In a statement for Social Justice Week, the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism. The Bondi Beach massacre was a sign of an ominous escalation of hatred. Pauline Hanson, a populist anti-Asian immigration militant, represents a worrying escalation.
Xi’s tour of the region began yesterday. One stop included the virtual inauguration of Chancay Port, a key trade hub between China and the region. His aim is to boost cooperation and multilateralism. Donald Trump's return to the White House is a challenge for the future.
For the Israeli activist, who mediated the release of Gilad Shalit after five years of Hamas captivity, Israel’s prime minister is using antisemitism to cover up domestic scandals and exploiting the war for his own self-interest. He also criticises the Palestinian side, which must prepare the ground for elections postponed for far too long. Qatar's step back should be used to restart negotiations.
Trump shows a more aggressive and isolationist approach, Harris is more prudent and inclined to stability. Towards Beijing, a desire to protect national interests prevails on the US side. Over the years, China has softened the tone of ‘wolf-warrior diplomacy’. And it is looking ahead to the 5 November vote without officially exposing itself, although it seems to be betting on the Democratic candidate.
The US envoy met with Israeli and Lebanese officials in an attempt to ease tensions. The IDF strikes southern Lebanon, while preparing attack plans. US President Biden is worried about a widening conflict. Israeli overflight of Lebanon’s airspace and the disputed Shebaa Farms and the hills area near Kfarchouba are unresolved issues in the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.
A report by the United States Institute of Peace highlights the danger. Since 2021, the growing influence of criminal groups has affected individuals and the national security of individual states. For experts, more coordination between Beijing and Washington is needed. Such criminal networks have a turnover of US$ 64 billion.
Today's news: Vietnam convokes an extraordinary session of parliament; Beijing rewards the Burmese junta crackdown with a medal and money; Turkish Airlines resumes connections with Afghanistan, four flights a week between Istanbul and Kabul; First two phases of marathon election in India record lower turnout for 2019 Lok Sabha vote
Today's news: The Afghan Taliban launch a nationwide anti-polio campaign; US court sentences Chinese student to prison for stalking threats against compatriot 'pro-democracy' campaigner; Casualties and new school closures due to heat wave in India and Bangladesh; Another two-year sentence for Thai activist in prison for lese majesty.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said he was "hopeful" that an agreement could be reached after recent discussions with his Chinese counterpart. The number of Chinese crossing the border between Mexico and the United States has a reached record high in recent years. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ended her visit to China to reset economic relations.
The geopolitical confrontation between the United States and China is having serious repercussions on academic research. The number of Chinese students enrolled in US universities is down for the fourth year in a row. Many projects in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantum computing are dual use and can be exploited by the military.
For US authorities, Iranian Christians are no longer eligible under a resettlement plan introduced last year. For advocacy groups, this is a controversial and "traumatic” decision since the Islamic Republic remains a Country of Particular Concern in terms of religious freedom.
The ruling by the Supreme Court upholds lower court decisions requiring Japanese companies to compensate workers or their families for forced labour during Japan’s colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula. This weakens the Japan-South Korea agreement of March 2023 setting up a voluntary compensation fund. A painful shared past still weighs heavily on the rapprochement between the two countries, with major security implications over North Korea.
After Canada, the United States has released information suggesting that Indian officials and Indian national are involved in plots to kill activists fighting for the creation of Khalistan, an independent state for Sikhs. Indian PM Modi responded recently to the allegations using cautious tones, but also highlighting the growing radicalisation of the Sikh diaspora. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a key figure.
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