Chinese woman detained by US border patrol dies by suicide
A Chinese woman dies by suicide in U.S. border patrol custody — and Rep. Jayapal says “there’s no excuse.”
The Rebel Yellow - Issue #53
A Chinese woman dies by suicide in U.S. border patrol custody — and Rep. Jayapal says “there’s no excuse.” The U.S. quietly bans romantic ties between diplomats and Chinese citizens, while Southeast Asia scrambles to respond to Trump’s tariff war. Plus: Myanmar turns to China after a deadly quake, and Gabbard drops climate change from the U.S. threat report.
Also inside: Miyazaki’s legacy meets AI art, a Black samurai sparks gaming’s latest culture war, and Japan’s royal family logs on to YouTube.
“No excuse”: Rep. Jayapal slams border patrol after Chinese detainee’s suicide
A 52-year-old Chinese woman died by suicide while in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody in Arizona, raising serious concerns about the agency’s treatment of detainees and drawing strong criticism from Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.).
What happened: The woman, whose name has not been released, was apprehended on March 26 near Needles, California, after border patrol agents discovered she had overstayed her B1/B2 visitor visa, Jayapal said in a statement. She was transferred to the Yuma Border Patrol Station in Arizona, where she was found unresponsive in a holding area on March 29. Agents reportedly administered emergency aid before paramedics arrived and transported her to a hospital, where she was later declared dead. Jayapal said surveillance footage showed the woman fashioning a noose and tying it around her neck, but a CBP spokesperson told the Tucson Sentinel that the incident “occurred in a bathroom stall where cameras were not able to capture the full angle.” CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the incident.
“No excuse”: Jayapal, the top Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security and Enforcement, condemned CBP’s handling of the case. She said initial findings revealed that some legally required welfare checks were either skipped or falsely documented. “There is no excuse for why agents cannot verify if some of the necessary welfare checks occurred — or why some of the documented welfare checks were incorrectly reported,” Jayapal said, noting that a Border Patrol processing coordinator later admitted to failing to perform some of the checks that had been officially logged. She also criticized CBP for delaying public acknowledgment of the death.
The big picture: The case adds to a series of ongoing concerns about how individuals are treated in immigration custody. Jayapal pointed to past deaths in detention facilities — including two in Washington state last year — and referenced a 2020 federal court ruling that labeled conditions in the Tucson Sector “presumptively punitive.” Although CBP adopted new transparency policies in 2018 following the death of a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl, the agency allegedly missed its own deadline to notify Congress and the public about the latest incident. Jayapal also noted that the Border Patrol Processing Coordinator who failed to perform welfare checks was part of a role created in 2014 and expanded under the Biden administration to bring a more humanitarian approach to detainee care.
U.S. bans relationships between American personnel in China and Chinese citizens
Shortly after President Donald Trump began his second term in office, the U.S. government began implementing a blanket ban prohibiting American government personnel, their families and contractors with security clearances from engaging in any romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens while stationed in China. The policy took effect in January, just days before U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns departed his post.
The new rule applies to all U.S. diplomatic missions in mainland China — including embassies and consulates in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang and Wuhan — as well as the consulate in Hong Kong. Anonymous sources familiar with the matter told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity that the policy was delivered to U.S. personnel both verbally and electronically, but no official public announcement has been made.
From limited restrictions to a full ban
The directive builds upon a narrower policy introduced in summer 2024, which prohibited romantic and sexual relationships between U.S. personnel and Chinese nationals employed as guards or support staff at U.S. diplomatic posts. Discussions about tightening restrictions reportedly began after members of Congress expressed concern that previous measures were not strict enough.
The new order, signed by Ambassador Burns before his departure, extends the restriction to all Chinese citizens within China, regardless of employment or affiliation. The only exception applies to U.S. personnel who had an existing romantic relationship with a Chinese citizen prior to the policy's enactment. These individuals may apply for an exemption, but if denied, they are required to end the relationship or resign from their position. Those who violate the policy face immediate removal from China.
