Rubio, as substitute White House spokesperson, can tell jokes

 Direct Translation

Editor : Li Guangsong / Source: Up Media / https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0507/2380898.html / Image : Rubio, acting as substitute White House spokesperson, spontaneously added a few jokes to his own story, immediately increasing the topicality of the press conference. (AFP)

White House Press Secretary Levitt's speaking style has been described as combative. Her fast-paced, confident, and unambiguous official pronouncements have been met with mixed reactions. She began maternity leave last week, and who would replace her was a topic of interest for White House reporters. However, it seems the White House is temporarily planning for multiple officials to take turns, including Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, and even Trump himself. In the past two days, American media have almost universally noted that Rubio, running the first press briefing, is clearly "well-prepared."

Rubio has been instructed to handle the White House press briefing on 5 May 2026, primarily addressing issues related to the Middle East, Latin America, the Vatican, and oil prices. At the same time, many media outlets amplified anecdotes from Rubio's "debut as White House Press Secretary," including his abrupt switch to Spanish to answer questions about Venezuela, and when he called on a reporter in black, and a reporter in blue prepared to ask a question, Rubio immediately "corrected" him: "No, you're not wearing black, you're wearing blue. I'm colorblind, but I can distinguish blue from black!" (Rubio had previously admitted in 2012 that he was colorblind and needed his wife's help with clothing choices).

Many reporters captured these impromptu moments from Rubio, as the reactions were generally similar, and a knowing smile was normal. Of course, this was quite different from the atmosphere of White House press conferences hosted by Levitt, who was described as a "machine gun." Compared to Trump and other cabinet members who rarely made such jokes, Rubio seemed quite relaxed and at ease with reporters. His ability to directly communicate with Spanish-speaking reporters (speaking in Spanish and then repeating in English) became a unique and significant feature of his appearance.

It is undeniable that both Rubio and Vance are potential Republican candidates for the 2028 presidential election. On 5 May, Rubio appeared in the White House press room. When he tried to ease the atmosphere by saying to the large group of reporters, "Guys, it's a complete mess here," a White House reporter immediately replied, "Welcome to the White House." The reporter's double entendre was self-evident. Given this arrangement, the media could not help but consider the political significance of Rubio's statement.

In addition to his role as acting White House press secretary, Rubio, besides his primary job as Secretary of State, also serves as acting National Security Advisor. He previously served as acting Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and acting Director of the National Archives. Some have used AI to dress Rubio in clothing representing different professional roles, implying that he could be entrusted with important responsibilities at any time. Compared to Vance, who has consistently advocated for restraint in U.S. military intervention overseas, Rubio is known for his hawkish stance. However, these occasional "softer" news stories have somewhat softened his sharp image.

While both Vance and Rubio have carefully avoided portraying themselves as potential 2028 candidates, it is difficult to suppress American curiosity about who will succeed them. Trump has praised Vance's talent and said Rubio will be the best Secretary of State in American history. As of now, it is indeed difficult to assess who Trump prefers, but it is certain that Trump understands Vance and Rubio are very different types of people. Regarding the current Iran war, Vance has clearly been "trying hard to talk about anything but the war" in public, while Rubio is very enthusiastic about defending the war. When Trump described the duo as a hammer (Rubio) and a velvet glove (Vance), it might be an intentional attempt to balance their roles within the government's established plans. Given this balance, Trump is even less likely to choose a successor now.

On another note, having Rubio and Vance take turns facing White House reporters during Levitt's maternity leave could also be a kind of "test." After all, being a "White House correspondent" is considered the highest honor in American political journalism, and many of the correspondents are highly respected or known for their shrewdness and sharp wit. Levitt's rise to prominence is partly due to her willingness to "talk back" to heavyweight journalists, that, while drawing both praise and criticism, has certainly pleased Trump. However, Rubio (and Vance, who has not even taken the stage yet), given their primary roles, cannot afford to be as "unrestrained" as Levitt. Standing on the White House press dais, they must be able to handle the White House press secretary while also remembering Rubio's identity as Secretary of State. The balance of their statements and their style is naturally more challenging than Levitt's.

It was precisely under this expected caution that Rubio spontaneously added a few humorous remarks, immediately increasing the topicality of the press conference.

