Russia and China are moving to improve their ties as both countries seek to diminish the US role in world affairs. Both countries seek to establish their positions as great powers and have a substantial set of mutual interests. The diplomatic exchanges since the election of President Xi in China have been frequent and intense. At this stage of their alliance, however, neither country is bringing in any regional allies: China has not really cultivated much support in East or Southeast Asia, and Russia has alienated many potential allies in Europe (although there appears to be a burgeoning relationship between Russia and Europe’s right-wing parties). They are, however, quite adept at exploiting the weaknesses and shortcomings of US foreign and domestic policy.
The Indian Supreme Court has recognized transgender people as a third gender. The ruling is a landmark in the realm of human rights because of India’s prominence in world affairs, but Nepal and Bangladesh had previously recognized transgenders. Unfortunately, the same Supreme Court had reinstated laws prohibiting homosexual sex last December.
Thousands of Chinese workers have been striking at a shoe factory for about 10 days. The strike itself is not unusual–there are many strikes in China–but the size of the strike is quite large and the demands reflect a worsening labor market in China. In many respects the demands mirror many of the demands made by protesters in many other parts of the world.
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