Japanese PM Fumio Kishida is currently on a 2-day visit to India to further deepen bilateral ties. He is holding talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Indian PM Modi: We welcome Japanese investments

PM Modi hosts Japanese PM Kishida in New Delhi as 14th India-Japan annual summit starts

Indian PM Modi, Japanese PM Kishida discuss Ukraine conflict, Indo-Pacific

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida is currently on a 2-day visit to India to further deepen bilateral ties. He will hold talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Japanese PM Kishida on 2-day visit to India to attend 14th India-Japan annual summit

Japanese PM Kishida on 2-day visit to India to further deepen bilateral ties

Denmark's Ambassador to India Freddy Svane, while speaking at the WION Climate Summit, emphasised the need for individual responsibility to tackle climate change. His remarks came at the first edition of WION's annual Climate Summit, the theme of which was 'Climate Calling: The last chance to answer climate emergency'.

"If we are not changing our behaviour, then despite pouring in billions of dollars, it will still have no impact," he said.&nbsp;

He further added that we need to invest a little bit of money into the green transition of India but the money basically has to "come from your pocket."&nbsp;

The private sector should also contribute, he said.&nbsp;

He spoke about how his country, Denmark, has done a "fantastic job." &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-climate-summit-indias-first-hydrogen-powered-car-to-be-unveiled-gadkari-462655">Also read |&nbsp;WION Climate Summit | India's first Hydrogen-powered car to be unveiled: Gadkari</a>

"We have really changed our economy."&nbsp;

"There's no future if we are not going green. We can't afford not to do anything," he added.&nbsp;Raising an alarm, Freddy highlighted that people have not realised how endangered the planet is.&nbsp;

India's Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari made a big announcement at WION Climate Summit. He revealed that India's first Hydrogen-powered car was to be unveiled on Wednesday (March 16). The car, made as a pilot project, was kept at his residence, he said.

In his address during the summit, Gadkari said that there was a need to find alternate options for fuels like petrol and diesel.

Denmark's Ambassador to India Freddy Svane, while speaking at the WION Climate Summit, emphasised the need for individual responsibility to tackle climate change.

Denmark's Ambassador to India Freddy Svane, while speaking at the WION Climate Summit, emphasised the need for individual responsibility to tackle climate change. His remarks came at the first edition of WION's annual Climate Summit, the theme of which was 'Climate Calling: The last chance to answer climate emergency'. "If we are not changing our behaviour, then despite pouring in billions of dollars, it will still have no impact," he said. He further added that we need to invest a little bit of money into the green transition of India but the money basically has to "come from your pocket." The private sector should also contribute, he said. He spoke about how his country, Denmark, has done a "fantastic job." Also read | WION Climate Summit | India's first Hydrogen-powered car to be unveiled: Gadkari "We have really changed our economy." "There's no future if we are not going green. We can't afford not to do anything," he added. Raising an alarm, Freddy highlighted that people have not realised how endangered the planet is. India's Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari made a big announcement at WION Climate Summit. He revealed that India's first Hydrogen-powered car was to be unveiled on Wednesday (March 16). The car, made as a pilot project, was kept at his residence, he said. In his address during the summit, Gadkari said that there was a need to find alternate options for fuels like petrol and diesel.

WION Climate Summit | Denmark's Ambassador to India stresses the need for individual responsibility

French President Emmanuel Macron who's due for election later this year in fact hosted a summit which was to consider to withdraw the French troops that have been stationed in western African nation of Mali.

Macron hosts African leaders ahead of expected withdrawal of troops from Mali

Paris hosts an Africa summit ahead of expected Mali withdrawal. French President Emmanuel Macron has hosted several African leaders in Paris.

Paris hosts Africa summit ahead of expected Mali withdrawal

Myanmar's junta on Monday said it would not attend an upcoming ASEAN summit after the bloc's "regrettable" exclusion of its top diplomat over a lack of progress in defusing post-coup violence.

ASEAN invited&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;to send a "non-political representative" to this week's foreign ministers' meeting, citing a lack of progress on a consensus agreed last year to facilitate dialogue with opponents of the coup.

The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government, with more than 1,500 civilians since killed in crackdowns on anti-junta protests, according to a local monitoring group.

The decision to exclude junta-appointed diplomat Wunna Maung Lwin from the meet in Cambodia was "regrettable", the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Monday.

