Archiv: China


09.05.2024 - 09:42 [ New York Times ]

Oct. 25, 1971 | People’s Republic of China In, Taiwan Out, at U.N.

(October 25, 2011)

On Oct. 25, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly voted to admit the People’s Republic of China (mainland China) and to expel the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Communist P.R.C. therefore assumed the R.O.C.’s place in the General Assembly as well as its place as one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. (…)

The United States, the most significant opponent of the resolution, then argued for the P.R.C. to be admitted separately from the R.O.C., which would have allowed the R.O.C. to retain its spot. The proposal was defeated.

19.04.2024 - 20:55 [ New York Times ]

Oct. 25, 1971 | People’s Republic of China In, Taiwan Out, at U.N.

(October 25, 2011)

On Oct. 25, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly voted to admit the People’s Republic of China (mainland China) and to expel the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Communist P.R.C. therefore assumed the R.O.C.’s place in the General Assembly as well as its place as one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. (…)

The United States, the most significant opponent of the resolution, then argued for the P.R.C. to be admitted separately from the R.O.C., which would have allowed the R.O.C. to retain its spot. The proposal was defeated.

18.04.2024 - 19:04 [ Daniel Neun / Radio Utopie ]

Libyen-Krieg: Neue Sitzung der Schwachmächte im UNO-Sicherheitsrat

(22. März 2011)

Am 19.März, dem Tag des Angriffs von Frankreich, Großbritannien, Kanada, Italien und den USA auf Libyen, wurde in Moskau eine der erbärmlichsten Erklärungen in der russischen Geschichte veröffentlicht (Angriffskrieg gegen Libyen beginnt: Ticker). Das russische Außenministerium von Sergei Lawrow:

“In Moskau bedauern wir diese bewaffnete Intervention im Rahmen der UN Resolution 1973, die hastig beschlossen wurde.”

Die Weltöffentlichkeit konstatiert: Russlands Staatsführung ist ein Haufen Tölpel, dem – wenn er schon nicht lesen kann und deshalb nicht weiss was vor sich geht – selbst das Wort „Veto“ mit einem einfachen Armhochhalten schon zu viel ist. Das Gleiche gilt für die Atomschwachmacht China, deren leseunkundige kommunistische Staatspartei immerhin 1.3 Milliarden Menschen herumkommandiert. In der Parteizeitung „People´s Daily“ redete man sich heute nun selbst in ein Gewissen, was man nicht hat (1):

„Die blutgetränkten Gewitter, denen Irak seit acht Jahren unterzogen wurde und das unaussprechliche Leiden seines Volkes sind ein Spiegel und eine Warnung. Die militärischen Attacken auf Libyen, folgend den Kriegen in Afghanisten und Irak, sind das das dritte Mal, dass einige Länder bewaffnete Aktionen gegen souveräne Staaten gestartet haben. Es sollte augenscheinlich sein, dass jedes Mal, wenn militärische Mittel benutzt werden um Krisen zu begegnen, dies ein Schlag gegen die Charta der Vereinten Nationen und die Regeln der internationalen Beziehungen sind.“

Die Weltöffentlichkeit versteht: früher hiess es in China „Bombardiert das Hauptquartier“, letzten Freitag hiess es „Bombardiert Libyen“ und heute wieder anders herum. Mal sehen, zu was sich Chinas Staatsführung am Donnerstag entscheidet. Vielleicht der Einfachheit halber zu „Bombardiert irgendwas“.

18.04.2024 - 18:50 [ United Nations ]

Security Council Approves ‘No-Fly Zone’ over Libya, Authorizing ‘All Necessary Measures’ to Protect Civilians, by Vote of 10 in Favour with 5 Abstentions

(17 March 2011)

Adopting resolution 1973 (2011) by a vote of 10 in favour to none against, with 5 abstentions (Brazil, China, Germany, India, Russian Federation), the Council authorized Member States, acting nationally or through regional organizations or arrangements, to take all necessary measures to protect civilians under threat of attack in the country, including Benghazi, while excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory — requesting them to immediately inform the Secretary-General of such measures.

17.04.2024 - 05:28 [ GlobalTimes.cn ]

China, Germany send strong message of mutually beneficial cooperation to stabilize world: Global Times editorial

The two sides not only had in-depth discussions on current China-Germany relations but also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, reaching consensus on issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict. As China and Germany are respectively the second and third largest economies in the world, the consolidation and development of their relations carries significance that goes beyond the bilateral scope, and has a major impact on the Eurasian continent and the entire world, Xi said, calling on the two countries to view and develop bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective, and work together to inject greater stability and certainty into the world.

