Kremlin does not rule out Putin-Trump meeting in China in September
Putin is due to visit China in early September for celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
'If it so happens that in the end the US president decides to visit China during those days, then of course such a meeting cannot in theory be excluded,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters including AFP at a briefing. — AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
40 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Farah Nini Dusuki named chief children commissioner, three new Suhakam appointments confirmed
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has welcomed the designation of Farah Nini Dusuki as Chief Children Commissioner until the end of her term as Human Rights Commissioner on March 8, 2026. In a statement today, Suhakam also welcomed the appointments of three new Human Rights Commissioners — Mohd Al Adib Samuri, Zufar Yadi Brendan Abdullah and Melissa Mohd Akhir — effective June 28 this year. Mohd Al Adib and Zufar Yadi have also been designated as Children Commissioners. All appointments and designations were made by Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister under Sections 5 and 6A of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597), reflecting the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the protection and promotion of children's rights in Malaysia. 'Suhakam is confident that the experience, expertise, and unwavering dedication of the new Commissioners will enhance the Commission's efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of all children, including those who are undocumented and in conflict with the law,' the statement read. Farah Nini, appointed as Suhakam Commissioner on March 8, 2023, is a respected academician at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, with over 32 years of experience in child rights and human rights. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in child law from Cardiff University and has worked extensively with government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in legal reforms, complaint mechanisms and public advocacy on critical children's issues. According to the statement, Mohd Al Adib, a scholar at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, focuses on child rights within the Islamic legal framework, working with ministries, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and civil society on issues such as child marriage and refugee children. Zufar Yadi, with nearly four decades of experience, is active in social development and child-focused volunteer initiatives in Sarawak. Melissa Mohd Akhir, a child rights expert with regional experience, previously served as a Deputy Public Prosecutor and was involved in drafting child protection laws. She now focuses on access to justice and advocacy work. Suhakam said it looks forward to working collaboratively to build an inclusive and child-centred Malaysia, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Child Act 2001 and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child in the country is protected, heard and allowed to thrive. 'Suhakam hopes that these appointments and designations will support and enhance institutional responses to key child rights issues, particularly in ensuring access to quality education, robust child protection mechanisms, and a just and rehabilitative juvenile justice system,' it said. — Bernama
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia gains global recognition for Asean diplomacy, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's success in uniting Asean and promoting peace in the region has earned it international respect, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said Malaysia's name is now held in high regard globally, especially due to its efforts in bringing Thailand and Cambodia to the negotiating table, leading to a ceasefire agreement. 'Malaysia's name is honoured around the world. 'People are now talking about Malaysia's success in uniting Asean and achieving peace and progress for all,' he said in his speech at the National Felda Settlers' Day Celebration and Rural Entrepreneurs' Carnival here on Saturday (Aug 2). 'Almost every day, we are still in contact. Just last night, I was speaking with several prime ministers, including Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia. 'I asked about the situation, and he said, 'Thank you very much Prime Minister, no more fighting,' but he asked for our help,' he added. Anwar said that Thai and Cambodian defence ministers are expected to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (Aug 4) to hold detailed discussions on peace efforts. He stressed that Malaysia's ability to play such a role is due to the country's stability and credibility. 'This is our capability. If this country were in chaos, with daily disputes and demands, who would come?' Anwar also revealed that United States President Donald Trump commended Malaysia's role in facilitating peace between the two Asean nations. 'With the United States, one of the first things President Donald Trump mentioned was, 'Prime Minister Anwar, fantastic work.' 'That was because of our success in bringing Thailand and Cambodia together to resolve and achieve a ceasefire and peace – something that is hard to achieve elsewhere.' Anwar added that he was proud as a Malaysian to see the country trusted by international partners. 'I am proud as a child of Malaysia because Malaysia is trusted by our friends.' He also reiterated Malaysia's firm stand on the rights of Palestinians and its consistent advocacy for justice and human rights on the global stage. 'Malaysia is among the most resolute countries in defending the territorial rights of Palestine and the struggle of its people. 'I am able to do this because we are united, because we understand the stance of our people who love peace and despise cruelty, murder, and colonisation. 'That is why we raise these issues in front of the President of the United States, in front of the Chancellor of Germany. 'At every forum, we continue to bring forward the issue of human rights and justice for all,' the Prime Minister added. He said Malaysia is only able to do this because of its internal strength. 'Why are we able to do this? Because this country is peaceful. Because this country and its government are strong. We must always be alert to attempts to weaken it. 'This country must remain united and strong to defend the dignity of its people,' he said.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Behind Trump's South Korea deal, a plan to transform global shipbuilding
