - a claim that self-ruled Taiwan rejects - and has not ruled out the use of force to "reunify" the island.
China has millions of single men - could dating camp help them find love?
To say China's women are outnumbered would be an understatement. With a staggering 30 million more men than women, one of the world's most populous countries has a deluge of unattached males. The odds are heavily stacked against them finding a date, let alone a wife - something many feel pressured to do. To make matters worse, it's even harder if you're from a lower social class, according to Chinese dating coach Hao, who has over 3,000 clients.
"Most of them are working class - they're the least likely to find wives," he says.
We see this first-hand in Violet Du Feng's documentary, The Dating Game, where we watch Hao and three of his clients throughout his week-long dating camp.
"Most of them are working class - they're the least likely to find wives," he says.
We see this first-hand in Violet Du Feng's documentary, The Dating Game, where we watch Hao and three of his clients throughout his week-long dating camp.
U.S. lawmakers honor Dalai Lama with bipartisan resolution ahead of 90th birthday
Ahead of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6, U.S. lawmakers have introduced bipartisan resolutions in both chambers of the U.S. Congress to honor the Tibetan spiritual leader and designate the anniversary as ‘A Day of Compassion.’ The resolution – introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday and in the Senate on Tuesday – reaffirms that only the Dalai Lama himself should determine his successor and that any attempt by Beijing to select or appoint one would be an “invalid interference” and violation of religious freedom rights.
China has sought greater control over Tibetan Buddhism since invading the independent Himalayan country in 1950 and forcing the Dalai Lama into exile in India in 1959. In 2007, Beijing announced it would oversee the recognition of all reincarnate Tibetan lamas, including the next Dalai Lama.
China has sought greater control over Tibetan Buddhism since invading the independent Himalayan country in 1950 and forcing the Dalai Lama into exile in India in 1959. In 2007, Beijing announced it would oversee the recognition of all reincarnate Tibetan lamas, including the next Dalai Lama.
Student who raped 10 women jailed for 24 years
A Chinese PhD student named by police as "one of the most prolific predators" in the UK has been sentenced to life with a minimum term of 24 years. Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese national, drugged and raped three women in London and another seven in China between September 2019 and May 2023.
Three of the 10 victims have been identified, prosecutors say, but Metropolitan Police detectives fear he could have targeted dozens more and have appealed for potential victims to contact them. Since the trial, 24 women have come forward. During sentencing, Judge Rosina Cottage KC said the defendant was a "very bright young man" who used a manipulative "charming mask" to hide that he was a "sexual predator".
Three of the 10 victims have been identified, prosecutors say, but Metropolitan Police detectives fear he could have targeted dozens more and have appealed for potential victims to contact them. Since the trial, 24 women have come forward. During sentencing, Judge Rosina Cottage KC said the defendant was a "very bright young man" who used a manipulative "charming mask" to hide that he was a "sexual predator".
fredag 20. juni 2025
How a leaked phone call between a former strongman and a young leader could topple a government
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing increasing pressure to step down, after appearing to criticize the military in a 17-minute leaked phone call she had with Cambodia’s powerful former leader over an escalating border dispute. The scandal, which sparked widespread anger in the country, brings fresh uncertainty to a country roiled by years of political turbulence and leadership shake-ups. Paetongtarn, 38, has only held the premiership for ten months after replacing another prime minister who was removed from office.
It also comes at a time when the Southeast Asian kingdom is struggling to boost its ailing economy, is negotiating a trade deal with the United States to avoid punishing tariffs, and is embroiled in an escalating border dispute with its neighbor Cambodia that has soured relations to their lowest point in years.
It also comes at a time when the Southeast Asian kingdom is struggling to boost its ailing economy, is negotiating a trade deal with the United States to avoid punishing tariffs, and is embroiled in an escalating border dispute with its neighbor Cambodia that has soured relations to their lowest point in years.
