Ning condemned the “false narratives and unwarranted attacks” being hurled at China.

She described the South China Sea arbitration case — a landmark 2016 decision that declared waters being claimed by China belong to the Philippines — as a mere “political farce” that had no real binding force.

“The so-called ‘South China Sea Arbitration Case’ is a political farce disguised as a legal case, with the aim of stirring up trouble in the South China Sea and profiting from it,” Ning said. 

“The so-called 'ruling' is illegal, invalid, and has no binding force; China has neither accepted nor recognised it from the outset.”

China has been aggressively asserting its authority over the South China Sea, with its coast guard repeatedly running after Philippine ships, engaging the water cannon, and ramming into foreign boats. 

Despite heating tensions in the region, China said East China Sea and the South China Sea are “generally stable.” 

“The Asia-Pacific region is a high ground for cooperation and development, not a chessboard for geopolitical games,” Ning said. “Engaging in bloc politics and camp confrontation will not bring peace and security, and is detrimental to the stability of the Asia-Pacific region and the world ."

To be clear: Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine is India-specific and rooted in the principle of credible minimum deterrence. Its longest-range missile – Shaheen III – has a range of 2,750 km, sufficient to cover targets in the Indian subcontinent, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where India maintains strategic assets. That is the extent of Pakistan’s nuclear ambition; it has no plans to develop ICBMs and remains the only nuclear-armed state without one.

Despite these facts, dubious speculation abounds suggesting that Pakistan wants an ICBM capable of reaching the US in order to deter Washington from intervening on India’s behalf in a future conflict. This faulty logic then suggests that since no ICBM-possessing country outside of Nato is considered a US ally, Pakistan therefore becomes a de facto adversary. Such assertions collapse under scrutiny.

Pakistan and the United States have been partners since 1947 . Over the decades—from the 1950s through the Cold War and into the post-9/11 era—the relationship has had ups and downs but has proved to be enduring. In contrast, Pakistan’s chief rival, India, has an uneven relationship with Washington, shaped by Cold War-era alignment with the Soviet Union and a long flirtation with non-alignment. Even today, despite grand declarations of strategic partnership, India continues to prioritise its ties with Russia . Since the Ukraine war began in 2022, India has capitalised on discounted Russian oil and gas , re-exporting it at a profit. It also leads BRICS initiatives aimed at challenging the US-led world order.

Why, then, the renewed effort to portray Pakistan and the US as potential adversaries? Who benefits from this fiction? In the May 2025 hostilities between India and Pakistan, President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio chose diplomacy over partisanship. They mediated a ceasefire, underscoring Washington’s commitment to regional stability. The US chose even-handed diplomacy over partisanship in favour of India.

Furthermore, by attempting to smear Pakistan on the basis that no ICBM-possessing nation is a US ally, these speculative voices ironically draw attention to India, which has already tested the Agni-V platform, an ICBM with a range of 5,500 to 8,000 km. Has that made India a US adversary? India is now developing a MIRV-capable Agni-VI, with an estimated range of 9,000 to 16,000 km. If ICBMs automatically signal hostility, why is India exempt? The logic is inconsistent.

Partly to blame is the unchecked “ Indomania ” that skewed US policy under the Biden administration by exaggerating and mischaracterising the Pakistani military’s research and development programme. For instance, the development of large rocket motors for MIRV-enabled intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), with a declared range of 2,200 km, or for space launchers, is entirely within Pakistan’s defensive remit. Misrepresenting them as an ICBM programme, as a former US National Security Council official suggested last December, is inaccurate. The sanctions that followed—targeting four Pakistani entities—were unjustified.

India exploits such attitudes to undermine Pakistan by seeding disinformation through selected media outlets and amplifying it via domestic megaphone journalism—TV channels, newspapers and social media—all orchestrated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The real goal is to curb or cap Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities via US pressure, while deflecting attention from India’s rapid ICBM expansion. Though India claims these weapons are aimed at China, its intent is ambiguous, especially given its growing ties with Beijing and a hedging behaviour in light of the Trump Administration’s regional realignment .

