进退两难，特朗普会‘TACO’（Trump Always Chicken Out）吗？

盟友纷纷“作壁上观”，美国老大地位摇摇欲坠

权衡美伊冲突对华利弊

美国和以色列联手攻打伊朗已经超过两个星期。伊朗封锁了全球能源大动脉霍尔木兹海峡，造成全球能源供应高度紧张。

美国总统特朗普过去几天要求盟友及世界其他国家，共同为油轮护航以平安渡过霍尔木兹海峡，但被点名的国家反应普遍冷淡。特朗普甚至在记者会上抱怨这些盟友“忘恩负义”。

如今战局僵持不下，骑虎难下的特朗普还有什么选择？这场战争会以什么方式结束？美国盟友纷纷作壁上观，又说明了什么？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与香港城市大学法学院教授、中国法与比较法研究中心主任王江雨详细解析。

延伸阅读：
特朗普因伊朗战争要求推迟访华
彭博：伊朗乱局引发中国学界辩论“不干预”原则边界

The Middle East is in turmoil as the joint United States–Israel military operation against Iran enters its third week, triggering Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas trade and a major source of market jitters over energy supply and prices. 

In response, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged allies to join a multinational naval coalition to escort tankers through the strait, but many longstanding partners have been cool or outright resistant, prompting him to publicly accuse them of disloyalty and ingratitude. 

With the conflict at an uneasy stalemate and Iran still seeking to restrict maritime traffic, key questions loom: what strategic options remain for Trump, how this war could end, and what the reluctance of America’s traditional allies to get involved might mean for future international alignments.

Join host Han Yonghong and guest Professor Wang Jiangyu from the City University of Hong Kong School of Law as they analyse these unfolding developments in this episode of Global Heartbeat.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

美国和以色列联手攻打伊朗已经超过两个星期。<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260313-8724393">伊朗封锁了全球能源大动脉霍尔木兹海峡</a>，造成<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260314-8733148">全球能源供应高度紧张</a>。
美国总统特朗普过去几天要求盟友及世界其他国家，共同为油轮护航以平安渡过霍尔木兹海峡，但<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260317-8744988">被点名的国家反应普遍冷淡</a>。特朗普甚至在记者会上抱怨这些盟友&ldquo;忘恩负义&rdquo;。
如今战局僵持不下，骑虎难下的特朗普还有什么选择？这场战争会以什么方式结束？美国盟友纷纷作壁上观，又说明了什么？
这期的早报播客《<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/keywords/global-heartbeat">东谈西论</a>》，听主持人<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/han-yong-hong">韩咏红</a>与香港城市大学法学院教授、中国法与比较法研究中心主任<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/forum/expert/wang-jiang-yu">王江雨</a>详细解析。
延伸阅读：
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260317-8745267">特朗普因伊朗战争要求推迟访华</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260317-8746029">彭博：伊朗乱局引发中国学界辩论&ldquo;不干预&rdquo;原则边界</a></li>
</ul>
The Middle East is in turmoil as the joint United States&ndash;Israel military operation against Iran enters its third week, triggering Iran&rsquo;s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas trade and a major source of market jitters over energy supply and prices.&nbsp;
In response, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged allies to join a multinational naval coalition to escort tankers through the strait, but many longstanding partners have been cool or outright resistant, prompting him to publicly accuse them of disloyalty and ingratitude.&nbsp;
With the conflict at an uneasy stalemate and Iran still seeking to restrict maritime traffic, key questions loom: what strategic options remain for Trump, how this war could end, and what the reluctance of America&rsquo;s traditional allies to get involved might mean for future international alignments.
Join host Han Yonghong and guest Professor Wang Jiangyu from the City University of Hong Kong School of Law as they analyse these unfolding developments in this episode of Global Heartbeat.
Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

特朗普骑虎难下 打伊朗如何收场？Hormuz under siege: Trump's dilemma

官方对经济放缓，容忍度更高？

相较于政策，人事更引人关心

记者在两会的现场观察

2026年中国全国两会如期在上星期开幕。中国总理李强3月5日在政府工作报告中宣布，今年的经济增长目标定为4.5%至5%。这是中国30多年来首次将增长目标下调至5%以下，显示中国经济增长压力不小。

不过，增长目标并未引发最广泛关注，两会上更引人瞩目的是人事变动。例如，人大主席团和秘书长名单较往年减少了13人，其中包括多名已被罢免或受查的地方首长、解放军高级将领，甚至国家级领导人，如张又侠、何卫东、马兴瑞等。出席两会的上将仅剩六人，其中两人还是去年12月才晋升的。

谁来谁不来？两会已成为观察中国高层人事变动的窗口。今年的两会在人事上有何具体看点？这个世界第二大经济体又对外展示了什么样的政策走向？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，《联合早报》中国新闻组主任兼北京特派员杨丹旭与主持人韩咏红，共同梳理今年中国两会的关键亮点，并剖析世界第二大经济体所展示的政策走向。

延伸阅读：
杨丹旭：反腐高压下两会拉开序幕
韩咏红：中国经济增长进入“4”时代

China’s 2026 “Two Sessions” – the country’s most important annual political meetings – have opened with a blend of continuity and unease. Premier Li Qiang’s government work report set this year’s GDP growth target at 4.5 to 5 per cent, underscoring Beijing’s focus on more sustainable “high-quality” development amid weak property markets, local debt risks and the challenge of reviving domestic demand while advancing advanced manufacturing and green industries.

The political choreography is drawing almost as much scrutiny as the policy agenda, with notable absences from the National People’s Congress leadership ranks, including senior military figures and state-level officials who have been removed or slipped from public view, feeding perceptions of intensified internal discipline in the military and strategic sectors under Xi Jinping’s consolidated leadership. 

On the policy front, the meetings signal higher spending on defence and on science and technology, particularly semiconductors and artificial intelligence, as Beijing doubles down on security and self-reliance amid strained ties with the United States and its allies.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong speaks with Yang Danxu, Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Editor and Beijing correspondent, for on-the-ground insights into the 2026 Two Sessions and what they mean for the world’s second-largest economy.

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.