Therefore, this press conference was not just about increasing Rubio's exposure (he does not really need that kind of exposure), but more importantly, it was an opportunity to see how Rubio would handle the "small-scale resistance" from senior reporters in the tense atmosphere of the press room, given the "confrontational relationship" between the U.S. government and White House reporters. White House reporters, in particular, are known for their loud questions, interruptions and difficulty in management.

Now it seems Rubio's first experience as White House spokesperson was more than just a "pass."

Editor: Li Guangsong Source: Up Media Please indicate the author and source when reprinting and keep the content intact.

Article URL: https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0507/2380898.html

Drone spying incidents in CCP China

 Direct Translation

A woman was soaking in a private hot spring on her hotel terrace when a drone flew back and forth outside

Editor: Tang Ying / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2026/05/07/a104093853.html / Image : Hot spring illustration. Video screenshot

During the May Day holidays, at a hot spring hotel in Shaoguan, Guangdong, a woman was soaking in the private hot spring on her room's terrace when she suddenly noticed a drone flying back and forth outside. She immediately called the police.

According to reports from mainland media, Ms. Chen (pseudonym), the woman involved, shared her experience on social media. She stated that she and her family stayed at the Yinxue Hotel (High-Speed ​​Railway Station Branch) in Shaoguan, Guangdong. At 10:40 am on 3 May, she was soaking in the hot spring on her room's terrace without clothes on when she suddenly noticed a drone flying back and forth and hovering outside. Ms. Chen stated that she was soaking in the hot spring pool alone, using her phone, with her back to the outside. "I first heard some noise, initially thinking it was construction outside. Then I sensed something was wrong and saw a drone reflected in the glass door of the terrace. I immediately had my family in the room contact the hotel front desk to report the situation."

Ms. Chen explained that her private hot spring was located on the rooftop terrace of her room, surrounded by fencing. The hot spring was close to the room and normally completely private, not visible from the outside. However, the drone could see into the hot spring from above. Ms. Chen was worried about being spied on and felt very uncomfortable, so she called the police after the incident.

On 5 May 2026, the hotel manager responded that hotel security personnel immediately took measures to stop the drone. Subsequent investigation revealed that the drone was flown by a child brought by another hotel guest and was not equipped with camera or video recording functions. Local police have punished the guest involved.

Drone spying in mainland China : Drone spying incidents are not uncommon

On 6 April 2025, Ms. Song, a Shanghai resident, exposed on social media that while she and her family were bathing at the Tangliande Hot Spring Resort (Changqing Branch) in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, they discovered a drone hovering overhead for an extended period.

Ms. Song stated that many female customers in the hot spring were bathing naked, and she was concerned that her privacy and that of other guests was being violated. She immediately contacted the hot spring resort staff, but the drone remained hovering in the air for half an hour before flying away. Outraged, Ms. Song reported the incident to the police.

MAC condemns CCP for repressing Taiwan's Interior Minister's Nephew

 Direct Translation

Taiwan's Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang's Nephew subjected to cross-border repression by the CCP; Mainland Affairs Council condemns the actions

Editor: Tang Zixuan / Image : Song Bilong/Epoch Times / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2026/05/07/a104093847.html

The CCP continues its military threats against Taiwan while simultaneously using egregious methods to coerce Taiwanese businesses operating in China. Recently, CCP state media extensively reported on the dismissal of Taiwan's Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang's nephew from a Taiwanese company operating in China. In response, the Mainland Affairs Council strongly condemned the CCP's use of "cross-border repression" to force Taiwanese businesses to make political statements, which has seriously damaged cross-strait relations.

On 6 May 2026, Xinhua News Agency, CCTV, and other state media outlets reported that on 5 May 2026, Jiangxi Shanggao Rongtan Technology Co., Ltd. issued a statement announcing that, effective 7 April 2026, it had dismissed Yan Wenqun from all positions at its mainland subsidiaries, including Taiwan Rongtan Technology Co., Ltd. and Shanggao Rongtan Technology Co., Ltd. The authorities deliberately promoted this report as a trending topic.

In response, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued a press release on May 6 strongly condemning the CCP's use of "cross-border repression" tactics, its intensified manipulation of the "Taiwan independence financier" list, and its attempt to coerce Taiwanese businesses into political statements, thereby creating a chilling effect on Taiwanese businesses. The MAC stated that the CCP's repeated use of unscrupulous methods has severely damaged normal investment and business operations by Taiwanese businesses and cross-strait relations.

