South Africa has reduced the status of Taiwan's liaison office in the nation, further limiting the island's diplomatic presence, reflecting China's growing influence internationally, as reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA). In 1997, South Africa ended its official diplomatic ties with Taiwan and acknowledged Beijing as China's legitimate government. However, for the last thirty years, it has maintained unofficial relations with Taipei as well as a trading partnership, as indicated by RFA. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation in South Africa has now reclassified the Taiwan Liaison Office, which operates like a de facto embassy without official diplomatic recognition, as a "Taipei Commercial Office" on its website, and has removed Taiwanese Representative Oliver Liao's name from the listing. On Friday, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung alleged that China had pressured South Africa to implement these changes. He mentioned that the liaison office had asked to negotiate with the South African government regarding this matter. China asserts that Taiwan is part of its territory and argues that the self-governing island has no right to independent diplomatic relations. Currently, Taiwan has formal diplomatic relations with only about a dozen countries, primarily smaller and less developed nations. As a major diplomatic player and the largest economy in Africa, South Africa is important in a continent where China has established economic and security connections over the past two decades. Additionally, South Africa is set to host the upcoming Group of 20 (G-20) summit this year, as highlighted by RFA. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2025 03:03 PM IST | Durban | ANIExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India has had difficult neighbours, which the West has always been insulated from. In an interview with Netherlands-based NOS, Jaishankar said that the Europe has now woken up to the reality which India had been facing for almost eight decades. "I've had difficult neighbors, Pakistan and China especially. I've had a continuing problem of terrorism from Pakistan. So I've always had to deal with a degree of realism with a very harsh world, a very nasty world, which I think Europeans were insulated from," he said. Jaishankar was asked if India puts aside conflicts with its neighbours- China and Pakistan, the three can get rich together. The interviewer then asked to what extent does the situation on the border with Pakistan and China holds India back economically. "Well, you know, it's a very interesting question which you are asking me as a European. I'll tell you why I find it interesting. Because I think this part of the world is waking up to what it means if you're not given full attention to your security requirements," Jaishankar said. Jaishankar added that India's security challenges were far more threatening than the case was in Europe. So India had to prioritise security over economic cooperation. "Our security challenges were far more threatening than yours. So we had to prioritize security. You don't choose between security and economic prosperity. Today you are realizing that. They are part of the same coin," he said. The interviewer interrupted the EAM, saying, "So my question is naive?" Jaishankar calmly answered, "So I'm not accusing you of naivety. I'm just saying that your situation was different from mine," he said. Jaishankar explained how Europe enjoyed a favourable geopolitical situation post Second World War and in the 90s. That led them to think that it was 'normal'. "No, I think your question comes out of your historical experience. Your historical experience has been that after the Second World War and certainly after 1991-92, you had the good fortune of enjoying a very favorable geopolitical circumstance. And that has conditioned you to think that is a normal. My situation is- I didn't have that situation," he said. Jaishankar said that today, however, Europe is going through a 'reality check'. He added that one cannot choose between economy and security of a nation. "But you are today going through a reality check in your own way. I've grown up with that reality over almost eight decades. So for me, it's not a choice between, oh, if you are dealing with your security, does it come at the cost of your progress? I mean, defending your country and your territory is the first duty of any government, any people," he said. In response to the Pahalgam attack, Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). Following the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across airbases in Pakistan. On May 10, India and Pakistan reached an understanding on the cessation of hostilities. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
22 May,2025 01:12 PM IST | Amsterdam | ANIOne person was rescued by a good Samaritan and authorities were looking for three others after a boat took on water and sank in waters north of Seattle, the U.S Coast Guard said Wednesday. A U.S Coast Guard boat crew and helicopter searched for the missing alongside Everett firefighters and police, the agency said in a social media post on X. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife was also looking. The site is in Possession Sound about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Seattle. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2025 11:11 AM IST | Seattle | APTaiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has said that it detected 23 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and one official ship operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Thursday. According to Taiwan's MND, 16 out of the 23 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). "23 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 out of 23 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the MND stated on X. 23 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 out of 23 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded. pic.twitter.com/J46pS6kVNw — 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) May 22, 2025 This incident follows a recent pattern of escalated manoeuvres by China around Taiwan, sparking concerns over regional stability. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. Earlier on Wednesday, the MND had detected 15 PLA aircraft, eight PLAN vessels and one official ship operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time). According to the MND, 15 out of the 15 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. In response to Chinese action, Taiwan's armed forces deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation. "15 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 out of 15 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," the MND stated on X. Earlier on May 13, Taiwan conducted a series of test firings of several Land Sword II and HIMARS systems to bolster air defence preparedness. As per the MND, Land Sword II possesses the capability of countering varied aerial threats, thereby significantly enhancing the protection of the force. "Land Sword II makes its live fire debut. This SAM system is capable of countering diverse aerial threats and significantly enhances force protection for #ROCArmy," MND wrote in a post on X. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2025 11:10 AM IST | Taipei | ANIUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday (local time) expressed his gratitude for the European Union's adoption of its 17th sanctions package against Russia while advocating for even stronger measures to pressure Moscow into ceasing hostilities in the war. During a conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa, Zelenskyy touched on Ukraine's EU membership aspirations and the need for a robust international response to Russia's actions. "As always, I had a very substantive conversation with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa. I informed him of our diplomatic efforts, and we discussed possible next steps. I thanked him for the adoption of the EU's 17th sanctions package against Russia. The preparation of the next one is already underway, and it is crucial that it be even stronger," the Ukrainian President stated, taking to X. He specified that the sanctions should target Russia's energy and banking sectors, as well as its shadow fleet, including both vessels and their crews. "It should include the energy sector, banking sector, and the shadow fleet -- not only the vessels themselves, but also the crews operating them. Antonio confirmed that if Russia refuses to cease fire, such sanctions will be applied," Zelenskyy stated. "We also discussed the opening of negotiation clusters for Ukraine's EU membership. It is important to find a solution that will allow the process to be unblocked. I thank for all the efforts towards this goal," he added. Earlier on Tuesday, Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude towards UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following the UK's new sanctions on Russia, as Zelenskyy believes it would help pressure Moscow toward peace. Zelenskyy, during a call with the UK PM, emphasised the need for a coordinated international response, urging the US also to take stronger action against Russia to support the ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine. The UK and the European Union (EU) unveiled new sanctions targeting Russia's economy, shadow oil fleet, and military supply chains. The EU adopted its 17th and most extensive sanctions package, while the UK imposed 100 fresh sanctions, including on financial institutions and military suppliers. The European Council adopted the 17th package of economic and individual restrictive measures, cutting off Russia's access to key military technology. "Today's 17th package is part of an even broader set of EU measures also targeting Russia's hybrid activities, domestic violations of human rights and the use of riot control agents by Russian forces in Ukraine, under three other sanctions regimes," the European Council said in a press release. In addition, the EU also imposed individual sanctions (asset freeze and prohibition to make funds available) targeting the shadow fleet ecosystem, namely on actors enabling the operation of the shadow fleet. These measures cover shipping companies responsible for the transportation of crude oil and oil products by sea and engaging in dangerous practices at sea while transporting Russian oil, including entities from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Hong Kong. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2025 10:15 AM IST | Kyiv | ANIOne group of the all-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde arrived in Abu Dhabi in UAE early Thursday as part of India's global outreach to showcase India's resolve against terrorism through 'Operation Sindoor'. This delegation, which includes figures from various political parties, aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against terrorism while engaging with leaders in the UAE, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone. The delegation, led by Shinde, featured BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, Indian Union Muslim League (IMUL) MP ET Mohammed Basheer, BJP MP Atul Garg, Biju Janta Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra, BJP's Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, BJP leader SS Ahluwalia, and Ambassador Sujan Chinoy. Earlier on Wednesday, two of the seven all-party delegations left the national capital and embarked on their destinations. The delegations were led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde. Seven all-party delegations are visiting key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council. Prior to their departure, Shinde said it is a great opportunity for whole team to put forward the India's message. "I am fortunate to lead a group going to UAE and West Africa... I think its very much important to give a message to the entire world what India is facing