Chinese troops advance

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Global Recap
September 10, 2024 • Read in: 8 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

In about 30 minutes after this newsletter goes out, the much-anticipated debate between former President Trump and Vice President Harris will kick off.

  • Will it be another meme-worthy showdown, or…

  • Can we hope for a good, old-fashioned debate on actual policy?

I’ve got a strong feeling about which way it’ll go - and I think you do too. 😉

🇨🇳 CHINA
Chinese Troops Advance

China’s troops have reportedly advanced deep into contested territory administered by India but claimed by Beijing, heightening tensions between the two nations.

But… where are they?

Recent Incursion

Chinese troops reportedly penetrated 60 kilometers (37 miles) into Arunachal Pradesh.

  • The incursion occurred in the Kapapu area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district.

  • Evidence includes campfires, discarded cans, and graffiti with the word “China” and the year “2024.”

  • The site was abandoned about a week before discovery.

Historical Context

The region has a long history of conflict.

  • The 1962 Sino-Indian war saw China temporarily advance into Arunachal Pradesh.

  • Tensions have remained high since the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

  • The US State Department supports India’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh in an effort to counter China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Diplomatic Efforts

Efforts to ease tensions have been ongoing.

  • China and India have held 21 rounds of commander-level talks since the Galwan incident.

  • Progress has been limited despite these efforts.

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA
Age Limit for Social Media

Australia is planning to set a minimum age limit for children to use social media, aiming to address mental and physical health concerns.

Age Verification Trial

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an age verification trial before implementing the law.

  • The age limit will likely be between 14 and 16.

  • Albanese emphasized the importance of kids having real-life experiences over social media.

Concerns and Backlash

Digital rights advocates and experts have raised concerns about the potential negative impacts.

  • Critics argue it could drive online activity underground and exclude young people from meaningful digital participation.

  • Australia’s eSafety Commissioner warned that restriction-based approaches might limit access to critical support.

Social Media Usage

Australia has a high rate of social media usage, especially among teenagers.

  • Four-fifths of the population is on social media.

  • A 2023 study found that three-quarters of Australians aged 12 to 17 use YouTube or Instagram.

Industry Response

Social media platforms have mixed reactions to the proposed law.

  • Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, supports empowering young people and equipping parents with tools.

  • YouTube and TikTok have not yet commented on the proposal.

📊 Poll

Regulations like these aren’t new. Just look at movie age ratings or age limits on alcohol and other substances - they’re there to protect people, right?

But should social media be treated like cigarettes?

Some say yes, while others think that’s going too far.

What’s your take?

Is a social media ban for certain ages necessary?

(Live Results)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

🇮🇳 INDIA
Manipur Internet Shutdown

The Indian state of Manipur has yet again cut internet access and imposed a curfew following violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

This move comes amid ongoing ethnic violence and student protests.

Recent Clashes

Violence erupted on September 1, escalating tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

  • Drones were used to drop explosives, leading to at least 11 deaths.

  • Hundreds of Meitei students protested, resulting in 45 injuries.

  • Authorities used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd.

Government Response

The government has taken drastic measures to control the situation.

  • Internet access has been cut for five days.

  • An indefinite curfew has been imposed in three districts.

  • Public and private universities have been closed.

Background

This is Lhaideikim, a Kuki girl. Many are surprised to learn that India is home to people who don’t fit the “stereotypical Indian” appearance.

The conflict has deep roots in economic and social disparities.

  • Clashes began last year over the sharing of economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education given to Kukis, an ethnic group in Manipur.

  • At least 225 people have died, and around 60,000 have been displaced since then.

  • Students are frustrated with the authorities’ inability to resolve the conflict.

Political Silence

The ruling party has remained silent on the issue.

  • Manipur is governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

  • Neither Modi nor his party has commented on the recent violence.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Hezbollah Commander Killed

Muhammad Qassem al-Shaer

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the killing of Muhammad Qassem al-Shaer, a commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force, in a drone strike deep inside Lebanon.

The Strike

The IDF targeted al-Shaer near Lake Qaraoun in the Beqaa Valley.

  • Al-Shaer was involved in numerous attacks on Israel.

  • His death is seen as a significant blow to Hezbollah’s capabilities.

  • The strike was part of ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

Hezbollah’s Response

Hezbollah confirmed al-Shaer’s death but provided no details about his role.

  • The group has been attacking Israel along the northern border since October.

  • Hezbollah launched explosive-laden drones and rockets at northern Israel on Monday.

  • One drone hit a residential building in Nahariya, causing damage but no injuries.

🇳🇴 NORWAY
Russia Sabotage Threats Rise

Norway’s intelligence chief warns of increased Russian sabotage risks to its oil and gas infrastructure. Here’s what you need to know:

Risk Level Higher

Norway’s spy chief sees a higher risk of Russian sabotage.

  • Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensoenes, head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service, believes the risk has increased.

  • Acts of sabotage in Europe suggest Russia is becoming bolder.

  • Russia dismisses these claims as Western scaremongering.

Oil and Gas Targets

Norway fears its oil and gas facilities may be targeted.

  • Norway is Europe’s largest gas provider and a major crude oil exporter.

  • The country has over 90 offshore oil and gas fields and 9,000 km of gas pipelines.

  • Protecting this vast infrastructure is challenging.

Nord Stream Aftermath

The Nord Stream pipeline sabotage has heightened security concerns.

  • Norway deployed its navy to protect its North Sea platforms after the 2022 sabotage.

  • Moscow complains about Germany’s investigation into the Nord Stream explosions.

  • No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts. However, a recent report implicated a Ukranian team.