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Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
China's messaging on Iran-Israel, Taiwan restricts Chinese firms, and Labubu dolls
Last Friday (June 13), Israel launched strikes on Iran under 'Operation Rising Lion', claiming that Iran is in the process of building nuclear weapons. It attacked key nuclear facilities and military generals, while Iran denied reports of weapon-building and vowed retaliation. More than 600 Iranians and 24 Israelis have died in the attacks so far. What has added to the uncertainty is the United States' stance. US President Donald Trump recently spoke of his country's involvement, saying, 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.' China, meanwhile, has called for de-escalation while condemning Israel's actions, saying it supported 'Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests, and ensuring the safety of its people.' This is in line with its reactions to events unfolding in the Middle East since Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. In last week's tracker, we wrote about discussions on a China-US trade deal, but this week, the geopolitical rivalry between the countries touched on AI and semiconductors. Taiwan, the island on which China lays territorial claims, restricted dealings with Chinese tech companies. Finally, a Chinese-origin company's toy has taken social media by storm in recent days, with Chinese state media websites publishing several stories on it. At a press briefing on Thursday (June 19), a Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson said, 'The conflict continues to escalate, not only wreaking havoc on the people in both countries, but also gravely hurting peace and stability in the region and beyond. China is deeply concerned.' He said China called on the parties to the conflict, 'especially Israel', to act in the larger interest of the region, stop the conflict immediately, and de-escalate the situation. UPSHOT: China has important economic and strategic interests in the region. It buys 90% of Iranian oil exports, and is Israel's second-largest trade partner. In 2023, it helped broker a detente between two regional rivals — the Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and the Shia-majority Iran. The next year, it helped 14 Palestinian groups, including Hamas, sign a declaration in Beijing on 'pledging to end division and strengthen unity' among them. These developments led to an expectation of China emerging as a major actor in the region, something usually done by the likes of the United States. Post-October 7, China has acted in a limited capacity. It reportedly engaged in discussions with the Houthis of Yemen after they attacked Western ships passing through the Red Sea. On the whole, however, it has exercised restraint. Several reasons have been cited for this, including its varied economic interests in the region, which would benefit from peace, and a general lack of interest in engaging in military interventions. Regional actors may also see China as a relatively new entrant in the Middle East's geopolitics. That said, it has backed certain causes. Shortly after the Hamas attacks, a spokesperson described China 'as a friend to both Israel and Palestine,' while stressing support for a 'two-state solution and establishment of an independent State of Palestine.' Its historical support for the Palestinian cause and the US support for Israel have driven this stance. Taiwan has added China's Huawei Technologies Co. and the chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) to its entity list, barring the island's firms from doing business with them without a licence. The list also includes other proscribed organisations like the Taliban and al-Qaeda, and companies from Iran and Pakistan, Reuters reported. SMIC is China's largest chipmaker and has 'ramped up investment to expand production capacity and strengthen China's domestic semiconductor capability in the face of sweeping U.S. export controls,' the report added. UPSHOT: Even as Artificial Intelligence is being touted as the next big disruptor, scepticism has been raised around its actual abilities. What is clear, however, is that it will remain a flashpoint in US-China relations. Taiwan, which is another flashpoint given China's territorial claims and the US's historical support for the island, is the world's largest manufacturer of advanced chips. The recent move was its first public action on semiconductors since President Lai Ching-te said in April he would address concerns from Washington about export controls, Bloomberg reported. Whether it stems directly from discussions with the US is unclear. China has criticised the decision as 'maliciously blocking and suppressing China.' In the past, the US has restricted Huawei over security concerns. Since then, the company has launched new smartphones and AI chips elsewhere, with success. One such phone, released in August 2023, is the Mate 60 Pro. The SMIC is believed to have manufactured an advanced chip that powers the phone. Concerned over its capabilities despite US restrictions, the Commerce Department sent dozens of letters to US suppliers of SMIC, suspending permission to sell to its most advanced