by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | military, news, politics, sports, weapons
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) carried out military drills around Taiwan for another day, with exercises taking place in both central and southern parts of the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the People’s Liberation Army carried out drills in the central and southern sections of the Taiwan Strait.
The spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command, Senior Colonel Shi Yi from the army, stated that the “Strait Thunder-2025A” exercises concentrate on missions including validation and recognition, deterrence and ejection, interception, and apprehension. These drills aim to assess the military’s proficiency in managing territories, conducting coordinated blockades, and executing precise attacks.
On Tuesday, Beijing conducted extensive military and coast guard drills surrounding the island.
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Beijing considers Taiwan as an integral part of China that needs to be reunified, potentially through military means if required. Although most nations, such as the United States, do not acknowledge Taiwanese independence, America opposes using force for this purpose and pledges to provide arms to the autonomously governed territory.
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by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | government, korea national news, local news, news, politics and law
On April 4th, Seoul plans to enforce an unparalleled security measure near the Constitutional Court due to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment verdict scheduled for that day. The subway stations, fueling stations, and building sites within proximity will shut down temporarily, along with local educational institutions suspending their activities. Authorities stated that they would establish a barrier encompassing a hundred meters from the courthouse boundary, forming what has been termed as a “no-go zone,” excluding everyone without exception—even legislators won’t be allowed entry. Renowned cultural landmarks such as palaces, art museums, and exhibition halls will also cease operations. Businesses located in this region are advising staff members to opt for remote working arrangements instead.
On April 1, authorities stated that Anguk Station on Seoul Metro Line 3, situated close to the Constitutional Court, would remain shut throughout April 4, with trains bypassing this station without halting. Three days prior to the decision, four out of its six exits had been sealed off. Depending on circumstances, Seoul Metro might collaborate with law enforcement to make additional stations such as Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung, Jongno 3-ga, Jonggak, City Hall, and Hangangjin pass-by stops as well.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Department has implemented traffic limitations beginning at 1:00 PM on April 1st. They have completely blocked off Yulgak-ro near the Constitutional Court under a 24-hour urgent measure. Should gatherings increase, street closings might expand to include Sajik-ro and Sejong-daero.
On April 4, the National Palace Museum and surrounding cultural landmarks proximate to the Constitutional Court will be shut down, with 15 government employees designated for their security. In an effort to ensure student safety amid possible demonstrations, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has mandated the closure of 11 educational institutions located in the vicinity; this includes kindergartens, elementary, middle, high, and specialized schools.
In order to minimize disruptions, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to station up to 1,350 crowd management personnel in crucial locations such as Gwanghwamun, Anguk Station, and Yeouido during the three-day period preceding and following the event. Additionally, the city has requested mobile service providers to install additional temporary cell towers to prevent network issues due to high pedestrian traffic.
A significant police deployment is scheduled for the day of the impeachment verdict, involving 20,000 riot police from 338 units across the country, with 14,000 officers stationed in Seoul. At midnight, the National Police Agency plans to declare a “Gapho” emergency, enabling complete activation of law enforcement resources. Additionally, on April 3rd, a “Eulho” emergency declaration will take effect specifically for Seoul and national-level policing efforts, deploying half of their personnel. Meanwhile, local police agencies throughout the regions will face a “Byeongho” emergency status requiring the involvement of 30 percent of their workforce.
The Korea Heritage Service’s Royal Palace and Tombs Center stated that visits to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung palaces will be limited on April 4 due to safety concerns and efforts towards cultural conservation. Additional closures might occur based on circumstances preceding and following this decision. Notably, Changdeokgung, which holds the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies merely 600 meters away from the Constitutional Court, whereas Gyeongbokgung has often served as a focal point for demonstrations.
A number of local museums and art galleries, such as the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, will remain closed on April 4. Additionally, the Unhyeongung Royal Residence, situated roughly 300 meters away from the Constitutional Court, will not accept visitors that same day.
A number of businesses close to the Constitutional Court are modifying their work schedules. The finance and public relations personnel at HD Hyundai, situated approximately 100 meters away from the court, have been instructed to either telecommute or go to the company’s Pangyo branch. Similarly, workers at Hyundai Oilbank within the same complex are making comparable adjustments. Additionally, both Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Engineering are contemplating implementing remote working options for all team members; definitive choices will be finalized by early next month.
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | africa, climate, climate change, environmentalism, global warming
Addis Ababa, April 1, 2025 (ENA) — According to Jolly Wasambo, who serves as the coordinator of the AUC’s Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications program, coordinated collective action across the continent is essential for addressing climate challenges in Africa.
As he states, many African nations are involved in climate initiatives centered around natural resources.
