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Russia-Ukraine tensions
US, NATO rejects Russia's major demands on Ukraine
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/nato-open-to-more-talks-with-russia-amid-ukraine-tensions/a-60395247
Amidst rising tensions at the Russia-Ukraine border, the US rejected Russia's security demands on 26 January 2022 regarding NATO troop's deployment and Ukraine's participation. In a written response, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken backed NATO's open-door policy and participation of new members in NATO. He said, "NATO's door is open, remains open and that's our commitment."
Further, NATO and US have offered a new diplomatic path of communication, diplomacy and dialogue to Russia. Washington says it is willing to discuss arms control and confidence-building measures. In counter-response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, "President Putin would decide Russia's next steps with regards to US and NATO." Amidst this, Ukrainian and Russian delegations and senior French and German diplomats met in Paris. They agreed to continue ceasefire talks. The meeting aimed to solve the separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Early this week, US President Joe Biden has issued a warning regarding personal sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin if Russia invades Ukraine. UK, Australia and US have instructed their embassy staff from Kyiv to leave. Similarly, Germany has also warned Russia of possible sanctions on Nord Stream 2 pipeline, if it invades Ukraine.
Around 8500 US troops are on a 'heightened state of Alert', which can be possibly be deployed to Eastern Europe. Additionally, NATO allies have also kept their troops as a backup option and sent fighter jets and ships to Eastern Europe.
By Nihal Kothavale - Batch 20-22
India- Central Asian Countries Summit
The Nato-Russia Council met for the first time since 2019.
Source: http://mea.gov.in/newsdetail1.htm?9624/
On 27 January 2022, PM Narendra Modi hosted a virtual meeting between India and Central Asian countries. Presidents of the five Central Asian nations Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyz Republic, participated where leaders discussed ways for cooperation and the dynamic changes in regional security. This summit gains importance as it was held on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between countries of Central Asia and India.
PM Narendra Modi in his opening remarks stated, "Central Asia is central to India's Vision of an integrated and stable extradited neighbourhood". The Presidents of all five Central Asian countries reiterated that the strategic relations between India and Central Asian countries are deeply rooted and are based on mutual interest, shared vision and history. India-Central Asian countries agreed to setting up Joint Working Groups on Afghanistan and Chabahar port project. The leaders further agreed to work on developing constructive communication, regional development and cooperation, and strengthen relations based on mutual interest.
The first Indian- Central Asian summit represents the engagement with the Central-Asian countries as a part of the "extended neighbourhood" policy of India. This summit is also of strategic importance when the evolving security challenges are at the central stage in the region.
By Hitendra Boradey - Batch 20-22
Chinese large-scale air force incursion in Taiwan
Source: https://www.reuters.com/resizer/pOrhkbrJ8wmAkfrc9BZLfR_lUk4=/960x0/filters:quality(80)/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/LS72NNTJ7JMXDMKNPVKBJUCMNQ.jpg
On 23 January 2022, China's air force flew 39 warplanes into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), the most in a single day since October's record-breaking incursions. The incursion includes 34 fighter jets, one bomber plane, two electronic warfare planes, and two intelligence-gathering planes. They flew close to the disputed Pratas Islands and near the median line, an unofficial border across the Strait between Taiwan's main island and China. The activity has mostly taken place in the airspace southwest of the island, which is monitored by the Taiwan military.
Beijing considers Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, to be a Chinese province and has not ruled out a military takeover. The People's Liberation Army's (PLA) flights into the Strait are thought to be grey-zone tactics - war-adjacent strategies that do not meet the threshold of combat - designed to intimidate Taiwan and wear out its military by requiring constant responses.
The US is looking for ways to potentially accelerate delivery of Taiwan's next generation of new-build F-16 fighter jets, bolstering the Taiwanese air force's ability to respond to what the United States and Taiwan see as increasing intimidation by China's military. The Chinese military did not explain the missions by saying it was not a diplomatic matter, just days after U. S and Japanese navy conducted a freedom of navigation exercise near the disputed Paracel Islands.
By Priyanka Rane - Batch 20-22
Can China still be considered as a 'developing nation'?
Source: DW Akademie
Recently, concerns have been raised by many countries over China's 'developing nation' status at World Trade Organisation (WTO), due to China's rapid economic and industrial expansion. The WTO has not defined 'developed' or 'developing' nations, which means it is up to the countries to pronounce themselves as 'developed' or 'developing.' Thus, taking advantage of the same, China for long has regarded itself as "world's largest developing economy," which has emerged as a subject of concern to other emerging economies.
China's per capita income in 2020, as reported by World Bank, was $10,435 as compared to developing countries such as India ($1,928), South Sudan ($ 1,119.7), Sri Lanka ($3680.7), Indonesia ($3869.6), Kiribati ($1653.5), and many others. Growing economies believe that an upper-middle-income country like China is driving benefits unrelated to its rise, which will contribute to global inequality and impact trade negotiations in the future.
Moreover, developing countries at the WTO have special rights through 'special and differential treatment' provisions, granting them a more extended timeframe to implement agreements and explore trading opportunities. Further, they are also offered preferential treatment. China has taken advantage of preferential treatment for state-owned enterprises, imposed data restrictions, and insufficiently enforced intellectual property rights.
In opposition, few European countries, the United States, India, and Australia, have called upon China to show leadership and refrain from claiming the benefits of developing countries. In response, China said it could waive tax exemptions available to developing countries in negotiations to diminish fishery subsidies to curb overfishing.
By Vani Sharma - Batch 20-22
Houthi held Yemen targets Saudi-led coalition with drones and missiles
Saudi-Led Airstrikes Kill Scores at a Prison in Yemen
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/21/world/middleeast/yemen-saudi-arabia-airstrike.html
24 January 2022 saw the sky over Abu Dhabi lit up with the points of light later revealed as interceptor missiles launched to intercept missile and drone attacks from the rebel-held Yemen. 24 January 2022 followed the trend of 17 January 2022 when one of the deadliest drone and missile attacks over Abu Dhabi claimed the lives of three civilians.
In the past two weeks, the daring attacks from the rebel-held Yemen targeted critical infrastructure from airports to oil fields. The Saudi-led coalition launched missile attacks in Saada and Hodeidah, killing eighty people, including three children, in retaliation. The exchange further escalated after the group carried out multiple attacks against UAE and Saudi Arabia. The group targeted important locations in Dubai and Dhafra airbase in Abu Dhabi, destroying multiple workshops vehicles in the southern part of Saudi Arabia. The United States Central Command also engaged missiles near Al Dhafra airbase hosting 2,000 American service members.
The United Nations have called out for 'prompt investigation' to ensure accountability. The humanitarian situation remains worse, pushing thousands to the brink of famine, but rebel-held Yemen continues to match escalation with escalation.
By Anirban Dutta - Batch 20-22