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"Show Respect", China Tells US
Global Recap
June 14, 2023 • Read in: 5 minutes
Hello again, Global Recap readers!
Elephants Doing Yoga? Yes, It’s a Thing! Elephants are one of the holiest animals in Hinduism, and yoga originates from India. So this makes sense.
Every day at the Houston Zoo, these giants participate in a daily stretching routine, which helps supervisors to keep an eye on the elephants’ physical condition as well as cultivate an emotional connection with them.
So next time you’re feeling lazy about your yoga practice, just remember: even elephants are doing it! 🐘🧘♀️
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 | Many versions of the pro-democracy protest anthem “Glory to Hong Kong” has been removed from various streaming and social media platforms as the Hong Kong government seeks an injunction to ban the song, as it is deemed a “threat to national security.” Read here. ⭐️ If you have time to spare, read this insane article that tries to persuade you that Hong Kong needs LESS freedom and that its citizens are childish for demanding liberty. |
 | Turkish President Erdogan has rejected international pressure to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership bid before the alliance’s meeting in July - stating that Sweden must first “do its part” before Turkey complies. Read here. |
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🌎 GLOBAL TRIVIA
Yesterday’s Answer: A White House official stated on the weekend that China has been utilizing a spy base in Cuba since at least C) 2019. This makes one wonder why this story is only surfacing now.
Q. What has Russian defense minister Shoigu been criticized for? |
“Show Respect” China Tells US
Blinken-Qin Call: On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone conversation with China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang, ahead of Blinken’s visit to Beijing on the 18th.
Although both nations expressed a willingness to improve relations, an air of tension was present in their messaging.
US’ Position: Blinken stressed “the importance of maintaining open lines of communication” to responsibly manage US-China relations to “avoid miscalculation and conflict.”
Blinken also firmly stated that the US would:
“continue to use diplomatic engagements to raise areas of concern as well as areas of potential cooperation.”
China’s Response: However, China’s tone was noticeably more aggressive and confrontational. Qin told Blinken the US should “show respect” on China’s main concerns such as the Taiwan issue.
Qin also warned the US to:
“stop interfering in China’s internal affairs […] and stop undermining China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests in the name of competition.”
Meeting Halfway: That being said, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Qin also expressed his hope that the US and China can work together to manage their differences effectively and promote communication and cooperation.
What is emboldening China to be so aggressive in its messaging?