Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria, 360 other groups hail Jimoh Ibrahim’s appointment as super envoy

***Say appointee a true Nigerian, global citizen fit for the role

A coalition of civil society groups in Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Good Governance Advocacy Network (NGGAN) and 360 other organisations, have thrown their weight behind the appointment of Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The groups made the declaration at a world press conference in Abuja, describing the appointee as a true Nigerian and global citizen well-suited for the demanding diplomatic role.

It described Dr. Ibrahim’s selection as a strategic decision that reflects competence and aligns with Nigeria’s aspirations for stronger global engagement.

Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, Convener of the Coalition, stated that the gathering was convened “to affirm our confidence in his capacity to represent our country with distinction.”

He emphasised that the address was “not a rebuttal driven by sentiment, but a statement grounded in facts, perspective, and national interest.”

The Convener added: “The position of Permanent Representative to the United Nations is one of immense responsibility. It demands more than presence. It requires intellect, experience, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of global systems.”

He noted that in Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria has a figure who embodies these qualities through his blend of enterprise, intellectual depth, and public service.

The statement added: “Dr. Ibrahim has built institutions across various sectors as a businessman, contributing to economic development and creating opportunities for Nigerians. His legislative experience includes serving as Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, where he actively participated in national policy discourse.

“He served on key Senate committees such as Appropriations, Finance, Gas, Education, NDDC, Capital Market, Diaspora and NGOs, Trade and Investment, Housing, and Niger Delta.

“Beyond national politics, Dr. Ibrahim served as Nigeria’s Representative in the ECOWAS Parliament and as an Executive Member of the Pan-African Parliament. These roles provided him with direct exposure to regional diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and continental policy coordination.”

The coalition highlighted his academic pursuits and intellectual contributions, describing him as a leader who combines practice with thought and experience with reflection.

The groups stressed that such experience equips Dr. Ibrahim with the insight required to operate effectively within the United Nations system, where diplomacy relies on negotiation, consensus building, and strategic engagement.

They affirmed that Nigeria requires representatives who can engage, interpret, and influence global discourse, and that Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim fits that profile.

Accoding to them, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to appoint Dr. Ibrahim reflects a commitment to selecting individuals based on competence, experience, and strategic value.

The coalition noted that the administration has prioritised reforms, institutional strengthening, and global repositioning, objectives that demand capable hands and informed minds.

Dr. Emmanuel Agabi stated: “Leadership is defined not only by policies but by the quality of individuals entrusted with responsibility.”

He added that the appointment “is a decision rooted in judgment. It is informed by an understanding of the demands of global representation. It is aligned with Nigeria’s aspiration to engage more effectively on the international stage.”

The coalition urged Nigerians to avoid premature conclusions that undermine institutional authority and called for a national discourse guided by balance, scrutiny, fairness, and recognition of merit.

It emphasised that strong democracies encourage criticism but also protect fairness and support decisions that serve long-term national interests.

The groups expressed confidence that Dr. Ibrahim’s experience, exposure, and intellectual depth position him to contribute meaningfully in the role.

They called for a culture that supports capable individuals and promotes national progress, while reaffirming the important role of civil society in providing responsible and objective scrutiny.

The civil society coalition urged all stakeholders to support leadership decisions that strengthen Nigeria’s voice in the international community and called on Nigerians to remain focused on unity, progress, and collective national development.

CWAI Commends Federal Fire Service CG Olumode for Strategic Direction, Institutional Reforms

The Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI) has praised the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, for his strategic leadership and efforts to consolidate developmental programmes within the agency, describing the result as a viable, accountable, and sustainable institution.

In a press release issued from Kaduna, the Director of Media and Stakeholder Engagement of CWAI, Mahmud Bello, said that since CG Olumode assumed leadership, the Federal Fire Service has recorded milestones never before seen in its history.
These include prompt payment of salaries, emoluments, and allowances; personnel promotions; improved fire policy doctrines and safety measures; enhanced advocacy and awareness campaigns; elevated staff morale and esprit de corps; seamless public-private partnerships with contractors and stakeholders; and robust inter-agency collaboration with sister disaster management agencies.