China evacuates over 1,600 from Iran, hundreds from Israel amid conflict: spokesperson
China has evacuated over 1,600 citizens from Iran and several hundred more from Israel amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, CGTN reports.Speaking at a press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China has coordinated closely with its embassies and consulates in Iran, Israel, and neighboring countries to ensure the safe evacuation of its nationals.
Guo added that the Foreign Ministry and relevant diplomatic missions will continue efforts to assist the safe transfer and evacuation of Chinese citizens.
Guo added that the Foreign Ministry and relevant diplomatic missions will continue efforts to assist the safe transfer and evacuation of Chinese citizens.
China Goes on Diplomatic Offensive as Israel-Iran War Distracts America
As Israel and Iran exchanged missile fire on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Central Asian countries to deepen cooperation under China's "Belt and Road" infrastructure initiative. This marks the latest step in what analysts call Beijing's diplomatic offensive and was highlighted in a recent podcast by the China-Global South Project (CGSP).
China's global influence continues to expand, particularly in the developing world—often at the expense of the United States. This trend has accelerated during President Donald Trump's second administration, which has withdrawn from a range of traditional U.S. leadership initiatives and soft power programs, including the World Health Organization, USAID and PEPFAR.
China's global influence continues to expand, particularly in the developing world—often at the expense of the United States. This trend has accelerated during President Donald Trump's second administration, which has withdrawn from a range of traditional U.S. leadership initiatives and soft power programs, including the World Health Organization, USAID and PEPFAR.
China Backs Iran in Fight Against Israel
China has taken a stance on the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. On Saturday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Israeli counterpart in a phone call that Israel’s strikes against Iran were “unacceptable” and a “violation of international law.”
Wang offered support to his Iranian counterpart in “safeguarding [Iran’s] national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests, and ensuring the safety of its people.” Chinese President Xi Jinping echoed these comments in a statement Tuesday. The Chinese response is stronger and more direct than its reaction to the round of conflictbetween Iran and Israel last fall.
China has mustered its diplomatic resources, including issuing a condemnation of Israel’s latest strikes through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), of which Iran is a member. This prompted a rebuke from India, an SCO member with strong arms-trading ties to Israel that was not consulted on the statement.
Wang offered support to his Iranian counterpart in “safeguarding [Iran’s] national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests, and ensuring the safety of its people.” Chinese President Xi Jinping echoed these comments in a statement Tuesday. The Chinese response is stronger and more direct than its reaction to the round of conflictbetween Iran and Israel last fall.
China has mustered its diplomatic resources, including issuing a condemnation of Israel’s latest strikes through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), of which Iran is a member. This prompted a rebuke from India, an SCO member with strong arms-trading ties to Israel that was not consulted on the statement.
Israel-Iran war undermines Beijing’s Mideast diplomatic push
Beijing’s muted response to the outbreak of war on June 12 between Israel and Iran speaks volumes about the awkward diplomatic position it finds itself in. Chinese President Xi Jinping waited four days before expressing his views, calling on both sides on Tuesday “to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible” while offering to “play a constructive role” on the diplomatic front without adding much in the way of details.
While China wants to present itself as a superpower with diplomatic clout on the international stage – capable of acting as a mediator that is an alternative to the United States – the current conflict is underscoring the limits of its international leverage.
While China wants to present itself as a superpower with diplomatic clout on the international stage – capable of acting as a mediator that is an alternative to the United States – the current conflict is underscoring the limits of its international leverage.
Polls show global attitudes towards China improve, at expense of U.S.
Numerous public opinion surveys from around the world have highlighted a significant shift in global attitudes towards China. Respondents from countries in both the Global South and Global North have expressed increasingly favorable views towards China and less favorable views towards the U.S. As the surveys and other analyses suggest, this shift is in part due to perceptions of U.S. instability and a global media landscape that produces a less hostile picture of China.
The latest poll was published on Wednesday by the Pew Research Center. In a survey of 24 countries, respondents in Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Indonesia, Turkey, South Africa, and Mexico expressed a higher confidence in Xi Jinping than Donald Trump to do the right thing regarding world affairs. Those in Greece, Italy, France, Australia, and Kenya trusted Trump more than Xi only by five or less percentage points. Respondents in Japan, Israel, and Poland had the lowest levels of trust in Xi.) Across all 24 countries, Xi obtained a median of 25 percent, compared to Trump’s 34 percent and Vladimir Putin’s 16 percent.
