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News From Around the World
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New military drills in Taiwan, insurgency in New Caledonia, and the death of the Iranian president and foreign minister...


China and Taiwan
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China has initiated two days of extensive military exercises around Taiwan as a "punishment" for what it deems "separatist acts." This move comes shortly after Taiwan inaugurated its new democratically elected leader, Lai Ching-te, who has urged Beijing to stop its intimidation tactics. The drills, involving dozens of Chinese fighter jets with live ammunition and various naval vessels, simulated attacks on "high-value military targets" and are seen as a significant test for Lai in managing the fraught relations with China.

 

Starting early on Thursday, the exercises encircle Taiwan and involve joint operations by the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. The drills cover the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan, as well as near Taiwan's outlying islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin. This marks an assertive demonstration of China's claim over Taiwan, which it considers a part of its territory despite never having governed it, and its vow to reclaim the island by force if necessary.

 

Despite the military maneuvers, daily life in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, proceeded normally, reflecting the population's accustomed response to such threats. Local news covered the drills but also focused on domestic political issues and routine matters like tax filings. Taiwan's main stock index, the TAIEX, even saw a slight increase, indicating a level of resilience and normalcy amid the ongoing tensions.


###Insurgence in New Caledonia

One of France's remaining colonies in the Pacific, New Caledonia, has seen mass rebellion from the native Kanak people, who amount to about 40% of the population. 


The rebellion comes a response to a new law which would give more voting rights to French immigrants to New Caledonia, a move which the native population fiercely opposes. France has held New Caledonia since the 19th century, and has seen many uprisings and protests in favor of independence from French rule by the Kanaks in the past century. 


Death of the Iranian President
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Tens of thousands of Iranians attended the funeral of President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran after he died in a helicopter crash on a foggy mountain on Sunday. The crash also claimed the lives of seven others, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, led the prayers and consoled Raisi’s grandchildren, urging the nation to remember Raisi as a devoted servant, despite his controversial past involving the execution of political prisoners. The presidential elections have been scheduled for June 29, amidst the political uncertainty following Raisi’s death.

 

Speculation about the helicopter crash's cause persists, with conflicting accounts suggesting sudden weather changes or possible technical issues. Despite attempts to locate the crash site using Turkish night-vision drones, the wreckage was ultimately found by an Iranian ground rescue team. The acting foreign minister, Ali Bagheri, has stepped in, and one of his key tasks will be to negotiate with the UN nuclear inspectorate for increased access to Iran’s nuclear sites. The funeral's turnout appeared smaller compared to the 2020 procession for General Qassem Soleimani, with many citizens opting for a holiday. Meanwhile, Saeed Jalili is emerging as a strong candidate for the upcoming presidential election.


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