东谈西论

台湾民进党籍立法委员王世坚在台北议会质询时的片段，被中国大陆音乐人王搏改编成洗脑神曲。王搏创作的慷慨激昂原版，迅速在两岸网络走红，各地华语音乐人也纷纷接力演绎，衍生出各种版本，包括抒情版、陕西话版和粤语版。

王世坚本人对自己意外在中国大陆爆红感到不可置信。他感叹，网上人才、鬼才什么都有，让他叹为观止。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远探讨这首《没出息》到底有什么魔力？为什么能在全中国大陆的网民中广泛传播？它是否透露了北京反独促统的哪些新思路？

延伸阅读：

• 新闻人间：“反共人士”王世坚 意外走红大陆
• 反续推大罢免遭党内炮轰 绿委王世坚称不会退党

The “Mei Chu Xi” (沒出息, “No Future”) meme went viral in Mainland China after a clip featuring Taiwanese Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Wang Shih-chien was remixed into a catchy song by mainland Chinese musician Wang Bo. Stemming from a fiery parliamentary exchange in Taipei, the track’s humorous tone and emotional resonance have inspired countless adaptations across dialects and social media platforms. While Wang expressed surprise at his sudden mainland fame, the phenomenon prompts deeper questions: does its popularity merely reflect internet culture, or could it signal subtle political messaging or collective frustration within China?​

In this Global Heartbeat episode, host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan examine the reasons behind the song's widespread appeal and discuss whether the trend is a harmless meme or part of broader cross-strait political currents.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

日本执政的自由民主党上星期六举行总裁选举，64岁的前经济安保部长高市早苗当选，成为自民党首位女总裁。外界预计，她也将成为日本历史上首位女首相。

高市早苗在当选后表示，为了国家利益，自民党必须“像牛马一样工作”，她本人也将摒弃“工作与生活平衡”这一概念，“工作、工作、再工作”。

从政前，高市早苗曾担任电视节目主持人，并是重金属乐团的鼓手。她长期崇拜英国前首相撒切尔夫人。部分舆论称她为“日本版铁娘子”，但也有批评者认为她是“日本版特朗普”或“女版安倍”。

高市早苗政治立场鲜明，主张大力打击外国人非法居留，限制外国人购买日本土地，并推动修宪，让日本能够正式拥有国家军队。她延续已故前首相安倍晋三的外交立场，强调“台湾有事就是日本有事”。

她也曾公开表示，日本民众对中国“感到愤怒”，自己“也一样”，认为日本人“已经受够了”。因此，高市早苗被视为日本极右翼政治势力的代表人物。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与东京大学综合文化研究科教授川岛真解析高市的当选，会给东北亚局势带来什么冲击？摆在她面前的，又有哪些重大挑战？

延伸阅读：

• 于泽远：中日关系将遭遇高市早苗冲击？
• 林泉忠：高市早苗外交之路铺满荆棘

In a landmark moment for Japanese politics, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has elected Sanae Takaichi as its first female leader, positioning her to become Japan’s first female prime minister. The 64‑year‑old former Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications is a staunch conservative, noted for her nationalist views and uncompromising work ethic. 

Takaichi, formerly a television host and heavy‑metal drummer, has cultivated a distinctive public persona. Her policy platform calls for stricter immigration controls, tighter restrictions on foreign land purchases, and constitutional amendments to formalise a national military. Closely aligned with the security positions of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she is especially vocal on Taiwan‑China tensions and is often referred to as Japan’s “Iron Lady” for her admiration of Margaret Thatcher.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Dr. Shin Kawashima, Professor of International Relations at the University of Tokyo, examine Takaichi’s ascent, Japan’s rightward political shift, and the potential regional consequences.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

大名鼎鼎的中国教育网红张雪峰被封杀了。

张雪峰专门提供考研辅导以及高考填报志愿指导，以“寒门指路人”的形象收获了大量粉丝。但他也因为言辞激烈而不时引发争议。

在今年北京的九三阅兵后不久，张雪峰在直播中放言，只要北京武力攻打台湾，他最起码会捐款1亿元人民币；枪声打响的那一天，他就至少会捐5000万元人民币。

然而，这次他可真是踢到铁板了。中国网信办不久后宣布，开展为期两个月的“清朗·整治恶意挑动负面情绪问题”专项行动。张雪峰以及大量网络账号，比如主张颓废生活的躺平博主“十年网吧大神”、“刘二狗”、“小A在上网”等等，都成了专项行动的整治对象。

