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New Caledonia state of emergency comes into effect
Deutsche Welle
16 May 2024, 17:06
Image: Lilou Garrido Navarro Kherachi/REUTERS
New Caledonia saw a third night of riots over an electoral reform imposed by France. Pacific nations such as Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu have called for peace.
A state of emergency came into effect in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia on Thursday as the island saw its third day of rioting following violence that led to the deaths of four people, including a French police officer.
Riots broke out on Tuesday after lawmakers in France adopted a new bill allowing French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections. Local leaders are concerned this will impact the influence of the Indigenous Kanak peoples' vote.
Since 5 a.m. local time (1800 GMT Wednesday), a state of emergency came into force which is set to last for 12 days. It gives authorities the power to ban gatherings and restrict movement across the island, which lies around 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) east of Australia — and almost 17,000 kilometers from France.
Forces have been deployed to protect the two airports and port in New Caledonia, said Louis Le Franc, the high commissioner for New Caledonia. The social media app TikTok has also been banned.
"There will not be the army in the streets of New Caledonia. It is a question of maintaining order," French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Thursday, adding that the number of police and gendarmes in deployment on the island would increase from 1,700 to 2,700 by Friday evening.
French lawmakers spark riots in New Caledonia
Pacific nations call for dialogue
Other Pacific countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu called for de-escalation of the crisis and open dialogue between France and local political parties.
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the situation was "of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region."
Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai raised concerns about the effect of the riots on New Caledonia's economy and said France should annul the reform.
"These events could have been avoided if the French government had listened," he said, adding that Paris should establish contact with the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) alliance of political parties which has organized the protests.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for calm and added that Australians had been advised against traveling to Noumea.
Meanwhile, Darmanin accused Azerbaijan of interfering with New Caledonian politics. "This isn't a fantasy... I regret that some of the separatists have made a deal with Azerbaijan," he told reporters on Thursday.
Azerbaijan said it rejected the "baseless accusations."
The electoral reform is the latest bone of contention in a larger discussion over France's involvement with the island which it controlled as a colony since the mid-1800s until it was recognized as an overseas territory in 1946.
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Drone Attack on Israeli Military Camp Kills 4
Hezbollah carried out a drone attack on a military camp in Israel, killing four Israeli soldiers and injuring more than 60 people. Among the injured, seven are military personnel.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the incident.
The attack targeted a training camp of the Golani Brigade in Binyamina, Haifa, located in southern Israel.
In a statement, Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group from Lebanon, said the drone strike was a response to Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon and Beirut.
Israel’s ambulance service, Magen David Adom (MDA), reported that 61 people were injured, with three in critical condition.
(Source: BBC)
China Launches Fresh War Games Around Taiwan
China's military began a new round of military drills near Taiwan on Monday in what it said was a warning against "separatist acts by Taiwan independence forces." No date was given for the drills to end.
The exercises, dubbed Joint Sword-2024B, "test the joint operations capabilities of the theater command's troops," the Chinese Defense Ministry said.
"The drill also serves as a stern warning to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces. It is a legitimate and necessary operation for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity," it said.
The exercises are taking place in "areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island," according to Captain Li Xi, spokesman for the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command.
Chinese ships and aircraft are approaching Taiwan in "close proximity from different directions," focusing on sea-air combat-readiness patrols, blockading key ports and areas, assaulting maritime and ground targets and "joint seizure of comprehensive superiority," the command said.
What is Taiwan's reaction?
In response, Taiwan's Defense Ministry condemned the "irrational and provocative behavior" from the mainland. The ministry said it had "dispatched appropriate forces to respond accordingly to protect freedom and democracy" and defend Taiwan's sovereignty.
Taiwan's government also said China's latest war games and refusal to renounce the use of force are "blatant provocations" that seriously undermine regional peace and stability.
In the face of China's further political, military and economic threats to Taiwan in recent days, Taiwan will neither back down nor give in, Taiwan's China policy-making Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement.
