The world last week in photos

(Baonghean.vn) - Let's review the most outstanding events of the past week with Baonghean.vn.

1. The US and Japan simultaneously condemn China in the South China Sea.

On July 22, Tokyo stated that Beijing's deployment of 16 oil rigs near the disputed area in the East China Sea violated the 2008 agreement between the two sides. Furthermore, Japan released a chart showing the locations of the Chinese rigs, including 12 that had been installed in the past two years.

A Chinese oil rig operates near the disputed Japan-China area in the East China Sea, photo provided by Japan. Source: AP

China began developing the entire gas-rich area in the East China Sea in 2003. The exploration areas are located near the median line, claimed by Tokyo, separating the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of China and Japan. The two countries have yet to agree on this line, according to NHK.

Following the release of photos of the illegal oil rigs, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declared to the press that China's unilateral actions were reprehensible. According to Yoshihide, Tokyo has repeatedly protested, but Beijing has shown no willingness to resume discussions on implementing the agreement, and "appears to be continuing its actions." Source: Enformable

Meanwhile, the US also expressed agreement with Japan and issued a certain warning to China. US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel declared on July 23 that Washington would act decisively in using international law to resolve disputes in the South China Sea.

"We are not neutral when it comes to upholding international law. We will act decisively to ensure that all parties abide by the rules in resolving disputes in the South China Sea. We are urging all parties to revive the spirit of cooperation," Mr. Russel said. Source: AP

When discussing the second option, arbitration, Mr. Russel paid particular attention to the Philippines' case against China at the International Arbitration Court in The Hague. According to him, regardless of the outcome, Beijing and Manila must abide by the court's final rulings because both are signatories to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Despite condemnation from the US and Japan, China brazenly continues its illegal actions. Recently, they announced the establishment of a plan for the management, use, and exploitation of islands and surrounding sea areas in Vietnam's Spratly Islands. The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) of China stated that this plan is being developed due to "current lack of capacity to ensure maritime security, protect the marine environment, and exploit marine resources."

Chinese helicopters conduct illegal patrols in the Spratly Islands. China unilaterally claims sovereignty over approximately 90% of the South China Sea and is enforcing this claim by illegally reclaiming land and constructing a series of artificial islands on reefs in the Spratly Islands, despite protests from Vietnam and many other countries in the region. Source: Chinanews

In addition, China has proactively sought closer ties and strengthened defense relations with Cambodia, a country that has recently had some border issues with Vietnam.

Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh (second from left) shakes hands with a Chinese military adviser at an event in Kampong Speu province during a recent meeting. Source: Reuters

2. US President Obama returns to visit his homeland.

On July 24th, US President Barack Obama left the United States for Kenya to strengthen economic and security ties. This was Obama's first visit to his father's homeland as president.

Kenya is the birthplace of US President Barack Obama's father. During his visit, Obama also stopped in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, and visited the African Union (AU) headquarters located in the city.

President Obama aboard Air Force One returning to his home country of Kenya. Source: Reuters.

According to Reuters, President Obama will focus on security cooperation talks in Nairobi, Kenya. Other issues to be discussed include democracy, poverty, and human rights in the region.

He also spends time with family members but will not visit the village closely associated with the Obama family, White House officials said.

Obama dines with family in Nairobi. Source: AFP

Earlier, to welcome President Obama, the city of Nairobi was decorated with American and Kenyan flags, and signs welcoming the American president "home." In addition, images of Obama were painted on the walls of buildings. The streets were cleaned and more trees were planted. The people of Kenya eagerly awaited and valued President Obama's return home, as it had been a long time since they had welcomed a son back.

A portrait of Obama on a wall in Nairobi, Kenya. Source: AFP

Residents clean the streets in Nairobi. Source: Reuters

Cleaning up streets, planting more trees, and printing President Obama's image on shirts or walls are some of the ways Kenyans show their affection for their famous son. Source: Reuters

3. The US kills Al-Qaeda leader in Syria.

The Pentagon announced earlier this week that the US-led coalition had launched an airstrike that killed the leader of al-Qaeda's Syrian branch, who was believed to be plotting attacks against Washington and its allies.

Muhsin al-Fadhli was killed in an airstrike on July 8 while traveling in a vehicle near the town of Sarmada in northwestern Syria, AFP reported, citing Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis.

"The death of al-Fadhli will weaken and disrupt al-Qaeda's operations against the United States and its allies and partners," David said.

Muhsin al-Fadhli. Source: AFP

Al-Fadhli is believed to be the leader of the Khorasan Group, a group of high-ranking al-Qaeda members from Central Asia and elsewhere who traveled to the Middle East to plot attacks against the West.

Al-Fadhli, born in Kuwait, was highly trusted within al-Qaeda when terrorist leader Osama bin Laden was alive. He was among the few who knew in advance about the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, according to U.S. intelligence.

Nhat Minh (Compiled)