Author: Desk Team

China warns of ‘serious harm’ to relations as Australia scraps BRI deal
15May By Desk TeamNo Comments
Asia, China, World

China warns of ‘serious harm’ to relations as Australia scraps BRI deal

China warns of 'serious harm' to relations as Australia scraps BRI deal As relations between the two countries continue to nosedive, a top Australian official said Canberra was 'worried' about local governments entering into such agreements with Beijing. BEIJING: China on Thursday said Australia's sudden scrapping of a Belt and Road Initiative deal risked "serious harm" to relations and warned of retaliatory actions against a country that insists it will not be bullied. Canberra pulled the deal with Victoria state late on Wednesday, in a move destined to provoke Beijing but justified by the Defence Minister as necessary to prevent Australia hosting a giant infrastructure scheme "used for propaganda". Australia overruled Victoria state's decision to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BR...
Read More
City University of Hong Kong: An International University in Asia’s Global City
15May By Desk TeamNo Comments
Asia, World

City University of Hong Kong: An International University in Asia’s Global City

City University of Hong Kong: An International University in Asia’s Global City Registration link for the CityU International Virtual Day: https://events.unibuddy.co/cityuhk/open/60700791b653673185c726d4 City University of Hong Kong (CityU), ranked 48th in the QS World University Rankings, is a young, dynamic, internationally focused institution that has developed into one of the world’s top universities. On the 24th of April CityU will host a Virtual Open Day with speakers of Thai available to assist and below we would like to provide you with a brief overview of the great opportunities available here for Thai students. Located in the heart of Hong Kong, Asia’s World City, we welcome students from over 80 countries and regions around the world to a truly international campus where more
Read More
When geopolitics impacts markets
15May By Desk TeamNo Comments
China, Conflict, Politics, World

When geopolitics impacts markets

When geopolitics impacts markets Fractious geopolitics doesn't always move world markets -- but the summer of 2021 may give us some glimpse about exactly where and how it does. With the new US administration of President Joe Biden asserting its foreign policy priorities, this month has seen a rise in tensions with the United States' most powerful rivals -- China, Russia and even Iran. For many investors, the sharpened, bellicose rhetoric surrounding several flashpoints such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang or eastern Ukraine or Tehran's resumed uranium enrichment are predictable attempts to test the mettle of Washington's new broom. But if Mr Biden's ambition is to rally neglected Western-led alliances that push harder for democracy and human rights, then Beijing and Moscow -- perhaps...
Read More
Indigenous identity is not our problem
14May By Desk TeamNo Comments
Politics, World

Indigenous identity is not our problem

Assimilation and eradication have always been the answer to the Indian problem. From germ warfare, bounties, starvation tactics, forced relocations, corralling onto — and scooping off — of reserves, to coded identification. And now, it’s snipers picking off Indigenous individuals one by one. The federal government decides who they “recognize” as Indigenous, worthy of consultation and benefit agreements. With the rise of cultural pride alongside equitable economic opportunity, the Indian problem may be getting worse. Métis (and non-status First Nations) are able to decide their own identity and jurisdiction criteria as they have not been subjected to Indian Act determinations, whereas Indian reserve populations are controlled and defined by the Canadian nation. No wonder people are confus
Read More
Foreigners to get ‘equal access’
14May By Desk TeamNo Comments
World

Foreigners to get ‘equal access’

A truck sprays disinfectant on to the streets in Ratchaburi's Muang district on Thursday after a spike in Covid-19 cases. Several of those infected were found to have taken part in social activities. (Photo by Saichon Srinuanjan) Three million foreigners living in Thailand have as much right to Covid-19 vaccinations as Thais because the goal is to achieve herd immunity, the government declared on Thursday. The policy is to vaccinate everyone in Thailand no matter whether they are Thais or foreigners. This would be carried out with people's consent and without discrimination, said Rungruang Kitpati, spokesman for the Public Health Ministry. Some expats have vented their frustrations on social media about a lack of public information, problems registering for vaccinations and the lack of ...
Read More
Reimagining a classic
14May By Desk TeamNo Comments
China, World