根据官方通报，挑动群体极端对立情绪、宣扬恐慌焦虑情绪、挑起网络暴力戾气、过度渲染消极悲观情绪等内容，都在整治范围之内。中国官方自2016年以来就陆续开展“清朗”专项行动，目标是净化网络空间。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与旅居台湾的时事评论人徐全解析这一轮又一轮的“清朗”行动，反映了什么问题？今年官方要用专项行动来整治社会情绪，它最终又会达到什么效果？

延伸阅读：

• 下午察：被清朗的户晨风和张雪峰
• 中国多名“躺平”博主被封 整治颓废内容再升级

In a dramatic development, Zhang Xuefeng, one of China’s most prominent education influencers, has been removed from major platforms as part of a government crackdown on online negativity. Renowned for his advice on postgraduate entrance exams and college application counselling, Zhang built a huge following, particularly among students from disadvantaged backgrounds. His outspoken commentary often sparked controversy, and a recent livestream pledge to donate millions if Beijing resorts to force against Taiwan brought heightened scrutiny.

Within days, the Cyberspace Administration of China launched a special “Qinglang” (“Clear and Bright”) campaign, aimed at purging content that incites negative emotions and societal anxiety. Influencers and online personalities now face investigation and removal for allegedly promoting pessimism, antagonism, or social unrest. This ongoing campaign, active since 2016, reflects Beijing’s persistent drive to reshape digital discourse and maintain a positive online atmosphere.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Taiwan-based commentator Xu Quan unpack the social and political implications of China’s latest round of internet censorship and emotion management.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

延宕了五年多的TikTok在美国运营的争议终于接近有了结果。

上周五，美国总统特朗普和中国国家主席习近平进行了通话，双方就TikTok出售其在美国的业务达成了框架协议。白宫发言人莱维特（Karoline Leavitt）在周六接受媒体采访时表示，TikTok将主要由美国人拥有，七名董事会成员中将有六名是美国人，TikTok的算法也将由美国人掌握。

中国企业字节跳动旗下的短视频平台TikTok在美国拥有庞大的用户群，使用人数以亿计。自 2020 年左右开始，美国政府开始担忧TikTok会收集大量美国用户数据，影响美国青少年思想，对国家安全构成威胁。从特朗普第一任政府到拜登政府，再到如今的第二任特朗普政府，美国始终要求字节跳动剥离TikTok美国业务。

中国则谴责美国对TikTok的限制是“强盗逻辑”，是“明火执仗的抢劫”。

而今，中美就TikTok出售问题达成了框架协议。出售TikTok如何从“抢劫”变成双赢？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO张帆一起分析中美达成协议的这个时间点，背后有什么玄机？

延伸阅读：

• 分析：TikTok交易是中美妥协结果 但短期内恐难达成经贸协议
• 分析：中国或授权解决TikTok算法争议

The long-running dispute over TikTok's operations in the United States appears close to a breakthrough, as the US and China recently announced progress on a proposed framework agreement following a phone call between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping. Under the current terms, TikTok's US operations would be majority-owned by American investors, with six of the seven board seats held by Americans, ensuring U.S. control over the platform’s algorithm and data governance. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, would retain one board seat and a minority stake, in alignment with provisions of the 2024 US law requiring divestment of foreign control.

Though both Trump and Xi have endorsed the deal’s framework, official confirmation and implementation are still pending. In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and guest Tim Zhang, Founder & CEO of Edge Research Consulting, explore the significance of this proposed deal. They discuss the timing, underlying political motivations, and the broader geopolitical implications for US-China relations, examining whether this development signals a move toward greater cooperation or sets the stage for renewed conflict.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

经过了两天的磋商，美国财长斯科特·贝森特与中国副总理何立峰就 TikTok 在美国运营的问题达成了框架式协议。

自从特朗普再次上任以来，中美关系持续紧张，但是两个大国近期也密集互动。继国防部长视讯、外长通话后，美国总统特朗普与中国国家主席习近平很可能不久后也会见面。

一些台湾评论员担忧，在来临的中美元首峰会中，台湾将成为一道主菜，成为交易的筹码。这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与美国大西洋理事会非常驻研究员宋文笛谈特朗普上台这半年，台美关系发生了什么变化？

延伸阅读：

• 【视频】习近平特朗普周五通话 中美就TikTok在美运营达成框架协议
• 特稿：陆美进入谈判交易期 台湾恐成特朗普禁脔

Diplomatic fault lines and high-stakes negotiations are reshaping US-China-Taiwan relations under President Trump’s renewed term. After two days of intense talks in Madrid, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng announced a framework agreement that could lead to US-controlled ownership of TikTok, marking a major moment in the ongoing tech and security contest.

