The East Sea issue is hot at Shangri-La; Spain deposes Prime Minister
(Baonghean.vn) - The world over the past 24 hours has seen many notable events such as: The two Koreas held military negotiations at the truce village of Panmunjom; Türkiye arrested nearly 40 suspected IS members; Ukraine may be responsible for the MH17 plane crash; Spain has a new Prime Minister; Volcano in Indonesia "awakens"...
Shangri-La Dialogue "heats up" East Sea issue
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| China continues to send “lightweight” representatives to the 2018 Shangri-La Dialogue. Photo: STRAITS TIMES |
The 17th Shangri-La Dialogue opened in Singapore on June 1, bringing together ministers and defense officials from more than 50 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
In the context of the US-North Korea summit, which may take place on June 12 in the Lion Island, dominating international discussions, this Shangri-La Dialogue (which lasts until June 3) is an opportunity for defense officials to focus on China's increased naval presence in the region, especially in the East Sea. According to event organizers, besides the East Sea issue, it is not surprising if North Korea emerges as the most important topic at the Shangri-La Dialogue. However, this hot issue will not be able to overshadow other extremely important crises in the region, such as shaping the changing security order in Asia, new aspects of terrorism and counter-terrorism activities, etc.
South Korea and North Korea open joint liaison office in Kaesong
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| South Korean (right) and North Korean (left) delegations at high-level inter-Korean talks at the truce village of Panmunjom on June 1. Source: Kyodo/VNA |
According to the South Korean Ministry of Unification, on June 1, South Korea and North Korea agreed to hold general-level talks on military issues on June 14 at the truce village of Panmunjom, within the framework of efforts to reduce tensions between the two Koreas.
In addition, the two sides also agreed to hold a Red Cross meeting on June 22 to discuss the reunion of families separated by the Korean War (1950-1953) and open a joint liaison office in the North Korean border city of Kaesong as soon as possible.
MH17 plane crash: Netherlands suddenly declares Ukraine may be responsible
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| MH17 plane crash site in Ukraine. Photo: RIA Novosti |
June 1stRIA NovostiIt was reported that during a meeting of the Dutch Parliament, Foreign Minister Stef Blok stated that Ukraine cannot be excluded from the list of countries that could be held responsible for the MH17 plane crash in 2014.
During the meeting, members of parliament questioned Ukraine's responsibility in the MH17 incident when the country did not request the closure of airspace in the eastern region, where armed conflicts are taking place.
“I do not rule anything out, but there is currently no legal evidence to hold Ukraine responsible for this,” Mr. Blok said.
Türkiye arrests nearly 40 suspected IS members
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Turkish police. Photo: Alaraby.co.uk. |
Türkiye's national news agency Anadolu has just reported that the country's authorities have arrested at least 36 suspects linked to the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS).
The above subjects were arrested after Turkish special forces simultaneously carried out attacks on targets in 11 provinces and cities.
According to initial information, the suspects showed signs of recruiting forces, training and coaching new members.
Spain has a new Prime Minister
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Socialist Party President Pedro Sánchez. Photo: Youtube. |
Socialist Party leader Pedro Sánchez became Spain's new prime minister on June 1, replacing Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who was defeated in a no-confidence vote in the Spanish parliament earlier in the day. Pedro Sánchez is expected to take office no later than June 4 and name his cabinet next week.
In the vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, 180 MPs voted in favor, 169 voted against and 1 abstained. Mr. Mariano Rajoy is the first Prime Minister in Spain to lose a vote of no confidence since the country's transition to democracy.
Indonesia's most active volcano 'awakens'
Merapi volcano in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Photo: AFP/TTXVN |
On June 1, Mount Merapi on Java Island, Indonesia suddenly "awakened", spewing ash columns up to 6,000 meters high, forcing authorities to issue the highest level of warning for passenger flights over the area.
The local disaster management agency said Mount Merapi began erupting at around 8:20 a.m. local time, spewing ash westward. Indonesia has issued a red alert banning aircraft from flying over the volcano, and said the alert level could be changed depending on the situation.
People living in the affected area of the volcano have also been warned to be vigilant. Authorities have also asked to ban entry within 3 km of the volcano.
Cambodia warns of fake princess
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| A child plays soccer in front of the Cambodian royal palace. Photo: Reuters |
A woman claiming to be Princess Sisuwat Kusuma Nariratana, granddaughter of King Sihanouk, who died in 2012, visited several northern provinces of Thailand and was given a grand welcome.
She was present at many temple festivals and the inauguration of a new road. Thousands of Cambodians living in Thailand came out to welcome the “princess”. Local authorities mobilized police and military escorts to ensure the safety of the “jade body”.
However, the Cambodian Embassy confirmed that this person is a fake and warned people of both countries "not to be too trusting because they can be fooled". Currently, Thai police are investigating the case and searching for the fake princess.
