Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed China's readiness to work with India to sum up past experience, forge a path forward and advance bilateral ties on the track of sound and stable development. He noted that India and China mark 75 years of diplomatic ties this year. While addressing a press conference on Friday, Wang Yi said, "This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations. China stands ready to work with India to sum up past experience, forge a path forward, and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development." He noted that the ties between India and China have made positive strides over the past year and recalled the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia's Kazan in October last year. He said, "China-India relations have made positive strides over the past year. The successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan last October provided strategic guidance for the improvement and development of the bilateral ties. Both sides have earnestly followed through on the important common understandings of our leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes." Calling India and China "each other's largest neighbours", Wang Yi stated, "Wang Yi said, China and India are each other's largest neighbors. China always believes that the two should be partners that contribute to each other's success. A cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant is the only right choice for both sides." He stated that China and India have a shared task to accelerate the development and revitalization of the two nations and stressed that there is every reason that two nations support each other. "As the two largest developing countries, China and India have a shared task to accelerate our countries' development and revitalization. There is every reason for us to support each other rather than undercut each other, work with each other rather than guard against each other. This is the path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples," Wang Yi said. He noted that India and China have enough wisdom to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution. Calling India and China "important members" of the Global South, Wang said that the two nations have responsibility to take lead in opposing "hegemonism and power politics." Wang Yi said, "As two ancient civilizations, we have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution. We should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of our bilateral ties." "As important members of the Global South, we have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics. We must not only safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of our countries, but also uphold the basic norms governing international relations. When China and India join hands, the prospects for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly," he added. Earlier on February 21, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday expressed satisfaction over meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. "I am glad that we could meet today on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Johannesburg. Such gatherings have provided an opportunity for our interaction even when our ties were going through a difficult phase," EAM said in his opening remarks during a meeting with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi. Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage in dialogue, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in a polarised global landscape. He acknowledged the efforts made by both countries to preserve the G20 as a vital institution, demonstrating their commitment to collaborative governance. "We should also recognize that in a polarised global situation, our two countries have worked hard to preserve and protect the G20 as an institution. This in itself testifies to the importance of international cooperation," he added. This meeting marked a crucial step in strengthening India-China relations, which have experienced a challenging phase in recent times. Since their last meeting in Rio during the G20 Summit in November 2024, there have been notable developments in India - China relations. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have visited China and engaged in discussions on various aspects of their relationship, including border management and other key areas. 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
07 March,2025 01:09 PM IST | Beijing | ANIA South Korean court on Friday ordered impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to be released from jail, more than a month after he was arrested and indicted over his short-lived imposition of martial law. The decision by the Seoul Central District Court would allow Yoon stand trial while not being physically detained. The hearings in his separate impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court concluded in late February and the court is expected to rule soon on whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him. The Seoul Central District Court said it accepted Yoon's request to be released from jail because the legal period of his formal arrest expired before he was indicted in late January. The court said the investigative agency that detained Yoon before his formal arrest didn't have legal rights to investigate the criminal rebellion charges. Yoon's defence team welcomed the court's decision and urged prosecutors to release him immediately. The presidential office also welcomed the court's decision, saying it hopes Yoon will swiftly return to work. However, South Korea law allows prosecutors to hold a suspect temporarily while they pursue an appeal. Investigators have alleged that the martial-law decree amounted to rebellion. If he's convicted of that offense, he would face the death penalty or life imprisonment. Yoon's martial law decree, which involved the dispatch of troops and police forces to the National Assembly, evoked traumatic memories of past military rules among many South Koreans. The decree lasted only six hours as enough lawmakers managed to get into an assembly hall and voted to overturn it unanimously. Yoon later argued his decree was only meant to inform the people of the danger of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, which undermined his agenda and impeached top officials, and said he dispatched troops to the assembly only in order to maintain order. But some top military and police officers sent to the assembly have told Constitutional Court hearings or investigators that Yoon ordered them to drag out lawmakers to obstruct a vote on his decree or detain politicians. If the Constitutional Court upholds Yoon's impeachment, he will be officially thrown out of office and a national election will be held to choose his successor within two months. Massive rallies by opponents and supporters of Yoon have filled the streets of Seoul and other major South Korean cities. Whatever the Constitutional Court decides, experts say it will likely further polarize the country and intensify its conservative-liberal divide. Yoon is the first South Korean president to be arrested while in office. South Korean law gives a president immunity from most criminal prosecution, but not for grave charges like rebellion or treason. By law, a president in South Korea has the power to put the country under martial law in wartime and similar emergency situations, but many experts say South Korea wasn't in such conditions when Yoon declared martial law. 