Flip Through Fridays

[ NATIONAL ]

Top US diplomat denies the Quad’s purpose is to counter a rising China

‘It is about standing up for a rules-based order, making sure that we uphold those rules and principles if they’re being challenged,’ Secretary of State Antony Blinken says. Noting that ‘diplomacy is all about ambiguity’, former State Department official suggests comment reflects nuances of building alliances and confronting Beijing. Blinken said like-minded countries were standing up for shared values rather than against China. Asked whether the Biden administration viewed Russia or China as the greater threat to global security, Blinken replied: “These are … very different challenges. Russia right now poses an immediate challenge.”

China’s illegal, unregulated fishing in the Indian ocean poses challenges

IFC-IOR is a Gurugram-based Indian Navy’s eye in the region. The Centre has links with more than 50 nations and multinational/ maritime security centers. It also hosts International Liaison Officers (ILOs) from 10 partner nations – Australia, France, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States

PM Modi to virtually participate in the high-level segment of One Ocean Summit on 11 Feb

The high-level segment of the summit will also be addressed by several other heads of states and govt including Germany, the UK, S Korea, Japan, and Canada, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement Modi will address the high-level segment of the One Ocean Summit at around 2:30 pm on Fri through a video message, it said. Backed by the UN and World Bank, the summit organized by France from Feb 9 to 11 will also host leaders of Germany, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and Canada.

Final Aprox turnout as per ECI app shows 62.08% Poling in Phase 1 of UP Elections

On Thu, 1st phase of polling concluded for 58 assembly sheat-Agra: (60.23%), Aligarh: (61.37%), Baghpat: (65.05%), Bulandshahr: (65.12%), GBNagar: (57.07%), Ghaziabad: (55%), Hapur: (67.68%), Mathura: (62.90%), Meerut: (63.27%), Muzaffarnagar: (65.91%), Shamli: (69.42%). The next polling phases are scheduled on Feb 14th, 20th, 23rd, and 27th; and in Mar 3rd and 7th, while the result will be declared on Mar 10th. In the remaining 3 states namely Punjab, Goa, Uttrakhand on Feb 14th, while in Manipur it is scheduled on Feb 27.

Money laundering case: ED attaches Rs 1.77 crore belonging to journalist Rana Ayyub

The ED case is based on an FIR registered by UP police last year, where it was alleged that Ayyub collected a huge amount of funds through the online crowdfunding platform Ketto in the name of relief work but allegedly diverted the funds.

6 Pakistan fishermen apprehended till now: BSF

The intrusion of Pakistani fishing boats and fishermen was detected yesterday in Harami Nalla, Gujarat. Gujarat Frontier, BSF immediately launched a massive search operation in the area spread across 300 sq km, as a result, 11 Pakistani fishing boats have been seized so far, operations still on: said Border Security Force. BSF on Thu launched a massive search operation in the Harami Nala area along the India-Pakistan border and deployed its specialized unit of ‘Creek Crocodile Comandos’. In continuation of the search, an operation started on Wed afternoon in the Harami Nalla area of Bhuj in Gujarat where 8 Pakistani boats were seized, 3 more boats were seized. The Pakistani boats were spotted during drone surveillance of the area by BSF.

Rajya Sabha adjourned to meet for 2nd part of Budget Session on Mar 14

Deputy speaker of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh adjourned the House after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the House on Union Budget 2022-2023 and concluded the discussion on the issue. The deputy speaker took some special mentions and then announced the adjournment of the first part of the Budget Session, saying “the House stands adjourned till March 14”.

  • The opposition staged a walkout from Lok Sabha over Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s comment that “it wouldn’t take long for the state “to become Kashmir, Kerala or Bengal” if BJP wasn’t voted back to the government.
  • In Parliament, Tapir Gao, a member from Arunachal-East, requested our Govt to initiate steps through concerned agencies for the release of Shri Tapor Pullom who was abducted by Chinese PLA in Sept 2015 from LAC in the Monigong area in Shi-Yomi dist of Arunachal Pradesh.

Supreme Court refuses to give an urgent hearing on plea challenging interim order of Karnataka high court

The Supreme Court on Fri repelled the fresh attempts to make hijab a pan-India legal issue by refusing to give an urgent hearing on the plea challenging interim order of the Karnataka high court on the same. Uniform Civil Code is need of the hour, says Union Minister Giriraj Singh. Union minister Giriraj Singh on Fri said that Uniform Civil Code is the need of the hour. “The country is one, so there should be one law for all,” he added.

