Latest news with #WorldWar2
New Straits Times
a day ago
- General
- New Straits Times
MMEA: Warship wrecks in Malaysian waters safe thanks to heightened patrols
KUANTAN: There have been no reports of scavengers looting sunken World War 2 warships in Malaysian waters over the past two years due to increased patrols by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said the agency had intensified patrols around the sites of sunken warships within the country's territorial waters. "I can say the number of cases is zero because we (MMEA) conduct regular monitoring. Our patrol vessels and boats are out at sea monitoring all the shipwreck sites.... the last arrest was recorded in Johor in 2023. "We have made several arrests in the past and recovered scrap metal believed to have been stolen from these wrecks. Now, we constantly patrol the sites to prevent any attempts by scavengers to enter them," he said after launching MMEA's Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative at SMK Sungai Baging here today. Rosli said the strict enforcement efforts were also in response to strong interest from foreign maritime agencies, which were keen to know how MMEA was protecting the shipwrecks. He was responding to a question about whether illegal salvage operators were still operating in Malaysian waters and if there had been any reports in the past two years. In 2023, MMEA detained a foreign-registered grab dredger for looting steel and high-grade aluminium from World War 2-era shipwrecks, including the HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales, off the coast of Pahang. The vessel was seized in Johor. On the Sekolah Angkat Madani programme, Rosli said SMK Sungai Baging was chosen due to its strategic location near the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy in Sungai Ular. He said the school, which established the Malaysian Maritime Cadet Team (Paskam) in early 2020, currently had 110 members and six of its teachers had joined the Malaysian Maritime Volunteer Reserve unit. "We now have a total of 586 Paskam members, including those from Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah and SMK Sungai Baging. "Joining Paskam provides early exposure for students to the maritime field and prepares them to join the Maritime Volunteer Reserve unit. This gives them an advantage if they choose to pursue a career with the MMEA," he said.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
How do Chinese analysts view speculations of Trump visiting Beijing in September?
Long-time China watchers and foreign affairs experts know that reports of Chinese leaders travelling abroad or a foreign leader visiting Beijing are only confirmed when they come from China's state-run Xinhua news agency. Since rumours of US President Donald Trump being invited to attend a September 3 military parade in Beijing first appeared in the media nearly a month ago, Xinhua has neither denied nor confirmed them. According to reports published in China, Japan's Kyodo News Agency first reported on a possible visit. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson denied having 'any information on the matter' on June 30. However, the speculations resurfaced after Moscow confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the event on July 21. A Reuters story ('Trump may travel to China to meet Xi in 'not-too-distant' future') on July 22 said Trump was likely to attend the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had said that Russia was also open to discussing the possibility of holding talks between Putin and Trump, should the latter visit Beijing. Amid speculations of a potential high-level meeting involving Putin, Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, London's The Times newspaper also reported that Beijing may be positioning itself to host a trilateral summit. What has also fuelled the rumours are comments from Trump in January, when he was sworn in as President for the second time, and after he spoke with Xi in June amid the tariff war, about his interest in visiting China shortly. China's media landscape differs from most countries, as the Chinese Communist government exerts significant control over news outlets. While the internet also has restrictions, discussions on online forums and websites still help get an idea of Chinese perspectives. Recently, some scholars and strategic affairs analysts in China weighed in on Trump's potential visit in September: *First, it is seen as necessary for the leaders of China and the United States to sit down and exchange their views on the bilateral relationship and their ideas on the evolving world order. This comes amid turmoil in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as important recent issues in the bilateral ties, such as tariffs. *Second, the military parade is also a means for China to display and project its military strength to the outside world. It may make Trump re-evaluate the relative capabilities gap between the countries and could be more conducive to the future development of the two countries, some Chinese scholars have said. *Third, China has formally called the event the 80th anniversary of the 'War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression' in recent years. It could help enhance the status and role of China's wartime endeavours in World War 2 (called the 'World Anti-fascist War'). An article penned under a popular Chinese social media blog account, Fox Condolence, and re-circulated by the digital news platform recently wrote: 'If Trump can also come, there will be a historic scene of China, the United States and Russia celebrating the victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression together. This is the first time in 80 years since the war, and it will be held in Beijing. This will undoubtedly greatly enhance China's influence in the world.' *Fourth is the view that