A total of 2,517 arrests were made globally during the week of Operation Liberterra II. Photo courtesy: Interpol
The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has worked together with the Singapore Police Force and other law enforcement agencies in various nations, such as India and China, in order to bust a global racket in human trafficking that also doubled as a cybercrime operation.
Thousands of trafficked victims, who were being held captive and forced to work at scam call centres, have been rescued in the joint operations.
A report by The Straits Times today said that this “global operation by Interpol uncovered dozens of cases”. The publication quoted Interpol as saying that these scams — trafficked victims, who were already cheated, being forced to cheat even more people — marked “a shift from traditional trafficking patterns”.
ST reported that Interpol and its law enforcement partners “rescued 3,222 potential human-trafficking victims following its largest operation, called Operation Liberterra II, against people smuggling from Sept 29 to Oct 4”.
Globally, nearly 8 million checks were carried out against Interpol’s databases. Photo courtesy: Interpol
An Interpol media release dated November 6 said: “Authorities around the world conducted police raids, reinforced strategic border points, monitored nearly 24,000 flights and deployed officers to known trafficking and smuggling hotspots. Globally, nearly 8 million checks were carried out against Interpol’s databases. A total of 2,517 arrests were made during the week — 850 of which were specifically on human trafficking or migrant smuggling charges.”
Interpol’s largest-ever operation against human trafficking and people smuggling took place from 29 September to 4 October 2024. Photo courtesy: Interpol
Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are increasingly linked to other forms of crime, often using the same criminal networks and routes. This overlap amplifies profits and power for organised crime groups, making enforcement more complex. The need for a whole-of-crime approach was evident throughout the operation week.
Interpol media release
The need for a whole-of-crime approach against scammers was evident throughout the Interpol operation. Photo courtesy: Interpol
The global agency said: “Targeting online scam centres using human trafficking victims has been an operational priority since Interpol issued an Orange Notice warning its membership of this growing and globalizing trend. In many of these cases, victims are lured with false promises of employment and are kept [at the scam centres] through intimidation and abuse.”
Officers in the Philippines raided a warehouse where more than 250 people were running online scams. Photo courtesy: Interpol
It added: “In the Philippines, for example, officers raided a warehouse where more than 250 people, mostly Chinese nationals, were running romance scams on an industrial scale. Officers are now combing through seized devices and carrying out interviews to separate the potential victims of trafficking from members of the criminal enterprise.”
Anamika Rana, the Indian woman, on November 13, posted a video on Instagram, where she narrated her ordeal featuring her maid.
“So I just caught my maid on the camera. She was literally like slouching like this,” Anamika shared, complete with actions of her slouching.
“… and kind of like chilling on her phone or something on the sofa.”
“I know lot of you all might think that so what big deal?” she narrated, continuing, “See, I am a millennial and perhaps my maid is a Gen Z, and we both are from different generations.”
A millennial is a person born between 1981 and 1996 or someone who is in their late 20s. A Gen Z person is an individual born between 1997 and 2012.
“And also, I’m not very pro at maid handling,” Anamika said. She shared that her domestic help is a “fairly new hire” and “that’s perhaps is the main issue”, because Anamika isn’t exactly sure “what is a boundary to be set and what is an overreaction”.
“But this one seems to be very okay sitting on the sofa and on the bed sometimes,” she shared.
Anamika stated that she’s not sure how to react because her maid is “good at her work” and “she’s also fairly a new hire”.
She stated that she doesn’t want to mess this up and asked for opinions from other users.
This left the comment section divided. While some voiced solidarity, others were quick to call her out.
“Why can’t she sit on the sofa?” asked one Instagram user.
Another questioned: “Why would you have issues with her sitting on the bed lol.”
A third user commented: “What’s the problem with chilling on the sofa? Where else would she sit?”
“Well when she isn’t working why can’t she be checking her phone sat on your sofa? She can’t be expected to work all hours. She isn’t a slave, but a maid who is also human. If you don’t know your own boundaries then your not fit to set boundaries for others,” a fourth comment read.
But Anamika also received suggestions from several users, who responded to her call to action.