since many years. A message what Pakistan is doing what all years, how Pakistan is supporting terrorism, funding terrorism. This is a great opportunity for entire team... India and Pakistan gained independence at the same time, but India has been progressing in their economy while Pakistan has been progressing only in terrorism," he said. Ahluwalia said India will give a befitting reply to the false news spread by Pakistan's propaganda machinery. "We are going to tell the world the reality of what happened on April 22 and what has been happening even before that because Pakistan is spreading false propaganda all over the world. We will give a correct answer to the false news spread by their propaganda machinery," he stated. Meanwhile, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said Indian Armed Forces gave a befitting reply to the Pahalgam terror attack. "The terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a blow to the soul of India. PM Modi and our armed forces have given a befitting reply to this, through Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor is a new pledge of justice. PM has made it very clear that terror and talks can't go together, blood and water won't flow together, trade and terror will not happen together; whenever India would hold talks, it will be over PoK. With the sense of Nation First, cutting across party lines, this all-party delegation is going... We will present India's position before these nations," she said. The all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They will convey to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism. India had launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. The two countries have reached an understanding to stop military action following a call made by Pakistan DGMO to his Indian counterpart. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2025 10:15 AM IST | Abu Dhabi | ANIThe world’s sources of critical minerals are increasingly concentrated in just a few countries, most notably China, leaving the global economy vulnerable to supply cutoffs, a report said Wednesday. The Paris-based International Energy Agency’s report looked at the availability of minerals and metals that may be small in quantity, but large in impact when it comes to shifting the economy away from fossil fuels toward electricity and renewable energy. China is the leading refiner for 19 out of 20 strategic minerals studied in the report, and has an average share of around 75 per cent. The current trend toward export restrictions and trade disputes increases concerns, the IEA said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2025 07:31 AM IST | Germany | AgenciesChina, Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday agreed to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan to deepen trilateral cooperation. Announcement was made after Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi held an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing. Dar is on a three day visit to Beijing — the first high-level meet after India’s Operation Sindoor targeted terror sites in Pakistan. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2025 07:30 AM IST | Beijing | AgenciesA British team of veteran ex-special forces soldiers summited Everest on Wednesday, expedition organisers said, in a bid to fly from London, climb the highest peak and return home within seven days. Four men including government minister Alistair Carns left London on Friday, pre-acclimatised to the low oxygen at high altitudes — including using xenon gas, a method that raised eyebrows in the mountaineering community. The men, who slept in special low-oxygen tents before departure from Britain, are raising funds for veterans’ charities. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2025 07:28 AM IST | Kathmandu | AgenciesAt least five people, including three children, were killed and several others injured in a suicide attack on a school bus in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Wednesday. The incident occurred in the Khuzdar district when a bus carrying schoolchildren was targeted, the army said in a statement. Calling it a “cowardly” and “ghastly” attack, the army said three children and two adults were killed, and multiple other children sustained injuries. The Interior Ministry said the blast was allegedly carried out through a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED). Khuzdar Deputy Commissioner Yasir said that 38 people were injured in the blast, which occurred near the Zero Point area. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2025 07:27 AM IST | Karachi | AgenciesHospitals in Gaza say Israeli strikes overnight and into Wednesday killed at least 82 people, including several women and a week-old infant. The fresh strikes come as Israel’s war on Hamas shows no signs of relenting, despite a surge in international anger at Israel’s widening offensive. EU reviews deal The European Union on Wednesday decided to review Article 2 of its trade agreement with Israel, which was signed in 2000. “Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they need. If Israel is found to have breached its human rights obligations, it will face sanctions. But for the time being, the EU is just trying to put further pressure on Israel, hoping that it will one day allow more aid into Gaza,” a statement said. Iran may be a target The US has gathered new intelligence suggesting that Israel is actively preparing for a potential military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities, even as President Donald Trump’s administration continues its diplomatic efforts with Tehran. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2025 07:17 AM IST | Deir al-Balah | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1747902739177_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. File pic")
-1747899652856_d.png "External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Netherlands Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp. Pic credits/PTI")
