Beijing accuses the USA of ‘coercion’ as Panama abandons the Silk Road

Today's news: Pyongyang, nuclear weapons are needed ‘in combat’, they are not a bargaining chip; Today the release of three more Israeli hostages held by Hamas, the truce in Gaza holds; UNHCR: since September 2023 Islamabad has expelled over 825 thousand Afghan migrants; Kuala Lumpur withdraws controversial regulation with guidelines for Muslims participating in ‘non-Islamic’ events.

CHINA - PANAMA

Beijing has accused the United States of ‘coercion’ after Panama refused to renew a key infrastructure agreement with China, signed as part of the ‘Silk Road’ development plans, due to the US threat to ‘take back’ the Canal. The Foreign Ministry spokesman said that China ‘firmly opposes’ US policies that defame and undermine cooperation ‘through means of pressure and coercion’.

NORTH KOREA - JAPAN - USA

Pyongyang has declared that nuclear weapons are not for negotiation, but for use in combat against enemies that threaten the people and peace. This follows the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the White House yesterday, in which the two leaders guaranteed their commitment to put an end to North Korea's nuclear programme. The KCNA agency didn't mention the summit, but reported comments by NATO and the EU calling for the complete denuclearisation of North Korea.

ISRAEL - PALESTINE

Preparations are underway in the hostage square in Tel Aviv for the release of three more Israeli prisoners by Hamas, scheduled for today at 10am local time. This is the fifth round of releases since the signing of the ceasefire agreement - which seems to be holding - between the Jewish state and the extremist movement that controls Gaza. In the city of Deir al-Balah, in the centre of the Strip, masked fighters are gathering around the stage in preparation. Ohad Ben Ami and Eli Sharabi were seized from Kibbutz Be'eri, while Or Levy was among the participants at the Nova festival.

PAKISTAN - AFGHANISTAN

Islamabad has expelled more than 825,600 migrant Afghans since September 2023 as part of the ‘Illegal Alien Repatriation Plan’. This was stated by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in a report published yesterday, which expresses ‘widespread international concern’ about the forced deportations. Arrests in the capital and Rawalpindi have increased in recent weeks, including individuals with valid United Nations refugee documents and Pakistani residence permits.

MALAYSIA

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has withdrawn the controversial proposal to issue guidelines for Muslims attending ‘non-Islamic’ events, including weddings and funerals. The controversy had flared up after the Ministry of Islamic Affairs had announced guidelines on the subject. The organisers would have had to ask for permission from the authorities and the opinion of Islamic leaders, and ensure that there were no elements that might offend Muslim sensibilities, such as songs or speeches with a religious content. The proposal had triggered a strong reaction from public opinion.

TURKEY

Since 14 January over 100 people have died from poisoning by ‘homemade’ alcohol in Ankara (at least 33) and Istanbul (over 70). Another 230 people were hospitalised, at least 40 of whom are in critical condition. The price of alcoholic beverages has skyrocketed in recent years due to the heavy taxes imposed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Islamic AKP party.

RUSSIA

Vladimir Putin has replaced the director of the state space company Roskosmos, 68-year-old Jurij Borisov, who had been at the helm since 2022, with 39-year-old Dmitrij Bakanov, deputy minister of transport, for ‘simple rotation’. Borisov came from the general military industry; Bakanov specialises in the military use of satellite systems, to convert space activities to defence needs.

ARMENIA - INDIA

The Armenian Vice-Minister of Tourism, Lusine Gevorgyan, met the Indian ambassador in Erevan, Nilakshi Saha Singhi. The discussion centred on tourist visa policy between the two countries and air links, with the intention of developing collaboration in this sector and organising Indian cultural events in Armenia, including a film festival.

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