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CWA # 1601, 23 February 2025
The World This Week
Munich Security Conference 2025

  GP Team

The World This Week #299 Vol. 7 No. 8, 23 February 2025
 

Padmashree Anandhan

Munich Security Conference 2025
Padmashree Anandhan

What happened?
On 14 and 16 February, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2025 was held in Munich, Germany. The conference focused on global security challenges including improving international governance, Ukraine’s defence, boosting Europe’s defence capability, illegal migration, and protecting the democratic values of Europe. It also focussed on the shifting US foreign policy, increasing cyber threats and the need for more regional cooperation, especially over security and defence.

On 14 February, US Vice-President JD Vance stirred the conference with his critical stance on Europe and Germany. He spoke on a wide range of issues relating to the state of democracy, free speech, and the values that hold the EU and the US together. He argued Europe’s threat to be within or not outside highlighted the concerns over democracy, the right to express, and growing censorship. He cited examples of Romania, the UK, and Sweden where individuals faced legal penalties for expressing controversial views and cancellation of elections. He also criticised Europe’s migration policy and stressed its leaders to respect the voices of their citizens to counter the challenges.

On 14 February, in her speech, European Commission’s President Ursula Von Der Leyen formulated a strategic vision for Europe in the changing global dynamics. She called Europe to adapt to the emerging threats from Russian aggression and intense economic tussle between the US and China. She proposed for an “escape clause” to boost investment in defence with more fiscal elasticity for a coordinated approach. She also highlighted Europe’s support to Ukraine to be EUR 134 billion largest aid of all and stressed Europe’s “peace through strength” principle. Ukraine’s membership in the EU was seen as crucial, especially continuing support. She strongly objected to trade wars and called for mutual prosperity but she mentioned that the EU would not tolerate unfair tariffs. 

On the same day, NATO’s Secretary General, Mark Rutte said: “This is not about the peace deal. Some think it has to be part of a peace deal, but it’s not part of the outcome. We have to take it step by step, have to make sure the deal ensures Putin will not try again.” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: “Let's be clear, we cannot rule out the possibility that America may refuse to cooperate with Europe on issues that threaten it. Ukraine will never accept deals behind our backs without our involvement, and the same rule should apply to all of Europe.”

What is the background?
First, a brief history of the MSC. Founded in 1963 by Ewald von Kleist, initially as a part of the Cold War, the MSC focused majorly on security, defence looking at NATO’s posture and the EU-US relations. The participants in the conference were military officials, politicians, and diplomats to strategize against the Soviet Union. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the MSC started discussing security challenges including the Balkan wars, NATO expansion, and international terrorism. It expanded further to include global security, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the increasing role of China and India, and now into new challenges such as cyber threats, AI, 5G, climate change, Russian aggression in Ukraine, Syria, and the larger multipolar world order. NATO and transatlantic relations remain the center of discussions and at present there is an urgency to boost Europe’s defence capabilities.

Second, a brief background to the 2025 MSC. It took takes place just ahead of Germany elections with the far-right AFD party gaining support with debates on Germany’s approach to NATO its military commitments and its stance on Ukraine. This year’s MSC also took place with the return of Trump in the US, and his foreign policy postures towards Russia, Ukraine and the Gaza conflict in Israel. 

Third, growing divide between the US and Europe. The MSC which has been the core to navigate NATO and the EU-US relations has become the stage for refute in 2025. This comes as the EU and the US go through political shifts. This divide has become more evident over approaching the war in Ukraine, where the US plans for direct negotiations with Russia, excluding Ukraine and Europe. The inward-looking approach of the Trump administration has created a leadership gap in addressing global problems and the conference has become the showcase of challenges in transatlantic relations struggling to adapt to new multipolar problems.

What does this mean?
First, the discord in the transatlantic. The 2024 European elections became the first stark image laying the path for a further divided Europe. The consequences of the US not supporting Ukraine in the negotiations and high tariffs on the EU and countermeasures would further the complexities. 