plant, Reuters had reported last year. In the last few weeks, social media has been abuzz with popular celebrities, including singer Rihanna, K-pop star Lisa and Indian actor Ananya Panday, posting photos of somewhat strange-looking, small figurines. Beijing-based toy brand Pop Mart launched these 'Labubu' dolls in collaboration with Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. He created 'The Monsters' series for the brand, featuring elf-like dolls with a vinyl head and furry bodies, often with a mischievous smile. He said he was inspired by Dutch fairy tale characters, having moved to the Netherlands at a young age. In 2015, he illustrated a series on them and the dolls were launched soon after. The collaboration with Pop Mart in 2019 sparked the craze domestically, which spread to Southeast Asian countries, and then the rest of the world. They are also sold as bag accessories. UPSHOT: Chinese state media websites often indicate the Communist Party government's perspectives on issues. China Daily published at least four stories on its website just this week about the dolls. One described people queuing at stores in Australia and the UAE. Another People's Daily article said, 'It is rare for a comic or toy IP to break the culture wall and be embraced by both Asian cultures as well as mainstream Western pop stars and sports stars, according to Jessie Xu, an analyst at Deutsche Bank, which significantly raised its target price for Pop Mart shares on the strength of Labubu's performance.' The Financial Times reported that Pop Mart's market capitalisation stands at around $40 trillion today, more than that of Hasbro (with games like Monopoly and Play-Doh) and Mattel (Barbie and Hot Wheels) combined. Its shares have 'soared almost sixfold in the past year on the back of Labubu fever.' An important part of the dolls' appeal is how they are sold in blind boxes – in packages where the buyer doesn't know about the exact item they've purchased until it has been opened. However, at least one state media report raised concerns about promoting overconsumption through such sales methods. Soon after, CNBC reported that Pop Mart's Hong Kong-listed shares fell more than 5%. Overall, state media framed the Labubu sales as a positive sign, touting it as a reflection of 'China's pro-consumption policies' and that 'Greater openness is also fueling the cultural exchange crucial to IP growth'. Rishika Singh is a Senior sub-editor at the Explained Desk of The Indian Express. She enjoys writing on issues related to international relations, and in particular, likes to follow analyses of news from China. Additionally, she writes on developments related to politics and culture in India. ... Read More
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Iranian Jewish Leader Denounces Israel's ‘Savage' Attacks on Iran
An Iranian Jewish leader denounced Israel's "savage" attacks against Iran as tensions remain high in the region this week. Newsweek reached out to the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry for comment via email. The Iran-Israel conflict has continued to escalate after Israel launched strikes at Iran last week with the goal of diminishing its nuclear capabilities amid concerns that Tehran was working to build a nuclear weapon. Israel and Iran have since fired strikes back-and-forth over recent days as President Donald Trump weighs whether the U.S. should become involved to help Israel. The conflict could reshape affairs in the region and across the globe for years to come. Khodadad Goharian, a leader of a small Jewish community in Yazd, Iran, condemned Israel's attacks as "savage deeds" that have "deeply wounded the hearts of all Iranians," reported The Jerusalem Post, citing local media. Goharian raised concerns that the strikes have killed civilians, including children. He also backed Iran's call for a military response to the strikes, according to the outlet. Lior Sternfeld, associate professor of history and Jewish studies at Penn State University, told Newsweek the statement is not surprising. "They live in Iran, and they are part of the Iranian society. There is, of course, some level of expectation from them to issue such a statement, but we shouldn't assume that they do it under pressure. The Israeli attacks affect them, too. They live in those same spaces. Who wouldn't go against foreign powers bombing their homes?" Sternfeld said. Approximately 9,000 Jewish people live in Iran, primarily concentrated in major cities such as Tehran and Shiraz, according to the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) earlier this year. Prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, up to 100,000 Jewish Iranians were living in the country. Judaism is one of four religions recognized in Iran, and there are dozens of synagogues in the country, according to JNS. The Iranian Jewish community has a "complicated" relationship with Israel, Sternfeld said. "Of course, supporting Israel openly is not an option. It is perilous for anyone to support Israel publicly, especially while being Jewish, and especially now," he said. Tensions between the two nations remained high on Thursday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday condemned an Iranian strike that damaged Soroka Hospital in Beersheba. The Israel Defense Forces reported a new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran. Meanwhile, Israel launched airstrikes on Iran's Arak heavy water reactor, a facility linked to plutonium production. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the site was inactive and contained no nuclear material, but Israel said the strike was aimed at preventing future weapons development. Trump continued to consider U.S. involvement, stating, "I may do it, I may not do it." He has said he believes Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. The Jewish Association and Community of Isfahan wrote in a statement reported by The Jerusalem Post: "The Zionists' brutality, which is far from any human morality and has caused the martyrdom of a number of our beloved compatriots, including innocent children, has hurt all of our hearts." Homayoun Sameh, the Jewish representative in Iran's parliament, said, per Ynet: "Israel is committing war crimes - crimes against humanity. Iranian Jews are part of the Iranian people. I offer condolences to the families of the victims." Israeli Health Minister Uriel Busso told The Jerusalem Post following the strike on a hospital: "This is a terrorist act...a red line." Busso told The Jerusalem Post that Israel will exact a heavy price for the latest attack on the Israeli hospital. Meanwhile, debate continues about whether the U.S. should join the conflict. While some have argued it is strategic to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon, others have said the U.S. should not get involved in a war on Israel's behalf. Members of Congress are pushing to limit Trump's ability to join the conflict without their authorization. Related Articles Iran Issues New Warning to US- 'All Necessary Options on The Table'Former Spy Chief: 'Good Case' for US To Strike Iranian Nuclear SiteWhy Iran War Hurts China More Than AmericaVideo of Theo Von Sounding Alarm on Possible War With Iran Takes Off Online 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Thai prime minister's leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen sparks outrage, political turmoil
Paetongtarn said her comments were a negotiation tactic and that her goal was to bring peace between the countries. However, she said she would no longer engage in a private talk with Hun Sen as she could not trust him. 'It's now clear that all that he cares about is his popularity in the country, without considering impacts on relations with other countries,' she said. Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry said it submitted a protest letter over the leaked recording with the Cambodian ambassador, saying that Cambodia's actions were unacceptable and 'a breach of diplomatic etiquette, a serious violation of trust, and undermines conduct between two neighboring countries.' Paetongtarn has described the two families as having close, longtime relationships. Her father Thaksin and Hun Sen reportedly regard each other as 'godbrothers.' In 2009, Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as a Cambodian government adviser, but Thaksin soon resigned the position. Mounting pressure Hours after the leak, the Bhumjaithai party, the biggest partner in Paetongtarn's ruling coalition, said it would quit because of the leaked phone call. The party's statement said the recording 'posed an impact on Thailand's sovereignty, territory, interests and the army.' The party called for Paetongtarn to take responsibility for the damage, although they did not say how. There has already been a rift between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai over reports that the former would be shuffled out of the powerful Interior Ministry. Several Bhumjaithai leaders are also under investigation over the alleged rigging of the Senate election in which many figures who are reportedly close to the party claimed a majority of seats. The departure of Bhumjaithai left the 10-party coalition with 255 seats, just above the majority of the 500-seat house. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party on Thursday called for Paetongtarn to dissolve Parliament and hold a new election. He said the leaked phone call was 'the last straw' that destroyed people's faith in her administration. Dozens of nationalists protesters gathered near the Government House on Thursday, holding Thai national flags and signs calling for Paetongtarn to resign. Some senators said they will file a motion to impeach her, and several other individuals also filed complaints over the matter to law enforcement agencies. People have also expressed concern that Paetongtarn's comment towards the local army commander could potentially lead to a military coup. Her father, Thaksin, was ousted in a coup in 2006, and Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, became prime minister in 2011 and was also toppled by the military in 2014. The military said in a statement Thursday that it would like the people to 'maintain confidence in the Royal Thai Army's steadfast commitment to constitutional monarchy and its readiness to execute its constitutional mandate of protecting national sovereignty through established legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms."
