U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Oct 13) met with Jordanian King Abdullah in Amman, the second stop of his most extensive Middle East tour yet as Israel prepares for a sweeping ground offensive in Gaza, and he urged people in Gaza city to evacuate to the south.

His demand, which the United Nations said would be impossible to carry out “without devastating humanitarian consequences”, comes a day after Blinken visited Israel and held talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the conflict.

U.S. President Joe Biden dispatched his top diplomat to the region, engulfed in its most serious escalation in years, following an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants who rampaged through Israeli towns killing 1,200 Israelis.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-claims-israeli-strikes-kill-13-hostages-including-foreigners-in-gaza-646271">Hamas claims Israeli strikes kill 13 hostages, including foreigners, in Gaza</a>

Blinken has expanded his trip from Israel and Jordan to include all of the Gulf Arab countries and Egypt, making it his largest tour of the region since taking office in January 2021.

On Friday alone, the top American diplomat is set to visit three more countries: Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, where he will spend the night. Before departing for Doha, he is set to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Amman.

“Across each of these engagements, we’ll continue pressing countries to help prevent the conflict from spreading, and to use their leverage with Hamas to immediately and unconditionally release the hostages,” Blinken told a news conference in Tel Aviv.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-raging-israel-hamas-war-indias-delhi-placed-on-security-alert-646205">Amid raging Israel-Hamas war, India’s capital Delhi placed on security alert</a>

“We’ll also discuss how we can continue to make real our affirmative vision for a region that’s more peaceful, more prosperous, more secure, more integrated. And in fact, that is the choice, and the choice in some ways has been made even more stark by the actions of Hamas on Saturday.”

Washington says at least 25 Americans were killed in the Hamas attacks and more are believed to be among the scores of hostages taken to Gaza. U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Steve Gillen travelled with Blinken to Israel and will stay to support efforts to free them, Blinken said.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-missiles-hit-damascus-and-allepo-airport-says-syria-two-main-airports-out-of-service-646299">Israel missiles hit Damascus and Allepo airport, says Syria; 'two main airports out of service'</a>

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Gaza moved closer to a humanitarian catastrophe on Thursday as the death toll rose and vital supplies ran low after Israel imposed a siege on the enclave. Israel said there would be no humanitarian break until all hostages were freed.

But a ground invasion of Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people and now under siege by Israel, poses serious risks with Hamas holding scores of hostages kidnapped in the assault.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Oct 13) met with Jordanian King Abdullah in Amman, the second stop of his most extensive Middle East tour yet as Israel prepares for a sweeping ground offensive in Gaza, and he urged people in Gaza city to evacuate to the south.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Oct 13) met with Jordanian King Abdullah in Amman, the second stop of his most extensive Middle East tour yet as Israel prepares for a sweeping ground offensive in Gaza, and he urged people in Gaza city to evacuate to the south. His demand, which the United Nations said would be impossible to carry out “without devastating humanitarian consequences”, comes a day after Blinken visited Israel and held talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the conflict. U.S. President Joe Biden dispatched his top diplomat to the region, engulfed in its most serious escalation in years, following an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants who rampaged through Israeli towns killing 1,200 Israelis. Also Read | Hamas claims Israeli strikes kill 13 hostages, including foreigners, in Gaza Blinken has expanded his trip from Israel and Jordan to include all of the Gulf Arab countries and Egypt, making it his largest tour of the region since taking office in January 2021. On Friday alone, the top American diplomat is set to visit three more countries: Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, where he will spend the night. Before departing for Doha, he is set to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Amman. “Across each of these engagements, we’ll continue pressing countries to help prevent the conflict from spreading, and to use their leverage with Hamas to immediately and unconditionally release the hostages,” Blinken told a news conference in Tel Aviv. Also Read | Amid raging Israel-Hamas war, India’s capital Delhi placed on security alert “We’ll also discuss how we can continue to make real our affirmative vision for a region that’s more peaceful, more prosperous, more secure, more integrated. And in fact, that is the choice, and the choice in some ways has been made even more stark by the actions of Hamas on Saturday.” Washington says at least 25 Americans were killed in the Hamas attacks and more are believed to be among the scores of hostages taken to Gaza. U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Steve Gillen travelled with Blinken to Israel and will stay to support efforts to free them, Blinken said. Watch | Israel missiles hit Damascus and Allepo airport, says Syria; 'two main airports out of service' × Gaza moved closer to a humanitarian catastrophe on Thursday as the death toll rose and vital supplies ran low after Israel imposed a siege on the enclave. Israel said there would be no humanitarian break until all hostages were freed. But a ground invasion of Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people and now under siege by Israel, poses serious risks with Hamas holding scores of hostages kidnapped in the assault. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Shuttle diplomacy: Blinken meets Jordanian King, Palestinian President Abbas in Amman

In the days just before the G20 summit opened in New Delhi, ASEAN was the focus of high-level international diplomacy. Holding a series of summits — its own main annual summit, the East Asia Summit, and ASEAN conferences with its key partners such as China, India, the US and others, the ASEAN diplomatic establishment had much to say, if we go by the sheer number of joint declarations, statements and press releases issued within the week. What is the substance of the week’s deliberations among the world leaders, and what is the ASEAN hoping to get out of it all?&nbsp;

<h2>ASEAN strategy &nbsp;</h2>

But first, the basics: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations &nbsp;(ASEAN), founded in August 1967, is a 56-year-old regional inter-governmental organisation. After the European Union (EU), ASEAN is considered one of the most successful models of regional cooperation in the world.&nbsp;

Over the decades, it has learnt to navigate through internal differences and external challenges, developing common programmes in various domains, as also a common voice and the panache to insist that the grouping play a central role in its region, Southeast Asia — and now increasingly in the wider Indo-Pacific. With its ten members stretching from Myanmar to the Philippines, ASEAN represents 664 million people or 8% of the world population, and it accounts for 3.5% of the global GDP (at US$ 3.3 trillion). It has accepted Timor-Leste as an Observer, which will become the 11th member in due course.&nbsp;

The top priority of ASEAN is to concentrate on faster economic development, bringing political stability and socio-cultural progress to its people. Hence the principal theme of its latest summit — ‘ASEAN Matters: the Epicentum of Growth.’ In striving to achieve this key goal, ASEAN’s principal concern and challenge, of late, has been the sharpening strategic contestation between the US and China, the two great powers in the region. This is a multi-dimensional and complex phenomenon that compels ASEAN to try playing a balancing role, thus adopting cautious positions on China’s aggressive behaviour. It creates internal differences within the grouping, requiring delicate diplomacy both internally and externally. The latest series of summits was an index to ASEAN’s dilemmas and challenges.&nbsp;

<h2>ASEAN Summit&nbsp;</h2>

Of the several outcome documents of the 43rd Summit held on 5th September, the leaders’ declaration on ‘ASEAN As An Epicentrum of Growth’ was of particular significance. Using just a few paragraphs, it spells out the ASEAN vision to be “the centre and driver of economic growth in the region and beyond.” Aiming at a faster growth rate than the present rate, it is keen to strengthen the group’s resilience in all identified areas: health, climate and disaster, food and energy systems, supply chain connectivity, and macroeconomic and financial stability.&nbsp;

Watch | Indian PM Narendra Modi visits Jakarta for ASEAN Summit, a day before G20 Summit begins in India

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For this purpose, ASEAN’s preferred path is to leverage supply chains, digital transformation, and green and blue economy as the “new growth drivers.” The annexure to this declaration lists specific ongoing and potential projects that will be pursued for forging cooperation between the grouping and its external partners. Those managing India-ASEAN cooperation will do well by scrutinising this list and taking steps to initiate and sustain timely action.&nbsp;

On the strategic and political side, ASEAN members have been deeply concerned about China’s coercive behaviour and unhelpful activities, including the recent issuance of a new map, which drew sharp negative reactions from several of them such as Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. The grouping’s remedy is to call for restraint, implementation of the old arrangements anchored around the Declaration of Code (DOC) relating to the South China Sea, &nbsp;and calling for the expeditious conclusion of negotiations for a new Code of Conduct (COC). However, these negotiations between China and ASEAN states continue to move at a snail’s pace.&nbsp;

In fact, at the latest discussions with China in Jakarta, ASEAN members publicly received rather crude advice from Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang told his interlocutors that disagreements may arise between the nations “due to misperceptions, diverging interests or external interference.” His advice: “To keep differences under control, what is essential is to oppose picking sides, to opposing block confrontation, and to oppose a new Cold War.” In simple terms, China is anxious to discourage ASEAN’s growing convergence on the Indo-Pacific with the perspectives of the democratic states such as India, Japan, Australia and the US that form the Quad.&nbsp;

<h2>East Asia Summit&nbsp;</h2>

At the 18th all-encompassing East Asia Summit (EAS) that groups together ASEAN and its key eight partners (India, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US), the region’s rivalries and tensions came into a sharp focus. Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia and the Chair of EAS, spoke in a sombre tone, cautioning the region that, “If we are not able to manage differences, we will be destroyed.” Listeners took note of what he added: “If we join the currents of rivalry, we will be destroyed.” Clearly, ASEAN is worried about the possibility of kinetic conflicts in any of the region’s flash points — the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, &nbsp;and the Taiwan issue.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted the importance of EAS, which has played “a pivotal role as the primary confidence-building mechanism” and is “the key to the success of ASEAN centrality.” Among various points he made, two are particularly noteworthy here. First, with the Chinese premier and the US vice president listening, Modi stressed that it was “imperative” to adhere to international laws, especially to respect “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.” Second, he pointed out that in the entire Indo-Pacific, international law, “including UNCLOS” must apply equally to “all states.” He added, for good measure, that the COC under negotiation should take into consideration “the interests of countries (such as India) that are not directly involved in the discussions.” This was a potent message to China as much as to ASEAN. Indian diplomacy will need to pursue this objective, with vigour and creativity.&nbsp;

<h2>ASEAN-India Summit&nbsp;</h2>

The 20th ASEAN-India Summit took place in a cordial atmosphere and ended on a constructive note. ASEAN leaders were appreciative of PM Modi’s visit to Jakarta (6-7th September), even though he was fully occupied with hosting the G20 summit commencing on 9th September. “ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East Policy,”&nbsp;he noted. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between India and ASEAN began showing some progress. While in Jakarta, he also spoke of India’s Myanmar policy, which “takes into account ASEAN’s views.” At the same time, it aims to ensure peace and security on the borders as India is the next-door neighbour of Myanmar.&nbsp;

India has presented a 12-point proposal to strengthen ASEAN-India cooperation. This includes diverse measures such as promoting multi-modal connectivity, sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure stack, cooperation for the Mission LiFE, and collective fight against terrorism, terror funding and cyber-disinformation. This comprehensive proposal may become a useful yardstick to measure future progress. The two sides signed two joint statements on Maritime Cooperation and Food Security.&nbsp;

<h2>Conclusion&nbsp;</h2>

PM Modi’s observation — “The 21st century is Asia’s century. It is our century” — may have sent his audience to the early years of this century when there was much enthusiasm and excitement about this concept. Strategic polarisation in the Indo-Pacific, deteriorating US-China equation, fractures within ASEAN, and now the new low in China-India ties are serious challenges for the region’s geopolitics. Leaders and other stakeholders will need to reflect and craft a safe pathway to the lofty vision of a strong, united Asia which is at peace with itself and the rest of the world.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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&nbsp;

In the days just before the G20 summit opened in New Delhi, ASEAN was the focus of high-level international diplomacy. Holding a series of summits — its own main annual summit, the East Asia Summit, and ASEAN conferences with its key partners such as China, India, the US and others, the ASEAN diplomatic establishment had much to say, if we go by the sheer number of joint declarations, statements and press releases issued within the week.