Critics also ignore India’s growing military ambitions. It is accelerating the regional missile race by expanding its footprint in Tajikistan, Oman, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles. By falsely accusing Pakistan, it tries to obscure its own ICBMs in plain sight while hiding behind a Beltway consensus, which is right now fraying, that frames India as a steadfast US ally. Despite Indian provocations, Pakistan has chosen restraint - committed to credible, proportional deterrence rather than open-ended arms competition. Its only adversary is India, right on its borders. The US, a long-standing partner of Pakistan, does not factor into this equation.

Many of those fanning fears about Pakistan’s missile intentions previously served as advisors during the Biden Administration and helped shape a narrative rooted in mistrust. Their talking points are out of step with current realities, particularly with the Trump Administration’s role de-escalating the 2025 India-Pakistan crisis. Contrary to some expectations, the US did not side with India. Since the ceasefire, President Trump has adopted a balanced approach, offering assistance on Kashmir and acknowledging Pakistan’s stabilising role. The latest round of speculative theorising not only omits this diplomatic progress but fails to recognise India’s increasingly aggressive posture, which only increases the threat that nuclear ICBMs pose to global peace.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Masood Khan is Pakistan’s former Ambassador to the United States, United Nations and China.

Pezeshkian said accusations against Tehran were misplaced, arguing that the real destabilising force in the Middle East was Israel . He accused the international community of punishing Iran while turning a blind eye to what he called Israeli aggression.

“Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb,” he said. “Whereas those who disturb the peace and stability in the region are lies in Israel. But Iran is the one that is being punished for those actions.”

“We Iranians have extended their power in the world , not by producing and employing nuclear weapons, nor by the slaughter of hundreds of thousands in the 20th century, nor by genocide and the imposition of starvation upon the children in Gaza in the 21st century,” he added.

Pezeshkian invoked the Persian poet Saadi to emphasise the moral weight of his message, saying that those responsible for the killing of children did not deserve to be regarded as trustworthy partners.

“If you have no sympathy for human pain, the name of human you cannot pertain,” he said. “Those criminals who bully by murdering children are not worthy of the name human being and assuredly they shall never prove to be trustworthy partners.”

The Iranian leader also sought to portray his country as a reliable actor on the global stage. 

“Relying upon its time-honored tradition of altruism and human fellowship, Iran is a steadfast partner and a trustworthy companion for all peace seeking countries of friendship and the partnership grounded not in fleeting expediency but in dignity, trust, and a shared future,” he said.

His speech came two months after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that Washington would “wipe out” any attempt by Tehran to restart its programme. 

Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, maintaining that its activities are for civilian energy purposes. Tehran’s foreign minister warned at the time that any repeat of U.S. or Israeli attacks would be met with a “decisive” response.

Kim urged officials to “rapidly develop newly introduced artificial intelligence technology” and to expand serial production capacity for drones, emphasising that North Korea must match the role drones now play in modern conflicts.

The current levels of sophistication of North Korea’s drones remain uncertain, but Kim has repeatedly toured drone facilities and presided over field tests in recent months, showing his intent to make UAVs a key component of his military strategy.

A report from 38 North found Pyongyang had engaged in cross-border AI research with academics in China, South Korea and the U.S., suggesting “substantial efforts” to catch up. Much of this progress appears tied to China, one of the world’s leaders in AI technology.

Kim’s visit to the complex came just a week after he oversaw a test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine for intercontinental ballistic missiles. He hailed that test as a “significant” step in expanding the country’s nuclear strike capabilities.

North Korea has ramped up efforts to modernise its military despite international sanctions. Its programmes now span drones, loitering munitions, missile systems and a nascent spy satellite programme.

Regional tensions have risen as a result. In 2022, South Korea failed to intercept five North Korean drones that crossed the border, including one that flew near the presidential office in Seoul. 

Kim later called for mass production of attack drones. He accused Seoul of flying UAVs over Pyongyang, though South Korea has not confirmed this.

North Korea is already heavily militarised, having more than a million active troops and millions more reservists. Kim’s new focus on AI and drones suggests the next stage is to make the country’s weapons smarter, faster and more autonomous.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has assured that Trinidad and Tobago has no agreement with the United States or any nation for a military attack on Venezuela. Speaking after talks with Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Persad-Bissessar said no local facilities such as Teteron Barracks or Staubles Bay have been pledged for foreign use. She stressed that bases would only be offered if Venezuela attacks Guyana, citing Caricom solidarity.

