
Ethan Klein slams Hasan Piker over China comments
Tensions between popular streamers Ethan Klein and Hasan Piker have escalated, with Klein accusing Piker of promoting pro-China propaganda and downplaying human rights violations.
The dispute follows Piker's recent commentary on China's policies, which Klein claims aligns too closely with Chinese state narratives.
Klein, co-host of the H3 Podcast, voiced his concerns publicly, alleging that Piker dismisses serious human rights abuses. This marks a significant rift between the two, who previously co-hosted the political podcast Leftovers. The show, launched in September 2021, focused on politics and internet culture but was discontinued in November 2023 due to mounting disagreements between the hosts.
The conflict highlights broader ideological divisions within the online political commentary space. In a recent podcast episode, Klein expressed frustration with Piker's positions, stating, "There's not a single dissenting voice with his... radical, anti-American, antisemitic, pro-terrorism takes. This is fringe, psychotic sh*t."
Piker has not yet responded to Klein's accusations. However, the controversy reflects a growing divide within online political discourse, as influential figures debate geopolitical issues and the ethical responsibility of their platforms.
The fallout from this dispute may further shape online discussions around media narratives, propaganda, and global politics, with both Klein and Piker maintaining strong followings that engage deeply with their content. As debates over China's policies and international affairs continue, this latest feud underscores the complexities of digital influence in shaping public opinion.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Pak-China dialogue: Soft power vital to counter disinfo, says Mushahid
Listen to article Leaders, diplomats, parliamentarians, students and scholars gathered at the Pakistan-China Dialogue hosted by Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) under 'Friends of Silk Road' auspices, focused on 'Strengthening Mutual Understanding Between Pakistan and China and Building a Community with a Shared Future for Neighbouring Countries.' Speakers celebrated the enduring 'Iron Brothers' partnership, championed a multipolar order based on the UN Charter, and highlighted President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a catalyst for peace, prosperity and regional connectivity. The Dialogue was organised by Pakistan-China Institute together with a visiting high-level 5-man delegation from the Communist Party of China's International Department (IDCPC) led by IDCPC Spokesperson & Chief of Information, Ambassador Hu Zhaoming. Mustafa Hyder Sayed, PCI Executive Director and Dialogue Moderator, opened the proceedings by noting that the historic Silk Road friendship between Pakistan and China has never been transactional or tactical; rather, it is rooted in shared history, trust and a common commitment to uplift the wider neighborhood.' He framed the Dialogue as part of PCI's broader effort to amplify voices from Asia and the Global South, given the changing global scenario. Pointing to escalating Cold War rhetoric, he condemned the newly created US Congress's 'Countering PRC Influence Fund, 'which authorizes US$325 million per year from 2023 to 2027 to counter the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party and the Government of the People's Republic of China, worldwide. Mustafa called the measure 'a Cold-War-era throwback that diverts resources from development and dialogue, precisely the opposite of what our region needs.' Delivering the Keynote Address, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman of PCI, observed that the 'global balance of economic and political power is shifting from West to East, heralding the Asian Century.' He lauded China's 'peaceful rise as a source of strength for developing nations across Asia, Africa and Latin America', and thanked Beijing for its unwavering support of Pakistan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, especially last month in the face of Indian aggression. Mushahid termed 'Pakistani talent and Chinese technology an invincible wall for peace, security and stability in South Asia. Condemning recent Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, the Senator called the attacks a flagrant violation of International Law and the UN Charter, and rejected narratives promoting a 'new Cold War or so-called China threat.' 'Security is preserved through cooperation, not military blocs, or demonising countries through disinformation', he stressed. Ambassador Hu Zhaoming, Spokesperson of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), described Pakistan as 'etched in the deepest hearts of the Chinese people,' adding, 'China and Pakistan are like two sides of the same coin—you cannot choose one without the other.' Highlighting the BRI's evolution since 2013, Ambassador Hu noted that over 150 countries now participate in the initiative, which uniquely 'promotes China's inland development while fostering global connectivity.' He urged younger generations to 'carry the torch of friendship forward.' Speaking for the Government of Pakistan, Dr Shezra Mansab Ali Kharal, Minister of State for Climate Change, argued that the current world order is 'visibly fragmenting,' while China consistently advocates multipolarity, non-intervention and equality among states. 'The BRI embodies this vision,' she said, 'fostering a network of interdependent economies that choose dialogue over conflict.' Former Foreign Secretary Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry echoed the call for cooperative paradigms during what he called 'a time of flux where wars erupt and rules collapse. 'President Xi Jinping's philosophy of 'win-win cooperation and mutual respect,' he said, offers 'the most promising foundation for a future world order when the dust settles.' From the legal perspective, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, emphasized that 'security and stability are paramount' for CPEC's success. He championed 'soft-power bridges' such as expanded regional-language media—including Balochi language broadcasts—to deepen people-to-people ties. Malik also proposed Afghanistan's inclusion in CPEC, calling it 'a natural extension of the shared-future vision.' The event was also attended by students and scholars from all the provinces, representing different universities, media, think tanks, as well as representatives of Chinese companies working on CPEC projects. Concrete proposals to jointly promote Pakistan-China 'Soft Power' were discussed, together with some upcoming events and conferences in this regard in China.


Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
RAF Brize Norton infiltrated: Activists of Palestine Action Group vandalise UK jets carrying equipment to Israel
Pro-Palestinian activists infiltrated Royal Air Force Brize Norton early morning on June 20, spraying red paint on two military aircraft. Footage posted on social media by direct action group Palestine Action shows two individuals inside the secured Oxfordshire airbase. One activist is seen riding a scooter up to an Airbus Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker, appearing to spray paint into one of its jet engines. BREAKING: Palestine Action break into RAF Brize Norton and damage two military aircrafts. Flights depart daily from the base to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. From Cyprus, British planes collect intelligence, refuel fighter jets and transport weapons to commit genocide in Gaza. — Palestine Action (@Pal_action) June 20, 2025 The group claimed responsibility for the incursion and said it used repurposed fire extinguishers to deploy red paint onto the aircraft. It alleged that further damage was inflicted with crowbars, though no such actions are visible in the video released. Footage shows the activists moving unchallenged across the airbase after breaching security. In a statement published on its website, the group said: 'From Akrotiri, the RAF has flown hundreds of surveillance missions in support of Israel's genocide in Gaza. The base is also used for UK and US military cargo transports to the Israeli military.' UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has condemned as a serious act of vandalism. RAF Brize Norton is the United Kingdom's principal base for strategic air transport and refuelling operations, including support flights to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The activists cited the RAF's involvement in aerial operations over Gaza from Cyprus as justification for their protest, stating that the targeted aircraft had been put "out of service". Palestine Action, which has previously targeted arms companies and military infrastructure in relation to the conflict in Gaza, further said: 'Despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US and Israeli fighter jets.' The Ministry of Defence confirmed that an investigation is under way and that it is working closely with police authorities. 'Our armed forces represent the very best of Britain,' an MoD spokeswoman told BBC. 'They put their lives on the line for us, and their display of duty, dedication and selfless personal sacrifice are an inspiration to us all. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.' Thames Valley Police have not yet confirmed any arrests. RAF Brize Norton continues to operate, although the extent of damage to the affected aircraft has not been officially disclosed.


Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Taxing solar panels to backfire as Pakistan needs time to bolster manufacturing: Experts
Energy experts believe that the imposition of General Sales Tax (GST) on the import of solar panels, regardless of the final tax rate decided by the federal government, will not slow down Pakistan's accelerating transition to renewable energy. Moreover, contrary to the government's assumption that the imposition of GST would promote domestic industry, experts argue that the move would backfire as the local industry remains underdeveloped and is presently unable to meet the market demand. The remarks were made by clean energy experts, industrialists, climate activists, and renewable energy traders during a webinar titled 'Taxing the Sun: Will Solar Still Shine in Pakistan?', jointly organised by Energy Update and Pakistan Solar Association (PSA). During the webinar, participants examined the federal government's recent budgetary proposal to impose GST on solar panels. The government in its federal budget proposed to impose an 18% GST on solar panels imported. This sparked considerable debate; however, after consultations, the government decided to lower the rate to 10%. Waqas Moosa, PSA Chairman, highlighted that the decade from 2020 to 2030 has been globally recognised as a pivotal era for transitioning to clean energy. He indicated that Pakistani consumers would persist in embracing solar energy to power their homes and businesses, regardless of the added cost from GST. Moosa, however, cautioned that Pakistan's local industry is not yet sufficiently developed to meet the growing demand for advanced solar panels in adequate quantity. 'As such, relying solely on local production at this stage could risk stalling progress.' Moosa strongly criticised the proposal to tax imported solar panels, calling it a serious setback to Pakistan's efforts in combating the climate crisis. 'Whether or not a tax is implemented', he said, 'Domestic consumers will continue shifting to solar energy due to persistent power shortages and unaffordable electricity tariffs from the national grid.' Muhammad Zakar Ali, CEO of Inverex Solar Energy, also echoed similar sentiments. He said that the vast majority of electricity users in Pakistan will continue to transition away from grid-supplied electricity, regardless of tax implications. Ali argued that Pakistan needs a minimum of 18-24 months to establish a viable local industry capable of producing clean energy equipment at scale. Imposing a tax prematurely could deter both domestic and international investors, he warned. He further noted that high electricity tariffs for industrial users could discourage investment in solar panel manufacturing plants. Ali, however, remained optimistic that prospective Chinese investors would soon launch joint ventures with Pakistani industrialists to set up such facilities. The Inverex CEO explained that establishing local solar panel manufacturing plants could lead to the development of five supporting vendor industries, significantly boosting the clean energy supply chain in Pakistan. Pakistan's solar surge lifts it into rarefied 25% club Dr Khalid Waleed, Research Associate at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), believed that the surge in rooftop solar installations in urban centres presents an opportunity for Pakistan to earn carbon credits on the global climate finance market. During the webinar, Tanveer Barry, Former Vice President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), pointed out that while Pakistan's installed electricity generation capacity exceeds 45,000 megawatts (MW), only around 27,000 MW are currently deliverable to end-users due to outdated and overburdened transmission infrastructure. Barry also highlighted the immense untapped potential for solar energy adoption among off-grid rural households and agricultural communities across the country.