“The story at the Federal Fire Service has changed for the better — judging by personnel productivity and policy direction,” Bello stated, adding that many civil society organisations, faith-based groups, and stakeholders share this assessment.

CWAI noted that the present management has upgraded the fire academy, built institutional capacity, and carried out wide-ranging reforms. Personnel and officers now attend courses, seminars, and workshops domestically and internationally to improve manpower development skills. Most recently, Course 06 cadet officers passed out from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) training school.

The service has also launched a novel collaboration with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to run a Post-Graduate Diploma and Master’s Degree programme in disaster and risk management, described by CWAI as a source of pride for both institutions.

The Federal Fire Service has been building strategic partnerships with organisations including NEXIM Bank, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Atomic Energy Commission, and Transcorp PLC, among others. During a courtesy visit to NEXIM Bank, FFS management proposed integrating comprehensive fire safety frameworks into export-driven projects, with a focus on risk assessment, safety compliance, and emergency preparedness.

At the Atomic Energy Commission, the FFS leadership called for a robust, specialised fire and emergency response framework for nuclear-related incidents, to ensure that Nigeria’s growing atomic energy and research infrastructure remains safe.

Transcorp PLC received fire safety certification following successful emergency drills conducted jointly by Transcorp personnel and FFS officers. In engagements with the BUA Group under the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa (ASR Africa) initiative, the service sought private sector backing to close critical gaps in Nigeria’s fire emergency system. CG Olumode was direct in naming those gaps: inadequate fire station coverage, limited firefighting equipment, and insufficient emergency medical response capacities.

“Improving response time is not optional; it is essential to saving lives. Expanding fire station networks and strengthening emergency medical services must be treated as national priorities,” the CG said. He called for joint operational drills and simulation exercises, structured training programmes for fire personnel, and community-level fire safety sensitisation under a structured partnership with ASR Africa.

CWAI also commended CG Olumode’s immediate response to a major inferno at the Singa Market in Kano State, as well as responses to incidents in other states, describing his approach as a model of proactive national service. On-the-spot assessments carried out across the country were cited as evidence of administrative responsibility and operational diligence.

In its statement, CWAI expressed confidence in CG Adeyemi’s leadership style, open-door policy, discipline, strategic engagement with civil society and the media, and his fight against indiscipline among staff. Acknowledging the paucity of funds allocated to the service, the organisation called on relevant authorities to improve the FFS budgetary allocation, arguing that the present management is doing its utmost to reposition and rebrand the service. “CWAI passes a vote of confidence in the leadership for its consolidation process and anti-corruption stance,” the statement concluded.

Dogara Felicitates Christians at Easter, Calls for Reflection on Unity, Renewal, and National Progress

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt Easter greetings to Christians across Nigeria and the world, urging them to embrace the season’s profound lessons of sacrifice, renewal, and unity.

Dogara described Easter as the most significant celebration in Christendom, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ — the cornerstone of the Christian faith. He noted that the resurrection is not only a triumph of life over death but also a powerful reminder that despair can be overcome by hope, hatred by love, and division by unity.

“Easter teaches us that no matter the trials we face, victory is assured through faith. It is a time to renew our commitment to love, service, and unity,” Dogara stated. He emphasized that the message of Easter is particularly relevant in today’s world, where communities and nations are challenged by divisions, conflicts, and uncertainties.

According to him, Easter is more than a spiritual commemoration; it is a call to action. It challenges believers to embody compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness in their daily lives. “The resurrection of Christ is a call to rise above bitterness and strife, to extend hands of fellowship to one another, and to work together for peace and prosperity,” he said.

Dogara further stressed that the values of Easter — sacrifice, redemption, and renewal — are also the values that build strong societies. He urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the season to strengthen bonds of brotherhood, promote justice, and ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of national progress.

