GLOBAL OPINION SHIFTS TOWARD CHINA
A new Pew Research Center poll shows global public opinion shifting toward China and away from the U.S, with 25 of 36 countries surveyed now favoring Beijing. Conducted between February and May, the survey attributes China's rising favorability — from 38% last year to 46% now — to its expanded soft power initiatives, deepened ties in Latin America, and zero-tariff policies in Africa. By contrast, U.S. favorability plummeted from 48% to 36%, driven by global pushback against Washington's tariff policies and foreign aid cuts. The study also revealed that most of the surveyed countries had higher confidence in the leadership of Xi Jinping than that of Donald Trump. (New York Times, July 16, 2026)
CHINA DENIES WEAPONIZING PANAMA INSPECTIONS
China is rejecting accusations that it is weaponizing its inspections of Panama-flagged ships, claiming they are lawful safety checks. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the measures are in accordance with Chinese law to protect navigation and the marine environment. The statement follows Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino's comments to the Organization of American States about the unprecedented rise in detentions of Panama-flagged vessels at Chinese ports. Addressing the International Maritime Organization in London, U.S. Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens said Beijing uses port inspections, dominance over shipbuilding and maritime supply chains to coerce weaker countries like Panama. Tensions escalated after Panama revoked CK Hutchison's concession to operate the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals and handed over their operations to European firms. (South China Morning Post, July 13, 2026)
FOURTEEN COUNTRIES, EU REJECT CHINA'S SCS CLAIMS
Fourteen nations, led by the United States and the European Union, issued joint declarations reasserting that China's expansive South China Sea claims are illegal under international law. Marking the tenth anniversary of the 2016 Hague arbitral ruling under UNCLOS, the coalition reaffirmed that China has no legal basis for its "historic" claims and condemned its destabilizing, coercive actions in disputed waters. The statements emphasized that the tribunal's decision "is final and legally binding." China responded by reiterating that it does not recognize the decision and claiming that the 2016 ruling is "null and void." (Associated Press, July 12, 2026)
CHINA USES WATER CANNONS ON PHILIPPINE VESSELS
In late July, China's Coast Guard fired high-pressure water cannons at two Philippine fishing vessels near Scarborough Shoal – the third such maritime confrontation in a week. The Philippine Coast Guard accused the Chinese ship of performing a "reckless" maneuver, coming within 23 feet of the BRP Datu Paduhinog. Manila condemned Beijing's actions as dangerous violations of "the country's territorial sea and exclusive economic zone." The escalation coincided with ASEAN ministerial meetings in Manila, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi against "escalatory" behavior following an earlier incident at Second Thomas Shoal that injured two Filipino sailors. Beijing, which claims the Scarborough Shoal, defended its "control measures." (ABC News, July 24, 2026)
WASHINGTON TIGHTENS VISA RULES FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS
The Trump administration has issued regulations restricting foreign students, including Chinese nationals, to a maximum four-year stay without explicit federal approval. Effective September, the Department of Homeland Security policy will abolish the longstanding "duration of status" framework for F-1 and J-1 visas, effectively stripping universities of their authority to grant extensions or approve institution transfers. Washington is also slashing the post-graduation departure grace period from 60 to 30 days. The Association of International Educators criticized the rules, calling them unnecessary barriers that disrupt international talent pipelines in advanced research fields. In 2024-25, there were more than 265,0000 Chinese students enrolled at American universities. (BBC, July 16, 2026)