Second, MSC against new challenges. The MSC was formed initially to strategize against the Soviet Union. This later broadened to look at Russia and the rise of China and newer domains such as cyber security and AI. At present with the geopolitical challenges stepping into new complexities along with drastic political changes, the problems have begun to emerge from within.

TWTW Regional Roundups

News from around the world
Padmashree Anandhan, Rohini Reenum, Fleur Elizabeth Philip, Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, Nuha Amina, Ayan Datta, C Shraddha, and Nova Karun K 

CHINA THIS WEEK
China: CNPC completes drilling of the deepest vertical well in Asia in Xinjiang
|On 20 February, China’s National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) announced that they completed drilling the deepest vertical well in Asia. The borehole reaches 10,910 meters in depth. This drilling site is called “Shenditake-1” situated in the Tarim Basin part of Xinjiang autonomous region. This vertical well is the second of its kind in the world, achieving the deepest liner cementing, and wireline imaging logging, and has the fastest onshore drilling exceeding 10,000 meters. Petro China’s Chief Technical Expert Wang Chungsheng said “We have overcome difficulties such as ultra-heavy loads, wellbore instability, drill bit fatigue, tool failure and well leakage within the formation.” The project was first started in 2023 and just took 279 days to finish. 

China: Foreign Minister discuss steps to advance bilateral cooperation with Russian counterpart
On 20 February, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the sideline of the G20 ministerial meeting. Wang Yi noted that both sides have maintained steady progress in their cooperation and played a crucial role in safeguarding common interests. Wang Yi also expressed that China is willing to work with Russia to reach a full consensus to further advance their bilateral relations. Lavrov said: “Russia is willing to work with China to strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation in economy, trade, finance, culture, and other fields, and promote the further development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.” Lavrov also expressed that both countries uphold multilateralism and value the mutual trust between China and Russia.

China: President Xi Jinping calls to overcome obstacles to growth at symposium for private enterprises
On 18 February, China’s President Xi Jinping attended the symposium for private enterprises from BYD, Zhengfei, New Hope, and others. Xi said: “The private sector enjoys broad prospects and great potential on the new journey in the new era. It is a prime time for private enterprises and entrepreneurs to give full play to their capabilities.” Xi called to dismantle obstacles to growth and to have access to the market fairly. He noted that the interest of these enterprises will be protected within the legal right of Chinese law. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) will overlook the development of private enterprises. NDRC pledged to remove any kind of market access barriers to encourage private sector participation in the national economy. Xi also noted that entrepreneurs should focus on high-quality development by investing in innovation. 

China: Bangladesh urges China to report on the Teesta Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project
On 20 February, The Telegraph reported that the interim government in Bangladesh asked Chinese SOEs to prepare a concept note on the Teesta Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project by the end of 2025. This comes after a MoU was signed between Bangladesh Water Development Board and PowerChina. Bangladesh’s environment advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan said: “We have agreed to give China two years to complete the two tasks under the project.” China has made several field visits to the districts of Lalmonirhat, Bogura, Joypurhar, and Gaibandha among others. These districts are those through which Teesta flows in Bangladesh where it merges with the Bay of Bengal. 

China: Foreign Minister invites Somalia to participate in 10-plan action for China-Africa growth
On 18 February, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Somalian counterpart Ahmed Moallim Fiqi to discuss China-Somalia relations. Wang stated that China is ready to work with Somalia to implement the outcomes that came out of the China-Africa Cooperation and the Forum. He also welcomes the Somalian side to actively participate in the 10-plan action for China-Africa growth aimed at advanced modernization. Additionally, he called for the efficient use of the zero-tariff policy for the least-developed countries in Africa. Fiqi, extending the same courtesy, noted that the friendship between the two countries serves as a profound foundation and also thanked China for upholding support for Somalia in the international arena. Fiqi also iterated that they abide by the one-China principle and will oppose actions that hinder China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