Ex-finance chief warns of record $15B budget deficit

Colm Imbert, PNM deputy leader and former finance minister, warned that the upcoming 2025-2026 budget could carry a record $15 billion deficit , calling it “disastrous” for the economy. Speaking after a party meeting in San Fernando, Imbert said such a shortfall would push debt levels dangerously high, far beyond the sustainable 2-3% of GDP range. He noted the figure reportedly excludes billions in promised wage hikes and back pay, which could raise the gap further. “Hopefully it’s not true,” he said. 

Foreign minister says T&T is neutral in US-Venezuela standoff

Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers has assured citizens that Trinidad and Tobago will remain neutral amid growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela, saying there is “absolutely no need for any concern, panic, worry, trepidation.” Speaking on CNC3, Sobers said TT has taken no side in the dispute and has not discussed allowing US forces to use local bases. While acknowledging the presence of a US naval fleet in nearby waters, he said its deployment has not created insecurity and defended TT’s non-interventionist approach.

Workers’ union takes gov’t to court over URP Firings

The Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union ( BIGWU ) has filed 160 trade disputes over the dismissal of 400 Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) workers and plans to take the government to court, accusing Minister Khadijah Ameen and her ministry of breaching the Retrenchment and Severance Benefit Act. Union president Don Devenish said BIGWU will seek damages for defamation and the manner of dismissal, not reinstatement. He argued that the government failed to follow proper retrenchment procedures under Section 25 of the Act. The September 10 terminations affected workers across 12 regional offices and were described by Ameen as part of a restructuring effort to eliminate corruption and “ghost gangs.” BIGWU says severance pay must still be provided under the law.

Fishermen group calls for referendum on T&T’s US Alignment amid Venezuela tensions

Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) is urging a national referendum to decide Trinidad and Tobago’s geopolitical alignment following a deadly U.S. military strike that killed 11 alleged Venezuelan gang members in Caribbean waters. Corporate Secretary Gary Aboud warned citizens, especially fishermen, to stay off the seas, saying tensions with Venezuela have made the situation “very dangerous.” Aboud criticised Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s support of the U.S. strike, calling it “reckless irresponsibility” that could put lives at risk. 

“These chips are being used by the US commercially and in the military,” Manny Mogato, a veteran defence journalist from the Philippines, told Global South World. “If China invades Taiwan, America will lose its main source of semiconductors.”

Semiconductors are tiny but essential components in nearly everything modern — from smartphones, cars, and even military equipment like fighter jets and ballistic defence missile systems. 

Taiwan accounts for roughly 90% of the world’s cutting-edge chip production, earning it the nickname “Silicon Island,” a nod to California ’s Silicon Valley. Approximately 44.2% of US logic chip imports come from Taiwan, and TSMC alone supplies key components to Apple, Nvidia, and countless other tech giants.

The global dependence is so acute that, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, no company could replace Taiwan’s output in the short term if production were disrupted.

While China has historically been Taiwan’s biggest export market, the trade balance began to shift in 2024 when the self-ruled island, claimed by the People ’s Republic of China as its renegade province, sold more goods to Washington than Beijing. 

In February, Taiwan’s exports to the US surged 65.6% from a year earlier to $11.77 billion, driven largely by demand for chips and artificial intelligence technologies.

“That‘s the strategic implication. That's how important Taiwan is to America. Because if China gets a hold of Taiwan, it can block the export of semiconductors to America,” Mogato, a former Reuters correspondent, said. 

What does US President Donald Trump feel about Taiwan’s global chip dominance?

Trump once accused Taiwan of undermining America’s chip industry. But his tone shifted earlier this year after TSMC pledged a $100 billion investment in the US, including five new fabrication plants.

In return, Washington is doubling down on military support. Trump’s second administration is expected to approve arms sales to Taiwan exceeding both his first-term total of $18.3 billion and President Biden’s $8.4 billion.