"In this regard,&nbsp;Myanmar's inability to participate or even designate a non-political representative... is inevitable," it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-defector-recounts-heavy-losses-inflicted-by-chin-rebels-452562">Also read |&nbsp;Myanmar army defector recounts heavy losses inflicted by Chin rebels</a>

It blamed the exclusion on unnamed member countries still holding on to the "unilateral decision" adopted by the bloc last October, when it barred junta chief Min Aung Hlaing from attending a leaders' meet.

That represented a rare rebuke from ASEAN, long seen as a toothless talking shop, but which has sought to lead diplomatic efforts to tackle the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;crisis.

Myanmar&nbsp;is increasingly isolated on the international stage, with&nbsp;Cambodian strongman ruler Hun Sen's January visit the first by any foreign leader since the generals seized power.

He met military leader Min Aung Hlaing and the pair discussed peace efforts and the junta's future plans, as well as the role of the ASEAN special envoy, according to the junta.

But violence has continued, with anti-junta groups clashing regularly with the military, and the World Bank has warned&nbsp;Myanmar's economy likely contracted by almost a fifth last year.

Myanmar's junta on Monday said it would not attend an upcoming ASEAN summit after the bloc's "regrettable" exclusion of its top diplomat over a lack of progress in defusing post-coup violence.

Myanmar's junta on Monday said it would not attend an upcoming ASEAN summit after the bloc's "regrettable" exclusion of its top diplomat over a lack of progress in defusing post-coup violence. ASEAN invited Myanmar to send a "non-political representative" to this week's foreign ministers' meeting, citing a lack of progress on a consensus agreed last year to facilitate dialogue with opponents of the coup. The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government, with more than 1,500 civilians since killed in crackdowns on anti-junta protests, according to a local monitoring group. The decision to exclude junta-appointed diplomat Wunna Maung Lwin from the meet in Cambodia was "regrettable", the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Monday. "In this regard, Myanmar's inability to participate or even designate a non-political representative... is inevitable," it added. Also read | Myanmar army defector recounts heavy losses inflicted by Chin rebels It blamed the exclusion on unnamed member countries still holding on to the "unilateral decision" adopted by the bloc last October, when it barred junta chief Min Aung Hlaing from attending a leaders' meet. That represented a rare rebuke from ASEAN, long seen as a toothless talking shop, but which has sought to lead diplomatic efforts to tackle the Myanmar crisis. Myanmar is increasingly isolated on the international stage, with Cambodian strongman ruler Hun Sen's January visit the first by any foreign leader since the generals seized power. He met military leader Min Aung Hlaing and the pair discussed peace efforts and the junta's future plans, as well as the role of the ASEAN special envoy, according to the junta. But violence has continued, with anti-junta groups clashing regularly with the military, and the World Bank has warned Myanmar's economy likely contracted by almost a fifth last year.

Myanmar junta says won't attend ASEAN summit after 'regrettable' snub

To deal with the plastic pandemic, global leaders have come together to take measures and preserve the ocean from human harm. French president, Emmanuel Macron, is hosting the high-level session of the One Ocean summit on Friday. He said 2022 was “a decisive year, and we should take here, in Brest, clear and firm commitments.”

Nearly 27 EU states and 16 others have agreed to pursue a global agreement by the end of&nbsp;year. The aim is to regulate the sustainable use of the oceans all across the globe.&nbsp;

US climate envoy, John Kerry said that it was “the ocean that makes life on Earth possible, produces more than half of the oxygen we breathe – and even that is at risk. The ocean and climate are inextricably linked. They’re one and the same.”

During the summit, there were several panels on various commitments to marine protection and tackling climate change.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-tells-allies-russia-may-attack-ukraine-on-february-16-reports-452685">Also read |&nbsp;Biden tells allies Russia may attack Ukraine on February 16: Reports</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-leaders-launch-one-ocean-summit-a-pledge-to-protect-our-marine-life-452722/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The countries participating in the summit said that they would respect the 13 Brest Commitments for Oceans, including protecting biodiversity and ocean resources.&nbsp;

Nearly 84 countries aim to protect 30 per cent of the world's land and sea biodiversity by 2030. Also, many countries joined the "High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People" and "the High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction".&nbsp;

In a bid to finance the restoration of marine ecosystems, France and Colombia launched a global coalition. &nbsp;

The commitments and decisions taken during this summit will be further discussed at the UN Ocean conference in Lisbon, Portugal, in June and during the COP27 in Egypt in the autumn.

