Inside the Telegram ‘drug rape’ chat group that shocked Germany The men, who drugged and secretly filmed their victims, were members of an online gang targeting mainly women of Chinese heritage The Guardian - UK · Jul 6
Australia and Fiji seal a new mutual defense pact in a push to counter China in the Pacific Australia and Fiji have signed a new bilateral defense alliance in a second major diplomatic win within a year for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese against Chinese influence in the South Pacific The Independent UK · Jul 6
One tycoon makes millions from 'dark' journeys on a dangerous oil route while others feared Hormuz Amidst the Persian Gulf war, the UAE secretly navigated its oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz using 'dark' ship transits. Korean shipping tycoon Ga-Hyun Chung's Sinokor Group played a pivotal role, leasing a significant portion of vessels for these risky "shuttle runs." This covert operation allowed the UAE to… The Economic Times · Jul 6
Australia and Fiji sign surprise defence alliance amid push to limit China’s influence in the Pacific The Ocean of Peace Alliance says the nations will ‘act to meet the common danger’ in the event either country is attacked The Guardian - AU · Jul 6
Iran exploring oil sales to Japan, buyers seek longer sanctions waiver, sources say Iran is currently in discussions with Japanese companies regarding the potential resumption of oil sales, backed by a U.S. sanctions waiver that expires on August 21. Purchasers are advocating for a longer waiver and enhanced protections for shipping, following troubling occurrences in the Strait of Hormuz. Initial conversations are taking… The Economic Times · Jul 6
Uyghur groups escalate global campaign against China's Ethnic Unity Law China's newly enacted Ethnic Unity Law has provoked significant global advocacy from Uyghur communities. The World Uyghur Congress is mobilizing support from European and Japanese policymakers to address urgent issues of cultural repression and forced assimilation. Recent delegations have engaged with officials in Sweden and participated in the World Congress… The Times of India · Jul 5
Taiwan brings back 'anti-communist' classes after 25 years amid rising China tensions Taiwan has revived "anti-communist" patriotic classes for military graduates after a 25-year hiatus, citing escalating threats from China. This move aims to instill a clear understanding of national security and the military's purpose. The announcement coincides with a surge in Chinese naval activity around the island, with over 110 vessels… The Times of India · Jul 5
Chinese pastor released from prison weeks after Trump raised case with Xi Jinping Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, leader of Beijing’s underground Zion Church, reunites with his family after his release from detention The Independent UK · Jul 5
Taiwan military resumes 'anti-communist' classes for graduates, citing Chinese threat Taiwan has revived "anti-communist" patriotic classes for its military graduates after a 25-year hiatus, citing escalating threats from China. The defence ministry emphasized the need for graduates to understand national security dangers and their mission. This move follows a record surge in Chinese naval activity near the island, which Beijing… The Economic Times · Jul 5
India-UK CETA is more than a trade deal—it is a blueprint for a strategic partnership India and Britain's landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) officially begins July 15, aiming to double bilateral trade to $112 billion by 2030. This ambitious pact extends beyond traditional trade, establishing rules for the digital economy, intellectual property, and services. It fosters collaboration in cutting-edge sectors like AI and… The Economic Times · Jul 5
Xi Jinping says ready to work with Kim Jong Un for 'long-term, sound and stable' China-North Korea ties Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed readiness to work with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to foster long-term, stable bilateral ties. This comes amid escalating regional tensions and Pyongyang's deepening military collaboration with Russia. Xi's message, in response to Kim's congratulatory note, highlighted the historical bond and commitment to… The Times of India · Jul 5
Founder of prominent underground church released from prison in China Ezra Jin, founder of Zion Church, lands in the US and reunites with family who are ‘overwhelmed with joy’ The Guardian - UK · Jul 5
Albanese touches down in Fiji ahead of new Pacific deal The prime minister has reached the first stop of his Pacific tour, receiving a warm welcome in Fiji after arriving to ink a major security deal. AAP · Jul 4
Xi Jinping promotes new generals after anti-corruption crackdown shakes up military One of the newly appointed generals will lead the military’s anti-corruption watchdog while the other will command the air force The Independent UK · Jul 4