Even without formal diplomatic ties, the economic and strategic partnership between Washington and Taipei is clear. Taiwan’s chips are too important — and too irreplaceable — for the US to let them fall into China’s hands.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping has set a 2027 deadline to modernise the country’s armed forces, with the aim of making them capable of invading Taiwan.

“2027 is just two years away. That’s why I don’t believe a war will break out by then — the US is not ready, and neither is China,” Mogato, a former Reuters correspondent, told Global South World.

Experts from the Heritage Foundation forecast that any such conflict might erupt around 2030.

Why the pushback? Mogato said the reason is straightforward: both countries may have sizeable militaries, but they are not yet fully prepared for a large-scale war.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is currently the largest in the world, with a fleet of more than 370 platforms, including warships and submarines. This is expected to grow to 395 ships this year and 435 by 2030.

However, China’s weakness lies in its aircraft carrier capability, a critical factor in naval dominance that effectively provides a mobile air force. The PLAN has just three carriers: the Soviet-era Liaoning, the domestically built Shandong, and the more advanced Fujian.

By comparison, the US Navy operates 11 aircraft carriers and aims to expand to 12, pending the commissioning of the John F. Kennedy in 2027. That figure is set to fall temporarily to 10 in 2026 when the USS Nimitz is retired. 

In total, the US Navy has 296 battle-force ships, a number projected to slightly decrease to 294 by 2030. Nevertheless, the US military remains the largest in the world — a position China aims to overtake by 2049.

Another factor Mogato highlighted is China’s slowing economy.

While still the world’s second-largest economy, Beijing has struggled to maintain its previous rapid growth, posting slower GDP expansion in the second quarter amid looming US tariffs .

US President Donald Trump offered some temporary reprieve by signing an order on August 11, delaying the tariff hike for 90 days. The measures would impose a 30% duty on Chinese goods entering the US and 10% on American goods exported to China.

Despite these challenges, Mogato said Beijing remains determined to bring Taiwan under its control as part of its so-called “reunification” policy.

“Xi Jinping is really committed to taking back Taiwan to be part of China because they consider Taiwan as a renegade province,” Mogato said. “That’s the only territory remaining because Hong Kong was returned by the British, Macau was returned by Portugal, and Tibet was illegally annexed by China.”

“The only remaining territory outside mainland China is Taiwan. There was a plan to take back Taiwan by 2027. So, the US was expecting a war with China in 2027.” 

Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, following the Chinese Civil War between the Nationalist government and Mao Zedong’s communist forces.

Although the US maintains a policy of “strategic ambiguity” — not formally recognising Taiwan as independent but supplying it with defensive arms — tensions have escalated in recent years over Chinese military activities near the island and Washington’s commitments to its security.

Background

On Tuesday, both the White House and the Pentagon confirmed the decision to pause certain military aid to Ukraine, with White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stating that the move was made to prioritise U.S. interests. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," Kelly said in a statement.

The move follows increasing concerns over the strain on U.S. military stockpiles, which have been heavily depleted due to continuous aid to Ukraine, as well as military operations in other regions such as Yemen and Iran . Last month, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a comprehensive review of munitions stocks, particularly focusing on weapons promised to Ukraine over the past three years of conflict. Reports have indicated that some stocks have fallen too low, raising alarms about U.S. military readiness.

The Pentagon’s strategy and future implications

The Pentagon's undersecretary for policy , Elbridge Colby, emphasised that while some aid would be halted, the department would continue to offer "robust options" to the president in support of Ukraine while balancing the need to preserve U.S. military readiness.

Colby stated , "At the same time, the department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving U.S. forces' readiness for administration defence priorities."

The decision also coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit in The Hague. Trump revealed that Ukraine had expressed strong interest in acquiring U.S.-made Patriot air defence missiles, a request he indicated may be met despite acknowledging that the U.S. itself also needed the systems.

Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the U.S. has provided over 66 billion dollars in military aid to Ukraine.

On Sunday, June 15, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel and Iran may “have to fight it out” amid ongoing airstrikes between the two nations, but expressed hope that a deal could still be reached. Trump made the remarks before boarding Air Force One en route to the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada. When asked about his efforts to de-escalate tensions. “I hope there’s going to be a deal. I think it’s time for a deal… but sometimes they have to fight it out,” he said. The statement followed an Israeli airstrike last week that targeted a nuclear facility and military sites in Iran, reportedly killing dozens. Israel said the operation was necessary to hinder Iran’s progress toward developing a nuclear weapon.