“Now a days if we are too simple and give full freedom in any matter. Later they will be comfortable in all issues and poke nose in personal issues. Give her a place and ask to use that place only. Controll is required with maids. So it’s better to tell her and explain her boundry without any hesitation. Can betold in such a way it wont hurt her,” a user wrote.
A second suggestion read: “There’s nothing wrong with how you’re feeling. Many people trying to justify the maid are also the ones who get uncomfortable when their own maid sits and chill on sofa. What you can do is politely offer her a chair and say she can rest on it between work. Even after doing this if you find her siting on bed you can ask her why she is not using the chair you had given.”
A third said: “Before she sits on your head, let her know to get off your bed! 😂”
The video has already garnered over 5,200 likes and has been viewed over 862,000 times.
India, Tanzania officials discuss ways to further expand bilateral cooperation. Photo Courtesy: Ministry of Defence X page
The third edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and Tanzania took place in Goa on November 26 when the officials discussed a wide range of areas where the two countries could cooperate.
“During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of areas of cooperation, including growing training partnership and service-to-service, maritime & defence industry collaboration,” read a statement issued by the Indian government.
The officials also reviewed the progress on decisions taken during the previous JDCCs, and explored new areas to further expand bilateral defence cooperation.
The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, included senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces.
The High Commissioner of India to Tanzania Bishwadip Dey also attended the meeting.
The Tanzanian delegation was led by Land Forces Commander Maj Gen Fadhil Omary Nondo.
As part of the tour, the Tanzanian delegation will visit Goa Shipyard Ltd to get first-hand experience of India’s capabilities in port development and shipbuilding.
The delegation is also scheduled to visit INS Hansa and National Institute of Hydrography in Goa.
India shares close, warm and friendly relations with Tanzania which are bolstered by robust capacity building & avenues for developing partnership. The two countries have a five-year roadmap to guide defence cooperation.
Israeli cabinet to vote on Lebanon ceasefire deal. Photo Courtesy: Benjamin Netanyahu X page
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to convene a high-level security cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to approve a 60-day ceasefire deal with Lebanon’s Hezbollah group.
“We don’t know how long it will last,” an Israeli official told The Times of Israel.
“It could be a month, it could be a year,” the official said.
Israel is engaged in a two-way battle against Hamas and Hezbollah.
The conflict escalated after Hamas group members attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu signalled his potential approval for the emerging ceasefire with Hezbollah during a security consultation with Israeli officials Sunday night, a source told CNN.
Sources familiar with the negotiations told the American news channel earlier that talks appear to be moving positively toward an agreement, but acknowledged that as Israel and Hezbollah continue to trade fire, one misstep could upend the talks.
According to a Reuters news report, US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron might announce a ceasefire deal in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.
Speaking on the deal, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby on Monday said during a press briefing: ” We believe we’re close. The conversations that Amos had were very positive.”
“And as I said earlier, we believe the trajectory is going in the right direction here to potentially getting this ceasefire done. But it’s not done,” he said.
“And the last thing that I’m going to do publicly is speak about the details of it and what components are in there so that I don’t in any way sabotage the efforts to actually complete it,” Kirby said.
Meanwhile, the United Nations remains concerned by the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon between Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Force (IDF), as well as the widespread destruction and death across the Blue Line, the Secretary-General’s Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said on Monday.
The UN Interim Force Lebanon (UNIFIL) is also seriously concerned by numerous strikes on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) despite their declared non-involvement in the hostilities, he added.
The LAF have reported that at least 45 soldiers have been killed in recent attacks.
In today’s challenging economic climate, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find themselves at a crossroads when seeking financing. Traditional banks, bogged down by regulations and rigid lending criteria, frequently fail to meet the needs of these businesses.
Enter Skyecap, a Sydney-based fintech company founded in 2018 by Andrew Spira. With its private lending model, Skyecap is addressing the funding gap for SMEs but also redefining how businesses access capital. In charge of this transformation is Spira, an emerging leader in fintech whose vision and drive are making noise in Australia’s financial sector. The Role of Private Lending in Empowering SMEs
Private lending has become a lifeline for SMEs, especially as traditional banks scale back their support for smaller businesses. Unlike conventional lenders, private credit providers offer speed, flexibility, and tailored solutions that align with the unique needs of SMEs. This approach has fueled the growth of private credit globally, with assets under management expected to exceed $2.7 trillion by 2026.
