High alert in Taipei for 'waves' of Chinese missile tests

Today's news: partial IDF withdrawal from Gaza after a week-long offensive; Kathmandu towards new coalition government following parliamentary no-confidence vote for K.P. Sharma Oli; Thailand increases visa-free countries to 93 to boost tourism (and trade); 'Wandering' monk Thich Minh Tue reappears after a month.

TAIWAN - CHINA
Taiwan's Defence Ministry is closely monitoring the 'waves' of missile tests taking place in Inner Mongolia, northern China, and its air defence forces are on a state of alert. Beijing declined to comment. The Rocket Force, which carried out the test, is responsible for China's conventional and nuclear missile arsenal.

ISRAEL - PALESTINE
During the night, the Israeli army (IDF) withdrew from several neighbourhoods in Gaza City after a week-long fierce military offensive that left dozens dead, destroyed houses and temporarily closed several facilities including the Anglican hospital. Meanwhile, the Ataba mediation, supported by Washington, continues to try to reach a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

NEPAL
Kathmandu is set to form a new coalition government led by K.P. Sharma Oli, after the executive of the more radical Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal lost a confidence vote yesterday. The assembly ends a tumultuous 20-month term. Since the abolition of the monarchy after 239 years in 2008, Nepal has experienced great instability. The next one will be the 14th government in 16 years.

THAILAND
To boost tourism (and trade), Bangkok will allow visa-free entry to people from 93 countries or territories from 15 July, a substantial increase from the current 57. In addition, visitors will be allowed to stay for up to 60 days. Foreign arrivals in 2024 increased by 35% compared to the same period in 2023, with revenue of USD 31.8 billion.

IRAQ
The Inspectorate of Antiquities and Heritage of Nineveh announced the start of restoration work on theancient wall of Nineveh, one of Mosul's landmark monuments, with a view to its inclusion on the Unesco World Heritage List. Once completed, it will be 200 metres long and seven metres high. It is part of the ancient city of Nineveh, capital of the ancient Assyrian empire, and is an important tourist site.

VIETNAM
The 'wandering' Buddhist monk Thich Minh Tue, 43, has reappeared after disappearing from sight for almost a month, after the police had 'interrupted' his walk. The religious leader, not recognised by the government, is seen walking - in an unidentified location - together with his younger brother in a video that immediately went viral on social networks in Vietnam.

RUSSIA - ORTHODOX
More than 40 Orthodox priests have already lost their jobs in the last period for refusing to recite the prayer for Russia's victory in the war in Ukraine. The last two in the past few days: they are Father Vadim Perminov of Novosibirsk, a father of five who nevertheless remained in Russia, and Father Andrej Drugaj of Krasnodar, who has repaired abroad.

ARMENIA
Against the background of the many discussions on true patriotism, the government in Yerevan has decided to replace the school subject of 'History of the Armenian People' with 'History of Armenia'. Behind the decision is the fact that 'at the centre of social life there must be the really existing state and not interpretative theories of history', as Prime Minister Nikol Pašinyan put it.