From evacuations to expulsions, a major diplomatic crisis is unfolding between China and Canada. The roots of this recent escalation can be traced back to 2021 when Canada's intelligence agency prepared a report on Chinese influence in Canada. This report detailed the targeting of opposition MP Michael Chong, who had criticized China's Uighur crackdown and sponsored a motion declaring it a genocide. Beijing responded by putting diplomat Zao Wei on the job to find information about Chong's family in China, using intimidation tactics to make an example of him. However, it was only when Canadian media accessed this report that Trudeau's government came under pressure to confront China's meddling. Finally, after two years of tolerating foreign interference, Trudeau expelled the Chinese diplomat, triggering Beijing's retaliation.
China's strategy is to first target people of Chinese ancestry and then intimidate them by threatening their family back home in China. They have used this tactic through intimidation and cultural outreach groups to control Chinese Canadians. But Trudeau must remember that Chinese Canadians are loyal to Canada, not China. His crackdown on Chinese meddling should not turn racist, as it could alienate the Chinese community in Canada, which is what Beijing is banking on.
Meanwhile, China is conducting an anti-spy crackdown on foreign consultancy firms, including US-based Mints Group and Shanghai-based Cap Vision Partners. The government is conducting raids on their offices in China, with three publicized so far, citing national security reasons. This aggressive behavior towards international businesses does not bode well for China's attempts to bring them back after years of lockdown. Companies may start reconsidering whether they want to deal with China's Draconian antics.
In Italy, a pasta crisis is brewing, with prices surging almost twice as much as the country's inflation rate. This crisis has been caused by agricultural losses of around $2 billion, creating a dire situation for Italian farmers. With pasta being a staple for Italian families and about 61% of pasta produced in Italy being exported, this crisis is affecting not just Italy but also the rest of the world.
In Pakistan, the country faces a cash crisis and could soon default. With inflation already at 36.4%, higher than that of Sri Lanka which defaulted last year, a bailout from the IMF is no longer an option. Pakistan is now left with few options, including fulfilling the IMF's conditions, pleading with Qatar or Saudi Arabia for financing, or looking to China. However, none of these options address the root cause of Pakistan's problems, a broken system with toothless civilian leadership, obsession with India by military leadership, and opposition on the streets.
Imran Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, has been officially arrested over misappropriating funds and grabbing land meant for the al-Qaeda University. With his supporters flooding the streets, his arrest has become a major issue, especially since he has accused Pakistan's military of trying to assassinate him. There are concerns of further violence and a possible major crisis if his supporters go on a rampage.
Finally, today marks the significant day of Victory Day for Russia, commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. However, there are email exchanges from within the BBC discussing the risk of violating Indian laws and suggestions for upcoming documentaries on colonial loot, outdated monarchy, and racism in 2023. While freedom of speech is important, it does not give anyone a free pass to knowingly violate the law. Geopolitics works by countries working together towards their interests, such as America supporting India because it needs India's support in return.
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