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Messi’s Question for China
Global Recap
June 13, 2023 • Read in: 5 minutes
Hello again, Global Recap readers!
Remember the awkward photos of Putin sitting far away from the people he was talking to at a long table? Many attributed that to Putin's fear of assassination attempts, while some excused him for being merely cautious about contracting or spreading COVID-19.
But now it's 2023. What is his excuse for speaking during the Russia Day Awards Ceremony so far away from the audience? ☝🏻
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🌎 GLOBAL TRIVIA
The answer to yesterday’s trivia was… 🥁 D) Velyka Novosilka. A bit hard to read for non-Ukrainian-speaking people, I know. So, here’s a much easier one: 👇🏻
Q. Since at least what year has China been utilizing a spy base in Cuba? |
Messi’s Question for China
Messi’s Passport: Lionel Messi, a legendary Argentine soccer player, was detained at Beijing Airport's border control over the weekend, on his way to join his teammates in preparation for a match against Australia. This caused confusion among many of his fans who had been waiting outside the airport for several additional hours, hoping to catch a glimpse of the superstar.
His crime? Using his Spanish passport instead of his Argentine one. But wait until you hear why. 👇🏻
The Question: A video circulating on social media showed Messi surrounded by several Chinese police officers, clutching his passport while engaging in a discussion and trying to reason with them. Messi reportedly told the officers that he believed his Spanish passport, which allows him to travel to Taiwan "visa-free", would also permit him to travel to China.
He is quoted as asking them:
“Is Taiwan not China?"
Awkwardness: China tries to enforce its "One China Policy" worldwide, claiming that Taiwan is a part of China and retaliating against any nation that recognizes Taiwan as an independent country. This makes Messi’s question that much more ironic and awkward.
How can China assert that Taiwan is part of its territory, yet be unable to enforce its rules and regulations?