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China Says More Than 10 US Balloons Flew In Its Airspace

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BEIJING, China — Washington said that Beijing has a fleet of surveillance balloons that fly all over the world. In response, China said on Monday that over ten US high-altitude balloons have flown in its airspace without permission in the last year. The US has denied operating any surveillance balloons over China.

The United States shot down what was thought to be a Chinese spy balloon that had flown from Alaska to South Carolina. This caused a new crisis in relations between the two countries, which were already at their worst in decades.

Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, provided no information about the alleged US balloons, how they were dealt with, or whether they had government or military ties.

“It is also common for US balloons to enter other countries’ airspace illegally,” Wang said at a daily briefing. “Since last year, US high-altitude balloons have illegally flown over Chinese airspace more than ten times without Chinese authorities’ approval.”

Wang suggested that the United States “first reflect on itself and change course, rather than smear and incite a confrontation.”

According to China, the balloon shot down by the US was an unmanned airship designed for meteorological research that was blown off course. It has said that the US overreacted by shooting it down, and it has threatened retaliation without saying what it would be.

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The U.S. Does Not Operate Spy Balloons Over China

According to Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council in Washington, any claim that the US government operates surveillance balloons over China is false.

“China has a high-altitude surveillance balloon intelligence collection program linked to the People’s Liberation Army that it has used to violate the sovereignty of the United States and over 40 countries across five continents,” Watson said.

“This is the latest example of China scrambling to contain the damage. It has repeatedly and incorrectly claimed that the surveillance balloon it sent over the United States was a weather balloon, and it has yet to provide any credible explanation for its intrusion into our and others’ airspace.”

After the balloon incident, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a trip to Beijing that many people hoped would stop the deterioration of relations over Taiwan, trade, and human rights and threaten Chinese actions in the disputed South China Sea.

Also on Monday, the Philippines accused a Chinese coast guard ship of using a military-grade laser to target a Philippine coast guard vessel and temporarily blinding some of its crew in the South China Sea, calling it a “blatant” violation of Manila’s sovereign rights.

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Pillaphine Coast Guard Trespasses Into Chinese Water

Wang stated that on February 6, a Philippine coast guard trespassed into Chinese waters without permission, to which Chinese coast guard vessels responded: “professionally and with restraint.” China claims all of the strategic waterway and has been steadily building up its navy and outposts on islands.

“China and the Philippines are maintaining communication in this regard through diplomatic channels,” Wang said. The Chinese Defense Ministry did not respond immediately to a question about the incident.

To ratchet up tensions, a US fighter jet shot down an “unidentified object” over Lake Huron on orders from President Joe Biden on Sunday. It was the fourth such downing in eight days, part of an unusual string of events over US airspace that Pentagon officials believe has no peacetime precedent.

According to imagery from American U-2 spy planes, the Chinese balloon shot down by the US was equipped to detect and collect intelligence signals as part of a massive, military-linked aerial surveillance program that targeted more than 40 countries.

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Heightened Alert Following The First Spy Balloon

A “heightened alert” following the alleged Chinese spy balloon is part of the reason for the repeated shootdowns, according to Gen. Glen VanHerck, head of NORAD and the US Northern Command, during a press conference.

As part of its response to the incident, the US has imposed economic sanctions on six Chinese entities it believes are linked to Beijing’s aerospace programs. The United States House of Representatives also unanimously condemned China for a “brazen violation” of American sovereignty and efforts to “deceive the international community through false claims about its intelligence collection campaigns.”

Wang, China’s spokesperson, reiterated China’s denial of such claims, saying that “the United States’ frequent firing of advanced missiles to shoot down the objects is an overreaction of overexertion.”

SOURCE – (AP)

 

 

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US And UK Announce Sanctions Over China Linked Hacks On Election Watchdog And Lawmakers

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LONDON / CHINA— The U.S. and British governments imposed sanctions on Monday against a firm and two people tied to the Chinese government for a series of malicious cyberattacks on the U.K.’s election watchdog and politicians in both countries.

