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At a briefing in Brussels, a European diplomat emphasized that the EU is working to ensure Ukraine holds a stronger position in peace negotiations.

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[An EU] diplomat [...] expressed the view that during a potential ceasefire, Ukraine should be armed rather than disarmed.

"Fighting is still ongoing, but even if there is a pause, Ukraine must be turned into a 'steel porcupine,'" [another] EU diplomat emphasized.

He added that it is crucial to put Ukraine in a strong position for negotiations. Moreover, it is necessary to prevent Russia from using a "second chance" to regroup and launch another attack.

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"Beautiful eyes,” she had spoken, staring into the blue eyes of a riot policeman. “Kind eyes.” These words of unexpected tenderness, spoken in a moment of fear and confusion, now haunt her. “I regret saying it,” the ballerina admits. “They didn't deserve my kindness.”

This moment is the paradox of Natia Bunturi: a dancer of breathtaking grace and now a protester hardened by the harsh realities of police violence. For nearly four decades, Natia dedicated herself to the delicate but tough discipline of ballet. Today, she stands on the front lines of Georgia's fight for its European future, defiant against a government many say has betrayed its people.

The protests started on November 28, 2024, in response to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement that European Union (EU) accession talks would be postponed until at least 2028. This decision devastated a nation where over 80 percent of citizens support EU membership.

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Natia's journey began in the harsh economic landscape of 1990s Georgia. “I am a '90s kid, and I have gone through these difficult times,” she shares, painting a picture of a childhood full of challenges but, at the same time, strength. Her talent later carried her to the United States, to Philadelphia's ballet scene, but her heart always belonged to Georgia. “I'd watch the changes from afar — the Rose Revolution, the rebuilding of our Opera House — and I knew I had to come back,” she says.

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Archived

More than a tragic infrastructure failure, the collapse of the canopy at Novi Sad railway station in November 2024 was a glaring symptom of the kleptocratic governance that has defined Serbia’s political and economic system for over a decade.

The renovation of the station, part of a government-backed infrastructure push financed by China, was carried out under secrecy, fueling suspicions of corruption, cost inflation, and political favoritism. When the structure collapsed, killing 15 people, it became clear to many citizens of Serbia that corruption kills, triggering the biggest protests in the country has seen in decades.

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Serbia’s kleptocracy is not just a domestic problem; it is a transnational phenomenon sustained by three interlinked dynamics: the local agency of state capture, geopolitical competition, and international enablers.

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China was a desired partner due to its readiness to invest quickly in connectivity projects, both physical and digital, as part of a broader Chinese plan to build a corridor from the Port of Piraeus to Central Europe. China provided significant funds 'with no strings attached,' except dependency created through loans, something that does not seem to be a concern for this government. These deals, such as the construction of the high-speed railway from Novi Sad to Subotica, bring opportunity for additional enrichment, as money is spent not only on Chinese companies but also on local sub-contractors linked to the ruling party.

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Protesting students demand the publication of all project-related documents, accountability for those responsible, and a transparent investigation, but so far, more information was provided about the Chinese part of the work than about the work done by local subcontractors. This is an example of what the GEO-POWER-EU project categorises as corrosive capital – projects that do not merely bring in foreign money but actively exploit governance weaknesses and entrench control by the elites, irrespective of their country of origin.

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The problem, however, is not just about Russian or Chinese influence; it is about a broader pattern in which foreign capital, regardless of origin, is funneled into non-transparent, politically manipulated projects that sideline democratic governance and make significant damage to the population and environment. Much of it is tolerated by Western partners, especially since the so-called geopolitical turn in the EU, provided that the local agents behave in line with Franklin Roosevelt's motto: "He may be a bastard, but he's our bastard." Resembling such reasoning, in the first few years of governing, President Vučić faked compliance in a EU-mediated dialogue for the normalization of the relations with Kosovo, although occasionally also stirring incidents that he would then intervene to pacify.

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Cross posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/31077075

Archived

The Maldives is grappling with a deepening debt crisis, with foreign exchange reserves at precarious levels and looming repayments threatening its economic stability, according to a report by an independent journalist and human rights activist.

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The island nation’s total debt has surged from $3 billion in 2018 to $8.2 billion as of March 2024, with projections exceeding $11 billion by 2029. External debt stands at $3.4 billion, primarily owed to China and India.

In 2025 and 2026, the Maldives must repay $600 million and $1 billion, respectively, exacerbating its financial strain.

Despite a modest rise, usable foreign exchange reserves remain below $65 million as of December 2024, after briefly turning negative in mid-August.

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While bilateral trade stands at $700 million, Maldivian exports make up less than 3%, with China dominating imports.