(With inputs from agencies)

To deal with the plastic pandemic, global leaders have come together to take measures and preserve the ocean from human harm. French president, Emmanuel Macron, is hosting the high-level session of the One Ocean summit on Friday.

To deal with the plastic pandemic, global leaders have come together to take measures and preserve the ocean from human harm. French president, Emmanuel Macron, is hosting the high-level session of the One Ocean summit on Friday. He said 2022 was “a decisive year, and we should take here, in Brest, clear and firm commitments.” Nearly 27 EU states and 16 others have agreed to pursue a global agreement by the end of year. The aim is to regulate the sustainable use of the oceans all across the globe. US climate envoy, John Kerry said that it was “the ocean that makes life on Earth possible, produces more than half of the oxygen we breathe – and even that is at risk. The ocean and climate are inextricably linked. They’re one and the same.” During the summit, there were several panels on various commitments to marine protection and tackling climate change. Also read | Biden tells allies Russia may attack Ukraine on February 16: Reports The countries participating in the summit said that they would respect the 13 Brest Commitments for Oceans, including protecting biodiversity and ocean resources. Nearly 84 countries aim to protect 30 per cent of the world's land and sea biodiversity by 2030. Also, many countries joined the "High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People" and "the High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction". In a bid to finance the restoration of marine ecosystems, France and Colombia launched a global coalition. The commitments and decisions taken during this summit will be further discussed at the UN Ocean conference in Lisbon, Portugal, in June and during the COP27 in Egypt in the autumn. (With inputs from agencies)

Global leaders meet at One Ocean Summit, several important decisions taken

The much-awaited BIMSTEC Summit (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) will&nbsp;be hosted by Sri Lanka on March 30. Though Sri Lanka is keen to host an in-person summit, there are chances that it will take place in a hybrid format. Most of the member states have given a formal intimation to participate&nbsp;at the summit. It is not yet known whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Sri Lanka or will participate virtually.

The summit will see approval of the BIMSTEC Charter, BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity &amp; BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The group will also work towards finalisation of the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and the Motor Vehicles Agreement.

BIMSTEC is a 7-member grouping that includes India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The grouping is more than 20-years-old and was formed in 1997. The last summit took place in Kathmandu in 2018&nbsp;with PM Modi and other member-leaders in attendance. Sri Lanka is the current chair of BIMSTEC. The group has assumed greater importance for New Delhi since SAARC remains hostage to Pakistan. In 2019, India had invited all BIMSTEC heads of government &amp; states for PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony for his second term in office.

Sri Lanka was keen to hold the summit last year but the summit could not take place due to the Covid crisis. In April last year, BIMSTEC foreign ministers met virtually. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also attended the meet.

The summit in March this year will naturally be in focus because of&nbsp;Myanmar's presence. The country saw a military coup last year February 1 and not many nations have been keen to host the current military leadership of the country. Remember, Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) during its 2021 annual summit did not invite Gen Min Aung Hlaing who seized power in Myanmar.

The much-awaited BIMSTEC Summit (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) will be hosted by Sri Lanka on March 30. Though Sri Lanka is keen to host an in-person summit, there are chances that it will take place in a hybrid format.

The much-awaited BIMSTEC Summit (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) will be hosted by Sri Lanka on March 30. Though Sri Lanka is keen to host an in-person summit, there are chances that it will take place in a hybrid format. Most of the member states have given a formal intimation to participate at the summit. It is not yet known whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Sri Lanka or will participate virtually. The summit will see approval of the BIMSTEC Charter, BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity & BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The group will also work towards finalisation of the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and the Motor Vehicles Agreement. BIMSTEC is a 7-member grouping that includes India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The grouping is more than 20-years-old and was formed in 1997. The last summit took place in Kathmandu in 2018 with PM Modi and other member-leaders in attendance. Sri Lanka is the current chair of BIMSTEC. The group has assumed greater importance for New Delhi since SAARC remains hostage to Pakistan. In 2019, India had invited all BIMSTEC heads of government & states for PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony for his second term in office. Sri Lanka was keen to hold the summit last year but the summit could not take place due to the Covid crisis. In April last year, BIMSTEC foreign ministers met virtually. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also attended the meet. The summit in March this year will naturally be in focus because of Myanmar's presence. The country saw a military coup last year February 1 and not many nations have been keen to host the current military leadership of the country. Remember, Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) during its 2021 annual summit did not invite Gen Min Aung Hlaing who seized power in Myanmar.

