The World This Week

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CWA # 1416, 28 July 2024
The World This Week
Tenth Pacific Island Leaders Meeting and President Biden’s Address

  GP Team

The World This Week #272, Vol. 6 No. 26, 28 July 2024
 

Femy Francis and Dhriti Mukherjee 

Japan and the Pacific: Tenth Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM 10)
Femy Francis

What happened?
On 16 July, Japan held the 10th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting in Tokyo. The meeting was attended by representatives of 18 Pacific Island Forum members. Japanese Prime Minster Fumio Kishida also participated in the meeting where he said: “I'd like to make ties between Japan and the Pacific Island nations stronger and demonstrate to the rest of the world that we are moving in the same direction.” The summit ended with a joint declaration issued by the member countries on peace and security in the region, strengthening economic ties, and Climate Change and Disaster management measures. The declaration also asserted that they oppose: “any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by the threat or use of force or coercion,” hinting at China’s aggressive posture in the region. 

On 18 July, the summit's final day, member countries issued a Leaders' Declaration and a Joint Action Plan. The action plan proposed seven areas of cooperation: political leadership and regionalism, people-centered development, peace and security, resources and economic development, climate change and disasters, ocean and environment, technology, and connectivity.  The leaders also committed to the PALM partnership towards 2050. On climate change, the countries' leaders unanimously shared their concerns regarding the crisis. Kishida iterated that Japan would continue to promote cooperation with the Pacific Island countries on health and education exchanges. Japan also called to establish a: “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” with countries who share common values and principles. 

What is the background?
First, a brief background to the PALM. The beginning of the Pacific Island Leader Meeting goes back to the Japan-South Pacific Forum (SPF) held in Tokyo in 1997. The second summit was held in 2000, where Japan established: “The Pacific Common Frontier Institute.” Pacific Asia relations were based on three pillars of sustainable development, dealing with regional and global issues and establishing partnerships between Japan and the Pacific Island countries. Since then, Japan has been hosting this summit every three years. 

Second, Japan's interest in the Pacific. Tokyo is a major provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA) aimed at developing tools to strengthen maritime surveillance among the Pacific countries. Japan’s primary relations with the Pacific Island countries have been built on fisheries relations. Japan's security cooperation with the Pacific Island countries focused on development aid and furthering maritime surveillance. During this summit, Tokyo announced its plans to supply one fisheries research vessel free of cost to each Pacific Island country. This initiative is to dispel concerns regarding Fukushima-treated water release. 

Third, the China factor in the Pacific. In recent years, China has extended its sphere of influence to the Pacific, especially through infrastructure projects. They have heavily invested in building sports stadiums, advanced healthcare facilities, roads, and bridges. The growing pivot towards China can be seen when, in 2019, Solomon Island severed its ties with Taiwan and reinstated its ties with Beijing. In July, China announced an additional USD 20 million investment for the Solomon airport project. China also donated USD 31 million to Vanuatu’s presidential palace. Nauru also switched its ties with Taiwan and signed a diplomatic pact with China in 2024. 

What does it mean? 
First, Japan’s influence in the Pacific. The summit aims to bolster Japan’s relations with the Pacific Island countries. Japan’s presence also represents its other Western allies like the US who are increasingly worried about the Chinese presence. 

Second, deterring Chinese influence in the Pacific. The declaration hinted at the Chinese presence in the region and how the PALM countries are against any unilateral moves to change the status quo. New Zealand's "Maritime Security Strategy 2024," pointed out that it is against “Certain countries are increasingly exercising hard power to test the limits of the rules-based international system, at the expense of rules that serve smaller countries like New Zealand.” The above statements expressed concerns over increased Chinese influence in the Pacific. Therefore, countering China in the Pacific is in Japan’s and its ally's interest. 

Third, the Pacific Island countries and big powers. The meeting also shows how the Pacific Island countries are leveraging external stakeholders in the region by engaging with all. The smaller Pacific Island countries have been welcoming to Chinese investment in the region. Their presence and the issuance of the joint declaration in PALM 10 showcase that they are balancing external actors and would leverage the players for its benefit. 

