Samuel Chu, an internationally wanted fugitive, reflects on his status as a symbol of the fight for democracy, emphasizing the importance of creating political space for marginalized voices, particularly under authoritarian regimes. He acknowledges the complexity of freedom in contexts dominated by propaganda. Meanwhile, the economic decoupling between the US and China is accelerating, driven by trade imbalances and national security concerns, which will profoundly impact global economies, particularly third-party countries reliant on both superpowers. As the US and China account for over 40% of global GDP, this shift is leading to fragmented supply chains and competing economic standards. China's confrontational strategy against the US includes undermining global industries and escalating tensions around Taiwan, prompting discussions on how the next US administration should counter these challenges. Furthermore, US legislation is being introduced to combat espionage linked to the Chinese Communist Party, reinforcing the strategic focus on national security.