Latest news with #PacificIslander
AllAfrica
11 hours ago
- Politics
- AllAfrica
US moving to revive China Initiative targeting espionage
A subcommittee of the US House of Representatives has proposed reviving the Department of Justice's (DOJ) China Initiative, a counterintelligence program aimed at curbing economic espionage and intellectual property theft linked to China. The proposal, embedded in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill, aims to counter China's alleged influence in American research, academia, and industry. According to the bill summary, the China Initiative would be reinstated to 'counter China and maintain America's competitive edge.' On July 23, a coalition of Chinese scholars and advocacy groups issued a letter to Congress condemning the initiative's proposed return. They said the original program had promoted racial profiling against Asian American scholars and scientists. 'The China Initiative created a chilling effect for Asian American scholars and scientists for fear of prosecution, deterring them from engaging in normal activities such as applying for federal grants, conducting research, or even traveling with family,' the letter stated. The letter was published on the website of the Asian American Scholar Forum, which advocates for academic belonging and equity in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It cited the now-dismissed case against MIT professor Gang Chen, who was arrested in 2021 under the China Initiative and later exonerated. 'As a victim of the past China Initiative, I am disheartened by ongoing efforts in Congress to reinstate the misguided programme,' Chen said. 'It is not only discriminatory, but also harms America's ability to attract top global talent – ultimately weakening, not strengthening, our national security.' He said he and his family went through a living hell for 371 days due to the investigations. He warned that reinstating the initiative would send a dangerous message to the Chinese academic community. In a report published by The Guardian on April 16, Chen commented on the recent FBI raid on the home of Indiana University professor Xiaofeng Wang. 'What is particularly troubling in this case is that Indiana University fired him and his wife without due process, presuming guilt instead of innocence,' he said. 'The investigations create huge fear among researchers of Chinese descent, especially students and postdoctorates from China.' He said that, though never formally charged, Wang was abruptly terminated following an FBI raid on his home. Wang's wife, Ma Nianli, also lost her job at the same university. The couple said they were disappointed as they were treated like criminals after having trusted and contributed to the US for years. The China Initiative, first launched by the DOJ in 2018, sought to prosecute espionage and theft cases involving US-based Chinese researchers. It led to over 1,000 investigations. At least 250 Chinese-American academics lost their positions, with many more facing investigations that disrupted careers and caused lasting damage. A 2021 study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that 89% of respondents would like to contribute to the US leadership in science and technology, but 72% feel unsafe in the US, and 61% feel pressure to leave the country. The China Initiative was terminated in 2022 amid rising concerns of racial bias and its general ineffectiveness. Recent incidents have reignited debate. In July 2025, Chenguang Gong, a dual US-China citizen and engineer, pleaded guilty to stealing over 3,600 proprietary military technology files. Gong had previously submitted proposals to China's state-run talent programs. He now faces up to 10 years in US prison. In June 2025, two Chinese scientists, Yunqing Jian and Chengxuan Han, were detained for allegedly smuggling unpermitted biological materials into the US. While experts stated the materials were not dangerous, the case added fuel to the debate over academic transparency and regulation. 'The Trump administration is reviving an evil plan aimed at Chinese nationals, Chinese Americans, and Chinese students,' Hubei-based columnist Jun Qing writes in a recent article. 'This is a political plan, designed to spread fear under the guise of national security.' 'This incident reveals an inconvenient truth: America's long-claimed commitment to academic freedom simply does not hold up,' he says. 'China must accelerate the improvement of domestic higher education and foster a genuinely open academic environment to welcome both our scientists and visiting scholars from abroad.' Last September, the House of Representatives passed the Protect America's Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act with support from 237 members, mostly Republicans. Although the bill failed in the Democrat-controlled Senate and was opposed by the Biden administration, the landscape shifted when the Trump administration returned to the White House in January 2025 and regained control of both the House and Senate. On February 21, US Senator Rick Scott announced the reintroduction of his Protect America's Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act, which aims to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from spying on US intellectual property and academic institutions. 'The CCP is one of the greatest threats to America's national security and way of life as it seeks global domination by any means necessary,' Scott said. 