China: “Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people” says Foreign Minister Wang Yi at UNSC 
On 18 February, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired a debate session at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The debate focused on multilateralism, reformation, global governance, and a call for the “maintenance of international peace and security.” Wang Yi expounded that for the past 80 years, the world saw polarization and globalization. Where the Global South has risen and grown in strength, whereas the societies have come out of the shadow of world war. Yi said: “The international community drew painful lessons from the scourge of two world wars, and the United Nations was founded,” and that there is now a need to “reinvigorate true multilateralism, and speed up efforts to build a more just and equitable global governance system.” Wang Yi also asserted that China will support peace talks to resolve conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine war. Wang Yi noted that: “Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people, not a bargaining chip in political trade-offs. The Palestinians governing Palestine is an important principle that must be followed in the post-conflict governance of Gaza.”

Taiwan: President reaffirms his resolve to ensure national security by enhancing defence expenditure
On 19 February, President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen the country's defence through increased spending and reforms. He said, “Taiwan is a chess player, not a chess piece in the shifting geopolitical climate.” He reiterated his pledge to raise defence spending to more than 3 per cent of Taiwan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Taiwan’s annual defence spending had hovered between 2 and 2.5 per cent of GDP since the previous president took office in 2016. He also committed to push for military reforms and safeguard the country. He also promised more proactive measures to protect Taiwan and sea communication cables, in the light of previous incidents.

EAST ASIA THIS WEEK
South Korea: Impeached President Yoon attends first hearing of criminal trial
On 20 February, Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared for the first preliminary hearing of his criminal trial on 20 February. His charges of leading an insurrection supersede his presidential immunity from prosecution. The preliminary meeting took place at the Seoul Central District Court which got over in13 minutes, with the court scheduling another preliminary hearing on March 24. The preliminary meeting did not require his presence yet he still chose to attend. After the hearing of the case the court began a review of Yoon’s request to cancel his arrest, which he claims was illegal. The police had mobilized a large force to control Yoon’s supporters who had gathered near the court in his support.

South Korea: Government suspends services of Deepseek amid concerns regarding its data collection practices
On 17 February, The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) of South Korea said services of the Chinese DeepSeek AI would be suspended amid concerns about its data collection practices. The app was suspended temporarily after repeated warnings to comply with South Korea’s personal information protection laws. Various ministries had also blocked the internal access of the app to their agencies. The commission had sent a formal inquiry in January seeking clarification on the app’s data collection and management methods. To reassure the government, the company has sent a representative to South Korea while acknowledging the shortcomings of the app. On 18 February, PIPC confirmed that DeepSeek sent South Korean user’s data to ByteDance. This confirmation comes after it announced the temporary suspension of DeepSeek in South Korea. An official from PIPC said “We confirmed DeepSeek communicating with ByteDance, but have yet to confirm what data was transferred and to what extent."

Japan: Abstains from attending “Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons” meeting
On 18 February, Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced that Japan would not attend the signatories meeting of the “Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons” in March. This announcement came with the message that if Japan became a participant or observer of such a treaty it would misalign with Japan’s policy of nuclear deterrence. Iwaya mentioned that their region was seeing an increasing buildup of nuclear weapons and Japan would safeguard its independence and peace. Takeshi said: “It is more desirable that progress be made for nuclear disarmament under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in which both nuclear powers and nations without nuclear weapons widely participate.” Although Japan had said they would attend as an observer nation they later redacted after much consideration and deliberation from analyzing the precedence of previous countries who took part in the meetings as observers like Germany.

Japan: Government urges Taliban to “reflect the voice of the Afghan people”
On 20 February, head of the ministry’s Middle eastern and African Affairs Bureau, Toshihide Andou held talks with deputy minister of economy, Latif Nazari of the Taliban government, along with other senior Taliban members in Tokyo. The officials of the Taliban regime had arrived in Tokyo on 16 February at the invitation of the Nippon foundation. Although the Japanese government did not recognize the Taliban regime as Afghanistan’s official government, it urged the Taliban to “reflect the voice of the Afghan people” and respect human rights.  Taliban is looking towards deepening its relations and conducting trade with Japan. It is seeking Japan’s assistance in areas such as education, healthcare infrastructure. The Taliban appreciated Japan, since it “never interfered into the internal affairs of Afghanistan and will not do so in the future.”

