Dialogue

Recently, world attention has been focused on the increasing tensions between Iran and Israel. The U.S. and E.U. have strongly condemned Iran for its April 14th attack on Israel and voiced support for Israel by launching a series of sanctions against Iran’s economy, energy and military institutions. But no condemnation was ever issued on Israel’s initial strike. Russia was sanctioned for launching what it calls a special military operation in Ukraine while Israel has immunity from punishment even after the deaths of around 34,000 civilians because of its incursion into Gaza. Why does the West have such different attitudes toward different nations and people? How will this favoritism by the West for Israel impact the situation in the Middle East and beyond?

Experts share their perspectives on issues such as how the Silk Road connects diverse civilizations and how to foster exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. They also look at China’s role in promoting cultural exchanges and the dynamics of cultural cooperation projects.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a truce during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Analysts share their opinions on the reasons behind Macron’s proposal, lessons from history and the sportsmanship and diplomacy of the Olympics.

China's GDP grew by 5.3% in the first quarter over the same period last year, thanks to strong high-end manufacturing. Data shows an increase in retail sales, growth in national investment, and an increase in imports and exports, all showing a steady recovery of the Chinese economy. What else does the most recent data show? What were some of the highlights of the first quarter?

Iran, for the first time, has launched attacks on Israel with drones and missiles. Tehran said the attack was in response to a strike on its consulate in Damascus at the beginning of the month, which killed seven officials. How will Israel respond? What are the chances this could escalate into a wider conflict?

The secretary general of a leading international medical humanitarian organization shares his opinions on issues such as the living conditions throughout Gaza, the priority of aid work and pressures facing the remaining hospitals in the region.

From the bombing of Iran's consulate in Damascus to the raid of the Mexican embassy in Quito and the killing of more than 200 humanitarian workers in Gaza, are we entering a stage where international norms and laws are under attack? At the same time, the United States, a permanent UN Security Council member, re-defined the Council's resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire as "unbinding," arguably the first time in UN history. Is international law no longer binding? Is the current international order declining?

Tensions are flaring up again in the South China Sea, involving not just regional players like China and the Philippines, but also countries outside the region like the U.S. and Japan. Last Sunday, joint drills were conducted by the Philippines, the U.S., Japan and Australia in the disputed area alongside Chinese patrols. With leaders from the U.S., Japan and the Philippines meeting in Washington this week, the question arises, what is fueling these tensions? How likely is a full-blowing conflict?

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has wrapped up a five-day visit to China where she met with top Chinese academic, political and financial leaders in Guangzhou and Beijing. High on her list of topics was an accusation of China's production overcapacity in green technology and U.S. fears that Chinese exports could harm its interests. What is behind this overcapacity claim? Is the U.S. over-reacting to China’s successful green technological development?

Chinese President Xi Jinping has spoken on the phone with U.S. President Joe Biden in a nearly two-hour conversation, marking their first direct communication since their November meeting in San Francisco. What are the major takeaways from the conversation? What’s the progress in implementing the agreements reached between the two leaders in San Francisco? How can the two countries better manage tensions to avoid confrontation and conflict?