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Sichuan Jianyang Campus Bullying Incident Sparks Mass Protests, Police Crack Down
A video of a 14-year-old girl being beaten and tormented by other teenagers in Jiangyou, Sichuan Province, sparked large-scale protests in southwestern China. Residents accused officials of lenient punishment for the perpetrators, leading to a confrontation with authorities. Police responded with a forceful crackdown, which was documented by residents. Protesters demanded justice for the victim and criticized the police’s heavy-handed tactics, chanting slogans like “No to bullying” and “Give us back democracy.”
The viral video showed the attackers taking the girl to an unfinished building where they assaulted her. The incident prompted widespread outrage and calls for accountability. The Jiangyou police stated that two attackers were ordered to attend a correctional school and faced up to 15 days in detention, while another girl and onlookers received warnings. The victim’s parents, who believed the punishment was too light, led the protests, which grew to include hundreds of residents.
Tensions escalated as police tried to disperse the crowd, leading to confrontations and arrests. Videos of the protests were shared widely on social media before being removed. The protests in Jiangyou were notable for their size and the intense nationwide attention they received, highlighting broader issues of school safety and public anger over bullying. Protesters also sought to demonstrate their patriotism and willingness to work within the system, singing the national anthem during their confrontations with police.
Israel’s Security Cabinet Approves Military Takeover of Gaza Plan
Israeli leaders approved a plan for a gradual military takeover of Gaza, a decision that defies military advice and risks escalating the nearly two-year war. The plan aims to conquer Gaza City and areas where Hamas is believed to hold Israeli hostages. The goal is to achieve a decisive victory over Hamas, disarm them, return all hostages, demilitarize Gaza, and establish Israeli security control. The military expects to call up reserve forces and deploy troops, which may take days, and will involve the forced evacuation of tens of thousands of Palestinians. The cabinet also approved principles for ending the war, including the establishment of an alternative civilian administration in Gaza. The Israeli military has already conquered about 75% of Gaza, with the remaining areas being the coastal strip from Gaza City to Khan Younis. Netanyahu stated that Israel plans to take control of all of Gaza but does not intend to maintain permanent control, aiming to hand it over to Arab forces. The move has been criticized by opposition members and hostage families, who fear it could lead to more civilian deaths and worsen living conditions in Gaza. The military leadership prefers a cease-fire over escalating the conflict, but a majority of ministers believe alternative proposals would not defeat Hamas or release the hostages. The military believes it could seize the remaining parts of Gaza within months but setting up a governance system similar to the West Bank would require up to five years of sustained combat.
How to Define “Transshipment Products”? Southeast Asian Countries Hope for Clarity from the U.S.
Southeast Asian officials have praised President Trump’s tariffs, seeing them as a way to compete fairly with neighbors and plan for the future. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the 40% tariff on transshipments of products from China, particularly the percentage of Chinese-made components that would trigger this tariff. Southeast Asian countries have taken steps to curb this practice but feel the Trump administration has not clearly defined what constitutes a transshipped product.
This issue is significant for Southeast Asia because many Chinese manufacturers have set up factories in the region, using components from China. The U.S. is setting criteria for “rules of origin” unilaterally, which could impact Southeast Asian countries’ ability to qualify for lower tariffs. Cambodia’s deputy prime minister, Sun Chanthol, has requested a grace period to improve local content.
Since Trump’s first term, many multinational companies have shifted manufacturing to Southeast Asia to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing. The Trump administration is now proposing high local content percentages, such as 70%, which Southeast Asian countries find onerous. The U.S. is also making it harder for China to use Southeast Asia as a transit point for goods.
In Thailand, officials are optimistic about benefiting from Trump’s trade policy despite uncertainties. In Malaysia, the semiconductor industry is grappling with a potential 100% tariff on imported semiconductors, seeking clarity on its application.
Putin’s Desire for a Summit with Trump
Vladimir Putin has long expressed a desire to meet with President Trump, viewing such a meeting as a key opportunity to secure his geopolitical goals in the war against Ukraine. Putin’s primary objective is to achieve a peace deal that aligns with his geopolitical aims, rather than focusing solely on territorial gains. He believes that Trump, as the U.S. president, is best positioned to deliver on these aims, which include keeping Ukraine out of NATO and preventing the alliance’s future expansion.