SOUTH  AND SOUTHEAST ASIA THIS WEEK
Myanmar: Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Minister visits India for Global Business Summit
On 18 February, Myanmar’s Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Minister Kan Zaw attended the ninth Global Business Summit in India. He aims to gain support from New Delhi for the Junta. Deputy Commerce Minister Min Min Oo, accompanied by Zaw met with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Jitin Prasanda to discuss the resumption of Myanmar-India border Trade. Trade between the two nations has been at a standstill because the trade border gates are controlled by revolutionary forces on Myanmar's side. Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur in Yangon had visited Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state, and met Chief Minister Khet Htein Nan, local business owners, and stakeholders. Thakur met the Junta appointed Rakhine State chief minister, Htein Lin, to highlight the port’s role in boosting coastal, regional and international activity and also tourism. This project is on hold due to the Ethnic Arakan Army controlling around 20 townships in Rakhine. Myanmar relies on India for arms and solar panels

The Philippines: Online gaming operators run by Chinese citizens arrested in a raid
Philippine police have arrested more than 450 people in a raid in an alleged Chinese-run offshore gaming operator in Manila. Interrogations revealed that the site was used for conducting online scams targeting people in China and India for gambling in sports and investment schemes. The raid saw the detainment of 137 Chinese. Commission Chief Gilberto Cruz stated "We arrested around five Chinese bosses,and they are to face potential trafficking charges.” Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in 2024 banned the ‘Philippines Online Gaming Operators’ commonly called Pogos. Pogos are used as a cover to hide acts of human trafficking, money laundering, fraud, murder kidnapping, etc. President Cruz stated, “This raid proves that the previous pogo workers are still trying to continue their scamming despite the ban”.  International concern has grown in recent years over similar scam operations across Asia. Victims are tricked or coerced into promoting bogus cryptocurrency, investments, and other cons.

Myanmar: More than 1000 Chinese citizens rescued from scam centers 
On 21 February, more than 1000 Chinese nationals were rescued from the Myanmar scam centers and are to return home following an international crackdown on the illegal operations. The Karen Border Guard Force, allied with Myanmar’s Military government, says it will deport 10,000 people from the Myanmar-Thailand border in the coming days. Thailand, China, and Myanmar are taking steps to shut down the scam centers on the Thai-Myanmar border. The first group of people flew back to China, where they were filmed by state media. They were seen wearing handcuffs, and matching jumpsuits as they boarded the plane. The concerned authorities are overseeing the victims and are returning the victims to their countries in small batches. UN estimation comes to approximately 120,000 people working in the scam centers in Myanmar.

Bhutan: Jogighopa terminal to boost  trade between India, Bhutan and Bangladesh
On 20 February, Kuensel online reported on the enhanced access of Bhutan to Assamvia the Jogighopa Inland Water Transport (IWT) terminal on the Brahmaputra river. The terminal is situated in Bongaigaon district which is about 91 kilometres away from Gelephu. It is expected to enhance Bhutan’s trading ties with Bangladesh and India as it provides a more efficient and cost-effective route for Bhutanese exports and would boost trilateral trade between Bhutan, India, and Bangladesh. The terminal was inaugurated on 18 February by Bhutan’s Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, Namgyal Dorji, and India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Furthermore, this terminal is a part of India’s initiative to enhance the National Waterway 2, a major tourism and cargo hub, and will play an important role in “advancing the goals of the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City.” 