<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/keywords/2026zhong-guo-liang-hui?ref=article-bottom-keyword">2026年中国全国两会</a>如期在上星期开幕。中国总理李强3月5日在政府工作报告中宣布，今年的经济增长目标定为4.5%至5%。这是中国30多年来首次将增长目标下调至5%以下，显示中国经济增长压力不小。
不过，增长目标并未引发最广泛关注，两会上更引人瞩目的是人事变动。例如，人大主席团和秘书长名单较往年减少了13人，其中包括多名已被罢免或受查的地方首长、解放军高级将领，甚至国家级领导人，如张又侠、何卫东、马兴瑞等。出席两会的上将仅剩六人，其中两人还是去年12月才晋升的。
谁来谁不来？两会已成为观察中国高层人事变动的窗口。今年的两会在人事上有何具体看点？这个世界第二大经济体又对外展示了什么样的政策走向？
这期的早报播客《<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/keywords/global-heartbeat">东谈西论</a>》，《联合早报》中国新闻组主任兼北京特派员<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/yang-dan-xu">杨丹旭</a>与主持人<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/han-yong-hong">韩咏红</a>，共同梳理今年中国两会的关键亮点，并剖析世界第二大经济体所展示的政策走向。
延伸阅读：
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260304-8673133">杨丹旭：反腐高压下两会拉开序幕</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260306-8687244">韩咏红：中国经济增长进入&ldquo;4&rdquo;时代</a></li>
</ul>
China&rsquo;s 2026 &ldquo;Two Sessions&rdquo; &ndash; the country&rsquo;s most important annual political meetings &ndash; have opened with a blend of continuity and unease. Premier Li Qiang&rsquo;s government work report set this year&rsquo;s GDP growth target at 4.5 to 5 per cent, underscoring Beijing&rsquo;s focus on more sustainable &ldquo;high-quality&rdquo; development amid weak property markets, local debt risks and the challenge of reviving domestic demand while advancing advanced manufacturing and green industries.
The political choreography is drawing almost as much scrutiny as the policy agenda, with notable absences from the National People&rsquo;s Congress leadership ranks, including senior military figures and state-level officials who have been removed or slipped from public view, feeding perceptions of intensified internal discipline in the military and strategic sectors under Xi Jinping&rsquo;s consolidated leadership.&nbsp;
On the policy front, the meetings signal higher spending on defence and on science and technology, particularly semiconductors and artificial intelligence, as Beijing doubles down on security and self-reliance amid strained ties with the United States and its allies.
In this episode of Global Heartbeat, host Han Yonghong speaks with Yang Danxu, Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;s China News Editor and Beijing correspondent, for on-the-ground insights into the 2026 Two Sessions and what they mean for the world&rsquo;s second-largest economy.
Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;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.

2026年两会：中国高层人事大洗牌的一扇窗 China's 2026 Two Sessions: Economic shifts and political purges

哈梅内伊被击杀代表什么？

评价哈梅内伊37年的政绩

伊朗人真的希望变天吗？

在延宕多时的弃核谈判失败后，美国和以色列上个星期六启动了对伊朗的军事攻击。在行动的第一天，美以联军空袭击中伊朗最高领袖哈梅内伊所在地，哈梅内伊与多名伊朗高级官员遇袭身亡。

伊朗随即展开全面反击，发射导弹空袭海湾地区设有美军基地的国家，包括卡塔尔、巴林、科威特、约旦、阿联酋和沙特阿拉伯，并封锁了全球能源运输大动脉霍尔木兹海峡。

这场战争目前仍在激烈进行。美国总统特朗普表示，行动最初预计持续四至五周，但美军有能力维持更久，“更大规模的行动还在后头”。特朗普宣称，行动目标是摧毁伊朗的导弹能力、海军力量，确保伊朗永远无法获得核武器，且无法继续在境外武装资助并指挥恐怖组织。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与台湾中兴大学外交系、中东与中亚硕士学位学程副教授崔进揆解析美国是否会在中东陷入一场持久战？这场战争会否改写中东地缘政治格局？

延伸阅读：
马海云：百年大变局背景下的美以伊朗战争
学者：伊朗政权未彻底垮台 美伊料持久战

This week, the Middle East is engulfed in a rapidly escalating war following the breakdown of long-stalled nuclear talks with Iran and the launch of a joint US–Israeli military operation against Iranian targets. On Saturday, the United States and Israel struck key military and nuclear-related sites across Iran in the opening phase of the campaign.

Tehran has responded with a sweeping counterattack, firing missiles and drones at Israel and at US military bases in several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Iran has also severely disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, jolting oil prices and unnerving financial markets worldwide.

The fighting is intensifying by the day, with no clear end in sight. US President Trump has warned that the initial phase of operations could last four to five weeks, while insisting that American forces are prepared for a longer campaign and a possible escalation. His stated goals are sweeping: to degrade Iran’s missile arsenal and navy, to permanently block Tehran’s path to a nuclear weapon, and to curb its ability to arm, fund, and direct militant and terrorist groups abroad.

All of this raises urgent questions for the region and the world: Will the United States be drawn into another long and open-ended war in the Middle East? And how might this conflict redraw the geopolitical map of the region for years to come?

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong speaks with Chin-Kuei Tsui, Associate Professor at the Graduate Institute of International Politics and Director of the Centre for Studies on South Asia and the Middle East at National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan, to unpack the stakes, scenarios, and possible endgames of this fast-moving crisis.

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.