Putin has been focused on maintaining a relationship with Trump and avoiding a break with Washington, despite Trump’s growing impatience with Russia’s refusal to agree to a cease-fire. This focus is evident in Putin’s repeated statements about wanting to hold a summit with Trump. The Kremlin confirmed plans for a summit, though no exact date was set. Trump had initially proposed a three-way meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but Moscow has not agreed to this format.
Analysts suggest that Putin may have signaled more flexibility on the issue of land division or exchange in any settlement between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow has insisted on controlling the entirety of the four regions it claimed to have annexed from Ukraine, but U.S. negotiators viewed this position as unreasonable. Some analysts believe that Putin’s hard-line stance was a tactic to force a meeting with Trump, hoping to sway him back to supporting Russia’s views on the conflict.
Putin’s demands, such as excluding Ukraine from NATO and limiting its military capabilities, are seen as more crucial to him than the specifics of territorial control. He aims to ensure that Ukraine stops being what he sees as an “anti-Russia project” and returns to Moscow’s sphere of influence. Despite increasing threats from the White House, there is little indication that Putin has abandoned his hard-line goals. Russian forces have made advances in Ukraine but have suffered significant losses and are far from seizing the entirety of the annexed regions. Putin is prepared to fight for years if necessary, though he would prefer a diplomatic resolution.
China’s July Exports Surge Past Expectations, Primarily to Regions Outside the US
China’s exports surged in July, exceeding expectations, with a significant increase in shipments to Southeast Asia and Africa, often for onward shipment to the United States. Exports to these regions grew more than twice as fast as overall exports. Exports to the European Union also saw strong growth. However, direct exports to the United States decreased by over a fifth due to the 30% tariffs imposed by President Trump. China’s economy heavily relies on exports, partly due to a steep fall in apartment prices affecting household finances. The trade surplus reached nearly $1 trillion last year, with manufactured goods surplus equal to a tenth of China’s economic output. The U.S. has been charging an extra 30% tariff on Chinese imports since May, in addition to existing tariffs. The U.S. trade deficit with China has narrowed, but China still exports three times as much to the U.S. as it imports. Chinese companies have increased exports to the European Union and developing countries, which use Chinese components to assemble goods for American and European markets. The U.S. has started imposing 40% tariffs on transshipped goods and plans to release new rules to broaden the definition of transshipment. Since the trade war, Chinese companies have moved the final stages of production to countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Mexico. Exports to Southeast Asia and Africa have surged, but some countries have increased tariffs on Chinese goods.
“Intelligent Propaganda System”: How China Uses AI to Arm Information Warfare
The Chinese government is leveraging companies with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and manipulate public opinion, enhancing its capabilities in information warfare. One such company, GoLaxy, has been involved in influence campaigns in Hong Kong and Taiwan and has collected data on influential Americans, including members of Congress. While GoLaxy has not yet conducted campaigns in the United States, U.S. intelligence agencies are monitoring its activities for potential interference in American elections or political debates.
AI is becoming a critical tool in espionage and influence operations, allowing for faster, more efficient, and larger-scale campaigns. China, which has historically struggled with information operations, is now using AI to overcome these weaknesses. The new technology can track public debates, monitor individual arguments, and generate propaganda to counter shifts in public opinion both domestically and internationally.
The U.S. government has been reducing its efforts to counter foreign influence campaigns, which has coincided with China’s increasing capabilities in this area. GoLaxy’s technology, known as the Smart Propaganda System (GoPro), can create customized content that feels authentic and adapts in real-time, making it a powerful propaganda engine.
GoLaxy’s activities are aligned with China’s national security strategy, and the company has worked with Chinese intelligence agencies, including the Ministry of State Security. The company has collected vast amounts of data on potential targets, including American politicians and public figures, although it denies conducting any influence operations in the United States.
Despite GoLaxy’s denials, U.S. officials and experts believe the company’s operations are endorsed by the Chinese government, with the Communist Party having ultimate control. The company’s investors include Sugon, a state-controlled supercomputing company, and it was founded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a state-owned institution.
I Am a Hiroshima Survivor, It’s Time to End the Nuclear Threat
The author, Terumi Tanaka, a survivor of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, recounts the devastating impact of the bomb on her family and the city. She highlights the loss of five family members and the broader devastation that affected around 70,000 people in Nagasaki and 140,000 in Hiroshima. Tanaka emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness about the horrors of nuclear weapons through the testimonies of hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivors, to build a global taboo against their use.