Skyecap exemplifies the benefits of private lending through its tech-driven model. Using its proprietary algorithm, SkyeAI, the company can assess loan applications in minutes and disburse funds within hours—an unmatched turnaround time compared to traditional banks. This speed is crucial for SMEs that need quick access to capital for opportunities like inventory purchases or managing cash flow during challenging periods.
Moreover, Skyecap’s unsecured loans eliminate the need for collateral, providing a much-needed alternative for businesses without traditional assets. This flexibility has resonated strongly with Australian SMEs, which account for 99.8% of all businesses in the country and employ 68% of the workforce. In fact, over 60% of Skyecap’s clients had previously been turned away by traditional lenders—proof of the company’s ability to unlock potential where others see risk.
A Visionary Leader in Fintech
Spira’s journey to becoming a fintech trendsetter is inspiring. Starting his career in private lending at just 17 years old, Spira quickly identified inefficiencies in traditional financing models. By 18, he had launched his first business and began building expertise in digital marketing and financial services. His early success laid the foundation for Skyecap, which he founded with a mission to empower SMEs through fresh financial solutions.
Under Spira’s leadership, Skyecap has grown exponentially. In just one year, the company achieved a staggering 500% increase in its client base, onboarding over 75,000 businesses by mid-2024. This rapid growth strengthens Spira’s ability to combine technology with a deep understanding of SME challenges.
But Spira’s vision extends beyond numbers. He sees Skyecap as more than just a lender—it’s a partner in economic growth. “We’re not just offering loans; we’re providing a lifeline to SMEs that form the backbone of our economy,” Spira explains. His commitment to supporting underserved businesses aligns with broader industry trends that predict alternative lenders will capture up to 30% of the SME financing market by 2030.
Spira is also exploring new frontiers for Skyecap, including green energy financing and predictive business intelligence. These initiatives position the company at the intersection of innovation and sustainability, further solidifying its role as a leader in Australia’s private lending sector.
Skyecap’s rise under Spira’s leadership highlights the power of private lending for SMEs. By offering fast, flexible, and accessible financing solutions, the company is filling a critical gap in the market and driving economic growth across Australia. For SMEs struggling to navigate traditional banking systems, Skyecap represents hope and opportunity—a chance to turn challenges into success stories.
Indian government expresses concern over arrest of Hindu monk in Bangladesh. Photo Courtesy: Radharamn Das X page
India on Tuesday reacted to the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in the South Asian country.
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the arrest of the Hindu monk.
“We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” MEA said in a statement.
“There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,” the statement said.
“It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings,” the statement said.
India also expressed concern over the ‘attack’ on minorities who were protesting against the arrest of Das.
Amid reports of continuing persecution of Hindus since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested on Monday over sedition charges at Dhaka airport as he was leaving the country. He was later produced in a court in Chittagong which sent him to prison.
The Bangladesh authorities filed a case on Oct 30 against Brahmachari, who has been vocal over violence against Hindus and other religious minorities.
Besides him, the sedition case charged 18 others for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag over Bangladesh’s national flag at Chittagong’s New Market intersection on October 25.
The Jaipur Literature Festival will be held from 30th January to 3rd February 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur. Screenshot courtesy: Instagram/jaipurlitfest
One of the most-anticipated fixtures on the cultural calendar of India, with a following that spans the continents because of the breadth and depth of participation, the Jaipur Literature Festival returns in 2025 with more than 300 speakers in its 18th edition.
Organisers have released the first list of names for the Jaipur Literature Festival (30th January to 3rd February 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur).
A media release issued by festival curator Teamwork Arts said: “The 2025 edition of the world’s grandest celebration of books and ideas will reinforce the timeless power of our stories to bridge divides, foster empathy, and celebrate our shared human experiences.
“In line with a commitment to sustainability, the 2025 iteration will feature environmentally conscious practices throughout the [Jaipur Literature] Festival. With an engaging lineup of debates, thought-provoking discussions, and unforgettable performances, this year’s programme promises a unique blend of cultural wealth, literary masterpieces, and a focus on a greener future, making it a literary festival like no other.”