While Washington and Beijing continue diplomatic exchanges—from defense to foreign affairs—there is growing momentum for a potential Trump-Xi summit later this year. 

Meanwhile, Taiwan faces increasing anxiety. Local commentators warn the island risks becoming a bargaining chip in upcoming US-China deals. What new risks does Trump’s approach pose for Taiwan’s leadership? What’s next for cross-Strait security?

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Han Yonghong welcomes Wen-Ti Sung, nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub, for expert analysis. 

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在被羁押一年后，台湾在野党民众党前主席柯文哲，星期一上午以新台币7000万元交保回家。

柯文哲是台湾“白色力量”的领军人物，他在2024年参选总统落败，不久后被指卷入京华城土地弊案，遭起诉图利、收贿、公益侵占及背信等罪名，包括收取威京集团主席沈庆京约新台币1700万元贿款，并与李文宗、李文娟兄妹共同侵占政治献金约新台币6200万元。

不过，台湾检调调查一年，仍未查出金流。如今，柯文哲获准交保回家。台北地检署则表示，将尽速提起抗告。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡国立大学东亚研究所高级研究员祁冬涛解析柯文哲这次的回归，是“满血复活”，还是踏入更凶险的漩涡？他真的是被冤枉的吗？而他的再度登场，会否为“蓝白合”投下重大变数？

延伸阅读：

• 祁冬涛：大罢免失败后的台湾
• 民众党将出现两个太阳？ 游盈隆：想多了

Former Taipei Mayor and ex-chairman of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), Ko Wen-je, was released on NT$70 million bail after spending a year in detention on corruption charges.

Ko, known for leading the “white force” political movement, finished third in the January 2024 presidential election. He was indicted in December on multiple counts, including allegedly accepting NT$17.1 million in bribes during a property redevelopment case and misappropriating political contributions linked to his campaign. Prosecutors plan to appeal the court’s decision to release him.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Qi Dongtao, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, analyse these developments and discuss their implications for Taiwan’s opposition politics.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

印度尼西亚首都雅加达上星期爆发激烈的示威与暴乱。事件的直接导火索是民众不满国会为议员提供5000万印尼盾（约3950新加坡元）的住房津贴。

愤怒的民众走上街头抗议，要求政府提高最低工资标准、降低税收等一系列诉求。警方发射催泪弹和高压水枪驱散示威者。印尼财政部长慕燕妮和数名议员的住所也被示威者闯入抢劫。

截至目前，印尼暴动已造成至少八人死亡。印尼过去三年的经济增长都在5%左右，表现亮眼。去年就职的总统普拉博沃还许下豪言壮志，要将经济增长提高到8%，让印尼成为吸引外资的热土。

这个前景光明、看来欣欣向荣的国家为何会突然爆发示威？

这场暴动又会如何影响印尼总统普拉博沃的形象、统治地位以及印尼的经济发展？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》驻雅加达特派员蓝云舟一起探讨。

延伸阅读：

• 社论：印尼会否再陷动荡旋涡？
• 印尼暴乱再升级 普拉博沃让步 愿取消多项议员津贴

Last week, Indonesia was rocked by large-scale protests after the parliament moved to increase lawmakers’ housing allowances, stoking anger in a nation grappling with rising costs of living and economic hardship. Demonstrators, including students, labor unions, and motorcycle taxi drivers, rallied in Jakarta and cities nationwide, demanding fairer wages, lower taxes, and institutional reforms.

Tensions soared when 21-year-old delivery driver Affan Kurniawan was tragically killed by a police armored vehicle during a crowd dispersal in Jakarta, intensifying the unrest. Subsequent demonstrations saw government buildings and homes of parliament members torched, widespread clashes with police, and multiple fatalities reported as security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons.

In response to the escalating outcry, President Prabowo Subianto announced the reversal of the perk increases and postponed an official trip abroad to address the crisis. The protests have since called attention not only to lawmakers’ privileges, but also deeper frustrations over economic inequality, unemployment, and police accountability.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong discusses these events with Nam Yunzhou, Lianhe Zaobao’s Indonesia correspondent. Together, they explore how the protests unfolded, the underlying causes of Indonesia’s unrest, and what it may mean for the country’s future stability.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国纪念抗日战争胜利80周年大会，上周日在北京天安门广场举行第三次、也是最后一次综合演练，标志着一切准备就绪，待9月3日正式登场。

中国国防部官员表示，“九三阅兵”将坚持实战标准，把阅兵准备视为练兵机会，并展示解放军的最新装备，其中包括多款“国之重器”。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远解析这次阅兵有哪些亮点？为什么连军迷都自嘲成了“军盲”？在当前国际地缘政治激烈竞争中，中国高调阅兵，将对外释放怎样的信号？

延伸阅读：

• 九三阅兵首次亮相新型武器装备占比大 包括高超精打装备
• 【视频】中国九三阅兵倒数两周 军方称首次亮相新型装备占比很大

This September 3, China will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War with a grand military parade in Tiananmen Square. Beyond honouring the country’s wartime sacrifices, the parade is expected to reveal some of the latest advances in Chinese defense technology.