He noted that Nigeria, like many nations, is at a crossroads where unity and collective responsibility are urgently needed. “If we allow the spirit of Easter to guide our actions, we will rise above ethnic, religious, and political divisions. We will build a nation where justice prevails, where peace is sustained, and where prosperity is shared by all,” Dogara remarked.

On behalf of his family and the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited, Rt. Hon. Dogara wished all Christian faithfuls a joyous Easter celebration filled with peace, blessings, and renewed strength. He prayed that the season would inspire believers to live as beacons of hope in their communities and to continue to uphold the virtues of love and service.

Happy Easter!

Political Turmoil in Taraba: Allegations of Tribal and Religious Blackmail Rocks Likely Consensus Candidacy

By Daniel Mtindiga, Jalingo

Mr. Hamidu Bakoji has leveled serious allegations against the likely consensus candidate for the Ardo-Kola, Karim-Lamido, and Lau Federal Constituency, accusing incumbent lawmaker Honorable Mohammad Audu Lauya of exploiting religious and tribal sentiments to manipulate State and party leadership despite alleged incompetence and poor human relations.

Bakoji claims Lauya lacked a solid structure before becoming a Member of the House of Representatives and failed to build one during his three-year stay in the NASS. He warns that re-nominating Lauya would be a mistake, potentially costing the APC the seat. He appointed out that some people close to the leadership are more comfortable with him as a light-weight politician to put off heavyweight like Sani.

The controversy deepens with Bakoji urging the governor to watch and analyze closely the voting patterns come 2027 general elections and observe the tribal and religious voting pattern, predicting the Wurkum-Muslim community may reject the governorship candidate if a Muslim candidate is on the ballot.

“This isn’t democracy,” Bakoji declared, criticizing the imposition of unpopular candidates. Further intrigue surrounds the alleged sidelining of former Acting Governor, Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi, rumored to be eyeing a Senate seat for Taraba North.

Bakoji claims the state and party leadership are using Lauya to block Danladi, a Wurkum Muslim, who is growing desperate. The situation is adding layers of religious and tribal tension to the power struggle.

As tensions rise, observers question whether internal party machinations will backfire, handing victory to opposition forces in the upcoming elections.

Open Letter to His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum

Your Excellency,

Permit me, sir, to first commend your enormous achievements in restoring Borno State from the devastating effects of insurgency. Through your long-term development plans and committed leadership, you have taken the state to greater heights. As your tenure gradually draws to a close in the coming months, your name has already been firmly engraved in history through your impactful projects and leadership.

Your Excellency, it is an undeniable fact that leadership comes with great responsibility. One of the most important tasks of a leader is identifying a worthy successor who will sustain and build upon the legacy you picked from the Vice President, HE Kashim Shettima and yours as well. The people of Borno are eager and hopeful to see who will emerge as your successor. While I believe that consultations are ongoing on this subject matter, I humbly wish to contribute my thoughts for your consideration.

It would be a commendable milestone in your administration to consider a successor from Southern Borno, as a way of promoting inclusivity and giving the region a fair opportunity to occupy the highest office in the state. Secondly to be less ambitious, considering that the Southern Borno has historically held the position of Deputy Governor, I respectfully appeal that you and the APC consider a Christian candidate to fit in that position.

Either of these considerations would further strengthen your legacy as a fair and visionary leader.

It is my sincere prayer that you complete your tenure in good health. May God grant you the wisdom and strength to continue your efforts in restoring peace and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the state.

Long live Borno State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Yours faithfully,
Wadzani Jabani DAGALA.

Dogara Demands DSS Clampdown on False Facebook Publication Designed to Tarnish His Reputation and Incite Public Disorder

Rt. Honourable Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has issued a powerful petition to the Department of State Services against Dr. Tsiga, accusing him of fabricating and spreading a malicious statement on Facebook that is capable of igniting hatred, public unrest, and reputational destruction. The petition, prepared by his legal counsel J.J. Usman, SAN & Co., describes the publication as a reckless and dangerous act calculated to mislead Nigerians and drag Dogara’s name into ridicule and odium.

