July 16-31, 2021 - Vol 1, Issue 26
INDIA NEWS
WORLD THIS WEEK
WORLD THIS WEEK Contributed by the National Institute for Advanced Studies, Bengaluru
Compiled by Sukanya Bali, Avishka Ashok and Joeana Cera Matthews
Haiti: Political crisis follows the assassination of President Moise Photo Courtesy: Voice of America
What happened? On 9 July, Beijing authorities ordered the removal of 25 more apps operated by Didi Global Inc, which provides ride-hailing and related online services.
What happened? On 7 July, Haiti's President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated at his residence in Port-au-Prince. Hours later, Joseph Claude Joseph took charge as interim Prime Minister and stated: "A group of individuals who have not been identified... attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and fatally injured the Head of State." He then declared Haiti to be in a state of siege. A statement made by Claude – Ariel Henry, who Moïse suggested as Prime Ministerial replacement highlights the issue of leadership: "It's an exceptional situation. There is a bit of confusion. I am the Prime Minister in office." On 8 July, amidst suspicions of external involvement, US President Joe Biden said: "We condemn this heinous act, stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti." Also on 8 July, Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano, on the identity of the perpetrators, stated: "Interpol has officially requested information about the alleged perpetrators of this crime. Initially, the information indicates that they are Colombian citizens, retired members of the National Army." What does it mean? The assassination has raised more questions over immediate and long term issues. With the power struggle already in motion – who will lead the country? The political crisis will exacerbate the security situation. Though Haiti would be looking for some international support to maintain order in the immediate future, the US is less likely to get involved. The deteriorating economic and social situation will only worsen the situation for Haiti.
China: Didi, a ride-hailing company in regulatory crosshairs www.indianews.com.au
On 7 July, China's antitrust authority imposed fines on Didi and another tech for failing to report their merger deals in advance. The regulator also stopped Didi from adding new users. On 6 July, China announced new rules on data security and crossborder data flows for Chinese companies, which seek to trade their shares abroad. On the same day, Didi's share value fell 4.6 per cent for the fifth day, which is 15 per cent below its debut price on the New York Stock Exchange, a week ago.
draft "Cybersecurity Strategy" assessed North Korea as a threat to the country. With the increasing cyber capabilities of China and Russia, along with North Korea, they aim to achieve political goals or foreign currency by conducting cyberattacks. The draft calls for Japan to strengthen its capabilities. According to NK News, EST security Response Centre (ESRC) head said: "the singling out of the three countries reflects their outsize role in the current cybersecurity landscape." He further said: "It's not that there's no attack from countries like Vietnam or Iran, but China, Russia, and North Korea take up a large volume." Myanmar: NLD's ViceChairperson charged with corruption
time-tested and trust-based relationship is very much not just in place but remains very strong, continues to grow." Afghanistan: Biden reiterates the exit, as Taliban violence expands On 8 July, US President Joe Biden announced that the US War in Afghanistan would end on 31 August 2021. He said: "While we will not stay involved in Afghanistan militarily, our diplomatic and humanitarian work will continue. We'll continue
a day. What does it mean? Beijing's action against the homegrown tech companies shows that politics and tech in China are intertwined. It also shows that the government discourages Chinese tech companies from listing in the US. Second, this shows Beijing's interest in keeping essential data within its borders and help domestic players to grow in an environment without unfair practices. Also, it indicates the government's interest in tech giants to show their loyalty towards the CCP.
ALSO IN NEWS
China: 14 companies blacklisted by the US on Human Rights issue On 9 July, the Biden administration added 14 more companies to the 'entity list' of alleged human rights abuses and high-tech surveillance in Xinjiang. The US Commerce Department said the companies had been added to the entity list "for their involvement in, or risk of becoming involved in, activities contrary to the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States." Chinese Foreign Minister said: "The Chinese side will take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and reject the US attempts to interfere in China's internal affairs." Japan: North Korea considered a major cyber threat On 8 July, a Japanese government cybersecurity organization in a
On 6 July, the military regime announced filing corruption charges against National League Democracy Vice-Chairperson, Zaw Myint Maung and former Mandalay Region Minister of Electricity, Energy and Construction, U Zarni Aung under the anti-corruption law. Zaw, who is already detained by the military regime, is further accused of taking bribes from private companies and for receiving 65 million kyats for the Amarapura urbanization project. Similarly, U Zarni has been accused of charging below-market-rate rent for properties leased to the NLD offices. Both the former leaders are already facing incitement charges under the regime. India: Foreign Minister meets Russian counterpart in Moscow On 9 July, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a three-day visit to Moscow, held "productive" talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, for bilateral cooperation on space, nuclear, energy, and defence sectors. Both the leaders also discussed global and regional issues of Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria. Jaishankar said: "the talks were as always very warm, comfortable, comprehensive, and productive." He further added, "despite the fact that so many things are changing in our world both before and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our
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to support the government of Afghanistan. We will keep providing assistance to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces." President Biden pledged to fund and equip the Afghan security forces and urged all Afghan leaders to unite to ensure peace and prosperity in Afghanistan. On 7 July, the Taliban launched an offensive on Qala-e-Naw and showcased a deadly battle with the Afghan security forces. With the offensive on the city, the Taliban defied the US-Taliban agreement on not attacking major cities and provincial capitals. On 7 July, the Taliban and Afghani politicians agreed to a joint declaration in Tehran. Despite the joint declaration on working towards a peaceful solution, violence perpetrated by the Taliban is on a rise in multiple parts of the country. Europe: UK and EU differ over the Brexit settlement On 9 July, the UK government responded to the EU's assessment that Britain would owe the regional bloc a total of EUR 47.5 billion as a part of the Brexit settlement. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We don't recognize that figure. The UK's estimate remains in the central range of EUR 35 to 39 billion." The assessment was published in a budget document and accounts for Britain's commitments that
continue to benefit the country and other incomplete obligations. An EU spokesperson revealed that the estimated amount of EUR 47.5 billion was considered to be final. The US: President Joe Biden pledges to take action against Russian cyber-attacks
On 9 July, the US stated that it would take all necessary steps to end the increase in cyber-attacks from Russia. The statement was made by President Joe Biden while he discussed the threat with President Vladimir Putin via phone call on the same day. However, Russia denied having a conversation regarding the issue. President Biden said: "I made it very clear to him that the United States expects when a ransomware operation is coming from his soil, even though it's not sponsored by the state, we expect them to act if we give them enough information to act on who that is." The US: Pro-slavery Confederate General's statue removed from the base On 10 July, the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee was taken down from Charlottesville in Virginia. The move took place four years after white supremacist protests led to the death of a woman. Along with General Robert Lee, the statue of Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was also taken down while the people cheered the gesture. On 29 June, the House of Representatives passed legislation to enable the removal of statues of individuals with a legacy of supporting slavery. The removal of pro-slavery Confederate Generals' statues is now becoming a key focus of the anti-racist movements across the US as well as the world. About the Authors Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok are Research Associates at NIAS and Joeana Cera Matthews a research intern in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the NIAS. The report has been modified by India News due to space considerations.
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