Politics

Japan’s PM offers Ukraine support as China’s Xi backs Russia

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2023

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, greet each other after the signing of joint documents in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a surprise visit Tuesday to Kyiv, stealing some of the attention from Asian rival President Xi Jinping of China, who met in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin to promote Beijing’s peace proposal for Ukraine that Western nations have already criticized.

The two visits, about 800 kilometers (500 miles) apart, highlighted the nearly 13-month-old war’s repercussions for international diplomacy as countries line up behind Moscow or Kyiv. Kishida, who will chair the Group of Seven summit in May, met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and paid tribute to those killed in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv that became a symbol of Russian atrocities against civilians.

After talks with Xi, Putin said a Chinese peace plan could provide a basis for a settlement of the fighting in Ukraine when the West is ready for it, but he added that Kyiv’s Western allies have shown no interest in that.

U.S. officials have said any peace plan coming from the Putin-Xi meeting would be unacceptable because a cease-fire would only ratify Moscow’s territorial conquests and give Russia time to plan for a renewed offensive.

“It looks like the West indeed intends to fight Russia until the last Ukrainian,” Putin said after his talks with Xi. He said the latest threat is a British plan to provide Ukraine with tank rounds containing depleted uranium. “If that happens, Russia will respond accordingly, given that the collective West is starting to use weapons with a nuclear component.”

He did not elaborate. Putin has occasionally warned that Russia would use all available means, including possibly nuclear weapons, to defend itself, but also has sometimes backed off such threats.

Putin’s comment referred to remarks Monday by U.K junior Defense Minister Annabel Goldie, who wrote: “Alongside our granting of a squadron of Challenger 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, we will be providing ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds which contain depleted uranium. Such rounds are highly effective in defeating modern tanks and armored vehicles.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the U.K. plan shows that the British “have lost the bearings,” and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said “it marked another step, and there aren’t so many of them left.”

But weapons expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, former commander of Britain’s Royal Tank Regiment, said it was “reckless” of Putin “to try and suggest Britain is sending nuclear material” to Ukraine. He said depleted uranium is a common component of tank rounds, possibly even used by Russia.

“Putin insinuating that they are some sort of nuclear weapon is bonkers,” de Bretton-Gordon told The Associated Press. “Depleted uranium is completely inert. There is no way that you could create a nuclear reaction or a nuclear explosion with depleted uranium.”

Beijing insists it is a neutral broker in Ukraine, and Xi said Tuesday after his talks with Putin: “We adhere to a principled and objective position on the Ukrainian crisis based on the goals and principles of the U.N. Charter.” He added that the Chinese plan seeks to “actively encourage peace and the resumption of talks.”

In a joint statement, Russia and China emphasized the need to “respect legitimate security concerns of all countries” to settle the conflict, echoing Moscow’s argument that it sent troops into its neighbor to prevent the U.S. and its NATO allies from turning the country into an anti-Russian bulwark.

“Russia welcomes China’s readiness to play a positive role in the political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis” and the “constructive ideas” contained in Beijing’s peace plan, the statement said. It added: “The parties underline that a responsible dialogue offers the best path for a lasting settlement … and the international community should support constructive efforts in this regard.”

Kishida laid flowers at a church in Bucha for the town’s victims.

“Upon this visit to Bucha, I feel a strong resentment against cruelty,” he said. “I would like to represent the people in Japan, and express my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones, were injured as a result of this cruel act.”

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel noted the “two very different European-Pacific partnerships” that unfolded Tuesday.

“Kishida stands with freedom, and Xi stands with a war criminal,” Emanuel tweeted, referring to Friday’s decision by the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Putin, saying it wanted to put him on trial for the abductions of thousands of children from Ukraine.

Kyiv’s allies pledged more support. Washington is accelerating its delivery of Abrams tanks to Ukraine, sending a refurbished older version that can be ready faster, U.S. officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The aim is to get the 70-ton behemoths to the war zone in eight-to-10 months, the officials said on the condition of anonymity because the plan has not yet been announced.

Putin is keen to show he has a heavyweight ally and market for Russian energy products under Western sanctions. He said he wants to expand bilateral economic ties, noting Russian-Chinese trade rose by 30% last year to $185 billion and is expected to top $200 billion this year.