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
07 March,2025 12:41 PM IST | Seoul | APThe US Supreme Court has rejected Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana's emergency application seeking a stay of his extradition to India. Rana, 64, is currently lodged in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. He had filed an 'Emergency Application For Stay' with the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and Circuit Justice for the Ninth Circuit. 'Application' denied by Justice Kagan, a note dated March 6, 2025 on the Supreme Court website says. The application was submitted to Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Elena Kagan. Rana became part of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks conspiracy in 2005: NIA Tahawwur Hussain Rana became part of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks conspiracy in 2005 as a member of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HUJI) and was closely engaged with Pakistan-based conspirators, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier revealed. On February 13, while briefing the media with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration has approved Rana's extradition to India, referring to him as "one of the plotters and very evil people of the world". Sixty-four-year-old Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national, is a close associate of Pakistani-American terrorist and one of the main conspirators David Coleman Headley. He is serving supervised detention at a metropolitan detention centre in Los Angeles after completing a 14-year sentence in 2023. Once extradited, Rana would be the third person to be sent on trial in India in the case after Ajmal Kasab and Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal. In November 2012, Kasab, the lone surviving Pakistan terrorist, was hanged to death in Pune's Yerawada Jail. Rana had entered into a criminal conspiracy for executing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks around the beginning of 2005 along with other co-conspirators based in Pakistan, as per the National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge sheet. Rana's role as a co-conspirator of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks surfaced during the central agency's probe. On October 27, 2009, he was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Two years later, the NIA chargesheeted him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code as well as Section 6(2) of the SAARC Convention on Suppression of Terrorism. (With PTI inputs)
07 March,2025 11:59 AM IST | New York | mid-day online correspondentExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his visit to Ireland from the iconic General Post Office Museum which has a special "meaning for so many who fought for freedom from colonialism." He also visited the Trinity College and interacted with Irish leaders such as former PM Leo Varadkar. In a series of posts on X, EAM said, "Started my visit to Ireland going to the iconic General Post Office Museum in Dublin. The 1916 Easter Rising has a special meaning for so many who fought for freedom from colonialism." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1897786389569147302 He also visited the Trinity College where he saw the Old Library. EAM wrote on X, "Fascinating to see the Book of Kells and the Old Library at the Trinity College in Dublin. Indeed a proud celebration of Irish heritage and culture." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1897788546301264176 He also spoke to Irish leaders such as Indian-origin former Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, and also interacted with Ministers James Lawless, Robert Troy, and Member of Parliament Malcolm Byrne. "A good conversation with former PM @LeoVaradkar, Minister @lawlessj, MoS @RobertTroyTD and MP @malcolmbyrne this afternoon. Appreciate their warm sentiments and steadfast support for India-Ireland ties", he wrote on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1897787800298438826 Jaishankar on Thursday called upon Ireland President Michael D Higgins and conveyed the regards of President Droupadi Murmu to him. The two leaders discussed about the role of culture in strengthening the nationhood. Sharing the details of the meeting on X, Jaishankar said, "Honored to call on President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin this evening. Conveyed the warm regards of President Droupadi Murmu. Value his insights on the contemporary world and its development debates. Spoke of the role of culture in strengthening nationhood." S Jaishankar is on an official visit to the United Kingdom & Ireland from March 4 to March 9. India and Ireland share friendly bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural ties and growing economic engagements. India-Ireland interactions date back to the 19th century when a significant number of Irishmen joined the British Civil Service, medical, engineering and army services, the MEA observed. Ireland had supported and assisted India during the COVID-19 pandemic under EU-ECHO mechanism, Ireland sent emergency medical assistance of 1248 oxygen concentrators, 425 ventilators and 2 oxygen generators in two consignments. Notably, Ireland has consistently supported India in its fight against terror. In the aftermath of the Pulwama cross-border terrorist incident on February 14, 2019, resulting in the killing of 40 CRPF personnel, then Irish Deputy PM and FM Simon Coveney issued a statement, strongly condemning the suicide bombing, expressing concern at the increasing levels of violence in the region and maintaining that Ireland will continue to work with India and the international community to support a comprehensive international response to preventing and countering terrorism. As per the MEA, Indian Embassy has been encouraging Irish companies to engage in major flagship programmes like "Make in India", "Digital India", "Clean India" and "Smart Cities". 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