Government revenue from import duties has plunged by 64%, worsening fiscal pressures.

In response, President Muizzu’s administration has raised taxes, cut government spending, and sought financial aid, including $300 million from GCC nations and $200 million from China, but has received little support.

A $750 million currency swap from India has provided temporary relief but falls short of covering the $1 billion Sukuk repayment due in 2026.

Without significant international intervention or debt restructuring, experts warn the Maldives risks following Sri Lanka into sovereign default, endangering its economic sovereignty and political stability.

The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA), enacted in January 2025, has intensified economic vulnerabilities.

Cross posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/31077075

Archived

The Maldives is grappling with a deepening debt crisis, with foreign exchange reserves at precarious levels and looming repayments threatening its economic stability, according to a report by an independent journalist and human rights activist.

[...]

The island nation’s total debt has surged from $3 billion in 2018 to $8.2 billion as of March 2024, with projections exceeding $11 billion by 2029. External debt stands at $3.4 billion, primarily owed to China and India.

In 2025 and 2026, the Maldives must repay $600 million and $1 billion, respectively, exacerbating its financial strain.

Despite a modest rise, usable foreign exchange reserves remain below $65 million as of December 2024, after briefly turning negative in mid-August.

...]

While bilateral trade stands at $700 million, Maldivian exports make up less than 3%, with China dominating imports.

Government revenue from import duties has plunged by 64%, worsening fiscal pressures.

In response, President Muizzu’s administration has raised taxes, cut government spending, and sought financial aid, including $300 million from GCC nations and $200 million from China, but has received little support.

A $750 million currency swap from India has provided temporary relief but falls short of covering the $1 billion Sukuk repayment due in 2026.

Without significant international intervention or debt restructuring, experts warn the Maldives risks following Sri Lanka into sovereign default, endangering its economic sovereignty and political stability.

The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA), enacted in January 2025, has intensified economic vulnerabilities.

Archived

The Maldives is grappling with a deepening debt crisis, with foreign exchange reserves at precarious levels and looming repayments threatening its economic stability, according to a report by an independent journalist and human rights activist.

[...]

The island nation’s total debt has surged from $3 billion in 2018 to $8.2 billion as of March 2024, with projections exceeding $11 billion by 2029. External debt stands at $3.4 billion, primarily owed to China and India.

In 2025 and 2026, the Maldives must repay $600 million and $1 billion, respectively, exacerbating its financial strain.

Despite a modest rise, usable foreign exchange reserves remain below $65 million as of December 2024, after briefly turning negative in mid-August.

...]

While bilateral trade stands at $700 million, Maldivian exports make up less than 3%, with China dominating imports.

Government revenue from import duties has plunged by 64%, worsening fiscal pressures.

In response, President Muizzu’s administration has raised taxes, cut government spending, and sought financial aid, including $300 million from GCC nations and $200 million from China, but has received little support.

A $750 million currency swap from India has provided temporary relief but falls short of covering the $1 billion Sukuk repayment due in 2026.

Without significant international intervention or debt restructuring, experts warn the Maldives risks following Sri Lanka into sovereign default, endangering its economic sovereignty and political stability.

The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA), enacted in January 2025, has intensified economic vulnerabilities.

Archived

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted a virtual meeting with world leaders on Saturday to discuss the war in Ukraine, with the leaders of some 26 countries, primarily from the EU and NATO, as well as Ukraine, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, joining the call, according to Downing Street.

This is the second summit Starmer has hosted this month to discuss the UK and France’s proposed “coalition of the willing”, aimed at providing a peacekeeping force to guarantee Ukraine’s security after a final peace agreement is signed.

Speaking to the BBC following the meeting, Starmer said that his proposed coalition had already become a “bigger group” than it was two weeks ago, with “stronger collective resolve”, adding that a further meeting to discuss how the military force could ensure any future peace agreement was planned for Thursday.

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Cross post from https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/31071924

Australia is scrambling to deploy new long-range missiles as the recent arrival of powerful Chinese warships off the Australian coast delivers a sharp reminder of Beijing’s growing naval muscle.

In a move to boost military firepower, Canberra plans to arm Australian soldiers with anti-ship missiles and advanced targeting radars to protect the country’s vast maritime approaches, according to contract announcements as well as a flurry of recent official speeches and ministerial statements.

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The U.S. Army in June used two Precision Strike Missiles to successfully attack a moving target at sea during an exercise in the Pacific, the army said in a statement.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) jolted Australia’s security services with the deployment of three warships – one of its most potent cruisers, a frigate and a replenishment ship – close to the country’s biggest cities of Sydney and Melbourne late last month. Air traffic between Australia and New Zealand was disrupted with 49 flights diverted on February 21 when the Chinese flotilla held what appeared to be a live fire exercise in the Tasman Sea without notifying authorities in Canberra or Wellington.