Sri Lanka: Government unwilling to renegotiate power deal with Adani
On 20 February, in an interview with The Hindu, Sri Lanka’s Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, KTM Udayanga Hemapala said that the government was not going to renegotiate the Adani Green in the renewable energy wind project. In this regard, he said that the government is in the process of addressing legal requirements and closing the project. He further added that while the government is willing to bring in foreign investment to Sri Lanka, it will not ensure that they follow “due process” and will be “beneficial to” the people. This statement comes a week after the company pulled away from Sri Lanka’s wind farm initiative. Adani Green’s exit from the project was followed after the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake cabinet annulled the 2024 power purchasing agreement, inked by the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration and Adani Green. The agreement outlined that Sri Lanka will purchase a sum of USD 0.0826 per kWh from Adani Green. In this regard, the Dissanayake administration expressed opposition to the electricity tariffs as it did not align with its commitment to bring down the electricity tariffs by 30 per cent in the next five years.

Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to send two delegations to Kabul
On 16 February, Adviser to CM of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif informed that the KP government will be sending “two delegations” to Afghanistan for talks with the Afghan government. The objective of one of the delegations would be to ensure a favorable “environment” to discuss “diplomatic” issues. The announcement from the KP government came after the province witnessed a surge in the number of militant attacks for which Pakistan has uninterruptedly put the onus on terrorist groups who have managed to secure safe havens in Afghanistan. The accusations, however, have dismissed by the Taliban government. The UN Security Council’s report has further provided backing for Pakistan’s accusations against Afghanistan.  Afghanistan and Pakistan share a border of 2500 kilometers which plays an important role in bilateral trade and people to people relations. Foreign Office, however, has reminded the KP government that “foreign affairs” are to be dealt single handedly by the federal government. As per the sources of The News International, the federal government would carefully look into the issue before giving a go ahead to the KP government.

Pakistan: Three anti-human trafficking bills cleared by the National Assembly 
On 17 February, the lower house cleared three bills linked to the prevention of human trafficking. Three bills were moved by Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, namely, the Emigration (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill 2025. These bills were tabled in view of the recent deaths of Pakistani nationals trying to reach other countries via illegal channels. In this regard, amendments have been made to the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018, Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act 2018 and the Emigration Ordinance 1979. They entail an increase in penalties and the trial of offenders in the sessions court instead of the magistrate court. The minister also highlighted that the government has launched measures to crackdown on human trafficking and many have been arrested in the process. Furthermore, he lamented the protests against the bill carried out by the opposition. He said: “These bills have been passed for a noble cause with no politics involved as startling disclosures have been made during investigations.” 

Pakistan: PM Sharif welcomes USD 40 billion investment under Country Partnership Framework
On 17 February, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan’s priorities lay in investment and partnerships and not in loans during a meeting with a World Bank (WB) team of executive directors. According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office the PM was quoted saying: “The country’s economy is on the right path and is moving towards growth.” He highlighted the macroeconomic indicators that showcase favorable results. Some of this was possible through reforms such as the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and key development projects supported by the World Bank. He further claimed that the government is currently prioritizing reforms to digitize the Federal Board of Revenue while simultaneously ensuring that the energy sector reduces losses and provides uninterrupted power supply. Speaking on the USD 40 billion investment from the WB, he expressed appreciation of the international money lenders’ confidence in the government’s initiatives. He remarked that it would greatly benefit the country’ progress as a USD 20 billion allocation will be utilized in projects related to education, youth development, health and other social sectors. The remaining amount will be disbursed via the private sector to encourage economic growth. On the other hand, the delegation acknowledged and praised the government for the positive outcomes in its reform initiatives, the press release disclosed. The delegation also praised the government efforts towards reforms in the industry, exports, energy, privatization, taxation and other sectors. In the meantime, Pakistan is also preparing for a visit from an IMF delegation to review the current tranche and the next tranche of the USD 7 billion programme.  
 