Dogara’s legal team revealed that Dr. Tsiga falsely attributed to him a statement in Hausa which, when translated, reads: “Nigerians must vote for Tinubu, even if it means the country will collapse.” Dogara categorically denied ever making such remarks, branding the publication as a wicked distortion of democratic principles and a deliberate attempt to portray him as an advocate of coercion. He stressed that the falsehood was not an innocent mistake but a malicious fabrication designed to provoke hostility, resentment, and rancor against him in Nigeria’s already volatile political climate.

The petition insists that imputing such undemocratic views to Dogara is a direct assault on his integrity and credibility, exposing him to public antagonism and bitterness. It describes the act as a calculated smear campaign intended to destroy his reputation and mislead the public into believing he supports anti-democratic positions. Dogara’s counsel emphasized that the publication is not only defamatory but also a dangerous weapon of misinformation capable of destabilizing the democratic process and inflaming public sentiment.

Citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, Dogara’s legal team declared that Dr. Tsiga’s actions fall squarely within the ambit of criminal offenses. Section 24(1)(b) criminalizes the intentional transmission of false or offensive messages intended to cause annoyance, insult, or hatred, while Section 24(2)(a) and (c) prohibit knowingly false messages that cause reputational damage or fear. By disseminating the fabricated statement via Facebook, the petition argues, Dr. Tsiga engaged in cyberstalking and the deliberate spread of false information, with clear intent or reckless disregard for the devastating consequences.

Dogara’s petition calls on the DSS to act swiftly and decisively by inviting and interrogating Dr. Tsiga, conducting a thorough investigation into the origin and spread of the false statement, and prosecuting him or taking other appropriate legal measures to serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt similar acts. The petition underscores that this matter transcends personal injury, as such false publications have the potential to destabilize Nigeria’s democratic process by spreading misinformation and inflaming divisions among citizens.

Dogara emphasized that his reputation has been painstakingly built over years of public service, anchored on integrity, responsibility, and respect for democratic values. He described the publication as a vicious and calculated attempt to drag him into disrepute and mislead the public. He urged the DSS to rise to the occasion by safeguarding national security and curbing the spread of false and inflammatory information online, warning that failure to act decisively would embolden others to weaponize social media against respected public figures and institutions.

In conclusion, Dogara expressed confidence in the DSS’s commitment to protecting Nigeria from the dangers of misinformation and cybercrime. He insisted that individuals who deliberately spread falsehoods must face the full weight of the law, not only to protect his personal reputation but also to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. The petition serves as a stark reminder of the growing menace of malicious online propaganda and the urgent need for strong institutional action to ensure that such reckless acts do not go unchecked.

Large flying population reflects high-quality development of civil aviation in China

By Li Xiaojin

The total number of passenger trips across China during the 40-day 2026 Spring Festival travel rush reached 94.39 million, up 4.6 percent year on year, setting a new record high for the same period in history, statistics from the Civil Aviation Administration of China show.

One figure stands out in the growth of passenger travel: by 2025, China’s total flying population had exceeded 500 million, making it the largest in the world.

Flying population is the number of people who have taken at least one flight during the statistical period. It serves as a key barometer of national and regional economic vitality, reflecting a country’s economic activity and the disposable income of its residents.

From a micro perspective, it also benchmarks the quality of civil aviation services, measuring the sector’s ability to meet consumer demands in safety, capacity, and service quality

China’s position at the top of the global flying population rankings is attributed not just to its large population but also to its robust economic growth and the advanced development of its civil aviation sector. 

Thanks to the growing role of consumption as a key driver of economic growth in China, cross-regional business connections, cultural tourism, and other economic activities have thrived, fueling robust demand in the civil aviation market.

Particularly, many third- and fourth-tier cities, along with remote regions, are seeing an influx of tourists facilitated by the civil aviation sector.