Move to check import of non-essentials from China

The commerce department has asked other govt agencies to initiate steps to check the import of non-essential commodities from China and ramp up domestic capacities, wherever possible, amid concerns over widening trade deficit with the world’s largest exporter.

[ NEIGHBORHOOD ]

UK officials hold talks with Taliban over the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

Top UK officials held talks with the Taliban leadership about the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the British Foreign Office said on Fri. A UK govt spokesperson said British representatives returned to Afghanistan on Thu for talks on how to respond to the country’s deepening humanitarian crisis. Nick Dyer, the UK’s Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs, Hugo Shorter, Charge d’Affaires ad Interim of the UK Mission to Afghanistan and Hester Waddams, Deputy Head of Mission and Political Counsellor, UK Mission to Afghanistan met senior Taliban officials including Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and Abdul Haq Wasiq.

Pakistan SC suspends ruling to postpone the second phase of KP local polls

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has suspended the verdict of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), postponing the 2nd phase of local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa scheduled for Mar 27, local media reported. A 2-member bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Ayesha A Malik, admitted for regular hearing the appeal of the Election Commission of Pakistan against the decision of the Peshawar High Court. The order was issued in the wake of the verdict of the Peshawar High Court, Abbottabad circuit bench the other day that directed the ECP to postpone the second phase of the local government elections slated for March 27 given the snowfall and cold weather in the hilly areas.

Imran Khan’s visit to Beijing was to secure his waning political fortunes: Report

Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s recent visit to Beijing Winter Olympics was seen as a search for some solace amid several challenges at home and abroad. And China visit gave him the opportunity. According to think tank, Khan is wrestling to hold on to power after his confrontation with the Pakistani army over the appointment of the head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Shaukat Tarin shares details of Saudi deal in Senate, says Pakistan has to return $3bn loans in a year

Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin informed the Senate on Fri that Pakistan has to return $3 billion — that was placed in the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) account following an agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) in 2021 — within a year. Saudi Arabia had in Oct last year agreed to revive its financial support to Pak, including about $3 billion in safe deposits and $1.2bn to $1.5bn worth of oil supplies on deferred payments. The facility was expected to help Pakistan convince the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about its financing plan. Tarin said that the interest rate on the loan was 4% which would have to be paid every 3 months. The loan amount would have to be returned in one go, he added.

China destroying Buddhism, the identity of Tibetans: Ling Rinpoche

Tibetan Buddhist, Ling Rinpoche, identified as the reincarnation of the teacher of Dalai Lama, at a press conference in Sri Lanka, criticized China for destroying Buddhism to destroy the identity of the Tibetans.

Now, a Chinese agency says it can intervene in abortions among unmarried women

China’s family planning association said it will intervene in abortions related to “unmarried people and adolescents”. China’s state-run Global Times said the measure was aimed at protecting “national fertility and public health by preventing unwilling and unexpected pregnancies”. The Chinese daily quoting a demographer said it was aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancies among unmarried couples which “is in line” with the goal of the family planning association as “multiple abortions can lead to infertility“.

Taliban urge Afghan professors to return home to help rebuild Afghanistan

The Taliban in Afghanistan has called on university professors, who fled the country after the outfit seized power last August, to return to Afghanistan. In an official statement published in national media on Fri, the outfit sought help in rebuilding the country and contributing to scientific development.

Chinese navy puts fleets through combat-readiness paces

  • Vessels from three commands were tested in separate maritime operations on Wed. Drills follow joint exercise in the western Pacific by the US and Japanese forces.
  • The Chinese military embarked on three sets of simultaneous maritime exercises this week just days after the United States and Japan held a massive joint naval exercise in the western Pacific.
  • In the East China Sea, China’s Eastern Theatre Command carried out combat exercises to improve air defenses and maneuverability and put main guns to the live-fire test, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
  • The drill involved 3 destroyers including the Type 052D Xiamen, which is much more advanced than its predecessors.