Democratically-governed Taiwan, which China regards as its own territory, had been on alert for more war games since President Lai Ching-te's National Day speech last week.
In his speech, Lai vowed to "resist annexation" of the island, and insisted Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other."
Beijing condemned the speech after Lai said China had no right to represent Taiwan, even as he offered cooperation with Beijing. China held the Joint Sword-2024A exercises around Taiwan for two days in May, shortly after Lai took office.
US condemns China's drills
The United States condemned China's military drills around Taiwan, saying the move was "unwarranted and risks escalation" as it urged Beijing to act with restraint.
"The United States is seriously concerned about the People's Liberation Army's joint military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan," US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement, referring to China's military.
The escalation comes days after US State Secretary Antony Blinken warned China against taking action in response to Lai's speech during the island's National Day celebrations.
Washington Post Report: / Israel to Strike Iran Before November 5
With the U.S. presidential election scheduled for November 5, Israel may launch a retaliatory attack on Iran before then, according to a report by the Washington Post, citing officials familiar with the matter.
The report, based on two sources, reveals that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured the U.S. that Israel’s retaliatory strikes will focus on military targets, excluding Iranian nuclear and oil facilities.
It is reported that Netanyahu gave this assurance during a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden last week.
On October 1, Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel in response to Israeli operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, as well as the killings of commanders from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC. Since then, top Israeli officials have vowed retaliation.
While Israel has expressed its intent to respond, the U.S. and several European countries have urged it to avoid escalating tensions by targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure.
A U.S. official told the Washington Post that the Israeli Prime Minister has committed to ensuring the attacks do not affect the outcome of the upcoming U.S. election.
An attack on energy infrastructure could raise oil prices, leading to higher gas prices at U.S. pumps, which could influence American voters and impact the election.
Another official stated that Israel intends to carry out the retaliation before the election to avoid appearing weak.
According to the report, Israel has also informed Washington that it aims to conclude its military operations in Lebanon within the next week.
Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to Visit Pakistan Today
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan today, October 15, to attend a meeting of the regional bloc, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). During his visit, Jaishankar will join a dinner hosted by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
This visit marks the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan since 2015, when then-Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj attended a conference in Islamabad focused on Afghanistan. In 2016, then-Home Minister Rajnath Singh traveled to Islamabad for a SAARC meeting, which was the last time India participated in a multilateral event held in Pakistan.
According to The Hindu, Jaishankar’s visit carries symbolic importance, as it reflects India’s intent to prioritize diplomacy and multilateral dialogue over bilateral disputes. While in Islamabad, Jaishankar will have no choice but to attend the dinner hosted by PM Sharif, which will also be attended by Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
Though the official itinerary spans two days, Jaishankar’s actual stay in Pakistan will last less than 24 hours. Indian diplomats view this visit as a smart and strategic move by the Modi government. Recently, Jaishankar remarked that India seeks normal relations with Pakistan, just like with any other neighbor—but not at the cost of tolerating terrorism.
New Delhi emphasized that Jaishankar’s visit is rooted in India’s commitment to the SCO, sending a message that it prioritizes multilateral diplomacy over bilateral conflicts.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that no bilateral meeting between the two nations has been requested. "We have not received any request from the Indian Foreign Ministry, nor have we made any such request," Dar stated. However, as per protocol, Jaishankar will be welcomed along with other foreign dignitaries.
To ensure security for the SCO summit, Islamabad has implemented a lockdown and declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi. Section 144 has also been imposed in five districts to maintain order during the event.
Chinese Dream Shattered: 10 Alarming Signs of Growing Poverty
Despite economic hardship and widespread poverty, China’s government continues prioritizing national prestige projects like foreign aid, the China Star Link project, and infrastructure ventures, leaving citizens to struggle. Xi Jinping’s 2012 promise of the “Chinese Dream,” aimed at prosperity and happiness, now faces grim realities as economic conditions worsen.
