CCP: “Stop loving attractive spies.”

Hi Global Recap readers,

🤔 Here’s a question: If a beautiful foreign spy seduces you, would you be able to resist spilling sensitive information?

Now, imagine your country’s top intelligence agency telling you, “Hey, by the way, their feelings aren’t real.”

Would you just shrug it off and say, “Well, that sucks,” and stop loving them on the spot?

This is exactly the kind of dilemma many Chinese students are facing right now. 👇

🇨🇳 CHINA
Spy Warning for Students

China’s top spy agency has issued a warning to students about the dangers of being lured into espionage by “handsome men and beautiful women.”

What intel do they have on attractive spies?

The Warning

China’s Ministry of State Security cautioned students about foreign spies.

• Students with access to “sensitive data” seem to be targeted.

• Foreign spies reportedly use “fake feelings” to lure students into spying.

• The warning was released on the ministry’s WeChat account.

Methods of Manipulation

So how do these spies manipulate students according to the Ministry?

• They exploit students’ curiosity and willingness to try new things.

• Spies disguise themselves as scholars or employees of research institutions.

• They offer high-paying part-time jobs and academic exchanges.

The Trap

The process of luring students into espionage is methodical.

• Spies provide free training and guidance through social media and video calls.

• They pretend to be intimate and considerate, creating “false feelings” of love.

• The goal is to extract classified and sensitive scientific research data.

No Specifics

This all seems dire right? After spreading fear about attractive and resourceful foreign spies, the agency did not name any specific foreign firms involved.

• Not even details of the targeted students were provided.

• The agency could not be reached for further comment.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
US Accuses Russian Media of Meddling in 2024 Election

The US has accused Russia of using state-run media to meddle in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

Sanctions Announced

The US Treasury Department has sanctioned 10 individuals and two entities for election interference.

• Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT, and Elizaveta Brodskaia, deputy editor-in-chief, are among those sanctioned.

• They are accused of recruiting social media influencers to sway US public opinion. One of their tactics? Spreading misinformation.

Legal Actions

Two RT employees have been indicted in New York.

• They face charges of money laundering and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

• They allegedly funded a Tennessee-based company to produce pro-Russian content.

Domain Seizures

The Justice Department has ordered the seizure of 32 domains.

• These domains were used in Russian government-directed influence campaigns.

• The sites promoted disinformation to influence the 2024 US Presidential Election.

White House Response

The White House claims Putin was aware of RT’s actions.

• National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated, “We believe Mr. Putin was witting of these actions.”

• This is not the first time US officials have accused Moscow of election interference.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Meta Board: “From the River to the Sea” Is Allowed

Meta’s content moderation board has decided to allow the phrase “From the River to the Sea” in Facebook posts, ruling that a blanket ban would hinder free speech.

Board’s Ruling

Meta’s board reviewed three cases involving the phrase and found no violation of hate speech rules.

• The board stated that the phrase shows solidarity with Palestinians but does not call for violence or exclusion.

• An outright ban would interfere with political speech in unacceptable ways.

Multiple Meanings

The phrase has various interpretations and is used with different intentions.

• While some see it as antisemitic, others view it as a call for Palestinian solidarity.

• The board emphasized that the phrase itself is not “inherently violent” or hateful.

Minority Opinion

A minority of the board argued against the decision.

• They cited the phrase’s appearance in Hamas’s 2017 charter and the 7 October attacks.

• They believed its use could be seen as glorifying a terrorist entity.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Hostage Videos Released

Hamas has released a video showing two hostages, Carmel Gat and Alexander Lobanov, recorded before their deaths.

• This move is particularly noteworthy because Hamas has consistently denied taking hostages in the past.

• It appears that creating deeper divisions within Israel was prioritized over maintaining its reputation.

Hostage Videos

Hamas released a video of two hostages, Carmel Gat and Alexander Lobanov, recorded before their deaths.

• The video was released on Wednesday and included footage of Gat, 40, and Lobanov, 32.

• This follows videos of two other hostages released earlier in the week.

• The videos are seen as a tactic to keep the fate of the captives in the public eye.

Hostage Situation

More than 60 living hostages and the bodies of about 35 others are still in Gaza.

• The hostages were taken during the Hamas-led attack on October 7.

• The Israeli military recovered the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in Gaza earlier this week.

• Autopsy reports indicate the hostages were shot at close range.

Public Reaction

The release of the videos has sparked protests in Israel.

• Many Israelis blame Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not securing a cease-fire to return the hostages.

• Netanyahu argues that continuing the war is the way to free the hostages.

International Response

Rights groups and international law experts criticize the hostage videos.

• They argue that such videos are made under duress and can constitute a war crime.

• Israeli officials have labeled the videos as “psychological warfare.”

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Zelensky’s Power Play

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing backlash over a major government reshuffle, with accusations of consolidating power.

Reshuffle Sparks Controversy

Zelensky’s recent reshuffle has triggered criticism from opposition figures.

• Critics claim Zelensky is filling government posts with loyalists.

• The reshuffle is the largest since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

• Martial law grants Zelensky more powers, but opponents say he’s overstepping.

Key Resignations

Several high-profile officials have resigned amid the reshuffle.

• Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba resigned, possibly due to a clash with Zelensky’s head of office.

• Other resignations include ministers of infrastructure, culture, and agriculture.

Defense and Diplomacy

Zelensky’s office maintains key diplomatic and defense roles.

• Communication with Washington is led by Zelensky’s office, particularly Andriy Yermak.

• Defense Minister Rustem Umerov remains in place, maintaining close ties with the Biden administration.

Opposition’s Stance

Opposition figures demand a more representative government.

• Critics argue for a return to the rule of law, even during wartime.

• Some opposition members are skeptical of the reshuffle’s effectiveness and transparency.

🇳🇴 NORWAY
Beluga Whale’s Tragic End

Earlier in the week, we reported on the death of a Beluga whale previously believed to be a Russian spy. Back then, no physical injuries were reported.

Now, animal rights groups are calling for a criminal investigation after the beloved beluga whale, Hvaldimir, was found dead with multiple bullet wounds.

Discovery of Hvaldimir

Hvaldimir, the famous beluga whale, was found dead on Norway’s southwestern coast.

• He was discovered on Saturday, August 31, 2024, by Marine Mind.

• His body was transported to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute for an autopsy.

Suspicious Circumstances

The whale had multiple bullet wounds, raising suspicions of foul play.

• Regina Crosby Haug from One Whale viewed the body and confirmed the injuries.

• NOAH and One Whale have filed a complaint with Norwegian police.

Hvaldimir’s Background

Hvaldimir gained fame in 2019 due to his unusual harness, sparking rumors of being a Russian spy.

• The harness had a mount for an action camera and “Equipment St. Petersburg” printed on it.

• He was believed to be trained by the Russian navy and was accustomed to humans.