Biden’s Oval Office address on standing down from the Presidential race: Four key takeaways
Dhriti Mukherjee

What happened?
On 24 July, US President Joe Biden delivered an Oval Office address, where he detailed his reasons for dropping out of the presidential campaign while touching on other topics of national importance and relevance. He emphasised that while he revered the office, the time had come to “pass the torch to a new generation” of fresh and younger voices. Biden also endorsed US Vice President Kamala Harris, describing her as “tough” and “capable.”   
Following are four key takeaways from his ten-minute address.

1. A defence of democracy 
Biden stated that while it was the “honour” of his life to serve as the president of the US, he had to make the decision to drop out in the “defence of democracy, which is at stake.” He pointed out how the task of “perfecting” the union of America was not about him, but about the people of the country and their futures. However, he lamented that the US is at an “inflection point,” meaning that today’s decisions will determine the fate of the US and the “world for decades to come.” Even though his accomplishments as president “merited a second term,” he could not let his “personal ambition” become an obstacle in “preserving” democracy. 

2. A reminder of the American dream 
During his speech, Biden drew inferences from past presidents including George Washington, who proved that presidents are not kings, Abraham Lincoln, who called for the rejection of malice, and Franklin Roosevelt, who inspired the dismissal of fear. Biden spoke on the American dream by taking his example and pointing out that the US is the only “special” place where someone from “modest beginnings” could become president. This is because in the US, “kings and dictators do not rule, the people do.” 

However, given the inflection point, Americans have to decide between “moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division.” Biden questioned whether the US, which is a “great nation” because of its “good people,” still upholds values of honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice, and democracy. He claimed that when he came to office four years ago, the “soul of America” and the nature of its people were “at stake,” and that is the case currently as well. 

Describing America as an “idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator,” he asserted that all Americans are “created equal.” Though Americans have never “fully lived up” to the “sacred” idea, in which all citizens have inalienable rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, they have never “walked away from it either.” The US has always remained a nation of opportunities, dreamers, and of ordinary people doing “extraordinary things.”

3. A glance into his accomplishments 
Biden illustrated how the country has come “so far” since his inauguration. He prided himself on being the first US president in this century who could say that the US is not at war, and on the fact that the “conventional wisdom” that China would grow to surpass the US is not the case anymore. Despite the “worst pandemic in the century,” the worst economic situation and attack on democracy since the Great Depression and the Civil War respectively, the US emerged “stronger, more prosperous, and more secure.” From an economic perspective, the country has the “strongest economy” globally, with a record of 16 million new jobs, higher wages, lower inflation, the lowest racial wealth gap in the last 20 years, and a return of manufacturing. 

From a healthcare perspective, “most people” in the US have access to healthcare, and the cost of prescription drugs for senior citizens was lowered. Biden also signed “one of the most significant laws” which helped millions of veterans and their families that were exposed to toxic materials. From a security perspective, violent crime rate is at a 50-year low while border crossings are lower than when the previous administration left office. Additionally, significant laws on gun safety and climate change were signed, while commitments on appointing the first Black woman to the Supreme Court and having an administration that “looks like America” were fulfilled. 

4. A sizeable to-do list
Despite there being only a few months left for him in office, Biden spoke about a lengthy list of objectives he seeks to accomplish in the next six months. Economically, he will help growth by continuing to lower costs for “hard-working families,” while politically, he will defend freedoms and civil rights, while calling out “hate and extremism,” which have no place in the US. Focus will also be placed on eliminating gun violence and working to combat climate change. 

Biden assured he would keep fighting for his “cancer moonshot” to bring an end to cancer. With regard to security, he asserted that his administration would keep “rallying a coalition of proud nations” and strengthen NATO to stop the war in Ukraine. Further, he will work towards bringing “peace and security to the Middle East,” ending the war and bringing hostages home.