在延宕多时的弃核谈判失败后，美国和以色列上个星期六<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260228-8654140">启动了对伊朗的军事攻击</a>。在行动的第一天，美以联军空袭击中伊朗最高领袖<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260301-8656253">哈梅内伊</a>所在地，哈梅内伊与多名伊朗高级官员遇袭身亡。
伊朗随即展开全面反击，发射导弹空袭海湾地区设有美军基地的国家，包括卡塔尔、巴林、科威特、约旦、阿联酋和沙特阿拉伯，并封锁了全球能源运输大动脉霍尔木兹海峡。
这场战争目前仍在激烈进行。美国总统特朗普表示，行动最初预计持续四至五周，但美军有能力维持更久，&ldquo;更大规模的行动还在后头&rdquo;。特朗普宣称，行动目标是摧毁伊朗的导弹能力、海军力量，确保伊朗永远无法获得核武器，且无法继续在境外武装资助并指挥恐怖组织。
这期的早报播客《<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/keywords/global-heartbeat">东谈西论</a>》，听主持人<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/han-yong-hong">韩咏红</a>与台湾中兴大学外交系、中东与中亚硕士学位学程副教授崔进揆解析美国是否会在中东陷入一场持久战？这场战争会否改写中东地缘政治格局？
延伸阅读：
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/forum/views/story20260303-8665431">马海云：百年大变局背景下的美以伊朗战争</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260301-8656852">学者：伊朗政权未彻底垮台 美伊料持久战</a></li>
</ul>
This week, the Middle East is engulfed in a rapidly escalating war following the breakdown of long-stalled nuclear talks with Iran and the launch of a joint US&ndash;Israeli military operation against Iranian targets. On Saturday, the United States and Israel struck key military and nuclear-related sites across Iran in the opening phase of the campaign.
Tehran has responded with a sweeping counterattack, firing missiles and drones at Israel and at US military bases in several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Iran has also severely disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, jolting oil prices and unnerving financial markets worldwide.
The fighting is intensifying by the day, with no clear end in sight. US President Trump has warned that the initial phase of operations could last four to five weeks, while insisting that American forces are prepared for a longer campaign and a possible escalation. His stated goals are sweeping: to degrade Iran&rsquo;s missile arsenal and navy, to permanently block Tehran&rsquo;s path to a nuclear weapon, and to curb its ability to arm, fund, and direct militant and terrorist groups abroad.
All of this raises urgent questions for the region and the world: Will the United States be drawn into another long and open-ended war in the Middle East? And how might this conflict redraw the geopolitical map of the region for years to come?
In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong speaks with Chin-Kuei Tsui, Associate Professor at the Graduate Institute of International Politics and Director of the Centre for Studies on South Asia and the Middle East at National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan, to unpack the stakes, scenarios, and possible endgames of this fast-moving crisis.
Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;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.

美国攻打伊朗：以色列称霸中东 Iran war: Redrawing the Middle East map

特朗普关税过山车，难以预测？

特朗普关税给中国带来更大机遇？

美国最高法院判决，反映美国“反特朗普”声音？

美国最高法院2月20日以6比3的投票结果，裁定美国总统特朗普依据《国际紧急经济权力法》实施的大多数关税措施，违反美国宪法，也超越了总统职权。

特朗普随后发言说，他对裁决感到失望，也为一些成员没有勇气为国家做对的决定，而感到彻底羞愧。

他随后签署政令，依据《1974年贸易法》第122条，将对世界各国进口商品征收10%进口税，为期150天。仅隔不到一天，特朗普又在社交媒体上宣布把关税提高到15%。

自从去年上台，特朗普就对美国的所有贸易伙伴祭出高额对等关税。如今，“特朗普对等关税”被裁定违宪，这会对国际贸易格局造成什么影响？

这算不算特朗普遭受的一个重大挫败？美国内部“反特朗普”力量在聚集声势吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与清华大学战略与安全研究中心主任、国际关系学系教授达巍的深入解析。

延伸阅读：
于泽远：特朗普访华少了些筹码
【早知】特朗普关税被判违宪意味着什么？

The US Supreme Court has dealt a major setback to President Trump’s trade agenda, ruling that his use of emergency powers to impose broad tariffs on imports exceeded what the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) allows. The decision throws into doubt tens of billions of dollars in duties and has prompted business groups to push for refunds that could reach US$175 billion (S$222 billion).

Trump has moved quickly to find new legal footing. He has signed an executive order invoking Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act to impose a 10% global import tax for 150 days, and signaled plans to raise the rate to 15%. Legal experts, US allies and markets are now asking whether this new move can survive court challenges.

Around the world, trading partners from Europe to Asia are reassessing their ties with Washington. Some are delaying trade talks, while others stress that existing agreements remain in force but warn that trust is eroding. At home, the ruling is seen as both a constitutional check on executive power and a political test for Trump as he heads into crucial midterm elections.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Professor Da Wei, Director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, breaks down the legal, economic and geopolitical stakes, and explores how a US domestic court ruling could reshape global trade in the months ahead.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

美国最高法院2月20日以6比3的投票结果，裁定美国总统特朗普依据《国际紧急经济权力法》实施的大多数关税措施，<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260220-8605930">违反美国宪法，也超越了总统职权。</a>
特朗普随后发言说，他对裁决感到失望，也为一些成员没有勇气为国家做对的决定，而<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260221-8606405">感到彻底羞愧</a>。
他随后签署政令，依据《1974年贸易法》第122条，将对世界各国进口商品征收10%进口税，为期150天。仅隔不到一天，特朗普又在社交媒体上宣布把关税提高到15%。
自从去年上台，特朗普就对美国的所有贸易伙伴祭出高额对等关税。如今，&ldquo;特朗普对等关税&rdquo;被裁定违宪，这会对国际贸易格局造成什么影响？
这算不算特朗普遭受的一个重大挫败？美国内部&ldquo;反特朗普&rdquo;力量在聚集声势吗？
这期的早报播客《<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/keywords/global-heartbeat">东谈西论</a>》，听主持人<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/han-yong-hong">韩咏红</a>与清华大学战略与安全研究中心主任、国际关系学系教授达巍的深入解析。
延伸阅读：
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260223-8619539">于泽远：特朗普访华少了些筹码</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260221-8608157">【早知】特朗普关税被判违宪意味着什么？</a></li>
</ul>
The US Supreme Court has dealt a major setback to President Trump&rsquo;s trade agenda, ruling that his use of emergency powers to impose broad tariffs on imports exceeded what the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) allows. The decision throws into doubt tens of billions of dollars in duties and has prompted business groups to push for refunds that could reach US$175 billion (S$222 billion).
Trump has moved quickly to find new legal footing. He has signed an executive order invoking Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act to impose a 10% global import tax for 150 days, and signaled plans to raise the rate to 15%. Legal experts, US allies and markets are now asking whether this new move can survive court challenges.
Around the world, trading partners from Europe to Asia are reassessing their ties with Washington. Some are delaying trade talks, while others stress that existing agreements remain in force but warn that trust is eroding. At home, the ruling is seen as both a constitutional check on executive power and a political test for Trump as he heads into crucial midterm elections.
In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Professor Da Wei, Director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, breaks down the legal, economic and geopolitical stakes, and explores how a US domestic court ruling could reshape global trade in the months ahead.
Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

