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'Deeply concerned over the escalation' - Beijing urges diplomatic solution between Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistan after cross-border strikes

'Deeply concerned over the escalation' - Beijing urges diplomatic solution between Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistan after cross-border strikes

"China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning on Friday said that Beijing is 'deeply concerned' over deadly cross-border strikes between Pakistan and Afghanistan along the Durand Line on Thursday. "The intensity of ongoing clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan has gone beyond previous levels. Any protraction or escalation will inflict harm and losses on both sides," Mao stated during a daily press briefing. The spokesperson urged both countries to pursue diplomatic solutions to "end the fighting as soon as possible, and avoid more sufferings." Afghanistan-Pakistan escalation intensified on Thursday after months of tensions, with both sides launching cross-border strikes and reporting casualties. Afghanistan launched what it called a 'major offensive' on Pakistani military posts near the border on Thursday, which the Taliban government said was in response to deadly airstrikes earlier this month that reportedly killed at least 13 people. Pakistan, which said those earlier strikes targeted 'militants' planning 'suicide attacks', carried out airstrikes on the capital Kabul and two other provinces from Thursday night into Friday. Mao also commented on Wednesday talks between President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict during the chancellor's two-day stay in China. "It is important to ensure the equal participation of all sides and strike a solid foundation for peace; accommodate the legitimate concerns of all sides and enhance the will for peace," Mao cited Xi's remarks. "Though parties remain divided, they engaged in talks that are beginning to focus on substantive issues concerning the crisis. China welcomes this. Peace talks won't end the crisis overnight, but as long as dialogue is still on, there is hope for peace," she added. The US, Russia and Ukraine hosted the latest round of trilateral talks on February 17-18. Mao also voiced Beijing's opposition to reported Pentagon plans to allocate an additional $12.6 billion to monitor China's activities in Asia amid perceived 'expansion' threats, and dismissed OpenAI's claims that Chinese officials used ChatGPT to manipulate public opinion on Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi."

Tracey Emin’s lust for life, gaudy Egyptian treasure and Don McCullin hits 90 – the week in art

Tracey Emin’s lust for life, gaudy Egyptian treasure and Don McCullin hits 90 – the week in art

Emin reminds us of the deep power of art, Ramses II parades his megalomaniac gold and Rose Wylie’s witty paintings finally get their due – all in your weekly dispatch Tracey Emin: A Second Life The most serious and intelligent, as well as passionate, artist of her generation proves art can still touch us all and express what it is to be alive. • Tate Modern, London , until 31 August Continue reading...

Commission vs Parliament! - VdL fast-tracks Mercosur to provisional phase despite MEPs backing legal challenge at bloc's top courts

Commission vs Parliament! - VdL fast-tracks Mercosur to provisional phase despite MEPs backing legal challenge at bloc's top courts

"European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said the body would proceed with the 'provisional application' of the trade deal with the Mercosur bloc - in direct opposition to the EU Parliament, which voted to refer it to the top court earlier this year. "In January, the European Council empowered the Commission to provisionally apply the agreement as from the first ratification by one Mercosur country. I have said before: when they are ready, we are ready," she said. "Therefore, over the last weeks I have discussed this intensively with Member States and with members of the European Parliament. On that basis, the Commission will now proceed with provisional application." "Provisional application is, by its nature, provisional. It is right there in the name. In line with the EU Treaties, the agreement can only be fully concluded once the European Parliament has given its consent," she added. The EU-Mercosur deal was plunged into chaos in January, as lawmakers voted by 334 to 324 to refer it to the bloc's top court - with the decision to 'request for opinion from the court of Justice' on the compatibility of the deal with the EU's policies. The deal itself was passed by a 'qualified majority' of EU nations earlier that month - a mechanism designed to take decisions on trade deals that lack unanimity. Austria, France, Hungary, Ireland, and Poland voted against it, and Belgium abstained. Huge protests have been seen from farmers amid concerns about undercutting and a cheap influx of South American produce. The European Commission said it 'deeply regretted' the parliament's vote, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanded the deal go ahead regardless: "No more delays. The deal must now be implemented provisionally." The Mercosur deal is 25 years in the making, removing 90 per cent of tariffs with South American countries. "