An echo from the Cold War
Though various U.S. agencies have long maintained strict reporting requirements for personnel in high-risk postings like China, Russia and Cuba, a full “non-fraternization” policy of this scale has not been seen since the Cold War. A similar policy was enacted in 1987 after a U.S. Marine in Moscow was seduced by a Soviet agent — a scandal that prompted a reassessment of vulnerabilities in diplomatic operations. Those restrictions were relaxed following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Peter Mattis, former CIA analyst and current president of the Jamestown Foundation, emphasized the continued risk of coercion through romantic entanglements in China. “The MSS is willing to leverage any human connection that a target has to collect intelligence,” Mattis said, referring to China’s Ministry of State Security. “This rule change suggests the MSS has gotten a lot more aggressive at trying to access the embassy and U.S. government.”
China's own controls
While Washington tightens controls on U.S. personnel in China, Beijing has similarly enforced restrictions on its own officials. Chinese government agencies already prohibit staff and civil servants from engaging in romantic relationships with foreign nationals. Military and police personnel are generally barred from leaving China without explicit approval from supervisors.
When asked about the U.S. policy, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said only that “it was more appropriate to ask the U.S. about this question.”
How Southeast Asia responded to Trump’s tariff war
Citing decades of what he called “unfair and one-sided trade,” Trump reintroduced sweeping tariffs: a universal 10% levy on imports from more than 180 countries, and “reciprocal tariffs”— country-specific penalties as high as 54% — on roughly 60 nations he accused of protecting their own markets at the expense of American workers.
Vietnam
Instead of lashing out when Vietnam was hit with a 46% tariff, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh proposed eliminating all tariffs on U.S. imports in exchange for a delay. Communist Party General Secretary To Lam sent a special envoy to Washington with a formal request for a 45-day grace period.
Trump, rarely one to offer public praise during negotiation, described Vietnam’s approach as “very productive.” That rare show of approval suggests Hanoi may have positioned itself as a beneficiary in a new global manufacturing order — especially as companies look to shift production away from higher-tariff countries like China and Taiwan.
Thailand
Thailand, a longtime U.S. security ally, was hit with a 36% tariff. In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that her government was ready “to adjust the trade balance in a fair manner for both parties.”
Thailand is actively pursuing ways to narrow its $45.6 billion trade deficit with the U.S., including a plan to import 1 million tonnes of American ethane this quarter and expand other agricultural imports. At the same time, Thai exporters have been encouraged to explore alternative markets, and the government is rolling out mitigation support for sectors heavily reliant on U.S. buyers.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s 24% tariff galvanized regional diplomacy. Viewing the situation as a test of Southeast Asia’s economic cohesion, Trade Minister Rafizi Ramli led calls for a coordinated ASEAN response. He warned that disjointed strategies would only play into Trump’s hands.
While pursuing dialogue with U.S. officials, Malaysia also accelerated efforts to expand intra-regional trade through RCEP. Government officials hinted at future financial incentives to entice manufacturers seeking to relocate from more heavily impacted nations.
The Philippines
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration adopted a tone of “guarded optimism,” pointing out that the Philippines’ lower tariff rate of 17% gave it a potential competitive edge in the region.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the country would lean into that advantage, actively courting foreign manufacturers and investors seeking refuge from more expensive export hubs. At the same time, Manila reaffirmed its security alliance with Washington while strengthening ties with ASEAN, India and Australia as part of a broader economic diversification strategy.
Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar
Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar — three of the poorest economies in Asia — faced tariffs as high as 49%. Their governments condemned the measures, warning that they would not only cripple their fragile manufacturing sectors but also raise prices for American consumers.
Pan Sovicheat, Cambodia’s spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, contested the 97% tariff figure that Trump announced, noting that the tariffs the country imposes on U.S. goods average just 29.4%.
While Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are not set to take effect until April 9, their impact is already being felt particularly in industries with strong ties to Asia.
Nintendo delays Switch 2 preorders in U.S.: On April 4, Nintendo postponed preorders for its upcoming Switch 2 console in the U.S., citing “uncertainty around import costs” due to the new tariffs. While the product is still set for global launch on June 5, industry pundits warn that fans may now face higher prices or delayed availability, especially in North America.
