Global News This Week #25 | NFWorld Latest News
Global News – Partnership with South Korea | Canadian Visa Services | World Bank’s Warning | Quad Group’s Commitment | Visa Restrictions for Bangladeshi
Check out the Top 5 Prime Global News of this Week in the NFWorld Latest News Section below. In this section, you can read the weekly summary of interesting and important World News around the globe.
China’s Pledge for Enhanced Partnership with South Korea
President Xi Jinping expressed China’s eagerness to collaborate with South Korea in advancing a strategic partnership that adapts to contemporary challenges. This statement was made during a meeting with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo, held in Hangzhou, China, just before the commencement of the Asian Games, according to reports from China Central Television (CCTV).
Context of Tensions Involving Russia, the U.S., and North Korea
These discussions occurred in a context marked by heightened tensions concerning developments in Russia, the United States, and North Korea. Against this backdrop, President Xi and Prime Minister Han convened to explore avenues of cooperation.
Anticipation of Trilateral Talks
Notably, these discussions transpired in anticipation of scheduled trilateral talks involving China, Japan, and South Korea, set to take place in Seoul on September 26. These talks mark the first high-level summit among the three nations’ senior officials in four years.
President Xi’s Response to the Summit
President Xi Jinping welcomed the timing of the upcoming summit and expressed his serious consideration of a potential visit to South Korea, according to reports from Yonhap. However, it’s worth noting that the official Chinese statement did not reference Xi’s comments regarding the summit or a prospective visit to Seoul.
China’s Emphasis on South Korean Cooperation
Xi emphasized China’s strong regard for South Korea’s positive willingness to engage in cooperative efforts. He urged South Korea to meet halfway in order to uphold the trajectory of friendly cooperation between the two nations. President Xi underscored the potential for both countries to deepen mutually beneficial collaborations.
Background of Heightened Tensions
Tensions between China and South Korea escalated following North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s recent weeklong visit to Russia, a development that raised concerns in the United States, Japan, and South Korea. In response, South Korea implemented sanctions targeting ten individuals and two entities, primarily related to North Korea’s nuclear program and its involvement in weapons trade with several countries, including Russia. This announcement came from South Korea’s foreign ministry and was made on Thursday.
In summary, President Xi Jinping’s commitment to advancing a strategic partnership with South Korea, especially in the face of regional tensions involving Russia, the United States, and North Korea, underscores China’s desire for cooperative relations with its East Asian neighbour. The forthcoming trilateral talks and Xi’s potential visit to South Korea signal efforts to maintain friendly cooperation and address contemporary challenges together.
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India Suspends Canadian Visa Services Over Security Concerns
India’s Move Amid Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
India has recently suspended visa services for Canadian citizens, citing “security threats” against its diplomats in Canada. This action has further intensified the ongoing diplomatic dispute between the two nations, triggered by Canada’s accusation that India may be linked to the assassination of a Sikh separatist activist on Canadian soil.
Visa Services Suspended Until Further Notice
BLS International, the agency responsible for processing Indian visa applications in Canada, disclosed in a letter to Indian stock exchanges that visa services have been suspended indefinitely. This abrupt suspension raises concerns about the impact on travel and cross-border relations.
Canada’s Allegations of Indian Involvement in Assassination
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that Canadian authorities had been investigating “credible allegations” of potential ties between “agents of the government of India” and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh Canadian citizen. Nijjar was fatally shot by masked assailants in June, leading to a heated exchange of accusations between the two nations.
India’s Denial and Lack of Evidence
India vehemently denies any involvement in Nijjar’s death, dismissing the allegations as “absurd and motivated.” The Indian foreign ministry points out the absence of specific evidence provided by Canada to substantiate the claims of Indian involvement in the assassination. This denial has deepened the diplomatic schism between India and Canada.
Expulsions and Diplomatic Rift
In response to the allegations and escalating tensions, both India and Canada have expelled senior diplomats from each other’s countries. This tit-for-tat diplomatic response risks straining the relationship between these significant partners of the United States, potentially complicating future cooperation.
The Khalistan Connection
The slain activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was an ardent advocate for the creation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland that would include parts of India’s Punjab state. India considers the Khalistan movement a national security threat and has classified several associated groups as “terrorist organizations” under its Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Nijjar’s name was on the Home Ministry’s list of UAPA terrorists, and he had been accused of attempting to radicalize the global Sikh community in support of Khalistan.
Impact on the Sikh Community in Canada
Nijjar’s assassination outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, profoundly affected Canada’s Sikh community, one of the largest Sikh populations outside India, with over 770,000 members. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the safety and security of Sikhs in Canada.
In conclusion, the suspension of Canadian visa services by India, amidst the backdrop of diplomatic tensions and accusations, has led to a strained relationship between these two countries. The unresolved issue of Nijjar’s assassination and its potential connections to Indian government agents remains a contentious point of contention.
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World Bank’s Warning to Pakistan Ahead of General Elections
The World Bank has issued a stark warning to Pakistan in the lead-up to its general elections. The international financial institution emphasized the need for the incoming government to make crucial decisions independently. While the World Bank can offer advice based on international experiences and provide some financing, it stresses that the responsibility for making tough choices and course corrections ultimately rests with the country itself.
Vested Interests Influencing Policy
Najy Banhassine, the Country Director for the World Bank in Pakistan, highlighted the significant influence of vested interests on policy decisions. These interests encompass military, political, and business leaders, and they wield considerable power in shaping the nation’s policies.
Pakistan’s Precarious Situation
Pakistan currently teeters on the brink of a crisis, facing a critical juncture. It must decide whether to continue on its current trajectory, characterized by a large portion of the population living below the poverty line, policy decisions driven by powerful vested interests or embark on a new path towards a brighter future.