TWTW Regional Roundups
News from around the world
Rohini Reenum, Akriti Sharma, Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Dhriti Mukherjee, Nuha Amina, Samrudhi Pathak, Sachin Aravind, Sayeka Ghosh, Ayan Datta, Vetriselvi Baskaran and Neha Tresa George

CHINA THIS WEEK
China: President Xi Jinping chairs Standing Committee on Disaster Relief Work
On 25 July, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a meeting with the standing committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) political bureau to discuss and arrange for flood control and relief. July to August is the peak season for heavy rainfall, posing a threat to the communities living along the river and coastlines. It is reckoned that all seven major river basins will experience flooding. The Chinese Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert over Typhoon Gaemi, which is expected to reach the inland region. The meeting called for minimising casualties and called for a prompt relocation of those in danger. They also discussed that disaster relief funds should be promptly allocated and that appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that medical services are provided. An estimated number of 628,600 people in Fujian province were affected by the Typhoon. 

China: Russia conducts unprecedented joint air patrol near Alaska
On 24 July, Russia and China conducted their first joint bomber patrol over the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, near Alaska’s coast. The operation involved Russian TU-95MS strategic missile carriers and Chinese Xian H-6 strategic bombers. Although both nations asserted that the patrol was “not aimed at any third party,” it drew attention from US officials. North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) intercepted the bombers but noted that they remained in international airspace and posed no threat. However, Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski described it as an “unprecedented provocation by our adversaries.” Meanwhile, the Press Secretary of Russian President, Dmitry Peskov countered that Russian-Chinese cooperation in the Arctic would contribute to “stability and predictability” in the region. This event underscores the growing military alignment between Moscow and Beijing, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

China: Foreign Minister visits Laos for ASEAN meeting
On 25 July, an editorial in Global Times reported on Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s arrival in Vientiane for the ASEAN meeting. The meeting highlighted a delicate balance between regional cooperation and tensions in the South China Sea region. ASEAN members recognize the complexity of the issue and prioritise development and prosperity, according to Global Times. The theme of the meeting was: “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.” It aimed to address various challenges, including economic difficulties, climate change, and security issues. Key topics included infrastructure development, economic growth, and negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement version 3.0.

China: Russia reaffirm their strategic partnership in the Asia-Pacific
On 25 July, during a meeting in Vientiane, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov emphasised the strength of their nations’ relationship and their commitment to regional cooperation. Wang highlighted the “mature, stable, resilient and independent” nature of China-Russia ties, stressing their readiness to support each other’s core interests despite international challenges. Both ministers expressed their dedication to maintaining ASEAN’s central role in regional architecture and opposed external interference. Lavrov commended China's recent diplomatic success in facilitating Palestinian unity talks and pledged Russia's support for Middle East peace efforts.

China: Brokers Palestinian factions’ unification with “National reconciliation government”
On 23 July, BBC reported on the formation of an interim “National reconciliation government” concerning the seizure of the West Bank and Gaza through the signing of a declaration by Hamas and Fatah brokered by the Chinese. Officials and twelve Palestinian groups have promised to work in harmony after the talks held in Beijing. The international spokesperson of Hamas, Husam Badran said the declaration was a positive step in achieving Palestinian national unity. The report also added that there was no confirmation from the Fatah on the declaration. Meanwhile, the Israelis promptly dismissed the Beijing declaration. The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi defined a three-step plan to address the war inclusive two-state solution and UN membership.

EAST ASIA THIS WEEK
Japan: Population falls by 0.7 per cent for the 15th year
On 24 July, government data revealed that the number of Japanese residents has fallen by 0.7 per cent or 861,237 as of 01 January. This marks the “steepest decline” for the 15th consecutive year. Though Tokyo’s population rose by 3,933 or 0.3 per cent, for the first time in 3 years, the 46 other prefectures experienced a continued decline.  While the total Japanese population is 121,561,801, the number of foreign residents has risen to 3,323,374 resulting in a rise of 11.0 per cent. 

