Politics
China raises national flag on disputed reef near Philippine base, escalating tensions in South China Sea
Manila [Phillipines], April 27 (ANI): China has “implemented maritime governance and asserted its sovereign authority” over an uninhabited reef in the contested South China Sea, as it raised the national flag on the small sandbank located just a few kilometers from a major Philippine military base, according to a report by The Japan Times.
Images released by Chinese state media on Saturday depicted officers from the China Coast Guard unfolding the flag to effectively assert control over Sandy Cay reef, known as Tiexian Jiao in China, earlier this month. The reef is situated in the contentious Spratly Islands chain, which is also claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines, as reported by The Japan Times.
Sandy Cay is positioned slightly over 3 kilometers from Thitu Island, referred to as Pag-asa by Manila, which hosts Philippine military installations, including a military-grade runway and approximately 250 residents.
China‘s Global Times stated that coast guard personnel had arrived on Sandy Cay “to carry out an on-reef inspection and record illegal activities on video” while also cleaning up “plastic bottles, wooden sticks, and other litter scattered across the reef flat” as referenced by The Japan Times report.
In January, Beijing claimed that Chinese forces had intercepted and “dissuaded” Philippine naval vessels that had “entered” the waters near the reef, which they alleged were attempting “an illegal landing and sand sample collection”.
The Philippines has stated that it has dispatched coast guard vessels to the region to monitor and investigate whether China is attempting to carry out minor island reclamation projects in the area. China asserts that the approximately 200-square-meter Sandy Cay is a natural formation and not a man-made structure, granting it a 12-nautical-mile (22-km) territorial sea under international law, which would overlap with Thitu Island.
Between 2013 and 2016, China engaged in a significant land reclamation initiative in the South China Sea, constructing several military outposts in a concerted effort to strengthen its claim over roughly 90 per cent of the resource-rich waters, through which trillions of dollars in trade pass annually, as also mentioned by The Japan Times.
“One of the ironies is that China‘s interest in claiming Sandy Cay is about reinforcing the legitimacy of their claims to the adjacent Subi Reef, which now accommodates a major artificial port and airfield.
This results in lawfare that supports further expansionism,” wrote Euan Graham, a regional security analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, on X. (ANI)
As Gov Soludo Welcomes Moghalu with Warm Gesture at Public Event
In a lighthearted moment at a recent event, Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, spotted Labour Party governorship candidate, Dr. George Moghalu, in the audience. Soludo, known for his wit, took the opportunity to welcome Moghalu to the stage, saying, “My brother, you’re welcome. I heard you’re contesting for something, but it seems like there’s something you’re shying away from.”
The crowd erupted in laughter as Soludo continued, “Forget it, we know ourselves. After you finish your ‘rigmarole,’ you can come to me; we’re both brothers.” The comment was met with applause and chuckles from the audience.
What followed was even more telling of their relationship. After stepping down from the podium, Soludo walked over to Moghalu, and the two shared a warm moment, laughing and shaking hands. A photo of the encounter has since circulated, showcasing the cordial relationship between the two figures.
The exchange has sparked interest in the dynamics between Soludo and Moghalu, particularly given their political affiliations. While Soludo’s comments seemed lighthearted, they may also hint at a deeper connection or understanding between the two leaders.
May 21, 2019
Sahara Reporters, New York
News
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of February 2019.
Jamil Sarham, general officer commanding 6 division of the Nigerian army, has said Nyesom Wike Offered him billions of Naira in bribe to compromise the governorship elections in the state.
Aminu Iliyasu, the division’s spokesman, Sarham said governor Wike decided to witch hunt him when he turned down the offer.
Governor Wike is accusing Sarham of of running a massive oil theft in the state as well as sending troops to assassinate him on the 15 of Febuary 2019.
Denying the allegations, Sarham said: “Wike’s resentment against me is based on my choice of professionalism and integrity over the billions of naira offered me by the Rivers state governor to compromise the 2019 general election,” the statement read.
“My refusal to be bought over and the rejection of the hefty offer is the genesis of Wike’s hatred and vociferous criticisms of me.
“On the mischievous accusation against Maj. Gen. Sarham of leaking proceedings of State Security Council meetings to criminals in Rivers State, Mr. Wike knows well that Maj.-Gen. Sarham is not a member of the Rivers State Security Council, neither has he ever approached the gates of Rivers State Government House, since his assumption of office as the GOC, 6 Division.
“Mr. Wike only came face-to-face with Maj. Gen. Sarham on the 15th of January, 2019, during the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to challenge Wike to provide the public with any evidence of such meetings, with Maj. Gen. Sarham in attendance. Wike’s allegation against Maj.-Gen. Sarham’s selfish involvement in illegal oil bunkering is another reckless, spurious and mischievous accusation.
“Hence, Headquarters of 6 Division wishes to request the Rivers governor to take the most civilised way of putting up a petition to the relevant authorities, to make a point.”
Culled from Sahara reporters archive
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja, Nigeria, to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, holding in New York, United States of America.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), on Sunday in Abuja.
Ekwutosblog reports that the session will hold between Monday, September 22 and Sunday, September 28.
Nkwocha said Shettima, who is representing President Bola Tinubu, at the global event, would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and join other dignitaries at the UN high-level general debates, among other side events.
He revealed that the vice-president would announce Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs, under the Paris Agreement at this year’s UN special event on climate.
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