被裁定违宪，特朗普“关税过山车”再颠荡 Tariffs on trial: Trump and global trade

没有高市，自民党也能获胜？

经济与外交是两大重要议题

参拜靖国神社的争议

中日关系如何解套？

日本首相高市早苗不愧“铁娘子”称号。

在星期天举行的日本众议院选举投票中，自民党在高市的领军下，单独获得众议院316个席位，超过了法定议席数的三分之二。这不仅创下了自民党创党以来的最佳成绩，也是二战后单一政党在日本众议院选举中获得的最多数议席。

与自民党组成执政联盟的日本维新会获得36席；而反对党立宪民主党，以及由公明党组成的中道改革联盟仅获得49席，遭遇惨败。

自民党一党独大，意味着高市将掌握极大的立法主导权，也将终结近年来日本首相频繁更换的现象，使日本政策更具稳定性与连续性。

高市接下来的施政重点会是什么？她会修改战后的和平宪法吗？她的高票当选，又会对日美以及日中关系造成什么影响？

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的深入解析。

延伸阅读：
林泉忠：高市狂胜是中日关系回暖窗口？
郭兵云：高市大胜对中日关系的五重冲击

In a historic victory, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan, often described as the “Iron Lady,” led the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a resounding win in the recent House of Representatives election. The LDP secured 316 seats, surpassing the two‑thirds supermajority needed for constitutional amendments and setting a post‑war record for a single party. The LDP’s coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), won 36 seats, while the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA) suffered a significant defeat with only 49 seats.

This commanding mandate gives Takaichi wide latitude to push her agenda. Will she spend her political capital primarily on economic relief, or risk it on controversial constitutional reform? Can her dominant position finally bring an end to Japan’s revolving‑door premiership and deliver lasting policy stability? How will her government navigate relations with the United States and China?

Join us on the Global Heartbeat podcast, where host Han Yonghong speaks with Dr Shin Kawashima, Professor of International Relations at the University of Tokyo, for an in‑depth analysis of these developments and their implications.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

日本首相高市早苗不愧&ldquo;铁娘子&rdquo;称号。
在星期天举行的<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260208-8384122">日本众议院选举投票</a>中，自民党在高市的领军下，单独获得众议院316个席位，超过了法定议席数的三分之二。这不仅创下了自民党创党以来的最佳成绩，也是二战后单一政党在日本众议院选举中获得的最多数议席。
与自民党组成执政联盟的日本维新会获得36席；而反对党立宪民主党，以及由公明党组成的中道改革联盟仅获得49席，遭遇惨败。
自民党一党独大，意味着高市将掌握极大的立法主导权，也将终结近年来日本首相频繁更换的现象，使日本政策更具稳定性与连续性。
高市接下来的施政重点会是什么？她会修改战后的和平宪法吗？她的高票当选，又会对日美以及日中关系造成什么影响？
这期的早报播客《<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/keywords/global-heartbeat">东谈西论</a>》，听主持人<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/han-yong-hong">韩咏红</a>与东京大学综合文化研究科教授<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/chuan-dao-zhen">川岛真</a>的深入解析。
延伸阅读：
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/forum/views/story20260210-8412218">林泉忠：高市狂胜是中日关系回暖窗口？</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/forum/views/story20260210-8412299">郭兵云：高市大胜对中日关系的五重冲击</a></li>
</ul>
In a historic victory, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan, often described as the &ldquo;Iron Lady,&rdquo; led the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a resounding win in the recent House of Representatives election. The LDP secured 316 seats, surpassing the two‑thirds supermajority needed for constitutional amendments and setting a post‑war record for a single party. The LDP&rsquo;s coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), won 36 seats, while the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA) suffered a significant defeat with only 49 seats.
This commanding mandate gives Takaichi wide latitude to push her agenda. Will she spend her political capital primarily on economic relief, or risk it on controversial constitutional reform? Can her dominant position finally bring an end to Japan&rsquo;s revolving‑door premiership and deliver lasting policy stability? How will her government navigate relations with the United States and China?
Join us on the Global Heartbeat podcast, where host Han Yonghong speaks with Dr Shin Kawashima, Professor of International Relations at the University of Tokyo, for an in‑depth analysis of these developments and their implications.
Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;s Associate Editor Han Yonghong, Global Heartbeat is a weekly Mandarin news and current affairs podcast published every Tuesday. It is available on Lianhe Zaobao website and app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

高市早苗历史性大胜——她会修宪吗？会参拜靖国神社吗？Japan’s Iron Lady: Inside Takaichi’s landslide victory

是特朗普让世界爱上中国？

中国能如何抓住战略机遇期？

中国是否会加入特朗普的“和平委员会”？

2026年开年以来，西方国家领导人接连访问中国，其中包括加拿大、芬兰以及英国的总理与首相等。

有中国媒体形容，中国外交实现了“开门红”。但更多评论认为，美国总统特朗普对全球开启的关税战、其反复无常的性格、对国际规则的破坏，以及疏远欧洲的做法，正使传统意义上的“西方阵营”面临裂解压力， 促使西方多国领导人纷纷“往东看”。甚至有美国媒体称，特朗普的做法反而是“让中国再次伟大”。

新的国际形势是否为中国开启了新的机遇期？中国如何看待所谓的“特朗普机遇”？中国又将如何利用这一机遇？由特朗普本人担任主席的“和平委员会”已挂牌成立，中国是否会选择参加？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与清华大学战略与安全研究中心主任、国际关系学系教授达巍详细解析。

延伸阅读：
加国智库：卡尼倡中等强国灵活结盟抗中美选边站
于泽远：卡尼访华不止重启中加关系

Western leaders are lining up in Beijing as the global order shifts under the pressure of a second Trump presidency and renewed trade tensions. Since the start of 2026, a series of US allies, including countries like the United Kingdom, Canada and Finland, have made high‑profile visits to China—not to abandon Washington, but to hedge against an unpredictable White House that is once again threatening broad tariffs, challenging long‑standing international rules and straining ties with Europe.