The media release said: “This year’s sessions will feature works and discussions in languages including Hindi, Bengali, Rajasthani, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Odiya, Sanskrit, Assamese, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, and Urdu, emphasising the Festival’s commitment to inclusivity and representation of India’s rich literary heritage.”
The JLF 2025 sessions, featuring over 300 speakers, will take place across five venues.
The first list of speakers includes “literary luminaries” such as André Aciman, Anirudh Kanisetti, Anna Funder, Ashwani Kumar, Cauvery Madhavan, Claudia De Rham, David Nicholls, Fiona Carnarvon, Ira Mukhoty, Irenosen Okojie, Jenny Erpenbeck, John Vaillant, Kallol Bhattacherjee, Maithree Wickramasinghe, Manav Kaul, Miriam Margolyes, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Nathan Thrall, Prayaag Akbar, Priyanka Mattoo, Stephen Greenblatt, Tina Brown, V. V. Ganeshananthan, Venki Ramakrishnan, and Yaroslav Trofimov, “promising a series of stimulating and eclectic discussions”, said the release.
Anna Funder/JLFTina Brown/JLFVenki Ramakrishnan/JLF
The Jaipur Literature Festival has always been a vibrant meeting place for stories, ideas, and cultures. As we prepare for our 18th edition, we celebrate literature’s power to inspire, challenge, and unite. [In 2025], we welcome an incredible lineup of authors, poets, and thinkers, who will engage our audiences in unforgettable conversations and foster a shared love for the written word.
Namita Gokhale, author and Jaipur Literature Festival co-director
The Jaipur Literature Festival has always been a celebration of the written word, a confluence of diverse voices, and a testament to the power of stories to inspire and connect. This year, as we gather again in the Pink City, we look forward to welcoming a stellar lineup of writers, thinkers, and dreamers from around the world. It’s a space where ideas spark, cultures converge, and conversations thrive — a true carnival of literature for all.
William Dalrymple, historian, writer and Jaipur Literature Festival co-director
The Jaipur Literature Festival has become a global brand synonymous with culture, creativity, and collaboration. [In 2025], we aim to amplify its impact, not just as a celebration of literature but as a powerful platform for storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide. The festival offers unparalleled opportunities for partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to connect with a diverse and engaged audience, creating meaningful conversations and driving global visibility.
Sanjoy K Roy, MD of Teamwork Arts
Namita Gokhale/JLFWilliam Dalrymple/JLFSanjoy K Roy/JLF
Highlights of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025
● Jaipur BookMark (JBM): Bridging Creativity and Commerce: Celebrating its 11th edition, Jaipur BookMark (JBM) is a B2B networking platform for the literary world. This hub for publishers, authors, literary agents, and industry leaders fosters innovation, collaboration, and new opportunities. As the business arm of the Jaipur Literature Festival, JBM serves as a meeting ground where creative ideas transform into impactful global projects.
● Heritage Evenings and Jaipur Music Stage: Beyond literature, the Festival extends its celebration to arts and culture, with Heritage Evenings set against Jaipur’s historical backdrops, offering attendees a taste of Rajasthan’s rich heritage. The Jaipur Music Stage, running parallel to the Festival, will showcase performances by renowned Indian and international musicians, adding rhythm and vibrancy to the festivities.
● Platform for Global Voices: As the world’s most beloved literary gathering, the Jaipur Literature Festival has earned its place as a democratic, non-aligned platform, championing freedom of expression and inclusivity. Each year, it brings together voices that challenge the status quo, inspire innovation, and celebrate diversity, making it a beacon of intellectual and cultural exchange.
Eating almonds regularly may help recover from exercise by reducing muscle fatigue and soreness, a new study has found. The findings, published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition, could promote greater adherence to physical training, a topic that warrants further investigation in future studies, researchers noted.
Almonds can bring down the time muscles need to recover following a workout. Photo courtesy: Unsplash
The research team, which included scientists from San Diego State University in the US, studied 26 middle-aged adults who exercised one to four hours per week. For eight weeks, participants consumed either 60 grams of whole raw almonds or about 90 grams of unsalted pretzels daily.
