Russian FM Sergey Lavrov discusses importance of Moscow-Beijing ties with Chinese FM Wang Yi
Speaking with Wang Yi at the sidelines of the summit, Lavrov said 'This meeting further confirms the global reach and strategic nature of our relations.
'These ties are all the more essential against the backdrop of complex and highly dynamic global developments, which necessitate our continuous dialogue in the spirit of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, as instructed by our leaders.'
Currently in Kuala Lumpur, the Russian FM also met with his Malaysian counterpart Mohamad Hasan and discussed the prospect of further enhancement of bilateral ties with Malaysia, and strategic cooperation between Moscow and ASEAN nations.
The Russian diplomat is also slated to take part in a Russia-ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting and in the meetings of the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum for security, as well as hold separate meetings with officials from several South East Asian countries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sanctions risk: Indian firm defends explosive shipment to Russia; says material for civilian use only
This is an AI-generated image, used for representational purposes only. An Indian company that exported $1.4 million worth of an explosive compound to Russia last December said it complied with Indian rules and that the shipment was strictly for civilian industrial purposes, not military use. According to news agency Reuters, Ideal Detonators Private Limited confirmed that the material exported, HMX, also known as octogen, was not of military grade. 'The shipment ... is for industrial activity and it's a civil explosive,' the Telangana-based firm said in an email response. HMX is known for its powerful military applications, including use in missile and torpedo warheads and other advanced weapon systems. The US government has called the compound 'critical for Russia's war effort' and has warned that any sale of such materials to Moscow could trigger sanctions under its treasury department's guidelines. Reuters first reported that Ideal Detonators shipped HMX to two Russian buyers in last December, Promsintez and High Technology Initiation Systems (HTIS), according to Indian customs data. One of them, Promsintez, has ties to Russia's military, a Ukrainian security official claimed, and its factory was targeted by a Ukrainian drone attack in April. The US state department said it had communicated with India about the risks involved in doing military-related business with Russia. "We have repeatedly made clear to all our partners, including India, that any foreign company or financial institution that does business with Russia's military industrial base are at risk of US sanctions," a spokesperson was quoted as saying by Reuters. India's foreign ministry, however, responded that all dual-use exports are regulated under a robust legal framework. 'India has been carrying out exports of dual-use items taking into account its international obligations on non-proliferation,' the ministry said. According to Reuters, HMX is also used in limited civilian areas such as mining and industrial blasting. HTIS, one of the recipients, claims to manufacture explosives for mining and engineering projects. HTIS is listed as a subsidiary of Madrid-based Maxam, which is controlled by US private equity firm Rhone Capital. Maxam is reportedly in the process of divesting its Russian subsidiaries. While India has deepened ties with Washington in recent years, its historic defense and trade relationship with Moscow remains intact. Indian oil purchases and other trade with Russia have remained strong, even amid global sanctions over the Ukraine war. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
44 minutes ago
- First Post
Thousands rally in Kuala Lumpur demanding PM Anwar to step down
Thousands took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur, chanting of 'Turun Anwar', demanding Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's resignation, citing economic hardships and broken reform promises. read more People march during a protest calling for Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to resign in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Reuters Thousands of people demonstrated in Malaysia's capital on Saturday to demand Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's resignation, as public frustration builds over growing living costs and claims of failure to implement promised changes. Protesters, mostly dressed in black t-shirts and bandannas with the slogan 'Turun Anwar,' or 'Step Down Anwar,' marched through the heart of Kuala Lumpur before gathering in Independence Square to hear speeches from top opposition leaders. Police estimated that at least 18,000 people were in attendance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Anwar, who ran on a reformer platform before entering office in November 2022, has faced criticism for steps aimed at increasing government revenue, including as an expanded sales and services tax and subsidy modifications, which some believe could result in a spike in consumer costs. In an effort to alleviate concerns about growing expenses, the premier announced a cash handout, increased aid for low-income households and a vow to lower fuel prices this week. Protester Nur Shahirah Leman, 23, a member of an Islamic student group, expressed concern that increased taxes and higher power rates placed on major firms will eventually be passed on to consumers. 'These taxes are levied on manufacturers, so it would automatically affect the prices of food,' she said. Anwar has also faced claims of judicial interference and doubts over his commitment to anti-corruption efforts, after prosecutors dropped graft charges against several figures allied to the government and following a recent delay in the appointment of the country's top judges. Anwar has repeatedly denied interfering in the courts. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who turned 100 this month, joined the rally and accused Anwar of misusing his position to prosecute political rivals, charges the premier has previously rejected. 'Those who are innocent are charged, those who have done wrong are let go,' Mahathir told the crowd. Mahathir and Anwar, his former protégé-turned-rival, have been locked in an intense feud that has dominated Malaysian politics for nearly three decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The pair mended fences to oust the long-ruling Barisan Nasional government in 2018, but their coalition collapsed in less than two years amid infighting.