07 March,2025 08:40 AM IST | Dublin | ANIA weak and breathless Pope Francis thanked people for their prayers for his recovery in a remarkable audio message broadcast Thursday, the first public sign of life from the 88-year-old pope since he was hospitalized three weeks ago with double pneumonia. Francis' feeble voice, discernible through his laboured breaths and in his native Spanish, was recorded Thursday from the hospital and broadcast to the faithful in St. Peter's Square who had gathered for the nightly recitation of the rosary prayer. 'I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square, I accompany you from here,' he said, his soft voice piercing the hushed square. 'May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.' For anyone used to hearing Francis' voice, which is often so soft it sounds like a whisper, the audio was an emotional punch to the gut that hammered home just how sick he is. The cardinal presiding over the prayer, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, had told the crowd at the start of the service that he had 'beautiful news, a beautiful gift" to share. The clearly surprised crowd broke into applause and then applauded again after Francis' final 'Gracias.' Fernández Artime, for his part, bowed his head as he listened. The 88-year-old pope has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man. The Vatican has given twice-daily updates on Francis' medical condition, but has distributed no photos or video of him since the morning of Feb. 14, when he held a handful of audiences at the Vatican before being admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital for what was then just a bad case of bronchitis. The infection progressed into a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia that has sidelined Francis for the longest period of his 12-year papacy and raised questions about the future of his papacy. Francis has issued written messages from the Gemelli, including some that sounded very much like him. But even Vatican officials had been clamouring to hear his voice, saying the pope's calls for peace are particularly needed at a time of such global conflict and war. More than any pope before him, Francis has mastered the art of informal and direct communication, often recording cell phone videos for visitors to bring home to their communities. For the considerable effort it must have taken, the audio message made clear that he understood the power of his voice, even in its weakened state. Doctors on Thursday reported that Francis was in stable condition, with no new respiratory crises or fever. He continued his respiratory and other physical therapy Thursday, worked, rested and prayed from the 10th floor papal suite at Rome's Gemelli hospital. Given the continued stability of Francis' condition, doctors said they didn't expect to provide a new medical update until Saturday. His prognosis remains guarded, meaning he is not out of danger. The pope has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery. He has been transitioning to receiving high-flow oxygen with a nasal tube during the day. His routine now includes physical therapy, along with treatment for double pneumonia and respiratory therapy, Vatican officials said. The 88-year-old pope has been stable for three full days after suffering a pair of respiratory crises Monday. The pope was supposed to attend a spiritual retreat this weekend with the rest of the Holy See hierarchy. On Tuesday, the Vatican said the retreat would go ahead without Francis but in 'spiritual communion' with him. The theme, selected before Francis got sick, was 'Hope in eternal life.' 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
07 March,2025 08:40 AM IST | Rome | APPresident Donald Trump on Thursday postponed 25 per cent tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some imports from Canada for a month amid widespread fears of the economic fallout from a broader trade war. The White House insists its tariffs are about stopping the smuggling of fentanyl, but the taxes proposed by Trump have caused a gaping wound in the decades-old North American trade partnership. Trump's tariff plans have also caused the stock market to sink and alarmed U.S. consumers. In addition to his claims about fentanyl, Trump has insisted that the tariffs could be resolved by fixing the trade deficit and he emphasised while speaking in the Oval Office that he still plans to impose 'reciprocal' tariffs starting on April 2. 'Most of the tariffs go on April the second,' Trump said before signing the orders. 'Right now, we have some temporary ones and small ones, relatively small, although it's a lot of money having to do with Mexico and Canada.' Trump said he was not looking to extend the exemption on the 25 per cent tariff for autos for another month. Imports from Mexico that comply with the 2020 USMCA trade pact would be excluded from the 25 per cent tariffs for a month, according to the orders signed by Trump. Auto-related imports from Canada that comply with the trade deal would also avoid the 25 per cent tariffs for a month, while the potash that US farmers import from Canada would be tariffed at 10 per cent, the same rate at which Trump wants to tariff Canadian energy products. Roughly 62 per cent of imports from Canada would likely still face the new tariffs because they're not USMCA compliant, according to a White House official who insisted on anonymity to preview the orders on a call with reporters. Half of imports from Mexico that are not USCMA compliant would also be taxed under the orders being signed by Trump, the official said. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has planned to announce any retaliatory measures on Sunday, but Trump credited her with making progress on illegal immigration and drug smuggling as a reason for again pausing tariffs that were initially supposed to go into full effect in February. 