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Cross post from https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/31071924

Australia is scrambling to deploy new long-range missiles as the recent arrival of powerful Chinese warships off the Australian coast delivers a sharp reminder of Beijing’s growing naval muscle.

In a move to boost military firepower, Canberra plans to arm Australian soldiers with anti-ship missiles and advanced targeting radars to protect the country’s vast maritime approaches, according to contract announcements as well as a flurry of recent official speeches and ministerial statements.

[...]

The U.S. Army in June used two Precision Strike Missiles to successfully attack a moving target at sea during an exercise in the Pacific, the army said in a statement.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) jolted Australia’s security services with the deployment of three warships – one of its most potent cruisers, a frigate and a replenishment ship – close to the country’s biggest cities of Sydney and Melbourne late last month. Air traffic between Australia and New Zealand was disrupted with 49 flights diverted on February 21 when the Chinese flotilla held what appeared to be a live fire exercise in the Tasman Sea without notifying authorities in Canberra or Wellington.

[...]

Australia is scrambling to deploy new long-range missiles as the recent arrival of powerful Chinese warships off the Australian coast delivers a sharp reminder of Beijing’s growing naval muscle.

In a move to boost military firepower, Canberra plans to arm Australian soldiers with anti-ship missiles and advanced targeting radars to protect the country’s vast maritime approaches, according to contract announcements as well as a flurry of recent official speeches and ministerial statements.

[...]

The U.S. Army in June used two Precision Strike Missiles to successfully attack a moving target at sea during an exercise in the Pacific, the army said in a statement.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) jolted Australia’s security services with the deployment of three warships – one of its most potent cruisers, a frigate and a replenishment ship – close to the country’s biggest cities of Sydney and Melbourne late last month. Air traffic between Australia and New Zealand was disrupted with 49 flights diverted on February 21 when the Chinese flotilla held what appeared to be a live fire exercise in the Tasman Sea without notifying authorities in Canberra or Wellington.

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China is likely to face a supply shortage of rapeseed meal by the third quarter of this year as Beijing's tariffs on shipments from top exporter Canada disrupt trade and as alternative sources are unlikely to make up the deficit.

Rapeseed meal futures traded on the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange have jumped more than 8% since Beijing announced on Saturday a 100% retaliatory tariff on imports of rapeseed meal and oil from Canada effective March 20.

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Chinese tariffs on rapeseed meal and oil came as a surprise to the industry which had been expecting higher duties instead on the oilseed since Beijing started an anti-dumping investigation in September into shipments from Canada.

"Everybody was expecting authorities to announce duties on rapeseed but we were all taken by surprise when this announcement came on oil and meal," said one trader in Singapore. "It is going to hit feed processors hard as they were looking at importing larger volumes of Canadian meal instead of the oilseed."

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Rapeseed is an oilseed crop which is processed into oil for cooking and a variety of other products, including renewable fuels, while the remaining rapeseed meal is used as high-protein animal feed and fertilizer.

China relies on top grower Canada for more than 70% of its rapeseed meal imports and nearly all of the oilseed imports. Rapeseed is also known as canola.

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Chinese customs allows rapeseed meal imports from 11 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Japan, Ethiopia, Australia, India and Belarus, providing options for alternative supplies.

But availability of the product is limited in the international market.

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The federal government is not considering dropping tariffs it imposed last year on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), steel and aluminum, despite Beijing’s retaliation and U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to launch a trade war with Canada, according to the industry minister.

Ottawa imposed a 100 per cent import tax on Chinese EVs and a 25 per cent import tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum last October. Beijing retaliated over the weekend by imposing nearly $4 billion in tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, including canola oil and pork.

"We’re going to stand strong,” said Francois-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry, in an interview with Vassy Kapelos on CTV News Channel’s Power Play. “We want to protect our industry. We want to protect our workers. We want to protect our communities.”

The federal government, following the lead of then-U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration, imposed a 100 per cent import tax on EVs produced in China in October of last year, accusing Beijing of “distorting global trade” by exporting EVs at “unfairly low prices.”

Ottawa also imposed a 25 per cent import tax on Chinese-made steel and aluminum last October, accusing China of “pervasive subsidization” of its steel and aluminum industry.

In the wake of Trump’s decision to launch a trade war with Canada and China’s decision to impose new tariffs on Canadian products, B.C. Premier David Eby urged the federal government to rethink its tariff policy with all countries, including China.

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