In The News

US-China Relations Worsen Amid Pandemic: Economist

The Economist March 26, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic could have been an opportunity for the U.S. and China to cooperate and disregard previous enmity. On the contrary, both countries approach the worst period since the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 through mutual exchanges of blame and conspiracy theories. The first-stage deal to stop the trade war has been signed, but tensions continue in other areas. In January, China...

US Coronavirus Conflict With China: The Hill

Stephen S. Roach and Daniel L. Arbess March 25, 2020
COVID-19, a threat to social and economic activity, requires a global solution, explain Stephen Roach and Daniel Arbess. Scapegoating is “stressing the U.S.-China relationship, inhibiting collaboration and enabling China to fill the global leadership void,” the two write. Collaborative research and ending the trade war, especially on medical supplies, could save US lives. China’s strict...

Coronavirus and the Ego Trap: DW

Frank Hofmann March 24, 2020
The coronavirus struck China in late 2019, paralyzing the economy by January. Few leaders in the West expected the virus to disrupt their operations, and many citizens followed that lead in resisting social distancing or empathy for the vulnerable. Arrogance, egotism and possibly greed are factors, suggests Frank Hofmann for Deutsche Welle. He refers to the US and Brazilian presidents who played...

Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Reuters

Davide Barbuscia and Darya Korsunskaya March 10, 2020
OPEC nations failed to reach agreement with a group of non-OPEC nations led by Russia to limit oil production and, in defiance, Saudi Arabia approved opening the pumps for full production, forcing prices to plummet. Stock prices of major oil companies also fall. Saudi Arabia and Russia have large financial cushions, but other countries and oil companies with debt could struggle. “The world’s top...

Danger for India’s Foreign Policy: Diplomat

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan March 6, 2020
Corporate and political leaders tend to avoid partnerships that present human rights problems. “Issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and India’s actions in Kashmir are beginning to affect India’s relations with its neighbors, major Islamic countries such as Iran and Indonesia, and strategic partners such as the United States,” explains Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan for the Diplomat....

Trump’s Visit in India: CNN

Kevin Liptak February 29, 2020
US President Donald Trump concluded a two-day visit in India, receiving an impressive welcome but leaving the country without concrete announcements on trade or security. Despite the close friendship between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the president said that disagreements on tariffs and deficits wouldn’t be resolved shortly. Hours before Trump landed in India, riots over...

China Media as Government Entities: New York Times

Lara Jakes and Steven Lee Myers February 26, 2020
Rejecting concerns about press freedom, the Trump administration has designated five Chinese media entities as foreign government functionaries. The action comes at the heels of a trade war and scrutiny of Chinese involvement in education, research and telecommunication. Five news outlets will be required to report staff names, personal details, property holdings and US staff turnover under the...