The MAC pointed out that over the past 35 years, Taiwanese businesses have made significant contributions to China's economic development and social employment, and their investment and business operations in mainland China should be legally protected. To achieve specific political goals, the CCP has successively established a "Taiwan independence financier" list, accused Taiwanese businesses of "biting the hand that feeds them," and even enacted regulations in 2024, using various irrational and malicious means to intimidate and threaten Taiwanese businesses into political statements.

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) warned Taiwanese businesses to carefully consider their investments in mainland China to avoid threats and harm to their personal safety and property. The CCP claims that "mainland China is the best choice for Taiwanese businesses and residents to invest and develop their businesses," but in reality, political and economic risks are constantly increasing. Anyone deemed not to support the CCP's political stance on cross-strait unification or to support "Taiwan independence" will face investigations and cross-border repression.

An informed official told Taiwan's *Liberty Times* that the MAC will release countermeasures against the CCP's cross-border repression as early as the 7th, or explain them at a regular press conference. Liu Shifang's nephew, a project manager, previously worked for Rongtan Company, located in Jiangxi Province. The Jiangxi provincial government and Shanggao County are very unfriendly to Taiwanese businesses.

The official indicated that the government will issue a warning first, stating that "Jiangxi is not a good place to invest." Since Jiangxi is unfriendly to Taiwanese businesses, any exchanges between the province and Taiwan will be "strictly scrutinized."

The official criticized the CCP for its fervent nationalism. After Yan Wenqun was named by CCP state media, he resigned voluntarily for fear of implicating innocent people, regardless of whether the company was in China or Taiwan. He emphasized that the CCP had been pressuring the company to issue a statement, so this was just hindsight. "Because we had previously told Yan to return to Taiwan quickly, as the CCP could arbitrarily arrest people at any time, and now he is safely in Taiwan."

According to SET News, Liu Shih-fang attended a meeting of the Internal Affairs Committee on the morning of the 7th. In a pre-meeting interview, she stated that the Ministry of the Interior's position was completely consistent with the Mainland Affairs Council's statement. "I also want to especially remind Taiwanese citizens to think carefully before going to mainland China," otherwise their personal safety and property will be threatened and intimidated. She urged everyone to think carefully.

Liu Shih-fang emphasized that she remains the same: Taiwan is a democratic and rule-of-law society, and as an official of the Republic of China government, she handles all matters legally and compliantly according to the laws of the Republic of China. Her stance on defending Taiwan's democratic way of life and defending Taiwan's national sovereignty remains unchanged. "I am simply reiterating my position."

The imminent consequences of Chinese Communist anti-Semitism

 Direct Translation

The CCP angered Israel! The consequences are coming

Reporter : Sun Ruihou / Editor: Fang Xun / https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0506/2380589.html

A report released in February 2026 by the Jewish Peoples Policy Institute of Israel (JPPI), titled "Anti-Semitism in China 2021-2025: Origins and Purposes," points out that anti-Semitic narratives within China have increased dramatically following the Gaza conflict in 2021 and 2023-2025.

The report systematically analyzes the manifestations and main causes of anti-Semitism in China, clarifying its essential boundaries with the official stance of the Chinese Communist Party. The research shows that anti-Semitic rhetoric on the Chinese internet is mainly concentrated in social media comment sections, manifesting as the inappropriate extension of harsh criticism of Israeli government policies to the Jewish people as a whole, and the use of the rhetoric of individual Jewish extremists to launch sweeping generalizations and personal attacks against the entire Jewish people.

The most concentrated arena for anti-Semitic rhetoric on the Chinese internet is the comment sections of the official Chinese social media accounts of the Israeli Embassy and Consulates in China. Since the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October 2023, almost every Weibo and WeChat article published by the Israeli Embassy has been met with a large number of strongly worded comments.

An unprecedented wave of anti-Semitic media began with the Gaza War in 2021. The Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, and the subsequent Gaza War from 2023-2025 provided the impetus for this propaganda offensive. Chinese Communist Party media seized the opportunity to smear Israel and link Jews to "colonialism" and "genocide."