Indian Express
44 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Hong Kong issues arrest warrants for 19 overseas activists accused of ‘subversion'; US reacts
The United States has criticised Hong Kong authorities for issuing arrest warrants for 19 pro-democracy activists based overseas. The move marks the largest number of such warrants issued under the city's national security law. The activists are accused of subversion for their involvement in an unofficial group known as the 'Hong Kong Parliament'. Hong Kong police allege that the group aimed to challenge the authority of the Chinese and Hong Kong governments. Several of the individuals are already subject to earlier warrants, and police say further action may follow. The 19 individuals are accused of being involved in the 'Hong Kong Parliament', an unofficial pro-democracy group that authorities claim sought to subvert state power. The group is said to have organised a mock election and promoted the idea of self-determination for Hong Kong, including plans to draft a new constitution. The Hong Kong police allege that these activities were attempts to unlawfully overthrow the government. The charges fall under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 following large-scale protests in 2019. Police said anyone supporting, funding or participating in the group could also face legal consequences. Among those named are businessman Elmer Yuen, political commentator Victor Ho, and activists Johnny Fok and Tony Choi. These four were already subject to previous arrest warrants, each carrying a reward of HK$1 million (approximately £95,000). The other 15 individuals are also facing new warrants, with authorities offering HK$200,000 (£19,000) for information leading to their arrests. Some of them were reportedly involved in organising or running in the unofficial election, or taking oaths as councillors of the unofficial 'parliament'. One of those listed, Feng Chongyi, a professor at the University of Technology Sydney, dismissed the allegations. 'They've got the power, they've got the influence want to control everything even overseas,' he told The Guardian. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Reuters: 'We will not tolerate the Hong Kong government's attempts to apply its national security laws to silence or intimidate Americans or anyone on US soil.' He also said the move showed how the Hong Kong government 'continues to erode the autonomy that Beijing itself promised to the people of Hong Kong following the 1997 handover'. The UK's Foreign and Home Secretaries issued a joint statement, quoted in The Guardian, calling the warrants 'another example of transnational repression' and saying they damaged Hong Kong's international standing. 'The UK will not tolerate attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm their critics overseas,' they said. Australia strongly objects to Hong Kong authorities issuing arrest warrants for pro-democracy advocates in Australia. Freedom of expression and assembly are essential to our democracy. — Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) July 26, 2025 Australia's foreign minister Penny Wong also objected, writing on X that 'freedom of expression and assembly are essential to our democracy'. She added: 'We have consistently expressed our strong objections to China and Hong Kong on the broad and extraterritorial application of Hong Kong's national security legislation, and we will continue to do so.' In response to the criticism, China's embassy in the UK said the British government was interfering in internal affairs. 'China urges the UK to abandon its colonial mentality, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and stop shielding criminals,' it said in a statement quoted by The Guardian. Hong Kong police reminded the public that national security offences carry extraterritorial effect. In a statement, they said those who turn themselves in or help investigations may be considered for reduced punishment. (With inputs from The Guardian and Reuters)
