Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is hosting the G7 summit in Hiroshima, has found himself with a unique dilemma as he has to balance his vision of a world without nuclear arms with the widespread fears of aggression from Japan’s nuclear-armed neighbours. Kishida has been pushing for a pacifist constitution and a world free of nuclear weapons, but is faced with threats from North Korea and China, which are both rapidly expanding their nuclear arsenals. Kishida has already shown Japan’s solidarity with Ukraine, which faces Russian aggression, but is still trying to maintain his overall vision of peace for Asia-Pacific.
Russia and Ukraine have given conflicting reports on the status of the city of Bakhmut. While Ukraine says its forces still partially control the besieged city, Russia has claimed that the Wagner mercenary force and its own troops have "liberated" it. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has claimed that Russia suffered over 100,000 casualties in Bakhmut, although the reports remain unverified. Russian-installed officials in Ukraine have also claimed that the city of Berdyansk was hit with British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The leaders of the G7, which met in Japan, have stated that they remain committed to supporting Ukraine.
Contradicting reports have emerged on Sunday regarding the battle for the city of Bakhmut in Ukraine's east. The country's deputy defence minister, Hanna Maliar, said Ukrainian forces still occupied a small part of the city, with two flanks partially encircling it. However, Russian president Vladimir Putin claimed on Saturday that Bakhmut had fallen, and that troops and private security contractors had "liberated" it. Reuters could not verify reports from either side. The city has experienced the longest and bloodiest battle of Ukraine's 15-month war, according to Putin.
China's global port network provides the country with crucial power projection capabilities for its military, according to two defense analysts. China's dominant position in global port infrastructure has given rise to economic and strategic benefits, as the facilities are used to transport crucial commodities to and from the country and support global trade. However, the country's maritime industry also supports emerging signs of Chinese military power projection, with the People's Liberation Army regularly and reliably using Chinese-operated terminals to resupply and refurbish overseas naval forces. Observers say the international port network is now allowing China to project its military power far beyond its shores and will help the country to compete with the US on a global scale.
Arab states have welcomed Syria back into the Arab League, ending years of isolation due to a violent crackdown on a popular uprising. The decision has provoked controversy, with critics claiming it will legitimise the regime of President Bashar al-Assad and perpetuate a brutal crackdown on his opponents. Supporters argue, however, that it will provide space for the Assad regime to make possible concessions and enhance economic links. Syria’s readmission to the Arab League has also the potential to injure the interests of the United States and deal a setback to Lebanese and Israeli interests. Critics warn the move could spark cycles of violence in Syria and put more pressure on neighbouring countries that are receiving millions of Syrian refugees.
Supporters of the move point to diplomatic considerations: with the US power waning in the Middle East and Western countries consolidated around the Iran nuclear deal, Arab countries are finding it easier to embrace Syria’s leader as a buffer against their own internal unrest. Syria’s readmission to the Arab League has also been facilitated by growing sectarian pressure from Iran as it tries to increase its regional influence.
The fact that Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE all attended the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia was seen as a message of unity and an indication of shifting alliances in the region. However, the issue has also caused division, with countries like Turkey and Qatar being critical of the decision. Turkey, a US ally and close partner in the Syrian conflict, has been one of the most vocal opponents of the move, voicing concerns over Syria’s human rights record as well as its deteriorating economy. Similarly, Qatar has been one of the most outspoken critics of the move, arguing that it legitimises the Assad regime and gives him a measure of legitimacy.
