Beijing blocks Taiwan's participation in WHO annual assembly

Today's headlines: corpses of 14 Rohingya migrants found on a Myanmar beach; four million people in northeastern Bangladesh affected by floods with dozens of casualties; Riyadh and Tehran arm their executioners with a spike in executions; Kuala Lumpur halts poultry exports; more than 2,000 people arrested in Russia  for "discrediting" armed forces; Uzbekistan strikes deal with China to by-pass Moscow. 

TAIWAN - CHINA.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has rejected a request made by Taipei to attend its annual assembly. The refusal made official yesterday comes on teh back of strong diplomatic pressure from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory. The island's foreign ministry expressed "deep regret and discontent." 

MALAYSIA

As of June 1, Kuala Lumpur plans to suspend the exportation of 3.6 million head of poultry per month and launch an investigation into speculation. The government has met with producers, to discuss subsidies and ensure continuity of supply. The decision is bound to create heavy repercussions in Singapore, Malaysia's main buyer.

SAUDI ARABIA - IRAN

Riyadh and Tehran have resumed executions reaching "disturbing peaks." This is according to Amnesty International's 2021 report, which records an increase in capital punishment compared to the first year of Covid-19. Iran recorded the largest increase, executing 314 people compared to 246 in 2020. Saudi Arabia 65, but this year in a single day already 81. 

MYANMAR

The bodies of 14 people have been found on a beach in Myanmar, washed up from the sea. According to a local group they were part of a group of dozens of Rohingya trying to reach the coast of Malaysia. Another 35 migrants and the owners of the boat were rescued and rescued. The discovery occurred in Pathein district, about 200 km west of Yangon. 

BANGLADESH

At least four million people in northeastern Bangladesh are affected by the worst flooding in 20 years, according to U.N. estimates. The Dhaka government confirms the emergency, which began last week with more than 70 percent of Sylhet district submerged by water, as well as 60 percent of Sunamganj district. Casualties number a dozen, two million in need of aid. 

RUSSIA

Since the new rule against "bringing the armed forces into disrepute" in Russia, provided for in Art. 20.3.3 of the Criminal Code, the charge has been used to arrest 2029 people. Of these, at least 352 were detained in the capital, Moscow. That is about 40 people arrested per working day.

UZBEKISTAN - CHINA

Uzbekistan is forging new agreements with China to expand the joint rail network. This is according to the recently approved document on "Uzbekistan's New Development Strategy for 2022-2026," presented in Beijing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting. Tashkent is thus moving away from dependence on Russia.

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