North Korea: Belarus's Foreign Minister plans to visit the country
On 22 July, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov announced his plan to visit North Korea. This visit will mark a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations with implications for a potential trilateral alliance including Russia. This diplomatic move comes amid increasing Western sanctions on all three countries. According to ABC News, experts suggest the visit will focus on establishing partnerships, building upon North Korea's recent defence pact with Russia and Belarus’ close ties to Moscow. The meeting follows Belarusian President Lukashenko’s suggestion of “three-way cooperation” during talks with Putin last September. With accusations of North Korea supplying arms to Russia for its Ukraine campaign, and Belarus allowing Russian military presence, this visit underscores the deepening relationships among these internationally isolated nations.

South Korea: President sends envoy to Czech Republic to discuss nuclear project
On 23 July, President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea dispatched special envoys to the Czech Republic, following the selection of a South Korean consortium as the preferred bidder for a major nuclear power plant project. Presidential Chief of Staff Sung Tae-Yoon and Industry Minister Ahn Duk-Geun will meet with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Industry Minister Jozef Sikela during their three-day visit. The presidential spokesperson Jeong Hye-jeon stated that the envoys will deliver President Yoon's gratitude and discuss “follow-up measures, including the establishment of a government-to-government hotline,” This USD 17.3 billion project, if finalised, would mark South Korea's first overseas nuclear power plant construction since 2009. 

New Zealand: Rising drug use, a study by the National Drug Intelligence Bureau
On 23 July, a study by the National Drug Intelligence Bureau stated that New Zealand is facing an alarming increase in drug consumption, particularly methamphetamine and cocaine. National Drug Intelligence Bureau Detective Inspector Tim Chao reported that Kiwis are using approximately 17.5 kilograms of meth and 03.3 kilograms of cocaine weekly. This surge in drug use is having a significant economic impact, with meth alone costing the country an estimated USD 19.4 million per week in social harm. Chao noted that regional towns are experiencing the highest per capita meth consumption, often correlating with areas of higher deprivation. The rise in drug use is attributed to increased global availability, with most illicit substances being imported. Cocaine use is also on the upswing, though the reasons are less clear. 

New Caledonia: The Pacific Islands Forum to send a delegation to New Caledonia
On 20 July 2024, Radio New Zealand reported that due to the existing political turmoil in the French territory, it was aiming to send top delegations to New Caledonia for investigations. The news was confirmed in Tokyo after the PALM 10 meeting. The Prime Minister of Cook Islands Mark Brown confirmed the request for a top Pacific delegation by the government of Caledonia. RNZ reported Brown’s opinion of French Support for the delegation and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) disapproval of France’s political handling of the ongoing situation. He further emphasised the rejection of the third referendum. The RNZ also covered New Caledonia’s Advisor Charles Wea's announcement at PALM 10 in Japan that the high-level delegation will consist of leaders from Fiji, Cook Islands, Tonga, and Solomon Islands.

SOUTH ASIA THIS WEEK
India: Foreign Minister attends ASEAN meetings
On 25 July, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended multiple ASEAN meetings in Laos. He also met with Foreign Ministers of the UK, Japan, Australia, China, and Russia. On 25 July, he met with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi and reviewed the resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC to enhance and stabilise bilateral relations. He will be attending the QUAD Summit next.

Pakistan: Islamabad urges Germany to take immediate action against the miscreants of Consulate attack in Frankfurt
On 21 July, Pakistan urged Germany to take immediate action against the perpetrators of the “security breach” incident that took place in the Pakistani Consulate in Frankfurt. On 20 July, a “gang of extremists” or a group of Afghan nationals attacked the Pakistan Consulate and attempted to remove and burn the Pakistani flag. The video of the incident went viral, and one of the men was seen holding the Afghan flag. Reports also mentioned that they pelted stones on the consulate building. In this regard, Pakistan condemned the attack and German police for not having made any arrests so far. However, The News International reported that some arrests were made for further investigation. The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan summoned the German ambassador in Islamabad to “lodge a strong protest over the vandalism of Pakistan’s diplomatic mission” and urged Germany to fulfil its obligations under the Vienna Conventions on Consular Relations, 1963. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif slammed the Afghan nationals and asked the government to “rethink its hospitality towards Afghan citizens.” 

