Abu Dhabi’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Appoints Former JD.com Executive for China Expansion Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, has hired Sally Zhou, a former senior executive at Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, to lead its expansion into China. Zhou will serve as Mubadala’s Head of Greater China, overseeing the fund’s investments and partnerships in the region. She brings over 15 years of experience in the Chinese technology and investment sectors, having previously held senior roles at JD.com, Baidu, and Goldman Sachs. Mubadala has been actively investing in China since 2008, with current investments spanning sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy. The appointment of Zhou is a strategic move to bolster the fund’s presence in the region and capitalize on the significant growth opportunities it offers. China’s technology sector is particularly attractive to Mubadala. The country is the world’s largest e-commerce market and has a rapidly growing digital economy. By tapping into Zhou’s expertise and network, Mubadala aims to identify and invest in innovative Chinese technology companies. “We are thrilled to welcome Sally to our team,” said Khaled Al Qubaisi, CEO of Real Estate and Infrastructure at Mubadala. “Her deep understanding of the Chinese market and proven track record in technology investments will be instrumental in driving our growth in this key region.” Zhou’s appointment is part of Mubadala’s broader strategy to diversify its global portfolio and tap into emerging markets. The fund has recently made significant investments in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, and is committed to expanding its footprint in high-growth regions like China.North Korea and Russia Strengthen Military Alliance, Threatening South Korea and Potentially Altering Ukraine SupportNorth Korea and Russia Strengthen Military Alliance, Threatening South Korea and Potentially Altering Ukraine Support South Korea has vehemently condemned the newly signed military pact between North Korea and Russia, describing it as a threat to Seoul’s security and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. This strong reaction has raised concerns about South Korea’s future support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion. According to the agreement, North Korea and Russia have committed to providing “military and other assistance with all means in its possession without delay” if either side is attacked by “an individual state or several states.” While the deal carefully avoids implying automatic military intervention, experts view it as a significant expansion of cooperation between the two countries. South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has slammed the agreement, stating that it “absurdly” assumes a preemptive attack by the international community that will never occur. He has also expressed concern over Russia’s decision to support North Korea, a country actively engaged in conflict and facing international sanctions. In response to the deal, South Korea has stated that it will reconsider its position on providing Ukraine with weapons. Previously, Seoul had only provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine, adhering to its long-standing policy of not supplying arms to countries actively engaged in conflict. Experts believe the agreement is a major victory for Russia, as it secures North Korea’s support in the Ukraine war. However, the wording of the deal allows Moscow to avoid providing assistance to North Korea in border clashes or future skirmishes if it chooses to do so. The military pact between North Korea and Russia has created a dilemma for South Korea and has the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape in the region.Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company, the emirate’s sovereign wealth fund, has appointed former JD.com executive Jianhang Yu to lead its China operations. Yu, who was previously JD.com’s chief strategy officer, will be responsible for overseeing Mubadala’s investments and partnerships in China. Mubadala has been actively investing in China for over a decade and has a portfolio of investments across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and infrastructure. The appointment of Yu is seen as a strategic move by Mubadala to strengthen its presence in China and to capitalize on the country’s growing economic opportunities. Yu brings to Mubadala a wealth of experience in the Chinese market and has a deep understanding of the country’s technology landscape. His appointment is expected to help Mubadala identify and execute new investment opportunities in China and to further strengthen its relationships with Chinese companies. Mubadala’s investment in China is part of its broader strategy to diversify its portfolio and to invest in high-growth markets. The fund has been actively investing in other emerging markets, including India, Brazil, and Africa. The appointment of Yu is a testament to Mubadala’s commitment to China and to its belief in the country’s long-term growth potential.