Other news of the day: Japan signs a contract to purchase a large number of long-range missiles. Pakistan opposes holding the G20 tourism summit in Kashmir, a territory currently under Indian administration. Philippines: High inflation affects the popularity of Marcos Junior. In China, first victim of H3N8 bird flu. Russian pacifist Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years in a prison camp. More pro-EU protests in Georgia.
IRAN-SYRIA
Tehran used flights intended to transport aid to the population affected by the earthquake in Syria to hand over arms to the government of President Bashar al Assad, his ally in the region. The weapons, according to various sources, will serve to reinforce the Iranian defenses in Syrian territory against Israeli attacks.
JAPAN
The Japanese Ministry of Defense today signed a $2.8 billion contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the development and mass production of long range missiles, including hypersonic missiles. The measure is part of the process to strengthen the national military apparatus against the growing power of the Chinese army.
PAKISTAN-INDIA
The Pakistani government questioned the Indian government’s decision to hold the tourism meeting of the G20 in Srinagar, Kashmir. The territory, currently ruled by Delhi, is at the center of a dispute with Islamabad. The summit will take place from May 22 to 24; this year India chairs the group, which brings together the world’s 19 largest economies plus the European Union.
PHILIPPINES
High inflation is undermining the public image of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who, however, maintains his popularity. The latest poll shows a drop in approval of his management (from 82% to 78%) and confidence in him (80% compared to 83% previously). The country registers inflation of 7.6%, as opposed to the 2-4% estimated by Marcos.
CHINA
A Guangdong woman is the world’s first victim of the bird flu H3N8, It rarely affects humans. The virus first appeared last year and so far, the spread of the virus is limited to China. According to experts, it is not transmitted between people, but only through animals.
RUSSIA
The hearings of the trial against the opposition member Vladimir Kara-Murza concluded in the Moscow Court. The prosecution requests a sentence of 25 years in prison against the dissident, for disseminating pacifist messages. In his last intervention, the man declared: “I ask nothing of this court, I know my destiny, but I also know that one day all this darkness will be dispelled.”
GEORGIA
In Tbilisi, a new demonstration was held in front of the Parliament to protest against the government, accused of authoritarianism and pro-Russian tendencies. The protesters, encouraged by the National Movement, marched down Rustaveli avenue waving Georgian, Ukrainian flags
