China to host new round of Hamas-Fatah talks but its influence ‘may be limited’
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Tuesday that China would release details of the Hamas-Fatah meeting “in due course”.
The New York Times reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet the Palestinian factions on Sunday, July 21 and again on Tuesday.
This will be the second meeting in the Chinese capital for senior officials from Hamas and Fatah, after talks in April covered political reconciliation and potential post-war governance
Like most countries that recognise Palestine, China regards the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority led by Fatah as the legitimate government.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far rejected calls to include the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in a post-war Gazan government.
China calls off arms control talks with US over weapon sales to Taiwan
China has cut off arms control and non-proliferation talks with the United States because of Washington’s arms sales to Taiwan
“China has decided to suspend talks with the US on holding a new round of arms control and non-proliferation consultations,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.
China and the US resumed their talks on arms control and nuclear non-proliferation less than a year ago following the end of Covid restrictions.
The US, legally bound by its 1979 Taiwan Relations Act to help the island protect itself, has been its top weapons supplier.
Korea likely to face higher defense cost pressure if Trump is re-elected
Korea may face renewed pressure to increase its defense-cost sharing with the United States if former President Donald Trump secures a second term
In recent months, Trump and his former aides have hinted through media interviews and speeches that Seoul should increase its contribution to the stationing of the 28,500 U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) troops stationed there.
"Taiwan should pay us for defense," Trump was quoted as saying. "You know, we're no different than an insurance company. Taiwan doesn't give us anything."
Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and engaged with Trump's key aides.
Read More At : https://m.koreatimes.co.kr/pages/article.asp?newsIdx=378847
Thailand eagerly awaits govt decision on Air Force fighter jets and submarine
For the Air Force, the major project is the procurement of a new fleet of fighter jets, costing 19.5 billion baht, to replace the ageing F-16 jets
The Air Force has only been able to procure one fleet due to economic conditions and budget constraints.
The Air Force considered 20 types of aircraft before shortlisting the F-16 Block 70/72 from the US and the Gripen E/F from Sweden
Marshal Phanpakdee Pattanakul acknowledged that he had submitted the information on both aircraft models to Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, who in turn presented it to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Therefore, the highlights to watch are the press conference on the selection of the new Air Force fighter jet fleet, which has reportedly reached a political conclusion, and the unresolved submarine issue of the Navy.
Read More At : https://www.nationthailand.com/news/politics/40039677
Former North Korean diplomat Thae Yong-ho becomes first defector named to vice-ministerial position
Thae Yong-ho, a former senior North Korean diplomat and ex-lawmaker in Seoul, was appointed secretary general of a presidential consultative body on unification
This will mark the first time a North Korean defector has been appointed to a vice ministerial position in the South Korean government.
Thae's appointment reflects President Yoon's interest in North Korean defector issues.
Malaysian Government reassessing all water agreements with Singapore
The Malaysian government is currently reassessing all existing agreements concerning the sale of raw water from the Johor River to Singapore
a fixed rate of 3 sen (SGD 0.01) per 1,000 gallons, a rate that has been in place since 1962, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Dr Mahathir highlighted that over the past 61 years (1962-2023), this water agreement has resulted in a substantial financial benefit to Singapore, which he referred to as a subsidy.
the 1962 Johor-Singapore Water Agreement agreement is set to expire in 2061.
Read More At : https://theindependent.sg/malaysian-government-reassessing-all-water-agreements-with-singapore/
News bits collected and drafted by:
Deepanjali Singh (BA IR 3rd year) (Region Head)
Gungun Thakur (BA IR 2nd year)
Published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)