Hyundai and Toyota respond to auto tariffs: Following the 25% tariff on imported vehicles, Toyota stated that it is holding off on price hikes and instead focusing on reducing fixed costs to absorb the tariff impact. Meanwhile, Hyundai announced a freeze on car prices in the U.S. through June, hoping to provide stability in a volatile moment. CEO José Muñoz said, “We know consumers are uncertain about the potential for rising prices, and we want to provide them with some stability.”
Prices in Asian food markets rise: NPR reported that imported grocery items like seafood, nuts and rice are among those likely to see price hikes in U.S. stores. Small businesses and Asian supermarkets are now bracing for steeper import costs which could soon trickle down to consumers.
Gabbard denies climate change was intentionally dropped from annual threat report
Climate change has been omitted from the annual intelligence community threat assessment for the first time in over a decade, reflecting shifting priorities under President Donald Trump’s second term.
About the report: The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA), presented by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on March 25, broke an 11-year precedent by excluding any mention of climate or environmental issues as national security threats. It instead prioritized domestic security concerns, identifying cartels, terrorists and other transnational criminal organizations as immediate and direct threats to the U.S. Previous assessments, including those during the first Trump administration, consistently highlighted climate change as a threat multiplier with potential to destabilize regions and trigger mass migration.
What Gabbard is saying: When questioned about the omission by Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), Gabbard said the assessment focused “very directly on the threats that we deem most critical” and emphasized “the most extreme and critical direct threats to our national security.” She also denied giving specific instructions to exclude climate change, saying, “I don’t recall giving that instruction.” Nonetheless, the resulting omission implies a significant shift for Gabbard, who previously introduced legislation in 2017 aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2035.
What experts are saying: Security experts criticized the omission as dangerous and ideologically driven. “By trading objective reality for ideology, the intelligence community leadership is deliberately handicapping its ability to comprehensively analyze the very security landscape it's tasked with understanding,” Rod Schoonover, former director of Environment at the National Intelligence Council, told Mother Jones. Meanwhile, Erin Sikorsky, director of the Center for Climate and Security, told Axios the exclusion could create “a chilling effect across the intelligence community.”
The big picture: The shift reflects broader changes in U.S. security priorities under Trump’s second term, including greater focus on domestic threats and less emphasis on long-term global challenges. The omission occurs despite 2024 being the warmest year ever recorded, costing over $220 billion in damages.
China fills aid vacuum for Myanmar in face of weakened U.S. disaster response
China has emerged as a dominant humanitarian force in Myanmar following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that killed over 3,500 people, filling a vacuum left by the U.S.’ diminished international disaster response capabilities.
State of play
Chinese rescue workers in distinctive blue and orange uniforms have become the most visible international presence in devastated areas since the March 28 quake. Since April 2, Beijing has dispatched more than 30 teams comprising over 600 personnel, including medical workers, earthquake experts and rescue dogs, according to its foreign ministry. These teams have rescued multiple survivors, including a pregnant woman, a child and a 52-year-old man trapped for nearly 125 hours. Beijing has pledged 100 million yuan ($13.8 million) in aid and delivered supplies including tents, blankets and first aid kits.
U.S. response
Washington’s response to the earthquake has been notably limited, with initial aid amounting to just $2 million, later increased to $9 million. The U.S. sent only a three-person assessment team days after the quake — ironically, these officials received layoff notices from the Trump administration within hours of the disaster as part of broader cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the administration’s approach, rejecting criticism that dismantling USAID has hindered America’s ability to respond. He told reporters that Myanmar was “not the easiest place to work” due to the military government’s hostility toward the U.S., and called on “other rich countries” to step up. Under normal circumstances, the U.S. would have deployed 20 to 25 specialized disaster workers within 24 hours.
The big picture
The earthquake response highlights the shifting dynamics of global humanitarian leadership. The U.S. for decades has been dubbed the “indispensable nation” during international crises, but President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency have drastically cut foreign assistance programs, terminating thousands of contracts and firing USAID staff worldwide.