During this year’s Spring Festival travel rush, flight bookings for destinations like Altay in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Beihai in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Mangshi in southwest China’s Yunnan province increased by 44 percent, 24 percent, and 22 percent, respectively, according to data from online travel platforms.

Meanwhile, the civil aviation sector has proactively handled passenger traffic by continuously improving flight safety and punctuality, expanding its air route network, and introducing a range of differentiated offerings, such as culture-and-tourism integrated products, air shuttle services, and air-rail intermodal options, better catering to consumers’ personalized and diverse travel demands.

A large flying population positively impacts China’s economic and social development in many ways and helps foster new competitive advantages.

For the aviation industry, steady growth directly benefits aeronautical equipment manufacturing. By the end of 2025, China’s civil aviation fleet included 220 domestically built aircraft in operation, an increase of about 30 from the previous year.

This milestone is driving upgrades across related industrial chains, including aircraft engines, aviation materials, and onboard equipment, accelerating the development of China’s aviation manufacturing sector.

From the perspective of expanding domestic demand, safe, convenient, and cost-effective civil aviation services continue to support business and cultural tourism, foreign trade, and logistics.

For example, during the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League in east China’s Jiangsu province, Nanjing Lukou International Airport in Nanjing, the provincial capital, saw passenger traffic rise by about 29 percent year on year, while Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport in Yangzhou recorded an increase of roughly 21 percent year on year. These figures reflect the civil aviation sector’s notable role in driving consumption.

From the perspective of spillover effects, areas surrounding airports experience relatively rapid economic growth. According to statistics from Civil Aviation University of China, in the first three quarters of 2025, the average GDP growth of cities hosting airports nationwide reached 7.5 percent. This growth is closely linked to airports driving and high-value-added industries in surrounding areas.

Looking ahead, China’s flying population still has considerable room for growth. Young travelers are emerging as a key user group for civil aviation services, with the proportion of teenagers aged 13-18 taking their first flight rising significantly. At the same time, senior travelers is traveling more frequently and covering longer distances. During this year’s Spring Festival holiday (Feb.15-23), first-time flight passengers aged over 60 increased by 20 percent on some major travel platforms.

Despite having one of the world’s largest flying populations, China’s civil aviation sector still has room to improve operational efficiency and profitability compared to global leaders. There is increasing demand for more personalized, diverse, and high-quality services delivered through smart solutions centered on passengers and cargo. Leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to empower airlines, airports, and air traffic management, while strengthening airspace resource safeguarding capabilities, will be crucial.

From a long-term perspective, China’s flying population of over 500 million is just the beginning. In the first two months of this year, China’s civil aviation sector welcomed 8.38 million new first-time air passengers, according to statistics from TravelSky, an information technology service provider for China’s civil aviation and travel industry.

With domestic demand expanding rapidly, a more comprehensive industrial system, and a higher level of openness, China is well-equipped to maintain its status as the world’s largest flying population for years to come.

(Li Xiaojin is director of Aviation Economics and Improvement Research Institute at Civil Aviation University of China. This article is based on an interview Li had with People’s Daily reporter Qiu Chaoyi)

China’s database industry powers massive systems and gains global share

By Gu Yekai, Yu Sinan, People’s Daily

China’s technological capabilities are increasingly evident in the critical field of database software. During the peak of the 2026 Spring Festival travel season, China’s railway ticketing platform 12306 handled over 1 million queries per second, sold over 1,000 tickets per second at peak times, and recorded more than 80 billion daily visits, making it the world’s largest real-time ticketing system.

Amid such massive traffic surges — with hundreds of millions of users vying for tickets within seconds — China’s homegrown databases have played a pivotal role. They not only provided essential support but also served as the foundation engine ensuring the system’s stable, efficient, and secure operation. 

In recent years, China has ramped up investment in core database technologies. A growing number of Chinese database solutions have broken the long-standing dominance of international players, empowering digital transformation across a wide range of industries.