In the days just before the G20 summit opened in New Delhi, ASEAN was the focus of high-level international diplomacy. Holding a series of summits — its own main annual summit, the East Asia Summit, and ASEAN conferences with its key partners such as China, India, the US and others, the ASEAN diplomatic establishment had much to say, if we go by the sheer number of joint declarations, statements and press releases issued within the week. What is the substance of the week’s deliberations among the world leaders, and what is the ASEAN hoping to get out of it all? ASEAN strategy But first, the basics: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations  (ASEAN), founded in August 1967, is a 56-year-old regional inter-governmental organisation. After the European Union (EU), ASEAN is considered one of the most successful models of regional cooperation in the world. Over the decades, it has learnt to navigate through internal differences and external challenges, developing common programmes in various domains, as also a common voice and the panache to insist that the grouping play a central role in its region, Southeast Asia — and now increasingly in the wider Indo-Pacific. With its ten members stretching from Myanmar to the Philippines, ASEAN represents 664 million people or 8% of the world population, and it accounts for 3.5% of the global GDP (at US$ 3.3 trillion). It has accepted Timor-Leste as an Observer, which will become the 11th member in due course. The top priority of ASEAN is to concentrate on faster economic development, bringing political stability and socio-cultural progress to its people. Hence the principal theme of its latest summit — ‘ASEAN Matters: the Epicentum of Growth.’ In striving to achieve this key goal, ASEAN’s principal concern and challenge, of late, has been the sharpening strategic contestation between the US and China, the two great powers in the region. This is a multi-dimensional and complex phenomenon that compels ASEAN to try playing a balancing role, thus adopting cautious positions on China’s aggressive behaviour. It creates internal differences within the grouping, requiring delicate diplomacy both internally and externally. The latest series of summits was an index to ASEAN’s dilemmas and challenges. ASEAN Summit Of the several outcome documents of the 43rd Summit held on 5th September, the leaders’ declaration on ‘ASEAN As An Epicentrum of Growth’ was of particular significance. Using just a few paragraphs, it spells out the ASEAN vision to be “the centre and driver of economic growth in the region and beyond.” Aiming at a faster growth rate than the present rate, it is keen to strengthen the group’s resilience in all identified areas: health, climate and disaster, food and energy systems, supply chain connectivity, and macroeconomic and financial stability. Watch | Indian PM Narendra Modi visits Jakarta for ASEAN Summit, a day before G20 Summit begins in India × For this purpose, ASEAN’s preferred path is to leverage supply chains, digital transformation, and green and blue economy as the “new growth drivers.” The annexure to this declaration lists specific ongoing and potential projects that will be pursued for forging cooperation between the grouping and its external partners. Those managing India-ASEAN cooperation will do well by scrutinising this list and taking steps to initiate and sustain timely action. On the strategic and political side, ASEAN members have been deeply concerned about China’s coercive behaviour and unhelpful activities, including the recent issuance of a new map, which drew sharp negative reactions from several of them such as Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. The grouping’s remedy is to call for restraint, implementation of the old arrangements anchored around the Declaration of Code (DOC) relating to the South China Sea,  and calling for the expeditious conclusion of negotiations for a new Code of Conduct (COC). However, these negotiations between China and ASEAN states continue to move at a snail’s pace. In fact, at the latest discussions with China in Jakarta, ASEAN members publicly received rather crude advice from Beijing. Chinese Premier Li Qiang told his interlocutors that disagreements may arise between the nations “due to misperceptions, diverging interests or external interference.” His advice: “To keep differences under control, what is essential is to oppose picking sides, to opposing block confrontation, and to oppose a new Cold War.” In simple terms, China is anxious to discourage ASEAN’s growing convergence on the Indo-Pacific with the perspectives of the democratic states such as India, Japan, Australia and the US that form the Quad. East Asia Summit At the 18th all-encompassing East Asia Summit (EAS) that groups together ASEAN and its key eight partners (India, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US), the region’s rivalries and tensions came into a sharp focus. Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia and the Chair of EAS, spoke in a sombre tone, cautioning the region that, “If we are not able to manage differences, we will be destroyed.” Listeners took note of what he added: “If we join the currents of rivalry, we will be destroyed.” Clearly, ASEAN is worried about the possibility of kinetic conflicts in any of the region’s flash points — the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Korean Peninsula,  and the Taiwan issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted the importance of EAS, which has played “a pivotal role as the primary confidence-building mechanism” and is “the key to the success of ASEAN centrality.” Among various points he made, two are particularly noteworthy here. First, with the Chinese premier and the US vice president listening, Modi stressed that it was “imperative” to adhere to international laws, especially to respect “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.” Second, he pointed out that in the entire Indo-Pacific, international law, “including UNCLOS” must apply equally to “all states.” He added, for good measure, that the COC under negotiation should take into consideration “the interests of countries (such as India) that are not directly involved in the discussions.” This was a potent message to China as much as to ASEAN. Indian diplomacy will need to pursue this objective, with vigour and creativity. ASEAN-India Summit The 20th ASEAN-India Summit took place in a cordial atmosphere and ended on a constructive note. ASEAN leaders were appreciative of PM Modi’s visit to Jakarta (6-7th September), even though he was fully occupied with hosting the G20 summit commencing on 9th September. “ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East Policy,” he noted. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between India and ASEAN began showing some progress. While in Jakarta, he also spoke of India’s Myanmar policy, which “takes into account ASEAN’s views.” At the same time, it aims to ensure peace and security on the borders as India is the next-door neighbour of Myanmar. India has presented a 12-point proposal to strengthen ASEAN-India cooperation. This includes diverse measures such as promoting multi-modal connectivity, sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure stack, cooperation for the Mission LiFE, and collective fight against terrorism, terror funding and cyber-disinformation. This comprehensive proposal may become a useful yardstick to measure future progress. The two sides signed two joint statements on Maritime Cooperation and Food Security. Conclusion PM Modi’s observation — “The 21st century is Asia’s century. It is our century” — may have sent his audience to the early years of this century when there was much enthusiasm and excitement about this concept. Strategic polarisation in the Indo-Pacific, deteriorating US-China equation, fractures within ASEAN, and now the new low in China-India ties are serious challenges for the region’s geopolitics. Leaders and other stakeholders will need to reflect and craft a safe pathway to the lofty vision of a strong, united Asia which is at peace with itself and the rest of the world. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

ASEAN Summit diplomacy: Issues, decisions and prospects  

The leader of Niger's military regime is ready to consider a diplomatic solution to its stand-off with West African bloc ECOWAS, the head of a religious delegation of mediators said Sunday.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistani senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is Pak's transitionary PM

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"General (Abdourahamane) Tiani said their doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter," said Sheikh Bala Lau, a day after his delegation held talks in Niamey.

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The leader of Niger's military regime is ready to consider a diplomatic solution to its stand-off with West African bloc ECOWAS, the head of a religious delegation of mediators said Sunday.

The leader of Niger's military regime is ready to consider a diplomatic solution to its stand-off with West African bloc ECOWAS, the head of a religious delegation of mediators said Sunday. Watch | Pakistani senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is Pak's transitionary PM × "General (Abdourahamane) Tiani said their doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter," said Sheikh Bala Lau, a day after his delegation held talks in Niamey. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Niger regime leader 'open to explore diplomacy'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and a high-ranking Chinese delegation in Pyongyang on&nbsp;Thursday (July 27)&nbsp;ahead of significant Korean War anniversary celebrations.

This marks the first time Kim has received foreign guests since the start of the Covid&nbsp;pandemic, signalling a potential shift in border control measures.

<h2>Meeting with Russian defence minister</h2>

During the meeting with Sergei Shoigu, a close ally of Russia, Kim Jong Un engaged in "friendly talk" and received an autographed letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The leaders discussed matters of mutual concern in national defence, security, and the regional and international security environment. They also visited a weaponry exhibition where new-type weapons and equipment were showcased.

<h2>Engagement with Chinese delegation</h2>

Kim Jong Un also met with a Chinese delegation led by politburo member Li Hongzhong.

Li presented Kim with a personal letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kim expressed deep gratitude for China's historical support during the Korean War, highlighting the role of the Chinese People's Volunteers in bringing about the war victory. Both countries vowed to strengthen their friendship and solidarity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-possible-ballistic-missile-say-south-korea-and-japan-619020">North Korea fires two ballistic missiles, say South Korea and Japan</a>

<h2>Korean war anniversary celebrations</h2>

Pyongyang is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice, celebrated as Victory Day in North Korea. The occasion will be marked by a "grand performance."

<h2>Post-pandemic flexibility</h2>

The inclusion of foreign guests at the celebrations signifies newfound flexibility in enforcing border controls. North Korea had imposed a strict blockade since early 2020 to safeguard against COVID-19, even preventing its own nationals from entering the country. However, the presence of foreign delegations indicates some relaxation of these measures.

<h2>Preparations for military parade</h2>

Satellite imagery indicates that North Korea is preparing for a large-scale military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang for the anniversary. This event will likely showcase the country's military might.

Also watch |&nbsp;North Korea issues nuclear threat

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<h2>Resuming engagement</h2>

This is the first known instance of North Korea receiving foreign visitors since its pandemic closure in 2020. The country resumed limited trade with China last year and recently allowed a new Chinese envoy to take up his position, marking a gradual resumption of engagement with the outside world.

Kim Jong Un's meetings with the Russian defence minister and the Chinese delegation ahead of the Korean War anniversary celebrations signal potential shifts in North Korea's approach to border controls and diplomatic engagement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and a high-ranking Chinese delegation in Pyongyang on Thursday (July 27) ahead of significant Korean War anniversary celebrations.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hosted Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and a high-ranking Chinese delegation in Pyongyang on Thursday (July 27) ahead of significant Korean War anniversary celebrations. This marks the first time Kim has received foreign guests since the start of the Covid pandemic, signalling a potential shift in border control measures. Meeting with Russian defence minister During the meeting with Sergei Shoigu, a close ally of Russia, Kim Jong Un engaged in "friendly talk" and received an autographed letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders discussed matters of mutual concern in national defence, security, and the regional and international security environment. They also visited a weaponry exhibition where new-type weapons and equipment were showcased. Engagement with Chinese delegation Kim Jong Un also met with a Chinese delegation led by politburo member Li Hongzhong. Li presented Kim with a personal letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Kim expressed deep gratitude for China's historical support during the Korean War, highlighting the role of the Chinese People's Volunteers in bringing about the war victory. Both countries vowed to strengthen their friendship and solidarity. Also read | North Korea fires two ballistic missiles, say South Korea and Japan Korean war anniversary celebrations Pyongyang is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice, celebrated as Victory Day in North Korea. The occasion will be marked by a "grand performance." Post-pandemic flexibility The inclusion of foreign guests at the celebrations signifies newfound flexibility in enforcing border controls. North Korea had imposed a strict blockade since early 2020 to safeguard against COVID-19, even preventing its own nationals from entering the country. However, the presence of foreign delegations indicates some relaxation of these measures. Preparations for military parade Satellite imagery indicates that North Korea is preparing for a large-scale military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang for the anniversary. This event will likely showcase the country's military might. Also watch | North Korea issues nuclear threat Resuming engagement This is the first known instance of North Korea receiving foreign visitors since its pandemic closure in 2020. The country resumed limited trade with China last year and recently allowed a new Chinese envoy to take up his position, marking a gradual resumption of engagement with the outside world. Kim Jong Un's meetings with the Russian defence minister and the Chinese delegation ahead of the Korean War anniversary celebrations signal potential shifts in North Korea's approach to border controls and diplomatic engagement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kim Jong Un meets Russian defence minister, gives him tour of arms expo

Ukraine's counter-offensive is still underway the battle for the city of Bakhmut is ongoing along with claims and counterclaims. Kyiv at this moment has reported some gains as it continues with its operations in the Northern and the southern part of Bakhmut. Meanwhile, the Russian sources while acknowledging the clashes have hailed its successful defence of Bakhmut.