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Defence Ministry ready to help repatriate Malaysians in Iran if directed, says Khaled
KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry is prepared to execute any government directive regarding the mission to repatriate Malaysians from Iran following the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, stated that such matters are typically handled by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, including considering security aspects and suitable methods, given that not all aircraft can enter Iran's airspace. "We have not yet received instructions on the matter, which is usually managed by Wisma Putra, and how to proceed... I believe they are considering it. "I said it might not yet involve the Defence Ministry. For now, we are ready to accept any instructions from the government once a decision is made," he told reporters after officiating the 59th Armed Forces Cooperative annual general meeting at Wisma Perwira ATM here Thursday (June 19). Mohamed Khaled said that the use of military assets for such missions might not necessarily be the primary choice, as it could lead to misinterpretations regarding the presence of Malaysian troops. "In this context, it's better for military aircraft not to enter because people might think the military is coming to help," he said. On Wednesday (June 18), Madani government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil reportedly said that the process of evacuating Malaysians in Iran is expected to be carried out this Friday (June 20). Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said that among the preparations being made is the provision of travel visas. The conflict between Iran and Israel escalated on June 13 following an unprovoked air strike by the Zionist regime on Iranian territory, and in retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles at several locations in Israel. Previously, Wisma Putra urged all Malaysians in Iran to leave the country immediately due to the uncertain situation and the risk of it worsening without any prior warning. Meanwhile, commenting on the safety of the Malaysian Peacekeeping Force (MalBatt) personnel in Lebanon following the growing tensions involving Iran and Israel, Mohamed Khaled affirmed that their position remains safe. "We always have continuous communication (with the team in Lebanon). If anything happens, we will certainly be informed and will take appropriate action," he said. - Bernama
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Thai prime minister's leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen sets off political backlash
Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen posted the full, 17-minute phone call on his Facebook page after a shorter version was leaked Wednesday. He said he recorded the conversation 'to avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation in official matters,' adding that he shared the recording with at least 80 people. In the recording, Paetongtarn was heard calling Hun Sen 'uncle' as they discussed through translators whether they should lift border restrictions imposed after the deadly clash. Backlash revolved around her calling a Thai army commander in charge of the border area where the clash happened as 'an opponent.' Critics said she was trying to please Hun Sen too much and made Thailand look weak. Advertisement Paetongtarn said her comments were a negotiation tactic and that her goal was to bring peace between the countries. However, she said she would no longer engage in a private talk with Hun Sen as she could not trust him. 'It's now clear that all that he cares about is his popularity in the country, without considering impacts on relations with other countries,' she said. Advertisement Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry said it submitted a protest letter over the leaked recording with the Cambodian ambassador, saying that Cambodia's actions were unacceptable and 'contradicted internationally accepted practices and the spirit of good neighborliness. ' Paetongtarn has described the two families as having close, longtime relationships. Her father Thaksin and Hun Sen reportedly regard each other as 'godbrothers.' In 2009, Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as a Cambodian government adviser, but Thaksin soon resigned the position. Hours after the leak, the Bhumjaithai party, the biggest partner in Paetongtarn's ruling coalition, said it would leave the coalition because of the leaked phone call. The party's statement said the recording 'posed an impact on Thailand's sovereignty, territory, interests and the army.' The party called for Paetongtarn to take responsibility for the damage, although they did not say how. There has already been a rift between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai over reports that the former would be shuffled out of the powerful Interior Ministry. Several Bhumjaithai leaders are also under investigation over the alleged rigging of the Senate election in which many figures who are reportedly close to the party claimed a majority of seats. The departure of Bhumjaithai left the 10-party coalition with 255 seats, just above the majority of the 500-seat house. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party on Thursday called for Paetongtarn to dissolve Parliament and hold a new election. He said the leaked phone call was 'the last straw' that destroyed people's faith in her administration. Advertisement Dozens of nationalists protesters gathered near the Government House on Thursday, holding Thai national flags and signs calling for Paetongtarn to resign. Some senators said they will file a motion to impeach her, and several other individuals also filed complaints over the matter to law enforcement agencies. People have also expressed concern that Paetongtarn's comment towards the local army commander could potentially lead to a military coup. Her father Thaksin, was ousted in a coup in 2006, and Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, became prime minister in 2011 and was ousted by a military coup in 2014. The army said in a statement Thursday that it would like the people to 'maintain confidence in the Royal Thai Army's steadfast commitment to constitutional monarchy and its readiness to execute its constitutional mandate of protecting national sovereignty through established legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms.'
