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The 'becoming Chinese' meme shows China's soft power moment is here

The 'becoming Chinese' meme shows China's soft power moment is here

Young Western social media users are embracing a “very Chinese time” of their lives, and China’s government is keen to use this moment to boost the country’s cultural influence worldwide

V Museum Alters Exhibition Catalogues Due to Chinese Censorship Requests

V Museum Alters Exhibition Catalogues Due to Chinese Censorship Requests

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London has made changes to its exhibition catalogues following requests from Chinese censors. According to a report, the museum removed images of historic maps and a photograph of Vladimir Lenin from two catalogues after they were flagged by Beijing's General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP). This action is part of a broader trend of 'transnational repression,' where foreign states exert censorship beyond their borders. The V&A, along with other UK institutions like Tate and the British Museum, often prints materials in China to reduce costs, necessitating compliance with Chinese standards. The museum stated that the edits were minor and maintained that they have editorial oversight over their publications. However, critics argue that such compliance could compromise the independence of cultural institutions.

Australian judge rejects US Marine pilot's appeal against extradition to US

Australian judge rejects US Marine pilot's appeal against extradition to US

An Australian judge has rejected an appeal by former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan to avoid extradition to the United States over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese military aviators more than a decade ago

ynet Global Highlights Emerging Jewish and Israeli Leaders Shaping Global Influence

ynet Global Highlights Emerging Jewish and Israeli Leaders Shaping Global Influence

ynet Global has launched a project titled 'Future young voices' to spotlight a new generation of Jewish and Israeli leaders who are making significant impacts across various fields. This initiative coincides with Israel's 78th Independence Day and aims to showcase individuals who are not waiting for ideal conditions but are actively shaping the future. The project features prominent figures such as Gal Gadot, known for her role as Wonder Woman, NBA star Deni Avdija, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. These leaders are recognized for their contributions in technology, culture, sports, and public life, reflecting a broader narrative of resilience and ambition. The initiative is supported by organizations like The Jewish Agency and JNF-USA, emphasizing a commitment to strengthening ties between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

Russia Offers Energy Support to China Amid Middle East Conflict

Russia Offers Energy Support to China Amid Middle East Conflict

Russia has extended an offer to assist China with potential energy shortages as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts global commodity supplies. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during a press conference in Beijing, emphasized Russia's capability to fill the resource gap for China and other nations. The offer follows Lavrov's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both sides reaffirmed their strategic cooperation and friendship. China's foreign ministry highlighted the practical cooperation in energy between the two countries, based on mutual respect and benefit. The geopolitical tensions have led to soaring global oil and gas prices, impacting economies worldwide.

Chinese Robotaxi Companies Expand in UAE Amid Iran Conflict

Chinese Robotaxi Companies Expand in UAE Amid Iran Conflict

Several Chinese robotaxi companies are advancing their expansion plans in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) despite the ongoing conflict in Iran. Didi, a prominent ride-hailing company, announced its intention to conduct its first overseas robotaxi test in the UAE later this year. This announcement was made by Zhang Bo, co-founder of Didi and head of its autonomous driving business, during a UAE-China business cooperation forum in Beijing. The forum coincided with a state visit by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In addition to Didi, Guangzhou-based WeRide has already launched a fully driverless, fare-charging robotaxi service in Dubai's Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim districts, accessible through Uber's app. Pony.ai, another Chinese robotaxi company, is also pursuing commercial operations in Dubai, having received permission from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority to test autonomous driving locally.

US-Sanctioned Chinese Oil Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz Despite Blockade

US-Sanctioned Chinese Oil Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz Despite Blockade

Shipping data has revealed that a Chinese oil tanker, sanctioned by the United States, successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz despite a U.S. blockade. The tanker, named Rich Starry, is owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd and was carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol. The vessel's passage marks the first successful transit through the strait since the blockade began. The tanker loaded its cargo at Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates and had a Chinese crew aboard. The U.S. sanctions were imposed due to the company's dealings with Iran, and the incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region.

US-Sanctioned Tanker Challenges Trump Blockade in Strait of Hormuz

US-Sanctioned Tanker Challenges Trump Blockade in Strait of Hormuz

A US-sanctioned tanker, Rich Starry, linked to China, has sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman, testing President Trump's naval blockade. The tanker, previously known as Full Star, was blacklisted by Washington in 2023 for aiding Tehran in evading energy sanctions. It remains unclear whether the tanker visited Iranian ports or is carrying cargo. This marks the second attempt by the carrier to exit the strait after initially turning back when the blockade commenced. The tanker has now indicated the Omani port of Sohar as its destination. Another tanker, Elpis, also sanctioned by the US, was seen in the strait and appeared to have docked at an Iranian port before attempting to pass through Hormuz. The movements of these tankers are being closely monitored by shipowners, energy traders, and investors as they assess the implications of the US's efforts to pressure Tehran and curb its oil revenues.

China's Boycott of NeurIPS Conference Highlights US-China AI Research Divide

China's Boycott of NeurIPS Conference Highlights US-China AI Research Divide

The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) has decided to boycott the NeurIPS conference, a major AI event organized by a US-based non-profit. This decision follows a controversy over a policy that initially appeared to exclude many Chinese researchers. Although NeurIPS later apologized and revised the policy, CAST remains firm in its decision not to fund Chinese researchers' attendance or consider NeurIPS papers in evaluations. This move underscores a growing divide in AI research between the US and China. Last year, China-based researchers were the largest group of first authors at NeurIPS, and China leads in AI paper volume globally. The boycott could significantly impact the conference, as Chinese participation is substantial.

Bessent supports IMF quota revamp, wants World Bank financing for critical minerals

Bessent supports IMF quota revamp, wants World Bank financing for critical minerals

By David Lawder WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - U.S.

Surging petrol prices drive record EV sales in Europe in March

Surging petrol prices drive record EV sales in Europe in March

By Alessandro Parodi April 14 (Reuters) - High petrol prices in Europe steered car buyers towards EVs in a record-beating March, and led to the first month of global EV sales growth this year, data by consultancy Benchmark Mineral Intelligence showed on Tuesday.

US-Sanctioned Chinese Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz Despite Blockade

US-Sanctioned Chinese Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz Despite Blockade

A Chinese oil tanker, sanctioned by the United States, has successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz despite a U.S. blockade. The tanker, named Rich Starry, is owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd and was carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol. The vessel's passage marks the first successful transit through the strait since the blockade began. The U.S. sanctions were imposed due to the company's dealings with Iran, and the tanker had loaded its cargo at Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the challenges of enforcing maritime sanctions.