A 2014 survey showed 77% of Chinese people felt better off compared to five years prior, but by 2024, that figure had dropped to just 39%. Song Guocheng, a senior researcher from Chung Cheng University, highlights ten critical challenges that reflect China’s shift from dreams of prosperity to poverty:
Extreme Wealth Inequality: About 70% of Chinese citizens earn less than 2,000 RMB ($275) per month, with 1% of the population controlling 90% of the country’s wealth. The World Bank reports around 200 million people live in poverty, with a staggering wealth gap of 359 times between the richest and poorest families.
Social Volcano: Surveys show a shift in perception—many now blame inequality and unfair systems, not personal failings, for poverty. This resentment reflects growing dissatisfaction with Xi’s governance.
Social Suicide: High unemployment and mortgage stress have led to cases of suicide among professionals. Many young people, unable to secure jobs due to nepotism and corruption, see “social suicide” as a form of protest against the system.
Elderly Care Crisis: China’s aging population—290 million people over 60, projected to reach 500 million by 2050—faces a broken welfare system that benefits the rich, leaving rural elderly with little support.
Catering Industry Collapse: In 2024, over 1 million catering businesses shut down, with profit margins plummeting to 0.37%. A niche market emerged for reselling equipment from closed restaurants, highlighting the severity of the industry’s downturn.
Vicious Competition: Companies across industries face cutthroat price wars due to overcapacity and low demand. In July 2024, profits in the steel sector fell 88%, while solar industry prices dropped drastically, forcing many companies into losses.
Struggling Enterprises: Iconic companies like Evergrande, which lost 20.25 billion RMB in the first half of 2024, reflect the collapse of China’s real estate sector. Top developers are struggling with debt or facing bankruptcy.
Middle-Class Erosion: The closure of 7,000 piano stores—a symbol of middle-class status—illustrates the decline of China’s middle class, further weakening the economy.
Unfinished Generation: Record youth unemployment, with 11.79 million new graduates in 2024 and a 17.1% youth unemployment rate, highlights the challenges facing young people, many forced into low-wage jobs or long-term unemployment.
Unsustainable Debt: China’s combined government and corporate debt reached 390 trillion Yuan in 2022, three times its GDP. With GDP growth unable to keep up, China’s financial stability remains in jeopardy.
Despite these struggles, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to focus on projects that enhance its global influence rather than addressing domestic poverty. Song Guocheng sums it up bluntly: “The people suffer, but the CCP scatters flowers,” suggesting that Xi Jinping’s Chinese Dream prioritizes prestige over citizens' well-being.
Emergence of a New Indo-Maldives Strategic Dynamic
India and the Maldives have recently redefined their bilateral relationship, transforming it into a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on October 7, 2024. This partnership covers various areas, including economic cooperation, maritime security, development initiatives, and political engagement, signaling a positive shift after periods of tension.
Reset in Relations
President Muizzu’s initial “India Out” campaign, which sought the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and stirred anti-India sentiments, had strained relations. However, his recent visit to India from October 6–10, 2024, marked a diplomatic reset. Recognizing the need for cooperation amid an economic crisis, Muizzu sought India’s support, acknowledging India as the Maldives’ "closest friendly country and neighbor."
Several agreements were signed during his visit, including currency swaps and development projects, further solidifying the new strategic partnership. Modi’s warm reception and Muizzu’s willingness to collaborate demonstrate a pragmatic shift in the Maldives' foreign policy.
Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership
This new partnership aims to foster cooperation in maritime security, economic development, infrastructure, and political engagement. The Maldives' strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes maritime security a key focus. Joint efforts will ensure the safety of vital trade routes, contributing to regional stability.
India remains a significant development partner, offering support in health, education, infrastructure, and disaster management. The partnership also emphasizes boosting bilateral trade and investment through collaborations in tourism, fisheries, and transportation infrastructure.