The article details the immediate and long-term effects of the bomb, including severe burns, radiation sickness, and the psychological trauma experienced by survivors. It also discusses the broader implications of nuclear weapons, noting that the current geopolitical climate threatens to weaken the global taboo against their use. Tanaka warns that the reliance on nuclear deterrence is misguided and that the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons offers a solution. She urges more countries to join the treaty and advocates for a larger movement of young activists to address the nuclear threat, emphasizing that nuclear weapons do not provide protection but are merely tools of intimidation.
China’s New “Weapon”: Using AI to Launch a Propaganda War
China’s new propaganda tool leverages advanced AI to manipulate public opinion subtly and effectively. Unlike Russia’s low-tech interference in U.S. elections, China’s approach uses generative AI to create personalized, convincing content that blends seamlessly into everyday digital discussions. A Chinese company, GoLaxy, is at the forefront of this technology, deploying humanlike bot networks and psychological profiling to target individuals. GoLaxy’s activities suggest connections to the Chinese government and have been used in Hong Kong and Taiwan, with potential expansion into the United States.
GoLaxy’s technology integrates generative AI with vast amounts of personal data, creating dynamic psychological profiles and customizing content to individual users’ values, beliefs, and vulnerabilities. This allows for highly efficient propaganda that is nearly indistinguishable from legitimate online interactions. The company has already used its technology to influence public opinion in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and there are indications it may be preparing to expand its operations to the United States.
GoLaxy’s strategic alignment with China’s national security priorities is evident, although no formal government control has been publicly confirmed. The company has received funding from Sugon, a Beijing-based supercomputing company flagged by the Pentagon as a Chinese military affiliate. This highlights the growing importance of influence operations as core instruments of statecraft, with battlefields extending to online platforms.
The danger lies in the stealth and scale of these methods, which can shape opinion and corrode democratic institutions beneath the surface. To counter this threat, a coordinated response is essential, involving academic researchers, the U.S. government, and the private sector. This includes mapping the convergence of AI, open-source intelligence, and online influence campaigns, disrupting the infrastructure behind these operations, and accelerating AI detection capabilities. Failure to do so could leave societies completely exposed to AI-driven influence.
Containing the China Alliance? Why Trump Declares War on India
President Trump’s recent actions have significantly strained relations between the United States and India. Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on India’s purchases of Russian oil, which includes a 25% punitive tariff on top of a previously announced 25% tariff. This move has positioned India as a political enemy of the U.S., similar to Brazil, which faced similar tariff threats. The crisis between the two countries now extends beyond trade issues.
Trump’s attacks on India began on July 30, when he declared India’s economy “dead.” This marked a shift from previous efforts to reduce India’s trade barriers. The U.S. and India had been seen as potential allies in countering China’s economic influence, but Trump’s actions have undermined this partnership. In February, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed India’s intention to become one of the world’s most advanced economies with the U.S. as a partner.
The U.S. and India have significant economic ties, with total trade between the two countries amounting to roughly $130 billion last year. India’s top exports to the U.S. include pharmaceuticals, auto parts, electrical goods, and gemstones. However, Trump’s tariff threats have cast doubt on months of trade talks and sent shockwaves through the business communities of both countries.
India’s foreign ministry responded to Trump’s tariff threats by reiterating the country’s energy needs and the necessity of importing oil from Russia. Indian officials have indicated they do not intend to stop buying Russian oil. The tariff threats have also targeted other industries in India, such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, which are seen as alternatives to China.
Despite the tariff threats, some aspects of the U.S.-India relationship remain stable. The trade in services and people-to-people exchanges are more important to their economic relationship than goods trade. However, the cooperation between the U.S. and India in countering China’s influence is no longer a reliable factor.
The Atomic Bombs Dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki: How They Changed Japan
The article discusses how the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 have influenced Japan’s stance on peace and nuclear weapons. The bombings, which killed approximately 210,000 people, ended World War II but also marked the beginning of an era where human innovation could cause unprecedented destruction. Japan, under the influence of the U.S., adopted a pacifist constitution that renounced war and limited its military to defensive roles. However, with the rise of nuclear powers in neighboring countries and increasing security threats, Japan is reconsidering its commitment to pacifism. Younger generations are more open to military expansion, and there is growing support for revising the constitution to allow for a more robust defense. Despite Japan’s historical advocacy for a world free of nuclear weapons, it has not signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, reflecting a growing belief in the necessity of nuclear deterrence.
