Junta will jail opponents of Myanmar's “democratic elections”

Today's headlines: US-South Korea agreement on 15% tariffs on imports from Seoul; Taiwan has announced the procurement of 50,000 new drones for defence; Jordanian and Emirate Armed Forces, parachute 73 tonnes of aid into Gaza; Sotheby's auction house returns sacred jewels believed to be linked to Buddha to India.

MYANMAR

The coup military junta has announced that it has enacted a new law providing for prison for those who oppose the electoral process. The junta, which seized power in 2021, triggering a widespread civil war, is presenting the elections scheduled for the end of the year as a path to peace. Opposition groups, including democratically elected parliamentarians, and analysts have called them a sham to consolidate power. The “Law on the Protection of Multi-Party Democratic Elections from Obstruction, Disorder and Destruction” was enacted on 29 July.

UNITED STATES - SOUTH KOREA

Trump has said that the United States will impose a 15% tariff on imports from South Korea. This is a reduction from the threatened 25% tariff. an agreement that eases tensions with a top ten trading partner - a major exporter of microchips, cars and steel - and a key ally in Asia. The deal, announced after a meeting between Trump and South Korean officials, comes at a time of intense trade talks ahead of the 1 August deadline for higher tariffs on a range of countries.

TAIWAN

Taiwan has announced a major procurement initiative for more than 50,000 additional unmanned aerial systems (UAS); it is one of the largest drone acquisitions in the country's history. Combined with the recent order from the Ministry of National Defence for nearly 49,000 units, the total exceeds 100,000 drones, ensuring the domestic industry's production capacity for at least five years. Taipei believes that drones could be crucial in repelling China if its forces attempt to invade the island.

GAZA - JORDAN - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Israeli attacks have killed at least 71 Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid amid a deep hunger crisis in Gaza. The Jordanian Armed Forces, together with the United Arab Emirates Air Force, parachuted a total of 16 tonnes of food and powdered milk for infants into various areas of the Gaza Strip. The amount of aid delivered in recent days has risen to around 73 tonnes. To date, Jordan has carried out 130 independent air drops, in addition to 270 drops in coordination with allied and friendly countries, as part of a large humanitarian air bridge to Gaza.

INDIA

Sotheby's auction house has returned to India a group of sacred jewels believed to be linked to the remains of the Buddha, following mounting pressure from the Indian government and Buddhist leaders worldwide. The Piprahwa Jewels - described as one of the most extraordinary discoveries of the modern era - were due to be auctioned in Hong Kong in May. However, the sale was cancelled following diplomatic intervention and threats of legal action by New Delhi. Sotheby's said it was “delighted” to have facilitated the return; the relics will now be permanently displayed to the public in India.

RUSSIA - UKRAINE

Around Moscow's Great Ring Road, more and more watchtowers and anti-aircraft defences are being built against Ukrainian drones threatening the capital, with a parallel concrete road connecting them and transporting missiles and other countermeasures around the Soviet-era anti-NATO positions, now known as the “Sauron Ring”.

ARMENIA

Armenian police reported that on Vardavar Day on 27 July, the day of the Transfiguration when people pour water on each other and immerse themselves in pools, 500 reports were filed for offences and excesses, particularly at rivers and lakes with “forced dives”, but fortunately there were “only two cases of drowning”.

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