China operates third aircraft carrier, Russia continues to detain female American journalist, EU establishes cyber force

Russia destroyed a Ukrainian drone, Indonesia increased its defense budget, the EU wanted to establish a cyber force, the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China visited Laos, Cambodia... are some of the outstanding international events in the past 24 hours.

China has begun docking trials for its third domestically built aircraft carrier. (Source: SCMP)

The World & Vietnam Newspaper highlights some of the day's international news highlights.

Asia- Pacific

*China's third aircraft carrier begins operations: On November 30, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said that China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, is undergoing docking trials. "We will push for steady development according to plan," Wu Qian said.

China launched its third aircraft carrier in June 2022. The aircraft carrier, named after Fujian province in eastern China, was designed and built entirely by China.

China's first aircraft carrier is the Liaoning Type 001 and the second is the Shandong. China is currently building a fourth aircraft carrier, expected to enter service in the mid-2030s. (SCMP)

*South Korea to launch first military spy satellite by SpaceX: South Korea's defense ministry announced that the country will launch its first military spy satellite by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the morning of December 2, stepping up the space race in the Korean peninsula after Pyongyang launched its first military satellite into orbit last month.

Speaking to reporters on December 1, a South Korean Defense Ministry official said that the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the country's spy satellite will be launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California, USA at 3:19 a.m. on December 2, Seoul time.

South Korea plans to launch four more spy satellites by the end of 2025 with the aim of enhancing its surveillance capabilities against North Korea. (AFP)

*Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission visits Cambodia and Laos: China's Ministry of National Defense announced on December 1 that Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission He Weidong will visit Cambodia and Laos in the first half of December.

According to China's Defense Ministry, the visit is aimed at strengthening "friendly communication" between the Chinese military and the two Southeast Asian countries. (Reuters)

*US, Australia impose additional sanctions on North Korea: According to a press release from the Australian Foreign Minister's Office, Canberra condemned North Korea's satellite launch on November 21, considering it a reckless act that seriously undermines security and stability in the region. The use of ballistic missile technology violates United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Australia on December 1 imposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on seven more individuals and one entity linked to North Korea's weapons of mass destruction or missile programs and satellite launches.

These sanctions are issued in coordination with new designations announced by the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea. Together with our partners, Australia calls on North Korea to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Earlier, on November 30, the US Treasury Department announced that the country had imposed additional sanctions on the North Korea-linked hacker group KIMSUKY and eight other individuals. (Yonhap)

*Indonesia increases defense budget by 20%: Indonesian President Joko Widodo has just approved the 2024 defense budget with a 20% increase, from 20.75 billion USD to 25 billion USD, to upgrade equipment and respond to geopolitical developments.

In recent times, Indonesia has promoted a series of military equipment purchases, including 42 Dassault Rafale fighter jets worth a total of 8.1 billion USD, 12 new drones worth 300 million USD from Turkish Aerospace Company and 12 used Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets worth a total of 800 million USD.

In addition, in August, Indonesia also signed an agreement to purchase 24 transport helicopters from US arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin for an undisclosed total value. (Straits Times)

Middle East – Africa

*Israel and Hamas agree to extend ceasefire: On December 1, the Wall Street Journal reported that Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas agreed to extend a temporary ceasefire for an eighth day, which will include the release of more Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Neither Israel nor Hamas has commented on the information.

Earlier, on November 30, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for an extension of the ceasefire that has halted fighting between Hamas and Israel in Gaza for the past 7 days. Speaking after a visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank, Secretary of State Blinken emphasized: "We want to see this process continue to progress. We want to have an 8th day and beyond."

However, also on December 1, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused the Hamas Islamist movement of violating the ceasefire and continuing to launch rockets into the territory of the Jewish state. (AFP)

*Turkey kills Kurdish leader in northern Iraq: On November 30, Anadolu Agency reported that Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) killed a senior member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in a cross-border operation in northern Iraq.

According to Anadolu, the killed PKK member, Mehmet Akin, was allegedly plotting attacks on Turkish forces' bases in northern Iraq. Akin was trained by the PKK to carry out sabotage attacks in the Avasin region of northern Iraq and participated in attacks against Turkish forces in the area of ​​"Operation Claw-Lock".

In April 2022, Turkey launched Operation Claw-Lock against the PKK in northern Iraq near the Turkish border. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union (EU), has waged an insurgency against the Turkish government for more than three decades. (Reuters)

*Taliban 'protests' over not being invited to COP28 conference in UAE: On November 30, the Taliban government in Afghanistan condemned the fact that their representatives were not invited to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) opening on December 1 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Despite “comprehensive efforts” to address climate change issues in the country, Afghan delegates have not yet received an invitation due to “political factors,” a statement from Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) said.