Fear, Anxiety, and Shame: The Chinese Trapped in the Debt Quagmire
China, traditionally known for its high savings rate, is facing a growing personal debt crisis. The government is encouraging more spending and borrowing to boost the economy, which has been in a four-year slump. However, many consumers are already struggling with debt, with a significant increase in defaults from 2021 to 2024. The number of loans that households could not afford to pay back nearly doubled during this period.
The government’s push for consumer lending and flexible repayment terms has led to a cycle of debt for many, particularly young people. Factors contributing to this include poor financial literacy, high youth unemployment, and stagnant wages. Those caught in this cycle include factory workers, young professionals, and gig economy workers, who live in fear of default, debt collectors, and overwhelming shame.
A recent survey by China’s central bank showed that consumers are increasingly pessimistic about job security and spending. The number of people defaulting on personal loans has doubled since 2019, and the number of risky borrowers has swelled to between 61 million and 83 million. This amounts to between 5% and 7% of the total population aged 15 and older.
China lacks a formal bankruptcy system, which exacerbates the punitive effects of defaulting on loans. For many indebted individuals, taking on more loans is a means of survival rather than consumption. The ease of obtaining consumer loans online, often with high-interest rates, has contributed to the problem. The societal values and the pressure from debt collectors add to the burden, with many borrowers feeling shame long before they default.
The government has proposed measures like a “credit repair” program to help defaulters regain access to loans, but these could take time to establish. Enforcement against debt collectors is weak, and complaints are soaring. The feeling of desperation over consumer debt is widespread, with online support groups and social media campaigns highlighting the issue.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Destroyed by the Atomic Bomb 80 Years Ago
On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, instantly destroying them and leaving behind a grim, gray landscape. The bombings resulted in the deaths of approximately 140,000 people in Hiroshima and 70,000 in Nagasaki by the end of 1945, with a significant number of victims being children. The immediate aftermath was marked by severe burns, radiation sickness, and the collapse of infrastructure. Survivors faced long-term health issues, including cancer and keloid scars, and endured social stigma.
The bombings were justified by the U.S. as a necessary measure to end Japan’s wartime aggression and the Second World War. However, the second bombing of Nagasaki, a city with a large Christian population, is more controversial. The impact on civilians lingered, both in the countries invaded by the Japanese and in Japan itself, where the nuclear attacks left deep psychological and physical scars.
Despite the devastation, survivors began rebuilding their lives and cities. The strength of the survivors is highlighted by individuals like Fumiyo Kono, who created a best-selling manga series about the war, reflecting the enduring trauma and resilience of the people affected. The article concludes with a reflection on the enduring impact of the bombings and the ongoing struggle to process the devastation.
Guangdong Monkeypox Spread, Official Response Evokes Public Memories of COVID-19
In Foshan, China, officials are combating a chikungunya outbreak, a mosquito-borne viral disease causing severe joint pain and fever. The virus has infected around 8,000 people in four weeks, primarily in Foshan. Experts attribute the spread to rising global temperatures, which have created warmer and wetter conditions favorable for mosquitoes. Authorities are using various measures, including drones to identify breeding sites, giant “elephant mosquitoes” to prey on virus-carrying mosquitoes, and releasing mosquito-eating fish into city ponds. The response has evoked memories of the strict COVID-19 measures, including mass testing, citywide lockdowns, and constant tracking of people’s movements. Residents are being ordered to clean out all sources of standing water and face fines or criminal charges for non-compliance. Some residents have reported excessive policing and intrusion into their homes. The outbreak has raised concerns globally, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuing a travel advisory for Guangdong. The World Health Organization has called on countries to prevent a large-scale outbreak, as cases have spread from the Indian Ocean islands to Europe and other regions. The virus poses serious risks, particularly to older patients, newborns, and those with preexisting health conditions. The outbreak has also been detected in other cities in Guangdong and neighboring provinces, as well as in Macau and Hong Kong.
Pakistan Sees ‘Honor Killing’ as Woman Shot for Extramarital Affair Sparks Protests
A woman named Bano Bibi and her alleged lover, Ehsanullah Samalani, were killed in Pakistan for allegedly having an affair. The killings, which were ordered by a tribal leader, sparked widespread protests and condemnation. The incident highlighted the persistent issue of “honor killings” in Pakistan, where women are often targeted for supposedly dishonoring their families. Despite laws against such violence, these killings often go unreported or unpunished due to deeply entrenched patriarchal beliefs and the influence of tribal codes over civil law. The case has raised questions about the Pakistani government’s ability and willingness to address this form of violence. The police have since arrested several individuals, including Bibi’s mother, who justified the killings as necessary to cleanse the family’s honor. The perpetrators of the killings remain at large, and the case has sparked renewed calls for stronger enforcement of laws against gender-based violence.