The report notes that a 2024 global poll by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) shows that approximately 470 million people (47%) in China hold high levels of anti-Semitic attitudes, a significant increase from 2014. Despite a very small Jewish population in China and virtually no street demonstrations or violence, the 111 million active social media users have facilitated the rapid spread of anti-Semitic content. Impact and Potential Risks: The JPPI warns that as the world's most populous and increasingly influential nation, China's anti-Semitic narrative could amplify anti-Semitism in the "Global South" and influence Western public opinion through platforms like TikTok. Simultaneously, this is eroding past positive interest in Jews and Israel among the Chinese public, damaging China's soft power image as a "civilized nation without anti-Semitic sentiment," and posing a challenge to Sino-Israeli relations. The report specifically points out that the 2022 Global Times' claim that the CCP would replace the "selfish" United States as the "generous" force in the Middle East, and Xi Jinping's remarks at the Arab Summit, further propelled this trend. Specific manifestations include: In media, universities, and social media platforms: Official and mainstream media outlets such as the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) and the China Center for International Communication (CIIC) published content describing Israel's use of white phosphorus as "Nazi behavior" or claiming that the United States' survival depended on Israel.

Social media platforms (Weibo, WeChat, etc.): Bloggers like Kevin Rudd quoted Hitler's diaries and the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, accompanied by photos of "Jewish noses"; Su Lin called Hamas "too weak." A large amount of content translated from Al Jazeera and Qatari media was widely shared.

University campuses: University professors such as Yin Zhiguang compared Gaza to a "concentration camp," promoting "liberation from Palestine to Beijing." In some courses and lectures, anti-Semitic conspiracy theories (such as Jewish control of freedom of speech) became the mainstream narrative. Meanwhile, pro-Israel content was censored and removed.

The report also called for countermeasures. Jews worldwide should be mobilized to respond to the CCP's anti-Semitism, particularly within the media and university systems. Jews around the world are concerned about the rise of global anti-Semitism but are generally unaware of the CCP's role in it. Israel should make them aware of this.

Besides the United States, many countries crucial to China also have Jewish communities, such as BRICS founding members Brazil and South Africa, as well as European countries. Jewish communities in all these countries can amplify their voices through Chinese embassies abroad.

The Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Anti-Semitism should play a leading role and cooperate with relevant international and national Jewish organizations, particularly the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the American Jewish Committee (ACJ). In Israel, the Yadwashem Holocaust Memorial Museum could also participate.

Other countries, especially Western countries, should be encouraged to join Israel in condemning the CCP's anti-Semitism. The United States is already doing so. As this is part of a larger confrontation between the two superpowers, the US and China, the involvement of other countries, particularly European countries, could have a greater impact on China.

The report also recommends elevating anti-Semitism to a diplomatic issue; strengthening cultural and academic exchanges in non-political areas; appropriately deepening unofficial ties with Taiwan while adhering to the "One China Policy"; and establishing an expert group to formulate long-term response strategies.

Inflight Pictures : Hong Kong Airlines Cargo

 Photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Eswatini's A340 brings Lai Ching-te back to Taiwan safely

 Direct translation

Welcome the Commander-in-Chief! President Lai returns home after a surprise visit; footage of four F-16Vs escorting him has been released

Reporter : Chen Yun / https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/5425883 / Image : President Lai Ching-te returns home safely after a daring trip abroad, escorted by four F-16V fighter jets. Footage of the air escort welcoming the Commander-in-Chief has been released earlier. (Provided by Military News Agency)

President Lai Ching-te returned to Taiwan today (5 May 2026) aboard the King of Eswatini's special plane, escorted by four F-16V fighter jets from the Air Force. Footage of the air escort welcoming the Commander-in-Chief has been released earlier.

President Lai Ching-te successfully visited Eswatini, an African ally, breaking through China's blockade, and returned to Taiwan this morning aboard the King of Eswatini's special plane. 

President Lai's planned visit to Eswatini in late April was postponed due to China's intervention in the revocation of overflight permits for the presidential plane by three African countries, including Madagascar. On 2 May, President Lai traveled with Eswatini's Deputy Prime Minister Zathuli on the King's plane during her visit to Taiwan. After concluding his state visit last night, he returned to Taiwan on the same King's plane, accompanied by Zathuli, who also delivered a speech alongside President Lai.

The Eswatini presidential plane departed from the country at 6 pm on 4 May 2026, circling southeastern Africa, the southern Indian Ocean, and the Indonesian archipelago, avoiding restricted airspace, and returned to Taiwan this morning. As is customary, after the presidential plane enters Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), the Air Force dispatches fighter jets for escort, and the ROC Armed Forces' radar and air defense missile units simultaneously monitor the surrounding airspace.

