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Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Takes Another Step Toward Global Political Power
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The launch of a new mechanism for resolving international disputes last week could enable China to further extend its influence in the Global South. China was joined by 32 other founding members in Hong Kong on May 30 to launch the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), which Beijing's top diplomat Wang Yi hailed as "an example of civilization's belief in harmony." Why It Matters Unlike existing institutions such as the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague and the International Court of Justice, the IOMed aims to facilitate the resolution of international disputes through bilateral mediation. That dozens of nations—from Indonesia to Serbia—have already signed on signals China's growing influence at a time when the United States under President Donald Trump retreats from global institutions like the World Health Organization and cuts funding for longstanding tools of American soft power such as USAID. Newsweek reached out to the U.S. State Department and Chinese Foreign Ministry with emailed requests for comment. What To Know In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Wang praised the newly minted framework as filling an "institutional gap" while aligning with Chinese President Xi Jinping's preference for resolving disagreements through dialogue and consultation. "China has been actively exploring ways of hotspot issue settlement that carry the Chinese touch, so as to lend our thoughts to countries seeking to resolve problems or disagreements with others," Wang said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, center, attends the signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong on May 30, 2025. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, center, attends the signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong on May 30, 2025. Jonathan Lee/Associated Press He added that the Hong Kong-headquartered IOMed was established in accordance with the United Nations Charter and will promote decision-making on an egalitarian basis in pursuit of "win-win outcomes." Wang's comments echoed past Chinese criticisms of countries that act outside of bilateral negotiations with the East Asian country. One standout example is the Philippines, which in recent years has publicized China's expansion into its neighbor's maritime zone, despite a 2016 decision at the Permanent Court of Arbitration that dismissed Beijing's sweeping claims over much of the South China Sea. China has accused the U.S. ally of "hyping" the issue and involving Washington and other outside powers, urging Manila to return to bilateral talks. China has also repeatedly criticized "unilateral sanctions" imposed by the United States on Chinese and allied officials and has portrayed Beijing as a defender of the international trade system amid Trump's tariff blitz since April. China holds considerable leverage over many of the IOMed's members, such as close allies Pakistan and Cambodia, and is a top trading partner—and major creditor—to many others. The ceremony was attended by representatives of about 50 other countries and some 20 organizations, including the UN. Hong Kong leader John Lee said the organization could begin its work as early as the end of this year. What People Are Saying Yueming Yan, law professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told The Associated Press: While the International Court of Justice and Permanent Court of Arbitration focus on adjudication and arbitration, IOMed introduces a structured, institutionalized form of alternative dispute resolution—namely, mediation—on a global scale." Balthasar Staehelin, the International Committee of the Red Cross' China envoy, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "The new International Organization for Mediation, headquartered in Hong Kong, has been established. The ICRC looks forward to continued engagement on IHL, conflict prevention and peace." What's Next Beiing's handpicked leader John Lee said the IOMed could begin operating as early as the end of this year. This article included reporting from the Associated Press.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
DGCA finds safety violations by Turkish Airlines, orders immediate compliance
NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has completed a three-day inspection of Turkish Airlines and found several violations of basic aircraft maintenance procedures and norms related to the handling of dangerous goods. The airline has been ordered to ensure full compliance immediately. Turkish Airlines is a codeshare partner of IndiGo. The latter's refusal to end the partnership despite widespread public demand—due to Turkish Airlines' open support to Pakistan during the Indo-Pak conflict—drew sharp criticism. The Centre eventually allowed an extension of the contract by only three months beyond its May 31 deadline, instead of the six months that was requested. An official release from the Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday said the DGCA conducted a Safety Oversight and Ramp (SOFA/RAMP) inspection of Turkish Airlines' passenger and cargo flights at Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru between May 29 and June 2. The inspection was carried out under Article 16 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). According to the DGCA, one of the key findings was that aircraft maintenance after arrival at airports was being done by a technician instead of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), as required by the rules. This was because an AME was not available. Airworks is the authorised engineering service provider for Turkish Airlines. At Delhi airport, the DGCA inspected Turkish Airlines' cargo. "The cargo contained Dangerous Goods for which permission was required from DGCA for carriage of Explosives to/from over India. This was not found to be attached nor was it mentioned in the Dangerous Goods Declaration mentioned," the release said. At Bengaluru, the marshaller responsible for ground operations did not have proper authorisation or a valid competency card for performing marshalling functions. Another violation noted was the absence of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Turkish Airlines and its Ground Handling Agent (GHA). At Hyderabad and Bengaluru, equipment such as ladders, step ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units lacked proper accountability and monitoring. Globe Ground India was providing services in these airports without a formal handover from Celebi, the Turkish-based agent whose contract was terminated by the Centre last month. The DGCA has directed Turkish Airlines to address these issues without delay and ensure complete compliance with ICAO standards and recommended practices, along with Indian regulations. "Further follow-up inspections will be conducted as necessary to ensure continuous safety oversight," the release said. The DGCA added that it remains committed to ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of all foreign operators in Indian airspace. "The inspections were carried out to ensure compliance with both international and national safety regulations," it added.
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
President Boakai Declares Saturday, March 8, 2025, As 'International Women's Day' to be Celebrated On Friday, March 7, 2025
The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has by Proclamation declared, Saturday, March 8, 2025 as 'International Women's Day', to be celebrated on Friday, March 7, 2025 throughout the territorial confines of the Republic of Liberia as a 'Working Holiday'. The day marks the struggle that women around the world have made to gain equality and equal rights as well as to reflect on the changes and progress that culminated in their international endeavor. According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai has requested the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, government agencies, civil society organizations and partners and NGOs concerned to execute appropriate programs to make the day meaningful. The women of Liberia will join their counterparts around the world to celebrate the International Women's Day 2025, under the Global Theme: 'Accelerate Action' and National Theme: 'Accelerate Action to end Gender Based Violence and Achieve Gender Equality in Liberia'. In 1997, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 32/142 proclaiming 8th of March of each year as International Women's Day to be observed by Member States in accordance with their historical and national traditions. The Government of Liberia, being cognizant of its obligation to ensure equal status for men and women in society without discrimination, has ratified the Convention on 'The Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women', reflecting its commitment to gender equality and equity through its national reconstruction and development program. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