17.04.2024 - 05:22 [ Xinhua ]

Xi schlägt vier Grundsätze zur Lösung der Ukraine-Krise vor

Xi traf sich mit dem zu Besuch weilenden deutschen Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz in Beijing, und die beiden führenden Politiker tauschten sich in ihren Gesprächen eingehend über die Krise in der Ukraine aus.

Xi betonte, dass in der derzeitigen Situation alle Parteien zusammenarbeiten sollten, um den Frieden so schnell wie möglich wiederherzustellen, damit der Konflikt nicht außer Kontrolle gerate. Zu diesem Zweck schlug er vier Grundsätze vor.

17.04.2024 - 05:15 [ ZDF ]

Kanzler besucht Xi Jinping: Warum Scholz sich in China schwergetan hat

Olaf Scholz spricht mit der chinesischen Regierung vor allem über Geopolitik und Wirtschaft. Trotz drei möglicher Handelsabkommen: Ein Handschlag zwischen Scholz und Xi bleibt aus.

20.03.2024 - 23:15 [ Tagesschau.de ]

Aussage zu „Einfrieren des Kriegs“: Mützenich bleibt dabei

Laut Mützenich könnte aller Voraussicht nach China auf Russland einwirken für eine mögliche Lösung. „Wir müssen China davon überzeugen, dass die Volksrepublik ein existenzielles und wirtschaftliches Interesse hat, stärker im von Russland zu verantwortenden Krieg diplomatisch aktiv zu werden.“ China habe wahrscheinlich noch einen gewissen Einfluss auf Russland. „Diese Debatten muss die Politik doch führen, anstatt darüber zu reden, wo die Schrauben beim ‚Taurus‘ sitzen. Die Optionen, wie ein militärischer Konflikt beendet werden kann, die werden am Ende politische sein.“

12.03.2024 - 16:59 [ South China Morning Post ]

‘Disgrace for civilisation’: China repeats call for Gaza ceasefire, peace talks on Middle East and Ukraine

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi repeated calls for international peace talks on Gaza and Ukraine, while reaffirming Beijing’s support for Palestine as he faced the press during the annual meeting of China’s top legislative and political advisory bodies.

Wang’s comments during the “two sessions” on Thursday came as the world closely watches how Beijing weighs in on the twin wars that have had international repercussions.

06.03.2024 - 18:03 [ New York Times ]

Oct. 25, 1971 | People’s Republic of China In, Taiwan Out, at U.N.

(October 25, 2011)

On Oct. 25, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly voted to admit the People’s Republic of China (mainland China) and to expel the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Communist P.R.C. therefore assumed the R.O.C.’s place in the General Assembly as well as its place as one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. (…)

The United States, the most significant opponent of the resolution, then argued for the P.R.C. to be admitted separately from the R.O.C., which would have allowed the R.O.C. to retain its spot. The proposal was defeated.

07.02.2024 - 19:50 [ New York Times ]

Oct. 25, 1971 | People’s Republic of China In, Taiwan Out, at U.N.

(October 25, 2011)

On Oct. 25, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly voted to admit the People’s Republic of China (mainland China) and to expel the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Communist P.R.C. therefore assumed the R.O.C.’s place in the General Assembly as well as its place as one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. (…)

The United States, the most significant opponent of the resolution, then argued for the P.R.C. to be admitted separately from the R.O.C., which would have allowed the R.O.C. to retain its spot. The proposal was defeated.

07.02.2024 - 17:12 [ Yale University ]

Genocide Studies Program: United States Policy on the Khmer Rouge regime, 1975-1979

2. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger discusses the Khmer Rouge regime with Thailand’s Foreign Minister Chatichai, November 26, 1975

Kissinger: “You should also tell the Cambodians that we will be friends with them. They are murderous thugs, but we won’t let that stand in our way. We are prepared to improve relations with them.”

3. Ford and Kissinger discuss Cambodia with Indonesia’s President Suharto, Jakarta, December 5, 1975

4. Former US National Security Adviser, Zbigniew Brzezinski, on China and the Khmer Rouge, 1979:

“I encouraged the Chinese to support Pol Pot. Pol Pot was an abomination. We could never support him, but China could.” According to Brzezinski, the USA “winked, semi-publicly” at Chinese and Thai aid to the Khmer Rouge.