calling Trump may be necessary, since he has not held in-person meetings with Putin and Xi since July 2018 and November 2019, respectively. Two weeks ago, in an interview with a Chinese news daily, Professor Gao Zhikai, Deputy Director at the Centre for China and Globalization (CCG) in Beijing, claimed to be the first in China to propose that Trump be invited in September. His main reason was, 'Trump is a short-term phenomenon in US politics, China must try and keep him [Trump] in good humour.' As soon as the Japanese media broke the news of Trump's possible visit, the political elite and media in the United States began to warn the President against it. Chinese scholars have also made a note of these views: *First, there is a view in the US that China's invitation to Trump is a calculated effort to present the country as America's equal on the global stage. Vincent C. Chen, a senior executive in Taiwan's information and communications technology industry, wrote in The Hill that the visit may attempt to convey a vision of 'co-governance of the world.' *Second, he argued that the parade was not a symbol of peace, nor was it aimed at merely commemorating a historic victory. 'It is a deliberate display of military strength, to project the narrative of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) superiority and signaling strategic rivalry with the U.S.', Chen wrote. *Third is the view that the visit would actually help enhance China's role in the war. Writing in Mandarin for the German news agency, Deutsche Welle, a well-known Chinese political affairs commentator, Deng Yuwen, wrote: 'In the Western narrative, China's eight-year war of resistance and huge sacrifices were not crucial to defeating fascism… China has always wanted to reverse the Western-dominated narrative framework of World War II history, but the effect is not obvious.' *Fourth, while analysing reactions in both China and in the US to Beijing's possible invitation to Trump, Singapore-based digital political weekly, ThinkChina, observed: 'Trump sharing the stage with the leaders of two authoritarian states – in the eyes of the West – would trigger strong domestic backlash. Criticism would not come just from the Democrats, but also from the China hawks within the Republican Party. Going against the bipartisan consensus on containing China could come at a political cost for Trump.' Chinese analysts also struck a note of caution, noting that the Communist Party must consider the leaders of the Global South countries, who would likely be invited to the parade as well. As Deng Yuwen has pointed out, if Beijing treats Trump with higher courtesy, will they question China's narrative as an advocate of such countries? This may weaken its influence and appeal in the Global South, where it has made vast investments over the years. Hemant Adlakha teaches Chinese at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. He is also Vice Chairperson and an Honorary Fellow, Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS), Delhi.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Chidambaram questions Pahalgam terrorists' identity, BJP hits back
As Parliament debates Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, former Union Minister P Chidambaram's recent remarks on the terrorists involved in the killings have kicked up a row. In an interview to The Quint, uploaded on Saturday (July 26), Chidambaram said the Pahalgam attackers 'for all we know could be homegrown terrorists' and 'why do you assume that they came from Pakistan'? He also said that 'there is no evidence' that the terrorists came from Pakistan. To a question on 'what they (government) are trying to hide', Chidambaram said: 'They are hiding the fact. I think. And this is speculation. The CDS hinted at that – that we made tactical mistakes, we restrategised. So, what tactical mistakes were made? What was the re-strategising? Those questions either they (government) are incompetent to answer or they are unwilling to answer… They are unwilling to disclose what the NIA has done all these weeks.' 'Have they identified the terrorists, where they came from? For all we know they could be homegrown terrorists. Why do you assume that they came from Pakistan? There is no evidence of that. They are also hiding the losses,' the Congress leader said in the interview. He said he wrote in a column that in a war, losses occur on both sides. 'I understand that India would have suffered losses. Be upfront. Winston Churchill in World War 2 made a statement every other day. Whatever losses Britain suffered, they made it plain… They (government) are reluctant to admit the losses… I think they think they can put a large shroud on Operation Sindoor.' BJP's national information and technology department in-charge Amit Malviya hit out at Chidambaram over his statement. 'P Chidambaram, former UPA-era Home Minister and the original proponent of the infamous 'saffron terror' theory, covers himself with glory yet again.' Quoting his interview, Malviya said: 'Once again, the Congress rushes to give a clean chit to Pakistan — this time after the Pahalgam terror attack.' 'Why is it that every time our forces confront Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Congress leaders sound more like Islamabad's defence lawyers than India's Opposition,' asked Malviya. 'When it comes to national security, there should be no ambiguity. But with the Congress, there never is — they always bend over backwards to protect the enemy,' Malviya said on X. Asked about BJP's reaction, Chidambaram said: 'I saw a troll and I have responded to the troll.' In a post on X on Monday, the Congress leader said: 'Trolls are of different kinds and use different tools to spread misinformation. The worst kind is a troll who suppresses the full recorded interview, takes two sentences, mutes some words, and paints the speaker in a black colour!'