Russia-Ukraine War: Diplomacy continues as battlefield heats up

There seem to be two versions of China's belt & road initiative in Nepal, while Beijing says several projects are under implementation already. Kathmandu has denied such claims - saying not even a single project is underway. They say the projects are still only under consideration. Nepal-China ties have become a war of words. The big question is this-why is China unilaterally placing one project after another in Nepal under the BRI?

Nepal denies China's claims on projects under Belt & Road Initiative

The Biden administration has initiated secret discussions with Iran to secure the release of American prisoners detained by Tehran as well as to contain the country's expanding nuclear programme, reported the Wall Street Journal citing individuals familiar with the matter.&nbsp;

As these talks resumed, the US also authorised the transfer of 2.5 billion euros (which is equivalent to $2.7 billion) by the Iraqi government for Iranian electricity and gas imports. The amount had been previously frozen due to American economic sanctions.

<h2>Iran's demands for prisoner release, access to trapped funds</h2>

In return for the release of prisoners and limitations on nuclear work, reports said Iran is seeking access to billions of dollars in Iranian energy revenue currently held abroad due to US sanctions.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lg-reviews-amarnath-yatra-arrangements-in-pahalgam-over-60k-troops-to-be-deployed-for-security-604339">India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security</a>

Iranian officials have consistently linked the potential release of prisoners to gaining access to $7 billion in Iranian funds held in South Korea. They have also demanded access to billions of dollars held in Iraq, intended for gas and oil deliveries.

<h2>Transfer of funds 'routine', unrelated to discussions: US officials&nbsp;</h2>

US officials stated that the fund transfer of 2.5 billion euros by the Iraqi government was a routine process and they are not connected to the ongoing discussions. According to reports, similar transfers have been made in the past. The only difference is that this time the funds were released in euros rather than local currencies.

It is pertinent to note that US President Joe Biden had previously promised to revive an international nuclear agreement that imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, in November, he declared that such a deal was no longer feasible.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shark-that-ate-russian-tourist-on-camera-to-be-mummified-put-on-display-604333">Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display</a>

Under former president Donald Trump, the Iran Nuclear Deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was&nbsp;revoked unilaterally by the US in May 2018. At the time, Trump termed the nuke deal with Iran as the “most horrible deal ever”.&nbsp;

<h2>Indirect contact between US, Iranian officials</h2>

The initial discussions were made between senior US officials and officials from Iran in New York in the month of December last year. Following those discussions, the White House representatives have made multiple trips to Oman for further indirect contacts, according to media reports quoting sources.

Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead

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WSJ report said that Omani officials have served as intermediaries often between US and Iran in order to facilitate communication between the two warring sides.

<h2>Balancing act for Biden administration</h2>

The current diplomatic effort aims to manage escalating tensions between Iran and US. This is especially crucial as Iran has allegedly ramped up its supply of drones to Russia to back Moscow in its war on Ukraine which has been waging on for over a year now. Other points of infliction are Iran's continued uranium enrichment activities along with the seizure of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.

<h2>Political considerations, opposition to nuke deal&nbsp;</h2>

The discussions with Iran will also be keenly watched by American voters back home. Therefore, the Biden administration is cautious about thrusting negotiations with Iran into the spotlight as the presidential campaign approaches.

Any formal agreement or even an informal understanding, which seems more likely, could trigger a review in Congress. Both Republicans and some Democrats strongly oppose a nuclear deal with Iran.

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The Biden administration has initiated secret discussions with Iran to secure the release of American prisoners detained by Tehran as well as to contain the country's expanding nuclear programme, reported the Wall Street Journal citing individuals familiar with the matter.

The Biden administration has initiated secret discussions with Iran to secure the release of American prisoners detained by Tehran as well as to contain the country's expanding nuclear programme, reported the Wall Street Journal citing individuals familiar with the matter. As these talks resumed, the US also authorised the transfer of 2.5 billion euros (which is equivalent to $2.7 billion) by the Iraqi government for Iranian electricity and gas imports. The amount had been previously frozen due to American economic sanctions. Iran's demands for prisoner release, access to trapped funds In return for the release of prisoners and limitations on nuclear work, reports said Iran is seeking access to billions of dollars in Iranian energy revenue currently held abroad due to US sanctions. Also Read | India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security Iranian officials have consistently linked the potential release of prisoners to gaining access to $7 billion in Iranian funds held in South Korea. They have also demanded access to billions of dollars held in Iraq, intended for gas and oil deliveries. Transfer of funds 'routine', unrelated to discussions: US officials US officials stated that the fund transfer of 2.5 billion euros by the Iraqi government was a routine process and they are not connected to the ongoing discussions. According to reports, similar transfers have been made in the past. The only difference is that this time the funds were released in euros rather than local currencies. It is pertinent to note that US President Joe Biden had previously promised to revive an international nuclear agreement that imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, in November, he declared that such a deal was no longer feasible. Also Read | Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display Under former president Donald Trump, the Iran Nuclear Deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was revoked unilaterally by the US in May 2018. At the time, Trump termed the nuke deal with Iran as the “most horrible deal ever”. Indirect contact between US, Iranian officials The initial discussions were made between senior US officials and officials from Iran in New York in the month of December last year. Following those discussions, the White House representatives have made multiple trips to Oman for further indirect contacts, according to media reports quoting sources. Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead × WSJ report said that Omani officials have served as intermediaries often between US and Iran in order to facilitate communication between the two warring sides. Balancing act for Biden administration The current diplomatic effort aims to manage escalating tensions between Iran and US. This is especially crucial as Iran has allegedly ramped up its supply of drones to Russia to back Moscow in its war on Ukraine which has been waging on for over a year now. Other points of infliction are Iran's continued uranium enrichment activities along with the seizure of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Political considerations, opposition to nuke deal The discussions with Iran will also be keenly watched by American voters back home. Therefore, the Biden administration is cautious about thrusting negotiations with Iran into the spotlight as the presidential campaign approaches. Any formal agreement or even an informal understanding, which seems more likely, could trigger a review in Congress. Both Republicans and some Democrats strongly oppose a nuclear deal with Iran. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Biden administration holds quiet talks with Iran to free US prisoners, curb nuke programme

On Monday,&nbsp;South Korea announced plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, aiming to end a vicious cycle in the Asian country and to boost its ties to counter nuclear-armed North&nbsp;Korea.&nbsp;

This move tries to resolve the forced labour following years of disputes over World War II sex slaves, which soured Japan-South Korean ties, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-sweats-over-food-shortage-holds-rare-meeting-on-agricultural-practices-566697">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong Un sweats over food shortage, holds rare meeting on agricultural practices</a>

Foreign Minister Park Jin said that Seoul's plan is to take money from major South Korean companies that benefited from the 1965 reparations deal with Tokyo and will use it to compensate victims.&nbsp;

Park added, "I believe that the vicious circle should be broken for the sake of the people at the national interest level."

The Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also praised the plan and said that this initiative would help&nbsp;restore "healthy" ties between the two countries after years of tensions.&nbsp;

According to the statement issued by the White House, Washington hailed the decision and called it a "groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation and partnership between two of the United States' closest allies."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-holds-rare-meeting-on-agriculture-sounds-alarm-over-food-shortage-566908">Also read |&nbsp;North Korean leader Kim holds rare meeting on agriculture amid reports of food shortage in country</a>

While the announcement was welcomed by both Japan and the United States, the victims have criticised the proposal as it falls far short of their demand which is a full apology from Tokyo and direct compensation from the Japanese companies involved.

According to data from Seoul, around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labour by Tokyo during the 35-year occupation. This does not include women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops.

The move comes as Seoul and Tokyo already ramped up their security cooperation amid growing threats from North Korea, but the bilateral ties remained strained over Tokyo's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;

Tokyo has insisted on the 1965 treaty- which saw the two countries restore their diplomatic ties with a reparations package of about $800 million in grants and cheap loans and settled all loans between the two relating to the colonial period.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

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On Monday, South Korea announced plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, aiming to end a vicious cycle in the Asian country and to boost its ties to counter nuclear-armed North Korea.

On Monday, South Korea announced plans to compensate victims of Japan's forced wartime labour, aiming to end a vicious cycle in the Asian country and to boost its ties to counter nuclear-armed North Korea. This move tries to resolve the forced labour following years of disputes over World War II sex slaves, which soured Japan-South Korean ties, AFP reported. Also read | North Korea's Kim Jong Un sweats over food shortage, holds rare meeting on agricultural practices Foreign Minister Park Jin said that Seoul's plan is to take money from major South Korean companies that benefited from the 1965 reparations deal with Tokyo and will use it to compensate victims. Park added, "I believe that the vicious circle should be broken for the sake of the people at the national interest level." The Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also praised the plan and said that this initiative would help restore "healthy" ties between the two countries after years of tensions. According to the statement issued by the White House, Washington hailed the decision and called it a "groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation and partnership between two of the United States' closest allies." Also read | North Korean leader Kim holds rare meeting on agriculture amid reports of food shortage in country While the announcement was welcomed by both Japan and the United States, the victims have criticised the proposal as it falls far short of their demand which is a full apology from Tokyo and direct compensation from the Japanese companies involved. According to data from Seoul, around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labour by Tokyo during the 35-year occupation. This does not include women who were forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops. The move comes as Seoul and Tokyo already ramped up their security cooperation amid growing threats from North Korea, but the bilateral ties remained strained over Tokyo's brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula. Tokyo has insisted on the 1965 treaty- which saw the two countries restore their diplomatic ties with a reparations package of about $800 million in grants and cheap loans and settled all loans between the two relating to the colonial period. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

South Korea offers compensation for victims of Japan's wartime forced labour; US hails 'groundbreaking' plan

Human rights activists have often flagged discrimination that women in Saudi Arabia face. The country has witnessed many human rights campaigns voicing their support for women's societal roles and bridging the gender gap. Amid this fight for women's empowerment, a piece of good news is coming out of Saudi Arabia as the country appointed &nbsp;Sara Al-Sayed as the deputy minister for public diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia on Sunday. The announcement of the appointment came after a decision by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Who is Sara Al Sayed?&nbsp;

The newly appointed Sara Al Sayed held the position of assistant deputy minister for international collaboration at the Saudi Ministry of Health. Two years ago, she took the post of director-general of international collaboration. Her 20-year career is painted rainbow with a range of experience in diverse fields such as managerial banking, an international collaboration for companies and government organizations in the US and Saudi Arabia and military contracting.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confronts-china-with-evidence-of-state-owned-companies-aiding-russia-in-ukraine-war-555363">US confronts China with evidence of state-owned companies aiding Russia in Ukraine war</a>

While in the Ministry of Health in April 2017, Al-Sayed managed collaborations such as G20 and the World Health Organization. Al-Sayed also worked to manage international media outreach and facilitated the availability of health data that highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in healthcare globally. She also served as a regional director for Houston Methodist Global. Her work there comprised of delivering consultancy services in healthcare sectors for crucial institutions within Saudi Arabia, as per Arab News.&nbsp;

Al-Sayed work experience in the health sector is quite extensive. She also managed international collaboration with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital within the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University campus in Riyadh.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-jeff-bezos-selling-washington-post-to-buy-nfl-team-555329">Is Jeff Bezos selling Washington Post to buy NFL team?</a>

Sara Al Sayed education&nbsp;

Al-Sayed spent 15 years of her educational and career life in Washington. During this tenure, she assumed the position of contracting officer at the Armed Forces Office of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia for three years.

