In a rare sign of public dissent, three pro-democracy banners hung on an overpass in China’s southwestern city of Chengdu early Tuesday morning, according to a prominent citizen journalist on X. The display appeared to be inspired by ‘Bridge Man’ Peng Lifa, who hung similar banners on the busy Sitong Bridge in Beijing, sparking the White Paper protests of November 2022. During those protests, which took place in several cities in China, people showed blank sheets of paper to symbolize that authorities gave them no voice amid anger over the…
Day: April 15, 2025
China hawks are losing influence in Trumpworld, despite the trade war
Even before Donald Trump’s tariff turmoil, it was hard to discern a clear China strategy. With decisions depending largely on presidential whim, his foreign-policy advisers seemed to have split into warring tribes. To use a shorthand common in Washington, the “primacists” seek to re-establish America’s dominance in the world, taking on all threats; the “prioritisers” think America can handle only China and should abandon Ukraine; and the “restrainers” want to focus on only the homeland, avoiding future wars. Since April 2nd Mr Trump’s trade war has sown further confusion. But…
Amnesty International opens Hong Kong section ‘in exile’
UPDATED April 15, 2025, 2:50 p.m. ET Human rights group Amnesty International said Tuesday it is opening a new Hong Kong section overseas, three years after closing its office in the territory because of a Chinese crackdown on civil society. Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas (AIHKO), will be led by Hong Kong diaspora activists operating from key international hubs including Australia, Canada, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States, Amnesty said in a statement. “The gutting of Hong Kong’s civil society has been a tragedy for the city with…
Death of former top US official sparks mourning, tributes in Taiwan
TAIPEI, Taiwan – The death of Richard Armitage, a former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and long-time advocate for Taiwan, has drawn an outpouring of condolences and reflection across the island, where he was widely respected for his steadfast support for democracy and peace in the Taiwan Strait. Armitage, a former U.S. official under President George W. Bush, died of lung disease on April 13, aged 79. He had served several defense and foreign policy roles that helped shape U.S. defense and security policy in the Asia Pacific. “A long-time…