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Nepal Bypasses Delhi, Signs BRI Agreement with China
International Desk
05 Dec 2024, 11:47
Photo: Collected
Nepal has signed a framework agreement with China on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), paving the way for China's growing influence in the country. Although a preliminary agreement was signed seven years ago, the lack of progress had stalled implementation. This new deal aims to facilitate project execution.
Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the agreement on Wednesday, December 4, according to Reuters.
Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, currently on a four-day visit to Beijing, has prioritized strengthening ties with China over traditional first visits to New Delhi. This is his first foreign trip since taking office in July.
A preliminary BRI agreement between Nepal and China was signed in 2017 as part of China's global infrastructure and trade connectivity initiative. However, the absence of a structured framework and political consensus in Nepal prevented any project implementation over the past seven years.
Under the new agreement, both countries will plan and implement projects like road development and transport corridors while deciding on financing mechanisms. However, concerns over debt have sparked debates within Oli's coalition government, with the Nepali Congress opposing any loan-dependent projects.
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Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on X (formerly Twitter), "Nepal and China have signed a framework for Belt and Road Cooperation today." Further details have not been disclosed.
China has already provided a $216 million loan to Nepal for constructing an international airport in Pokhara, located 125 km from Kathmandu, which became operational last year. While China hails it as a BRI success, the airport faces challenges due to the lack of international flights, as Indian airspace access remains restricted.
India's influence in South Asia appears to be waning, with mounting concerns over ties with Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bangladesh. Nepal's growing proximity to China and the new BRI agreement further intensify Delhi's unease.
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Attack on Passenger Convoy in Pakistan Leaves 41 Dead
At least 41 people, including women and children, were killed in an armed attack on a passenger convoy in the remote mountainous region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwest Pakistan. According to local police officials, 16 others were seriously injured in the assault.
The BBC reported that the attack occurred on Thursday, November 21, local time, when a convoy carrying approximately 200 passengers was traveling through the Kurram district near the Afghan border. Armed assailants first targeted the police escort, opening fire, and then began indiscriminately shooting at the entire convoy.
Syeda Banu, a passenger interviewed by BBC Urdu, recounted that she survived by hiding under the seats with her children during the attack. After the gunfire subsided, she saw injured and deceased individuals scattered across the road.
Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, described the attack as a "major tragedy," warning that the death toll could rise further.
Deputy Police Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud stated that around 10 gunmen were involved, firing indiscriminately from both sides of the road. After the attack, police and locals assisted women and others in seeking shelter in nearby houses. A search operation is currently underway to apprehend the assailants.
Preliminary investigations revealed that most of the victims were from the Shia community. The Kurram region has seen significant sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni communities in recent times. Just last month, a similar attack on a passenger convoy in the area claimed 15 lives.
The road where the attack took place had only recently reopened for travel, with journeys permitted solely under police security.
Kurram district shares a border with several Afghan provinces, and the area is known for the active presence of militant groups such as ISIS and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In addition to terrorism, land disputes in the region are also seen as a key driver of violence, according to experts.
The motive and identities of the attackers remain unclear, but Thursday’s attack has raised fresh concerns about the security situation in Kurram.
International Webinar Highlights Future of Digital Journalism
The Department of Journalism at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Pakistan, hosted an international webinar on Wednesday, spotlighting the evolving landscape of digital journalism.
Prashant Kumar Shill, a senior faculty member from Port City International University’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies, delivered the keynote address. His research paper, titled “Online Journalism and Ethics in the 21st Century,” explored the challenges modern journalism faces, emphasizing the growing influence of digital platforms and the profession's future trajectory.
The session was moderated by Dr. Mohammad Aftab Madani, with Professor Dr. Mowdud Ali Shah presiding. Distinguished guests included Professor Dr. Salman Bashir Menon and Department Chair Dr. Dostar Ali Chando.
Final-year journalism students from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University actively participated in the event. Jewel Dash, Chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Port City International University, highlighted the significance of such webinars in fostering academic collaboration between Bangladesh and Pakistan. He extended his gratitude to the organizers for facilitating the initiative.