She also holds banking experience as served in various managerial positions within the banking industry in the US for over 12 years. With extensive experience in personal banking, portfolio management, audit, insurance, business and commercial banking, mortgage banking, and risk management, the newly appointed diplomat was also selected to lead acquisitions and mergers of various institutions.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-defends-planned-military-drills-with-russia-and-china-555357">South Africa defends planned military drills with Russia and China</a>

Al-Sayed completed her bachelor’s in science from George Mason University in Washington. She is also an undergraduate in physical therapy at King Saud University in Riyadh, as per Arab News.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Human rights activists have often flagged discrimination that women in Saudi Arabia face. The country has witnessed many human rights campaigns voicing their support for women's societal roles and bridging the gender gap.

Human rights activists have often flagged discrimination that women in Saudi Arabia face. The country has witnessed many human rights campaigns voicing their support for women's societal roles and bridging the gender gap. Amid this fight for women's empowerment, a piece of good news is coming out of Saudi Arabia as the country appointed Sara Al-Sayed as the deputy minister for public diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia on Sunday. The announcement of the appointment came after a decision by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Who is Sara Al Sayed? The newly appointed Sara Al Sayed held the position of assistant deputy minister for international collaboration at the Saudi Ministry of Health. Two years ago, she took the post of director-general of international collaboration. Her 20-year career is painted rainbow with a range of experience in diverse fields such as managerial banking, an international collaboration for companies and government organizations in the US and Saudi Arabia and military contracting. Also Read | US confronts China with evidence of state-owned companies aiding Russia in Ukraine war While in the Ministry of Health in April 2017, Al-Sayed managed collaborations such as G20 and the World Health Organization. Al-Sayed also worked to manage international media outreach and facilitated the availability of health data that highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in healthcare globally. She also served as a regional director for Houston Methodist Global. Her work there comprised of delivering consultancy services in healthcare sectors for crucial institutions within Saudi Arabia, as per Arab News. Al-Sayed work experience in the health sector is quite extensive. She also managed international collaboration with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital within the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University campus in Riyadh. Also Read | Is Jeff Bezos selling Washington Post to buy NFL team? Sara Al Sayed education Al-Sayed spent 15 years of her educational and career life in Washington. During this tenure, she assumed the position of contracting officer at the Armed Forces Office of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia for three years. She also holds banking experience as served in various managerial positions within the banking industry in the US for over 12 years. With extensive experience in personal banking, portfolio management, audit, insurance, business and commercial banking, mortgage banking, and risk management, the newly appointed diplomat was also selected to lead acquisitions and mergers of various institutions. WATCH | South Africa defends planned military drills with Russia and China Al-Sayed completed her bachelor’s in science from George Mason University in Washington. She is also an undergraduate in physical therapy at King Saud University in Riyadh, as per Arab News. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Who is Sara Al Sayed, Saudi Arabia's new deputy foreign minister for public diplomacy?

The tide of China’s so-called wolf-warrior diplomacy appears to be receding. As significant as the reversal of China’s policy on the containment of COVID-19, is President Xi Jinping’s policy of moving the combative diplomats away from the frontline. The relocation of these ‘wolf warriors’, as some have been demonised by the West, is a major policy shift on the foreign front by Chinese President Xi Jinping that is as consequential to the world as the ending of the zero-tolerance policy on Covid.&nbsp;

With these policy shifts, Beijing is out to win friends and influence people in the capitals of the developed world. China is now, demonstrably, projecting itself as a gentle and non-threatening power. Beijing is all too aware that the impact of the new policy for dealing with Covid has a bearing not only on China’s growth but also on global economic development in 2023; and, the advantage of any beneficial economic outcome cannot be capitalised upon unless it is matched by more sophisticated diplomacy.&nbsp;

It is not just a case of leading personalities of the wolf-warrior phase being moved out of the limelight and reassigned. Equally important is the conspicuous change in the style and language of Chinese diplomats in and towards the developed countries, be it the US and UK or Australia and New Zealand.&nbsp;&nbsp;

These shifts come close on the heels of Xi’s meeting with US President Joe Biden at the G20 summit in Bali. Predictably enough, the meeting between the world’s Big 2 set the tone for leaders of other developed countries to make nice with Xi with an eye on reviving stalled commerce and economic cooperation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prominent among those regarded as “wolf-warrior” diplomats is Zhao Lijian, who was the spokesman of China's foreign ministry since 2019. He has been reassigned as Deputy Director General of the ministry's Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs. In his new job, he would be handling matters related to China’s land and ocean boundaries, which should be noted by New Delhi.&nbsp;

Zhao’s transfer comes at the same time as China’s ambassador to the US, Qin Gang being appointed Foreign Minister in the place of Wang Yi who has been moved up. This is more a change of personality as Qin is more adept at presenting China as a gentle power given to being persuasive and not coercive. Besides, Qin is a close confidant of Xi and more acceptable to the US as an interlocutor. Wang, who is the State Councilor and Member of the Communist Party’s Politburo, remains China’s highest-ranking diplomat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even as US-led allies are preoccupied with decoding these moves, China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has attacked Japan and criticised the AUKUS security pact. While Xiao did not pull his punches in targeting Japan, he struck a conciliatory note while referring to the US, the UK and Australia.&nbsp;

The Chinese envoy said that it is “not very long, when you look at history, that Australia was under threat and being attacked and invaded” by Japan. “During the Second World War, Japan invaded Australia, bombed Darwin, killed Australians and treated Australian POWs in a way that is humanly unacceptable,” he said. “And the Japanese government has not apologised for that up to today”.&nbsp;

Doubtless, Japan has been a brutal militarist power and accused of enormous war crimes, especially in this part of the world. Between 1942 and 1943, Japan launched about 100 air raids on Australia, unleashed massive attacks on Darwin and Broome and invaded Australia-controlled New Guinea and Papua.&nbsp;

It is in this context that Xiao warned Australians against becoming too trusting of their former World War II adversary and painted Japan as a greater military threat than China.&nbsp;

However, for decades now, Japan and Australia have been security partners. They are together, along with India, in the US-led Quad, which is avowedly to check China’s rising power in the Asia-Pacific.&nbsp;

Xiao was more nuanced in his remarks on the AUKUS trinity. He said that “China’s not seeking to be an enemy of the United States, neither are we of the United Kingdom, nor are we of Australia so there’s no reason for the three countries to stand together to work on something that’s targeting China as a threat.”&nbsp;

Xiao’s attack on Japan provoked Tokyo’s top envoy to Canberra, Shingo Yamagami to describe China’s military activities around Taiwan as “shocking”, which the former perceives as an attempt to stir hostility between China and Australia.&nbsp;

Whether the change in policies, altered style and tone of diplomacy, along with China’s economy beating the current Covid surge to rebound and boost the global economy, succeed would be a critical test of President Xi’s leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The tide of China’s so-called wolf-warrior diplomacy appears to be receding. As significant as the reversal of China’s policy on the containment of COVID-19, is President Xi Jinping’s policy of moving the combative diplomats away from the frontline.

The tide of China’s so-called wolf-warrior diplomacy appears to be receding. As significant as the reversal of China’s policy on the containment of COVID-19, is President Xi Jinping’s policy of moving the combative diplomats away from the frontline. The relocation of these ‘wolf warriors’, as some have been demonised by the West, is a major policy shift on the foreign front by Chinese President Xi Jinping that is as consequential to the world as the ending of the zero-tolerance policy on Covid. With these policy shifts, Beijing is out to win friends and influence people in the capitals of the developed world. China is now, demonstrably, projecting itself as a gentle and non-threatening power. Beijing is all too aware that the impact of the new policy for dealing with Covid has a bearing not only on China’s growth but also on global economic development in 2023; and, the advantage of any beneficial economic outcome cannot be capitalised upon unless it is matched by more sophisticated diplomacy. It is not just a case of leading personalities of the wolf-warrior phase being moved out of the limelight and reassigned. Equally important is the conspicuous change in the style and language of Chinese diplomats in and towards the developed countries, be it the US and UK or Australia and New Zealand. These shifts come close on the heels of Xi’s meeting with US President Joe Biden at the G20 summit in Bali. Predictably enough, the meeting between the world’s Big 2 set the tone for leaders of other developed countries to make nice with Xi with an eye on reviving stalled commerce and economic cooperation. Prominent among those regarded as “wolf-warrior” diplomats is Zhao Lijian, who was the spokesman of China's foreign ministry since 2019. He has been reassigned as Deputy Director General of the ministry's Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs. In his new job, he would be handling matters related to China’s land and ocean boundaries, which should be noted by New Delhi. Zhao’s transfer comes at the same time as China’s ambassador to the US, Qin Gang being appointed Foreign Minister in the place of Wang Yi who has been moved up. This is more a change of personality as Qin is more adept at presenting China as a gentle power given to being persuasive and not coercive. Besides, Qin is a close confidant of Xi and more acceptable to the US as an interlocutor. Wang, who is the State Councilor and Member of the Communist Party’s Politburo, remains China’s highest-ranking diplomat. Even as US-led allies are preoccupied with decoding these moves, China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has attacked Japan and criticised the AUKUS security pact. While Xiao did not pull his punches in targeting Japan, he struck a conciliatory note while referring to the US, the UK and Australia. The Chinese envoy said that it is “not very long, when you look at history, that Australia was under threat and being attacked and invaded” by Japan. “During the Second World War, Japan invaded Australia, bombed Darwin, killed Australians and treated Australian POWs in a way that is humanly unacceptable,” he said. “And the Japanese government has not apologised for that up to today”. Doubtless, Japan has been a brutal militarist power and accused of enormous war crimes, especially in this part of the world. Between 1942 and 1943, Japan launched about 100 air raids on Australia, unleashed massive attacks on Darwin and Broome and invaded Australia-controlled New Guinea and Papua. It is in this context that Xiao warned Australians against becoming too trusting of their former World War II adversary and painted Japan as a greater military threat than China. However, for decades now, Japan and Australia have been security partners. They are together, along with India, in the US-led Quad, which is avowedly to check China’s rising power in the Asia-Pacific. Xiao was more nuanced in his remarks on the AUKUS trinity. He said that “China’s not seeking to be an enemy of the United States, neither are we of the United Kingdom, nor are we of Australia so there’s no reason for the three countries to stand together to work on something that’s targeting China as a threat.” Xiao’s attack on Japan provoked Tokyo’s top envoy to Canberra, Shingo Yamagami to describe China’s military activities around Taiwan as “shocking”, which the former perceives as an attempt to stir hostility between China and Australia. Whether the change in policies, altered style and tone of diplomacy, along with China’s economy beating the current Covid surge to rebound and boost the global economy, succeed would be a critical test of President Xi’s leadership. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Spotlight: Changing notes of China’s diplomacy     

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian, who is popular within China and has a more controversial reputation abroad has been posted as the second-ranked official in the country’s Border Affairs Department.

China posts 'Wolf Warrior' diplomat to border affairs

Food as an essential ingredient of human existence, has always played an important role in interstate relations and diplomatic practice.

What’s food diplomacy?