Chinese media and officials have framed this flurry of diplomacy as a sign of success, hailing a “red‑hot start” for China’s foreign policy. The changing international landscape is giving Beijing fresh opportunities to expand its influence and deepen relationships with other countries. 

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Professor Da Wei, Director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, examine the implications of this new wave of engagement and explore how China is positioning itself to capitalise on the “Trump opportunity."

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. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

2026年开年以来，西方国家领导人接连访问中国，其中包括<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260111-8083857">加拿大</a>、<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260122-8140894">芬兰</a>以及<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260129-8215240">英国</a>的总理与首相等。
有中国媒体形容，中国外交实现了&ldquo;开门红&rdquo;。但更多评论认为，美国总统特朗普对全球开启的关税战、其反复无常的性格、对国际规则的破坏，以及疏远欧洲的做法，正使传统意义上的&ldquo;西方阵营&rdquo;面临裂解压力， 促使西方多国领导人纷纷&ldquo;往东看&rdquo;。甚至有美国媒体称，特朗普的做法反而是&ldquo;让中国再次伟大&rdquo;。
新的国际形势是否为中国开启了新的机遇期？中国如何看待所谓的&ldquo;特朗普机遇&rdquo;？中国又将如何利用这一机遇？由特朗普本人担任主席的&ldquo;<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260122-8141939">和平委员会</a>&rdquo;已挂牌成立，中国是否会选择参加？
这期的早报播客《<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/keywords/global-heartbeat">东谈西论</a>》，听主持人<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/han-yong-hong">韩咏红</a>与清华大学战略与安全研究中心主任、国际关系学系教授达巍详细解析。
延伸阅读：
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260126-8180658">加国智库：卡尼倡中等强国灵活结盟抗中美选边站</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260119-8120011">于泽远：卡尼访华不止重启中加关系</a></li>
</ul>
Western leaders are lining up in Beijing as the global order shifts under the pressure of a second Trump presidency and renewed trade tensions. Since the start of 2026, a series of US allies, including countries like the United Kingdom, Canada and Finland, have made high‑profile visits to China&mdash;not to abandon Washington, but to hedge against an unpredictable White House that is once again threatening broad tariffs, challenging long‑standing international rules and straining ties with Europe.
Chinese media and officials have framed this flurry of diplomacy as a sign of success, hailing a &ldquo;red‑hot start&rdquo; for China&rsquo;s foreign policy. The changing international landscape is giving Beijing fresh opportunities to expand its influence and deepen relationships with other countries.&nbsp;
In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Professor Da Wei, Director of the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, examine the implications of this new wave of engagement and explore how China is positioning itself to capitalise on the &ldquo;Trump opportunity."
Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

中国能否抓住“特朗普机遇”？ A “Trump opportunity” for China?

张又侠为何突然落马？

分期分批地解决证明不是政变

张又侠严重践踏破坏军委主席负责制

反腐败是习近平在下的大棋

中国官方星期六突然发布重磅消息，证实中共中央军委副主席张又侠，以及负责作战指挥的中央军委委员刘振立，双双落马受查。在中国的军事体制中，张又侠的地位仅次于习近平。

这一消息对政坛的震撼力，远超近年来解放军反腐行动中的任何一宗案件。自2023年以来，中国原国防部长李尚福、原中央军委政治工作部主任苗华，以及另一名原军委副主席何卫东已相继落马。

随着张又侠与刘振立被查，原本七人的中央军委领导班子中，目前仅剩下主席习近平与军委委员张升民两人。这种权力架构的变动，在中国过去30多年的历史上尚属首见。

这场反腐斗争将持续到何时？坊间有关“军事政变”的传言是否真有其事？

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解放军这波重磅反腐动作背后的深层意涵。

延伸阅读：
于泽远：解放军高层接连落马带来的冲击
分析：解放军军中关系网将大洗牌 忠诚度最重要

China’s military leadership has been shaken by the sudden downfall of one of its most powerful figures. Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the highest‑ranking uniformed officer under President Xi Jinping, is now under investigation for suspected “serious violations of discipline and law.” 

Also under probe is Liu Zhenli, a CMC member and chief of the Joint Staff Department responsible for overseeing the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) joint operations, training and combat readiness. The case has sent shockwaves far beyond Beijing, marking the most dramatic shake‑up yet in Xi’s ongoing anti‑corruption drive within the PLA.

Their downfall follows the earlier purge of another CMC vice chairman, He Weidong, as well as the removal of Defence Minister Li Shangfu and multiple senior commanders since 2023. Beijing officially frames these moves as part of a sweeping anti‑corruption and discipline campaign to tighten Party control over the armed forces. Outside China, however, many analysts see a deeper story involving questions over loyalty, internal factional struggles and the resilience of the PLA’s command system at a time of rising regional and global tensions.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan joins host Han Yong Hong to analyse the far-reaching consequences of Zhang Youxia's dramatic downfall. 

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.