Israel’s strikes renew focus on Iran nuclear strike challenges

Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian military facilities, including nuclear sites, have revived concerns over the feasibility of dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. A March report from the Royal United Services Institute indicates that such an operation would require extensive firepower and U.S. assistance. Even then, penetrating Iran’s deeply buried enrichment sites would be difficult. The Natanz facility was targeted, but the depth of its underground infrastructure—estimated at around 8 meters—remains uncertain. The report concludes that military action should be considered only as a last resort due to operational and escalation risks.

Iranian missile strikes injure, trap Israeli civilians

Emergency teams in Israel are treating the wounded and rescuing individuals trapped in residential buildings following Iranian missile strikes on central and coastal areas, according to Israeli authorities. Two high-rise buildings in central Israel were hit, leaving people trapped in elevators, Israel Fire and Rescue reported . Footage from Reuters showed significant structural damage to an apartment block and emergency responders conducting search operations. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency service, stated that it has transported 12 individuals to hospitals and is treating several for minor injuries. A 10-year-old boy is reported to be in serious condition.

IAEA confirms no external radiation after Natanz strike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Monday that there is potential for radiological and chemical contamination inside Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility following Israeli airstrikes. However, radiation levels outside the site remain normal. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that uranium poses a significant health risk if inhaled or ingested, but the danger can be mitigated with appropriate protective equipment. He emphasised that there is no radiological impact on the population or environment and noted that no further damage was observed at Natanz or the Isfahan nuclear site since Saturday. Grossi made the remarks during an emergency IAEA board session requested by Russia.

European markets open slightly higher amid Israel-Iran tensions

Major European stock indexes opened modestly higher on Monday. Oil prices remained elevated and volatile due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Israel-Iran conflict. Following Israel’s strike on Iranian nuclear and military sites, oil surged over 7% on Friday, reflecting Tehran’s role as a key global producer despite sanctions. Concerns about supply disruption have persisted but eased slightly early Monday. U.S. benchmark crude traded at $73.71 per barrel, while Brent crude stood at $74.00, down from Friday’s peak but still about 7% above pre-conflict levels.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to substantially increase trade with India and Pakistan following the two countries' agreement to a ceasefire aimed at ending recent cross-border hostilities. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed support for the ceasefire and indicated his intention to assist in resolving the long-standing Kashmir dispute. He praised the leadership of both nations for their role in reaching the agreement. The ceasefire, brokered with diplomatic pressure from the United States, came after days of intense military exchanges that resulted in dozens of casualties. Despite the agreement, artillery fire was reported in Indian-administered Kashmir hours later, raising concerns about the durability of the truce.

Pakistan denies false reports of Imran Khan’s death

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday, 10 May, dismissed as false a press release claiming former Prime Minister Imran Khan had died in judicial custody. The ministry urged the public to reject what it described as irresponsible behaviour. Earlier, an undated statement, allegedly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, circulated with claims of Khan’s death and a related investigation. The incident coincided with legal efforts by Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which petitioned the Islamabad High Court on Friday for his release, citing health risks and regional tensions with India.

Air travel from UAE to Pakistan resumes with scheduled flights to major cities

Air travel between the UAE and Pakistan has resumed , with flights departing from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to several Pakistani cities. UAE aviation authorities confirmed the restart of Pakistan-bound operations, including scheduled flights to Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Islamabad. The first flight to Islamabad is scheduled for May 12, followed by Peshawar on May 13.

Bangladesh and Pakistan cricket boards in active talks over upcoming tour

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that it is in active discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the upcoming white-ball tour scheduled for later this month. In a statement released Saturday, the BCB emphasised that player and staff safety remains its highest priority. Decisions about the tour will be based on an assessment of the current situation in Pakistan, with a focus on the best interests of the team and national cricket. Bangladesh is set to arrive in Pakistan on May 21 for five T20Is in Lahore and Faisalabad, beginning May 25.