07.02.2024 - 16:55 [ Daniel Neun / Radio Utopie ]

BBC-Filmreihe “The Trap” (III): Die Freiheit von Berlin oder Der “Kampf der Zivilisationen”

(18. November 2012)

1965 begannen die U.S.A. während des Krieges gegen Nordvietnam ein ebenso mörderisches, wie geheimes Bombardement gegen das neutrale Kambodscha, was bis 1954 Kolonie Frankreichs gewesen war. 2,7 Millionen Tonnen Bomben zwischen 1965 bis 1973 beförderten Kambodscha “zurück in die Steinzeit” und töteten 200.000 Menschen. Den U.S.-Bomberpiloten wurde vom Pentagon sogar verboten, die eigenen Vorgesetzten zu informieren. Die angeblichen Militärstützpunkte Nordvietnams in Kambodscha, wegen denen die Bombardements vermeintlich durchgeführt wurden, existierten nicht.

Was die Tat von Wahnsinnigen war, wurde nachher als “Wahnsinnigen-Theorie” (“Madman-Theory”) verkauft: die U.S.-Regierung unter Präsident Richard Nixon und Außenminister Henry Kissinger (der später den Friedensnobelpreis bekam) behauptete, sie habe sich wahnsinnig benommen, um der Sowjetunion Angst vor einem Atomkrieg zu machen, damit diese Druck auf Nordvietnam ausübe, damit das den Krieg gegen die U.S.A. beende, den die U.S.A. selbst begonnen hatten.

1970 stürzten die U.S.A. die Monarchie unter “Prinz” Sihanouk, installierten ein Proxy-Regime und marschierten in Kambodscha ein. Sihanouk, einst 1941 im Alter von achtzehn Jahren vom französischen Vichy-Regime unter deutscher Besatzung zum neuen König der damaligen französischen Kolonie Kambodscha ernannt, floh ins China Mao Tse Tungs und formierte dort eine kambodschanische “Freiheitsbewegung”. Deren Teil: die Roten Khmer.

1972 besuchte Richard Nixon als erster U.S.-Präsident China und Mao Tse Tung, im Versuch gegen das mit der Sowjetunion verbündete Nordvietnam einen Verbündeten zu finden und die Rivalitäten sowohl zwischen China und Vietnam, als auch zwischen China und der Sowjetunion zu schüren.

Als 1975 in Vietnam die Truppen des Vietkong und Nordvietnams in Saigon einmarschierten und den Krieg gegen die U.S.A. gewannen, marschierten in Kambodscha die Truppen der Roten Khmer – von China unterstützt und traditionell verfeindet mit den vietnamesischen Kommunisten – plötzlich in der Haupstadt Phnom Penh ein. Und setzten Prinz Sihanouk als offizielles Staatsoberhaupt ein.

Von der Schreckensherrschaft Pol Pots, auf dessen Killing Fields Millionen Leichen lagen und dessen Verbündeter Prinz Sihanouk nach wie vor im Land lebte, befreite Kambodscha 1979 nicht etwa die “negative Freiheit” der U.S.A., von Frankreich, oder der U.N.O., sondern die einrückenden Truppen des kommunistischen Vietnams.

Die Mörder der Roten Khmer, die gerade einen Genozid begangen hatten, flohen in Dschungel und begannen dort einen neuen Guerillakrieg – mit Unterstützung der U.S.A. und anderer ehrenwerter westlicher Länder. 1982 formierten die Massenmörder unter Führung Sihanouks eine Exilregierung, die von den U.S.A., der U.N.O und unwichtigen Ländereien Westeuropas anerkannt wurde.

Vizepräsident dieser kambodschanischen Exilregierung: das “Staatsoberhaupt” des Pol Pot Regimes von 1976-1979, Khieu Samphan. Er lebt heute noch. Er sagt, er hätte nichts gewusst.

Pol Pot wurde nie verfolgt. Dafür sorgten die U.S.A..

Neues altes Staatsoberhaupt Kambodschas wurde 1991 Sihanouk, nach dem Abzug der vietnamesischen Truppen. Er starb erst vor wenigen Tagen, am 15. Oktober 2012, in Peking.

10.01.2024 - 10:20 [ Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists ]

The coming US-Saudi nuclear deal: Keep it honest

(January 5, 2024)

In 1988, the Central Intelligence Agency did discover that Riyadh bought SS-2 medium-range missiles from China but only after the deal was sealed. In 2003, when China exported DF-21 ballistic missiles to the Kingdom, the CIA again found out and was even allowed to verify the missiles were not nuclear-capable, but only after the missiles were delivered.

Several years later, when intelligence finally leaked out that China secretly built missile factories for the Saudis, the Trump administration was mum on whether there was an intelligence failure and allowed speculation that it had blessed the transaction. Then, in 2020, when US intelligence confirmed China was helping the Kingdom mill uranium domestically, it did so, again only after the mining and milling were well underway.