Chief Coordinator for India's G20 Presidency - Harsh Vardhan Shringla – said on Tuesday that "until and unless our legitimate issues are addressed, it cannot be diplomacy as usual" with China.&nbsp;

“China is a member of the G20. It is our neighbouring country and one of the largest economies in the world. But I must add that unless our legitimate issues are addressed by China, it cannot be diplomacy as usual. The bilateral relationship will not take its natural course and it is important that those important issues linked to peace and tranquility in the border areas are also addressed,” he told WION’s Molly Gambhir on the sidelines of the Global Technology Summit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-security-body-calls-for-crackdown-on-hostile-forces-amid-protests-538612">Chinese security body calls for 'crackdown' on 'hostile forces' amid protests</a>

This will be the first time that India will assume the presidency of G20. 
The Chief Coordinator called it “a historic moment for India", while adding that "it is also the most significant global event that we will host".

When asked about the criticism from Western countries regarding India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, he said, "India will work for the benefit of the world at large. That has always been the focus of our foreign policy".

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Regarding India's positioning on the global stage that can see it emerge as a key mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war, Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, "there is a great deal of polarisation in the world as we take on the G20 presidency.

Those polarisations cut across the G20's membership. PM Modi has been a valued interlocutor at the global high table. India has the ability to bridge the gaps and provide answers to some of the most pressing global challenges of today".

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Chief Coordinator for India's G20 Presidency - Harsh Vardhan Shringla – said on Tuesday that "until and unless our legitimate issues are addressed, it cannot be diplomacy as usual" with China.

Chief Coordinator for India's G20 Presidency - Harsh Vardhan Shringla – said on Tuesday that "until and unless our legitimate issues are addressed, it cannot be diplomacy as usual" with China. “China is a member of the G20. It is our neighbouring country and one of the largest economies in the world. But I must add that unless our legitimate issues are addressed by China, it cannot be diplomacy as usual. The bilateral relationship will not take its natural course and it is important that those important issues linked to peace and tranquility in the border areas are also addressed,” he told WION’s Molly Gambhir on the sidelines of the Global Technology Summit. Also read | Chinese security body calls for 'crackdown' on 'hostile forces' amid protests This will be the first time that India will assume the presidency of G20. The Chief Coordinator called it “a historic moment for India", while adding that "it is also the most significant global event that we will host". When asked about the criticism from Western countries regarding India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, he said, "India will work for the benefit of the world at large. That has always been the focus of our foreign policy". #GlobalTechSummit | This is a historic moment for India as #G20 is the largest most significant event the country will be hosting: India's #G20 Chief Coordinator @harshvshringla tells @MollyGambhir, on India hosting the #G20 Leader Summit 2023 pic.twitter.com/4xXWFpoXBC — WION (@WIONews) November 29, 2022 × Regarding India's positioning on the global stage that can see it emerge as a key mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war, Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, "there is a great deal of polarisation in the world as we take on the G20 presidency. Those polarisations cut across the G20's membership. PM Modi has been a valued interlocutor at the global high table. India has the ability to bridge the gaps and provide answers to some of the most pressing global challenges of today".

No diplomacy as usual with China until legitimate issues are addressed, Harsh Vardhan Shringla tells WION

A major fallout of china's stringent COVID policy has been President Xi Jinping's absence from the stage of diplomacy. But he is making up for it following the recent relaxation in the restrictions. The Chinese president has met 17 leaders in the last two weeks.

WION Fineprint | President Xi's post-pandemic diplomacy

Leaked emails & diplomatic cables from China have revealed how Beijing used Covid protocols to harass & monitor American diplomats. Scores of them were apparently imprisoned & spent weeks in locked rooms under squalid conditions. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Shocking revelations: How China 'abused' American Diplomats

Cooperation between Chinese and Indonesian research institutions is becoming a significant factor in helping Beijing’s "soft power" enhance its image.

It is significant to highlight that Indonesians have a rising mistrust of China due to its assertiveness in the South China Sea, its treatment of Uyghurs in the western Chinese region of Xinjiang, and its expanding activity there.

Through the Network of ASEAN-China Think Tanks (NACT), which has 10 Southeast Asian think tanks among its members, China primarily interacts with Indonesian think tanks. The idea of NACT was first initiated in 2013 by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to promote the China-ASEAN strategic partnership.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-3-leader-in-chinese-government-to-visit-russia-512809">Also read |&nbsp;China's number 3 leader Li Zhanshu to visit Russia next week</a>

Regular meetings and seminars are held by the NACT with its ASEAN-based member think tanks to discuss the status of China-funded projects and to suggest potential future areas of cooperation.

According to researchers, the think tank has received financing from the Chinese government for staff participation, courses, and workshops. They think that with this, China aims to expand its educational, media, and Islamic diplomacy in Indonesia through sponsoring and coordinating events at Indonesian think tanks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-bidens-curbs-on-chips-to-china-is-part-of-broader-effort-512430">Also read |&nbsp;How Biden's curbs on chips to China is part of broader effort</a>

An Indonesian think tank that regularly collaborates with Chinese counterparts includes The Habibie Centre, the Centre for Chinese Studies, and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, in addition to the ASEAN Studies Centre (CSIS).

China has also collaborated with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPIC) and the Chinese embassy in Jakarta to host various Chinese events.

However, in Beijing’s opinion, these think tanks can be regarded as a crucial platform to influence Indonesians' opinions and narratives.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Cooperation between Chinese and Indonesian research institutions is becoming a significant factor in helping Beijing’s "soft power" enhance its image. It is significant to highlight that Indonesians have a rising mistrust of China due to its assertiveness in the South China Sea, its treatment of Uyghurs in the western Chinese region of Xinjiang, and its expanding activity there.

Cooperation between Chinese and Indonesian research institutions is becoming a significant factor in helping Beijing’s "soft power" enhance its image. It is significant to highlight that Indonesians have a rising mistrust of China due to its assertiveness in the South China Sea, its treatment of Uyghurs in the western Chinese region of Xinjiang, and its expanding activity there. Through the Network of ASEAN-China Think Tanks (NACT), which has 10 Southeast Asian think tanks among its members, China primarily interacts with Indonesian think tanks. The idea of NACT was first initiated in 2013 by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to promote the China-ASEAN strategic partnership. Also read | China's number 3 leader Li Zhanshu to visit Russia next week Regular meetings and seminars are held by the NACT with its ASEAN-based member think tanks to discuss the status of China-funded projects and to suggest potential future areas of cooperation. According to researchers, the think tank has received financing from the Chinese government for staff participation, courses, and workshops. They think that with this, China aims to expand its educational, media, and Islamic diplomacy in Indonesia through sponsoring and coordinating events at Indonesian think tanks. Also read | How Biden's curbs on chips to China is part of broader effort An Indonesian think tank that regularly collaborates with Chinese counterparts includes The Habibie Centre, the Centre for Chinese Studies, and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, in addition to the ASEAN Studies Centre (CSIS). China has also collaborated with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPIC) and the Chinese embassy in Jakarta to host various Chinese events. However, in Beijing’s opinion, these think tanks can be regarded as a crucial platform to influence Indonesians' opinions and narratives. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China aims to influence Indonesians through its ‘think tank diplomacy’

The United Arab Emirates said Sunday that its ambassador to Tehran would resume duties within days, six years after ties were downgraded in support of Saudi Arabia.

Ambassador Saif Mohammed al-Zaabi "will resume his duties at the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;embassy in the Islamic republic of Iran in the coming days to contribute to further advancing bilateral relations", the Emirati foreign ministry said in a statement.

The move seeks to "achieve the common interests of the two countries and the wider region", it added.

With Middle East political alignments shifting,&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;presidential adviser Anwar Gargash in mid-July called for an easing of regional tensions and signalled the ambassador's possible return.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-uae-cepa-encourages-trade-through-tariff-elimination-says-uaes-economy-minister-marri-507372">India, UAE CEPA encourages trade through tariff elimination, says UAE's Economy Minister Marri</a>

The&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;scaled back its ties with the Islamic republic in 2016, in solidarity with Saudi Arabia, after Iranian protesters attacked the kingdom's diplomatic missions in Iran following Riyadh's execution of Shiite Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimr.

Other Arab Gulf countries including Kuwait made similar moves.

Iran said earlier this month that Kuwait had sent its first ambassador to Tehran since 2016.

In July, the Emirati and Iranian foreign ministers held a telephone conversation and discussed boosting ties,&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;state media reported at the time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/icmr-detects-monkeypox-virus-strain-a2-among-uae-travellers-what-does-it-mean-504446">ICMR detects monkeypox virus strain A.2 among UAE travellers. What does it mean?</a>

The oil-rich&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;has previously said that Arab Gulf states should take part in "collective diplomacy" to reach an agreement with Iran, which has been in talks with Western powers on reviving a 2015 nuclear deal.

On Tuesday the European Union and United States said they were studying Iran's response to a "final" draft of such an agreement.

In 2020, the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;established diplomatic relations with Israel, a move which Tehran condemned.

But Abu Dhabi has been pursuing a policy of rapprochement with former regional rivals including Qatar and Turkey as well as Iran, with which it had maintained strong economic ties despite the diplomatic downgrade.&nbsp;

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The United Arab Emirates said Sunday that its ambassador to Tehran would resume duties within days, six years after ties were downgraded in support of Saudi Arabia.

The United Arab Emirates said Sunday that its ambassador to Tehran would resume duties within days, six years after ties were downgraded in support of Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Saif Mohammed al-Zaabi "will resume his duties at the UAE embassy in the Islamic republic of Iran in the coming days to contribute to further advancing bilateral relations", the Emirati foreign ministry said in a statement. The move seeks to "achieve the common interests of the two countries and the wider region", it added. With Middle East political alignments shifting, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash in mid-July called for an easing of regional tensions and signalled the ambassador's possible return. Also read | India, UAE CEPA encourages trade through tariff elimination, says UAE's Economy Minister Marri The UAE scaled back its ties with the Islamic republic in 2016, in solidarity with Saudi Arabia, after Iranian protesters attacked the kingdom's diplomatic missions in Iran following Riyadh's execution of Shiite Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimr. Other Arab Gulf countries including Kuwait made similar moves. Iran said earlier this month that Kuwait had sent its first ambassador to Tehran since 2016. In July, the Emirati and Iranian foreign ministers held a telephone conversation and discussed boosting ties, UAE state media reported at the time. Also read | ICMR detects monkeypox virus strain A.2 among UAE travellers. What does it mean? The oil-rich UAE has previously said that Arab Gulf states should take part in "collective diplomacy" to reach an agreement with Iran, which has been in talks with Western powers on reviving a 2015 nuclear deal. On Tuesday the European Union and United States said they were studying Iran's response to a "final" draft of such an agreement. In 2020, the UAE established diplomatic relations with Israel, a move which Tehran condemned. But Abu Dhabi has been pursuing a policy of rapprochement with former regional rivals including Qatar and Turkey as well as Iran, with which it had maintained strong economic ties despite the diplomatic downgrade. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UAE ambassador to return to Iran after six-year absence

Major General Abdulla Shamaal, Chief of Maldives Defence Forces, lauded India by saying that there are great lessons to learn from the nation in areas of international relations, diplomacy, all-inclusive political and democratic evolution. He was addressing officer cadets of the Indian Army, while reviewing the passing out parade at the Indian Army Officers Training Academy, in the Southern Indian city of Chennai.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/video?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#video</a> : Swords and badges shine in golden light, as the passing-out officer-cadets march past the saluting dais at the Maj Parameswaran drill square, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/army?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#army</a> Officers training academy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAt75?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAt75</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/parade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#parade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/drill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#drill</a> <a href="https://t.co/wvt7SFOcHr">pic.twitter.com/wvt7SFOcHr</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1553243175556288512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The military parade at the OTA&nbsp;marked the commissioning of 125 Gentlemen and 41 Women cadets into various Arms and Services of the Indian Army. In addition to this, 28 personnel from the Armed forces of Bhutan and two from Maldives also completed their training at the OTA. The Indian Armed forces have a long-standing tradition of offering training to defence forces personnel from friendly-foreign countries.

