Ultralight aircraft crashes into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper
Today’s headlines: US targets Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel and Lebanon sign their first agreement; Prime Minister Modi vists Seychelles to strengthen ties between India and the archipelago; In Malaysia, campaigning underway in tightly watched Johor elections; Even the Japanese art of skipping stones across water has its world champion.
CHINA/1
A small ultralight aircraft crashed yesterday into the CITIC Tower, Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, standing at 528 metres. Witnesses reported seeing debris from the aircraft at the foot of the building, whilst AFP journalists noted a hole in the glass of an upper floor. Footage shot in the area shows firefighters extinguishing small blazes and what appears to be part of the aircraft on the ground. The area was quickly cordoned off by police and ambulances, whilst officers prevented onlookers from photographing the scene and did not issue any official statements. Several witnesses expressed astonishment at the incident: in Beijing, where airspace is subject to strict controls, further restrictions on drone flights and temporary limitations on civil aviation in certain areas have been introduced in recent months, on the grounds of public safety.
CHINA/2
The Beijing authorities have removed from office a further 13 deputies of the National People’s Congress, including six senior military officers, the former head of the financial regulatory authority and the former Party chief in Xinjiang. The announcement was made by the state news agency Xinhua, without providing any official reasons. These most recent dismissals mark the latest development in the wide-ranging anti-corruption campaign launched by President Xi Jinping, which in recent years has led to the investigation, removal or purging of numerous senior civil servants and military leaders.
MIDDLE EAST
US armed forces carried out strikes on Iraqi territory last night, stating that they had responded to an Iranian drone attack on a merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command reported that it had struck missile and drone depots and coastal radar sites, announcing the conclusion of the operation. Tehran confirmed an attack in the area of the port of Sirik and stated that it had retaliated by striking US military targets in the region, without providing details. The exchange of fire around Hormuz comes as signs of détente emerge on the Lebanese front: Israel and Lebanon have signed a preliminary agreement in Washington to end the fighting, which provides for an initial partial withdrawal of Israeli troops. Hezbollah, however, has rejected the agreement and refuses to cooperate.
INDIA-SEYCHELLES
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the Seychelles, where he is attending the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of independence as a guest of honour. The visit highlights the growing strategic importance of the western Indian Ocean for New Delhi: over recent decades, India has funded infrastructure, renewable energy projects, digitalisation and vocational training in the Seychelles. The archipelago, home to 15,000 people of Indian origin and boasting an extensive exclusive economic zone of 1.3 million square kilometres, is considered a key partner in India’s maritime strategy. During the visit, Modi will hand over a patrol vessel to the local coastguard, consolidating cooperation that already includes surveillance aircraft, joint military exercises and efforts to combat piracy, drug trafficking and illegal fishing.
MALAYSIA
In Malaysia, the election campaign has begun for the Johor state elections, scheduled for 11 July, the outcome of which will also be significant for the national political balance. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN), and the main opposition bloc, Pakatan Harapan (PH), are fielding candidates in all 56 constituencies, whilst Perikatan Nasional (PN) is fielding candidates in only 33. This decision reflects internal tensions, but according to analysts, PN’s absence in 23 constituencies could benefit BN by preventing the fragmentation of the Malaysian electorate’s vote.
JAPAN
Even ‘mizukiri’, the Japanese art of skipping stones across water, has its own ‘world champion’. This is the title held by Keisuke Hashimoto, a 34-year-old resident of Tochigi Prefecture. Hashimoto has won major competitions in Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom, describing himself as the only champion capable of triumphing in the three main international tournaments. He trains along the River Arakawa, where he carefully selects flat, smooth stones. His technique is based on rotating his torso, transferring power from his hips to his forearm, and throwing the stone at an angle of around 20 degrees to the water’s surface. His personal best is 64 skips. In competitions, the distance covered and the elegance of the stone’s trajectory are judged alongside the number of skips.
UZBEKISTAN
In Uzbekistan, a list of corruption offences has been drawn up, for which a specific definition will be introduced into the Criminal Code. The list includes the bribery of public and private sector employees, as well as specific offences relating to embezzlement, fraud and other crimes. The document also provides for the creation of an electronic register of individuals found guilty of corruption offences; those included in the register will be barred from holding public office, receiving state awards and will be subject to other restrictions.
.png)