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Intimate, priceless adventure
The Galapagos grips you good and doesn't let go, Mike Yardley writes. Do the Galapagos sea lions know how good they have got it? Sprawled across the pristine beaches, they wallow, snooze and frolic across the powder-white stretches of sand, blissfully unconcerned by curious passers-by entering their slice of paradise on goggle-eyed shore excursions. In fact, some of the sea lions waddled up to welcome us into their realm of unrivalled wonder. The Galapagos grips you good and doesn't let go. I'm fresh back from my maiden visit to this extraordinary group of islands with Viva Expeditions, enjoying a four-night cruise aboard the magnificent La Pinta. Recently refreshed from tip to toe, this elegant small ship is perfectly proportioned for Galapagos cruising, with a capacity for just 48 guests and over 30 crew, delivering an ultra-attentive, personable experience. My generously-sized cabin had a fresh, soothing design palette, complete with floor-to-ceiling window and superb en suite. The daily towel art was extra-imaginative. Despite being an expedition ship, La Pinta certainly doesn't skimp on luxury comforts, adorned with sophisticated yet relaxed decks and lounges. The canopied sun deck fast became a favourite spot to survey the scenery over a few cocktails, complete with alfresco dining area, bar and hot tub. Watching a fireball sunset torch the skyline with a brush stroke of ethereal colours, over pre-dinner drinks, became an essential twilight spectacle. The main restaurant presented exquisitely divine dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I feasted on so many memorable dishes, carefully curated by a Le Cordon Bleu gastronomic director. But it was the ocean-fresh seafood that constantly shone, binging on Neptune's bounty. The supersized shrimps were commonly mistaken for prawns because they were so ginormous and bursting with flavour. My fellow table guests featured a French male model and Hollywood actor, along with a Dutch psychiatrist. Yes, it sounds like the opening line to a joke! Swiftly bonding, we got on like a house on fire. Nature's pulling power is magnetic with young professionals. There were so many perky 30-somethings aboard the cruise, I felt decidedly aged! Our charismatic waiter Wilson attended to our table for every meal service, underscoring La Pinta's winning brand of personal guest service. The sparkling Ecuadorian crew were understandably fuelled with pride in sharing their rarefied pocket of the world with us. And they were unfailingly outgoing, effervescent and hospitable. My four-night cruise began after the 90-minute flight from the Ecuadorian mainland, touching down on Baltra Island, a flat slab of rock thrust out of the ocean by geological uplift. The airport was established by the United States Air Force during World War 2. The short bus ride shuttled us to the dock, where we boarded one of La Pinta's zodiacs (which are called ''panga'' in Ecuador), zipping us over to the ship. The panga rides became a fond feature of our cruise experience, because all the islands we visited entailed tendering ashore in these whip-smart zodiacs. Accentuating the experience, every shore excursion was escorted by one of La Pinta's naturalist guides, with a very small group of guests — no bigger than 10. Sharing the experience with such a small, intimate group of fellow travellers heightened every natural encounter. My main guide was Alexis, who was like a male Alexa. You could ask him anything about the Galapagos and he'd deliver a commanding, enlightening answer. My four-night cruise threaded together the eastern islands of the Galapagos archipelago, marvelling over the diverse landscapes, iridescent waters and abundant wildlife. The eastern group are the oldest islands, the newer islands rising from the west, principally shaped by eruptions. Our first stop was South Plaza Island, where the turquoise waters of the channel pop in the sunlight, contrasting dramatically with the fiery hues of the volcanic terrain. Unfurling like a magic carpet, scarlet Sesuvium succulents sprawled across the lower slopes, studded with a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. It was here that I enjoyed my first rendezvous with a yellow-grey land iguana, one of the ''big 15'' wildlife heroes of the Galapagos. Their yellow colour is a result of eating so many cacti. You might even spot them rolling these prickly plants in the sand to blunt the spikes. Another South Plaza highlight was standing above the cliffs and watching the sea birds riding the thermals. Frigatebirds are a highlight here, scanning the sea for fish, swooping down to catch them in flight. The males have the most fascinating bright red throat skin sacks, which inflate to form heart-shaped balloons when courting the females. Santa Fe Island is fawned over for its picture-perfect sandy white beaches, heavily populated by hordes of nonchalant, cavorting sea lions. Fully kitted out with snorkelling equipment and wetsuits by La Pinta, the sublime clarity of the water off Santa Fe was begging to be explored. The watery world revealed more majesty, with sea lions, sea turtles and dolphins frolicking, while a vast school of tropical fish flitted about in a carnival of colour. Parrot fish are prolific in these parts and I was intrigued to learn that they are responsible for creating many of the world's white coral sand beaches. Those powder-white sands are the result of parrot fish poop, after they have tucked into the algae or polyps that form over coral. The average parrot fish poops out 450kg of sand a year! They are the great sand-makers of the