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China’s Low Blow Against Russia

China’s Low Blow Against Russia

Global Recap
February 29, 2024 • Read in: 7 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

Xi Jinping and Putin declared their “no limits” friendship two years ago.

But after a barrage of sanctions, the real estate sector crisis, and rampant corruption controversies, China seems to be throwing Putin under the bus.

So there was a limit after all..?

(➕ Also: The poll result is in!)

Canada

Spy Scientist Shared Secrets with China

A Canadian intelligence revealed that a fired scientist from a top-level lab in Winnipeg, Dr. Qiu, “intentionally” transferred sensitive information and materials to China.

👩‍🔬 Scientists. Two scientists were fired - Dr. Xiangguo Qiu and her husband Keding Cheng.
🔬 Research. The scientist worked in the Level 4 virology facility at the National Microbiology Lab (NML), which handles the most deadly human and animal diseases.
🇨🇳 China. The scientist developed “deep, cooperative relationships” with various Chinese institutions and programs, and shared the Ebola genetic sequence with them.
🚫 Security. The scientist breached several security protocols, such as letting unauthorized personnel into the lab and transferring pathogens without proper approval.

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China

China’s Low Blow Against Russia

Russia’s reliance on China’s UnionPay system backfired after the cards stopped working in the country.

The problem is linked to US sanctions against Russia’s payment processor, National Payment Card System (NSPK), which handles all UnionPay transactions.

🤝 Alliance. China and Russia have maintained a close “no limits” partnership amid the war in Ukraine, despite international condemnation.
🚫 Cut off. Russia faced severe economic consequences after the invasion, losing access to Visa, Mastercard, SWIFT, and other payment systems. So China’s UnionPay cards were embraced as an alternative. But not anymore…
🏦 Risks. Chinese banks have also stopped accepting payments from sanctioned Russian institutions, fearing secondary sanctions from the US.

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Russia

Putin’s Next Move in Moldova?

The pro-Russian breakaway region of Transnistria in Moldova has asked Moscow to protect it from the Moldovan authorities.

🛡️ Protection. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it would carefully consider the request, as protecting the interests of its “compatriots” in Transnistria was one of its priorities.
🌍 Implications. Any move by Russia to reinforce its military presence in Moldova could put it on a direct collision path with Moldova’s government and armed forces, potentially opening another front in Russia’s expansionist war.

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New Zealand

Hamas Declared Terrorist Organization

New Zealand's PM Christopher Luxon

New Zealand has decided to list Hamas as a terrorist group in its entirety, following the October 7 massacre in Israel.

The move also targets “extremist” Israeli settlers who have been accused of violence against Palestinians.

🔥 Heat. The designation comes amid a raging war between Israel and Hamas, which has killed thousands and displaced millions.
🌍 Split. New Zealand joins countries like the US, UK, and France in sanctioning Hamas and violent settlers, while others like Iran and Turkey support them.
🕊️ Hope. New Zealand says it still supports a two-state solution and urges an end to the conflict and a restart of the peace process. But of course, this ship has sailed a long time ago.

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France

Abortion Rights Enshrined in the Constitution

The French Senate passed a bill to enshrine a woman’s right to an abortion in the constitution on Wednesday.

👩‍⚖️ Law. The bill would amend Article 34 of the constitution to specify that "the law determines the conditions by which is exercised the freedom of women to have recourse to an abortion, which is guaranteed."
👏 Support. The bill has the backing of President Emmanuel Macron and his government, as well as the majority of the parliament.
🌎 Context. The global debate on abortion is highly polarized.
- Some argue that women should have the absolute right to choose, often encapsulated in the phrase “my body, my choice.”
- On the other hand, some view abortion as equivalent to taking a life. They suggest that unwanted babies should be given up for adoption, considering the numerous prospective parents waiting to adopt.

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