The Good Times Are Over for Silicon Valley “Big Factory” Employees
The article discusses the changing landscape for employees at major tech companies in Silicon Valley. Initially, companies like Google, Apple, Meta, and Netflix were seen as dream destinations for tech workers, offering high salaries, luxurious campuses, and a culture of openness. However, over time, these companies have evolved into large bureaucracies, cutting jobs, enforcing mandatory office attendance, and suppressing employee debate. The shift began around 2022-2023, marked by significant layoffs and a more stringent approach to employee behavior.
The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has further complicated the situation, with executives predicting that AI will replace many jobs. This has led to increased fear and uncertainty among tech workers. Some employees, like Rachel Grey, who worked at Google for nearly 18 years, have left due to the changing culture and increased pressure. Others, like Ava Sazanami, have experienced a gradual erosion of benefits and policies that once made them feel valued.
The article also highlights the impact of AI on the job market, with some workers like Jason Yuan leaving big tech to join the AI sector, hoping to stay ahead of the technological curve. The overall sentiment is one of uncertainty and fear, with workers feeling disempowered and the future of the industry appearing shaky.
Lyft Partners with Baidu to Deploy Chinese Autonomous Vehicles in European Market
Lyft and Baidu have announced a partnership to deploy Chinese-made driverless cars in Europe, specifically in Germany and Britain, starting next year. This move comes as China’s automakers, in collaboration with software companies, are expanding globally with their driverless technology. Despite tariffs and security concerns in Europe, China’s autonomous driving industry is growing rapidly.
Baidu will supply Lyft with self-driving cars assembled by Jiangling Motors. This partnership follows a similar announcement by Uber and Momenta, a Chinese autonomous driving company, which plans to offer self-driving cars in an unspecified European city early next year. Momenta will also provide assisted driving technology to IM Motors for cars sold in Britain.
China’s state-controlled banking system has been supporting the electric car industry with low-interest loans, aiming for global leadership. Chinese driverless cars are also expanding into other markets, including Asia and the Middle East. However, concerns about high costs and legal issues have prevented Chinese automakers from entering the U.S. market.
The navigation systems in these cars use high-resolution cameras to capture road and roadside images, raising concerns about data collection and privacy. In contrast, companies like Tesla and Waymo are already operating driverless cars in the U.S. and Europe. The cost of technology and electric cars is significantly higher outside China, making Chinese models more competitive.
China has been conducting extensive driverless car experiments in over a dozen cities, with Baidu’s Wuhan project being the largest globally. The Chinese government supports this technology, setting safety standards and using censorship to manage public discussion about incidents. This environment allows Chinese companies to accumulate valuable driving data for training autonomous systems.
In the U.S., legal challenges and high costs associated with personal injury lawsuits pose significant barriers for driverless technology. A recent Florida court case highlighted the potential financial risks for companies like Tesla. Despite these challenges, Lyft and Baidu plan to scale their fleet to thousands of vehicles across Europe in the coming years.
Hong Kong Hit by Floods After Days of Heavy Rain: Hospital Submerged, Buses Trapped
Hong Kong experienced severe flooding due to relentless rain, causing significant disruptions. Cars were swept away, a hospital emergency ward was inundated, and buses were stranded. The city’s steep hillside roads turned into rivers, and the Hong Kong Observatory issued its highest rain alert for the fourth time in eight days. The city recorded 355.7 millimeters of rain by midafternoon, the highest daily amount for August since records began in 1884. The continuous downpours led to unusual disruptions and dangers, with city workers wading through waist-high water to unplug drains. The government reported at least a dozen landslides, but no deaths or injuries were reported. Schools were canceled, offices allowed work from home, and courts postponed hearings. The Hong Kong International Airport reported over 100 flight delays. The city’s observatory forecasted more heavy showers for the following day. Other parts of East Asia, including Taiwan and Beijing, also experienced severe weather conditions, leading to fatalities and significant damage.