Indian Navy Submarine Collides With Fishing Boat, 2 Fishermen Missing
"An Indian fishing vessel Marthoma with a crew of 13 reportedly collided with an Indian Naval unit on November 21 about 70 nm North West of Goa," an Indian Navy spokesperson said.
The Ministry of Defence said in an official statement that the vessel Marthoma collided with a Scorpene-class submarine about 70 nautical miles off the Goa coast.
Eleven crew members were rescued, and the search operation to find the two missing crew members is ongoing and coordinated with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai. The Navy has ordered a high-level probe into the matter.
A spokesperson from the Navy said additional assets, from the Coast Guard, were being mobilized and diverted to the area of the incident to help with the rescue efforts.
The Navy deployed six ships and an unknown number of surveillance aircraft in the rescue mission.
The fishing vessel collided with a Scorpene class submarine - which is a crucial part of India's naval strength, capable of executing a wide range of functions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance.
It has superior stealth techniques and low noise levels, making it a deadly and precise weapon.
The cause of the collision between the submarine and the fishing vessel is currently under investigation. The Indian Navy has not released further details on the condition of the two remaining crew members or the vessel's status.
In August this year, a fishing boat collided with a Sri Lankan naval vessel and one fisherman drowned, off the coast of Tamil Nadu.
Xi Jinping Visits Morocco, Meets Crown Prince
China's investments in Morocco's infrastructure and railway have grown in recent years. Xi made the "brief visit" to the African country after wrapping up the G20 summit in Brazil.
Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Morocco on Thursday for a "brief visit," according to Moroccan state media.
Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, which Morocco's state news agency MAP called a reflection of strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the two countries.
Xi then met Aziz Akhannouch, head of the Moroccan government, and went on to receive honors from the Royal Guard.
The Chinese president visited his trip to Brazil for the G20 Summit.
China eyes Morocco for investment
It comes at a time when China has stepped up its investments in Morocco's infrastructure and railways.
Morocco's proximity to Europe and its free trade agreements with the US and EU make it a lucrative market for Chinese businesses, including electric vehicle manufacturers.
In June, Chinese battery maker Gotion High Tech announced plans to build Africa's first "gigafactory" for $1.3 billion (€1.24 billion).
More Countries Vow to Arrest Netanyahu Under ICC Warrant
Several countries, including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Canada, have announced their intention to adhere to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of alleged war crimes.
The ICC on Nov. 21 said that Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant may bear "criminal responsibility" for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare and other crimes against humanity against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. The court also issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ armed wing, over the group’s attack on Oct. 7, 2023.
The Hague-based court's decision drew mixed reactions from world leaders, with some vowing to arrest the Israelis if they entered their country's territory. The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice.
The stance taken by these countries — particularly those in the West — holds significant implications for Israel's diplomatic relations and its trajectory toward potential political isolation.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the warrants are binding for all 27 members.
France signaled it could arrest Netanyahu if he came to its territory, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine calling it a “complex legal issue” but said France supports the court’s actions.
“Combating impunity is our priority,” he said. “Our response will align with these principles.”
The Netherlands also announced that it will arrest Netanyahu if he sets foot in the country, adding that Amsterdam will cut all non-essential contacts with the Israeli government.
Following the announcement, a visit by the Dutch foreign minister to Israel has been postponed.
Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Slovenia all said they would meet their commitments and obligations regarding the Rome Statute and International Law. Austria said the same, though its Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg added that the warrant was absurd.
“The fight against impunity wherever crimes are committed is a priority for Belgium, which fully supports the work of the ICC," Belgium's Foreign Ministry said on X. "Those responsible for crimes committed in Israel and Gaza must be prosecuted at the highest level, regardless of who committed them."
Germany, on the other hand, said that it is "examining" how to respond to the decision.
"We are now of course examining exactly what that means for implementation in Germany," Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said.
Whether German authorities would move to arrest Netanyahu is currently "theoretical,” Baerbock said.
Canada also affirmed its support and compliance with the decision.