Pakistan: Anthem to celebrate 97th PLA anniversary
On 21 July, The Express Tribune reported that to commemorate the 97th anniversary of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Pakistan has “unveiled” an anthem that celebrates the bond shared by the two countries. The lyrics “poetically” capture “the essence of their friendship.” It describes how the peaks of the Himalayas seem less significant than the “bond” they hold and its “depths appear shallow next to the strength of” their “friendship.”

Pakistan: Traders denied entry to Afghanistan
On 23 July, Dawn revealed that Pakistani traders and workers are being denied entry into Afghanistan “despite the reopening of the Chaman border crossing.” Pakistanis who possess “national identity documents” are also being denied entry. Earlier, there were “successful negotiations” between “leaders of a sit-in protest” at the border town. They had decided to allow nationals from both countries to travel across upon producing their “respective national identity cards.” The leaders had accepted that “their anti-state stance had defamed Pakistan,” and that they had used it “solely for political gain.” Former Interior Minister, Malik Inayat Kasi had announced the resumption of “movement across the border” and made it clear that all border matters “will solely” be negotiated “with the Laghari Union” and “not with individual Khans or Maliks.” However, Afghan officials have conveyed “displeasure” at their exclusion from the consultation process.

Pakistan: US seeks USD 101 million to assist Islamabad
On 23 July, the US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu stated that the US administration sought USD 101 million for Pakistan to “strengthen democracy, fight terrorism, and stabilise the country’s economy,” A budget request was presented for South and Central Asian Affairs to the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. It seeks a total of USD 1.01 billion in foreign assistance for the South and Central Asian region, to help it “compete with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), counter Russian and Chinese disinformation, and prevent terrorist groups from threatening the US security.” Additional resources would be given to South Asia, for which the president requested USD 585.7 million for the region, a 4.84 per cent increase from the last budget. 

Pakistan: Remains the fourth worst passport in the fourth consecutive year
On 25 July, Dawn reported that the Henley Passport Index released its ranking of the world’s 199 passports, in which passports are ranked based on the number of destinations their holders can access without getting a visa beforehand. Pakistan remained in the bottom five for the fourth consecutive time and was ranked the fourth worst. Pakistan’s and Yemen’s passports allow their citizens to travel to 33 countries without a visa. The number is higher than only Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Afghanistan turned out to be the weakest passport this year, with only 26 visa-free travel destinations, the lowest number recorded in the last 19 years. Another record was established by Singapore this year, which had the strongest passport with 195 visa-free travel destinations for its holders. The passport strength remains a concern for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Pakistan: Meeting with Chinese finance minister, holds talks on economic cooperation
On 25 July, Pakistan’s economic team met Chinese Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an in Beijing, where they discussed issues related to Pakistan’s economy. The team encompassed the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and the Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. The meeting focused on major financial cooperation and discussions regarding the Panda Bonds issuance, reprofiling of loans, and conversion of imported coal power plants on Thar coal. During the meeting, the Pakistani ministers presented a brief on the government’s effort to implement tax and energy reforms in the system. Both sides exchanged their ideas to foster the economic partnership, particularly focussed on the financial and banking sectors. Aurangzeb and Leghari also met the President of Chinese insurance company M/s Sinosure, Sheng Hetai, and held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding CPEC.