After eight weeks, participants underwent a 30-minute downhill treadmill run to induce muscle damage, immediately consuming their daily serving of almonds or pretzels afterward.
The researchers measured perceived muscle soreness, muscle performance (through a muscle contraction test and vertical jump), and blood markers of muscle damage and inflammation, such as C-reactive proteins and creatine kinase.
Representational image. Photo courtesy: Unsplash
Measurements were taken before the treadmill run and at 24, 48, and 72 hours afterward, during which participants continued their daily intake of almonds or pretzels.
During the recovery period — up to 72 hours after the treadmill run — the group consuming almonds showed lower levels of creatine kinase, indicating less muscle damage.
Additionally, the almond group demonstrated better muscle performance at both 24 and 72 hours following the treadmill run.
Pain levels in participants who ate almonds were found to be about 37 percent and 33 percent lower at 24 and 48 hours, respectively, compared to those consuming pretzels.
“This study demonstrates that 2.0 (ounces per day) of almonds modestly reduces pain, better maintains muscle strength, and reduces the (creatine kinase) response to eccentric-based exercise,” the authors wrote.
The results add to the growing body of evidence regarding almonds’ role in post-exercise recovery, they said.
Exercising daily or on the weekends can negate 200 types of diseases. Photo courtesy: Unsplash
“Almonds contain a wide range of nutrients known to support exercise recovery, including protein, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. These nutrients are provided in a whole food package, as opposed to isolated vitamin supplements, which may explain the benefits observed in this study,” said Mark Kern, a professor of exercise and nutritional sciences at San Diego State University.
One ounce (28 grams) of almonds provides 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 13 grams of unsaturated fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, and 15 essential nutrients — including 77 milligrams of magnesium, 210 milligrams of potassium, and 7.27 milligrams of vitamin E.
“More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind how almonds improve exercise recovery. Strategies to improve exercise recovery are important because if you are recovering better, you are likely to be able to train sooner — or harder — for subsequent workouts,” Kern added.
The study’s participants were either of healthy weight or mildly overweight (with a body mass index or BMI between 23-30).
UAE authorities have arrested three people for their involvement in the murder of Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the Gulf nation.
UAE arrests three people over murder of Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Zvi Kogan. Photo Courtesy: Chabad.org X page
The Emirati Interior Ministry did not share details about those arrested in connection to the crime.
The body of the Rabbi was found just days after he went missing.
The ministry would use ‘all legal powers to respond decisively and without leniency to any actions or attempts that threaten societal stability’, reported The Times of Israel.
28-year-old Kogan worked in the UAE for the Orthodox Jewish group Chabad.
According to reports, Kogan will be laid to rest in Israel.
UAE ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba has mourned the death of Zvi Kogan.
The envoy wrote on X, “Today the UAE mourns for Rabbi Zvi Kogan. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and community over his senseless death.”
“Zvi Kogan’s murder was more than a crime in the UAE – it was a crime against the UAE. It was an attack on our homeland, on our values and on our vision,” he said.
He said the UAE welcomes peaceful coexistence.
“We embrace peaceful coexistence. We reject extremism and fanaticism of every kind. We honour Zvi Kogan’s memory by recommitting ourselves to these values,” he said.
The envoy said: “Now, we are more determined than ever to protect and sustain the Emirates as a shining and enduring example of diversity, acceptance and peace.”
Israel calls it antisemitic terror
Israel has described the murder of Zvi Kogan as a “heinous antisemitic terror incident”.
“The state of Israel will use all means at its disposal to bring the criminals responsible for his death to justice,” Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
Israel President Isaac Herzog mourned the death of the Rabbi and wrote on X: ” I mourn with sorrow and outrage the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan.”
I mourn with sorrow and outrage the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan.
This vile antisemitic attack is a reminder of the inhumanity of the enemies of the Jewish people. It will not deter us from continuing to grow flourishing communities in the UAE or anywhere – especially with the help…
“This vile antisemitic attack is a reminder of the inhumanity of the enemies of the Jewish people. It will not deter us from continuing to grow flourishing communities in the UAE or anywhere – especially with the help of the dedicated commitment and work of the Chabad emissaries all over the world,” he said,
He thanked the UAE authorities for their swift action and hoped the country would bring the perpetrators to justice.
