WORLD
Chinese fighter jets, warships rattle Taiwan as drills continue
Multiple Chinese aircraft and vessels crossed the unofficial, but so far mostly respected, centre line in the 130-km-wide Taiwan Strait separating the island from the mainland, reports dpa news agency. Taiwan's Foreign Minister Jason Wu tweeted his condemnation of what he termed a "dangerous escalation of the military threat" that was "wrecking peace & stability in the region & must be condemned". As part of its military exercises, the PLA also launched 11 ballistic missiles in Taiwan's direction, one of which flew directly over the island and passed close to the capital Taipei for the first time, according to reports.
California hits grim milestone of 10 mn confirmed Covid cases
The Golden State, home to around 40 million residents, reported a total of 10,024,326 coronavirus infections to date, along with 93,056 related deaths, the California Department of Public Health was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. There are 4,435 people with Covid-19 currently hospitalised in the state, with 505 in intensive care units, said the department in a Friday update. Around 79.9 per cent of people in the state have been vaccinated with at least one Covid-19 dose, the update showed.
Russia using nuclear plant as cover to launch rocket attacks
Russia controls the Zaporizhzhia plant and surrounding areas, close to Ukrainian-held territory. Western officials have sounded the alarm about Russia's tactics there, BBC reported. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant lies in the south-east of Ukraine along the eastern bank of the Dnipro river. It is currently still being operated by Ukrainian employees under Russian supervision. It consists of six pressurised water reactors and stores radioactive waste.
Ukraine intel claims Putin using body double, points to his changing ears
Putin's (69) health has been the topic of fierce discussion among commentators, Daily Mail reported. His close ally Nikolai Patrushev is said to have stood in for the president during his medical appointments, the report said. This week, Ukraine's Major General Kyrylo Budanov appeared on TV to claim to viewers that Putin's height and ears have changed in recent appearances, The Sun reported.
'Russian action jeopardising Ukrainian nuclear power plant'
"Following five months of occupation, Russia's intentions regarding the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant remain unclear," dpa news agency quoted the Ministry as saying. "However, the actions they have undertaken at the facility have likely undermined the security and safety of the plant's normal operations." Russian forces had used artillery units based in areas near the power station to target Ukrainian territory on the west bank of the Dnipro river, the report said.
Amid China-Taiwan tension, Nepal's foreign minister to visit China
At the invitation of Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, Dr Khadka is visiting China from August 9 to 11, the ministry said. The two Ministers will hold bilateral talks, leading their respective delegations on August 10 in Qingdao, China. Wang will host a banquet in honour of Khadka and the members of the delegation, the statement added.
Erdogan, Putin to meet for talks in Sochi
Turkey's planned military incursion to attack a Kurdish militia in northern Syria will top the agenda among other regional issues, dpa news agency reported citing Ankara's state broadcaster TRT as saying. Moscow had recently advised against such an offensive. Ankara considers the US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia the People's Defence Units (YPG) a terrorist group and suspects it is linked to domestic insurgents.
China sends warships, jets close to Taiwan as tensions escalate
In a statement, the Ministry said that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces crossed the median line -- the halfway point between the island and mainland China -- in a move it called a "highly provocative act", reports CNN. The line has previously been an informal but largely respected border of control between Beijing and Taipei.
China imposes sanctions on Pelosi after Taiwan visit
"In disregard of China's grave concerns and firm opposition, Pelosi insisted on visiting China's Taiwan region. This constitutes a gross interference in China's internal affairs," dpa news agency quoted the Ministry as saying in a statement. "It gravely undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, seriously tramples on the one-China principle, and severely threatens peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Alliance with China pillar of triumph of international law: Lavrov
"Our strategic partnership is one of the pillars of the movement for the triumph of international law," dpa news agency quoted Lavrowv as saying to Interfax at the ministerial meeting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) here. The Foreign Minister presented himself as a protector of the UN Charter, which grants sovereignty to all states on an equal footing.
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