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Newly-Commissioned officers of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> singing ‘Kadam Kadam badhaye jaa’ , at the closure of the pipping ceremony… This song traces its roots back to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj , amid India’s freedom struggle against the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/British?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#British</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAt75?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAt75</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://t.co/jdjbUmov26">https://t.co/jdjbUmov26</a> <a href="https://t.co/cKAWCG8bcj">pic.twitter.com/cKAWCG8bcj</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1553310224332730368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The parade was followed by the Pipping ceremony, where the newly commissioned Indian officers wear the shining star on their shoulders and swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, committing to 'Serve with Honour' to safeguard the honour of the country.

During his address to the cadets, in the presence of senior and retired officials of the Indian Armed Forces, Maj Gen Abdulla Shamaal appreciated the Indian Armed Forces for having personnel from all religions, states, castes, emphasizing on how they ate, lived, played, trained and fought together. He also extended his wishes to India, as it celebrates the 75th year of its Independence.&nbsp;

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Lt Rajat ranjan Keron is a 3rd gen officer.. his maternal &amp; paternal grandparents, mother served, dad still serving.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indianarmedforces?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indianarmedforces</a> 
 
Today he’s passed out of OTA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a> ,which is also his mother Capt Smita’s (retd) alma mater(1995batch) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tamilnadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://t.co/jdjbUmov26">https://t.co/jdjbUmov26</a> <a href="https://t.co/DIh8HGf0PR">pic.twitter.com/DIh8HGf0PR</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1553313766325948416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Among the newly commissioned officers was Lieutenant Rajat Ranjan Keron, a third-generation officer, whose maternal and paternal families served the Army. "It is euphoric and emotional for me, I took the Antim Pag (final step) from this academy 27 years ago. It is amazing to see him go to the regiment, which his father commanded. Rajat was born immediately after the Kargil War, when we were mobilized as well. This child was destined to be here, he always wanted to be here and fulfilled our dreams and his own" Captain Smita Ranjan Keron (Retd), Lt Ranjan's mother, told WION. Notably, Lt Capt Smita Ranjan passed out of the OTA in 1995 as part of the sixth batch of&nbsp;women cadets.

Major General Abdulla Shamaal, Chief of Maldives Defence Forces, lauded India by saying that there are great lessons to learn from the nation in areas of international relations, diplomacy, all-inclusive political and democratic evolution.

Major General Abdulla Shamaal, Chief of Maldives Defence Forces, lauded India by saying that there are great lessons to learn from the nation in areas of international relations, diplomacy, all-inclusive political and democratic evolution. He was addressing officer cadets of the Indian Army, while reviewing the passing out parade at the Indian Army Officers Training Academy, in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. #video : Swords and badges shine in golden light, as the passing-out officer-cadets march past the saluting dais at the Maj Parameswaran drill square, #army Officers training academy #chennai #TamilNadu #IndianArmy #india #Indian #IndiaAt75 #parade #drill pic.twitter.com/wvt7SFOcHr — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 30, 2022 × The military parade at the OTA marked the commissioning of 125 Gentlemen and 41 Women cadets into various Arms and Services of the Indian Army. In addition to this, 28 personnel from the Armed forces of Bhutan and two from Maldives also completed their training at the OTA. The Indian Armed forces have a long-standing tradition of offering training to defence forces personnel from friendly-foreign countries. Newly-Commissioned officers of the #IndianArmy singing ‘Kadam Kadam badhaye jaa’ , at the closure of the pipping ceremony… This song traces its roots back to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj , amid India’s freedom struggle against the #British #IndiaAt75 #india https://t.co/jdjbUmov26 pic.twitter.com/cKAWCG8bcj — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 30, 2022 × The parade was followed by the Pipping ceremony, where the newly commissioned Indian officers wear the shining star on their shoulders and swear allegiance to the Constitution of India, committing to 'Serve with Honour' to safeguard the honour of the country. During his address to the cadets, in the presence of senior and retired officials of the Indian Armed Forces, Maj Gen Abdulla Shamaal appreciated the Indian Armed Forces for having personnel from all religions, states, castes, emphasizing on how they ate, lived, played, trained and fought together. He also extended his wishes to India, as it celebrates the 75th year of its Independence. Lt Rajat ranjan Keron is a 3rd gen officer.. his maternal & paternal grandparents, mother served, dad still serving.. #indianarmedforces Today he’s passed out of OTA #chennai ,which is also his mother Capt Smita’s (retd) alma mater(1995batch) #IndianArmy #tamilnadu #india https://t.co/jdjbUmov26 pic.twitter.com/DIh8HGf0PR — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 30, 2022 × Among the newly commissioned officers was Lieutenant Rajat Ranjan Keron, a third-generation officer, whose maternal and paternal families served the Army. "It is euphoric and emotional for me, I took the Antim Pag (final step) from this academy 27 years ago. It is amazing to see him go to the regiment, which his father commanded. Rajat was born immediately after the Kargil War, when we were mobilized as well. This child was destined to be here, he always wanted to be here and fulfilled our dreams and his own" Captain Smita Ranjan Keron (Retd), Lt Ranjan's mother, told WION. Notably, Lt Capt Smita Ranjan passed out of the OTA in 1995 as part of the sixth batch of women cadets.

Many lessons to learn from India in diplomacy & inclusive evolution, says Maldives Defence Forces Chief

Japan&nbsp;said on Friday it will end imports of Russian coal and announced the expulsion of eight of Moscow's diplomats over "war crimes" in Ukraine.

The move comes as Ukraine's allies step up pressure on Moscow after allegations that Russian troops killed civilians in areas around Kyiv.

"Russian troops have killed civilians and have attacked nuclear facilities, gravely violating international humanitarian law. These are war crimes that can never be forgiven," Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-strike-by-russians-on-station-in-ukraine-kills-30-injures-100-says-report-469355">Rocket strike by Russians on station in Ukraine kills 30, injures 100, says report &nbsp;</a>

"We will ban imports of Russian coal," he added, pledging to find alternatives and asking Japanese citizens for their "understanding and cooperation."

Japan&nbsp;imports around 11 per cent of its coal from Russia, and the fuel remains a key plank of the country's power generation.

Kishida said&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;would, in line with other Group of Seven developed nations, work to decrease its reliance on other energy imports from Russia, which include oil and gas, but he gave no specific timeframe.

He also outlined fresh sanctions, including new asset freezes and a ban on imports from Russia, including machinery and vodka, and said Tokyo would back efforts to investigate Moscow's actions at the International Criminal Court.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-abstains-despite-russias-warning-469230">Gravitas: India abstains despite Russia's warning</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;Japan's foreign ministry announced the expulsion of eight Russian diplomats from the embassy and trade office.

The decision does not affect Russia's ambassador Mikhail Yurievich Galuzin.

Japan&nbsp;has marched in lockstep with Western allies on sanctions against Russia, and has even welcomed several hundred Ukrainians fleeing the conflict despite generally accepting very few refugees.

Tokyo had complex relations with Moscow before the Ukrainian invasion and the two sides have yet to sign a post-World War II peace treaty.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-verifies-103-attacks-on-ukrainian-health-care-facilities-and-ambulances-469345">WHO verifies 103 attacks on Ukrainian health care facilities and ambulances</a>

Attempts to do so have been hampered by a long-running dispute over islands controlled by Russia, which calls them the Kurils.

Japan&nbsp;calls the islands the Northern Territories and has long sought to have them under Tokyo's control.

Japan said on Friday it will end imports of Russian coal and announced the expulsion of eight of Moscow's diplomats over "war crimes" in Ukraine. The move comes as Ukraine's allies step up pressure on Moscow after allegations that Russian troops killed civilians in areas around Kyiv.

Japan said on Friday it will end imports of Russian coal and announced the expulsion of eight of Moscow's diplomats over "war crimes" in Ukraine. The move comes as Ukraine's allies step up pressure on Moscow after allegations that Russian troops killed civilians in areas around Kyiv. "Russian troops have killed civilians and have attacked nuclear facilities, gravely violating international humanitarian law. These are war crimes that can never be forgiven," Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. Also read | Rocket strike by Russians on station in Ukraine kills 30, injures 100, says report "We will ban imports of Russian coal," he added, pledging to find alternatives and asking Japanese citizens for their "understanding and cooperation." Japan imports around 11 per cent of its coal from Russia, and the fuel remains a key plank of the country's power generation. Kishida said Japan would, in line with other Group of Seven developed nations, work to decrease its reliance on other energy imports from Russia, which include oil and gas, but he gave no specific timeframe. He also outlined fresh sanctions, including new asset freezes and a ban on imports from Russia, including machinery and vodka, and said Tokyo would back efforts to investigate Moscow's actions at the International Criminal Court. Watch | Gravitas: India abstains despite Russia's warning Earlier, Japan's foreign ministry announced the expulsion of eight Russian diplomats from the embassy and trade office. The decision does not affect Russia's ambassador Mikhail Yurievich Galuzin. Japan has marched in lockstep with Western allies on sanctions against Russia, and has even welcomed several hundred Ukrainians fleeing the conflict despite generally accepting very few refugees. Tokyo had complex relations with Moscow before the Ukrainian invasion and the two sides have yet to sign a post-World War II peace treaty. Also read | WHO verifies 103 attacks on Ukrainian health care facilities and ambulances Attempts to do so have been hampered by a long-running dispute over islands controlled by Russia, which calls them the Kurils. Japan calls the islands the Northern Territories and has long sought to have them under Tokyo's control.

Ukraine war: Japan ends Russian coal imports, expels Moscow's diplomats

The UN rights chief said Tuesday she would make a long-delayed visit to China in May, including to Xinjiang, where Western lawmakers have accused Beijing of genocide.

"I am pleased to announce that we have recently reached an agreement with the government of China for a visit,"&nbsp;Michelle&nbsp;Bachelet&nbsp;told the UN Human Rights Council.

She said that the UN rights agency, OHCHR, and Beijing had "initiated concrete preparations for a visit that is foreseen to take place in May."

There have long been calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Xinjiang.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-says-hong-kong-must-stick-to-dynamic-zero-covid-strategy-460251">COVID-19: China says Hong Kong must stick to 'dynamic zero' COVID strategy</a>

Rights groups say that at least one million mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in "re-education camps" in Xinjiang, a far-western region where China is accused of widespread human rights abuses including forced sterilisations of women and forced labour.

The US government and lawmakers in five other Western countries have declared China's treatment of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang a "genocide" -- a charge denied by Beijing.

China says it is running vocational training centres in the region designed to counter extremism.

Unfettered access

The Chinese government has for years said that&nbsp;Bachelet&nbsp;was welcome to visit Xinjiang, but an agreement on her demand for "meaningful and unfettered access" has until now appeared elusive.

On the sidelines of the Winter Olympics, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told leaders in Beijing last month that he expected them to allow&nbsp;Bachelet&nbsp;to make a "credible" visit to China, including to Xinjiang.

And on Tuesday, the UN rights chief said an agreement had been reached.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-should-help-each-other-not-drain-each-others-energies-chinese-foreign-minister-wang-yi-459949">&nbsp;India, China should help each other, not drain each other's energies: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi</a>

"Preparations will have to take into account Covid-19 regulations," she told the rights council.

"The government has also accepted the visit of an advanced OHCHR team to prepare my stay in China, including on-site visits to Xinjiang and other places," she said.