The Times of India · Jul 4 China's Xi Jinping promotes two PLA generals after anti-corruption purge thins top military ranks China's leader, Xi Jinping, has made notable advancements by promoting two military officials to generals, marking a pivotal change in the People's Liberation Army's hierarchy. Following rigorous anti-corruption efforts that reshaped the leadership structure, these promotions are essential for restoring loyalty and filling key positions within the Central Military Commission,…
The Economic Times · Jul 4 Modi in Indonesia: India forming a strategic BrahMos belt India's potential BrahMos missile deal with Indonesia could forge a significant coastal defence network across Southeast Asia. This growing 'BrahMos belt,' already including the Philippines and Vietnam, offers regional powers a potent deterrent against China's maritime assertiveness. As US security assurances waver, these missile deployments provide a crucial, independent defence…
The Economic Times · Jul 4 Indian envoy to China rejects comparison with Pakistan on West Asia mediation India's envoy to China, Vikram Doraiswami, firmly rejected any comparison with Pakistan over West Asia's mediation roles, attributing it to distinct economic realities. He advocated for autonomous assessments of mediation's benefits to national interests. Doraiswami highlighted India's active participation in global peace initiatives, acknowledging parallels with China's positions on recent…
The Guardian - AU · Jul 4 Ukraine war briefing: Germany calls reports Russian soldiers are being trained in China ‘deeply disturbing’ German foreign ministry says anything that enables Russia to continue its war of aggression against Ukraine represents a ‘threat’ to Germany’s security. What we know on day 1,592
The Economic Times · Jul 4 India recalibrates Teesta approach as Bangladesh, China draw closer; affirms 'mutually agreed roadmap' India has stated its development aid for Bangladesh is guided by a "mutually agreed roadmap," emphasizing that all "related developments" will be considered regarding the Teesta river project. This comes as Bangladesh and China discuss a river management initiative, a move India is closely monitoring. New Delhi also acknowledged paying…
The Economic Times · Jul 4 India pushes to upgrade ASEAN FTA, advances talks on CECA with Australia India is actively engaged in upgrading its trade agreements with ASEAN partners, aiming to liberalize the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement. Simultaneously, New Delhi is progressing towards a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement with Australia. These efforts underscore India's commitment to strengthening economic ties across the region, with Prime Minister Modi's…
International Business Times UK · Jul 3 Tibetan Man Dies After Setting Himself on Fire Outside UN To Protest China's Control Over Ethnic Minorities A Tibetan activist died outside the United Nations headquarters in New York after setting himself on fire to protest China's newly enacted Ethnic Unity Law.
The Times of India · Jul 3 'Teetering on the brink of failure': Ex-Singapore diplomat's blunt warning for Pakistan A former senior Singapore diplomat has delivered a stark assessment of Pakistan's future, warning that the country remains "teetering on the brink of failure" despite recent diplomatic gains.
The Economic Times · Jul 3 China plans next Pakistan-like CPEC corridor in India's neighbourhood. This time it runs through Bangladesh and Myanmar China is forging a new economic corridor linking Bangladesh and Myanmar, offering a strategic route to the Bay of Bengal and mirroring the CPEC's impact on India's western flank. This initiative, discussed during Bangladesh's Tarique Rahman's visit to China, aims to enhance transport links and deepen political and military ties,…
The Economic Times · Jul 3 India-Japan ties should not target third party: China on Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's visit to Delhi China has voiced concerns over bilateral cooperation that could target third parties, following India and Japan's announcement of landmark initiatives including economic and defense pacts. Beijing emphasized that such partnerships should foster regional understanding and stability, not division. The joint statement also expressed worry over the East and South China…
The Times of India · Jul 3 Self-immolation outside UN draws fresh attention to Tibet A Tibetan activist's self-immolation outside the UN headquarters in New York has reignited global attention on Tibet's human rights crisis. Lobga Rangzen's desperate act, protesting Chinese rule and new assimilation laws, highlights the fading international focus on the issue. This tragic event, occurring after over 150 similar protests in Tibet,…