Economic Challenges and Vulnerabilities
The World Bank outlined the array of economic challenges confronting Pakistan. These include inflation, escalating electricity prices, the adverse effects of severe climate shocks, and a shortage of public resources for development and climate adaptation. Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, adding urgency to the need for effective policies.
Silent Human Capital Crisis
In addition to economic woes, Pakistan faces a “silent” human capital crisis. Alarming rates of child stunting, poor educational outcomes, and high child mortality underscore the severity of the issue. These challenges collectively hinder the nation’s progress and development.
Reversal of Poverty Reduction
The World Bank expressed deep concern over the reversal of poverty reduction efforts in Pakistan. Despite earlier successes, poverty levels have been on the rise since 2018. This troubling trend underscores the urgency of addressing structural issues within the country’s economic model.
Lagging Economic Growth and Human Development
Pakistan’s economic growth has been sluggish, with an average real per capita growth rate of just 1.7% between 2000 and 2020. This rate falls far short of South African countries’ average and lags behind comparator nations with similar economic structures. Moreover, Pakistan’s human development outcomes significantly trail those of South Asian counterparts and resemble those of many sub-Saharan African nations. This discrepancy particularly affects girls and women.
Challenges in Education and Child Health
Pakistan grapples with education challenges, including a staggering 20.3 million out-of-school children—the highest number globally. Additionally, nearly 40% of children under five years old suffer from stunted growth, indicating a pressing need for comprehensive child health and education reforms.
In summary, Pakistan faces a pivotal moment in its history, where it must choose between persisting in a state of economic and social stagnation or embracing substantial reforms to secure a brighter future for its citizens. The World Bank’s warnings underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgency of addressing these multifaceted challenges.
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Quad Group’s Commitment to Counter Maritime Disputes
During their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the foreign ministers of the Quad group—comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia—underscored their unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its manifestations. Simultaneously, they emphasized the imperative of adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) when addressing maritime claims in the South and East China Seas.
Key Participants and Joint Readout
Representing India at this significant gathering was External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who had arrived in New York to engage in a week of meetings at the annual UN event. The foreign ministers jointly issued a readout, summarizing their shared commitments on various critical matters, including those about the Indo-Pacific, counterterrorism efforts, and the situation in Ukraine.
Upholding International Law and Maritime Peace
The Quad ministers reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law and respecting principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace and security in the maritime domain—a foundation for the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. They highlighted the need for peaceful dispute resolution and the significance of UNCLOS in addressing maritime claims in both the South and East China Seas.
Emphasis on UNCLOS and Maritime Claims
The Quad group strongly emphasized the role of international law, specifically referencing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in dealing with challenges to the rules-based global maritime order. This included addressing issues related to maritime claims, encompassing the South and East China Seas. Notably, this statement echoed a similar sentiment expressed in the Quad Leaders’ joint statement from May, with the addition of the phrase “including concerning maritime claims.”
India’s Shift in Position on South China Sea Dispute
In a notable shift from its previous stance, India had, in June, called for adherence to the 2016 order of the Arbitral Tribunal. This order invalidated China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Arbitral Tribunal had been established by the provisions of UNCLOS. This change in India’s posture was highlighted in the joint statement issued following a meeting between India and the Philippines during their fifth Joint Commission on bilateral cooperation.
Combating Terrorism and Ensuring Security
Additionally, the Quad ministers reaffirmed their resolute commitment to counterterrorism efforts. This encompassed preventing the movement of terrorists across international borders, countering the networks that finance terrorism, and eliminating safe havens for terrorists.
Holistic Approach to Counterterrorism
Lastly, the Quad foreign ministers stressed the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to effectively combat terrorist activities. This approach would entail concerted efforts from both individual nations and the international community as a whole.
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U.S. Announces Visa Restrictions for Bangladeshi Nationals
The United States has revealed its intention to initiate visa restrictions for Bangladeshi individuals believed to be involved in actions that interfere with or undermine the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh. This announcement comes in the lead-up to the general elections scheduled to take place in late December or January 2024.
Bangladesh Responds to U.S. Announcement
In response to the U.S. announcement made on Friday, Bangladesh conveyed its view, characterizing the development as “unpleasant” but asserting its lack of concern, as it maintains its commitment to lawful conduct. The government of Bangladesh remains confident that it has not engaged in any wrongful actions.
U.S. State Department Statement
Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, provided details about the visa restrictions, stating that the Department is taking measures to impose these restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals who bear responsibility for or are complicit in undermining the democratic election process within Bangladesh. These restrictions extend to the immediate family members of the implicated individuals, rendering them potentially ineligible for entry into the United States.
Scope of Visa Restrictions
The visa restrictions encompass a range of individuals, including members of law enforcement agencies, representatives of the ruling party, and political opposition figures. The United States has articulated its commitment to supporting the conduct of free and fair elections in Bangladesh, with an emphasis on peaceful execution.
U.S. Commitment to Democracy in Bangladesh
Miller emphasized that this U.S. action reflects the enduring commitment of the United States to endorse Bangladesh’s objective of conducting peaceful, transparent, and equitable national elections. Moreover, the U.S. is steadfast in its support for efforts to promote democracy worldwide.
The U.S. Under Secretary’s Announcement
The U.S. Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, took to her social media account on X (formerly Twitter) to share the announcement. This revelation came shortly after her meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was attending the UN General Assembly’s annual meeting in New York.
Visa Restrictions Already Enforced
Bryan Schiller, the spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Dhaka, confirmed that visa restrictions have already been enforced against certain members of law enforcement agencies, officials from the ruling party, and activists associated with the political opposition. These measures were implemented after a careful review of the evidence against the individuals in question.
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