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Rising tensions over Taiwan

China has rebuked the United States again over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. It accuses Washington of playing with fire and pledges to punish those who offend Beijing. Wang Yi said Washington is breaching China’s sovereignty under the pretext of so-called democracy. He made the remarks before the end of Pelosi's controversial trip to Taiwan. During her talk with Taiwan’s president, Pelosi reaffirmed the US’ commitment to supporting the island. Taiwanese President, Tsai Ing-wen, for her part, said the island will not back down in the face of military drills China has launched in response to Pelosi’s trip. Beijing has announced a series of military exercises around Taiwan, saying the maneuvers are aimed at protecting China’s territorial integrity. 

Response to US sanctions

Iran says a delegation will leave for Vienna in few hours to resume negotiations on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA. Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kana'ani says the negotiating team is led by Ali Bagheri Kani, adding the talks are set to be held as part of the country’s policy of removing sanctions. The spokesman says the negotiations will take place in coordination with the European Union. Kana'ani reiterated Iran’s insistence on a sustainable agreement that guarantees the rights and interests of the Iranian nation. He expressed hope that the other side would take necessary decisions to resolve the remaining issues. Meanwhile, EU coordinator Enrique Mora and US negotiator Robert Malley announced separately they are heading to Vienna for the talks. The deal was derailed after Washington pulled out of it in 2018. The remaining parties have held several rounds of talks since April last year. The talks failed to make breakthroughs due to what Iran calls the US failure to show good will and its excessive demands. 

Ukraine grain export

The first shipment of grain from Ukraine is now on its way to Lebanon following inspection in Turkish waters as part of a recent deal between Moscow and Kiev. The cargo was checked by Russian and Ukraine representatives along with Turkish and UN officials. The ship, laden with 26,000 tons of corn, left Ukraine’s Odesa port on Monday. It is now on its way to the Lebanese port of Tripoli. Two weeks ago, Russia and Ukraine inked a deal in Istanbul that allowed Kiev to resume black sea grain exports. The blockade of deliveries from the world’s two biggest grain exporters hiked food prices worldwide, stoking fears of food insecurity. The Russia-Ukraine grain pact was meant to alleviate the global food crisis. 

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