Russia stands “ready to meet the Chinese economy’s growing demand for energy resources” by boosting deliveries of oil and gas, he said, while listing other areas of economic and cultural cooperation, including aircraft and shipbuilding industries and other high-tech sectors.

The Russia-China front against the West was a prominent theme of Xi’s visit. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov accused NATO of seeking to become the world’s dominant military force. “That is why we are expanding our cooperation with China, including in the security sphere,” he said.

Whether China’s support of Russia will extend to military support is a key question. Western officials “have seen some signs” that Putin also wants lethal weapons from China, though there is no evidence Beijing has granted his request, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels.

“China should not provide lethal aid to Russia,” Stoltenberg said. “That would be to support an illegal war and only prolong the war.”

Meeting Tuesday with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Xi said he invited Putin to visit China this year to discuss a regional initiative that seeks to extend Beijing’s influence through economic cooperation.

Moscow and Beijing have both weathered international condemnation of their human rights records. The Chinese government has been widely condemned for alleged atrocities against Uighur Muslims in its far western Xinjiang region. The allegations include genocide, forced sterilization and the mass detention of nearly 1 million Uighurs. Beijing has denied the allegations.

Kishida rode a train from Poland to Kyiv just hours after he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and a week after a breakthrough summit with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yoel.

Both China and Japan have enjoyed recent diplomatic successes that emboldened their foreign policy.

Japan, which has territorial disputes over islands with both China and Russia, is particularly concerned about the close relationship between Beijing and Moscow, which have conducted joint military exercises near Japan’s coasts.

Beijing’s diplomatic foray follows its recent success in brokering a deal between Iran and its chief Middle Eastern rival, Saudi Arabia, to restore relations after years of tensions. The move displayed China’s influence in a region where Washington has long been the major foreign player.

Kishida, the only G-7 leader who hadn’t visited Ukraine, and was under domestic pressure to do so. He became Japan’s first postwar leader to enter a war zone.

Due to its pacifist principles, Japan’s support for Ukraine has been limited to equipment and humanitarian supplies.

Japan has contributed more than $7 billion to Ukraine and accepted more than 2,000 displaced Ukrainians, a rare move in a country with a strict immigration policy.

Tokyo joined the U.S. and European nations in sanctioning Russia over the invasion. By contrast, China has refused to condemn Moscow’s aggression and criticized Western sanctions against Moscow, while accusing NATO and Washington of provoking Putin’s military action.

Japan was quick to react because it fears the possible impact of a war in East Asia, where China’s military has grown increasingly assertive and has escalated tensions around self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said of Kishida’s trip: “We hope Japan could do more things to deescalate the situation instead of the opposite.”

Politics

VIDEO: Martin Luther King III Urges President-Elect Trump to Reach Out to His Opponents

Published

7 days ago

January 5, 2025

FNN NEWS

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN) – The King family held a pregame press conference during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints game in Tampa to announce a new community service initiative.

https://www.facebook.com/FloridaNationalNews/videos/575373672080951

Florida National News reporter J. Willie David III asked Martin Luther King III for his thoughts on President-Elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

King emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “The President has expressed his desire to bring America together. To achieve this, he must actively reach out to those who did not support him.”

Tampa Bay, Florida, USA, January 5, 2025, New Orleans Saints face Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. (Photo Credit: Marty Jean-Louis)

The King family shared its community service initiative the media.

Realize the Dream is a collaboration between the Martin Luther King III Foundation and NGOs across the country to reach the ambitious goal of 100 million hours of service by 2029, the 100th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday.

Florida National News was unsuccessful in obtaining a comment after reaching out to the Trump-Vance Transition team

Politics

State Rep. Cassel’s Party Switch Marks Another Massive Blow for Florida Democrats

Published

2 weeks ago

December 29, 2024

FNN NEWS

State Rep. Cassel's Party Switch Marks Another Massive Blow for Florida Democrats

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State Representative Hillary Cassel, D-Dania Beach, announced Friday that she has switched her party affiliation to Republican, becoming the second House Democrat to do so since the November elections. The move further solidifies the Republican supermajority in the Florida House, now boasting 87 members in the 120-seat chamber.

