Former Costa Rican President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oscar Arias Sánchez announced the revocation of his US visa. While no official explanation was given, Arias speculated the decision might be linked to his 2007 establishment of diplomatic relations with China. This action occurred during his presidency (2006-2010) and contrasts with the current US administration’s stance against Chinese influence in the region. Arias’s prior public criticism of President Trump may also be a contributing factor. The revocation follows a similar action against three Costa Rican legislators who opposed the current president’s anti-China policies.
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Foreign Minister Wang Yi countered President Trump’s “America First” policy, arguing that prioritizing national interests above all else would lead to a chaotic international order resembling “the law of the jungle,” disproportionately harming weaker nations. He criticized the US’s “two-faced” approach to China, demanding that America not attempt to suppress China while simultaneously seeking amicable relations. Wang further highlighted China’s purportedly objective stance on the Ukraine conflict, implicitly criticizing the US and NATO, while advocating for a peaceful resolution and criticizing the US’s proposed handling of the Gaza Strip. This press conference strategically positioned China as a reliable global leader amidst a shifting international landscape.
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Amidst escalating trade tensions with the U.S., China declared its readiness for “any type” of war, following the imposition of new tariffs by President Trump. This declaration, accompanied by a 7.2% increase in defense spending, signals China’s unwavering stance despite the economic challenges posed by a potential trade war. While emphasizing its commitment to economic openness and attracting foreign investment, China’s rhetoric reflects a hardening position against perceived U.S. aggression. This follows previous pronouncements of military preparedness, though the current statement represents a more overt declaration of readiness for conflict.
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The U.S. State Department revised its online statement on U.S.-Taiwan relations, removing the phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence.” While a State Department spokesperson affirmed the U.S. maintains its longstanding policy toward Taiwan, guided by existing agreements, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung welcomed the change as reflecting the reality of U.S.-Taiwan relations. The revised statement also emphasizes peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences without coercion and clarifies the U.S.’s commitment to Taiwan’s security and the well-being of its people. The alterations follow previous revisions under the Biden administration, sparking speculation about the influence of Beijing’s concerns.
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China is constructing a massive new military command center near Beijing, a project that dwarfs even the Pentagon in scale, reportedly ten times larger. This sprawling, 1,500-acre complex, dubbed “Beijing Military City,” is raising significant international concern, particularly given its apparent purpose: sheltering China’s top military brass in the event of a nuclear war.
The sheer scale of this undertaking is striking. Satellite imagery reveals extensive construction underway, indicating a significant investment in reinforced bunkers designed to withstand the devastation of a nuclear attack. The timeline suggests construction began in mid-2024, coinciding with the People’s Liberation Army’s preparations for its centenary in 2027, a date President Xi Jinping has previously linked to his ambition of annexing Taiwan.… Continue reading
TikTok Starts Going Dark in the U.S.
TikTok’s sudden disappearance from the U.S. digital landscape has sent shockwaves through the internet, leaving millions wondering what just happened. The experience has been likened to the snap disappearance of characters in *Infinity War*, with countless users expressing their bewilderment online with posts like, “Wait, WTF is actually happening?”. It’s a situation evoking similar mass online searches seen after Brexit (“What is the EU?”) and the last U.S. election (“What is an oligarchy?”), showcasing the widespread confusion and uncertainty.
The official message appearing on the app, suggesting President Trump’s intervention to reinstate TikTok, feels disingenuous.… Continue reading
China imposed sanctions on ten additional US defense firms, including subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Raytheon, for supplying arms to Taiwan. These companies were added to China’s “Unreliable Entities List,” prohibiting them from import/export activities and investment in China, while also barring their senior managers from entry. This action follows similar sanctions imposed last week on seven other US firms, escalating tensions over China’s claim to Taiwan. The sanctions are justified by China as necessary to protect national security and sovereignty. These measures further demonstrate China’s increasing pressure on Taiwan and the US.
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Xi Says China Will ‘Never Forget’ the US Bombing of Its Embassy
The recent statement by President Xi Jinping regarding the 1999 NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade has stirred up sentiments of historical grievances and geopolitical tensions. As someone who believes in the importance of acknowledging past wrongs and learning from them, this declaration by Xi strikes a chord with me.
The bombing incident, which resulted in the tragic loss of three Chinese journalists, was later deemed a mistake by the U.S. government. However, the memory of this event continues to linger, serving as a reminder of the fragility of international relations and the consequences of military actions.… Continue reading
I am genuinely concerned about the recent news that China has declined to meet with the US on nuclear arms control. In a world where the threat of nuclear warfare looms large, it is essential for major powers to come together and negotiate agreements that promote peace and security. The fact that China has chosen to forgo these discussions is troubling, to say the least.
One cannot help but wonder why China would turn down the opportunity to engage in talks that could potentially reduce the risk of conflict and promote global stability. The US officials had proposed common-sense steps aimed at addressing the fundamental risks of conflict and uncontrolled escalation in the nuclear and space domains.… Continue reading
China’s recent decision to issue a travel advisory to its citizens visiting the US warning of ‘unwarranted interrogations and harassment’ is quite a bold move. As someone who has lived in China and experienced the strict registration policies for foreigners firsthand, I can understand the cautious approach. It’s not uncommon to have police check-ins, restrictions on where you can stay, and even fines for minor infractions like not registering at a friend’s place. However, the tables seem to have turned, with China now warning its citizens about potential mistreatment in the US.
It’s interesting to note the reciprocal nature of this issue, especially since the US has previously advised its citizens about potential risks while visiting China.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood