The World Affairs Journal

(4/12/2023 -4/21/2023)

 

“Be informed in an everchanging world.” –  Kushagra Mishra

 

Author: Kushagra Mishra  

This is a document with many of this week’s top world affairs related stories. The event analysis is based on many stories that have been summarized. Almost a timeline, this 4-to-7-minute read offers a recap of some of the biggest stories along with stories that go under the radar with possible big foreign policy implications.

Included in this week’s report:

·       Growing tensions in the South China Sea.

·       Devastating leaks of internal state documents, raising tensions among the U.S. and its allies.

·       N. Korea’s New missile - a scary proof of their ever growing military and missile program.

·       New Fighter Jets sent to Ukraine.

·       Destructive fighting breaks out in Sudan between 2 generals, aid unable to get through.

 

Location: South China Sea, Date: 12^th of April 2023

Type: No fly zone (North of Taiwan), Topic: Reunification of Taiwan to mainland China 

Report: China planning to impose no-fly zone north of Taiwan April 16-18 - sources | Reuters

The Chines government has put announced a No-Fly zone North of Taiwan on April 14-16 (2023). This would disrupt the island’s FIR (Flight Information Region). Taiwan only has one FIR – Taipei ACC: RCAA. The No-Fly zone would overlap the FIR. This is the supposed No Fly Zone. The No-Fly zone could have impacted 33 civilian flights.

Report (Apx.7 hours later): China appears to backtrack over no-fly zone near Taiwan | Taiwan | The Guardian

Reportedly, Taiwan has convinced China to not implement a No-Fly Zone. Only time will tell. Also, what changed, and how did they convince them. The No-Fly zone was announced hours after French president visits China, expressing good relations and said that [paraphrase (“Europe should stay clear of America’s Topic with China over Taiwan”)]. French- not showing the hostility towards China like other NATO countries.

Analysis: Some would look at the French’s comments as a lack of unity amongst some European countries like France. This might have lead China to believe they can test NATO’s, and American allies response to an escalation like this. Note, this follows Taiwan’s president meeting with speaker McCarthy and in response to drills held by the United States and their allies in the region. French president’s comments raise question over the unity of America and NATO’s alliance in response to growing tensions in the region.

Location: Washington DC, Date: 13^th of April, 2023

Type: Leaked Intel Documents, Topic: Internal  

Report: Air National Guardsman led online group where US documents leaked: report (msn.com)

Analysis:

The British Ministry said that the leaked documents have many flaws and inaccuracy. The DOJ “is getting closer” to finding who leaked the documents. They know that it was a man, a gun enthusiast goes by the initials O.G. He then posted the documents on a Discord server.  What internal changes will be made to prevent such leaks. Some question how a 21 year old had top secret clearance while working as a security guard.

Location: Washington DC, Date: 13^th of April 2023

Type: Leaked Intel Documents, Topic: Internal

Report; Alleged source of US intelligence leaks named by media (msn.com)

The FBI arrests Jack Teixeira (US Air National Guard) Late Friday (4/13) Evening PST   

 

Location: N. Korea and Coast of Japan, Date: 13^th of April 2023

Type: N. Korea fires a new type of Ballistic Missile, Topic: N Korean aggression/advancement of ICBM

Report: N. Korea says it tested new solid-fuel long-range missile - ABC News (go.com)

Analysis:

Analysis: this is not a good sign. The escalation in their technology should raise concerns. What’s more concerning is that ¼ of N. Korea’s GDP is invested in their military. This is as more than 70% of their population starves. This can only mean more insecurity and desperation which never leads to any thing good. Due, to unstable internal affairs, how does that impact the increase in their missile program. Keep in mind they are a nuclear power, and instability or collapse will be hard to manage to say the least.  This isn’t even news now because of how frequent it happens. The implications of a conflict in Taiwan and N. Korea’s missile program will truly be a huge factor in the region, and the world. Their new missile used solid fuel, the first of its kind. Many analysts say that they have made huge improvements in the range of their missiles as their technology ramps. All to be paired with disturbing internal economic problems and food insecurity.

 

Location: Germany, Poland, Ukraine and Russia, Date 4/13/2023

Type: Germany Approves Poland’s request to send MiG 29’s to Ukraine, Topic: Russia’s war on Ukraine  

Report: Germany approves Poland’s request to send MiG-29 jets to Ukraine (msn.com)

Analysis:

Much needed aid to Ukraine. Most likely demands from Zelensky won’t stop there but good first step. Could help with the upcoming offensive from Russia soon. Good timing. Also displays west’s commitment against Russia’s actions. Could have been done as an example to China after talks between the French and Chinese seemed to show “weekend unity among Europe and America.” But still, Ukraine could use this for sure. This raises the question of weather F-16 could be sent from the United States.   

 

Location: Sudan, Date: 4/21/2023

Type: Military fighting breaks out, Topic: Middle - East/Africa    

Report: 2 Sudan generals are at war with each other. Here's what to know. - CBS News

 Why rival military factions are fighting in Sudan : NPR *

Analysis:

Almost a week ago, (4/15) tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) lead by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of the paramilitary. This seems to be a fight for power as the to rivals in a “fight to the death” (NPR*) for control over the region. The fighting has made it hard for aid to get through and resulted in many civilian deaths. So far, no end to the conflict in sight. After the two sides worked together to overthrow dictator Omar al-Bashir, they agreed to hold elections in 2023 to allow the country to be civilian rule. However due to many disagreements between the two generals on who would subordinate the other, the RSF and SAF are involved in heavy fighting.