'I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum," Trump said on Truth Social. "Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border.' Trump's actions also thawed relations with Canada somewhat, after its initial retaliatory tariffs of $30 billion Canadian (US$21 billion) on US goods. The government said it had suspended its second wave of retaliatory tariffs on additional U.S. goods worth $125 billion (US$87 billion). Major US stock markets briefly bounced off lows after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previewed the month-long pauses on CNBC on Thursday. Significant declines already seen this week resumed within an hour. The S&P 500 stock index has fallen below where it was before Trump was elected. Asked whether the stock market decline was due to his tariffs, Trump said: 'A lot of them are globalist countries and companies that won't be doing as well because we're taking back things that have been taken from us many years ago.' Sheinbaum said she and Trump 'had an excellent and respectful call in which we agreed that our work and collaboration have yielded unprecedented results,' on a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Mexico has cracked down on cartels, sent troops to the US border and delivered 29 top cartel bosses long chased by American authorities to the Trump administration in a span of weeks. At a press conference, Sheinbaum elaborated on her call with Trump Thursday, saying that she told the president that Mexico was making great strides in fulfilling his security demands. 'I told him we're getting results,' Sheinbaum said. But the US imposed the tariffs, so she asked Trump 'how are we going to continue cooperating, collaborating with something that hurts the people of Mexico?' She added that 'practically all of the trade' between the US and Mexico will be exempt from tariffs until April 2. She said the two countries will continue to work together on migration and security, and to cut back on fentanyl trafficking to the US. From January to February, the amount of fentanyl seized at the border dropped more than 41 per cent, according to Sheinbaum, citing data from US Customs and Border Protection. She cited the dip as meeting a commitment made to Trump. Still, relations between the United States and Canada remain frosty because of the tariff pressures. A senior Canadian government official said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's call on Wednesday with Trump became heated. The US president used profanity while complaining about protections in Canada's dairy industry. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly about the call, said Trudeau did not use profanity. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the leader of Canada's most populous province, said that starting Monday the province will charge 25 per cent more for electricity shipped to 1.5 million Americans in response to Trump's tariff plan. Ontario provides electricity to Minnesota, New York and Michigan. 'This whole thing with President Trump is a mess,' Ford said Thursday. 'This reprieve, we've went down this road before. He still threatens the tariffs on April 2.' Ford has said that so long as the threat of tariffs continue, Ontario's position will not change. 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
07 March,2025 08:39 AM IST | Washington | APFacing the prospect that the US might cut them adrift under President Donald Trump, European Union leaders launched a day of emergency talks on Thursday in a bid to beef up their own security and ensure that Ukraine will still be properly protected. Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor of Germany, and summit chairman Antonio Costa discussed over breakfast in Brussels ways to fortify Europe’s defences on a short deadline. Meanwhile, the 27-nation bloc was waking up to news that French President Emmanuel Macron would confer with EU leaders about the possibility of using France’s nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats. “Given the profound shifts in US policy, and the existential threat of another war on the continent, Europe must manage its essential defence tasks,” the European Policy Center think tank said in a commentary. Part of any security plan is also to protect the increasingly beleaguered position of Ukraine. However, Thursday’s meeting is unlikely to address Ukraine’s most pressing needs. It is not aimed at urgently drumming up more arms and ammunition to fill any supply vacuum created by the US freeze. Nor will all nations agree to unblock the estimated $196 billion in frozen Russian assets held in a Belgian clearing house, that could be seized for use. Thursday’s summit is unlikely to produce immediate decisions on spending for Ukraine. Another EU summit where the real contours of decisions would be much clearer is set for March 20-21.Agencies France steps in to provide military intel France is providing military intelligence to Ukraine after Washington announced it was freezing the sharing of information with Kyiv. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said, “We have intelligence that we will allow Ukraine to benefit from.” Lecornu is “accelerating French aid packages” to make up for the lack US assistance. Russian ballistic missile kills four A Russian ballistic missile killed four people staying at a hotel in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, at night. A humanitarian organisation’s volunteers, including Ukrainian, US and British nationals had checked in just before the strike, Zelensky 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
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Brussles | AgenciesUS President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued what he called a “last warning” to Hamas to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza, directing a sharply worded message after the White House confirmed that he had recently dispatched an envoy for unprecedented direct talks with the militant group. In a statement on his Truth Social platform soon after meeting at the White House with eight former hostages, Trump added that he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job”. “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” Trump said. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” The Hamas militant group, meanwhile, on Thursday brushed off Trump’s latest threat and reiterated that it will only free the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Some relief for US automakers importing from Mexico, Canada US President Donald Trump is granting a one-month exemption on his stiff new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada for US automakers. The pause comes after President Trump spoke with leaders of the ‘Big 3’ automakers—Ford, General Motors and Stellantis—on Wednesday, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt said Trump was blunt with the automakers: “He told them to start investing, start moving and shift production to the US where they will pay no tariff.” Shares of the US Big 3, Asian and European automakers jumped as much as 6 per cent after the announcement. 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