Myanmar army defector recounts heavy losses inflicted by Chin rebels, shows evidence

A Myanmar army officer who defected and fled the country has detailed battlefield losses to rebels in the southern part of Chin state, with at least 50 soldiers killed and 200 badly wounded in 2021 by opposition fighters with homemade weapons. Kaung Thu Win, a captain who defected in Dec, offered a rare first-hand account of intensified fighting in Chin, in Myanmar’s northwest, where the military junta has faced some of the fiercest armed resistance since it seized power a year ago. He said he switched sides after hearing reports by colleagues of military abuses during clashes last year. Speaking in northeastern India where he and his family have fled, the 32-year-old showed Reuters his national and military identity cards and detailed 12 incidents between May and Dec in which soldiers were killed or wounded by rebels.

Quad countries reaffirm their support for free, open Indo-Pacific; oppose coercive economic policies Melbourne

Quad countries during the fourth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Australia reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Indo Pacific countries’ efforts to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific – a region which is inclusive and resilient, and in which states strive to protect the interests of their people, free from coercion.

No mention of Ukraine Crisis/ Russian buildup in Quad FMs joint statement

After Biden’s ‘war’ remark, Blinken says Russia may invade Ukraine ‘any time’ to pressers.

In the meeting, we reaffirm the Quad’s commitment to supporting Indo-Pacific countries’ efforts to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific – a region, which is inclusive and resilient, and in which states strive to protect the interests of their people, free from coercion.

Main points of Statement

  • We are focused on working closely with Indo-Pacific partners to address the region’s most important challenges.
  • Working together as the Quad, we are more effective in delivering practical support to the region.
  • As unwavering supporters of ASEAN unity and centrality, and the ASEAN-led architecture, we continue to support ASEAN partners to advance the practical implementation of ASEAN’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
  • The Outlook’s principles are fundamental to regional stability and prosperity and will be key to guiding the region’s economic and political future.
  • The Quad recognizes that international law, peace, and security in the maritime domain underpins the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.
  • We reiterate the importance of adherence to international law, particularly as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to meet challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the South and East China Seas.
  • We are determined to deepen engagement with regional partners, including through capacity-building and technical assistance, to strengthen maritime domain awareness:
  • protect their ability to develop offshore resources, consistent with UNCLOS;
  • ensure freedom of navigation and overflight;
  • combat challenges, such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; and
  • promote the safety and security of sea lines of communication

We denounce the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism and urge countries to work together to eliminate terrorist safe havens; disrupt terrorist networks and the infrastructure and financial channels which sustain them, and halt the cross-border movement of terrorists.

We are committed to promoting international peace and stability in cyberspace, and to helping build the capacity of regional countries to implement the UN Voluntary Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace.

We reaffirm our support for ASEAN efforts to seek a solution in Myanmar and call on the military regime to urgently implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and swiftly return Myanmar to the path of democracy.

  • Japan hosting the next Quad Leaders’ Summit in the first half of 2022.
  • We will continue to meet annually to deliver as a force for good for the region.

Changing India-US relationship has really been a very defining development in this century: EAM S Jaishankar

EAM Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Blinken held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 4th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Melbourne, Australia on Feb 11. “Quad, we’ve progressed a lot and much of that is because we’ve all devoted a lot of time, energy, attention to that. Certainly, for us, in this century the changing India-US relationship has really been a very defining development. So, I welcome the chance today to sit with you and look at our relationship and see how we can continue to take it forward in its positive trajectory,” EAM said after meeting.

The changing India-US relationship has been a very defining development in this century, said EAM S Jaishankar on Fri during bilateral talks with US State Secretary Antony Blinken on the sidelines of Quad FM’s Meeting. “What’s so striking to me as we get together is, that this is a group of countries brought together not by what we are against but what we are for. That quite simply is a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Blinken added.

Countries deserve the freedom to work together, associate with whom they choose: Blinken

Raising concern about the increasing aggressiveness of China, Blinken said that countries deserve to have the freedom to work together and associate with whom they choose to benefit people. He said “… That quite simply is a free and open Indo-Pacific. People deserve to live freely, countries deserve to have the freedom to work together and associate with whom they choose. Together we can demonstrate that we are effective in bringing benefits to all of our people.

Japanese FM Yoshimasa reiterates Quad’s commitment to realize the common vision of free, open Indo-Pacific

Japanese FM Yoshimasa Hayashi on Fri reiterated the Quad commitment to realizing a common vision of free and open Indo-Pacific. Yoshimasa highlighted the situation in the Indo-Pacific and urged Quad members that “This is the moment where the power of diplomacy is tested“. “In Indo-Pacific region, there are nuclear and missile activities by North Korea, unilateral attempts to change status quo in East and South China Seas and the situation in Myanmar and other numerous pressing matters. This is the moment where the power of diplomacy is tested,” said the Japanese FM.