Sri Lanka to host BIMSTEC Summit on March 30

India is all set to haul the first India-Central Asia summit today. The highly anticipated summit which will go virtual this time will be hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian PM Modi to host the first virtual India-Central Asia summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to host the first India-Central Asia summit virtually

The third edition of the Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit concludes in Istanbul with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledging 15 Million COVID doses to Africa.

3rd Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit concludes in Istanbul

Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future. This is my professional and personal expectations" with preference for in-person meet.

In response to a WION question, Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev, said, "The recent Russian Indian summit in New Delhi on December 6 was very successful. Multiple issues were raised. Receiving inputs from Moscow, coming from the Presidential inner circle, namely from his assistant on foreign policy Yuri Ushakov, the sides are currently discussing idea of holding the trilateral, Russia, India and China. This could be expected in nearest future. I do share this news with pride." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-conferred-with-highest-civilian-honour-of-bhutan-heres-what-you-should-know-437675" hreflang="en">Indian PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honour of Bhutan. Here's what you should know</a>

Asked if it will happen virtually or in person, he said, "It’s too pre mature to say, but anyways, what is important, what matters is it takes place first. Naturally our preference and sincere expectation would be that the three leaders could meet physically." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian President Putin was in India on December 6 for the annual India-Russia summit. Later, he had a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as well. India-China ties have been in tatters since Galwan incident last year. It saw Chinese aggressive action at Line of Actual Control with India, leading to death of 20 Indian soldiers. China later confirmed that it lost four of its soldiers, a figure that is doubted given the track record of Chinese government on giving out data. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/under-presumption-of-kittens-indian-farmer-rescues-leopard-cubs-437696" hreflang="en">Under presumption of ‘kittens’, Indian farmer rescues leopard cubs</a>

India and Russia share close ties with defence being the main pillar of partnership. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov recently said that India may be the first buyer of the S500 air defence system. The Russian envoy when asked about the development, said, "Our latest military technology is always open to you. As far as specific targets are concerned, you better raise with military. Our armaments, achievements or technology is always open to you." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The comments of the Russian Deputy PM come as India is getting delivery of S400 systems. The contract for the system was signed during President Putin's India visit in 2018 and deliveries started this month. But there are worries over US CAATSA sanctions on India. Washington is mum as of now if New Delhi will be sanctioned over S400 deal or not.

Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future.

Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future. This is my professional and personal expectations" with preference for in-person meet. In response to a WION question, Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev, said, "The recent Russian Indian summit in New Delhi on December 6 was very successful. Multiple issues were raised. Receiving inputs from Moscow, coming from the Presidential inner circle, namely from his assistant on foreign policy Yuri Ushakov, the sides are currently discussing idea of holding the trilateral, Russia, India and China. This could be expected in nearest future. I do share this news with pride." Also Read: Indian PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honour of Bhutan. Here's what you should know Asked if it will happen virtually or in person, he said, "It’s too pre mature to say, but anyways, what is important, what matters is it takes place first. Naturally our preference and sincere expectation would be that the three leaders could meet physically." Russian President Putin was in India on December 6 for the annual India-Russia summit. Later, he had a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as well. India-China ties have been in tatters since Galwan incident last year. It saw Chinese aggressive action at Line of Actual Control with India, leading to death of 20 Indian soldiers. China later confirmed that it lost four of its soldiers, a figure that is doubted given the track record of Chinese government on giving out data. Also Read: Under presumption of ‘kittens’, Indian farmer rescues leopard cubs India and Russia share close ties with defence being the main pillar of partnership. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov recently said that India may be the first buyer of the S500 air defence system. The Russian envoy when asked about the development, said, "Our latest military technology is always open to you. As far as specific targets are concerned, you better raise with military. Our armaments, achievements or technology is always open to you." The comments of the Russian Deputy PM come as India is getting delivery of S400 systems. The contract for the system was signed during President Putin's India visit in 2018 and deliveries started this month. But there are worries over US CAATSA sanctions on India. Washington is mum as of now if New Delhi will be sanctioned over S400 deal or not.