中国官方星期六突然发布重磅消息，证实中共中央军委副主席张又侠，以及负责作战指挥的中央军委委员刘振立，双双<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260124-8159160">落马受查</a>。在中国的军事体制中，张又侠的地位仅次于习近平。
这一消息对政坛的震撼力，远超近年来解放军反腐行动中的任何一宗案件。自2023年以来，中国原国防部长<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/keywords/li-shang-fu">李尚福</a>、原中央军委政治工作部主任<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20250627-6985724">苗华</a>，以及另一名原军委副主席何卫东已相继落马。
随着张又侠与刘振立被查，原本七人的中央军委领导班子中，目前仅剩下主席习近平与军委委员张升民两人。这种权力架构的变动，在中国过去30多年的历史上尚属首见。
这场反腐斗争将持续到何时？坊间有关&ldquo;军事政变&rdquo;的传言是否真有其事？
这期的早报播客《<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/keywords/global-heartbeat">东谈西论</a>》，听主持人<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/han-yong-hong">韩咏红</a>与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/yu-ze-yuan">于泽远</a>解析解放军这波重磅反腐动作背后的深层意涵。
延伸阅读：
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260126-8170589">于泽远：解放军高层接连落马带来的冲击</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260125-8161715">分析：解放军军中关系网将大洗牌 忠诚度最重要</a></li>
</ul>
China&rsquo;s military leadership has been shaken by the sudden downfall of one of its most powerful figures. Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the highest‑ranking uniformed officer under President Xi Jinping, is now under investigation for suspected &ldquo;serious violations of discipline and law.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also under probe is Liu Zhenli, a CMC member and chief of the Joint Staff Department responsible for overseeing the People&rsquo;s Liberation Army&rsquo;s (PLA) joint operations, training and combat readiness. The case has sent shockwaves far beyond Beijing, marking the most dramatic shake‑up yet in Xi&rsquo;s ongoing anti‑corruption drive within the PLA.
Their downfall follows the earlier purge of another CMC vice chairman, He Weidong, as well as the removal of Defence Minister Li Shangfu and multiple senior commanders since 2023. Beijing officially frames these moves as part of a sweeping anti‑corruption and discipline campaign to tighten Party control over the armed forces. Outside China, however, many analysts see a deeper story involving questions over loyalty, internal factional struggles and the resilience of the PLA&rsquo;s command system at a time of rising regional and global tensions.
In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan joins host Han Yong Hong to analyse the far-reaching consequences of Zhang Youxia's dramatic downfall.&nbsp;
Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;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.

张又侠落马 中国反腐漫漫无尽头 The fall of Zhang Youxia: Inside China’s military purge

中美文宣战早在60年代就开始

“斩杀线”是用来对内而非对外

了解中国的躺、卷、润

“斩杀线”（Kill Line）原是电玩游戏术语，指角色的生命值跌至临界点，极易被对手一击毙命。这个词近期在社交媒体走红，被用来形容部分美国人的生活现状：即便收入看似不俗，但扣除房租房贷、保险等开支后，银行户头所剩无几。一旦发生突发状况，就可能迅速陷入贫困，甚至面临生存危机。

在网上带动“斩杀线”风潮的，是一名网名“牢A”的“00后”中国留学生。他在西雅图修读生物医学，为了赚取生活费，经教授推荐，到当地警署担任法医助理，主要负责处理死于街头流浪汉的遗体。“牢A”见到了许多曾是中产阶级的流浪者，他通过视频揭示了美国社会存在的各种问题。

今年1月以来，这个概念被 《人民日报》、新华社等中国官方媒体大量引用，反映美国的社会治理与民生困境。另一方面，《纽约时报》等西方媒体则刊登评论指，中国官方正借此启动“宣传战”以转移视线，并质疑其夸大了美国的问题。

“斩杀线”这个概念究竟是什么？它的出现反映了什么现象？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“斩杀线”是否是中美在贸易战、科技战之外，新一波的舆论战？

延伸阅读：
媒体隔空交锋“斩杀线” 分析：中美战略竞争下舆论认知战成重要环节
下午察：“美国斩杀线”，中国赢麻了？

From gaming slang to geopolitical metaphor, the term “Kill Line” has gone viral online. It once described a video game character’s low-health vulnerability; now it symbolises the financial fragility of many Americans. Despite steady incomes, mounting costs of rent, housing and insurance often leave little buffer against a single crisis that could push them into poverty.

The concept took off after “Lao A,” a Chinese Gen Z student in Seattle, shared viral videos from his part-time work as a forensic assistant, where he saw how economic hardship drives many, once middle-class, into homelessness. His stories struck a chord in China, revealing both empathy and a kind of bitter satisfaction at America’s struggles.

Chinese state media, including People’s Daily and Xinhua, soon amplified the “Kill Line” narrative to highlight America’s social divisions and the fragility of its middle class. Western outlets such as The New York Times see this as part of Beijing’s propaganda strategy, designed to spotlight US problems while downplaying China’s own economic challenges. At the same time, the metaphor resonates with Chinese youth who face their own anxieties over job insecurity, youth unemployment and a faltering property market.

Join host Han Yonghong and Taiwan-based commentator Xu Quan on Global Heartbeat podcast as they explore how a single meme became a flashpoint in the US–China narrative war, and what it reveals about shared precarity on both sides of the Pacific.

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.

&ldquo;<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20260116-8109464?ref=article-extended-read">斩杀线</a>&rdquo;（Kill Line）原是电玩游戏术语，指角色的生命值跌至临界点，极易被对手一击毙命。这个词近期在社交媒体走红，被用来形容部分美国人的生活现状：即便收入看似不俗，但扣除房租房贷、保险等开支后，银行户头所剩无几。一旦发生突发状况，就可能迅速陷入贫困，甚至面临生存危机。
在网上带动&ldquo;斩杀线&rdquo;风潮的，是一名网名&ldquo;牢A&rdquo;的&ldquo;00后&rdquo;中国留学生。他在西雅图修读生物医学，为了赚取生活费，经教授推荐，到当地警署担任法医助理，主要负责处理死于街头流浪汉的遗体。&ldquo;牢A&rdquo;见到了许多曾是中产阶级的流浪者，他通过视频揭示了美国社会存在的各种问题。
今年1月以来，这个概念被 《人民日报》、新华社等中国官方媒体大量引用，反映美国的社会治理与民生困境。另一方面，《纽约时报》等西方媒体则刊登评论指，中国官方正借此启动&ldquo;宣传战&rdquo;以转移视线，并质疑其夸大了美国的问题。
&ldquo;斩杀线&rdquo;这个概念究竟是什么？它的出现反映了什么现象？这期的早报播客《<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/keywords/global-heartbeat">东谈西论</a>》，听主持人<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/han-yong-hong">韩咏红</a>与旅居台湾的时事评论人徐全解析&ldquo;斩杀线&rdquo;是否是中美在贸易战、科技战之外，新一波的舆论战？
延伸阅读：
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260116-8113834">媒体隔空交锋&ldquo;斩杀线&rdquo; 分析：中美战略竞争下舆论认知战成重要环节</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20251226-8016497?ref=article-extended-read">下午察：&ldquo;美国斩杀线&rdquo;，中国赢麻了？</a></li>
</ul>
From gaming slang to geopolitical metaphor, the term &ldquo;Kill Line&rdquo; has gone viral online. It once described a video game character&rsquo;s low-health vulnerability; now it symbolises the financial fragility of many Americans. Despite steady incomes, mounting costs of rent, housing and insurance often leave little buffer against a single crisis that could push them into poverty.
The concept took off after &ldquo;Lao A,&rdquo; a Chinese Gen Z student in Seattle, shared viral videos from his part-time work as a forensic assistant, where he saw how economic hardship drives many, once middle-class, into homelessness. His stories struck a chord in China, revealing both empathy and a kind of bitter satisfaction at America&rsquo;s struggles.
Chinese state media, including People&rsquo;s Daily and Xinhua, soon amplified the &ldquo;Kill Line&rdquo; narrative to highlight America&rsquo;s social divisions and the fragility of its middle class. Western outlets such as The New York Times see this as part of Beijing&rsquo;s propaganda strategy, designed to spotlight US problems while downplaying China&rsquo;s own economic challenges. At the same time, the metaphor resonates with Chinese youth who face their own anxieties over job insecurity, youth unemployment and a faltering property market.
Join host Han Yonghong and Taiwan-based commentator Xu Quan on Global Heartbeat podcast as they explore how a single meme became a flashpoint in the US&ndash;China narrative war, and what it reveals about shared precarity on both sides of the Pacific.
Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;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.

