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Opinion: The future of the China-US-Russia triangle after Pelosi's visit to Taiwan

Opinion: The future of the China-US-Russia triangle after Pelosi's visit to Taiwan

Since February 24, 2022, the international community's focus was concentrated entirely on the war in Ukraine and the growing Russia – West confrontation. It seemed that nothing could change the situation until the end of hostilities in Ukraine. However, on August 2 and 3, almost everyone’s attention shifted from Ukraine to Taiwan. As the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, stated her intention to visit Taiwan, up to half a million people were watching the trajectory of her plane on air flight tracking sites. The negative reaction of China, including the warning of President Xi during his conversation with President Biden that those who played with fire would be perished by it, created hype around this visit. Many were discussing the possibility of Chinese military jets closing the airspace over Taiwan and preventing Pelosi’s plane from landing in Taiwan, while some enthusiasts were even contemplating the possibility of a US-China direct military clash. As Pelosi landed in Taiwan and met with the Taiwanese President, the global social media was full of amateur assessments about the strategic victory of the US and the confirmation of the US global hegemony. However, as the dust settles down, and information noise and manipulation eventually decreases, a more serious assessment is needed to understand the real consequences of this visit.
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Unexploded ordnance remains a deadly concern in Ukraine

Unexploded ordnance remains a deadly concern in Ukraine

On Thursday (5 June), the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) warned that Ukraine is now the most heavily mined country since World War II, with over 139,000 square kilometres of land potentially contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance. Speaking in New York on Thursday, UNMAS advisor Paul Heslop said that this contamination endangers lives and livelihoods, particularly in farming areas. Over six million people live near these dangerous zones, and more than 800 people have been killed or injured by landmines since 2022.
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Yemeni government criticises US travel ban

Yemeni government criticises US travel ban

In a statement released on Thursday (5 June), the Yemeni government expressed strong concern over the United States' recent decision to ban its citizens from entering the country. Yemeni officials said the move would negatively affect thousands of Yemeni students, researchers and families who have complied with U.S. laws. They urged the U.S. to reconsider, citing Yemen’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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African Union expresses concern over US president's new travel ban

African Union expresses concern over US president's new travel ban

On Wednesday (4 June), US President Donald Trump signed a new travel ban affecting 12 countries, including seven in Africa: Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia and Sudan. Burundi, Sierra Leone and Togo also face partial restrictions. President Trump justified the ban as a national security measure aimed at protecting the United States from foreign threats. The ban is set to take effect on Monday (9 June).
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Kyiv faces intense Russian attacks that killed 4 people

Kyiv faces intense Russian attacks that killed 4 people

In the early hours of Friday morning (6 June), Russia launched a missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing at least four people and injuring 20 others, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Fires broke out in multiple districts, including a high-rise apartment building in the Solomyanskyi district. The city's metro system and railway lines were also damaged, causing service disruptions.
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Transparency International condemns censorship of TV channels and intimidation of critical media in Georgia

Transparency International condemns censorship of TV channels and intimidation of critical media in Georgia

Transparency International has denounced censorship conducted by the ruling party of Georgia including attempts to intimidate critical media and suppress independent journalism in Georgia and called  for international support to defend Georgian democracy and media freedom. In a statement released on 4th June, Transparency International said independent media in Georgia must be able to ask critical questions and demand answers from the government and noted that the legal intimidation of critical broadcasters is in direct contradiction to both the Georgian Constitution and the country’s international obligations.
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Saudi Arabia wants to prevent new drama during Hajj pilgrimage with drones, among other measures

Saudi Arabia wants to prevent new drama during Hajj pilgrimage with drones, among other measures

Today (4 June), more than 1.8 million Muslims began the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This holy pilgrimage presents one of the biggest logistical challenges for the country's authorities. This year, for the first time, the country is deploying drones and expanding the network of cooled roads to cope with the enormous crowds.