A mistrial was declared in the corruption case against Linda Sun, a former aide to New York governors, after jurors were deadlocked on all charges related to selling influence to China and profiting from a pandemic medical scheme. The case involved allegations of influence peddling, money laundering, and unregistered foreign agent activities, with prosecutors seeking a retrial. Sun's defense argued she was a loyal public servant, while prosecutors portrayed her as corrupt, but the jury could not reach a verdict.
A mistrial was declared in the case of Linda Sun, a former New York government aide accused of selling influence to China and profiting from a medical scheme during the pandemic, after jurors were deadlocked on all charges; the case may be retried.
Following a deadly fire that killed at least 159 people in Hong Kong, authorities have suppressed calls for accountability, warning residents against protests and attempting to control public grief, reflecting China's influence and a move to stifle civic engagement in the city.
Donald Trump is visiting South-East Asia primarily to preside over a peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, amidst a backdrop of declining US influence in the region and China's growing economic and diplomatic ties, with his trip potentially doing little to alter the regional balance of power.
The Chinese consulate in Manhattan has been actively influencing local elections in New York City by mobilizing community groups, many of which are tax-exempt nonprofits, to support pro-China candidates and oppose those who challenge Beijing's policies, including issues related to Taiwan and Hong Kong, raising concerns about foreign interference in U.S. politics.
The US is withdrawing from UNESCO for the third time, citing anti-Israel bias and ideological issues, which reduces US influence in global organizations and may benefit China, with the withdrawal effective by 2026.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Southeast Asia to reaffirm US commitment to the Indo-Pacific amid rising trade tensions and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, aiming to strengthen alliances and counter China's influence, despite challenges posed by US-China trade disputes.
The Pentagon is reviewing the US's role in the AUKUS security pact with the UK and Australia, which involves developing hypersonic weapons and nuclear submarines to counter China's influence. The review, led by policy chief Elbridge Colby, reflects internal debates about the deal's strategic value and its impact on US naval strength, amid concerns from some lawmakers and allies about the partnership's future and implications.
US President Joe Biden's visit to Angola marks the first by an American president, focusing on enhancing trade and security ties. The US supports a new railway project linking Angola with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, aiming to counter China's influence in Africa. Biden's visit signifies improved US-Angola relations, with Angolan President João Lourenço welcoming the partnership. The trip also includes a visit to a slavery museum, acknowledging the region's historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
Tens of thousands protested in Taiwan against controversial parliamentary reforms, expressing concerns over China's influence and the potential expansion of lawmakers' powers. The reforms, pushed by the opposition Kuomintang party, aim to increase government accountability but are opposed by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which argues they lack clear definitions and could criminalize government officials. The protests were peaceful, with demonstrators accusing the opposition of aligning with China to undermine Taiwan's democracy.