Preference for Russia, India, China in-person summit : Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev

At the Summit of Democracies today, PM Narendra Modi said social media should empower democracies, and not undermine them. From Myanmar to Bangladesh & even in the US - platforms are weakening democracies. Palki Sharma asks: Will Biden rein in social media giants?

Gravitas: Will Biden ask social media giants to protect democracies?

US President Joe Biden's Summit for Democracy had made a lot of promises. It hoped to shine a spotlight on the importance of election integrity. It also hoped to counter authoritarian regimes, but did it achieve the same?

WION-VOA Co-Production: US President Joe Biden hosts 2-day virtual Democracy Summit

Pakistan has decided to skip Joe Biden's democracy summit without offering a reason. Did China order Imran Khan to reject Biden's invite? Has Pakistan surrendered its foreign policy & sovereignty to Beijing? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Did China order Pakistan to skip Biden's summit?

US President Joe Biden's much-awaited "Summit of Democracies" kicked off today. China and Russia are attacking the event. But, the list of invitees for the summit has sparked a bigger controversy. Is Biden's democracy summit divisive? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Will Biden's Summit of Democaries backfire?

US President Joe Biden is convenes the first-ever White House Summit for Democracy with countries around the world invited to take part in a discussion of how to reverse the “recession” of democratic values that’s been a trend in recent years.

US President Joe Biden hosts the Summit for Democracy with world leaders

Pakistan has turned down US' invitation for the Summit for Democracy, an event hosted by Joe Biden with representatives from more than 100 countries.

Pakistan declines invitation to Summit for Democracy by US

In a move that will most likely anger China, US President Joe Biden has invited Taiwan to a summit for democracy next month. According to the US state department, the summit is expected to focus on three principle themes- defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption, and respect for human rights.

Joe Biden invites Taiwan to democracy summit, China & Russia not invited

The reports in US and Taiwanese media that Taiwan is among invitees to the 'Summit of Democracy' to be hosted by US President Joe Biden could emerge as a flashpoint between Beijing and Washington.

China&nbsp;claims Taiwan as part of its mainland, and had repeatedly asked the US not to play role in Taiwan’s independence. Media reports about the virtual summit of Biden with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday said the latter warned the US against "playing with fire", or crossing "the red line" on Taiwan. Official statements from either side is awaited.

While the official list is yet to be released by the government, US news outlet Politico had recently compiled a <a href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000017c-ec87-df97-a9ff-fcffee940000">list</a> of potential invitees for the Democracy summit, in which Taiwan’s name has been included among over 100 countries or governments.

Taiwanese media quoted its foreign ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou as saying that the island&nbsp;had been in talks with the US about the invitation and was “looking forward to share its democratic experience.”

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-raises-taiwan-issue-during-virtual-meet-xi-warns-dont-play-with-fire-429694">&nbsp;Biden raises Taiwan issue during virtual meet, Xi warns don’t 'play with fire'</a>

More than 20 relevant Taiwanese ministries and committees and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy have actively taken stock of the progress of democracy and human rights-related work in recent years and have initiated a number of relevant projects, Taiwan news outlet Liberty Times quoted Ou as saying.

Ou further thanked the US government for reiterating its support for Taiwan’s democracy and said the foreign ministry will continue to coordinate with its American counterparts, according to the report.

The agenda for the Democracy Summit, which is scheduled to take place virtually from December 9-10, has not been finalised.

The event is part of Biden’s foreign policy which seeks to put the United States back into the global leadership to meet the authoritarian forces, led by China and Russia.

Much of the planning process is confidential, according to a report in Politico. All current plans are tentative, it said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-raises-taiwan-issue-during-virtual-meet-xi-warns-dont-play-with-fire-429694">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/insisting-china-play-by-the-rules-of-the-road-biden-xi-virtual-summit-seeks-to-settle-tense-relationship-429637">Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship</a>

Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island off the southeast coast of China, has been one of the flashpoints of US-China relations.

Beijing claims that the province is part of the mainland, with Chinese leaders threatening to take it by force if it makes any moves toward formal independence.

In recent years, China has ramped up military activities near Taiwan, with a&nbsp;record number of planes intruding&nbsp;into the island's air defence identification zone in early October.

US has repeatedly expressed support to Taiwan and had described China’s military activities as “aggression”.

Earlier in the day, during an online meet, President Joe Biden again raked up the issue of Taiwan, saying that opposes “unilateral efforts” to change the status quo or undermine peace across Taiwan—a remark not taken well by China.