Pakistan: Calls for the right to self-determination in Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine at OIC special meeting
On 17 February, Pakistan stressed on the necessity of solving the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. In this regard, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasizing the need to provide the right to self-determination to people of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, said “the principles of self-determination and the non-acquisition of territory through the use or threat of force are fundamental to maintaining world order.” The statement came at a “special meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ambassadors” at the United Nations. The Deputy PM reiterated Pakistan’s complete allegiance in furthering the common aims of OIC. He further stated that Islamabad would keep backing for “just and lasting peace in Palestine.” He also demanded that a “permanent ceasefire” must be ensured in Gaza and that people should have uninterrupted access to “humanitarian assistance.” He vehemently opposed propositions that would compel the people of Palestine to vacate their lands. He also expressed distress regarding reports of Israel threatening to launch attacks in Iran. Further, he hoped that all the countries would work together to reinvigorate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which would help in ensuring peace in the region. 

Pakistan: To continue engaging with the US
On 18 February, PM Sharif in a discussion with Natalie Baker, who is US’s Charge d’ Affaires, reiterated Pakistan’s wish to cooperate with the new government in the US for enhancing bilateral relations. He emphasized the significance of cooperation between the two countries for combating the threat of terrorism especially propagated by groups like the Islamic State and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. In addition to that, he enumerated the necessity to increase bilateral trade and collaboration in various other fields such as “IT, agriculture, health, education and energy.” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi who had recently visited the US for the new President’s swearing in ceremony stated that “positive results of the visit would be witnessed very soon.” Natalie Baker ascertained PM Sharif about US’s willingness to engage with Pakistan for achieving common goals and enhancing bilateral ties. Up until now, there has been no contact between the top dignitaries of US and Pakistan after Donald Trump assumed US Presidency. 

Pakistan: Traders flag concern regarding halt of 600 Iranian trucks at the border
On 20 February, The News International reported on concerns raised by Pakistani traders on the halting of close to 600 trucks from Iran at the border. The exporters and importers based in Pakistan have cautioned that this could impact the “barter trade” with Iran. Mehmood Langrial, who heads the Federal Board of Revenue, informed the Senate standing committee that vehicles from Iran would bear the blame for “any leakage” if they enter Pakistan “without bank guarantees.” The Senate panel was chaired by Saleem Mandiwalla. The standing committee of the Senate heard the concern regarding the halt of 600 Iranian trucks as the customs officer present at the border were asking to show proper “import order.” 

MIDDLE-EAST THIS WEEK
Israel: Demonstrators mark 500 days of Hamas attack, call for release of remaining hostages.
On 17 February, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to commemorate 500 days of Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack against Israel. More importantly, the gathered crowds implored the Benjamin Netanyahu government for bringing back all the remaining hostages in Gaza. Prior to the march, the participants had held a 500-minute fast, marking the number of days since their loved ones were taken captive. Addressing the crowds via pre-recorded video, former hostage Iair Horn urged them to apply pressure on the government and get the remaining hostages released.

Syria: Human Rights Watch calls for removal of sanctions on Syria
On 18 February, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for the removal of sanctions imposed on Syria by the US, the European Union, the UK and others, alleging that the sanctions hinder the supply of essential services to the war-torn country. HRW stated that the sanctions, imposed as punitive measures against Syria's former regime of Bashar al-Assad, had no reason to continue after his downfall. Furthermore, the sanctions are a hurdle to Syria’s economic and humanitarian reconstruction.  RW’s statements aligned with its previous observations that sanctions hindered aid delivery during humanitarian disasters, like the 2023 earthquake in northern Syria.

UAE: UAE provided over 40 per cent of the international aid during the Gaza conflict, says Emirates Red Crescent
On 21 February, the Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) Board of Directors, Hamdan Musallam Al Mazourei, claimed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the world’s leading humanitarian aid provider. In a statement to the Emirates News Agency, Mazourei claimed that the UAE provided over 40 per cent of the international aid during the Gaza conflict, reflecting the Emirate’s commitment to supporting countries in times of crisis. The ERC chief stressed that the UAE’s humanitarian outreach spans over 115 countries, reflecting the importance of collaboration and coordination among various states and humanitarian organizations. 

Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince discusses bilateral investment issues with Russian Direct Investment Fund Chief
On 19 February, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), met Russian Direct Investment Fund Chief Executive Kirill Dmitriev. MBS hosted a reception for Dmitriev at his Al-Yamamah Palace office, where the two discussed bilateral investment matters and economic issues. The meeting followed weeklong talks between US and Russian representations on the Ukraine issue, where Saudi Arabia has been playing a mediating role

AFRICA THIS WEEK
Africa: African Financial Stability Mechanism set to come into play for assisting debt-ridden governments in Africa
On 19 February, African leaders approved the establishment of a fund to provide concessional lending for debt-ridden governments. This would be known as the African Financial Stability Mechanism and is under the purview of the African Development Bank (ADB). The mechanism would have its own credit rating system and be able to borrow funds from international money markets. According to the bank, membership will be open and voluntary for members of the African Union.

South Africa: G20 foreign ministers meeting commences; US’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio abstains from attending 
On 20 February, the G20 foreign ministers meeting began in South Africa, as the country holds the presidency this year. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio abstained from attending the meeting over the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Previously, the Trump administration had cut aid and assistance to South Africa after accusing it of marginalizing the white minority through the new land redistribution bill. Marco Rubio said that he would not "coddle anti-Americanism.”

EUROPE THIS WEEK
Germany: CDU leads in the opinion polls ahead of the elections
On 22 February, Deutsche Welle reported on poll results of the contending parties in Germany. Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), at the forefront, is expected to become the next chancellor. His party, along with the Christian Social Union (CSU), has received 28 to 32 per cent. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is also expected to make gains of 20-21 per cent. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD), is predicted to receive 14.5-16 per cent of the vote, while the coalition partner, the Greens, is likely to get 12-14 per cent. Smaller parties such as the Left Party have around 7.5-nine per cent, while the Free Democrats (FDP) and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) range around the five per cent benchmark to enter parliament. Top candidates, Friedrich Merz from CDU and Olaf Scholz from SPD, focused on the ongoing Ukraine war during their campaign rallies. Both committed to continuing support for Ukraine, calling for international solidarity and security. They also criticized US President Donald Trump’s stance on the conflict. Scholz promised to ensure peace, security, and financial stability in Europe and emphasized the need for investment, a fairer tax system, and higher minimum wages. While, Alice Weidel (AfD) stressed on making Germany wealthier and safer. She focused on strict immigration control, including securing borders and deportations, and criticized the CDU for failing to address these issues. Weidel also called for a change in Germany’s energy policy, promoting nuclear power, coal, gas, and renewable energy without large subsidies.

Germany: Climate activists demand attention towards climate issues ahead of elections
On 15 February, Euronews reported on climate activist protests ahead of elections. Several thousands of climate activists staged across Germany demanding attention to climate issues ahead of the federal election. Protestors included the Fridays for Future movement, which argued climate change was being sidelined in the election debates and topics such as immigration and the economy getting more focus in the talks. Protesters, who carried banners: “Right on a future, instead of a right (wing) future,” rallied through the streets of Berlin near the parliament calling for urgent action on the climate crisis. The timing comes pertinent, as the election is quite near, which is expected to be one of the most consequential for Germany. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) criticized green policies and opposed substantial climate action, is on track to achieve its best election result which is predicted to be 20 per cent.

About the Authors
Padmashree Anandhan is a Research Associate at National Institute of Advanced Studies. Anu Maria Joseph is Research Associate at NIAS. Femy Francis and Nuha Aamina are Research Assistants at NIAS. C Shraddha and Fleur Elizabeth Philip are Research Interns at NIAS. Ayan Datta is a postgraduate student at the University of Hyderabad.

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The World This Week: 150th Issue
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
Science, Technology and International Relations
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta | Centre for South Asian Studies, Kathmandu

Nepal
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

The Maldives
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

India
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

Bangladesh
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer | Research Associate, ISSSP, NIAS

Afghanistan