US passes bill supporting Taiwan; North Korea insists missile test was routine exercise
(Baonghean.vn) - North Korea asserts that the missile test is a routine exercise; Amid tensions, the US passes a bill supporting Taiwan; Iran partially stops complying with the nuclear agreement... are the world's outstanding news in the past 24 hours.
North Korea insists missile test is routine exercise, only for defense
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| A tactical weapon tested by North Korea at an undisclosed location on May 4, 2019. Photo: AFP/TTXVN |
North Korea's Foreign Ministry said on May 8 that the missile test that leader Kim Jong-un oversaw last week was purely defensive in nature and part of a routine exercise. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted a spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry as saying that the recent drills conducted by the North Korean military were merely routine military exercises and were not aimed at anyone or aggravating the situation in the region.
On May 4, North Korea conducted a test launch of unidentified short-range aircraft, including a newly developed tactical guided weapon. The launch is believed to be aimed at demonstrating Pyongyang's stance as nuclear negotiations with the United States have stalled. Despite this move, the United States, South Korea and Japan have responded cautiously to maintain the negotiation process with Pyongyang.
Iran partially stops complying with nuclear deal
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President Hassan Rouhani, Chairman of Iran's Supreme Security Council. Photo:Reuters. |
Iran announced on May 8 that it would stop implementing some commitments under a 2015 deal with world powers, but insisted it would not withdraw from the deal. Iran's Supreme Security Council said Iran would no longer abide by the limits it had committed to on uranium enrichment and heavy water under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers (Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia), saying the measure was necessary to "secure its interests and restore balance" after the US withdrew from the deal exactly a year ago.
"The remaining parties to the deal have 60 days to implement their commitments, particularly in the banking and oil sectors," the council added, referring to the five powers' commitment to lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear activities.
Amid tensions, US passes bill supporting Taiwan
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| Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen at an event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the US Taiwan Relations Act - Photo: Reuters |
The vote results on May 7 (US time) showed that the US House of Representatives supported the bill reaffirming its commitment to Taiwan with an absolute ratio of 414 votes in favor, 0 votes against. The bill, submitted by Republican congressman Eliot. Engel, aims to strengthen the Taiwan Assurance Act (TRA), aiming to direct the US to consider Taiwan as a key ally outside the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). After passing the House of Representatives, the above Act needs to be voted on in the Senate before being submitted to President Donald Trump to sign into law. There is currently no confirmation when the bill will be sent to the Senate.
Taiwan is a sensitive area in the relationship between the US and China. China has always considered Taiwan a province, while Washington under President Trump has repeatedly angered Beijing by showing its commitment to Taiwan, including moves related to defense and security.
Sri Lanka insists the country is safe for tourists after bombings
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| Dambulla Golden Temple - a famous tourist destination in Sri Lanka. Photo:Thrillist |
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called on countries to lift travel restrictions on their citizens following deadly Easter blasts. President Sirisena also stressed that national security has been ensured in the South Asian island nation.
President Sirisena briefed diplomats and representatives of international organizations in the country on the progress of the Sri Lankan security agencies in counter-terrorism operations. According to Sirisena, 95 percent of the terrorists involved in the recent attacks have been detained or have been identified, while only two or three suspects remain unaccounted for by the police. The leader also expressed confidence that the terrorist threat will soon be completely eliminated, with the support of foreign intelligence.
New Zealand aims to be a net zero emissions nation by 2050
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New Zealand. Photo: NIWA. |
On May 8, the New Zealand government submitted a bill to the parliament that aims to make the country a zero-emission country by 2050. The draft bill aims to make the country a zero-emission country by 2050 without taking into account the bio-methane produced by the country's livestock. Since livestock farming is one of New Zealand's key economic sectors, the government cannot be too strict and only sets a gradual reduction roadmap so as not to affect people's livelihoods or negatively impact the country's economy.
In order for the Government to achieve its target, the bill also proposes the establishment of a Climate Change Commission to advise the Government. It also requires the Government to create an “emissions budget” for each 5-year period as well as a plan to implement this budget to achieve the target as set by 2050.