According to NEPA, “despite Afghanistan’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions… it remains one of the countries most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.” The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan more than two years ago, but no country has officially recognized the Taliban government. (Express Tribune)

Europe

*Russia destroys Ukrainian unmanned ship: The Russian Defense Ministry announced on December 1 that the country's Navy destroyed a Ukrainian unmanned naval ship heading towards the Crimean peninsula.

The ministry's statement confirmed: "At around 8:00 a.m. (Moscow time), a Ukrainian naval drone was detected in the western part of the Black Sea and was moving towards Crimea. The target was destroyed." Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Meanwhile, the same day, the Ukrainian Air Force said its military shot down 18 out of 25 drones deployed from Russia last night. (Reuters)

*EU wants to establish a cyber force: At the annual conference of the European Defense Agency (EDA) held in Brussels, Belgium, on November 30, President of the European Council, Charles Michel, presented the European Cyber ​​Force project and declared that this would be "a fundamental element" in European defense.

European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen also emphasized that cyber warfare has become part of the European Union (EU)'s mission, not just that of its member states, within the framework of the Union's defense restructuring.

In April, the EU announced new plans to defend itself against cyberattacks, leaving some of the defense to private companies. While the plans focus on prevention and response, the “offensive” capabilities proposed by Council President Charles Michel suggest the Union could consider targeted operations in cyberspace. (DW)

*Estonia warns citizens to avoid travel to Russia, may close borders: Estonia has warned its citizens to avoid “any travel” to Russia and may temporarily close its border with Russia due to concerns over the influx of migrants from November 30.

A former Soviet republic and now a staunch supporter of Ukraine, Estonia shares a 333-km border with Russia with six operational border checkpoints.

Earlier this week, Finland also announced it was closing all border crossings with Russia due to a surge in undocumented migrants. (AP)

*Russia extends detention of American journalist: On December 1, a Russian court extended the pre-trial detention of Russian-American Alsu Kurmasheva - who was detained for failing to register as a "foreign agent" - until February 5, 2024.

Alsu Kurmasheva is a journalist for the Prague-based Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which is funded by the US Congress and designated by Russia as a foreign agent, meaning it receives foreign funding for activities deemed political. RFE/RL stated: “A court in Kazan has extended the detention of Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until February 5, 2024.”

Ms. Kurmasheva is the second American journalist to be arrested and charged in Russia since Moscow began its special operation in Ukraine, sending relations between Moscow and Washington to their lowest point in more than 60 years.

After Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested in March on espionage charges — charges Gershkovich has vehemently denied — nearly all other American journalists left Russia. Washington has repeatedly called on other Americans to leave Russia. (AFP)

America

*Brazil to join OPEC+ next year: On December 1, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) announced that Brazil will join the alliance between the bloc and its partners, also known as OPEC+, in early 2024.

In a statement, OPEC said Brazilian Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira de Oliveira participated in the 36th OPEC+ ministerial meeting held online.

OPEC hopes that Brazil's entry into OPEC+ will help strengthen the bloc's influence and position in the world oil market. Brazil is currently the largest oil producer in South America and among the world's top 10 crude oil producers. (VNA)

*Canada to buy 16 US P-8A Poseidon aircraft: CBC News reported that the Canadian government has finalized a deal to buy 16 US Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft at an estimated cost of CAD 10.4 billion.

Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair said the P-8A Poseidon is the only aircraft “available and proven to meet all operational requirements” for the Canadian Air Force. All of Canada’s Five Eyes allies operate the aircraft.

Responding to the announcement, Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier said it was disappointed with the Canadian government's decision. It joined other companies and the premiers of Ontario and Quebec in calling for an open competition for the contract. (Reuters)

*Armed attack in Mexico leaves many police officers dead and injured: On December 1, unidentified gunmen attacked a security patrol convoy in Zacatecas state, Mexico, killing the police director and an officer and injuring many others.

Gunmen ambushed the convoy as it traveled along a main road in the city of Fresnillo, killing the city’s police chief and a security officer and wounding several police officers, local authorities said. A nearby resident was also killed by a stray bullet.

Authorities arrived at the scene shortly after, taking the injured to the nearest medical facility and urgently investigating the incident. There is currently no information about the identity of the attackers. (AFP)

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