This track record of studied inadvertence, then, brings us to the next worry: MBS wants Washington to green-light the Kingdom enriching uranium…

27.12.2023 - 11:20 [ New York Times ]

Oct. 25, 1971 | People’s Republic of China In, Taiwan Out, at U.N.

(October 25, 2011)

On Oct. 25, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly voted to admit the People’s Republic of China (mainland China) and to expel the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Communist P.R.C. therefore assumed the R.O.C.’s place in the General Assembly as well as its place as one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. (…)

The United States, the most significant opponent of the resolution, then argued for the P.R.C. to be admitted separately from the R.O.C., which would have allowed the R.O.C. to retain its spot. The proposal was defeated.

24.12.2023 - 11:34 [ Reuters ]

Yemen‘s warring parties commit to ceasefire steps, U.N. special envoy says

(December 23, 2023 7:03 PM)

Houthi officials in September visited Riyadh for the first time since the war broke out. That followed a first round of Omani-mediated consultations between Riyadh and Sanaa, running in parallel to U.N. peace efforts, when Saudi envoys visited Sanaa in April.

The peace initiatives gained momentum after arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish ties in a deal brokered by China. A permanent ceasefire in Yemen would mark a milestone in stabilising the Middle East.

30.11.2023 - 14:30 [ New York Times ]

Oct. 25, 1971 | People’s Republic of China In, Taiwan Out, at U.N.

(October 25, 2011)

On Oct. 25, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly voted to admit the People’s Republic of China (mainland China) and to expel the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Communist P.R.C. therefore assumed the R.O.C.’s place in the General Assembly as well as its place as one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. (…)

The United States, the most significant opponent of the resolution, then argued for the P.R.C. to be admitted separately from the R.O.C., which would have allowed the R.O.C. to retain its spot. The proposal was defeated.

30.11.2023 - 13:30 [ CGTN.com ]

China presents 5-point proposal at UNSC on Palestine-Israel issue

Only when the two-state solution is truly and comprehensively implemented can peace in the Middle East be achieved, the countries of Palestine and Israel peacefully coexist, and the Arab and Jewish nations develop together, he said.

The Chinese side calls for the convening of a larger scale, broader and more effective international peace conference, and supports Palestine to become a full member of the UN, Wang added.

29.11.2023 - 17:35 [ South China Morning Post ]

‘China’s position is clear’: Foreign Minister Wang Yi pushes for one UN voice on Gaza ceasefire

The Security Council should reach another consensus, Wang told his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira in a separate meeting, according to a readout from the Chinese foreign ministry.

“We should seek a new consensus in the council to promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, the release of detainees and a return to the two-state solution, which is the fundamental solution to the Palestine problem,” Wang said. (…)

Wang said Wednesday’s high-level meeting comes at a crucial time, being the last day of a temporary ceasefire. It will aim to push the council to reach a consensus on a ceasefire,…

28.11.2023 - 08:32 [ Shen Shiwei 沈诗伟 / Twitter ]

China sends a very important message on de-escalating ??#Israel??#Palestine #Gaza conflicts. ??China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi to go #NewYork to host a high-level?? @UN Security Council meeting on Israel-Palestine issue on Nov.29.

(27.11.2023)

16.11.2023 - 18:37 [ CNN ]

Biden hails productive talks with Xi as agreements reached on fentanyl and military communication

Biden said he and Xi had each agreed to pick up the phone and talk during periods of disagreement, and called the talks “some of the most constructive and productive discussions we’ve had.”

Yet departing the summit following a news conference, Biden said he still considered Xi a dictator, despite the progress they’d achieved over the course of their meeting.

01.11.2023 - 18:04 [ US House Committee on Oversight and Accountability ]

Comer Reveals How Joe Biden Received Laundered China Money

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today released a video and bank records memorandum revealing how Joe Biden received $40,000 in laundered China money from the account of his brother, James Biden, and his sister-in-law, Sara Biden, in the form of a personal check.

The money trail begins in July 2017 when Hunter Biden demanded payment from his Chinese Communist Party (CCP) linked associate. On July 30, 2017, Hunter Biden sent a message to Raymond Zhao—a CEFC associate—demanding a $10 million dollar capital payment and claimed his father, Joe Biden, was sitting in the room. CEFC is a Chinese energy company linked to the CCP. The Bidens began working with CEFC when Joe Biden was Vice President.