Galapagos and elsewhere. San Cristobal Island delivered more indelible memories, disembarking at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island's bustling, colourful capital. If Galapagos is a byword for tortoises for you, you'll enjoy several intimate encounters with these graceful giants. My first such experience was at the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Habitat, a magnificent breeding centre for these endangered species. Their lush, deciduous forest is home to dozens of bird species, including another island endemic, the San Cristobal mockingbird. A personal highlight here was ogling the marine iguana, unique to the Galapagos, and a poster-child for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. These lizards began life as land-lubbers before spreading throughout the archipelago, adapting to graze on submersed algae at low tide. Their striking charcoal colouring blends in perfectly with the lava rock of the islands. Speaking of Darwin, San Cristobal Island is also home to the most astonishing white coral beach, Cerro Brujo. Darwin walked these sands back in 1835, left agog by the enormous colony of sea lions and birdlife. Trying to pick your favourite island in the Galapagos is like being asked to pick your favourite child. But Espanola Island is a perennial heart-stealer because it throngs with so much wildlife and striking scenery. The star of the show is the Galapagos albatross that heavily populates this blessed island. It is the only species of albatross that lives in the tropics, and not only is this bird endemic to the Galapagos, but has the dual distinction of exclusively being found on this island. I gazed in awe watching these enormous birds take flight, walking to the edge of the cliff face and stoically hurling themselves at the sea below, in order to gain speed for flight. Once again, you can get right up close to these birds, who have no fear of people. Backdropped by a gushing lava blowhole, another thrill at Espanola Island was to see so many blue-footed boobies. These clownish birds, with their electric blue feet, are comical to watch on land because their ungainly walking style is highly reminiscent of circus clowns. But in flight, they transform into precision-hunting machines, with spectacular plunge-style dives underwater to snare fish. We also witnessed a mating dance, whereby the male exuberantly shows off his feet to his prospective girlfriend. Apparently, the females prefer a turquoise shade of blue to a deeper blue, and the shade of blue indicates how proficient the male is at catching fish and feeding himself. On my last night aboard La Pinta, before disembarking for more natural glories at Santa Cruz Island, I was enjoying some nightcaps in the inky darkness with some new-found British friends out on the sun deck. As we gazed down at the stern of the ship, over 30 sharks were on the prowl, circling directly beneath us, as flying fish did kamikaze acrobatic manoeuvres, playfully dicing with death. They were too quick for Jaws, but this mass presence of sharks resolutely underscored what a wild, unplugged playground for nature the Galapagos is. There are few places left on Earth where the wildlife shows no fear of humans, allowing you to observe it from just a couple of metres away. While on board the HMS Beagle, Darwin witnessed the Galapagos in complete isolation. La Pinta artfully keeps the faith with that supreme sense of solitude. When we stepped ashore, our small group felt like we had each island only to ourselves. It was a priceless experience with the Galapagos National Park — a living laboratory of evolution and scientific discovery, where the wildlife runs free. Swarming with sharks, crawling with critters, aflutter with remarkable birdlife, surrender to the primal pull of this striking archipelago. A Galapagos cruise is not just enticing or addictive, but transformative.
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Milestone to be marked with reflection on past
Thornbury Rural Women at a celebration in Otautau in 2022. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A rural women's collective will celebrate its 95th milestone by looking to the past. The Thornbury branch of Rural Women New Zealand will mark its 95th jubilee this week by honouring those from the past who helped build the community. The gathering of 40 past and present members and guests will come together for an afternoon of reflection and sharing of stories at the Riverton Senior Citizens Hall this Sunday. Thornbury Rural Women president Maree Crowley said the milestone was remarkable and the celebration would focus on 95 years of friendship, community service and rural advocacy. "It is a time for us to honour the legacy of the women who helped shape our rural community and a time to look ahead for the future," Ms Crowley said. The founding members held their first meeting in the Thornbury Hall on July 30, 1930 under the leadership of first president Mrs H.T Anderson. The group started with 30 members and grew to 50 by 1960. The members played their part for the World War 2 effort by producing face cloths , handkerchiefs, bed socks and mittens for soldiers' parcels. Ms Crowley said it was important to remember the contribution rural women had made towards the war effort and local causes. "They fundraised for local causes, supported families in need and advocated for rural issues. "These women built the Thornbury legacy and the legacy continues today." The current members produce knitwear for babies and continue to support charitable cause the Uplift Project, an initiative which collects and sends new and second-hand bras to women in disadvantaged communities.