According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Biden that US support for Taiwanese independence would be “like playing with fire”.

“Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly tried to rely on the US for independence,” Xi was quoted as saying by state media agency Xinhua.

(With inputs from agencies)

The reports in US and Taiwanese media that Taiwan is among invitees to the 'Summit of Democracy' to be hosted by US President Joe Biden could emerge as a flashpoint between Beijing and Washington.

The reports in US and Taiwanese media that Taiwan is among invitees to the 'Summit of Democracy' to be hosted by US President Joe Biden could emerge as a flashpoint between Beijing and Washington. China claims Taiwan as part of its mainland, and had repeatedly asked the US not to play role in Taiwan’s independence. Media reports about the virtual summit of Biden with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday said the latter warned the US against "playing with fire", or crossing "the red line" on Taiwan. Official statements from either side is awaited. While the official list is yet to be released by the government, US news outlet Politico had recently compiled a list of potential invitees for the Democracy summit, in which Taiwan’s name has been included among over 100 countries or governments. Taiwanese media quoted its foreign ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou as saying that the island had been in talks with the US about the invitation and was “looking forward to share its democratic experience.” Also read | Biden raises Taiwan issue during virtual meet, Xi warns don’t 'play with fire' More than 20 relevant Taiwanese ministries and committees and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy have actively taken stock of the progress of democracy and human rights-related work in recent years and have initiated a number of relevant projects, Taiwan news outlet Liberty Times quoted Ou as saying. Ou further thanked the US government for reiterating its support for Taiwan’s democracy and said the foreign ministry will continue to coordinate with its American counterparts, according to the report. The agenda for the Democracy Summit, which is scheduled to take place virtually from December 9-10, has not been finalised. The event is part of Biden’s foreign policy which seeks to put the United States back into the global leadership to meet the authoritarian forces, led by China and Russia. Much of the planning process is confidential, according to a report in Politico. All current plans are tentative, it said. Also read | Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island off the southeast coast of China, has been one of the flashpoints of US-China relations. Beijing claims that the province is part of the mainland, with Chinese leaders threatening to take it by force if it makes any moves toward formal independence. In recent years, China has ramped up military activities near Taiwan, with a record number of planes intruding into the island's air defence identification zone in early October. US has repeatedly expressed support to Taiwan and had described China’s military activities as “aggression”. Earlier in the day, during an online meet, President Joe Biden again raked up the issue of Taiwan, saying that opposes “unilateral efforts” to change the status quo or undermine peace across Taiwan—a remark not taken well by China. According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Biden that US support for Taiwanese independence would be “like playing with fire”. “Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly tried to rely on the US for independence,” Xi was quoted as saying by state media agency Xinhua. (With inputs from agencies)

Another flashpoint? Reports that Taiwan is among invitee list of US ‘Democracy Summit’ could rile China

In Gaelic, “Glasgow” translates to “dear green place,” a nod to the parks, gardens and flourishing green spaces throughout the city. But according to Chris Mitchell, who was a garbage collector there for more than two decades, the only thing flourishing in Glasgow these days is “a mountain of waste.”

As diplomats at the U.N. climate summit in Glasgow this week preach about the need to curb both greenhouse gas emissions and mass consumption to protect the planet, the reality of today’s throwaway society can be seen just a short way from the conference’s doorstep.

Outside the gleaming center of Scotland’s largest city, dumpsters and trash cans are overflowing. The city’s rat population has surged, with four garbage workers hospitalized because of attacks over the past five months. And litter is strewn across streets.

Mitchell, a senior official for the GMB Scotland trade union, which represents the city’s 1,000 garbage collectors among other workers, said they staged an eight-day strike that ended on Monday because they were tired of poor working conditions, lack of respect from management and low wages. It is a cry that has been echoed throughout Britain, the United States and other parts of the world, where essential workers who carried communities through the worst of the pandemic are saying they will no longer stand for being overworked and underpaid.

“We kept people safe,” said Mitchell, 45, who started working as a garbage collector when he was 16. “We cared for the most vulnerable. We cared for the elderly.” He appreciated the nightly clap for key workers during the pandemic. But now that coronavirus cases have subsided from peak levels, he feels the government has “abandoned low paid workers who have saved this nation.”

