Territorial Disputes
What is the Democratic Republic of Congo's complaint against the UN Security Council?
The Congolese UN ambassador submitted a letter to the Security Council denouncing its inability to support the DRC following an attack on the city. The ambassador condemned the Council's paralysis, which has enabled the continuing illegal occupation of Congolese territories by Rwandan Defence Forces. According to the ambassador, this inaction has allowed Rwanda to continue backing the M23 fighters who are occupying parts of the DRC, effectively giving them free reign to operate in Congolese territory.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)
WION
01:03 - 01:27
What are Russia's strategic intentions regarding Ukraine according to General Sir Richard Shirreff?
According to General Sir Richard Shirreff, Russia aims to remove Ukraine from the map as a sovereign state. This would involve either physically annexing eastern and southern regions of Ukraine or installing a puppet government in Kiev, transforming Ukraine into a client state similar to Belarus. Shirreff emphasizes that this objective is deeply embedded in 'Russian DNA' and warns that any American negotiators who believe Russia would accept a lasting solution with a sovereign Ukraine are deluding themselves. He suggests that Russia will not be satisfied until Ukraine loses its independent status and falls under Russian control.
Watch clip answer (00:42m)
BBC News
00:47 - 01:30
What dangerous incident did the Philippine Coast Guard recently document in the South China Sea?
The Philippine Coast Guard released footage showing a Chinese navy helicopter flying dangerously close to a surveillance aircraft carrying journalists near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The helicopter, identified as belonging to China's People's Liberation Army Navy, approached within mere meters of the Philippine aircraft in what appears to be an intimidation tactic. This provocative encounter highlights the escalating tensions in the contested waters of the South China Sea, where China continues to assert territorial claims despite a 2016 international ruling against them. The incident represents another example of aggressive military maneuvers by Chinese forces in the region as the Philippines works to maintain its sovereignty over disputed areas.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)
WION
00:10 - 00:29
How is the Philippines responding to China's increased aggression in the South China Sea?
The Philippines is demonstrating strong resistance to China's aggressive patrols near Philippine shores. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s leadership, Manila is implementing a multi-faceted strategy that includes intensifying its military patrols in contested waters, coordinating more closely with international allies, and seeking stronger international support against Beijing's intimidation tactics. President Marcos has firmly stated that the Philippines will not yield to Chinese pressure, emphasizing that continued incursions pose a significant threat to regional stability. This stance reflects Manila's commitment to protecting its sovereignty despite escalating tensions.
Watch clip answer (00:26m)WION
02:23 - 02:49
What is the significance of the Scarborough Shoal dispute between China and the Philippines?
The Scarborough Shoal is a strategic triangular chain of reefs and rocks that China forcibly seized from the Philippines in 2012, located 240km west of the Philippines' main island of Luzon and nearly 900km from China's nearest major landmass. This area has become a flashpoint for regional tensions, with China's military engaging in provocative actions including a recent incident where a Chinese Navy helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine surveillance aircraft. Despite a 2016 international ruling invalidating China's sweeping claims to the South China Sea, Beijing continues its aggressive expansion in the region. The area has witnessed repeated confrontations as the Philippines attempts to supply Filipino fishermen working in these contested waters, underscoring the ongoing territorial dispute that threatens regional stability.
Watch clip answer (01:02m)WION
00:47 - 01:49
What recent military confrontation occurred between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea?
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, China has challenged the Philippines with provocative military maneuvers. The Philippine Coast Guard released images showing a Chinese navy helicopter flying dangerously close to a Philippine surveillance aircraft, passing within mere meters of it. This confrontation occurred near what appears to be the contested Scarborough Shoal area, highlighting China's increasingly aggressive posturing in the disputed waters. This incident represents the latest in a series of provocative actions by Chinese military forces that have raised concerns about regional stability and international maritime norms.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)WION
00:00 - 00:21