Databases are critical to national economy and people’s livelihoods, and represent a core technology in the software sector. 

Data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology show that China’s database market is now valued at nearly 60 billion yuan ($8.71 billion), with 164 database products available. Globally, one in every four database companies is based in China. 

Demonstrating strong capabilities in stability, storage, and computing power, these domestic databases highlight China’s advancements in foundational software and contribute to higher-quality development.

The drive for self-reliance has deep roots. In the late 1970s, Feng Yucai, founder and chairman of Wuhan Dameng Database Co., Ltd. (Dameng), visited Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation for technical training. At the time, the plant had imported a costly automated management system from abroad. After installation, foreign engineers destroyed three truckloads of technical documentation on-site.

Deeply affected by the incident, Feng resolved to develop China’s own database system. After eight years of research, he created China’s first domestically designed database management system prototype using the Pascal programming language.

As a fully self-developed native distributed database, OceanBase maintains full control over its source code. Since its launch, it has avoided reliance on external technologies and instead focused on achieving independent control over core technologies by writing its kernel code from scratch. In October 2019, OceanBase ranked first in a leading international database benchmark, ending nine years of leadership by foreign companies.

Beyond native distributed databases, China has also outperformed global peers in cloud-native database. In January 2025, Alibaba Cloud’s PolarDB claimed the top position in the TPC-C benchmark, widely regarded as the “Olympics” of the database performance. The test simulates 1.6 billion current users conducting transactions. During the evaluation, PolarDB completed 2.2 trillion data operations with a fluctuation rate of just 0.16 percent, ensuring 100 percent data accuracy. It also set new world records for performance, processing 2.055 billion transactions per minute, and cost efficiency, at 0.8 yuan per unit.

According to Wang Yuan, head of database product technology architecture at Alibaba Cloud, it is precisely the real-world stress tests of massive events like China’s Double 11 shopping festival that have enabled domestic databases to achieve world-class capabilities, driving continuous improvements toward extreme performance and greater simplicity and usability.

Moving from the lab to the market, domestic databases must overcome not only technical challenges but also barriers of market trust. Years ago, foreign database products accounted for over 80 percent of the Chinese market, nearly monopolizing core systems in key sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and energy. For these industries, foreign databases were almost the default choice.

“Even a one-second delay can lead to serious consequences,” said Yang Chuanhui, CTO of OceanBase. “This is especially true in the financial sector, where requirements are extremely stringent. 

To prove their reliability, OceanBase tackled challenges head-on. Its teams often worked on-site, earning trust through technical excellence. Over more than a decade, OceanBase has not only supported all core accounting systems of Chinese payment services platform Alipay, but also achieved stable operation across more than 300 financial institutions, serving over 4,000 clients.

Dameng spent more than a decade developing shared-storage cluster technology for databases, enabling it to move from peripheral systems into the core of high-end markets. Previously, only one foreign company possessed this technology. Driven by market demand, Dameng achieved a breakthrough.

“Good software is shaped through use. Databases, in particular, require continuous refinement in real-world applications to evolve and meet market needs,” Feng said.

Today, domestic databases have become standard infrastructure in key sectors. As their capabilities continue to grow, they are also gaining global traction. From ride-hailing platforms in Southeast Asia and smart city projects in the Middle East to emerging e-commerce in Africa and digital banks in Latin America, Chinese database solutions are offering new options for global digital applications. 

“At present, Alibaba Cloud’s database services cover 29 regions and 92 availability zones worldwide,” said Li Feifei, senior vice president of Alibaba Cloud.

‘Defense bubble’ cannot rescue Japan’s economy

By Zhong Sheng (People’s Daily)

Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited the United States. This diplomatic show, marked by eager alignment with Washington, has drawn widespread criticism from Japanese public opinion.

Insightful voices in Japan pointed out that the Takaichi administration has disregarded economic and public well-being concerns, persistently pushing for constitutional revision, increased defense spending, and expanded arms exports, while currying favor with the United States in the name of so-called “strengthened deterrence.” This, they argue, is “a completely misguided path.”