US reacts
White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said the USA is working in close coordination with Israel and the UAE over the incident.
“The United States is working in close coordination with Israeli and UAE authorities, and we have offered all appropriate forms of support,” Sean Savett said in a statement.
“We commend the rapid efforts of UAE authorities who now have suspects in custody,” he said.
China appears increasingly uneasy about the growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, according to Kurt Campbell, US Deputy Secretary of State.
Unconfirmed reports claim Kim Jong-un’s troops have been deployed to Russia to fight alongside Vladimir Putin’s forces against Ukraine. File photo by Kremlin.ruKremlin.ru via Wikimedia Commons
Speaking at a seminar, Campbell highlighted Beijing’s discomfort with Pyongyang’s military support for Moscow, including reports of 10,000 North Korean troops being deployed in Russia to assist in the war against Ukraine.
This development has sparked debates among US allies in Asia over China’s stance on North Korea’s actions.
Japanese officials have expressed skepticism about China’s approval of North Korea’s troop deployments, noting that Beijing has largely remained silent on the matter.
Analysts suggest China may be wary of the closer North Korea-Russia relationship, as it could bolster US-led alliances with Japan and South Korea—alliances Beijing views as aimed at countering its influence in the region.
In what some see as a conciliatory gesture, China recently informed Japan of its decision to remove a buoy placed within Japan’s exclusive economic zone near the disputed Senkaku Islands.
While the move is largely symbolic, it may signal Beijing’s attempt to appeal to Japanese factions hesitant to deepen their alignment with the US.
Strategic implications of North Korea-Russia cooperation
Campbell noted that discussions with Chinese officials suggest Beijing might not be fully aware of North Korea’s actions or Russia’s role in encouraging them.
He added that while China has refrained from openly criticizing Russia, it seems alarmed by the potential implications of closer Pyongyang-Moscow ties, including possible actions that could run counter to Chinese interests.
However, opinions vary on the extent of a rift between China and Russia.
Dennis Wilder, a former CIA official specialising in East Asia, described China’s silence on the issue as “staggering,” highlighting the absence of any acknowledgment in Chinese state media regarding North Korea’s military involvement in Ukraine.
He warned that Russia’s potential provision of nuclear assistance to North Korea could strengthen US alliances in East Asia, further isolating Beijing.
Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, described the Russia-North Korea partnership as a “transactional symbiosis,” with North Korea supplying artillery and missiles to Russia in exchange for missile and submarine technology.
He also alleged that China has been indirectly aiding Russia’s war effort by supplying key resources, including semiconductors and machine tools.
Divided perspectives on China’s position
While some experts believe China is uncomfortable with North Korea’s actions, others question whether Beijing’s unease is significant enough to create a divide with Moscow.
Andrew Shearer, Australia’s Director General of National Intelligence, dismissed the idea of exploiting such tensions, emphasising that China’s extensive military and diplomatic support is central to Russia’s ability to continue its war in Ukraine.
In Japan, scholars like Professor Emi Mifune, as reported by The Guardian, argue that China’s strategic interests align with Russia’s success in the conflict.
She pointed to China’s recent gains from its partnership with Moscow, including expanded access to maritime routes in the Sea of Japan, as evidence of Beijing’s long-term calculations.
Professor Hideya Kurata of Japan’s National Defense Academy, The Guardian quotes, believes China’s stance is one of cautious neutrality.
He highlighted North Korea’s strategic focus on building a nuclear escalation framework, targeting various US and allied assets in the region.
Kurata expressed concern that the US lacks sufficient medium-range nuclear deterrents in the area, potentially emboldening Pyongyang’s actions.
However, China’s muted response to North Korea’s growing ties with Russia reflects a complex balancing act.
While Beijing may find the partnership unsettling, its broader strategic interests in countering the West and maintaining regional influence seem to outweigh any discomfort.
As North Korea deepens its military involvement in Ukraine, the geopolitical ramifications are likely to test China’s alliances and the stability of the region.