Australia stands with Lithuania, says PM Morrison amid China tension

Extending support to Lithuania amid China’s tensions, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday said that the country is seeking to work with as many like-minded nations. Morrison made these remarks in the presence of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Jaishankar. Extending support to Lithuania amid China’s tensions, Morrison on Fri said that the country is seeking to work with as many like-minded nations.

Indian EAM, has given a speech ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting this afternoon.

Jaishankar says the India-Australia relationship is much closer – it is “dramatically changing right in front of my eyes.” Says India is growing in strength and its interests are widening – “I speak to you on behalf of a country which has moved up the global ladder.

  • Jaishankar stresses common interests and both countries then wraps up.
  • On a question “nationalism leads to greater internationalism” The EAM says the evolving role of the Quad is an “indication the world is changing.”
  • The US has “done so much” which “fundamentally underpins” the world and secures stability. But it “cannot keep doing it. Certainly, it can’t keep doing it by itself
  • He rejects the suggestion that the Quad is animated by a desire to push back against China. He says it’s wrong and also “a line being pushed by the Chinese.”
  • Jaishankar says that doesn’t mean China’s not a factor: “I’m not suggesting there’s no international relations at work.
  • But I would not like (the Quad) to be reduced to that.” Points to work Quad is going to roll out covid vaccines

EAM- “we are very circumspect about commenting on other countries (internal affairs). But we cannot remain completely agnostic or impervious….. because it does in many circumstances matter what that country is like

On the question of “Myanmar junta”, he replied “Our dilemma is this. We have a complicated border with insurgents operating. One way to secure that border is by working with the govt which means the military. So despite unfortunate development, we can’t work with them

  • He also complains that the global community has not always treated all juntas equally. He points back to the early 2000s when Musharraf was in power.
  • And it’s a slightly (forgive me) self-important one about the Indian diaspora. The event wraps up. Wish we’d had more opportunities for more.
  • In Canberra, India’s EAM met Australian opposition leader and foreign affairs, spokesperson. Australian federal elections happen this year.

China’s illegal, unregulated fishing in the Indian ocean poses challenges

There are growing concerns over China’s illegal, unregulated unreported fishing (IUU) in the Indian Ocean region.

  • As per data released by Information Fusion Centre Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), a total of 379 incidents of illegal, unregulated unreported fishing (IUU) were reported in the IOR 2020
  • Around 213 incidents were reported in the first half (from Jan to Jun) of 2021.  

It also hosts International Liaison Officers (ILOs) from 10 partner nations – Australia, France, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States. More ILOs are expected to join shortly.

  • IFC-IOR is a Gurugram-based Indian Navy’s eye in the region.
  • The Centre has links with more than 50 nations and multinational/ maritime security centers.
  • Remember, China’s position in the global fishing industry is seen unmatched in scale and effect.

As per the latest data, China’s distant water fishing (DWF) fleet has close to 17,000 fishing vessels registered in China and about 1,000 vessels registered under various flags of convenience.

  • To compare the figure, the European Union and USA reportedly have about 289 and 225 large distant water fishing vessels, respectively.
  • The actual Chinese figures could be much higher as many vessels do not register themselves nor carry any transponders, forming part of what is infamously known as ghost ships.
  • Heavily subsidized by Beijing, these boats are built to be quite large with powerful engines and advanced refrigeration units.
  • China holds the largest share of fishing vessels in the world and is coupled with depleting fishing grounds in the South & East China Seas, including IOR and the African coastline.
  • Sierra Leone, where the Chinese have invested heavily, boasts of one of the richest fishing fields in Africa.
  • Chinese DWF have taken over the area with regional fishermen working out of traditional crafts standing no chance.
  • Protests were reported from Pakistan, where Pakistani fishermen had gathered in thousands to protest against Chinese fishing trawlers, which were operating off the Pakistan coastline.
  • With Chinese spending close to US$ 6 billion in 2018 and the investment in this sector only increasing, its fishing capacity is growing multi-fold.
  • The development comes even as a UN report has stated that 90% of global fishing stocks at sea are being over-exploited amid the rampant depletion of fishing reserves.

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