South Korea has pledged US$150 billion to help its shipbuilders enter the US market as part of its new trade deal with Washington, a move that could help America revive its shipbuilding industry and counter China's dominance in the sector. US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States and South Korea had agreed a 'full and complete' trade deal, which would see the US impose a 15 per cent tariff on South Korean goods and receive US$350 billion of investment from its Asian ally. Shortly after, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that US$150 billion of the promised investment would be dedicated to shipbuilding – an industry where South Korean firms are second only to China in global market share. The capital would provide 'solid support' for South Korean companies entering the US shipbuilding industry, Lee wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday. The wider US$350 billion investment package was intended to solidify bilateral cooperation in strategic industries, including semiconductors, he added. Seoul clarified in a media briefing on Thursday morning that the promised funds would not come in the form of direct equity investments, but 'will primarily consist of loans and guarantees'. Earlier this week, local media outlets in South Korea reported that Seoul had proposed a multibillion-dollar project to Washington named 'Make American Shipbuilding Great Again' during their trade negotiations, which would involve large-scale investments in the US by Korean shipbuilders and government financial support measures. State-run entities like the Export-Import Bank of Korea and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation were being considered for involvement in the scheme, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported on Monday. South Korea's shipbuilding industry is regarded as being uniquely positioned to assist Washington's ambition of reviving American shipbuilding and restraining China's dominance in the sector. Earlier this year, Washington announced plans to begin charging steep port fees targeting China-built or operated vessels from October. The policy appears to already be benefiting South Korea's shipbuilders as companies become nervous about placing new orders with Chinese shipyards. In the first half of 2025, South Korea's share of new vessel orders rose to 25.1 per cent in vessel gross tonnage terms, compared with 15 per cent last year. China's share, meanwhile, slipped to 51.8 per cent from 70 per cent, according to a report released by the Export-Import Bank of Korea on Monday. The report said South Korea's recovery in market share had largely been driven by US-China tensions, but added that the benefits may not last long, as US actions against China were likely to push up freight rates and logistics costs on US routes. However, analysts expressed scepticism about the feasibility of Seoul's investment pledge and cautioned that rebuilding America's shipbuilding capacity would likely be a long and challenging process. 'It is not the foreign country investing in the US. It is individual companies doing it, and the government cannot dictate what they will do,' said Lars Jensen, founder of the maritime consultancy Vespucci Maritime. He added that it was easy to announce a large investment figure over an unspecified time period, but that the actual implementation would be a different matter. Wu Jialu, a chief analyst of industrial research at Citic Futures, said the US$150 billion investment may prompt South Korean shipbuilders to build or acquire shipyards in the US, providing talent and technological support. South Korean firms could help improve the competitiveness of the US shipbuilding industry, particularly in the construction of high-value-added vessels, but reviving the whole industry would still be a protracted process due to supply chain and capacity limitations, she said. The full impact of the US port fees has yet to become clear, and future market trends would also depend on fleet renewal and upgrading demand, Wu added. Hanwha Ocean, one of South Korea's top shipbuilders, made a major investment in December to acquire Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, which is currently the only US shipyard that is operated by a South Korean company. In late July, Hanwha Ocean's US subsidiary placed an order for a liquefied natural gas carrier at the Philly Shipyard, the first LNG carrier for export to be built in the US in nearly five decades. However, a significant portion of the construction will be carried out at Hanwha Ocean's Geoje shipyard in South Korea, while the Philly Shipyard will be responsible for US regulatory compliance and safety certifications, Hanwha said, noting it was 'laying the foundation for a collaborative production framework'. Japan also finalised a deal with the US in July that will see the creation of a US$550 billion fund to invest in a range of projects, including the construction and modernisation of US-based shipyards. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