The latest poll was published on Wednesday by the Pew Research Center. In a survey of 24 countries, respondents in Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Indonesia, Turkey, South Africa, and Mexico expressed a higher confidence in Xi Jinping than Donald Trump to do the right thing regarding world affairs. Those in Greece, Italy, France, Australia, and Kenya trusted Trump more than Xi only by five or less percentage points. Respondents in Japan, Israel, and Poland had the lowest levels of trust in Xi.) Across all 24 countries, Xi obtained a median of 25 percent, compared to Trump’s 34 percent and Vladimir Putin’s 16 percent.
The outlook for Korean diplomacy under Lee Jae-myung
With Lee Jae-myung elected as the new South Korean president, he has a host of domestic and international issues to deal with, including how to handle key neighbours like China. Japanese academic Tadashi Kimiya analyses what needs to be done, particularly in terms of diplomacy.
torsdag 19. juni 2025
Ashley J. Tellis: India’s Great-Power Delusions
Since the turn of the century, the United States has sought to help India rise as a great power. During George W. Bush’s presidency, Washington agreed to a major deal with New Delhi that offered support for India’s civilian nuclear program despite the country’s controversial development of nuclear weapons. Under the Obama administration, the United States and India began defense industrial cooperation that aimed to boost the latter’s military capabilities and help it project power.
During President Donald Trump’s first term, the United States started sharing sensitive intelligence with India and made it eligible to receive advanced technologies previously reserved only for American allies; under President Joe Biden, Washington gave New Delhi sophisticated fighter jet engine technology. Each of these recent administrations deepened diplomatic, technological, and military cooperation with India, making good on Bush’s promise “to help India become a major world power in the twenty-first century.”
"Teacher Li": Catching Up with China's Most Effective Dissident
It’s Li’s first ever visit to Taiwan. He is here for a human rights conference in the island state off the coast of China. It has been several years since he has been so close to his homeland, with his last visit to China coming in 2019, back when he was studying art in Italy and posting short stories on the internet. Had he left it at that, he would have the option of boarding a plane tomorrow morning and, two hours later, arriving in the country he still loves, as he says. “But for me, there is no going back.”
Li Ying, 33, who goes by the nickname “Teacher Li,” is today likely China’s most effective dissident. He has managed to do something that Xi Jinping’s regime wants to avoid at all costs: He is able to share uncensored information with hundreds of thousands of fellow Chinese. He has two million followers on X and operates a daily news broadcast on YouTube. He calls himself “Teacher Li Is Not Your Teacher,” a brand of humor that matches up well with his profile picture: a hand-drawn kitten. “China’s most dangerous cat,” as he is fond of joking.
Li Ying, 33, who goes by the nickname “Teacher Li,” is today likely China’s most effective dissident. He has managed to do something that Xi Jinping’s regime wants to avoid at all costs: He is able to share uncensored information with hundreds of thousands of fellow Chinese. He has two million followers on X and operates a daily news broadcast on YouTube. He calls himself “Teacher Li Is Not Your Teacher,” a brand of humor that matches up well with his profile picture: a hand-drawn kitten. “China’s most dangerous cat,” as he is fond of joking.
FBI Raises 'Alarming' Claims of Chinese Interference in 2020 Election
FBI Director Kash Patel has declassified and shared documents with senators that he says "detail alarming allegations" about potential Chinese interference in the 2020 election. China has denied any nefarious involvement in swaying the election results in 2020, and again in 2024.
Trump allies have alleged that China rigged the 2020 results in Joe Biden's favor, invigorating hardcore supporters to march on the Capitol, leading to the riot on January 6, 2021. Patel shared the update on alleged election fraud in a post on X, formerly Twitter, saying that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and potentially others are alleged to have been involved in interfering with the 2020 election outcome.
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