28.10.2023 - 18:10 [ Nachdenkseiten ]

Die Meinungsmache gegen Wagenknecht und Gefährten ist eröffnet

Kurzer Einschub, weil die Außenpolitik eine wichtige Rolle spielen wird und Vorwürfe des Ausverkaufs an China oder Russland wahrscheinlich zunehmen werden: Die Vorstellung, Deutschland könne auch als Brücke zwischen den Blöcken der kommenden multipolaren Weltordnung fungieren, wird in diesen Argumentationen oft gar nicht zugelassen. Ebenso die Feststellung, dass selbstverständlich kein naives oder romantisches Verhältnis zu Russland angestrebt werden sollte, sondern ein vernünftiger und sachlicher Umgang zum beiderseitigen Nutzen. Nicht zuletzt fällt oft unter den Tisch, dass ohne eine Verständigung mit Russland eine friedliche Ordnung in Europa gar nicht vorstellbar ist. Eine solche Verständigung mit Russland muss nicht die Verdammung der oder eine Abkopplung von den USA bedeuten.

26.10.2023 - 16:55 [ IsraelHayom.com ]

A Zionist strategy for Israel

(19.03.2023)

Overall, there is, in fact, a successful Israeli „grand security strategy“ of sorts and it must be pursued with determination. It involves steadfastness, patience, and looking over the horizon for new partners while fearlessly confronting bad actors. It involves being both flexible and firm.

It means strictly securing Israel‘s borders, managing frictions with the Palestinians, and pursuing Zionist goals like continued settlement of the Land of Israel. It involves positioning Israel as a regional anchor of sanity and a global source of ingenuity.

06.10.2023 - 17:00 [ AtlanticCouncil.org ]

JCPOA: A New Gold Standard for Non-Proliferation Agreements

(June 7, 2017)

The established pattern of constraints on Iran’s nuclear program could be held as the gold standard for the rest of the international community. This option is readily available to the United States and the partners with which it negotiated the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA): China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the European Union. The international community should draw on that agreement and turn its standards into general, global ones, applying them to all countries seeking to enrich uranium or attempting to use plutonium for any purpose.

06.10.2023 - 11:55 [ AsiaTimes.com ]

Saudi nuclear weapon talk is no empty threat

(October 5, 2023)

Fitzpatrick notes Saudi Arabia acquired more advanced DF-21 missiles from China in 2007, although Riyadh has never acknowledged the purchase. He also says that the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) approved Saudi Arabia’s acquisition because they were modified not to carry nuclear warheads.

However, the inaccuracy of those missiles means that they are only suitable for large targets such as cities and would be ineffective with anything less than a nuclear warhead.

17.09.2023 - 01:50 [ Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington / New York Times ]

Why Is the Biden Administration Working So Hard on a Saudi-Israel Deal?

(Sept. 11, 2023)

The Biden administration is working overtime to consolidate what is arguably Washington’s most significant advantage over its great power rivals, especially China. (…)

It’s easy to see what the Saudis and Israelis, facing security threats in the region, particularly from Iran, would gain. (…)

For Israel, establishing formal ties with Saudi Arabia would bolster its position against Iran….

09.09.2023 - 14:49 [ Times of India ]

At G20, Biden looks to fill hole left by Putin & Xi, shore up India ties

President Joe Biden arrived in New Delhi on Friday for a global summit where he will present the United States as an economic and strategic counterweight to China and Russia, taking advantage of the absence of leaders from those two countries, who are skipping the gathering.

06.09.2023 - 02:59 [ Reuters ]

Obama-era veteran Kurt Campbell to lead Biden‘s Asia policy

(Jan 13, 2021)

Campbell, the top U.S. diplomat for Asia under Democratic President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is considered an architect of their “pivot to Asia” strategy, a vaunted but so far still limited rebalancing of resources to the region.

06.09.2023 - 02:52 [ Washington Post ]

Why Biden Skipping the Asean Summit Is a Mistake

The deliberate cherry picking of allies and partners is the brainchild, insiders tell me, of Biden’s key Asia policy czar, Kurt Campbell. It is likely to continue, as Campbell has pointed out in a discussion earlier this year at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

21.08.2023 - 07:25 [ Amerika21.de ]

Rückkehr der Dritten Welt: Lateinamerika, Karibik, Afrika

Die kapitalistische und transnationale Globalisierung der Welt nach dem Zusammenbruch des Sozialismus sowjetischer Prägung brachte eine komplexe Ära mit vielfältigen wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen für Lateinamerika/Karibik und auch für Afrika, wo eine regelrechte Rekolonisierung stattfand. In Lateinamerika erwiesen sich seit den letzten Jahrzehnten des 20. Jahrhunderts das Eindringen des Neoliberalismus und die Rolle des IWF als katastrophal. Es wuchsen aber auch die Wirtschaftsbeziehungen zu Russland, China und anderen Ländern und Regionen langsam an, einschließlich der noch spärlichen Verbindungen zwischen Lateinamerika/Karibik und Afrika.