"First of all, as Canada has always said, it's really important that everyone abide by international law. This is something we've been calling on from the beginning of the conflict," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Toronto.
Many analysts posit that this development could edge Israel closer to international ostracism, with calls for arms embargoes against the nation gaining momentum. Such measures are no longer merely political but now carry a legal dimension, as supplying weapons to Israel risks complicity in internationally recognized crimes.
Other leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, have condemned the court's decision which Netanyahu dismissed as "absurd" and "driven by anti-Semitic hatred of Israel.”
"The ICC issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders is outrageous," Biden said in a statement.
"Let me be clear once again: Whatever the ICC might imply, there is no equivalence, none, between Israel and Hamas. We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security."
Argentina "declares its deep disagreement" with the decision, which "ignores Israel's legitimate right to self-defense against the constant attacks by terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah," President Javier Milei posted on social media platform X.
In a rare move, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, said he would invite Netanyahu to visit and defy an ICC arrest warrant.
Orban called the ICC's decision "outrageously brazen” and "cynical,” saying it "intervenes in an ongoing conflict... dressed up as a legal decision, but in fact for political purposes.”
"There is no choice here, we have to defy this decision," the nationalist leader said in his weekly interview with state radio.
British King Charles May Visit Bangladesh
King Charles III of the United Kingdom is reportedly planning a state visit to the Indian subcontinent. According to a report by The Daily Mirror, the British monarch, who has refrained from international travel following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year, may visit Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan in the near future.
The report, published on Friday, stated that King Charles III and Queen Camilla are preparing for a future tour of the subcontinent. As the king gradually recovers from cancer, this visit may mark his return to official international engagements. The plan to visit the Indian subcontinent is seen as a sign of significant improvement in his health.
However, The Daily Mirror did not provide specific details about when this royal tour might commence.
After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year, King Charles was compelled to cancel all official tours. However, this planned visit to Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan could mark the resumption of his international travel. The visit aligns with Britain's post-Brexit strategy to establish meaningful economic connections worldwide. Royal visits play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
A source close to the monarchy noted, "Planning such tours for the King and Queen is very encouraging. The proposed visit to the Indian subcontinent will carry immense political and cultural significance for Britain on the global stage. At this time, King Charles and Queen Camilla are the most fitting ambassadors for the UK."
According to The Daily Mirror, the UK Foreign Office has given the green light to begin discussions with potential host nations. Draft plans are being prepared for visits to Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously expressed interest in hosting the King and Queen after their India tour was canceled last year.
However, there is some concern surrounding the royal visit to India, given Prime Minister Modi's growing ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders recently met at the BRICS summit, and President Putin has welcomed India’s "strategic partnership" with Russia. Despite this, Modi has emphasized that the ongoing war in Ukraine should be resolved "peacefully."
Notably, King Charles, accompanied by Camilla, toured Pakistan for a week in 2006 as the Prince of Wales. During that visit, he remarked to well-wishers, "It’s taken me almost 58 years to get to you. But I can assure you, it hasn’t been for lack of trying."
ASEF Executive Committee Meeting Held in Singapore
The Executive Committee Meeting of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) concluded in Singapore on 22 November 2024 with a renewed commitment to further collaboration between the countries from the two continents, Asia and Europe.
The Director-General, Regional Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Md. Rais Hasan Sarower, NDC, as the current chair of the ASEF Board of Governors, led the discussion.
In addition to discussions on a wide range of administrative and financial matters, the executive body also provided directives to enhance the visibility of the organization and recommended exploring new funding mechanisms and ensuring data privacy and strategic upgrades to make ASEF more meaningful for member states.
The meeting also approved a project proposal for women, peace, and security training proposed by the Government of Latvia.
To complement the ASEM process, in February 1997, the 1st ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting welcomed the establishment of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). Based in Singapore, ASEF provides opportunities for Asians and Europeans to exchange ideas and collaborate, and achieve innovative and substantive solutions for common global challenges.
Bangladesh has been the Chair of the ASEF Board of Governors for the first time since January 2024 and the term will end in December 2024.