"This team will depart to China next month."&nbsp;&nbsp;

While&nbsp;Bachelet&nbsp;did not clearly specify that she herself would travel to Xinjiang, her spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell told reporters she would visit the region.

"I can confirm that both the advanced team and the High Commissioner will go or are due to go to Xinjiang, and obviously visit Beijing and other locations," she said.

"This was the product of negotiations."

Throssell said "an agreement on the parameters that respect our methodology," had been reached, including "unfettered access to a broad range of actors, including civil society."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-400-civilians-killed-in-afghanistan-since-taliban-takeover-un-460263">Nearly 400 civilians killed in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover: UN</a>

Neither she nor&nbsp;Bachelet&nbsp;provided an update on when a long-awaited report drafted by the UN rights office on the rights situation in Xinjiang would emerge.

Observers in Geneva suggest the report has been ready since last August, but that its publication has been put off as the rights office double checks data obtained remotely, without access to the ground.

An OHCHR spokesman had suggested in December that the report would be published within a few weeks, but it still remains unclear when it will be made public.

Throssell said Tuesday that she "did not have specific information" on when the report might be published.

The UN rights chief said Tuesday she would make a long-delayed visit to China in May, including to Xinjiang, where Western lawmakers have accused Beijing of genocide.

The UN rights chief said Tuesday she would make a long-delayed visit to China in May, including to Xinjiang, where Western lawmakers have accused Beijing of genocide. "I am pleased to announce that we have recently reached an agreement with the government of China for a visit," Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council. She said that the UN rights agency, OHCHR, and Beijing had "initiated concrete preparations for a visit that is foreseen to take place in May." There have long been calls for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Xinjiang. Also read | COVID-19: China says Hong Kong must stick to 'dynamic zero' COVID strategy Rights groups say that at least one million mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in "re-education camps" in Xinjiang, a far-western region where China is accused of widespread human rights abuses including forced sterilisations of women and forced labour. The US government and lawmakers in five other Western countries have declared China's treatment of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang a "genocide" -- a charge denied by Beijing. China says it is running vocational training centres in the region designed to counter extremism. Unfettered access The Chinese government has for years said that Bachelet was welcome to visit Xinjiang, but an agreement on her demand for "meaningful and unfettered access" has until now appeared elusive. On the sidelines of the Winter Olympics, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told leaders in Beijing last month that he expected them to allow Bachelet to make a "credible" visit to China, including to Xinjiang. And on Tuesday, the UN rights chief said an agreement had been reached. Also read | India, China should help each other, not drain each other's energies: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi "Preparations will have to take into account Covid-19 regulations," she told the rights council. "The government has also accepted the visit of an advanced OHCHR team to prepare my stay in China, including on-site visits to Xinjiang and other places," she said. "This team will depart to China next month." While Bachelet did not clearly specify that she herself would travel to Xinjiang, her spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell told reporters she would visit the region. "I can confirm that both the advanced team and the High Commissioner will go or are due to go to Xinjiang, and obviously visit Beijing and other locations," she said. "This was the product of negotiations." Throssell said "an agreement on the parameters that respect our methodology," had been reached, including "unfettered access to a broad range of actors, including civil society." Also read | Nearly 400 civilians killed in Afghanistan since Taliban takeover: UN Neither she nor Bachelet provided an update on when a long-awaited report drafted by the UN rights office on the rights situation in Xinjiang would emerge. Observers in Geneva suggest the report has been ready since last August, but that its publication has been put off as the rights office double checks data obtained remotely, without access to the ground. An OHCHR spokesman had suggested in December that the report would be published within a few weeks, but it still remains unclear when it will be made public. Throssell said Tuesday that she "did not have specific information" on when the report might be published.

UN rights chief to visit China's Xinjiang in May

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka will be among the foreign leaders attending this year’s Antalya diplomacy forum (ADF). The participants will address a wide range of topics in international relations under the overarching theme of “Recoding Diplomacy”.

A delegation led by Minister Khadka will participate in this year’s forum to be held from March 11 to 13 in Turkey.&nbsp;

At the invitation of Foreign Minister of Turkey H. E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Nepal Foreign Minister Khadka is scheduled to share panels with participating Foreign Ministers in two separate sessions entitled ‘Democratic Governance and Security’ and ‘Asia Anew: For a Sustained Regional Growth’.

Over 50 Foreign Ministers, together with a cross-section of policymakers and experts are attending the event.&nbsp;

Announcing the decision, the Ministry in a statement said, "On March 9, the minister will meet with officials of NRN-Turkey and Nepali entrepreneurs based in Istanbul to discuss business opportunities and challenges as well as problems faced by Nepali diaspora. He is holding interactive sessions with members of economic chambers in Istanbul and Antalya.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-500-nepalis-leave-ukraine-others-stranded-in-kyiv-await-rescue-459453">Also read |&nbsp;Over 500 Nepalis leave Ukraine, others stranded in Kyiv await rescue&nbsp;</a>

On the sidelines of the forum, Khadka will hold a bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart. He will also meet with foreign ministers from different countries on the sidelines.

The visit is also expected to contribute to the growth of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, foreign employment and people-to-people contacts.

As per the ADF, diplomacy remains the core method of communication among leaders and states. “There is a whole set of other structural and systemic changes in the international environment that the diplomacy profession should respond to.”

Foreign Ministers of Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Taliban are also scheduled to participate in the ADF.&nbsp;

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka will be among the foreign leaders attending this year’s Antalya diplomacy forum (ADF). The participants will address a wide range of topics in international relations under the overarching theme of “Recoding Diplomacy”.

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka will be among the foreign leaders attending this year’s Antalya diplomacy forum (ADF). The participants will address a wide range of topics in international relations under the overarching theme of “Recoding Diplomacy”. A delegation led by Minister Khadka will participate in this year’s forum to be held from March 11 to 13 in Turkey. At the invitation of Foreign Minister of Turkey H. E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Nepal Foreign Minister Khadka is scheduled to share panels with participating Foreign Ministers in two separate sessions entitled ‘Democratic Governance and Security’ and ‘Asia Anew: For a Sustained Regional Growth’. Over 50 Foreign Ministers, together with a cross-section of policymakers and experts are attending the event. Announcing the decision, the Ministry in a statement said, "On March 9, the minister will meet with officials of NRN-Turkey and Nepali entrepreneurs based in Istanbul to discuss business opportunities and challenges as well as problems faced by Nepali diaspora. He is holding interactive sessions with members of economic chambers in Istanbul and Antalya.” Also read | Over 500 Nepalis leave Ukraine, others stranded in Kyiv await rescue On the sidelines of the forum, Khadka will hold a bilateral meeting with his Turkish counterpart. He will also meet with foreign ministers from different countries on the sidelines. The visit is also expected to contribute to the growth of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, foreign employment and people-to-people contacts. As per the ADF, diplomacy remains the core method of communication among leaders and states. “There is a whole set of other structural and systemic changes in the international environment that the diplomacy profession should respond to.” Foreign Ministers of Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Taliban are also scheduled to participate in the ADF.

Nepal FM Narayan Khadka to participate in Turkey’s Antalya diplomacy forum

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;watchdog's chief will hold talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Saturday in the hopes of salvaging a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers.

The visit by International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi is seen as critical to clinching a return to the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;agreement, and comes parallel to negotiations in the Austrian capital.

"This is a critical time but a positive outcome for everyone is possible," Grossi tweeted Friday before leaving for Iran, where he is slated to meet with the head of the country's Atomic Energy Organisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-koreas-polls-kim-jong-led-north-holds-2022s-ninth-missile-test-459144">Ahead of South Korea’s polls, Kim Jong-led North holds 2022’s ninth missile test</a>

The 2015 deal was aimed at guaranteeing that Tehran could not develop a&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do.

The next few days are widely seen as a crunch point for negotiations.

"We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play," head of the British delegation Stephanie Al-Qaq said Friday, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany.

She added that they were "ready to return soon".

The three European countries, along with counterparts from China, Iran and Russia, have been taking part in the latest round of talks in the Austrian capital since late November, with the United States participating indirectly.

Grossi had vowed earlier this week that the IAEA would "never abandon" its attempts to get Iran to clarify the past presence of&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;material at several undeclared sites.

Iran has said the closure of the probe is necessary to clinch a deal.

Grossi is expected to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-iran-nuclear-deal-close-european-diplomats-to-consult-with-ministers-459036">UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers</a>

Ready to go to Vienna

The so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed in 2015, secured sanctions relief for Iran in return for strict curbs on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;program.

It began unravelling when then US president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting Iran to start disregarding the limits on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;activity.

The coming days are seen as so pivotal by the West because of the rate Iran is making&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;advances.

Its stockpile of enriched uranium has now reached more than 15 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord, the&nbsp;UN's IAEA&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;watchdog said earlier this week.

Several observers believe that the West could leave the negotiating table and chalk the deal up to a failure if a compromise is not reached by this weekend.

The EU has been chairing&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal negotiations and the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday he "hopes to have results this weekend" to "resurrect the agreement".&nbsp;

He stressed that there was "still work ongoing".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-clears-law-against-fake-news-on-army-bbc-cnn-others-suspend-operations-459126">Putin clears law against ‘fake news’ on army; BBC, CNN, others suspend operations</a>

Earlier Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to the Austrian capital if a deal is reached.

"I am ready to go to Vienna when the Western sides accept our remaining red lines," he said in a phone call with Borrell.

While Amir-Abdollahian did not define the "red lines", Iran has repeatedly demanded the right to verify the removal of sanctions and for guarantees the US will not repeat its withdrawal from the agreement.

Watch |&nbsp;The nuclear threat in Ukraine: UN atomic watchdog condemns Russia after fire incident

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-nuclear-threat-in-ukraine-un-atomic-watchdog-condemns-russia-after-fire-incident-458818/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said negotiators were "close to a possible deal", but that "a number of difficult issues" remained unresolved.

However, "if Iran shows seriousness, we can and should reach an understanding of mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA within days", she added.

The UN nuclear watchdog's chief will hold talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Saturday in the hopes of salvaging a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers.

The UN nuclear watchdog's chief will hold talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on Saturday in the hopes of salvaging a 2015 accord between Iran and world powers. The visit by International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi is seen as critical to clinching a return to the nuclear agreement, and comes parallel to negotiations in the Austrian capital. "This is a critical time but a positive outcome for everyone is possible," Grossi tweeted Friday before leaving for Iran, where he is slated to meet with the head of the country's Atomic Energy Organisation. Also read | Ahead of South Korea’s polls, Kim Jong-led North holds 2022’s ninth missile test The 2015 deal was aimed at guaranteeing that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do. The next few days are widely seen as a crunch point for negotiations. "We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play," head of the British delegation Stephanie Al-Qaq said Friday, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany. She added that they were "ready to return soon". The three European countries, along with counterparts from China, Iran and Russia, have been taking part in the latest round of talks in the Austrian capital since late November, with the United States participating indirectly. Grossi had vowed earlier this week that the IAEA would "never abandon" its attempts to get Iran to clarify the past presence of nuclear material at several undeclared sites. Iran has said the closure of the probe is necessary to clinch a deal. Grossi is expected to hold a press conference on his return to Vienna. Also read | UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers Ready to go to Vienna The so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed in 2015, secured sanctions relief for Iran in return for strict curbs on its nuclear program. It began unravelling when then US president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting Iran to start disregarding the limits on its nuclear activity. The coming days are seen as so pivotal by the West because of the rate Iran is making nuclear advances. Its stockpile of enriched uranium has now reached more than 15 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord, the UN's IAEA nuclear watchdog said earlier this week. Several observers believe that the West could leave the negotiating table and chalk the deal up to a failure if a compromise is not reached by this weekend. The EU has been chairing nuclear deal negotiations and the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday he "hopes to have results this weekend" to "resurrect the agreement". He stressed that there was "still work ongoing". Also read | Putin clears law against ‘fake news’ on army; BBC, CNN, others suspend operations Earlier Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to the Austrian capital if a deal is reached. "I am ready to go to Vienna when the Western sides accept our remaining red lines," he said in a phone call with Borrell. While Amir-Abdollahian did not define the "red lines", Iran has repeatedly demanded the right to verify the removal of sanctions and for guarantees the US will not repeat its withdrawal from the agreement. Watch | The nuclear threat in Ukraine: UN atomic watchdog condemns Russia after fire incident On Thursday, US State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter said negotiators were "close to a possible deal", but that "a number of difficult issues" remained unresolved. However, "if Iran shows seriousness, we can and should reach an understanding of mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA within days", she added.