Strengthening Development and Defence Cooperation
India has committed to several major development projects, including the Greater Male Connectivity Project and building bridges, airports, and social housing units. During Muizzu’s visit, the inauguration of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport runway and the handover of 700 social housing units were celebrated. Additionally, India provided financial assistance through a $400 million currency swap agreement and $100 million treasury bills rollover, supporting the Maldives' economic stability.
On the defense front, India agreed to refit the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship Huravee free of charge, enhancing maritime cooperation. These efforts align with India’s strategy to strengthen regional security partnerships.
Focus on Governance, Education, and Digital Services
India and the Maldives aim to improve governance through digital cooperation, modernizing financial systems, and enhancing public services. India has also supported education by offering scholarships and training programs. In addition, the two countries engage in joint marine scientific research, focusing on conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
Key Agreements and Their Impact
The two leaders signed five significant agreements, including those related to judicial training, corruption prevention, law enforcement, and youth affairs. These agreements reflect both countries' commitment to enhancing governance and mutual cooperation. The launch of the RuPay card in the Maldives will further facilitate seamless financial transactions between the two nations.
Regional Implications and Future Prospects
The strengthened India-Maldives relationship is expected to have broader regional impacts. Enhanced maritime security cooperation will benefit the Indian Ocean region by ensuring stability along critical trade routes. This dynamic partnership may also influence the strategies of external powers like China and the U.S., compelling them to recalibrate their regional engagements.
The focus on economic growth and development projects could open new opportunities for trade and investment across South Asia, potentially encouraging neighboring countries to pursue similar partnerships for their own economic benefit.
President Muizzu has invited Modi to visit the Maldives in 2025 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, signaling a future of deeper cooperation. As both countries continue to engage through high-level exchanges, the Indo-Maldives strategic partnership is poised to strengthen further, fostering stability, growth, and mutual prosperity in the region.
This evolving partnership not only cements India’s influence in the Indian Ocean but also demonstrates the Maldives’ commitment to regional collaboration, setting the stage for long-term bilateral success.
(Source: Times of Oman)
India's Supreme Court: / No Citizenship for Bangladeshis in Assam After 1971
The Supreme Court of India has upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955. A five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, delivered the judgment on Thursday. However, the verdict was not unanimous. While Justices Surya Kant, M.M. Sundresh, and Manoj Misra concurred with Chief Justice Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala dissented, calling Section 6A “unconstitutional.”
According to Anandabazar, a total of 17 petitions had been filed, challenging the legality of this section, which concerns illegal immigration into Assam. These petitions were consolidated, and the Constitution Bench began hearing the case in December last year. On Thursday, the court ruled, stating, “This provision is a political solution to the problem of illegal immigration, in accordance with the Assam Accord.”
The petitioners argued that Section 6A of the Citizenship Act violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality. They contended that under this section, individuals identified as “illegal immigrants” in Assam must prove their citizenship, which contradicts the equal rights granted to all individuals—citizen or non-citizen—residing in India. However, the Supreme Court clarified that this case was not about granting asylum but focused solely on the constitutional validity of citizenship provisions.
Context of Section 6A
Section 6A was introduced exclusively for Assam as part of the Assam Accord, signed in 1985, following a bloody anti-immigration movement. Under this section, those who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971 from Bangladesh were granted citizenship. However, people who crossed the border after this date would not be eligible for Indian citizenship.
The central government argued that since East Pakistan became independent Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared in 1972 that all those who left Bangladesh after 1971 could return. Therefore, March 25, 1971, was chosen as the cut-off date, just a day before Bangladesh’s independence on March 26.
The petitioners, however, claimed that the Assam Accord lacked legal authority under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution, which governs the implementation of international agreements. Therefore, they questioned the accord’s validity. The Supreme Court, siding with the central government, upheld the March 25, 1971 cut-off date as constitutionally valid.