Cassel, an attorney and mother, shared her decision on X, formerly Twitter, expressing alignment with the Republican Party’s “vision for a better, more prosperous Florida.” She also cited growing discomfort with the Democratic Party’s stance on key issues, including support for Israel.

“As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions, not their labels,” Cassel wrote. “As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism.”

Cassel also criticized the Democratic Party’s ability to connect with everyday Floridians and questioned whether it truly represents her values.

“I know I won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican,” she said, “but I do know that I will always have input, collaboration, and respect.”

Cassel’s announcement follows Tampa Rep. Susan Valdes’ December 9 switch from Democrat to Republican after losing a bid to lead the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee. The Florida House promptly updated Cassel’s party affiliation on its website, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, welcomed her with a post on X, saying, “Welcome to the team!”

Support and Backlash

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power praised Cassel’s decision, stating, “I’ve known her for a long time, and I know she will be a valuable addition to our team!”

However, Democratic leaders criticized the move, calling it a betrayal of voters and party principles.

Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, lambasted Cassel’s decision as “a betrayal of the voters who entrusted her to represent their values as a Democrat.”

Kristen Browde, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, expressed disappointment, stating, “One has to wonder whether Rep. Hillary Cassel is abandoning her principles as well as her party and the voters who elected her. Now she is joining the forces of those who have sought to destroy equality. This is inexplicable as well as disappointing.”

Impact on Florida Democrats

Cassel’s party switch deals a significant blow to Florida Democrats, who had hoped to cut into the GOP supermajority after the Nov. 5 elections. Instead, her decision has widened the Republican stronghold and further diminished Democratic influence in the state legislature.

Elected in 2022 to represent Broward County’s House District 101, Cassel had been a prominent figure for House Democrats, particularly on property insurance issues. Her unopposed reelection in November signaled confidence from her constituents, making her defection to the GOP even more impactful.

With the Republican supermajority growing, Florida Democrats face an uphill battle in maintaining relevance and addressing critical policy issues in the legislature.

Politics

Puerto Rican Heritage Network Pays Tribute to Jimmy Carter’s Legacy, Latino Inclusion and Humanitarian Impact

Published

2 weeks ago

December 29, 2024

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. – Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, President and CEO of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network, expressed her sorrow at the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. In a heartfelt statement, Morales celebrated Carter’s unwavering dedication to justice, human dignity, and inclusion, highlighting his historic contributions to the Hispanic community.

“We are profoundly heartbroken by the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter,” said Morales. “He was a transformative leader whose steadfast commitment to justice, human dignity, and compassion reshaped the moral fabric of our nation. President Carter’s unwavering principles defined his legacy—integrity, decency, and humility guided every moment of his extraordinary public service. His bold vision and relentless pursuit of equality and human rights will forever inspire generations to build a more just and compassionate world.”

Carter’s legacy as a champion of Hispanic inclusion was particularly noteworthy. During his presidency, he appointed a significant number of Latinos to key positions in his administration, a groundbreaking move at the time:

Graciela Olivarez: Director of the Community Services Administration and the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Carter administration.
Arabella Martinez: Headed the Office of Human Development Services within the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
Alex Mercure: Served in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Esteban Torres: U.S. Representative to UNESCO and later head of the first White House Office of Hispanic Affairs.

Carter also solidified his commitment to the Hispanic community through Proclamation 4516 in 1977, officially designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. This act reinforced the nation’s recognition of Hispanic contributions and heritage.

Morales further stated:
“President Carter’s legacy is one of inclusion, compassion, and humanity. His groundbreaking work for the Hispanic community and his tireless efforts to uplift others inspire us to continue the work of equity and justice. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless individuals touched by his leadership.”

Key Takeaways

Jimmy Carter was a champion of justice, integrity, and human dignity.
His administration set historic milestones in Hispanic representation.
- Appointed Graciela Olivarez, the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in his administration.
- Created the first-ever White House Office of Hispanic Affairs under Esteban Torres.
Issued Proclamation 4516 in 1977, establishing National Hispanic Heritage Week.
Carter’s post-presidential humanitarian efforts remain iconic.