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesTwo South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian area during a joint live-fire exercise with the US military on Thursday, injuring eight people, officials said. The MK-82 bombs released by the KF-16 fighter jets fell outside a firing range, causing civilian damage. The air force said the fighter jets were taking part in the one-day firing drill with the US military. According to an official, a pilot of one of the KF-16s put in a wrong coordinate for a bombing site, leading to the mishap. A committee will investigate the incident and examine the scale of the civilian damage. 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
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Seoul | AgenciesUS space agency NASA was all set for a landing on the moon’s south pole on Thursday. This mission will join the growing fleet of spacecraft missions, including from India, mapping the lunar surface, searching for water, and conducting scientific experiments. Athena, the moon lander developed by Houston-based private company Intuitive Machines, will attempt to land near the Mons Mouton landing site on the moon’s South Pole. The site is distinct from the ‘Shiv Shakti’ touchdown site of ISRO’s Chandrayaan- 3 spacecraft, which marked a significant milestone as India became, on August 2023, the first country to land on the Moon’s South Pole. Athena had entered the lunar orbit earlier this week after being launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on February 26, 2025. 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
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesFacing the prospect that the United States might cut them adrift under President Donald Trump, European Union leaders launched a day of emergency talks Thursday in a bid to beef up their own security and ensure that Ukraine will still be properly protected. Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor of Germany, and summit chairman Antonio Costa discussed over breakfast in Brussels ways to fortify Europe's defences on a short deadline. Merz pushed plans this week to loosen the nation's rules on running up debt to allow for higher defence spending. Meanwhile, the 27-nation bloc was waking up to news that French President Emmanuel Macron would confer with EU leaders about the possibility of using France's nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats. It all underscored the sea change that has taken place in the two months since Trump took office and immediately started questioning the cornerstones of cooperation between the United States and Europe that had been the bedrock of Western security since World War II. "Given these profound shifts in US policy, and the existential threat of another war on the continent, Europe must manage its essential defence tasks," the European Policy Center think tank said in a commentary. The bloc will "take decisive steps forward," Macron told the French nation Wednesday evening. "Member states will be able to increase their military spending" and "massive joint funding will be provided to buy and produce some of the most innovative munitions, tanks, weapons and equipment in Europe," he said. Adding to the ebullient message, he said that "Europe's future does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is taking part in the summit. Limited room to increase spending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a plan to loosen budget rules so countries that are willing can spend much more on defense. Her proposal is underpinned by 150 billion euros ($162 billion) worth of loans to buy priority military equipment. Most of the increased defense spending would have to come from national budgets at a time when many countries are already overburdened with debt. France is struggling to reduce an excessive annual budget deficit of 5% of GDP, after running up its total debt burden to 112% of GDP with spending on relief for businesses and consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis that followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Five other countries using the euro currency have debt levels over 100% of GDP: Belgium, Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Europe's largest economy, Germany, has more room to borrow, with a debt level of 62% of GDP. Pressing security needs Part of any security plan is also to protect the increasingly beleaguered position of Ukraine. A Russian missile killed four people staying at a hotel in Zelenskyy's hometown overnight. He said that a humanitarian organisation's volunteers had moved into the hotel in Kryvyi Rih, in central Ukraine, just before the strike. The volunteers included Ukrainian, American and British nationals, but it wasn't clear whether those people were among the 31 injured. Early this week, Trump ordered a pause to US military supplies to Ukraine as he sought to press Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia, bringing fresh urgency to Thursday's summit. Thursday's meeting is unlikely to address Ukraine's most pressing needs. It is not aimed at urgently drumming up more arms and ammunition to fill any supply vacuum created by the US freeze. Nor will all nations agree to unblock the estimated 183 billion euros ($196 billion) in frozen Russian assets held in a Belgian clearing house, a pot of ready cash that could be seized. Still, the Europeans underlined the importance of the moment. "Europe faces a clear and present danger on a scale that none of us have seen in our adult lifetime. Some of our fundamental assumptions are being undermined to their very core," von der Leyen warned in a letter to the leaders ahead of their meeting. But perhaps the biggest challenge for the EU will be to take a united stance at a moment when it's fractured, since much of what the bloc does requires unanimous support. Hungary is threatening to veto part of the summit statement on Ukraine. Even if the challenges are so daunting, Thursday's summit is unlikely to produce immediate decisions on spending for Ukraine or its own defenses. Another EU summit where the real contours of decisions would be much clearer is set for March 20-21. 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
06 March,2025 04:08 PM IST | Brussles | APADVERTISEMENT
