Border Dispute: US Backs India

Author

Global Recap
March 21, 2024 • Read in: 6 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

The US is dipping its toes in another conflict with China, but this time, bringing India into its arms.

It seems Uncle Sam’s existing bad blood with China wasn’t quite enough.

Who’s got China’s back on this? 👇

(⏰ Reading Time: 5 mins)

CHINA-INDIA

Border Dispute: US Backs India

The United States officially rejected China’s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, affirming it as part of India.

China, of course, rejected the US’ rejection.

  • 📜 Short History. The disagreement has its roots in the time of British rule.

    • The boundary was established by the McMahon Line, a component of the 1914 Simla Convention between British India and Tibet.

    • However, China rejects this agreement, citing its historical ties with Tibet.

    • Over the years, there have been spats and clashes resulting in deaths and injuries.

  • 🏔️ Tunnel. The inauguration of the Sela Tunnel in the region by the Indian PM Modi heightens the dispute with China over the border region.

INDONESIA

Controversial Presidential Victory

Vice-President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka (left) and President-elect Prabowo Subianto (right)

Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s Defense Minister, clinched the presidency amid unresolved human rights abuse allegations.

  • 🔍 Scrutiny. Despite his family’s dark past links to the brutal Suharto dictatorship, Subianto secured 58.6% of the votes, overshadowing his competitors.

  • 🗳️ Dispute. However, the election’s legitimacy was challenged by former governors Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, citing alleged irregularities and vowing legal action.

  • 👥 Dynastic Concerns. Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of the outgoing president, is Subianto’s running mate.

    • Although he’s only 37 and the minimum age requirement is 40, the Constitutional Court made a special exception.

    • This is sparking concerns about the rise of family dynasties in Indonesia.

How will Subianto’s presidency shape Indonesia’s future?

RUSSIA

Kremlin’s First Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Crackdown

For the first time since the passing of last year’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, a gay bar manager and an art director are facing pretrial detention for operating as an “extremist LGBT organization.”

  • 📜 Legislation. Last year’s laws classify the “international LGBT social movement” as extremist, banning activities in Russia.

  • 🔍 Raids. Post-legislation, LGBTQ+ friendly venues across Russia experienced raids, with some patrons facing fines or arrests for displaying “extremist symbols.”

US

Gaza Ceasefire Pressure

The US has drafted a new UN resolution urging an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.

  • 🕊️ Peace. Amidst a declared imminent famine, the US is intensifying efforts to halt the conflict and facilitate humanitarian aid.

  • 🏛️ Diplomacy. The resolution, indicative of Washington’s escalating frustration with Israel and its strategy to appeal to its democratic electorate amidst dipping approval ratings for President Biden, marks a shift from previous vetoes to proactive peacemaking.

  • 🚢 Vetoes. In the past, the US has rejected ceasefire votes from the UN Security Council.

AFGHANISTAN

Suicide Bombing Kills Over 20

A suicide bomber targeted civilians gathering at a bank in Kandahar, Afghanistan, resulting in over 20 deaths and 50 injuries (subject to increase).

  • 🚫 Unclaimed. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, although similar incidents have been attributed to the Islamic State.