Reimagining a classic

At the exhibition 'New Ramayana', artist Surachet Prueksawunprasut gives the supporting characters of the Ramakien epic a new futuristic look Surachet Prueksawunprasut at his solo exhibition. Thotsakan, the Demon King of Lanka in the Thai epic Ramakien, plays with a drone. Hanuman, the Monkey King, kills a giant with a gun and the giant Queen Nang Sammanakkha wears colourful attire without the golden theatrical crown. These characters from the Ramakien were created in new forms for a future world by artist Surachet Prueksawunprasut in the collection titled "New Ramayana", who makes them look different from their usual self in the traditional paintings. After his daughter was born, Surachet began to think about the future and his thoughts are reflected in his work. His previous collectio...
Read More
China says onus on US in climate talks with envoy John Kerry
14May By Desk TeamNo Comments
Asia, China, World

China says onus on US in climate talks with envoy John Kerry

BEIJING (AFP, REUTERS) - China said on Friday (April 16) the United States needed to take more responsibility on climate change but welcomed greater cooperation after a visit by envoy John Kerry, state media said. The former secretary of state turned US climate emissary was the first official from President Joe Biden's administration to visit China, signalling hopes the two sides could work together on the global challenge despite sky-high tensions on multiple other fronts. "China attaches importance to carrying out dialogue and cooperation on climate change with the US side," said Vice Premier Han Zheng, according to state news agency Xinhua. "China welcomes the US return to the Paris agreement, and expects the US side to uphold the agreement, shoulder its due responsibilities and make...
Read More
These 12 films are good bets at the online Hot Docs documentary festival
14May By Desk TeamNo Comments
Business, China, Politics, World

These 12 films are good bets at the online Hot Docs documentary festival

The pandemic has made us all take stock of who we are as individuals and where we fit in a world increasingly rocked by change. This existential concern is on the minds of many filmmakers, from Canada and 65 other countries, who will take part in Toronto’s annual Hot Docs festival of documentary cinema, running online from April 29 to May 9. (Full program and details are at hotdocs.ca). As the opening night film “A.rtificial I.mmortality” shows, even the very notion of whether humanity is limited to humans is up for debate. Will sentient robots eventually demand their own version of “I” and “we”? Here are my picks for a dozen good bets at Hot Docs 2021, in alphabetical order: A.rtificial I.mmortality Toronto filmmaker Ann Shin’s fest-opening doc challenges viewers to engage with a fas
Read More
US-backed Afghan peace meeting postponed as Taliban balk
14May By Desk TeamNo Comments
Conflict, World

US-backed Afghan peace meeting postponed as Taliban balk

KABUL - An upcoming international peace conference that was meant to move Afghanistan’s warring sides to a power-sharing deal and ensure an orderly U.S. exit from the country has been postponed, its sponsors announced Wednesday. They cited a lack of prospects for meaningful progress. As peace efforts stalled, Germany’s Defence Ministry suggested NATO military planners were contemplating a possible withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan as early as July 4. That’s more than two months ahead of the planned Sept. 11 pullout date. “The Resolute Support headquarters in Kabul are currently considering whether to shorten the withdrawal period,“ said German Defence Ministry spokesman David Helmbold. “The 4th of July is now being considered as a pullout date. The ministry informed the
Read More
Philippine coast guard holds drills in disputed South China Sea
13May By Desk TeamNo Comments
China, World

Philippine coast guard holds drills in disputed South China Sea

Philippine coast guard holds drills in disputed South China Sea In this undated handout photo received from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday, coast guard personnel conduct maritime exercises near Thitu island, in the disputed South China sea. (Philippine coast Guard (PCG) / AFP photo) The Philippine coast guard is conducting drills in the South China Sea which an official said Sunday were part of efforts to secure "our maritime jurisdiction" over the disputed waters. The exercises near the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island and China-controlled Scarborough Shoal come amid heightened tensions over the resource-rich sea. The latest diplomatic wrangle between the two countries was triggered by the detection last month of hundreds of Chinese vessels in the Spratly Islands. Most of...
Read More