'President Joe Biden recklessly ended the China Initiative that President Trump established during his first term, turning a blind eye as Communist China committed at least 60 known cases of espionage on the US and our citizens during his administration.' Meanwhile, Chinese media and commentators criticized the US for how the investigations were launched. A commentary published by China Central Television in October 2024 alleged that the DOJ's efforts, particularly during the China Initiative, included 'entrapment tactics' and unwarranted raids. The report stated that 103 researchers saw their careers derailed, and at least 246 individuals across 87 US research institutions were flagged due to minor administrative infractions or misunderstandings regarding funding disclosures. It stated that Chinese materials science expert Hongjin Tan joined Phillips 66, an American petroleum refining company, in June 2017, but was accused of downloading hundreds of pages of confidential documents related to the company's $1 billion new battery technology in December 2018. It said Tan admitted that he had mistakenly downloaded one document to his personal computer, but Western media then exaggerated his case as a Chinese economic espionage. Li Fangwei and Zhou Cheng, academics at Peking University, recommended that China undergo structural reforms to the national talent strategy by: Establishing a national talent risk response task force Offering legal and financial support for returnees Enhancing compliance awareness among overseas scholars Creating transparent international academic cooperation policies Deepening ties with ASEAN, Belt and Road, and East Asian nations Integrating Chinese scientists into global standard-setting bodies Due to enhanced security checks, the number of Chinese students in the US has declined in recent years, falling to 277,398 in the 2023/24 academic year from 289,526 in 2022/23. The 2023/24 figure was 26% down from the peak of 373,532 in 2019/20. However, some observers expected the US to continue to attract a substantial cohort of students and scholars from China. They pointed out that US-based engineers can earn significantly more ($98,000–$180,000 per year) than those who work in China ($23,000–$43,000 per year). The US also offers superior laboratory infrastructure and research opportunities. Read: Gree Electric boss chided for calling overseas grads spy suspects
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Donald Trump's Favorability Rating Falls With AAPI Adults
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump's favorability among Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults has dropped significantly over the past year, according to a new poll. The AAPI Data/AP‑NORC poll shows that the decline appears to be driven by economic concerns, particularly around tariffs and inflation, with many respondents expressing growing unease over Trump's policies and rhetoric. Newsweek contacted Trump's office via online form and AAPI Equity Alliance via email outside of usual working hours on Sunday for comment. President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Prestwick, Scotland, on July 25, 2025. President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in Prestwick, Scotland, on July 25, It Matters The shift signals changing political dynamics in one of the fastest-growing voter groups in the United States. The AAPI electorate has become more politically engaged in recent election cycles, and although it is not a voting bloc that has historically shown strong support for Trump, growing skepticism toward him could influence key battlegrounds in the 2026 midterms and beyond. As reported by the Associated Press, the poll is part of an ongoing project aimed at examining the perspectives of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders—a demographic often underrepresented in national surveys because of limited sample sizes and insufficient linguistic accessibility. The data highlights how economic anxiety and policy perceptions are shaping voter attitudes among these traditionally underrepresented communities. What to Know The national poll, conducted from June 3 to 11, 2025, surveyed 1,130 AAPI adults and found that 71 percent now hold an unfavorable opinion of Trump, up from 60 percent in December 2024. The unfavorability spike is particularly pronounced among AAPI independents, where there has been a nearly 20-point increase this year. Economic concerns appear to be a major factor. About 80 percent of AAPI adults believe Trump's proposed tariff policies would raise consumer prices. Only 40 percent expect positive outcomes like increased U.S. manufacturing, and just 20 percent anticipate job growth. A significant 65 percent of respondents say they are "extremely" or "very" worried about the possibility of a recession, compared to a national average of 53 percent who said the same in an April AP-NORC survey, the Associated Press reported. The latest poll was conducted amid Trump's recurring threats to impose new tariffs, which he says are intended to address the nation's trade imbalance. In June, inflation rose to its highest level since February, with Trump's tariff policies contributing to increased prices om everyday items, including groceries and household appliances. What People Are Saying Michael Ida, a 56‑year‑old teacher from Hawaii, said, as reported by the Associated Press: "Here in Hawaii, because we're so isolated, everything comes on a ship or a plane. We're especially vulnerable to prices rising and disruptions in the supply chain. There's definitely some anxiety there." Shopan Hafiz, a 39‑year‑old engineer from Oregon, voiced concerns over tariffs, as reported by the Associated Press: "With all the tariffs, I don't think it's going to help. All the tariffs will ultimately be paid by U.S. nationals, and inflation is going to get worse." Hafiz's decision to vote for Libertarian Party nominee Chase Oliver last year was in part in opposition to the two major U.S. parties' support for Israel in its war in Gaza, which has so far killed over 56,000 Palestinians following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people and led to some 250 being captured and held in captivity. Karthick Ramakrishnan, executive director of AAPI Data, said, referring to AAPI voters, as per Associated Press: "They are not seeing big economic benefits pan out. Quite the contrary—they're seeing big economic risks on the horizon based on Trump's actions on tariffs." What Happens Next With AAPI communities making up about 7 percent of the U.S. population—and growing fastest in several key swing states—these changing views could play a significant role in shaping electoral strategies for the Republican and Democratic parties. Analysts expect further polling, increased multilingual outreach, and renewed focus on economic messaging in AAPI engagement efforts ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race.