Officials claimed those sanctioned were responsible for a hack that may have gotten access to information on tens of millions of U.K. voters kept by the Electoral Commission, as well as cyber espionage against politicians who have been vocal about the China danger.

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US And UK Announce Sanctions Over China Linked Hacks On Election Watchdog And Lawmakers

According to the Foreign Office, the hack of the election rolls “has not had an impact on electoral processes, has not affected the rights or access to the democratic process of any individual, nor has it affected electoral registration.”

The Electoral Commission stated in August that it discovered a breach in its system in October 2022 but added that “hostile actors” have been able to access its systems since 2021.

At the time, the watchdog stated that the data included registered voters’ names and residences. However, it stated that much of the information was already in the public domain.

In Washington, the Treasury Department sanctioned Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology business Ltd., describing it as a Chinese Ministry of State Security front business that has “served as cover for multiple malicious cyberoperations.”

It cited two Chinese nationals, Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, who worked for the Wuhan company for cyber operations that targeted vital infrastructure sectors in the United States, “directly endangering U.S. national security.”

Separately, British cybersecurity officials reported that Chinese government-affiliated hackers “conducted reconnaissance activity” against British legislators critical of Beijing in 2021. They stated that no parliamentary accounts were successfully compromised.

Three legislators, including former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith, told reporters on Monday that they had been “subjected to harassment, impersonation, and attempted hacking from China for some time.” Duncan Smith stated that in one instance, hackers impersonating him used bogus email accounts to send messages to his contacts.

china

US And UK Announce Sanctions Over China Linked Hacks On Election Watchdog And Lawmakers

The lawmakers are members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, an international pressure group dedicated to resisting Beijing’s expanding influence and exposing alleged human rights violations by the Chinese government.

Before the announcement, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that China is “behaving in an increasingly assertive way abroad” and is “the greatest state-based threat to our economic security.”

“It’s appropriate that we take precautions to protect ourselves, and that’s what we’re doing,” he said without revealing any specifics.

China opponents, notably Duncan Smith, have long urged Sunak to adopt a stronger stance on China, labeling it a threat rather than a “challenge” to the United Kingdom, but the government has refrained from using such harsh rhetoric.

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US And UK Announce Sanctions Over China Linked Hacks On Election Watchdog And Lawmakers

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the findings, saying that countries should base their assertions on evidence rather than “smear” others without a factual basis.

“Cybersecurity issues should not be politicized,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated. “We hope all parties will stop spreading false information, take a responsible attitude, and work together to maintain peace and security in cyberspace.”

SOURCE – (AP)

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Thailand Sends Aid To War-Torn Myanmar, But Critics Say It Will Only Help Junta

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Mae Sot, Thailand — Thailand delivered its first consignment of humanitarian aid to war-torn Myanmar on Monday, which officials hope will be a continued effort to alleviate the condition of millions of people uprooted by the conflict.

However, critics argue that the relief will only help those in areas controlled by the Myanmar military, giving them a propaganda boost while leaving the great majority of displaced people in contested areas without access to assistance.

Myanmar is embroiled in a national armed conflict that began in February 2021, when the army deposed Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected administration and crushed huge nonviolent protesters demanding a return to democracy. The conflict has uprooted millions of people and devastated the economy.

Thailand Sends Aid To War-Torn Myanmar, But Critics Say It Will Only Help Junta

Thailand transported 10 trucks from the northern province of Tak across the border, delivering roughly 4,000 bundles of aid to three towns in Kayin State, also known as Karen State. The aid will be handed to approximately 20,000 displaced persons.

The shipments contained:

  • Help is valued at approximately 5 million baht ($138,000).
  • Primarily food.
  • Quick beverages.
  • Other necessities such as toiletries.

According to UN agencies, more than 2.8 million people in Myanmar have been displaced, the majority of them as a result of conflict that erupted following the army’s takeover. They claim 18.6 million people, including 6 million children, require humanitarian assistance.

Carl Skau, Chief Operating Officer of the United Nations World Food Programme, stated earlier this month that one out of every four displaced people faces extreme food insecurity.