In parts of the city, trash is now collected only once every three weeks, down from once every two weeks about a year ago. That means garbage collectors, many of whom make less than 20,000 British pounds ($27,000) a year, have to carry heavier loads up and down steps.

On top of the less frequent collections, volumes of trash per household climbed over the past two years, a reflection of increased spending on takeout and online deliveries, according to Mitchell.

“The pandemic has created waste upon waste upon waste,” he said.

The city of about 635,000 has urged residents to reduce their waste to help protect the environment, but garbage collectors like Jack McGowan, 26, say that reducing collections is not an effective way to achieve that.

“The bins are always like that,” he said Wednesday, gesturing to several overflowing dumpsters behind a block of apartments in Scotstoun, an area west of the Glasgow city center. “We need better pay. Respect as well.”

McGowan said he lives with his mother because he cannot afford a mortgage on his salary of 19,000 pounds a year.

He said he had already seen four rats jump out of trash cans that morning alone.

Glasgow promotes its recycling program and efforts to become more environmentally friendly. But McGowan said he saw examples every day of people putting nonrecyclable trash in recycling bins.

Garbage collectors said they were likely to strike again in the run-up to Christmas if they do not get pay rises. In a statement, the Glasgow City Council said that the leader of the council had already had extensive conversations with the union and that the “door remains open to all trade union colleagues.”

Fiona Ross, a council spokeswoman, said she could not go into further detail because talks were continuing.

Meanwhile, the delegates inside the COP26 summit in Glasgow say they are making some progress toward an agreement to avert catastrophic levels of climate change.

On Wednesday, the United States and China issued a joint statement in which they pledged to do more to cut emissions this decade and in which China committed for the first time to address emissions from methane. Separately, the United Nations climate agency released a draft of an accord that urged nations “to accelerate the phasing out” of greenhouse gas emissions.

But outside the climate talks, there is a mounting frustration over the disconnect between policymakers and those most affected by climate change. There have been daily protests organized by youth activists, who say that pledges by countries that they will commit to goals that are decades away is not enough.

“Nobody really wants to incur the cost of preventing climate change today,” said Sayantan Ghosal, an economics professor at the University of Glasgow’s business school. “They’re willing to do it tomorrow, but they’re not willing to do it today.”

There has also been a gap between world leaders and business executives on the one hand, who have talked this week about the urgent need for a transition to clean energy, and the working class people on the other who will be most affected by the rising costs associated with that transition.

Many of the lowest paid workers in society, including garbage collectors, are more worried about increasing prices of food, rent and energy than about increasing temperatures. They often do not have the flexibility to spend more on food and clothing that are more sustainable.

As the U.S. economy picks up again, after a lull during the pandemic, people are quitting their jobs in record numbers, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. There are 5 million fewer people working than before the pandemic began, and employers have struggled to find enough health care workers, waiters, truck drivers and butchers.

This has given employees newfound leverage and power.

The number of workers on strike in the United States increased in October to more than 25,000, versus an average of about 10,000 in the previous three months, according to data collected by the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.

The shortages have disrupted Britain, which has struggled to find workers to make up for the thousands of European workers who left in five years since Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Mitchell, the senior union official, said that 20 drivers had left the garbage collection team in recent weeks for other truck driving jobs that are offering better pay.

Peter Welsh, a union spokesman, said Scotland needed to invest in the workers who will help deliver a transition to a greener economy.

“There are huge, huge challenges that I don’t quite think mainstream politics have begun to grasp and understand,” he said.

In Gaelic, “Glasgow” translates to “dear green place,” a nod to the parks, gardens and flourishing green spaces throughout the city. But according to Chris Mitchell, who was a garbage collector there for more than two decades, the only thing flourishing in Glasgow these days is “a mountain of waste.