China has capitalized on this vacuum, using disaster relief as a strategic tool to expand its influence in Southeast Asia. Chinese state media has extensively covered its relief efforts, with CGTN broadcasting on-camera dispatches from Mandalay. This humanitarian diplomacy appears to be improving China’s image in Myanmar, where 65.6% of respondents distrusted Beijing according to a 2024 survey by the Singapore-based think tank ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
Relief efforts continue as thunderstorms threaten the region, with forecasts of scattered showers and potential landslides complicating rescue operations. The heavy rains have already disrupted electrical equipment used in search operations and caused further building collapses.
Hayao Miyazaki’s son says his father’s legacy stands firm amid ChatGPT surge
OpenAI’s ChatGPT hit record user growth last week after launching an image-generation update that lets users create art in the hand-drawn style of Studio Ghibli. The trend exploded online, with social media flooded by AI-generated imitations of classics like “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro.”
For the first time in 2025, weekly active users on ChatGPT surpassed 150 million, according to Similarweb. “We added one million users in the last hour,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared on social media, referencing usage numbers not seen since ChatGPT’s 2022 debut. SensorTower data also showed an 11% rise in app downloads and a 6% jump in in-app revenue.
The surge in Ghibli-style art has raised serious legal questions. “The legal landscape of AI-generated images mimicking Studio Ghibli’s distinctive style is an uncertain terrain,” said Evan Brown of Neal & McDevitt. While copyright law protects specific expressions, it typically does not cover artistic styles, leaving the door open for controversy.
Industry pushback from creators
Amid the viral Ghibli-style art trend, past remarks from co-founder Hayao Miyazaki have recently resurfaced. After seeing an early AI-generated image in 2016, he said, “I am utterly disgusted. … I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all.”
In a recent AFP interview, Hayao’s son, Goro Miyazaki, echoed this stance. “Nothing can replicate Hayao Miyazaki,” he said, even as he acknowledged AI’s potential to replace some animation work in the future.
Prominent anime director Megumi Ishitani (One Piece) also criticized the trend. “I want legal action to be taken. … I can't stand seeing Ghibli treated so cheaply,” she posted on social media, joining a growing chorus of creators calling for safeguards against AI's impact on the industry.
How a Black samurai became the center of gaming’s latest debate
"Assassin’s Creed Shadows," Ubisoft's latest entry in the popular video game franchise, delivers players to the long-awaited setting of feudal Japan. However, controversy arose upon its announcement last year, primarily concerning the inclusion of a Black samurai protagonist.
Historical figure in a fictional world
Developed by the French video game publisher’s Montreal studio, the game reignited debate upon its release on March 20. The game features Yasuke, an African warrior who served under Oda Nobunaga, drawing both praise for expanding diversity and criticism for sidelining native Japanese narratives.
Historically, Yasuke arrived in Japan in the late 16th century, likely as a bodyguard to a Portuguese missionary. His presence caught the attention of Nobunaga, who took him into his service. Though historical records on Yasuke remain sparse, Japanese historian Yu Hirayama asserts that Yasuke was a samurai, citing evidence that he received a stipend, a house, and a sword.
“Regardless of one’s social status, if one’s master promoted them to the rank of ‘samurai,’ they could become one in medieval Japan,” Hirayama, an expert in the Sengoku period, explained in a post on X.
Debate over authenticity
Critics argue that Ubisoft prioritized diversity over cultural accuracy. Many fans had anticipated an “Assassin’s Creed” game set in Japan featuring a traditional samurai or shinobi protagonist.
“Asian hate is real and having grown up in the U.S. (teenage years), I personally experienced many challenges related to it,” a Japanese gamer wrote on Reddit. “However, when I see a French company create a non-Japanese protagonist in a game who is depicted as significantly taller and stronger than the Japanese characters, it feels like they’re promoting a problematic narrative. It comes off as culturally insensitive and tone-deaf.”