The Thai Red Cross is leading the initiative for what has been dubbed a humanitarian corridor, with funds from Thailand’s Foreign Ministry and logistical help from the army, which has traditionally played a significant part in border activities.

Thailand and Myanmar’s Kayin State officials attended a send-off ceremony by Vice Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The Red Cross of Myanmar will coordinate the humanitarian delivery.

Drivers from Myanmar drove the trucks across the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, which spans the Moei River on the border.

“That corridor puts humanitarian aid in the hands of the junta because it goes into the hands of the junta-controlled Myanmar Red Cross,” Tom Andrews, the United Nations independent human rights specialist on Myanmar, said last week.

“So we know that the junta weaponizes these resources, including humanitarian aid, and uses them to their military strategic advantage. The truth is that the junta is to blame for the dire need for humanitarian relief.”

thailand

Thailand Sends Aid To War-Torn Myanmar, But Critics Say It Will Only Help Junta

Andrews stated that the places in severe need are “conflict zones in which the junta has no influence or control whatsoever.” So they are the topics we should concentrate on.”

Large regions of the country, particularly along the border, are now contested or held by anti-military resistance forces, including pro-democracy fighters associated with armed ethnic minority organizations that have been fighting for greater autonomy over decades.

According to Thai officials, the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management will monitor the distribution process to ensure its fairness and equality.

Following the event, Vice Foreign Minister Sihasak stated that the relief is likely to be delivered to the three towns on the same day, and Myanmar will provide images to confirm delivery.

“I’d like to highlight that this humanitarian help is unrelated to Myanmar’s politics or hostilities. “I believe that people should prioritize the interests of the Myanmar people,” he remarked. “Of course, if the initiative today is carried out smoothly and meets the objectives that we set, Thailand as a neighbor will see how we can expand the help to other areas.”

Thailand began the humanitarian corridor project in January, with cooperation from Myanmar and other ASEAN states, at an ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat in Laos.

Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara stated that ASEAN must vigorously seek to execute what it refers to as the Five-Points Consensus, which was reached just a few months after the army took over in 2021.

The accord called for an immediate cessation of violence, talks among all relevant parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, humanitarian relief through ASEAN channels, and the special envoy’s visit to Myanmar to meet with all concerned parties.

thailand

Thailand Sends Aid To War-Torn Myanmar, But Critics Say It Will Only Help Junta

However, although originally agreeing to the consensus, Myanmar’s generals failed to act on it, leaving ASEAN appearing weak.

Dulyapak Preecharush, a Southeast Asia Studies professor at Bangkok’s Thammasat University, said the aid project is a good start for Thailand, which has been “quiet and inactive” about Myanmar.

“The readiness of Thailand to deliver the aid is not an issue, but when the aid is delivered to Myanmar, it will face obstacles from violent fighting and different stakeholders who will have their gains and losses.”

Sihasak stated that Thailand expects the aid to be given equitably and honestly and that its distribution will contribute to the peace process in Myanmar by creating a “good atmosphere” for the country.

SOURCE – (AP)

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The UN Security Council Is Scheduled To Vote On A Resolution Seeking A Ramadan Cease-Fire.

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United Nations: The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution calling for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, but the U.S. has cautioned that the measure could jeopardize talks to end Israeli-Hamas hostilities.

Russia and China, which vetoed a US-sponsored resolution Friday calling for “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, support the resolution that the ten elected council members have proposed.

The 22-nation Arab Group at the United Nations issued a statement Friday night calling on all 15 council members “to act with unity and urgency” and vote for the resolution “to halt the bloodshed, preserve human lives, and avert further human suffering and destruction.”

The Arab Group declared, “It is long past time for a cease-fire.” Ramadan begins on March 10 and ends on April 9.

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The UN Security Council Is Set To Vote On A Resolution Demanding A Ramadan Cease-Fire

The council is scheduled to vote on the motion on Monday morning. According to a United Nations ambassador, the vote was originally slated for Saturday morning but was postponed early Saturday.

Many members are hoping that the United Nations’ most powerful body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security, will demand an end to the war that began on October 7 when Gaza’s Hamas rulers launched a surprise attack into southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and kidnapping 250 more.