In Gaelic, “Glasgow” translates to “dear green place,” a nod to the parks, gardens and flourishing green spaces throughout the city. But according to Chris Mitchell, who was a garbage collector there for more than two decades, the only thing flourishing in Glasgow these days is “a mountain of waste.” As diplomats at the U.N. climate summit in Glasgow this week preach about the need to curb both greenhouse gas emissions and mass consumption to protect the planet, the reality of today’s throwaway society can be seen just a short way from the conference’s doorstep. Outside the gleaming center of Scotland’s largest city, dumpsters and trash cans are overflowing. The city’s rat population has surged, with four garbage workers hospitalized because of attacks over the past five months. And litter is strewn across streets. Mitchell, a senior official for the GMB Scotland trade union, which represents the city’s 1,000 garbage collectors among other workers, said they staged an eight-day strike that ended on Monday because they were tired of poor working conditions, lack of respect from management and low wages. It is a cry that has been echoed throughout Britain, the United States and other parts of the world, where essential workers who carried communities through the worst of the pandemic are saying they will no longer stand for being overworked and underpaid. “We kept people safe,” said Mitchell, 45, who started working as a garbage collector when he was 16. “We cared for the most vulnerable. We cared for the elderly.” He appreciated the nightly clap for key workers during the pandemic. But now that coronavirus cases have subsided from peak levels, he feels the government has “abandoned low paid workers who have saved this nation.” In parts of the city, trash is now collected only once every three weeks, down from once every two weeks about a year ago. That means garbage collectors, many of whom make less than 20,000 British pounds ($27,000) a year, have to carry heavier loads up and down steps. On top of the less frequent collections, volumes of trash per household climbed over the past two years, a reflection of increased spending on takeout and online deliveries, according to Mitchell. “The pandemic has created waste upon waste upon waste,” he said. The city of about 635,000 has urged residents to reduce their waste to help protect the environment, but garbage collectors like Jack McGowan, 26, say that reducing collections is not an effective way to achieve that. “The bins are always like that,” he said Wednesday, gesturing to several overflowing dumpsters behind a block of apartments in Scotstoun, an area west of the Glasgow city center. “We need better pay. Respect as well.” McGowan said he lives with his mother because he cannot afford a mortgage on his salary of 19,000 pounds a year. He said he had already seen four rats jump out of trash cans that morning alone. Glasgow promotes its recycling program and efforts to become more environmentally friendly. But McGowan said he saw examples every day of people putting nonrecyclable trash in recycling bins. Garbage collectors said they were likely to strike again in the run-up to Christmas if they do not get pay rises. In a statement, the Glasgow City Council said that the leader of the council had already had extensive conversations with the union and that the “door remains open to all trade union colleagues.” Fiona Ross, a council spokeswoman, said she could not go into further detail because talks were continuing. Meanwhile, the delegates inside the COP26 summit in Glasgow say they are making some progress toward an agreement to avert catastrophic levels of climate change. On Wednesday, the United States and China issued a joint statement in which they pledged to do more to cut emissions this decade and in which China committed for the first time to address emissions from methane. Separately, the United Nations climate agency released a draft of an accord that urged nations “to accelerate the phasing out” of greenhouse gas emissions. But outside the climate talks, there is a mounting frustration over the disconnect between policymakers and those most affected by climate change. There have been daily protests organized by youth activists, who say that pledges by countries that they will commit to goals that are decades away is not enough. “Nobody really wants to incur the cost of preventing climate change today,” said Sayantan Ghosal, an economics professor at the University of Glasgow’s business school. “They’re willing to do it tomorrow, but they’re not willing to do it today.” There has also been a gap between world leaders and business executives on the one hand, who have talked this week about the urgent need for a transition to clean energy, and the working class people on the other who will be most affected by the rising costs associated with that transition. Many of the lowest paid workers in society, including garbage collectors, are more worried about increasing prices of food, rent and energy than about increasing temperatures. They often do not have the flexibility to spend more on food and clothing that are more sustainable. As the U.S. economy picks up again, after a lull during the pandemic, people are quitting their jobs in record numbers, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. There are 5 million fewer people working than before the pandemic began, and employers have struggled to find enough health care workers, waiters, truck drivers and butchers. This has given employees newfound leverage and power. The number of workers on strike in the United States increased in October to more than 25,000, versus an average of about 10,000 in the previous three months, according to data collected by the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. The shortages have disrupted Britain, which has struggled to find workers to make up for the thousands of European workers who left in five years since Britain voted to leave the European Union. Mitchell, the senior union official, said that 20 drivers had left the garbage collection team in recent weeks for other truck driving jobs that are offering better pay. Peter Welsh, a union spokesman, said Scotland needed to invest in the workers who will help deliver a transition to a greener economy. “There are huge, huge challenges that I don’t quite think mainstream politics have begun to grasp and understand,” he said.

Outside climate summit, trash in Glasgow piles high

summit

Summit, News on Summit, stories on Summit, articles on Summit, Summit stories at Wion, Summit news, Summit latest news