“斩杀线”走入大众视野是中国官方对“躺卷润”的回击？“Kill Line”: From gaming slang to US–China narrative

Manus有多么了不起？

试用Manus后的真实分享 

中国商务部为何要调查Manus？

AI泡沫濒临破灭？

2025年结束之前的最后两天， 美国科技巨头Facebook的母公司Meta宣布收购一家总部在新加坡的人工智能初创公司Manus。收购价格据说超过20亿美元，Manus联合创始人兼总裁肖弘将加入Meta，担任Meta的副总裁。

Manus自称是总部在新加坡的公司。另一位联合创始人张涛去年6月在新加坡出席论坛，也以新加坡企业的身份示人。但是他的出生地是在中国，Manus的创始团队成员也都是中国人。

33岁的肖弘是江西人，他在念大学的时候就开发科技应用，在2022年创办蝴蝶效应科技。去年3月，肖弘率领团队推出了Manus，号称是全球第一款通用智能体产品。它可以为用户完成具体的任务，比如帮你筛查简历、帮你订酒店、订机票等等。

不过，Manus从中国公司变身新加坡公司，再被美国公司收购的这场华丽转身，目前受到了阻力。中国商务部介入，表示将对这次收购进行调查。

Manus一开始为何要出走到新加坡？它有可能通过调查，顺利被Meta收购吗？Manus的这次出走经验，又会给其他中国科技公司带来怎样的启示？

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张帆分析Manus收购案的始末。

延伸阅读：
闫曼：技术的“原籍”阴影——从Manus收购案看全球监管新常态
新闻人间：Manus肖弘的金蝉脱壳术

The global tech world is abuzz with Meta’s planned US$2 billion acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup now under scrutiny from Beijing. On December 30, 2025, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced plans to buy Manus, with co‑founder and president Xiao Hong set to join Meta as a vice president.

The deal hit a snag on January 8, 2026, when China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) launched a national security review under its Export Control Law, citing risks in AI technology transfers. It is the first time Beijing has used this law to examine an overseas acquisition of a Chinese-founded AI company, underscoring its tighter control over advanced technologies.

Founded in China in 2022 as Butterfly Effect Technology, Manus moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2024. Its flagship product, a general intelligent agent capable of automating tasks like resume screening, hotel bookings, and flight reservations, was launched in March 2025. The move to Singapore was widely seen as a bid to attract global capital and mitigate exposure to rising US–China tech tensions.

Can Meta complete the Manus deal, and what does this case signal for other Chinese-founded AI firms seeking global expansion under growing regulatory and geopolitical pressure? Join host Han Yonghong in Global Heartbeat as she discusses these questions with Tim Zhang, founder and CEO of Edge Research Consulting.

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. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

2025年结束之前的最后两天， 美国科技巨头Facebook的母公司<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20251230-8028514">Meta宣布收购一家总部在新加坡的人工智能初创公司Manus</a>。收购价格据说超过20亿美元，Manus联合创始人兼总裁肖弘将加入Meta，担任Meta的副总裁。
<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/finance/singapore/story20251231-8033873">Manus自称是总部在新加坡的公司</a>。另一位联合创始人张涛去年6月在新加坡出席论坛，也以新加坡企业的身份示人。但是他的出生地是在中国，Manus的创始团队成员也都是中国人。
33岁的肖弘是江西人，他在念大学的时候就开发科技应用，在2022年创办蝴蝶效应科技。去年3月，肖弘率领团队推出了Manus，号称是全球第一款通用智能体产品。它可以为用户完成具体的任务，比如帮你筛查简历、帮你订酒店、订机票等等。
不过，Manus从中国公司变身新加坡公司，再被美国公司收购的这场华丽转身，目前受到了阻力。<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20260107-8063819">中国商务部介入</a>，表示将对这次收购进行调查。
Manus一开始为何要出走到新加坡？它有可能通过调查，顺利被Meta收购吗？Manus的这次出走经验，又会给其他中国科技公司带来怎样的启示？
这期的早报播客《<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/keywords/global-heartbeat">东谈西论</a>》，听主持人<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/han-yong-hong">韩咏红</a>与新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO张帆分析Manus收购案的始末。
延伸阅读：
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/forum/views/story20260113-8089462">闫曼：技术的&ldquo;原籍&rdquo;阴影&mdash;&mdash;从Manus收购案看全球监管新常态</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20260110-8074137">新闻人间：Manus肖弘的金蝉脱壳术</a></li>
</ul>
The global tech world is abuzz with Meta&rsquo;s planned US$2 billion acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup now under scrutiny from Beijing. On December 30, 2025, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced plans to buy Manus, with co‑founder and president Xiao Hong set to join Meta as a vice president.
The deal hit a snag on January 8, 2026, when China&rsquo;s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) launched a national security review under its Export Control Law, citing risks in AI technology transfers. It is the first time Beijing has used this law to examine an overseas acquisition of a Chinese-founded AI company, underscoring its tighter control over advanced technologies.
Founded in China in 2022 as Butterfly Effect Technology, Manus moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2024. Its flagship product, a general intelligent agent capable of automating tasks like resume screening, hotel bookings, and flight reservations, was launched in March 2025. The move to Singapore was widely seen as a bid to attract global capital and mitigate exposure to rising US&ndash;China tech tensions.
Can Meta complete the Manus deal, and what does this case signal for other Chinese-founded AI firms seeking global expansion under growing regulatory and geopolitical pressure? Join host Han Yonghong in Global Heartbeat as she discusses these questions with Tim Zhang, founder and CEO of Edge Research Consulting.
Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

