Diplomacy

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

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 11:52:32 +0000

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.

patrickn97 Thu, 08/04/2022 - 13:52

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UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognise Palestinian State; More EU countries are expected to follow in the next days

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 02:25:45 +0000

UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognise Palestinian State; More EU countries are expected to follow in the next days

The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal, announced on Sunday (21 September) that they were formally recognising the State of Palestine. British prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, announced the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state, in what represents a significant change in government policy. In a video statement on X, the prime minister said: "In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution." Australia, Canada and Portugal also announced formal recognition of the state of Palestine, with France and other EU states expected to follow. Responding on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a Palestinian state "will not happen".

dennis2020 Mon, 09/22/2025 - 04:25

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Turkic States Deepen Cooperation at Bishkek Meeting

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:26:57 +0000

Turkic States Deepen Cooperation at Bishkek Meeting

On Thursday (18 September) the leaders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convened in Bishkek to push forward an agenda of regional integration, digital transformation, and infrastructural development. The gathering, which included Prime Ministers and senior officials from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey, among others, reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing transit potential, modernising transport infrastructure, and accelerating digital cooperation.

Maximiliaan va… Fri, 09/19/2025 - 14:26

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Azerbaijan and China Forge Defence Ties

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:24:45 +0000

Azerbaijan and China Forge Defence Ties

At the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which was held from Wednesday to Friday (17 - 19 September), Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, led Baku’s delegation and held high-level discussions with his Chinese counterpart on advancing joint military capabilities.

Maximiliaan va… Fri, 09/19/2025 - 14:24

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US Blocks Again the UN Call for an Immediate Gaza Ceasefire

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:22:44 +0000

US Blocks Again the UN Call for an Immediate Gaza Ceasefire

On Thursday (18 September), the United States exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council to block a draft resolution that demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution also called for the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid to the enclave and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. Fourteen of the fifteen council members backed the resolution; the US alone opposed it.

Maximiliaan va… Fri, 09/19/2025 - 14:22

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The 3+3 Initiative in Retrospect: A Framework Out of Step with Current Realities

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:30:02 +0000

The 3+3 Initiative in Retrospect: A Framework Out of Step with Current Realities

On September 8, 2025, during his address at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the potential revival of the “3+3” format in the South Caucasus while commenting on Russia’s relations with regional countries. He noted that the initiative was initially proposed by Turkey and Azerbaijan and highlighted that it is also supported by Iran, signaling broader regional backing. Lavrov further referenced the trilateral agreement between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia on restoring transport links and welcomed the ongoing process of normalization between Armenia and Turkey.

Robert Micallef Thu, 09/18/2025 - 19:30

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Donald Trump meets Keir Starmer on final day of state visit to UK

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:36:58 +0000

Donald Trump meets Keir Starmer on final day of state visit to UK

US President Donald Trump is meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday 18 September, the final day of the U.S. leader’s state visit to the UK with tech investment, steel tariffs and potentially tricky topics on the agenda. The President and first lady Melania Trump were feted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday at Windsor Castle with significant pageantry including gold-trimmed carriages, scarlet-clad soldiers, artillery salutes and a glittering banquet in a grand ceremonial hall.

Robert Micallef Thu, 09/18/2025 - 12:36

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Symbolism Meets Realpolitik in Armenia-Türkiye Normalization Efforts

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:47:01 +0000

Symbolism Meets Realpolitik in Armenia-Türkiye Normalization Efforts

The prospect of peace in the South Caucasus may finally be within reach. Following the high-profile meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the White House as facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump on 8 August, hopes are rising that Yerevan and Baku could soon sign a long-anticipated peace treaty. That breakthrough has already been welcomed internationally, sparking renewed movement on the Armenia–Türkiye track as well. Opening the Armenian-Türkiye border has long been a policy objective for successive governments in Yerevan.

Robert Micallef Tue, 09/16/2025 - 12:47

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Qatar to host Arab-Islamic summit in the wake of Israeli attack

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 17:20:39 +0000

Qatar to host Arab-Islamic summit in the wake of Israeli attack

Qatar is set to host an Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on Monday (15 September) , following an Israeli attack that targeted the leadership of Hamas residing in the country.

The strikes dramatically escalated regional tensions, violating the sovereignty of a country that was acting as a key mediator for negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

The attack garnered international condemnation, including hints of criticism from a staunch ally, the US, with Qatar expected to use Monday's emergency summit to draw support from Arab and Islamic nations.

dennis2020 Sun, 09/14/2025 - 19:20

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UN General Assembly vote highlights Israel's isolation

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:11:20 +0000

UN General Assembly vote highlights Israel's isolation

Applause rang out in the UN General Assembly Hall on Friday as countries endorsed a declaration on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and implementation of the two-State solution with Israel. The New York Declaration is the outcome of an international conference held in July at UN Headquarters, organized by France and Saudi Arabia, which resumes later this month. The General Assembly comprises all 193 UN Member States and 142 countries voted in favour of a resolution backing the document. Israel voted against it, alongside nine other countries – Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga and the United States – while 12 nations abstained. The vote highlights the current Israeli international isolation as a result of its current policies. Prior to the vote, French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont recalled that the New York Declaration “lays out a single roadmap to deliver the two-State solution”. This involves an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages held there, and the establishment of a Palestinian State that is both viable and sovereign. The roadmap further calls for the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in Gaza, normalization between Israel and the Arab countries, as well as collective security guarantees.

dennis2020 Sat, 09/13/2025 - 15:11

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