“In Ethiopia, they have initiated the Green Legacy program, which involves planting billions of trees… This green movement is crucial for addressing problems like land degradation due to desertification and enhancing carbon capture,” according to the coordinator.
He pointed out that other nations have their own programs too, suggesting, “Why don’t we unite as one continent and declare, ‘This initiative was launched in Ethiopia, this project was implemented in Tanzania, and this program succeeded in Burkina Faso?'”
Wasambo thinks that Africans ought to unite and strive for cooperation between countries, enabling them to exchange experiences; allowing them to adopt best practices as well, and subsequently support each other in this collective effort.
The coordinator additionally mentioned that the African Union has created the Great Green Wall Framework and Strategy.
The African Union has developed the Great Green Wall Framework and Strategy, which essentially aims to bring these nations together in the region, ensuring their commitment to moving forward with this initiative.
He explained that dependable and prompt climate data is essential for delivering accessible, current, and trustworthy information and services. This helps support socioeconomic growth at both national and continental levels.
Wasambo argued that the African Union Commission is ideally suited for coordinating these initiatives.
“When it comes to Africa, the AUC is the entity responsible for these initiatives, and they are actively involved across several sectors,” he stated, adding that the commission is particularly focused on uniting member states in forestry and sustainable management of the blue economy.
Moreover, the coordinator advocated for a cooperative strategy to build upon current programs and new ideas such as the Green Legacy initiative in Ethiopia and similar efforts.
Most importantly, as we proceed, we must also keep our eyes wide open. What other new initiatives and innovations are emerging?
Through the ClimSA initiative, he mentioned that the AUC is dedicated to improving the ability of member countries to produce and use accurate climate data.
To achieve this, we require accurate and up-to-date climate data for policymakers to make informed decisions, alongside enabling those who utilize such information to enhance their economic growth and overall wellbeing within their respective nations.
This initiative seeks to fill data gaps through the use of space technology and by offering infrastructure along with training to participating countries.
“We must enhance the capabilities of national meteorological and hydrological agencies since they generate weather and climate data, which all sectors can utilize,” Wasambo explained further.
The coordinator highlighted that the Integrated African Strategy for Meteorology, Weather, and Climate Services was approved in 2022.
The strategy serves as a roadmap for the continent, outlining how it can produce information.
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by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | government, international relations, politics, technology, united nations
On April 1, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos welcomed United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies Amandeep Singh Gill to his office in Addis Ababa.
(Addis Ababa, April 1, 2025 — ENA)
During this event, Gill urged for Ethiopia’s inclusion in the new UN initiative focused on digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the importance of its proactive participation.
The recently launched UN initiative focusing on digital and emerging technologies aims to create an enhanced regulatory structure for AI and strengthen capabilities in this area.
The Foreign Minister Gedion pointed out that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has already begun establishing entities like the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute to stress the significance of digitization for the country’s progress.
The Minister further stated that Ethiopia is dedicated to playing an active role as a crucial member of the recently initiated program.
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by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | diplomacy and diplomats, foreign policy, india china relations, international relations, news
Beijing [China], April 2 (ANI): Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong showed confidence in the progression of China-India relations as they mark the 75th year since establishing diplomatic connections, asserting that both countries will enhance their bilateral relationship.
At the event called “Riding the East Wind: Embarking on a New Journey and Commencing a Fresh Era in Sino-Indian Ties,” the Chinese representative conveyed significant delight at Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s attendance to mark the “75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India.”
“Today, the leaders of China and India exchanged congratulatory messages to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that they should approach Sino-Indian relations with a strategic and long-term vision, aiming for harmonious coexistence, mutual trust, shared benefits, and joint prosperity among neighboring great powers,” he stated.
“Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the meeting between the two leaders in Kazan was instrumental in laying out a roadmap for our bilateral relations returning to a stable, predictable and amicable path. Progress in our bilateral relations will contribute not only to global stability and prosperity but also to the emergence of a multi-polar world,” he added.
Emphasizing both countries’ capability to overcome obstacles and maintain progress, he stated, “In the last 75 years, even as we faced various highs and lows, Sino-Indian ties have consistently moved ahead akin to the mighty flows of the Yangtze and the Ganges. Learning from history enables one to grasp the future, and adhering to the correct course ensures lasting advancement.”
He posted several images from the occasion on X and commented, “It was a great joy to participate alongside Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri and people from various backgrounds in celebrating the 75th anniversary of #China-India diplomatic ties.”
“I strongly feel that, guided by these two leaders and through the collective effort of both countries, China and India can promote their bilateral relationship along a path marked by healthy and steady growth. This would ultimately help foster global peace and prosperity,” he stated. (ANI)
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