Pakistan: Foreign Office regards PM Modi’s remarks as “belligerent”
On 26 July, the Foreign Office (FO) refuted the “belligerent remarks” made by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. A day earlier, on 25 July, Modi said during an event in Ladakh that Pakistan has “not learned anything from its history.” He addressed Pakistan as a patron of "terrorism,” saying that the Indian forces would “give a befitting reply” to its “unholy plans.” In response, the FO issued a statement, declaring India’s “bravado and jingoism” was “totally counterproductive” in arriving at a resolution over the Kashmir dispute. The FO added that these “rhetorical statements cannot deflect international attention” from the disputed Jammu and Kashmir. It urged India to “reflect on its campaign” of carrying out “targeted assassinations, subversion and terrorism” in the land beyond the territory. It warned that Pakistan is determined to protect its sovereignty with a “robust response” to any “reckless” Indian “incursion.”
 
MIDDLE-EAST THIS WEEK 
Saudi Arabia: Mining Minister to visit Brazil and Chile to boost EV, diversify oil economy
On 21 July, Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayaf, would visit Brazil and Chile to meet representatives of mining companies and launch lithium production projects.  Through such ventures, Saudi Arabia aimed to diversify its oil-based economy, expand into the international mining sector, and become a hub of Electric Vehicle (EV) production. 

Israel: Hamas and Fatah sign Beijing Declaration to form post-war unity government 
On 23 July, representatives of 14 Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Fatah, signed the “Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity.” The Declaration resulted from negotiations between the Palestinian groups between 21 and 23 July with Chinese mediation. Although China did not release the full text of the declaration, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Palestinian groups agreed to form a unity government for the West Bank and Gaza after the war and reaffirmed their commitment to an independent Palestinian State. Diplomats from Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia and Türkiye attended the signing ceremony.

Israel: Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses US Congress
On 24 July, according to Haaretz, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the US Congress. Netanyahu envisioned a “demilitarised and deradicalised Gaza” under Israel’s “overriding security control,” demanding that Gaza should be administered by “Palestinians who do not seek to destroy Israel.” He called for an “Abraham Alliance” in the Middle East to counter Iran as a “natural extension” of the Abraham Accords. The Israeli leader praised former US President Donald Trump’s leadership and his decision to shift the US embassy to Jerusalem, reiterating that “our eternal capital will never be divided again. 

United Arab Emirates: Court sentences 57 Bangladeshi protesters to prison and deportation 
On 22 July, Al Jazeera reported that a UAE court sentenced 57 Bangladesh nationals to prison for protesting against the Bangladeshi government. While three protesters were awarded life sentences, 53 received ten years in prison. All the protesters would be deported following the completion of their sentences. Although the protesters were marching against Bangladesh’s quota system for government jobs, they were arrested on charges of unauthorised protests and jeopardising ties with foreign countries which were illegal in UAE.
 
AFRICA THIS WEEK
Ethiopia: Eritrea suspends the Ethiopian Airlines
On 25 July, Africanews reported that Eritrean authorities suspended Ethiopian Airlines flights from its airspace, which will be effective from 30 September. The Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority accused the airline of "consistent and persistent malicious trading practices along with systemic and organised passengers’ luggage theft, pilferage, damage, prolonged delays, and loss with no compensation in particular, coupled with unjustified and unwarranted price hikes and other irregularities witnessed." Ethiopian Airlines stated that they are "committed to resolving any issues amicably and promptly."

Sudan: UAE expresses support to end the civil war
On 22 July, the President of the UAE Mohammed bin Zayed expressed his country's support for ending the civil war in Sudan. The comments came during his telephone conversation with Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. He stated that the UAE is keen "to support all solutions and initiatives aimed at halting escalation and ending the crisis in Sudan." The relations between Sudan and the UAE have been tense over the allegation of the latter supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). 

EUROPE THIS WEEK 
Finland: Government introduces law to deport asylum seekers 
On 22 July, Finland introduced a controversial law that allows the country to return asylum seekers and refugees on its border with Russia. Finland has accused Russia of using migration to push a huge number of asylum seekers inside its territory. However, the law has been criticised by few human rights groups and faces push backs calling it illegal under the European Convention of Human Rights and Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. However, the EU Migration Pact, would also enter into force from 2026, paving a way for EU member states to deport asylum seekers from the global south. 

