Tag: diplomacy

UN chief appeals for cooperation to address ‘world in peril’

  UNITED NATIONS, United States (AFP) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Tuesday for solidarity and cooperation to address a “world in peril” at the opening of the 77th United Nations General Assembly. “We face a world in peril across our work to advance peace, human rights and sustainable development,” Guterres said, citing conflicts and climate change, a “broken global financial system,” poverty, inequality, hunger and divisions. “Addressing common challenges will require continued solidarity as […]

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US invites Mexico onboard ambitious semiconductor plan

by Daniel Rook Agence France-Presse MEXICO CITY, Mexico (AFP) — The United States on Monday invited Mexico to join a multibillion dollar push to boost semiconductor manufacturing to compete with China, during a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for high-level economic talks. Officials set aside trade tensions over Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s energy policies and focused instead on the potential benefits from cooperation in microchips and other technology. The Chips […]

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Taiwan leader confident of US trade deal

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AFP) — Taiwan is confident it can sign a trade deal with Washington, its leader told visiting US lawmakers Thursday, adding that the island “will not back down” against Chinese threats. Washington unveiled plans for formal trade talks with Taiwan in a show of support as China was staging huge military drills last month. Taiwan lives under constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims the democratically ruled island as part of […]

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Philippines seeks clemency for Filipina on death row in Indonesia

  MANILA, Philippines (AFP) — The Philippines has sought clemency for a Filipino woman on death row in Indonesia, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s press secretary said Tuesday, in the latest high-level attempt to save the drug trafficker’s life. Mary Jane Veloso was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 carrying a suitcase lined with 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds) of heroin and was later sentenced to death. The mother of two was moments away from facing the firing […]

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China’s No. 3 leader to visit Russia next week

Beijing, China (AFP) China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu will visit Russia next week, state media reported Sunday, becoming the highest-ranking Communist Party politician to travel to the country since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Beijing and Moscow have drawn closer in recent years, ramping up cooperation as part of what they call a “no limits” relationship, acting as a counterweight to the global dominance of the United States. Meanwhile, tensions between China and the West have […]

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US says latest Iran response on nuclear deal ‘not constructive’

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The United States said Thursday it had received a new response from Iran on reviving a nuclear deal but that it was not “constructive.” It is the latest in a back and forth between the adversaries via mediators from the European Union, whose foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Wednesday had hoped for a resolution within days to revive the 2015 nuclear accord. The European Union put forward on August […]

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Taiwan shoots down ‘civilian’ drone over tiny islet off China

  TAIPEI, Taiwan (AFP) — Taiwanese soldiers on a tiny islet just off China’s mainland shot down an “unidentified civilian drone” on Thursday after it entered a restricted zone, Taipei’s military said. It is the first time Taiwanese forces have downed a drone and comes at a time when tensions between Beijing and Taipei are at their highest in decades. Taiwan’s defence ministry said a small civilian drone entered a “restricted zone” above Shiyu Islet, […]

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Solomon Islands suspends all naval visits

Honiara, Solomon Islands (AFP) Solomon Islands has suspended visits from all foreign navies, citing a need to review approval processes, the country’s leader said Tuesday, after a US coast guard was unable to refuel at its port. The decision comes amid concerns over the Solomons’ growing ties with China in recent years, switching diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 2019 and signing a security pact with the Asian power in April. Western governments are […]

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France’s Macron announces ‘new page’ in Algeria ties

by Valerie LEROUX Agence France-Presse ALGIERS, Algeria (AFP) — French President Emmanuel Macron announced a “new page” in ties with Algeria on Thursday, the first day of a three-day visit aimed at mending ties with the former French colony months after it marked 60 years of independence. Macron’s office said his visit aims to “lay a foundation to rebuild and develop” a sometimes difficult relationship with the North African nation after a particularly tense few […]

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US senator lands in Taiwan for fourth political visit this month

by Amber WANG Agence France-Presse TAIPEI, Taiwan (AFP) — US Senator Marsha Blackburn landed in Taiwan late Thursday, the fourth visit by an American politician this month and a move bound to rile Beijing, which has staged huge military drills to protest such trips. Tensions between China and the United States have soared to their highest level in decades since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit triggered Beijing’s unprecedented show of force around the island earlier […]

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Former British ambassador to Myanmar detained in Yangon

A statement on the arrest of Vicky Bowman, Director of the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business: https://t.co/XibRhhSIXM pic.twitter.com/xdIQk1yhoO — Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) (@ihrb) August 25, 2022 Yangon, Myanmar (AFP) Myanmar authorities have arrested Britain’s former ambassador to the country and her husband, a prominent artist and one-time political prisoner, for allegedly violating immigration laws, the junta said on Thursday. Vicky Bowman, who served as envoy from 2002 to 2006, was detained for […]

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Washington condemns possible Russian trials of Ukrainian PoWs

Washington, United States (AFP) The United States on Wednesday condemned any Russian effort to hold tribunals for prisoners of war in the occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol, labeling the proceedings “illegitimate.” Reports surfaced this week that Moscow is considering prosecuting Ukrainian prisoners of war (PoWs) under conditions that could amount to war crimes. “The planned show trials are illegitimate and a mockery of justice, and we strongly condemn them,” US State Department spokesman Ned Price […]

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