The Hill
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Trump favorability falls in survey of AAPI adults
President Trump's favorability has fallen among Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people in the United States, according to a new poll from AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. In the poll, Trump was seen as 'very favorable' or 'somewhat favorable' by 26 percent of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people in the U.S., down from 37 percent in December. Trump was also seen in a 'very' or 'somewhat' negative light by 71 percent of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people in the U.S., up from 60 percent in December. As the president passes the six-month mark for his second term, his polling overall does not appear to be faring well, with his disapproval rating sitting at 53 percent in a Decision Desk HQ average of polls. Trump is also facing rough headwinds at the moment due to controversy surrounding his administration's handling of information about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump's governing partner, Vice President Vance, was seen as 'very unfavorable' or 'somewhat unfavorable' by 61 percent of respondents, while 26 percent said the opposite. The AAPI Data and AP-NORC poll took place from June 3 and 11, featuring 1,130 people and a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4.7 percentage points.
Time Business News
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Paul 'Pooh' Lunt: The Architect of P-Pop's Global Future
COVER FEATURE: MAN BEHIND THE MOVEMENT You may not recognize his face, but you're already feeling the shockwaves of his ambition. Paul 'Pooh' Lunt, the enigmatic cultural strategist and founder of Popolo Music Group (PMG), has long worked behind the scenes—but now, he's stepping into the frame to lead the charge for Filipino music on the global stage. Known for his uncanny instinct for talent and strategy, Lunt helped steer the global rollout of 'Gangnam Style' in its early stages. Today, he is reimagining what Filipino pop music can be. In this rare and revealing interview, Lunt opens up about his Filipino roots, his shift from artist to executive, and why he believes PMG isn't just a label—it's a movement. One that will change the future of Asian music. Jerry Santos: Paul, thank you for joining us. Let's start at the beginning. What's your personal connection to the Philippines? Paul Lunt: I'm from an international family. I am a combination of Native American, Pacific Islander, Cuban, Chinese, and Yemenite ancestry, and I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. I grew up surrounded by Filipino values—hard work, humility, and a deep love for music. My childhood was a mix of karaoke nights, home-cooked meals, and multicultural storytelling. Even as I traveled the world, that part of me never left. Jerry: You started out as a performer. What made you step back from that path? Paul Lunt: I loved performing, but I realized I was more interested in building stages than standing on them. I found joy in helping others shine—writing, producing, mentoring. That pivot changed everything. I got involved in business development, entertainment infrastructure, and eventually global pop strategy. Jerry: One of those milestones was your involvement with Gangnam Style . What role did you play? Paul Lunt: I was part of the international business and strategy team that helped position it for global release. We worked on licensing, digital rollouts, and market penetration. We leveraged the song's popularity to pair it with advertising, which made the artist happy with the publishing deal, and our lives also changed in the process. I was struggling with keeping up with the payments for the two homes I then owned. Now I own five, and they are all paid for. What I learned from that experience was clear: authenticity wins. PSY didn't chase trends—he owned his culture. That's exactly how I approach P-Pop. Jerry: And that brings us to Popolo Music Group. Paul Lunt: PMG is more than a label. It's a creative and cultural ecosystem for artists. We train them, protect their rights, give them global infrastructure, and let them lead their own narrative. This isn't just music—it's empowerment. Jerry: Who are the current PMG acts? Paul Lunt: Our first wave includes: LUNARIA , our celestial girl group blending ethereal pop and multilingual storytelling. We may change the name as there is another band fighting us. , our celestial girl group blending ethereal pop and multilingual storytelling. We may change the name as there is another band fighting us. BOLERO BOYS , our emotionally complex boy band with strong visuals and choreography. , our emotionally complex boy band with strong visuals and choreography. ARIA , a powerhouse female soloist with vocal depth and crossover potential. , a powerhouse female soloist with vocal depth and crossover potential. CHIQUITA X, our experimental solo artist fusing trap with Filipino folk instrumentation. And I'm excited to share this: our next big act, THE BOLERO BOYS, is in the final phase of development. They're going to bring modern flair to classic Filipino harmony—think old-school romance meets streetwear swagger. Jerry: When will we hear the first official PMG release? Paul Lunt: The rollout begins this September with Aria's debut single, followed closely by Lunaria's EP and Aria's first music video. By December, you'll hear the Bolero Boys. There is already a limited edition of the single She Can Do It All Night out there to test the market. We've been developing everything in-house—choreography, songwriting, even directing. We're making sure every release is a statement . Jerry: PMG isn't just focused on music production. Tell us about Popolo Live. Paul Lunt: Popolo Live is our global