European Council President António Costa faces internal backlash from EU leaders following his outreach to the Kremlin. While Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the contact “understandable,” nine diplomats told POLITICO that behind-the-scenes discontent is high, with some officials comparing Costa’s independent actions to the controversial leadership style of his predecessor, Charles Michel. Why are … Read more
What Trends Are Shaping Chinese Dramas in 2026? Chinese television dramas in 2026 are blending historical intrigue, supernatural themes, and modern romance, reflecting evolving audience preferences. According to a report by iQIYI, platforms like WeTV and Netflix are prioritizing content that combines high-profile actors with complex narratives. Five dramas, including *The First Jasmine* and *Ashes … Read more
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are pushing for increased regional connectivity and trade openness to counter a global rise in protectionist policies. During a high-level forum in Beijing, trade representatives emphasized that sustaining the multilateral trading system—anchored by the World Trade Organization (WTO)—is essential for maintaining the region’s 60% share of global gross domestic … Read more
G7 leaders have formed a strategic alliance to break China’s dominance over the critical minerals supply chain, a move designed to secure the materials necessary for defense, automotive, and clean energy technologies. By coordinating industrial capacity and establishing stockpiles, member nations aim to mitigate the risks of economic coercion and arbitrary export restrictions that currently … Read more
European leaders are weighing aggressive trade protections against China as the EU’s trade surplus with Beijing reached 360.6 billion euros in 2025. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested implementing measures similar to the U.S. Section 301 to defend European industries from a surge in Chinese exports. Why is the EU trade gap with China expanding? … Read more
Russia is positioning itself as a strategic “third power” in Southeast Asia to help regional nations diversify energy supplies and manage geopolitical pressures from the United States and China. According to analysts, Moscow is leveraging energy diplomacy, including nuclear cooperation and oil supply agreements, to strengthen ties with Asean members seeking to avoid alignment with … Read more
A former UK Border Force officer and a retired Hong Kong police superintendent were sentenced to prison in London on Thursday for conducting surveillance on dissidents on behalf of Hong Kong authorities. Peter Wai, 41, received a 10-year sentence, while Bill Yuen, 66, was sentenced to eight years for their roles in a “shadow policing” … Read more
The strategic failure of the United States and Israel to achieve decisive military objectives against Iran marks a fundamental shift in international power dynamics. According to recent geopolitical analysis, the traditional reliance on overwhelming conventional superiority no longer guarantees political outcomes, as asymmetrical resilience from Tehran has effectively stalemated established military coalitions. Why Does Military … Read more
China lacks a dedicated national law against animal cruelty, despite a growing pet-owning population and recent high-profile incidents of animal abuse. While existing legislation protects wildlife and livestock, companion animals remain in a legal gray area, a gap that experts suggest could eventually impact social and political stability. Why doesn’t China have a national animal … Read more
Global health officials are facing a growing challenge as large-scale international sporting events coincide with the spread of the Bundibugyo Ebola strain. While fans like Washington-based corporate strategist Alex Doran continue to prioritize tournament festivities over localized health risks, public health experts warn that the intersection of mass gatherings and emerging pathogens exposes fundamental vulnerabilities … Read more