The event has generated buzz both domestically and internationally. Defense watchers are eager to see what new systems might appear on display, while some Chinese military enthusiasts even joke about being “military blind ”— overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cutting-edge equipment expected to debut.

But the parade is about more than military spectacle. At a time of shifting global politics, it also serves as a window into how China perceives its role on the world stage.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong speaks with Yu Zeyuan, China News Copy Editor at Lianhe Zaobao, to examine the significance of the September 3 parade and its broader geopolitical implications.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在举世瞩目的美国、乌克兰与欧洲领导人多边会议于美国时间星期一下午在白宫举行。

乌克兰总统泽连斯基形容，他与美国总统特朗普进行了良好的交流，双方也谈到乌克兰的安全保障问题。

与今年2月相比，此次特朗普与泽连斯基的会谈气氛截然不同，现场氛围明显轻松。甚至有记者称赞泽连斯基当天所穿的西装“非常出色”。

特朗普在会后宣布，他已安排美国、乌克兰与俄罗斯举行三方峰会。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与华东师范大学俄罗斯研究中心副主任张昕深入解析俄乌战争是否终于要迎来和平曙光？

延伸阅读：

• 杨瀚森：俄乌战争：骑虎难下与一团乱麻
• 高建生：双普“试探性会晤”试探出了什么？

This week, global attention turned to Washington D.C. as US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday. The meeting, held with the involvement of key European stakeholders, marked a significant moment within ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Unlike previous tense encounters, the latest talks between Trump and Zelensky unfolded in a more relaxed and cordial atmosphere. Following their discussions, President Trump publicly proposed a trilateral summit involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, sparking fresh hopes and international speculation about possible avenues toward resolving a war that has lasted more than three years.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong invites Associate Professor Zhang Xin, Deputy Director of the Centre for Russian Studies at East China Normal University to provide expert analysis on the significance of this diplomatic move and its potential implications for global security.
 
Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统特朗普上周猛烈加大对印度的关税打压力度，宣布对印度产品加征关税，从25%提高到50%，理由是印度“以直接或间接方式进口俄罗斯石油”。特朗普还在社交媒体上形容，俄罗斯和印度的经济都已经“死亡”。

分析人士原本预期，特朗普在第二任期内会拉拢印度来制衡中国的崛起。今年2月，印度总理莫迪才刚访问白宫，并宣布将与美国携手合作，让印度再次伟大。

如今两人形同翻脸，印度出现反美情绪，民间呼吁抵制麦当劳、可口可乐、苹果等美国跨国公司。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与复旦大学国际问题研究院副院长、南亚研究中心副主任林民旺详细解析美印关系的紧张，将如何影响印度的经济发展以及莫迪的政治地位？美印交恶又是否会成为中国的一次机遇？

延伸阅读：

• 印度调整对华战略为对冲美国压力 龙象难共舞
• 分析：特朗普以关税为外交工具 料难有成效

In a dramatic turn of events, US–India relations have plunged to their lowest point under President Donald Trump, after he doubled tariffs on selected Indian exports from 25% to 50% in direct response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil. This move, coupled with Trump's reported remarks dismissing the economies of both Russia and India as “dead”, signals a sharp reversal from the diplomatic warmth of earlier this year.

Only months ago, in February 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the White House. At the time, analysts widely anticipated that Trump’s second term would bring deeper strategic cooperation, especially as part of a joint effort to counter China’s growing influence in Asia. That optimism has since evaporated. Now, the two leaders appear politically at odds, and a surge of anti-American sentiment is sweeping across India, spurred by public calls to boycott major US brands such as McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Apple.

This deterioration of ties raises pressing questions: What will be the economic repercussions for India? How might the tensions affect Mr Modi’s political standing? And could this rift between two major powers present a strategic opportunity for China?

Join us on Global Heartbeat podcast as host Han Yonghong examines these issues with Professor Lin Minwang, Deputy Director of the Centre for South Asian Studies and Vice Dean at the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

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