WORLD THIS WEEK

Compiled by Keerthana Nambiar, Harini Madhusudan and Joeana Cera Mathews, Avishka Ashok and Sukanya Bali

China: The hypersonics missile tests

What happened?

On 17 October, the Financial Times published a report stating, “China tested a nuclear capable hypersonic missile in August that circled the globe before speeding towards its target.” The report quoted five unnamed individuals familiar with the test stating, “the Chinese military launched a rocket that carried a hypersonic glide vehicle which flew through low-orbit space before cruising down towards its target.” According to the intelligence brief, three sources confirmed, “the missile missed its target by about two-dozen miles” the other two said, “the test showed that China had made astounding progress on hypersonic weapons and was far more advanced than US officials realized.”

On 18 October, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian denied the report claiming it was a “routine test of space vehicle technology of spacecraft’s reusability.” On 19 October, Global Times reported, the Chinese launch as a missile launch is a “wild guess,” and the US is exaggerating it to “accommodate its own domestic political and national strategic needs.” “As long as Washington does not incite or create strategic confrontation between major powers, the world will be peaceful,” concludes Global Times.

What does this mean?

First, China’s hypersonic program. The fast development of catastrophic weapons gives Beijing a greater incentive to strike first. This presents potential risks to regional stability and understanding the Chinese strategic thinking on hypersonic technologies.

Second, the use of hypersonics as a counter system between the US and China. Hypersonic seems to be the latest inventory in which the big powers are trying to compete. The hypersonic technology’s maneuverability and capacity to cover greater distances shrinking the shooterto-target timeline, is the crown jewel.

Russia: The Afghan summit

What happened?

On 20 October, Russia hosted the "Moscow format" talks with delegates from ten countries and the Taliban. The joint statement formalized the position and demands of the member countries to the Taliban.

In order to obtain recognition, the Taliban is expected to create a state management system and form "a truly inclusive government that adequately reflects the interests of all major ethnopolitical forces in the country," as a prerequisite to completing the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan, said the joint statement.

To address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the statement proposed that the Taliban adopt a moderate and wise internal and foreign policy that would help "achieve the shared goals of durable peace, security, safety and long-term prosperity and respect the rights of ethnic groups, women and children. Last week, Vladimir Putin noted that there has been no rush to officially recognize the Taliban but there was a need to engage in talks with them.

What does this mean?

The Moscow format is one of the many attempts at balancing power with the new realities in Afghanistan. It is significant because of the presence of Russia, China, and Pakistan along with the Taliban, in the absence of the US. There has been a softer approach in the rhetoric from the Russian side; for example, the state news agency, which is mandated to use certain terms, was seen replacing the word 'terrorist' with 'radical' in their reports of the Taliban. Though a joint statement was released, there is no sign of officially recognizing the Taliban government until they observe promising actions from their side. The timely role taken by Russia, by organizing the Moscow format summit, and also making a statement by skipping participation in the G20 attempt of the same, indicates a difference in approach to the issue at hand.

ALSO IN NEWS

China: FM spokesperson urges the US to avoid sending wrong signals

On 22 October, China's Foreign Minister spokesperson urged the US to avoid sending wrong signals in support of Taiwan. This came soon after the US President said they will stand in Taiwan's defense if the island faces mainland "incursion". Global Times reported, a Chinese spokesperson said: "We urge the US side to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, be cautious in words and deeds on the Taiwan question, and refrain from sending any wrong signals to secessionist, so as not to seriously damage China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits."

China: Countries raise concern over human rights abuse in Xinjiang

On 21 October, 43 countries at the UN accused China of human rights abuse in the Xinjiang region. They voiced their concerns over the one million people detained in internment camps. In response, China's UN ambassador, Zhang Jun said: "To the US and a few other countries: Your desperate attempts to cover up your own terrible human rights record will not work." He further added, "No matter how many times repeated, lies are still lies … You are using human rights as a pretext for political maneuvering to provoke confrontation."