Hyping up external geopolitical risks to mask domestic economic difficulties is nothing more than a political smokescreen, further exposing the government’s lack of effective macroeconomic governance.

Since taking office, Takaichi has pursued an aggressive policy line under the banner of “Sanaenomics,” advocating what is termed a “responsible proactive fiscal policy,” while placing undue faith in large-scale fiscal spending and ultra-loose monetary policy. The administration seeks to reverse economic decline through the so-called “trickle-down effect” of large corporations.

However, this short-term approach faces structural headwinds: a shrinking and aging population leading to persistent labor shortages and a continuously eroding tax base. The resulting surge in government borrowing has pushed Japan’s public debt-to-GDP ratio beyond 260%, widely considered a high-risk threshold.

Mainstream Japanese media have voiced strong concern, criticizing Takaichi as “highly irresponsible.” Haruhiko Kuroda, former governor of the Bank of Japan, has warned that continuing loose fiscal and monetary policies amidst current inflation and yen depreciation would worsen inflationary pressures.

Compounding these issues, geopolitical tensions and developments in the Middle East are exerting a “double squeeze” on Japan through an “oil premium” and a weakening yen. The economic impact is rapidly spreading from the energy sector to broader aspects of daily life.

Japan’s fragile economic recovery faces additional strain as Takaichi pursues militarization policies, increasing public burdens. Constitutional revision, military expansion, and relaxed defense export restrictions represent both geopolitical gambles and economically hazardous attempts to revive growth through military demand — an outdated model.

The right-wing forces represented by Takaichi are creating a climate of confrontation to justify substantial increases in defense spending, using security anxieties to legitimize shifts in industrial policy, and attempting to channel resources into key sectors under the pretext of “defense.”

Long-standing ties of interest between Japan’s military-industrial enterprises and government institutions have facilitated the directed allocation of massive defense orders to major domestic conglomerates. In 2023 alone, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries secured contracts worth as much as 1.68 trillion yen from the Japanese government. Retired senior officials from Japan’s Ministry of Defense frequently take up positions as special advisors or directors at companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, leveraging their knowledge of internal procurement rules to help firms win lucrative projects.

Since assuming office, Takaichi has advanced the target of raising defense spending to 2 percent of GDP to fiscal year 2025. In the budget for fiscal year 2026 approved at the end of 2025, Japan’s defense spending exceeded 9 trillion yen, marking the 14th consecutive annual increase. Continuous expansion of the defense budget has further entrenched the alignment of interests between the bureaucratic system and the defense industry.

The Takaichi administration also plans to relax restrictions on arms exports in an attempt to profit from overseas sales. For a long time, constrained by Japan’s pacifist constitution, large enterprises could rely only on domestic defense orders. To this end, the administration is actively seeking to lift restrictions on the export of lethal weapons and to fully liberalize defense equipment exports, aiming to turn the military-industrial sector into a “cash cow” for the Japanese economy and break through postwar institutional constraints.

Once such exports are fully opened, Japan’s defense industry would become more expansionary, creating conditions for further right-wing pushes toward constitutional revision and potential involvement in international conflicts.

Japan’s economic recovery requires structural reform. However, to avoid the political costs associated with such reforms, the Takaichi administration has shifted its policy focus toward defense and economic security, simplifying structural reform into “crisis management investment” in sectors such as defense, in an attempt to generate short-term public support and economic stimulus.

During the U.S. visit, the administration expedited domestic budget approval. Despite record spending levels, parliamentary deliberation time was this century’s shortest, prompting criticism of Takaichi’s rushed tactics.

While these measures may create a “defense bubble” in the short term, they essentially bind Japan’s economy ever more tightly to the chariot of “neo-militarism,” with the ultimate costs borne by the Japanese people.