Manus：是华丽转身还是技术出走？China’s scrutiny of the Meta–Manus deal

美国赤裸裸违反现代国际法

入侵委内瑞拉的真正动机

与89年老布什入侵巴拿马有何不同？

各国的反应说明了什么？

美国军队于1月3日凌晨突袭委内瑞拉首都加拉加斯。据报导，委内瑞拉总统马杜罗（Nicolas Maduro）及其夫人弗洛雷斯（Cilia Flores）在数小时后被美军强行带走，并被押送至位于纽约布鲁克林的联邦拘留中心。

目前，纽约南区联邦地区法院已正式起诉马杜罗，罪名包括毒品恐怖主义阴谋、可卡因走私阴谋、非法持有枪械及破坏性装置等。

美国总统特朗普对此强硬表态，宣称美国将接管委内瑞拉，直至政权实现安全交接。他同时向委内瑞拉代理总统发出警告，称其“如果不做正确的事，将面临比马杜罗更糟糕的处境。”此外，特朗普也对古巴和哥伦比亚发出威胁。

此次美国动用军事武力跨境抓捕委内瑞拉总统，是否已构成侵略行为？

分析家指，美国重拾“门罗主义”，要巩固并扩大其在西半球的主导权。这会对现有的国际秩序构成什么挑战？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与香港城市大学法学院教授、中国法与比较法研究中心主任王江雨深入解析这场震惊国际的大抓捕。

延伸阅读：
美国抓捕马杜罗“绝对决心”行动事件簿
郭兵云：美国闪击委内瑞拉的得与失

In the early hours of January 3, the US mounted a major operation in Caracas that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who were swiftly flown to the United States and placed in federal custody.

Maduro now faces a superseding indictment in the Southern District of New York on narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons charges involving machineguns and destructive devices.

President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will effectively govern Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious” transition of power, warning Venezuelan elites that those who “do not do the right thing” could share Maduro’s fate. Trump has also issued sharp warnings to Cuba and Colombia.

This dramatic intervention raises far‑reaching questions about international law, sovereignty and the future of global governance. Is it an act of aggression or a legally justified intervention, a one‑off operation or a sign of a renewed Monroe Doctrine in the Western Hemisphere?

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Professor Wang Jiangyu from the City University of Hong Kong provides an in‑depth analysis of the geopolitical stakes and considers what this turning point may mean for the international order.

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. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

美国军队于1月3日凌晨<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20260104-8048289?ref=article-extended-read">突袭委内瑞拉首都加拉加斯</a>。据报导，委内瑞拉总统马杜罗（Nicolas Maduro）及其夫人弗洛雷斯（Cilia Flores）在数小时后被美军强行带走，并被押送至位于纽约布鲁克林的联邦拘留中心。
目前，纽约南区联邦地区法院已<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/world/story20260106-8057330?ref=article-extended-read">正式起诉马杜罗</a>，罪名包括毒品恐怖主义阴谋、可卡因走私阴谋、非法持有枪械及破坏性装置等。
美国总统特朗普对此强硬表态，宣称美国将接管委内瑞拉，直至政权实现安全交接。他同时向委内瑞拉代理总统发出警告，称其&ldquo;如果不做正确的事，将面临比马杜罗更糟糕的处境。&rdquo;此外，特朗普也对古巴和哥伦比亚发出威胁。
此次美国动用军事武力跨境抓捕委内瑞拉总统，是否已构成侵略行为？
分析家指，美国重拾&ldquo;门罗主义&rdquo;，要巩固并扩大其在西半球的主导权。这会对现有的国际秩序构成什么挑战？
这期的早报播客《<a href="https://www.zaobao.com/keywords/global-heartbeat">东谈西论</a>》，听主持人<a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/byline/han-yong-hong">韩咏红</a>与香港城市大学法学院教授、中国法与比较法研究中心主任王江雨深入解析这场震惊国际的大抓捕。
延伸阅读：
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/world/story20260104-8048968">美国抓捕马杜罗&ldquo;绝对决心&rdquo;行动事件簿</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.zaobao.com.sg/forum/views/story20260105-8051102">郭兵云：美国闪击委内瑞拉的得与失</a></li>
</ul>
In the early hours of January 3, the US mounted a major operation in Caracas that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who were swiftly flown to the United States and placed in federal custody.
Maduro now faces a superseding indictment in the Southern District of New York on narco‑terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons charges involving machineguns and destructive devices.
President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will effectively govern Venezuela until a &ldquo;safe, proper and judicious&rdquo; transition of power, warning Venezuelan elites that those who &ldquo;do not do the right thing&rdquo; could share Maduro&rsquo;s fate. Trump has also issued sharp warnings to Cuba and Colombia.
This dramatic intervention raises far‑reaching questions about international law, sovereignty and the future of global governance. Is it an act of aggression or a legally justified intervention, a one‑off operation or a sign of a renewed Monroe Doctrine in the Western Hemisphere?
In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Professor Wang Jiangyu from the City University of Hong Kong provides an in‑depth analysis of the geopolitical stakes and considers what this turning point may mean for the international order.
Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao&rsquo;s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

抓捕马杜罗：特朗普新门罗主义冲击国际秩序 Trump's Venezuela raid: Shaking the global order

纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际政治动态。

纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际政治动态。

东谈西论

纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际政治动态。

每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上7时更新。

纵观天下，监测中国心跳，由《联合早报》副总编辑韩咏红主持的国际时事播客《东谈西论》，每周探讨国际热点话题，分析国际政治动态。
每逢星期二新加坡时间晚上7时更新。

东谈西论

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