North Korea: Tests ballistic missile; IAEA push for denuclearization

On 19 October, North Korea test-fired a new submarinelaunched ballistic missile. Korea Central News Agency reported: the missile had "lots of advanced control guidance technologies including flank mobility and gliding skip mobility." KCNA further added the test will "greatly contribute to putting the defense technology of the country on a high level and to enhancing the underwater operational capability of our navy." The launch marks the country's eighth weapons test this year and its fifth launch since September.

On 22 October, Director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, in a webinar stressed the need for a diplomatic process to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. He said: "My biggest concern is that there is no diplomatic process ongoing. There must be something that is there, so that there is peace in the Korean Peninsula, there is less tension there and we can move to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." He further added: "What is relevant is to see that compared with 2009, this program has spawned activity wise, geographically into the country."

India: Begins joint naval exercise Konkan Shakti 2021 with the UK

On 21 October, India and UK began their first-ever triservices joint exercise, "Konkan Shakti 2021." The exercise will be conducted in two phases; the Harbour phase from 21 to 23 October and the sea phase will be concluded on 27 October. The exercise, "aims to derive mutual benefits from each other's experiences and also showcase the continuing cooperation between the two countries." The Indian Navy said, the exercise also features "advanced warfare tactics, anti-submarine warfare exercises, over-the-horizon targeting drills, air defense exercises, cross deck landings and other complex manoeuvers."

Pakistan: FATF decides to keep Pakistan on 'grey list'

On 21 October, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided to keep Pakistan on the grey list but ruled out the possibility of blacklisting the country. FATF President Marcus Pleyer said: "Pakistan had to complete two concurrent action plans with a total of 34 items and it has now addressed or largely addressed 30 of the items." He further said Pakistan is making "good progress." Additionally, the FATF stated that "Pakistan should continue to work to address its other strategically important AML/CFT [anti-money laundering and terrorist financing] deficiencies, namely by providing evidence that it actively seeks to enhance the impact of sanctions beyond its jurisdiction by nominating additional individuals and entities for designation at the UN."

Afghanistan: Women urge the UN to block Taliban from gaining a seat

On 22 October, a group of former Afghan women politicians and officials urged the UN to deny the Taliban a seat in the organization. An event in support of Afghan women and girls was organized by Britain, Qatar, Canada, UN Women, and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security, Tolo News reported. Before the event former Afghan politician and peace negotiator Fawzia Koofi said: "The UN needs to give that seat to somebody who respects the rights of everyone in Afghanistan." She added, "Aid, money, recognition - they are all leverages that the world should use for inclusion, for respect to the rights of women, for respect to the rights of everybody." The group also urged countries "to pressure the Taliban to put their words in action when it comes to women's rights."

Israel: Ministry of Defence declares six humanitarian groups as terror outfits

On 22 October, the Israeli Ministry of Defence declared six Palestinian human rights groups as "terrorist organizations" as they were connected to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). The Ministry spokesperson said: "the humanitarian groups constitute a network of organizations active undercover on the international front on behalf of the Popular Front. They are controlled by senior leaders of the PFLP and employ its members, including some who had participated in terror activity." The Ministry also accused the rights group of funding the PFLP and its terrorinducing activities.

European Union: Leaders call for stricter migration control

On 22 October, the European Union discussed the issue of refugees and migrants as the 27 EU leaders met for the second day of the summit. The issue was considered to be of high importance as thousands of migrants attempted to cross into the European Union from the Belarusian border. The refugees came from countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Iran. In the previous week, over 4300 people entered Germany from Poland after having travelled from Belarus. The congregation of leaders called for tougher controls on the migrants' issue as Europe faces a fast-approaching energy crisis and a cold winter.

About the Authors

Harini Madhusudan is PhD scholar in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Joeana Cera Matthews and Keerthana Nambiar are postgraduate scholars in the Department of International Relations in the University of Mysore and Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok are Research Associates at NIAS.

(The report has been modified by India News due to space considerations)