China, Still Trying to Play Down Balloon, Finds It’s Getting Harder to Do
Beijing has accused the United States of waging “information and public opinion warfare.” But analysts say a lack of credible messaging from China is not helping.
Politics and Government
Life on the Beat for Ukraine’s Cops: The Drunk, the Disorderly and Drones
In cities dealing with bombardment and blackouts, the Patrol Police have taken a lead in trying to retain a sense of security for a traumatized public.
North Korea Urges ‘Preparedness for War’ and Displays New Missile
Analysts said the new weapon was probably a solid-fuel ICBM, which the North’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has wanted to add to his country’s growing nuclear arsenal.
Visiting U.K. and France, Zelensky Pleads for Jets and Weapons for Ukraine
In a surprise visit that started a two-day blitz of Western allies, the Ukrainian president implored Britain to provide planes he said would represent “wings of freedom.’’
Your Thursday Briefing: Frustration Mounts in Turkey
Also, Volodymyr Zelensky visits Britain and LeBron James breaks a record.
Rescue Teams in Turkey and Syria Quake Fight Weather as Deaths Top 7,700
Shoveling snow and rubble, emergency crews worked across hundreds of miles in Turkey and Syria to save people in the aftermath of the most powerful quake in the region in decades.
China Tries to Play Down Balloon Dispute With Censorship and Memes
Chinese propaganda also appears to be walking a fine line: looking tough for the crowd at home, without further derailing relations with the United States.
China’s Balloon Dispute Aims Attention at Xi’s Leadership
The flap with the United States raises concerns about how China wields its power in a climate where one wrong move could set off an accidental conflict.
The 47 Pro-Democracy Figures in Hong Kong’s Largest National Security Trial
They are the politicians, academics and activists now facing prison sentences.
Musharraf’s Legacy: A Conflicted Pakistan and a Bristling Military
The former Pakistani general and ruler, a central player in post-9/11 global tensions, ultimately lost his hold on the Pakistani public, and even on his own military establishment.