Trump’s Trade Blackmail: Pay Up or Face High Tariffs
President Trump has introduced a new element to his trade policy, demanding that countries invest billions of dollars in the U.S. to avoid high tariffs. This approach, reminiscent of his “Art of the Deal” style, involves leveraging U.S. economic power to secure investment pledges from trading partners. The strategy has been evident in recent trade agreements, where countries like South Korea, Japan, and the European Union have made significant investment pledges to lower or avoid tariffs.
South Korea, for instance, agreed to invest $350 billion in the U.S. and purchase $100 billion in liquefied natural gas to reduce tariffs from 25% to 15%. Japan pledged a $550 billion investment fund, and the EU indicated investments of at least $600 billion. However, the vague nature of these commitments and the difficulty in enforcing them have raised questions about their legitimacy and effectiveness.
Trade experts and former officials have criticized this approach, suggesting it resembles a global shakedown and may lead to long-term negative consequences. The investments are often in the form of loans or lack specific details, making enforcement challenging. The strategy has also been compared to tactics used by emerging markets, which could lead to less favorable terms for U.S. companies and consumers.
Despite these concerns, Trump continues to claim massive investment pledges, using his negotiation tactics to project economic strength. The long-term effects of this approach remain unclear, but it has already sparked confusion and potential future disputes.
Malaysia’s Alarm: When Trump Targets Re-export Trade, Chinese Factories Withdraw
The article discusses the impact of U.S. tariffs on Southeast Asian countries, particularly Malaysia, which has seen significant investment from Chinese companies aiming to bypass U.S. tariffs by setting up factories in the region. The U.S. has recently imposed new tariffs targeting transshipment, which has disrupted supply chains and economic growth in countries like Malaysia. The tariffs have led to a decline in the solar panel industry in Malaysia, with many companies shutting down or reducing operations. Malaysia is now rethinking its economic strategy, aiming to become a creator of technology rather than just a recipient of investment. The country is also seeking to diversify its energy sources, with a goal of having half of its energy consumption come from clean sources like solar power within the next five years. The article highlights the challenges Malaysia faces, including its dependence on Chinese solar panels and the need to balance relations with both the U.S. and China.
U.S. to Require Some Foreign Tourists to Pay Up to $15,000 Entry Bond
The Trump administration will implement a new policy requiring some foreign visitors to pay bonds of up to $15,000 to ensure they do not overstay their visas. This measure targets visitors from countries with high visa overstay rates and those from countries with deficient screening and vetting information. The bonds, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, will be forfeited if visitors overstay their visas but will be refunded if they comply with visa requirements. The program, set to begin on August 20, 2025, is part of a broader effort to address illegal immigration and national security threats. The State Department will announce participating airports 15 days before the bonds are enforced. The 12-month pilot program aims to test the practicality of bond payments, which have been deemed cumbersome in the past.
Trump’s Era, Chinese “Line Sitters” Face Painful Choices
Chinese immigrants in the U.S. under the Trump administration face a difficult choice: stay or flee. Many, like Han Lihua, who fled China in 2022 due to political repression and strict censorship, now live in fear due to increased immigration enforcement. Since June 2023, Han has been hiding in his apartment, avoiding work and constantly checking for ICE activity. Over 63,000 Chinese nationals have crossed the U.S. southern border illegally since China reopened its borders in January 2023, but arrests have dropped dramatically under Trump’s policies.
Chinese immigrants, who fled strict censorship and political repression, now face a new dilemma: whether to stay in the U.S. or leave. The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement has made securing bail nearly impossible and has led to widespread fear among the immigrant community. Some are considering alternative destinations like Canada or even returning to China, despite the risks of criminal prosecution.
The Trump administration has also deported migrants to third countries like Panama, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. Chinese immigrants face potential criminal prosecution if deported, but those who return voluntarily may only face fines. Despite the online discussions about returning to China, the number of voluntary returns remains small due to China’s economic struggles and strict censorship.
Some immigrants, like Xu Feng, who arrived in 2023, are determined to stay and work hard, obeying the law and paying taxes while waiting for asylum. However, if arrests continue, he might consider leaving for other countries or returning to China. Immigration lawyers note that very few clients have actually returned to China and often regret it due to the legal consequences.
The Trump administration continues to urge illegal immigrants to return home, claiming that deportations occur nearly every day. Despite the threats, some immigrants remain hopeful and focus on what they can control, like Shen Weihao, who is training to become a pilot. For Han Lihua, returning to China is not an option due to his Christian faith and the persecution he faced.