In response to Japan’s procurement of US military equipment totaling 3.55 trillion yen in recent years, the Tokyo Shimbun questioned: “Why does Japan continue to spend large amounts of taxpayers’ hard-earned money on purchasing US weapons? Should this ‘bulk buying’ continue?”

To finance the ever-expanding defense budget, the Japanese government plans to introduce defense-related tax increases involving tobacco taxes, corporate taxes, and individual income taxes, directly adding to the burden on businesses and households.

The militaristic adventurism pursued by the Takaichi administration is by no means a remedy for Japan’s economic challenges, but rather a toxic prescription that risks accelerating systemic decline. This political gamble — seeking to mask governance failures through military procurement and fervent fiscal expansion — is destined to fail in addressing deeply rooted structural problems.

Repeating the mistakes of militarism and attempting to drive growth through the incitement of confrontation will ultimately lead Japan down a dangerous path.

Harnessing Xizang’s high-plateau environment to build greener, more efficient data centers

By Xu Yuyao, People’s Daily

On the outskirts of Lhasa, capital of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, a giant Tibetan-style complex stands nestled among the mountains. It is a data center operated by local computing company Ningsuan, with a total capacity of 140,000 server racks.

Inside the server halls, a notable feature is the absence of noisy air-conditioning systems..  Despite this, the environment remains cool. What enables this efficient cooling?

“Data centers are major heat generators, and at many facilities a large portion of energy is consumed by cooling systems,” explained Tao Changjun, vice president of Ningsuan. “Here on the Tibetan Plateau, we harness the region’s exceptionally dry air to naturally reduce temperatures and minimize energy consumption.”

Compared to other high-altitude regions such as Yunnan and Guizhou, the air here is even drier; compared to other arid regions, the average temperature is lower. This combination creates ideal conditions for natural cooling.

A key indicator is the wet-bulb temperature, the lowest temperature possible using evaporative cooling. In Lhasa, summer wet-bulb temperatures are significantly lower than in most parts of the world.

“In simple terms, making use of ‘dry air energy’ means maximizing cooling through evaporation, using temperature differences to create pressure differences, and ultimately achieving natural ventilation,” Tao said. Based on this principle, the company designed a system that allows fresh air to circulate through the data center to quickly carry heat away.

Overall, this approach expands how widely natural cooling can be applied in data centers and delivers significant energy savings. It not only ensures stable operations but also reduces total energy consumption by around 30 percent.

While the concept is straightforward, implementation was complex. Data centers require highly stable temperatures, necessitating precise control over evaporation rates, internal temperature gradients, and airflow to mitigate instability from weather fluctuations.

To address this, Ningsuan worked with Xi’an Polytechnic University in northwest China’s Shaanxi province to develop a heat-matching algorithm. By fine-tuning airflow patterns and water evaporation cycles, the system maximizes thermal efficiency and keeps temperatures stable year-round.

Building the cooling equipment also brought challenges. Tao recalled that the first-generation units were designed and manufactured in other provinces before being transported to Lhasa. Initially, they operated normally, but soon began to report frequent errors.

Analysis revealed the issue: while the equipment was adapted for high-altitude conditions like low air pressure and specific thermal properties, certain unique environmental factors, such as intense ultraviolet radiation accelerating material aging, had been overlooked — posing a significant challenge for systems requiring precise control.

Engineers then launched a new round of technical upgrades. By improving operating modes and using advanced composite materials including synthetic fiber-based high-molecular fillers, they significantly enhanced the stability and safety of the equipment in plateau conditions.

Beyond economic efficiency, developing data centers in high-altitude regions demands careful ecological consideration.

To answer these concerns, the center uses heat recovery. Next to the data center sits a large greenhouse that remains warm throughout the year, heated entirely by recycled waste heat. Inside, warm-water fish can be farmed, and crops can be grown.

“Driven by technological innovation, Xizang’s resource advantages can be effectively transformed into economic strengths,” said Jiang Ning, president of Ningsuan. “In the future, data centers here may even generate revenue through carbon credit trading and heat recovery sales.”