China's not happy

Hi Global Recap readers,

Poking and prodding or just a slip-up?

In Trump’s first month in office, headlines were nonstop about him shaking things up globally. So when I saw the story below, my first thought was: “His team is just testing the waters diplomatically.”

But some believe it was simply an honest “mistake.”

What do you think?👇️ 

🇨🇳 CHINA
Beijing: Not Happy
With US Website Update

A seemingly routine update on the US State Department website has China fuming.

In a recent update on February 17, 2025 (Monday), the US State Department removed a line from its website that stated, “we do not support Taiwan independence.” This change didn't sit well with Beijing, prompting a rather passionate response.

Update Sparks Tensions

The State Department called it a "routine" update, but China definitely didn’t see it that way. Looks like CCP monitors are checking that website 24/7. 😂

• Beijing’s concerns stem from its view of Taiwan as part of its own territory.

• China’s Foreign Ministry called it a “serious regression” in US policy.

• The update was described as sending a “seriously erroneous message” to Taiwan's independence advocates.

• Beijing warned the US to “correct its mistakes” or risk “serious damage” to bilateral relations.

The Trump Administration's Role

With Trump back in the White House, the geopolitical landscape is as volatile as ever.

• China's leaders are worried about Trump’s foreign policy team, notably China hawks like Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

• Rubio has a history of pushing for strong US-Taiwan ties, including fast-tracking arms sales.

Historical Context

That being said, this isn't the first time such wording has changed.

• In 2022, the State Department removed similar language, only to restore it a month later.

• Washington's policy acknowledges Beijing’s position but never “truly” accepted its sovereignty over Taiwan.

Taiwan's Reaction

No surprisingly, Taipei welcomed the change, viewing it as a positive stance on US-Taiwan relations.

• Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung praised the update.

• The update was viewed as Washington’s support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Russia Rejects NATO Troops Plan

During their much anticipated meeting on February 18, 2025 (Tuesday), the US and Russia agreed to resume full diplomatic relations and start peace talks on Ukraine.

But once again, the issue here is that the US and Russia are debating Ukraine's future—without Ukraine having a say. Meanwhile, Trump's team is brushing off criticism, calling it just a "vibe check.”

Meeting in Riyadh

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• They shook hands and agreed to re-staff embassies in Moscow and Washington.

• Lavrov emphasized that NATO troops, regardless of their flags, are a no-go for Russia.

Starmer's Plan Rejected

Lavrov made it clear: Putin won’t allow Starmer’s idea of NATO-led peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, even under EU or national flags.

• Lavrov called the plan “unacceptable” and didn’t budge an inch.

• This stern position likely irritates European leaders who met in Paris to discuss US security commitments.

US-Russia Relations

The talks symbolize a shift in policy since Trump’s presidency.

• Full diplomatic relations are being restored, reversing previous expulsions.

• This marks a dramatic reversal in international relations between the two nations.

Ukraine's Exclusion

Understandably, Ukraine is not thrilled, to say the least. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Turkey, meeting with President Erdogan, doubling down on his stance.

• President Volodymyr Zelensky insists Ukraine won’t accept outcomes of talks it’s excluded from.

• President Zelenskyy insists on returning to pre-2014 borders.

• “The east is ours, Crimea is ours,” he declared.

European Concerns

European leaders are worried about the implications.

• The meeting in Paris on February 17, 2025, discussed Trump’s plans to end US security guarantees.

• Europe's role and input in the peace talks remain uncertain.

Saudi Arabia's Role

We cannot ignore the fact that all this is going down at the Diriyah Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It shows that the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is trying to position Saudi Arabia as a key diplomatic player on the world stage.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Hamas’s Hostage Release

Hamas will release six hostages from Gaza and hand over the bodies of four others this week.

Among them are the remains of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Kfir and Ariel, whose deaths had previously been unconfirmed.

Story

The Bibas family’s story is tragic.

Hamas abducted 32-year-old Shiri Bibas and her boys during the infamous October 7, 2023, attack on Nir Oz kibbutz. Tragically, their bodies will be handed over this Thursday.

• Shiri Bibas was just 32 years old.

• Kfir was only nine months old, and Ariel was four years old.

• They were allegedly killed by Israeli bombing, according to Hamas, adding to the tragedy.

Hostage Release

On a somewhat brighter note, Hamas has agreed to release six hostages on Saturday, speeding up the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.

• The Israeli Prime Minister's office confirmed the release.

• In return, Palestinians remaining in Israeli prisons as part of phase one will be freed.

• The release schedule was slightly advanced from the original plan.

Negotiation Talks

Discussions about the second phase of the ceasefire agreement are set to begin this week.

• Israeli negotiators are gearing up for talks in Doha, Qatar.

• The second phase includes the release of all remaining hostages.

• This phase also involves the Israel Defense Forces’ withdrawal from Gaza, marking the end of the war.

Future Uncertainties

What’s next for Gaza? Israel insists Hamas must step down from governance, and there’s talk of a “deradicalization” of Gaza’s society.

• There are proposals to redevelop Gaza into a the "Riviera of the Middle East,” which has sparked global outrage.

• Egypt and Jordan, expected to take in displaced Palestinians, have rejected this idea.

• An alternative plan is being hashed out by Middle Eastern leaders, with an Arab League summit scheduled in Cairo on March 4.

But interesting, the UAE ambassador to the US, Yousef al-Otaiba, recently expressed that he sees no other alternatives to Trump’s proposal:

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Trump Threatens
25%+ Import Taxes

President Trump is at it again—announcing a 25% import tax on cars, pharmaceuticals, and microchips starting April 1. The rate could go up over the year to give companies time to set up US plants.

This is once again sparking debates about its potential impact on inflation and the US economy.

Bold Claims

Trump made this announcement during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club on February 18, 2025.

• He mentioned he would reveal more specific details on April 2.

• The goal is to bring manufacturing back to the US.

• Trump claimed these taxes would not lead to higher inflation rates.

Trade Deficit Concerns

He didn't hold back on criticizing the European Union (EU) for not buying American cars.

• The US has a $350 billion trade deficit with the EU.

• Trump blamed the deficit on unfair tariffs imposed by the EU.

• He emphasized the need to "straighten that out."

Potential Global Trade War

Trump's announcement is just one part of a broader strategy.

• He threatened significant import taxes on countries that impose tariffs on American goods.

• The European Value-Added Tax (VAT) system was also in the spotlight, even though it’s not technically a tariff. But if you see tariffs as just another form of taxation, they function pretty much the same way.