The China-Russia partnership is a highly consequential geopolitical alignment driven by a shared goal of countering U.S. hegemony and reshaping the international order into a multipolar system. While not a formal alliance, this relationship is strengthened by Russia's increasing economic reliance on China following Western sanctions, which allows Beijing to leverage its influence. Policymakers should note that while the partnership projects deep solidarity (as seen in high-level summits), it remains complex and limited by mutual mistrust and competing strategic interests. This enduring alignment poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests and requires continued diplomatic vigilance.
The Global Fight for Press Freedom
English Summary
The global press freedom index has reached its worst level in 25 years, driven by a sharp increase in the criminalization of journalism across most nations. Key threats include state authorities leveraging national security and defense secrets, alongside powerful corporate and political entities utilizing abusive lawsuits to suppress coverage. On the ground, authoritarian regimes are employing sophisticated tactics, such as internet blackouts and exploiting global chaos, to dismantle independent reporting. Policymakers must recognize that the erosion of free press is a systemic risk, requiring targeted diplomatic and technical support for journalists and civil society to maintain democratic accountability.
中文摘要
全球新聞自由指數已惡化至二十五年來的最差水平，主要驅動因素是大多數國家對新聞業進行的刑事化趨勢急劇增加。主要的威脅包括國家當局利用國家安全和國防機密，以及強大的企業和政治實體利用濫訴來壓制報導。在實地層面，威權政權正採用網路封鎖和利用全球混亂等複雜戰術來瓦解獨立報導。政策制定者必須認識到，自由媒體的侵蝕是一種系統性風險，需要提供具針對性的外交和技術支援，以維護民主問責制。
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