#regional-security

#regional-security

China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with [North Korea] in international and regional affairs, oppose all forms of hegemonism, and safeguard the common interests of both sides and international fairness and justice

They include an arms embargo, asset freezes and travel bans, and nuclear, missile and banking sanctions that are expected to impact all sectors of the beleaguered Iranian economy, as most of over 90 million people pay the price over the coming months. The sanctions are binding for all member states, to be enforced using nonmilitary measures. Iran's turbulent regional situation has some fearing more military strikes by Israel and the United States,

In less than a fortnight, Israel brought to its knees a major regional adversary, geographically nearly 75 times its size and 1,000 miles away. As we learned on a recent trip to Israel with the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, Israel-with crucial U.S. support-crippled Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, dismantled its air defenses, and decapitated its command and control. At the Pentagon's request, Israeli pilots cleared the way for U.S. B-2 bombers.

The Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) Joint Defence Council held an emergency session in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, to discuss urgent regional security measures in response to the recent Israeli strike on a Hamas office in Qatar's capital, which killed six people. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi said the attack on the State of Qatar can be considered an attack on all GCC countries.

The Chinese embassy in Papua New Guinea said it respected the country's right to conclude a bilateral treaty with other countries on a voluntary basis. However, such a treaty should not be exclusive in nature, nor should it restrict or prevents a sovereign country from cooperating with a third party for any reason. It should also refrain from targeting any third party or undermining its legitimate rights and interests. We hope that the PNG side will continue to uphold independence and self-reliance, properly handle issues bearing on its sovereignty and long-term interests, it said.

Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Doha is condemned around the world. Israel's bombing of a residential building in the capital, Doha, that was housing Hamas leaders, has drawn global condemnation. Fighter jets fired missiles into a residential compound in central Doha, where leaders of Hamas were meeting to discuss a US proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday said his country was at "maximum preparedness" and ready to respond if attacked by forces that the United States government has deployed to the Caribbean. His comments during a news conference come as the U.S. government this week is set to boost its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels. The U.S. has not signaled any planned land incursion by the thousands of personnel being deployed.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) security forum now bears greater responsibility for safeguarding regional peace and stability, Chinese President Xi Jinping has told about 20 world leaders he hosted for a summit in northern China's Tianjin. Xi also underscored the SCO's mission for the development and prosperity of its member states as he hosted and addressed the high-profile gathering at a banquet on Sunday evening.

If confirmed, the strike would mark the latest blow in a string of hits to Iran's military power since Israel launched its surprise attack last week targeting the country's nuclear capabilities.

The United States maintains a military presence in the Middle East with about 40,000 to 50,000 troops across at least 19 locations, citing regional security concerns.

The US has ordered the departure of non-essential diplomatic staff from the Middle East as tensions rise, particularly due to threatened Iranian military action.

Trump stated that through his deals, he aims to redefine US relations in the Middle East, suggesting that future interactions will prioritize commerce over conflict.