Inmitten der Globalisierung hat dies unweigerlich den antiimperialistischen, antikolonialistischen und souveränen Aufstieg Afrikas und Lateinamerikas/der Karibik ausgelöst.

12.08.2023 - 15:52 [ Haaretz ]

Pakistan’s Spy Agency Buys Israeli Cellphone Hacking Tech

As Haaretz has reported on numerous occasions, Cellebrite’s clients have included oppressive regimes that were or still are subject to sanctions, including Belarus, China (including Hong Kong), Uganda, Venezuela, Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia and Ethiopia, as well as Bangladesh’s notorious Rapid Action Battalion.

The security forces in Pakistan are known to commit serious violations of human rights and freedom of expression.

11.08.2023 - 19:04 [ New York Times ]

Samuel T. Cohen, Neutron Bomb Inventor, Dies at 89

(Dec. 1, 2010)

In contrast to strategic warheads, which can kill millions and level cities, and smaller short-range tactical nuclear arms designed to wipe out battlefield forces, the neutron bomb minimized blast and heat. Instead, it maximized a barrage of infinitesimal neutrons that could zip through tanks, buildings and other structures and kill people, usually by destroying the central nervous system, and all other life forms.

(…)

The Reagan administration developed but never deployed the weapons in the 1980s. France, Israel and the Soviet Union were believed to have added versions of the bomb to their arsenals. Western military planners rejected their use in the Vietnam War and regarded them only as a possible deterrent to superior Soviet tank forces in Europe. But the end of the cold war obviated even that purpose.

11.08.2023 - 19:00 [ New York Times ]

NEUTRON BOMB: AN EXPLOSIVE ISSUE

(Nov. 15, 1981)

The long years of engineering grew out of a notion originated by Samuel T. Cohen, a Defense Department consultant, in the mid-1950‘s. Around 1957, at the instigation of Edward Teller at the Lawrence Livermore weapons laboratory, work began that led to the development of a device which, according to Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger, “enables infantry to fight closely behind it, as with conventional artillery.“

(…)

Of all NATO governments, none was put in a more awkward position than Helmut Schmidt‘s. In 1978, the West German Chancellor, under heavy pressure from the Carter Administration, had sought his Cabinet‘s support to allow neutron deployment. The Chancellor privately won his Cabinet‘s approval but Mr. Carter, lacking any open backing from Bonn, deferred the matter, deeply embarrassing Chancellor Schmidt. Then, in December 1979, NATO agreed to accept 572 new Pershing-2 and cruise missiles to offset a new generation of Soviet SS-20 missiles. It was assumed that this action indefinitely postponed any revival of the neutron bomb.

09.08.2023 - 23:59 [ Counterfire.org ]

‘A tinderbox waiting to explode’: Niger and neo-colonialism

The coup of the 26th July 2023 in Niger was precipitated by the stated desire of former President Bazoum to remove the head of the presidential guard. Irrespective of the reasons for the coupists seizing power, the coup, to gain legitimacy, has tapped into a festering resentment against the ex-colonial power, France. French control of Niger’s economy through fiscal and monetary means using a regional version of the Franc (CFA Franc), with the collaboration of elements of Niger’s elite, has meant that France has the scope and access to pillage the country’s resources relentlessly.

As Niger has no control over its currency, it is unable to embark upon any form of meaningful development to lift or transform the living standards of the people. The CFA Franc and the fiscal and monetary control that France has over its ex-colonies is a scandal. It represents the rawest form of neo-colonial domination.

04.08.2023 - 20:02 [ New York Times ]

Inside Saudi Arabia’s Global Push for Nuclear Power

(April 1, 2023)

For years, Saudi Arabia has pressed the United States to help it develop a nuclear energy program, as Saudi leaders look beyond oil to power their country.

But talks about a nuclear partnership have dragged on, largely because the Saudi government refuses to agree to conditions that are intended to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons or helping other nations do so, according to officials with knowledge of the discussions.

Frustrated Saudi officials are now exploring options to work with other countries, including China, Russia or a U.S. ally.

04.08.2023 - 07:04 [ ABC News ]

2 US Navy sailors arrested for allegedly spying for China

„The charges demonstrate [China‘s] determination to obtain information that is critical to our national defense by any means so it can be used to their advantage,“ Olsen continued. „The alleged conduct also represents a violation of the solemn obligation of members of our military to defend our country to safeguard our secrets and to protect their fellow service members.“

It was not immediately clear if either Wei or Zhao had retained attorneys who could comment on their behalf. They have not yet entered pleas.

