Diplomacy24

It did not take too long for China to respond to Australia’s calls for investigation in its role in coronavirus pandemic. Beijing as a retaliation to the recent developments has targeted Australia’s exports. Soon after the rumblings of investigations started against China at a global stage, Australia is facing the retaliation of Beijing. In late April, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne was vocal and called for the investigation. In a response few days later, China’s Ambassador to Australia Chen Jingye indicated towards the boycott by Chinese people . He said in an interview to Australian Financial Review, “Maybe the Chinese people will say ‘Why should we drink Australian wine? Eat Australian beef?’”

Former UK Prime minister Winston Churchill once remarkably said: “Never let a good crisis go waste”. The Coronavirus outbreak has turned the world upside down, impacting the discourse over what should be the biggest political story of the year as well. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic can be constituted as a unique opportunity for the political leaders in North America to shift public opinion. From field tactics to fundraising, the facets of political campaigning are significantly changing amid the pandemic struggle in North America. Historically, not only a crisis has been viewed as a crucial priority for the welfare of the citizens, but it also proposed great political opportunities for the leaders. As suggested by former US President John F Kennedy, out of crises can emerge new and incredible opportunities, specifically if conventional approaches are challenged or not available. Read More...

With international anger and opposition rising against the China’s oppressive law imposition in Hong Kong, Trump administration is galvanizing the situation to rally allies behind Washington’s aggressive approach towards Beijing. China is trying to impose an anti-sedition law on Hong Kong, thereby showcasing its aggression towards the country in an attempt to violate its human rights. U.S. government led by President Donald Trump is eyeing this as a perfect opportunity to recruit countries against China that were earlier hesitant to do so.  Read More....

After months of street protests, Hong Kong is becoming unprecedently “color-coded”. Shops and restaurants are being labeled as either ‘yellow’ to show support to the pro-democracy movement or ‘blue’ in support of the police and government establishments. Hong residents have termed the pro-democracy campaign by the restaurants and other businesses as part of the “yellow economic circle” – an informal association of thousands of businesses and retailers supporting the protest movement against the anti-extradition bill. It is being visualized as a peaceful means for people to extend support to the protest movement amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Read More...