Taiwan
A Chinese militia vessel has been seen off Taiwan’s sensitive Pacific coast for the first time, according to a Reuters report, as Beijing continues an apparent campaign of intimidation against independently governed Taiwan, which it views as part of its territory. The Minfudingyu 07902 ship is a fishing boat that doubles as a militia vessel, a surveillance report reviewed by the news agency said. The use of such boats is a long-standing Chinese military tactic aimed at maintaining a civilian appearance. The vessel was tracked operating alongside a Chinese coast guard cutter and a research vessel one day in mid-August, the report said. Taiwan views its east coast as vital for securing supplies in the event of a Chinese invasion. Officials in Taiwan say China, which hasn’t ruled out the use of military force to capture the island, is rehearsing a potential maritime blockade.
More from Reuters here.
South Sudan
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa have held talks on plans for the first general election in South Sudan since the world’s youngest country was established in 2011. The talks in South Africa came a day after Ramaphosa, who chairs the African Union’s High-Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, held regional discussions on whether the country would be ready to conduct the poll by its scheduled date of December 22. South Sudan has been beset by conflict, drought and political infighting since gaining independence from Sudan after years of civil war.
More from DW here.
Syria
Syria today called on the International Maritime Organization and Bulgarian authorities to carry out an independent investigation after a drone hit a cargo ship in the Black Sea, whose 10 crew members, including nine Syrians and one Egyptian, are missing. The ship, the Alfa Watan, was attacked inside Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone on Tuesday. Mazen Aloush, director for international relations of the Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs, said the probe should look into why search and rescue operations were called off before the fate of the crew was determined. It is unclear who carried out the attack. Russia has previously hit cargo ships in the Black Sea during its war with Ukraine.
More from The National here.