Since then, the Security Council has passed two resolutions on Gaza’s deteriorating humanitarian situation, but neither has called for a cease-fire.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the conflict has killed over 32,000 Palestinians. It makes no distinction between civilians and fighters in its tally but claims women and children account for two-thirds of the dead.

Gaza is also facing a terrible humanitarian situation, with an international hunger agency warning this week that “famine is imminent” in northern Gaza and that an escalation of the war might push half of the territory’s 2.3 million residents to the edge of starving.

The brief resolution for a vote on Monday calls for an emergency humanitarian cease-fire during Ramadan, “leading to a permanent sustainable cease-fire.” It also calls for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” and underscores the critical need to safeguard people and supply humanitarian supplies throughout the Gaza Strip.

Following Friday’s vote, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council that the resolution’s current phrasing “fails to support sensitive diplomacy in the region.” Worse, it may provide Hamas with a reason to withdraw from the current agreement.”

“We should not move forward with any resolution that jeopardizes the ongoing negotiations” being carried out by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, she said, adding that if diplomacy is not backed, “we may once again find this council deadlocked.”

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The UN Security Council Is Set To Vote On A Resolution Demanding A Ramadan Cease-Fire

“I sincerely hope that does not happen,” Thomas-Greenfield remarked.

The U.S. has blocked three resolutions calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, the most recent being an Arab-backed move. In a vote on February 20, 13 members backed the proposition, with one abstention.

In late October, Russia and China blocked a US-sponsored resolution calling for pauses in fighting to deliver relief, civilian protection, and an end to Hamas’ arming. They stated that it did not represent global calls for a cease-fire.

They blocked the U.S. resolution again on Friday, calling it unclear and not the direct demand to cease the fighting many worldwide want.

A crucial concern was the odd language that stated that the Security Council “determines the imperative of an immediate and sustained cease-fire.” The language was not a simple “demand” or “call” to end hostilities.

The Security Council vote became another battle between world powers embroiled in tense issues overseas, with the United States criticized for not being tough enough on its friend Israel, even as tensions between the two countries escalated.

Before the voting, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia stated that Moscow supports an immediate cease-fire, but he questioned the watered language, which he described as philosophical phrasing unfit for a U.N. resolution.

He accused U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of “deliberately misleading the international community” in their support for a cease-fire.

“This was some kind of empty rhetorical exercise,” Nebenzia explained. “The American product is highly politicized, with the express objective of appealing to voters by mentioning a cease-fire in Gaza… and to maintain Israel’s impunity, while its draft crimes are not even being investigated.”

Zhang Jun, China’s U.N. ambassador, stated that the U.S. plan established preconditions and fell far short of the expectations of council members and the world community.

“If the U.S. was serious about a cease-fire, it wouldn’t have vetoed multiple council resolutions repeatedly,” he told reporters. It wouldn’t have taken such a detour and played a game of words while being ambiguous and evasive on critical issues.”

The council’s 15 members voted 11 in favor and three against ramadan cease fire, including Algeria, the Arab representative. There was one abstention from Guyana.

Following the vote, Thomas-Greenfield accused Russia and China of vetoing the resolution for “deeply cynical reasons,” claiming they couldn’t bring themselves to denounce Hamas’ terrorist strikes in southern Israel on October 7, as the resolution would have done for the first time.

ramadan

The UN Security Council Is Set To Vote On A Resolution Demanding A Ramadan Cease-Fire

Another “petty” reason, as she put it, is that “Russia and China simply did not want to vote for a resolution that was penned by the United States, because it would rather see us fail than to see this council succeed.” She accused Russia of once again placing “politics over progress” and having “the audacity and hypocrisy to throw stones” after conducting an unjustified invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The resolution does indicate a shift by the United States, which has found itself at odds with much of the world, including Israel’s friends, as they urge for an end to war.

In prior resolutions, the United States has tightly tied calls for a cease-fire to demands for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Using ambiguous language, this resolution continued to link the two issues, although not as tightly.

SOURCE – (AP)

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