Recent news reports show the world’s superpowers flexing their muscles. China has warned foreign powers not to interfere in China’s affairs or “they will have their heads bashed against a great wall of steel”. This cartoon went viral in China:
Vladimir Putin has imprisoned his political rival, Alexei Nivalny. Iran’s new leader, Ebrahim Raisi, has resumed its ballistic missile programme. Israel is convinced that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon and is suspected of murdering Iran’s top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, using a drone strike.
One positive change in international diplomacy is the election of Joe Biden, a statesman with a reputation for clear thinking and sound principles. Japan has been encouraged by its neighbours to form an alliance against the dominance of the US and China in the region.
North Korea has finally admitted that Covid-19 has crossed its borders and China will probably come to its aid with vaccine supplies. Propaganda and the suppression of foreign influences continues to preoccupy Kim Jong-un, despite the more pressing issue of food shortages and the pandemic.
In New Zealand hate speech law is being extended, but it will still be legal to call someone a ‘Karen’.
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