Both Wei and Zhao had their initial court appearances later on Thursday:

28.07.2023 - 15:59 [ Daniel Neun / Radio Utopie ]

Nordkoreas Potemkinsche Monarchie

(8. Februar 2018)

Die Rolle der russischen Staatsführung in der Korea Situation beurteilten wir mehrfach sehr negativ. Und es gibt aus unserer Sicht keinen Grund daran irgendetwas zu ändern, im Gegenteil. Es hat sich weiter unsere Analyse verdichtet, dass die Russische Föderation versuchte die Sanktionsstrategie (und damit eine friedliche und diplomatische Lösung) der Krise zu verhindern, sie weiterhin versucht zu unterlaufen bzw zu sabotieren, statt einer Lösung durch Sanktionen und Diplomatie gezielt einen Krieg auf der koreanischen Halbinsel in Kauf nimmt, Nordkorea als geostrategischen Bauern benutzt und versucht hat, die u.s.-amerikanische Regierung zu einem (weiteren) Angriffskrieg zu bewegen, diesmal mit noch schlimmeren Folgen als zuvor in bereits sechzehn Jahren Krieg. Gewinner wäre dabei auch die internationale Kriegslobby insgesamt, die wir hier im Groben auflisteten.

(…)

Geht man nun, wie wir bei Radio Utopie, davon aus, dass die Russische Föderation nicht nur bezüglich der Korea Situation, sondern weltweit seit Jahren ein extrem heimtückisches und falsches Spiel treibt und den vermeintlichen Gegnern, den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika und ihrem Klon “Europäische Union”, immer wieder zuarbeitet und in die Hände spielt – z.B. indem sie Nordatlantikpakt und E.U. nach deren eigenem mit faschistischen Fusstruppen durchgeführten Putsch in Kiev zu den “Beschützern” Europas beförderte und deren Aufrüstung auf dem Kontinent legitimierte (die “Neurussland”-Falle) – muss man sagen:

Natürlich gab die russische Staatsführung keine solche Beistands- und Neutralitäts-Erklärung gegenüber Nordkorea ab, wie es nun China endlich tat. Russlands Regierung gab eine solche Erklärung auch nicht gegenüber Libyen und auch nie gegenüber Syrien ab, genauso wenig wie die chinesische Staatsführung, obwohl dies Hunderttausenden von Menschen das Leben gerettet hätte.

28.07.2023 - 15:19 [ Yonhap ]

N. Korea visit by Russian, Chinese delegates show support for unlawful weapons programs: state dept.

North Korea‘s state media reported earlier that a Russian delegation led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, arrived in Pyongyang this week to take part in events marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.

Earlier reports said the North held a massive military parade in Pyongyang late Thursday (Korea time) to mark the day that is celebrated in the country as Victory Day.

28.07.2023 - 15:08 [ Tagesschau.de ]

Nordkorea: Kim und Schoigu nehmen Militärparade ab

Dass eine ranghohe russische Delegation unter Führung von Schoigu an der Parade im Zentrum Pjöngjangs teilnahm, weckt weltweit Sorgen über eine verstärkte militärische Kooperation zwischen Russland und Nordkorea. Neben Schoigu schaute sich auch Li Hongzhong, Mitglied des chinesischen Politbüros, die Militärparade an, wie staatliche nordkoreanische Medien weiter berichteten.

Bereits am Mittwoch hatten Nordkorea und Russland verkündet, dass sie in Fragen der Verteidigung enger zusammenarbeiten wollen.

25.07.2023 - 13:33 [ ORFat ]

Staatsmedien: Chinas Außenminister aus Amt entfernt

Der seit einem Monat nicht mehr öffentlich aufgetretene chinesische Außenminister Qin Gang ist aus dem Amt entfernt worden. Wie der Staatssender CCTV berichtete, stimmte der Ständige Ausschuss des Volkskongresses bei einer Sitzung heute dafür. Sein Vorgänger Wang Yi soll erneut das Amt übernehmen.

22.07.2023 - 13:27 [ APNews.com ]

Russia comes under pressure at UN to avoid global food crisis and revive Ukrainian grain shipments

China’s deputy U.N. ambassador Geng Shuang noted U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ commitment to make every effort to ensure that both Ukrainian grain and Russian food and fertilizer get to world markets. He expressed hope that Russia and the U.N. will work together to resume exports from both countries “at an early date” in the interest of “maintaining international food security and alleviating the food crisis in developing countries in particular.”

