News

China’s moderate shift may disappear along with Qin Gang

Published

2 years ago

July 27, 2023

The abrupt removal of China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, has raised questions about the implications for China’s diplomacy.

Despite his “wolf warrior” reputation, Qin demonstrated a softer approach during his time as ambassador to the US, engaging in sports and advocating for a nuanced relationship between the superpowers.

His appointment as foreign minister was perceived as a move to present a more moderate image of China, but he had limited influence on actual foreign policy decisions.

The ultimate authority rested with Wang Yi, who held the top diplomatic position in China’s party-centric hierarchy as the head of the Communist Party’s foreign affairs commission.

With Wang Yi assuming the role of foreign minister, China aims to signal continuity and reassure the global community that it is business as usual.

International charm offensive

Wang is known for orchestrating international charm offensives and is expected to focus on repairing US-China relations, especially in light of a possible visit by President Xi to the US. However, doubts persist about Wang’s long-term tenure, with many considering him a temporary replacement while Xi searches for someone to ease his workload.

The sudden removal of Qin Gang without explanation has sent a troubling message and raised questions about Xi’s judgment. It has implications for the Chinese Communist Party’s image both abroad and internally, as it highlights leadership instability, possible policy disagreements, and a lack of transparency in high-level official promotions.

Reappointing Wang Yi to signal continuity has been seen as nonsensical, as it reminds foreign partners that Chinese officials can vanish without warning, and their contributions become nullified.

The episode also underscores the distance between the Chinese diplomats often interacted with by foreign governments and companies and the true centers of power in China.

It serves as a reminder that Xi Jinping remains the decisive actor in Beijing. While Qin Gang’s downfall may not significantly impact foreign relations, it has left China with a red face, as it struggles to manage the fallout and maintain a confident image on the global stage.

News

Trump: No ceasefire with Iran, just surrender

Trump rejects ceasefire with Iran, demands total conflict end, warns of military action and nuclear threats.

Published

51 minutes ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump rejects ceasefire with Iran, demands total conflict end, warns of military action and nuclear threats.

Trump: No Ceasefire With Iran, Just Surrender — President Donald Trump has escalated his stance on Iran, rejecting the idea of a ceasefire and stating he wants a complete end to the conflict.

He warned Iran against developing nuclear weapons and hinted at potential military action, including the use of “bunker buster” bombs. Trump’s remarks, including a threatening post on Truth Social, have reignited fears of a broader confrontation in the Middle East.

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#Trump #IranCrisis #MiddleEastTensions #NuclearThreat #TruthSocial #G7Summit #USMilitary #Geopolitics

News

Markets drop as Trump threatens Iran strike

“Markets slide as Trump’s threats against Iran and abrupt G7 exit heighten investor fears, boosting oil prices amid rising inflation concerns.”

Published

1 hour ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

“Markets slide as Trump’s threats against Iran and abrupt G7 exit heighten investor fears, boosting oil prices amid rising inflation concerns.”

Markets Drop As Trump Threatens Iran Strike — President Trump’s hardline stance on Iran and his early G7 departure spooked investors.

Stock markets slumped while oil and energy surged, raising concerns over inflation and global trade instability. With Middle East tensions flaring, Wall Street braces for more volatility.

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#Markets #IranTensions #WallStreet #OilPrices #TradeWar #TrumpNews #EconomicOutlook #StockMarket

News

Israel targets Iran’s Fordow facility amid tensions

Israel seeks to damage Iran’s Fordow facility before halting operations; Trump suggests US knows Khamenei’s location, avoids assassination.

Published

3 hours ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Israel seeks to damage Iran’s Fordow facility before halting operations; Trump suggests US knows Khamenei’s location, avoids assassination.

In Short:
Israel aims to damage Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility and is seeking US assistance, despite uncertainty about American military involvement. Tensions rise as President Trump holds national security meetings, contemplating military options against Iran.

Israel plans to continue its operations against Iran until the Fordow nuclear facility is significantly damaged. The facility, located underground near Qom, is crucial for uranium enrichment.

Israel acknowledges that its own military capabilities cannot reach the depths of Fordow, but it is relying on the United States for support.

Israel’s National Security Advisor, Tzachi Hanegbi, indicated ongoing discussions with US officials but expressed uncertainty regarding US involvement in military actions.

Iran’s nuclear weapon

Many in Israel and the West suspect that Fordow is part of Iran’s nuclear weapon development, a claim that Iran denies.

President Donald Trump left the G7 summit early due to this ongoing conflict and convened a national security meeting at the White House.

The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, included key security figures such as CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Reports suggest that Trump is considering the use of a “bunker buster” bomb against Fordow.