Lai Ching-te returns from Eswatini Visit! He emphasizes Taiwanese People's right to engage with the World

Image : President Lai Ching-te returns to Taiwan after visiting Eswatini, an African ally. (Photo by Chu Pei-hsiung)

President Lai Ching-te successfully visited Eswatini, an African ally, breaking through China's diplomatic blockade. He returned to Taiwan on a special Eswatini plane. Upon disembarking, Lai Ching-te immediately held a press conference to announce to the nation, "We're back!"

Lai Ching-te stated that the visit, from 2 to 5 May 2026, lasted 84 hours, covering a round trip of 25,000 km. He expressed his gratitude for Eswatini's unwavering support, successfully completing his mission to visit the ally.

Lai Ching-te emphasized, "The earth is round, the world belongs to everyone, Taiwan belongs to the world, and Taiwanese people are global citizens. Taiwanese people have the right to go out into the world. Peace-loving and freedom-loving Taiwanese people will continue to uphold justice and rationality, and with a steady and responsible attitude, provide more participation and contributions on the world stage."

Refs.: https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/5425779, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/taiwan-lai-ching-te-returns-eswatini-trip-china-6100116

Taiwanese outrage over CCTV's criticism and Hsieh's ridiculous question

Direct translation

CCTV interrupts broadcast to criticize Lai Ching-te's "Sneaky Diplomacy," Hsieh Han-ping adds ridiculous question, sparks Outrage!

https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/5424047 / Image : Lai Ching-te successfully visited Eswatini, escaping diplomatic pressure from China. (Photo taken from Lai Ching-te's Facebook)

President Lai Ching-te successfully arrived in Eswatini, a friendly nation of Taiwan, breaking through China's diplomatic blockade. Immediately after the news broke, CCTV, the official media outlet of the Chinese Communist Party, interrupted its broadcast to harshly criticize Lai Ching-te. A pro-KMT commentator also mocked Lai Ching-te for "sneaking back," jokingly asking, "How are you going to get back?", drawing fierce criticism from Taiwanese netizens.

Lai Ching-te was originally scheduled to lead a delegation to Eswatini on April 22, but the trip was abruptly cancelled on the eve of departure due to pressure from China for Sesil, Mauritius, and Madagascar to cancel the flight permit for his special plane. However, yesterday evening (2 April), Lai Ching-te unexpectedly announced on Facebook that he had successfully arrived in Eswatini, sparking heated discussion.

It is understood that through meticulous arrangements by his diplomatic and national security teams, King Mswati III dispatched Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Motsa Dladla as a special envoy, who traveled to Taiwan on the King's special plane. Lai Ching-te boarded the same plane in the early hours of April 2nd, flying directly from Taipei to Eswatini, successfully breaking through the blockade.

After the news broke, CCTV urgently interrupted its broadcast, harshly criticizing Lai Ching-te for "sneaking onto a foreign plane to escape Taiwan, squandering public funds, staging a farcical escape, and becoming an international laughingstock."

Furthermore, the Douyin account "Taiwan Strait Moment," which specializes in political propaganda and information warfare against Taiwan, also aired a clip of commentator Hsieh Han-ping mocking Lai Ching-te on a pro-KMT political talk show. Hsieh Han-ping sarcastically remarked that Lai Ching-te's trip to a friendly nation was "like a thief, which is really quite ugly." Hsieh Han-ping also asked Lai Ching-te, facing a diplomatic blockade from China, "How are you going to come back?" followed by a highly sarcastic smile.

Netizens were outraged, commenting: "Hsieh Han-ping, your mockery is utterly despicable. Don't you want Taiwan to improve? Get out of Taiwan and become Chinese again, you're a disgrace!", "It's truly evil; the pro-Taiwan independence supporters are all repulsive.", "Did I even spend Chinese RMB?", "It's not like I'm spending the CCP's money; what's wrong with spending public funds?", "So you're all so happy when the Taiwanese president is in trouble? There's always a group eager to badmouth Taiwan.", "Seeing the faces of these trashy people is truly laughable.", "The truly ugly ones are yourself and the CCP. You can't stand seeing the president do well, you can't stand seeing Taiwan progress, and everything the ruling party does is wrong in your eyes."

Image : Hsieh Han-ping sarcastically asked Lai Ching-te how he planned to return to Taiwan. (Image from Threads)

See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk-Dnt5suMk