EU and US plan to lend USD 50 billion to Ukraine 
On 22 July, Politico reported that the EU and the US are close to approving a loan of USD 50 billion to Ukraine to fight the war. However, the US Government might have to involve Congress given the risk of taxpayers’ money. Therefore, the US has asked the EU to ensure that Russian assets are kept frozen until the loan is repaid. In June 2024, the G7 countries had agreed to provide a loan of USD 50 billion to Ukraine. G7 plans the repayment of loan through seizing Russia’s immovable assets in the West. The EU wanted to translate this deal into an EU law but the countries could find a common ground on exact contributions.

AMERICAS THIS WEEK
Venezuela: Official presidential campaign season draws to an end
On 25 July, Venezuela’s government and opposition closed the official presidential campaign season with demonstrations which saw thousands of people gather on the streets of Caracas. Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, is seeking a third term and described himself as a man of peace while talking to the crowds and denouncing his opponents as promoters of violence. Separately, the representative of the Unitary Platform Coalition, Edmundo González Urrutia, and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado were able to gather much fewer supporters. Insufficient funding and state repression against Machado and other service providers affected the opposition’s campaign rally, including poor quality sound systems. The state television also completely ignored the opposition’s event, instead airing Maduro’s rally live. While Maduro faces low popularity among voters after they blamed him for the country’s 11-year long crisis, major opposition parties have rallied behind González after boycotting elections for years.

Brazil: President Lula unveils initiative to tackle global hunger
On 24 July, Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, announced a global alliance against hunger and poverty as one of Brazil’s top priorities for its presidency of G20. Denouncing the continuing global hunger despite sufficient food production, Lula said hunger is “something that requires a political decision.” This initiative aims to devise a mechanism to mobilise funds and knowledge to facilitate the expansion of policies to combat inequality and poverty. A secretariat in Rome and Brasilia will manage the initiative till 2030, and half of the costs will be covered by Brazil. During a conversation with Lula, World Bank President Ajay Banga expressed his support for this initiative.

The US: Vice President Harris receives endorsement from Obamas
On 26 July, former US President Barack Obama stated on X that he told US Vice President Kamala Harris that she would “make a fantastic president.” He also added that he and his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, have given Harris their “full support.” Both endorsed Harris, assuring that they would do “everything” they can at this “critical moment” for the US, to get her “through this election and into the Oval Office.” Michelle Obama stated that “this is going to be historic.” Despite more than a decade passing since Barack Obama was last elected, he continues to be one of the most popular voices in the Democratic Party.  

The US: “Extreme heat is the new abnormal,” warns UN secretary general
On 25 July, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that billions of people globally are experiencing a climate-change-induced “extreme heat episode,” and called on countries to take action to combat the “crippling heat” that has put vulnerable communities at risk. He blamed “fossil fuel-charged, human-induced climate change” for the heat that is “increasingly tearing through economies, widening inequalities, undermining the Sustainable Development Goals, and killing people.” Guterres warned that “extreme heat is the new abnormal,” and unless sufficient action is taken by world leaders, the situation is “going to get worse.” A day earlier, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (CS3) said that the global average air surface temperature rose to 17.15 degrees Celsius on 22 July. Further, as per CS3 data, every month since June 2023 has ranked as the planet’s warmest since records began in 1940. Also on 25 July, a report published by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) highlighted that more than 70 per cent of the global workforce is now at a high risk of extreme heat. This heat has been responsible for almost 23 million workplace injuries globally, and 19,000 annual deaths. 

About the Authors
Femy Francis, Dhriti Mukherjee and Vetriselvi Baskaran are Research Assistants at NIAS. Anu Maria Joseph and Padmashree Anandhan are Research Associates at NIAS. Rohini Reenum and Akriti Sharma are PhD scholars at NIAS. Ayan Datta is a postgraduate student at the University of Hyderabad. Neha Tresa George, Sayeka Ghosh, Nuha Amina, Sachin Aravind and Samrudhi Pathak are Research Interns at NIAS. 

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