Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government criticizes the U.S. for imposing visa restrictions on countries involved in Cuba's overseas medical services, labeling it as an extension of its long-standing sanctions against Cuba and a misuse of the term "forced labor" [1] Group 1: U.S. Actions and Responses - The U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions on several countries and individuals involved in Cuba's overseas medical services, claiming to combat "forced labor exploitation" [1] - The U.S. warns countries cooperating with Cuba to reconsider their partnerships [1] Group 2: Cuba's Medical Contributions - According to Cuban government statistics, over the past 60 years, Cuba has sent more than 600,000 medical personnel to over 60 countries, providing medical services to over 230 million people and performing over 17 million surgeries, saving more than 12 million lives [1] - Cuba's overseas medical cooperation is recognized for its significant role in supporting healthcare systems in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa, receiving appreciation from governments and people in those regions [1] Group 3: China's Position - The Chinese government opposes coercive diplomacy and urges the U.S. to stop its sanctions against Cuba, advocating for actions that would improve U.S.-Cuba relations and promote regional peace and stability [1]

Group 1: U.S. Soft Power and Global Influence - The U.S. has built its soft power post-World War II through political values, technological innovation, cultural appeal, and legitimate foreign policy, gaining significant influence in creating a new international order [1] - In the last decade, U.S. soft power has been severely impacted by the rise of unilateralism, protectionism, and cultural conservatism, leading to a decline in its international image and trust in its values and policies, particularly during Trump's presidency [1][2] - Trump's "America First" policy has led to a rejection of multilateralism, with the U.S. ranking lowest in support for multilateralism among 193 UN member states, which has resulted in a breakdown of international trade systems and supply chains [3][4] Group 2: Economic and Trade Policies - Trump's administration has adopted a confrontational approach to economic relations, exemplified by increasing tariffs, which has disrupted the multilateral free trade system and caused significant supply chain issues globally [3][4] - A Pew Research Center survey indicated that in 21 relatively affluent countries, 10 experienced a decline in favorable views of the U.S. by 6 percentage points or more, with Australia, Israel, South Africa, and Germany seeing the largest drops [4] - Trump's trade policies, including high tariffs, threaten the global trade system, which could lead to a decrease in demand for the dollar and weaken its value and credit [8][9] Group 3: Financial Stability and Dollar Credit - The U.S. has maintained financial hegemony through the dollar, which has been supported by its historical ties to gold and later oil, but this trust is now at risk due to increasing national debt and fiscal deficits [7][8] - The U.S. national debt has exceeded $36 trillion, with rising interest costs impacting the country's creditworthiness, leading to higher yields on U.S. Treasury bonds [8][9] - Trump's policies have contributed to a weakening dollar, with long-term Treasury yields rising above 4%, indicating market uncertainty and increasing risks to dollar credit [9] Group 4: Impact on Scientific Research and Education - Trump's administration has significantly cut funding for scientific research, with the National Science Foundation's new project funding dropping nearly 50% compared to the previous year, and the NIH's indirect costs being reduced from 40% to 15% [11][12] - The administration's focus on "useful research" has led to a decline in support for basic research, which is crucial for long-term innovation and competitiveness [12][17] - The reduction in federal funding has resulted in layoffs and program cuts at major universities, with institutions like Johns Hopkins and Harvard facing significant financial constraints [16][17] Group 5: Broader Implications for U.S. Soft Power - The ongoing conflict between Trump's administration and academic institutions reflects a broader ideological battle between conservative and progressive values, impacting the U.S.'s ability to attract and retain top talent in science and technology [15][17] - The erosion of support for scientific research and education under Trump's policies threatens the U.S.'s historical leadership in global science and technology, potentially diminishing its soft power [18]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how Trump's understanding of power is limited to coercion and transactional relationships, which is undermining the United States' global influence, particularly its soft power, due to rising unilateralism, trade protectionism, and cultural conservatism [1][10]. Group 1: Impact on Scientific Research - Trump's administration has significantly reduced funding for scientific research, with the National Science Foundation's new project funding dropping nearly 50% compared to the previous year, particularly affecting engineering, education, and computer science [2][4]. - Major research institutions like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation have had to implement large-scale layoffs due to funding cuts, with NIH terminating support for over 700 research projects in just one month [4][9]. - The Trump administration's focus on "useful research" has led to a decline in support for basic research, which is crucial for long-term scientific advancement, indicating a shift towards a more utilitarian view of science [3][5]. Group 2: Higher Education and Cultural Tensions - The Trump administration has pressured universities to reform their diversity initiatives and has threatened funding cuts, leading to significant financial repercussions for institutions like Harvard and Princeton [7][8]. - A survey indicated that approximately 75% of American researchers are considering leaving the U.S. due to the uncertain policy environment and funding cuts, highlighting a potential brain drain [4][5]. - The conflict between Trump's administration and universities reflects a broader cultural clash between conservative and progressive values, with implications for academic freedom and the future of higher education in the U.S. [6][8]. Group 3: International Relations and Soft Power - Trump's "America First" policy has led to a departure from multilateralism, with the U.S. becoming the least supportive country of multilateralism among 193 UN member states [10][12]. - The administration's aggressive trade policies and withdrawal from international agreements have strained relationships with allies and reduced the U.S.'s global standing [11][13]. - Trump's approach has resulted in a significant decline in the U.S.'s soft power, as countries reassess their relationships with the U.S. and become more cautious in their engagements [12][13].