UN nuclear watchdog chief in Tehran for talks as UK says deal 'close'

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;have clamped down on&nbsp;Afghans&nbsp;leaving the country as, separately, their forces continue a&nbsp;massive&nbsp;security&nbsp;sweep, going house-to-house across the capital Monday in a "clearing operation".

The new travel&nbsp;ban&nbsp;was announced late Sunday by&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who packaged the restrictions as being aimed at preventing hardship for&nbsp;Afghans&nbsp;abroad.

Evacuations organised by nations or non-governmental organisations have been banned, while even families attempting to leave the country by their own means now need "an excuse", or they will be stopped by immigration.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-pakistan-to-hold-discussion-over-durand-line-457033">&nbsp;Afghanistan, Pakistan to hold discussion over Durand line</a>

"I have to say clearly that persons who leave the country along with their families and have no excuse... we are preventing them," Mujahid told a press conference late Sunday.

Women will also not be able to fly abroad unless accompanied by a male relative -- mirroring similar domestic restrictions introduced last year which bar solo travel between cities and towns.

"If they (women) want to travel abroad, they should have a chaperone," Mujahid said.&nbsp;

"This is the order of Islamic sharia law."

The announcement came the same weekend a search for "kidnappers, thieves and looters" kicked off in Kabul and other Afghan cities -- a so-called "clearing operation" separate&nbsp;from&nbsp;the travel measures.

The new travel restrictions will alarm tens of thousands of&nbsp;Afghans&nbsp;who have been promised asylum abroad after working with US-led foreign forces or other Western organisations during the&nbsp;Taliban's 20-year insurgency.

More than 120,000&nbsp;Afghans&nbsp;and dual nationals were evacuated up to August 31 when the last US-led troops withdrew, two weeks after the hardline Islamists seized Kabul.

Thousands with similar links are still in Afghanistan, however, desperate to leave and fearful they may be targeted by the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;as "collaborators".

The last official evacuation by air was on December 1, although organised road convoys to Pakistan have taken place as recently as last week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-main-universities-reopen-after-six-months-few-women-return-456880">Afghanistan's main universities reopen after six months, few women return</a>

Bad conditions

Mujahid said the decision to&nbsp;ban&nbsp;departures came because the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;had received reports of thousands of&nbsp;Afghans&nbsp;"living in very bad conditions" abroad.

"The government has the responsibility to protect the people so this will be stopped until we get the assurance that their lives will not be endangered," he said, adding that they had never promised for evacuations to continue indefinitely.

"Initially we had said that the Americans... could take people whom they had any concerns about... But this is not a continuous promise."

Since the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;took over Kabul in August, Afghanistan has plunged into economic crisis, pushing even those without links to the former regime to scramble for an exit.

Thousands of people daily try to cross into neighbouring Iran in search of work, or in a bid to reach Europe in the hope of asylum.

The United States has seized $7 billion in Afghan assets held abroad -- reserving half for humanitarian aid that bypasses the&nbsp;Taliban, and half for a fund to compensate families of those who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/since-taliban-takeover-86-afghan-radio-stations-have-closed-453210">Since Taliban takeover, 86 afghan radio stations have closed</a>

Not against the common people

Meanwhile, a&nbsp;massive&nbsp;security&nbsp;sweep&nbsp;of Kabul continued Monday with&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;fighters going house-to-house in search of weapons and criminals blamed for a recent spate of robberies and kidnappings.

The "clearing operation" has alarmed many who fear being targeted because of their association with the previous Western-backed regime or US-led foreign forces.

Irate residents have posted videos on social media showing homes they said had been trashed during&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;searches, but several people told AFP their encounters had been polite and cursory.

Mujahid said authorities had discovered two kidnapped victims during the operation so far, and also freed two teenage girls who they found chained in a basement.

He said light and heavy weapons, explosives, radio equipment and drones had been seized, as well as vehicles belonging to the military or government.

Watch | Taliban administration approves the first budget since the takeover of the Afghanistan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-administration-approves-the-first-budget-since-the-takeover-of-the-afghanistan-444633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Six people suspected of being members of the Islamic State group had been detained, he said, along with nine kidnappers and 53 "professional thieves".

"We want to assure the residents of Kabul that these operations are not against the common people," Mujahid said.

"The residents of the city should be confident the search is going on carefully."

The Taliban have clamped down on Afghans leaving the country as, separately, their forces continue a massive security sweep, going house-to-house across the capital Monday in a "clearing operation".

The Taliban have clamped down on Afghans leaving the country as, separately, their forces continue a massive security sweep, going house-to-house across the capital Monday in a "clearing operation". The new travel ban was announced late Sunday by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who packaged the restrictions as being aimed at preventing hardship for Afghans abroad. Evacuations organised by nations or non-governmental organisations have been banned, while even families attempting to leave the country by their own means now need "an excuse", or they will be stopped by immigration. Also read | Afghanistan, Pakistan to hold discussion over Durand line "I have to say clearly that persons who leave the country along with their families and have no excuse... we are preventing them," Mujahid told a press conference late Sunday. Women will also not be able to fly abroad unless accompanied by a male relative -- mirroring similar domestic restrictions introduced last year which bar solo travel between cities and towns. "If they (women) want to travel abroad, they should have a chaperone," Mujahid said. "This is the order of Islamic sharia law." The announcement came the same weekend a search for "kidnappers, thieves and looters" kicked off in Kabul and other Afghan cities -- a so-called "clearing operation" separate from the travel measures. The new travel restrictions will alarm tens of thousands of Afghans who have been promised asylum abroad after working with US-led foreign forces or other Western organisations during the Taliban's 20-year insurgency. More than 120,000 Afghans and dual nationals were evacuated up to August 31 when the last US-led troops withdrew, two weeks after the hardline Islamists seized Kabul. Thousands with similar links are still in Afghanistan, however, desperate to leave and fearful they may be targeted by the Taliban as "collaborators". The last official evacuation by air was on December 1, although organised road convoys to Pakistan have taken place as recently as last week. Also read | Afghanistan's main universities reopen after six months, few women return Bad conditions Mujahid said the decision to ban departures came because the Taliban had received reports of thousands of Afghans "living in very bad conditions" abroad. "The government has the responsibility to protect the people so this will be stopped until we get the assurance that their lives will not be endangered," he said, adding that they had never promised for evacuations to continue indefinitely. "Initially we had said that the Americans... could take people whom they had any concerns about... But this is not a continuous promise." Since the Taliban took over Kabul in August, Afghanistan has plunged into economic crisis, pushing even those without links to the former regime to scramble for an exit. Thousands of people daily try to cross into neighbouring Iran in search of work, or in a bid to reach Europe in the hope of asylum. The United States has seized $7 billion in Afghan assets held abroad -- reserving half for humanitarian aid that bypasses the Taliban, and half for a fund to compensate families of those who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Also read | Since Taliban takeover, 86 afghan radio stations have closed Not against the common people Meanwhile, a massive security sweep of Kabul continued Monday with Taliban fighters going house-to-house in search of weapons and criminals blamed for a recent spate of robberies and kidnappings. The "clearing operation" has alarmed many who fear being targeted because of their association with the previous Western-backed regime or US-led foreign forces. Irate residents have posted videos on social media showing homes they said had been trashed during Taliban searches, but several people told AFP their encounters had been polite and cursory. Mujahid said authorities had discovered two kidnapped victims during the operation so far, and also freed two teenage girls who they found chained in a basement. He said light and heavy weapons, explosives, radio equipment and drones had been seized, as well as vehicles belonging to the military or government. Watch | Taliban administration approves the first budget since the takeover of the Afghanistan Six people suspected of being members of the Islamic State group had been detained, he said, along with nine kidnappers and 53 "professional thieves". "We want to assure the residents of Kabul that these operations are not against the common people," Mujahid said. "The residents of the city should be confident the search is going on carefully."

Taliban ban Afghans from evacuating amid massive security sweep

Twitter&nbsp;acknowledged Wednesday it suspended in error some&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;relaying information about&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;military movements as the threat builds for an attack on Ukraine.

The social network has begun restoring access to the users, which were taken down due to "our work to proactively address manipulated media," tweeted the platform's head of site integrity Yoel Roth.

A company spokesperson said earlier claims that the&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;were taken offline by a coordinated campaign or mass complaints were untrue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-along-russia-belarus-borders-report-455876">Ukraine under attack along Russia, Belarus borders: Report</a>

"We took enforcement action on a number of&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;in error," the spokesperson added. "We're expeditiously reviewing these actions and have already proactively reinstated access to a number of affected&nbsp;accounts."&nbsp;

Like Facebook and YouTube, the platform is regularly accused of not doing enough to fight misinformation.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;has fewer human and financial resources t5han its Silicon Valley neighbors to curb the harmful phenomenon.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;troops&nbsp;are massed near Ukraine's borders, with the West saying they could attack at any moment.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv severs ties with Moscow, Putin warms West against aggression

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-kyiv-severs-ties-with-moscow-putin-warms-west-against-aggression-456068/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine have asked Moscow for military help against Kyiv, the Kremlin said, in a move that opens the door for&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;troops&nbsp;to move in.

Washington and Britain say Russia's force is poised to strike Ukraine and trigger the most serious war in Europe for decades, but&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin says he is open to negotiation -- within limits.

Twitter acknowledged Wednesday it suspended in error some accounts relaying information about Russian military movements as the threat builds for an attack on Ukraine.

Twitter acknowledged Wednesday it suspended in error some accounts relaying information about Russian military movements as the threat builds for an attack on Ukraine. The social network has begun restoring access to the users, which were taken down due to "our work to proactively address manipulated media," tweeted the platform's head of site integrity Yoel Roth. A company spokesperson said earlier claims that the accounts were taken offline by a coordinated campaign or mass complaints were untrue. Also read | Ukraine under attack along Russia, Belarus borders: Report "We took enforcement action on a number of accounts in error," the spokesperson added. "We're expeditiously reviewing these actions and have already proactively reinstated access to a number of affected accounts." Like Facebook and YouTube, the platform is regularly accused of not doing enough to fight misinformation. But Twitter has fewer human and financial resources t5han its Silicon Valley neighbors to curb the harmful phenomenon. Tens of thousands of Russian troops are massed near Ukraine's borders, with the West saying they could attack at any moment. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv severs ties with Moscow, Putin warms West against aggression Rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine have asked Moscow for military help against Kyiv, the Kremlin said, in a move that opens the door for Russian troops to move in. Washington and Britain say Russia's force is poised to strike Ukraine and trigger the most serious war in Europe for decades, but Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is open to negotiation -- within limits.

Twitter mistakenly pulled accounts monitoring Russian troops

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