Elon Musk added fuel to the debate by posting on social media that this was an example of "DEI killing art," referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some also question why Ubisoft didn’t follow the approach of Ghost of Tsushima, which was widely praised for its faithful portrayal of samurai culture.
A different perspective
Ubisoft defended its decision, emphasizing Yasuke’s historical presence and the franchise’s tradition of creative liberties. “From its inception, the series has taken creative license and incorporated fantasy elements to craft engaging and immersive experiences,” the company wrote in a lengthy statement. “The representation of Yasuke in our game is an illustration of this.” The company also points to the inclusion of Naoe, a female shinobi, as a way to balance representation.
Supporters see Yasuke’s inclusion as a bold move that sheds light on a lesser-known historical figure. They argue that his story — a foreigner navigating feudal Japan — adds a fresh perspective to the Assassin’s Creed universe.
Not this representation
Meanwhile, IGN reviewer Matt Kim emphasized that Asian representation in media is often oversimplified into stereotypical roles which don’t reflect the full diversity of Asian identities.
“While it’s a known issue that Asian representation in Western games is severely lacking, I find it hypocritical and laughable that we’re only talking about the need for an Asian protagonist now that it’s been revealed Assassin’s Creed Shadows will star a Black samurai,” Kim wrote. “We are not a monolith and I, a Korean-American, don’t gain a sense of representation by seeing a Japanese samurai, or a Japanese ninja, or a kung-fu master or ancient gray-haired mystic for that matter.”
Gamers have the last say
Despite the controversy, “Assassin's Creed Shadows” recorded over a million players on its launch day, with numbers rising to two million by the second day. On Steam, its concurrent player count peaked at 41,412 on launch day and grew to 64,825 over the first weekend.
The game received "generally favorable" reviews across platforms from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic. While some game reviewers found the story execution lacking, others praised the game’s rich world-building and fresh perspective.
No less than legendary Japanese game developer Hideki Kamiya (“Resident Evil,” “Bayonetta”) congratulated Ubisoft for the achievements. "There are a few super-intense people who make a big fuss saying, 'I won’t tolerate that!' Meanwhile, the majority of normal people who take an 'it's fine' stance are basically silent ... I wonder if there's a way to make these 'normal people' equally visible in everything," Kamiya remarked on social media.
Japanese Imperial family joins YouTube to connect with younger generations
With an aim to engage a younger audience, the Japanese Imperial Family launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st, expanding its digital footprint after the success of its 2024 Instagram account, which has garnered nearly 2 million followers. The initiative aims to provide a dynamic, video-based glimpse into the royal family’s official engagements, including meetings with dignitaries and support activities in disaster zones. While the imperial family holds no political power under Japan’s post-WWII Constitution, their symbolic role remains highly respected. This new step comes as members of the royal family face increasing online scrutiny, and the YouTube channel offers a proactive approach to staying relevant in an increasingly digital world, offering the family’s followers a more immersive look into their lives.
Manny Pacquiao champions sports as catalyst for global peace at UN Games
Boxing legend and former Philippine senator Manny Pacquiao called for global unity through sports during his address at the United Nations General Assembly for the opening of the UN Games. Emphasizing the role of sports in reducing conflict and fostering cooperation, Pacquiao stated, “More sports, fewer wars,” before adding that through sports, “We learn to treat others not as enemies, but as teammates, as fellow human beings.” As the only boxer to win titles in eight weight divisions, Pacquiao has used his platform to advocate for peace, arguing that sports offer a universal language that transcends differences and can serve as a powerful tool in international diplomacy.
Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar dies at 87
Manoj Kumar, the legendary Bollywood actor and director renowned for his patriotic films, died at age 87 in Mumbai due to heart-related complications, his son Kunal Goswami confirmed. Born Harikrishan Goswami, Kumar rose to prominence in the late 1950s and became known as “Bharat” Kumar for his roles in films like “Upkar” (1967), “Purab Aur Pachhim” (1970) and “Kranti” (1981), which championed national pride and unity. A recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in cinema, Kumar also served as a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him an “icon” whose work “ignited a spirit of national pride,” while President Droupadi Murmu said he “left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.