India claimed on Thursday that freedom of expression and speech is again being misused by anti-India elements based in Canada. The remarks were made by Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, while expressing concerns over posters of a pro-Khalistan rally to be held in Toronto on 8 July. The comments came after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau asserted that Canada has always taken “serious action” against terrorism and will continue to do so. Trudeau also said it is “wrong” to believe his government is soft on Khalistan supporters and terrorists in the country.
Commenting on the persisting violence in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, said that the US is ready to assist India in dealing with the situation if it is asked to do so. Garcetti also highlighted the strategic significance of the northeastern region bordering five neighbouring countries and said that the situation in the state is not a strategic but a human concern for the US.
Vietnam launched an investigation late on Wednesday into the official website of the tour organiser for the popular K-pop group Blackpink in light of concerns raised by fans. These concerns pertain to the website displaying a map showing the South China Sea with disputed boundaries. This recent controversy emerged shortly after Vietnam’s move to prohibit the release of the much-anticipated film “Barbie,” produced by Warner Bros. Allegedly, the movie contains a scene featuring the controversial “nine-dash line” used in Chinese maps, which aims to assert Beijing’s territorial claims over extensive portions of the South China Sea, including areas that Vietnam regards as part of its continental shelf.
On Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited Beijing to engage in discussions with Chinese leaders. In line with her agenda, Yellen’s primary focus is to promote stability in the global economy and address concerns regarding China’s support for Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine invasion. According to officials from the Treasury Department, the secretary has scheduled meetings with Chinese officials, representatives from American businesses, and members of the public. This diplomatic endeavour aims to alleviate tensions and address various contentious issues such as security concerns, technological disputes, and other sources of friction between the two nations.
The US Navy said on Thursday that the Iranian paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) “forcibly seized” a Tanzanian-flagged commercial ship about 59 nautical miles from the Saudi port of Dammam. “US forces remain vigilant and ready to protect navigational rights of lawful maritime traffic in the Middle East’s critical waters,” a Navy spokesperson said.
China is set to ban food imports from Japan due to Tokyo’s plan to release nuclear wastewater into the sea. Chinese customs officials said on Friday that imports of foods from about one-fifth of Japanese prefectures would be banned due to safety concerns. The move comes amid Beijing’s opposition to Tokyo releasing wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on troops to increase war and military planning to improve the country’s chances of victory. Speaking to troops of the Eastern Theatre Command — responsible for the security of Eastern China, including the Taiwan Strait — Xi stressed the need to turn the Chinese military into a “great wall of steel.”