India and Pakistan delay military talks as ceasefire holds overnight

India and Pakistan postponed talks between their military operations chiefs to Monday evening, according to the Indian army. The meeting is intended to determine next steps following Saturday’s ceasefire, which ended four days of cross-border hostilities. The Indian army reported no explosions or projectile fire overnight, marking the first peaceful night along the border in recent days. Some schools in the region remain closed. Airports in India have reopened, and markets responded positively, with shares rising in both countries.

Lawrence Kanyuka, the spokesperson for M23, confirmed the agreement, emphasizing the need for an immediate withdrawal of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) troops from Goma.

“We had a meeting with the SADC concerning the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops from Goma. We also discussed the reopening of Goma airport, which, as you are well aware, is badly damaged by bombs and mines left behind by the Kinshasa regime,” Kanyuka told the AFP.

Kanyuka further stated that SADC has committed to assisting with repairs at Goma airport to facilitate the withdrawal of its troops as soon as possible.

“The SADC has decided to help us repair Goma airport so that it can open as quickly as possible and allow for the withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops,” he added.

The DRC government has long accused neighboring Rwanda of backing M23 to gain control over the region’s rich mineral resources and fertile lands. While Rwanda denies providing direct military support to M23, a United Nations experts’ report has indicated that Rwanda maintains an estimated 4,000 troops in eastern DRC assisting the armed group.

SAMIDRC, comprising troops from Malawi, Tanzania, and South Africa, was deployed in December 2023 to support the DRC government in its efforts to restore peace and security.

As war rages on between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the dead are becoming just another part of the shattered landscape.

Civilians trapped in besieged neighborhoods speak of unbearable scenes.

“As we all know, these cemeteries in Tarb al-Shuhada are illegal due to the siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). We were unable to reach the legitimate cemeteries because of the ongoing clashes and the RSF blocking our access," said Al-Samani Mohammed Al-Samani, a volunteer gravedigger.

Officials said the air strikes are part of a broader military campaign aimed at neutralizing armed rebel groups accused of destabilizing parts of the country. The operations are reportedly focused on areas in the Upper Nile and Jonglei regions, where clashes between government forces and rebel factions have intensified in recent weeks.

Myanmar has a long history of military rule, civil conflict, and political instability. The Tatmadaw seized power in a coup in February 2021, overthrowing the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

In recent months, the Tatmadaw has suffered significant defeats at the hands of ethnic armed groups and the People's Defence Force (PDF), a coalition of pro-democracy fighters. These groups have launched coordinated attacks, capturing military posts and strategic locations, particularly in Shan State. The losses have been described as the most serious setbacks for the junta since the coup.

According to the Myanmar Country Director at the United States Institute of Peace, Jason Tower, "What's clear is that the Chinese side wants the Myanmar military to come to the table, it wants to bring the EAOs to the table to try to de-escalate, but the Myanmar military is refusing to do that. And so that actually plays to the hand of the EAOs that see that this military is historically at a weak point."

Reuters also adds that Myanmar's junta has admitted to losing communications with senior officers at a major military base near the Chinese border, following rebels' claims of capturing the key regional army headquarters.

On July 25, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) claimed to have taken over a major military base and continued fighting to secure full control. On Saturday, August 3, the group posted photographs of its troops at the military stronghold in Lashio.

“It has been found that senior officials were arrested,” military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said on Monday, August 5.

Jason also suggested that the fall of the key regional army headquarters near the Chinese border "could mark the beginning of the end" for the junta that has been in power since the 2021 coup.

"This year, we set five national goals, which included debt relief, freeing the nation from Al-Shabaab, lifting the arms embargo, and joining the East Africa Community (EAC). The arms embargo will be lifted early next month,” the President told the nation’s lawmakers.

“It's time for Somalia to free a large number of locations nationwide from Al-Shabaab extremists, using my army to do so,” he added.

President Mahamud recently said that the East African nation had about a year to eliminate the threat of the Islamist militant group, expressing that leaders of the militant group have made no intentions to initiate a dialogue.

Somalia was recently announced as the newest member of the East African Community (EAC) and also received preliminary approval for a $100 million, 36-month support programme from the IMF after recent floods in the country.