22.07.2023 - 13:21 [ Tagesschau.de ]

China drängt Russland zu neuem Getreidedeal

Russland ist im Sicherheitsrat der Vereinten Nationen von seinem Verbündeten China, den Entwicklungsländern sowie den westlichen Staaten unter Druck gesetzt worden, eine weltweite Nahrungsmittelkrise abzuwenden. Die ukrainischen Getreidelieferungen müssten rasch wieder möglich gemacht werden, hieß es. Chinas stellvertretender Ständiger Vertreter bei den Vereinten Nationen, Geng Shuang, forderte eine baldige Wiederaufnahme der Ausfuhren von Getreide und Düngemitteln aus Russland und der Ukraine.

22.07.2023 - 12:31 [ APNews.com ]

By pulling out of the Ukrainian grain deal, Russia risks alienating its few remaining partners

The Black Sea deal allowed Ukraine to ship 32.9 million metric tons of grain and other food to global markets. According to official data, 57% of the grain from Ukraine went to developing nations, while China received the most — nearly a quarter.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that 60,000 metric tons of grain destroyed by Russia’s strike on the port of Odesa on Wednesday were bound for China.

22.07.2023 - 12:17 [ South China Morning Post ]

China-Ukraine trade: amid Russian attacks in Black Sea, Beijing promises Kyiv negotiator it will boost imports

The commitment was made at a time when Moscow’s recent attack on Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea affected grain exports destined for China and damaged a Chinese consulate.

Beijing was ready to work with Kyiv to “actively” develop bilateral economic and trade cooperation, advance the strategic partnership between the two countries and promote study towards freer trade, China’s commerce vice-minister Ling Ji said on Thursday when meeting the visiting Ukrainian deputy minister of economy, Taras Kachka.

22.07.2023 - 12:14 [ NHK.or.jp ]

China: No one at consulate-general hurt in Odesa explosion

China‘s foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday night that an explosion had occurred near China‘s Consulate-General in Odesa.

The statement went on to say that the „blast wave shook off parts of the wall surface and windowpanes.“ It also said, „The consulate staff had long left the premises and no one was hurt.“

It added that China is „staying in touch with the parties concerned“ and will „take all measures necessary to keep Chinese institutions and nationals safe in Ukraine.“

21.07.2023 - 04:54 [ Reuters ]

Russia bombs Ukraine ports, threatens ships, as Kyiv deploys cluster munitions

„The aggressor is deliberately hitting the port infrastructure – administrative and residential buildings nearby were damaged,“ Kiper said on Telegram.

The Chinese foreign ministry said the shock wave of the explosion „knocked down parts of the walls and window panes of the consulate.“

17.07.2023 - 18:30 [ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People´s Republic of China ]

​​Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s Regular Press Conference on July 17, 2023

TASS: The Black Sea grain deal will expire today. Russia is yet to announce its final decision on the deal. Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with how the Russia-part of the deal is being implemented. What is your comment?

Mao Ning: China hopes that the deal will continue to be implemented in a balanced, full and effective manner. China put forward the cooperation initiative on global food security, and would like to have more communication and cooperation with parties on this to help build more international consensus and contribute to global food security.

17.07.2023 - 18:25 [ RT,com ]

Beijing expresses hope for grain deal extension – TASS

Beijing hopes that the Black Sea grain agreement will be extended, according to remarks by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday, cited by TASS news agency.

“China hopes that the grain transportation initiative will continue to be fully implemented and is ready to work more closely with all parties to reach agreements on ensuring world food security,” she said.

13.07.2023 - 15:00 [ NATO.int ]

Vilnius Summit Communiqué

(11 Jul. 2023)

11. We fully support Ukraine’s right to choose its own security arrangements. Ukraine’s future is in NATO. We reaffirm the commitment we made at the 2008 Summit in Bucharest that Ukraine will become a member of NATO, and today we recognise that Ukraine’s path to full Euro-Atlantic integration has moved beyond the need for the Membership Action Plan.

(…)

23. The People’s Republic of China’s stated ambitions and coercive policies challenge our interests, security and values. The PRC employs a broad range of political, economic, and military tools to increase its global footprint and project power, while remaining opaque about its strategy, intentions and military build-up. The PRC’s malicious hybrid and cyber operations and its confrontational rhetoric and disinformation target Allies and harm Alliance security. The PRC seeks to control key technological and industrial sectors, critical infrastructure, and strategic materials and supply chains. It uses its economic leverage to create strategic dependencies and enhance its influence. It strives to subvert the rules-based international order, including in the space, cyber and maritime domains.