Definitely ramping up in :kkkanada: before COVID. A Huawei executive was arrested in BC at the US government's request (accused of helping Iran evade sanctions), and then two dudes named Michael were arrested in China to much outrage from neocon types. The narrative was that the Michaels were arrested in retaliation.
FWIW, I totally buy that the Michaels were arrested in retaliation, I just don't buy that they were the innocent little cherubs so many probably think they are, it's so clear to me that what happened with that was a modern spy swap with both sides desperately trying to avoid outright saying how deep those people were, and tipping hands with regards to corporate espionage.
Oh yeah I think it's likely, but yeah they were walking a very thin line trying to get everyone to care about them, and trying to show that they weren't important people at all.
Definitely ramping up in :kkkanada: before COVID. A Huawei executive was arrested in BC at the US government's request (accused of helping Iran evade sanctions), and then two dudes named Michael were arrested in China to much outrage from neocon types. The narrative was that the Michaels were arrested in retaliation.
FWIW, I totally buy that the Michaels were arrested in retaliation, I just don't buy that they were the innocent little cherubs so many probably think they are, it's so clear to me that what happened with that was a modern spy swap with both sides desperately trying to avoid outright saying how deep those people were, and tipping hands with regards to corporate espionage.
Oh yeah I think it's likely, but yeah they were walking a very thin line trying to get everyone to care about them, and trying to show that they weren't important people at all.