touring division. We don't want Filipino artists only opening for others. We also want them headlining. We've already launched our Islands Rising series in Manila, Dubai, and Europe. Next stops: Los Angeles, Doha, New York, Tokyo, and Sydney. These aren't dreams—they're being booked. Jerry: You've expressed admiration for Viva Records. Can you talk about that? Paul Lunt: Viva built the foundation that made everything we're doing possible. I have deep respect for Boss Vic and Vincent del Rosario. They carried OPM through decades of industry storms. If there's an opportunity to collaborate—whether that's artist mentorship or a joint cultural project—PMG is ready. Jerry: That ties into the Sarah Geronimo rumors. Are you trying to work with her? Paul Lunt: [Smiles] I'd be honored. Sarah is iconic. If she ever wants to create a legacy-defining piece with a new generation of talent, we would give her full creative freedom and a global platform. That would be more than a collaboration—it would be history. We wrote five songs for her and we are eager to present them to her and convince her to record them. Jerry: Where do you see P-Pop and PMG five years from now? Paul Lunt: P-Pop will be on the Grammy stage. PMG artists will be headlining Coachella. Filipino music will no longer be the underdog. It'll be a standard. And behind it, you'll see a community of creatives who refused to stay silent. That's the legacy I'm working toward. Jerry: Final message to young artists out there? Paul Lunt: Own your story. Don't copy. Don't wait for validation. Learn your craft, protect your rights, and be fearless. The world is ready for us. Let's give them something unforgettable. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
San Francisco Chronicle
14-07-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
This Bay Area mall is thriving with the help of Asian cuisine
An aging Bay Area mall is successfully trading some of its struggling big box stores for popular Asian food businesses, taking a page out of a playbook that's been successful elsewhere in the region. Serramonte Center in Daly City caused a stir earlier this year with the opening of Korean food market Jagalchi, which took over the 75,000-square-foot space that once housed a JCPenney. Now, more changes are ahead for the mall, including the new home of an award-winning dim sum restaurant; a popular ramen shop; and a major hot pot destination. The new investment capitalizes on the changing retail environment and move to online shopping, as well as the Bay Area's large Asian American population — 27% of Bay Area residents identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander. Along with drawing in customers looking for a bite to eat, the new restaurants could also create a ripple effect for surrounding tenants in the mall who may be struggling to stay afloat. 'With the addition of a large tenant like Jagalchi, which drives a lot of traffic to the shopping center, other tenants are gonna be benefiting and are already benefiting,' said Patrick Conway, the managing director for Regency Centers, which operates the mall. The first weekend it opened at Serramonte, it's estimated that Jagalchi brought in almost 100,000 people, Ashley Jung, the marketing manager at Jagalchi's corporate parent, Megamart, told the Chronicle. Along with a grocery store, the complex houses a restaurant called POGU, two bars, a butcher and a bakery. Next up, the old Kids Foot Locker will reopen later this year as the newest location of Marufuku Ramen, a chain the Chronicle ranked as one of the top ramen spots in the Bay. It's been a staple of San Francisco's Japantown since 2017. 'We hear that a lot of people come from (Daly City) into our restaurant in San Francisco, so we figured that this would be a perfect location,' Herrador said. In a space right next to Jagalchi, the James Beard-nominated dim sum restaurant Koi Palace will move its flagship location this December. This new space will be twice the size of their old one, which has been a Daly City staple for almost 30 years. And this month, it was also announced that China's largest hotpot chain will be coming to Serramonte. Haidilao, which has gone viral on Tik Tok, is known for its tableside entertainment through the form of an in-house 'boyband' that dances for customers. A lot has changed for Serramonte Center since it first opened in 1968 to serve the recently developed residential community of Serramonte. Gone are Longs Drugs, Kinney Shoes, and the department store Mervyn's — though Macy's, an original anchor tenant, remains. Previous efforts to bring back shoppers have mostly included design changes, like replacing the fountain with a koi pond in 2003 and expanding rest areas for customers. Regency Centers, which bought the property in 2017, is currently in the midst of a $37 million dollar renovation of the Serramonte Center, according to public filings. Adding Asian food businesses seemed like a natural next step for Serramonte, as other malls across the Bay Area have gone through a similar evolution. Santana Row in San Jose has emerged as a dining destination, and in particular, Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco has been thriving. It recently welcomed Le Soleil, a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant, and other businesses including Marugame Udon, Supreme Dumplings and Kura Revolving Sushi Bar have popped up in the past year. Asian food businesses are likely to find a strong foothold with an Asian American clientele, but they can also have a broad appeal, said Jung of Jagalchi. 'As a Korean grocery store, I guess we naturally attract a strong Korean and Asian customer base,' she told the Chronicle. 'But we're also seeing people of all backgrounds who are curious about Korean flavors and looking for new experiences.'
