The British government has denied claims by Argentinian President Javier Milei regarding negotiations to lift a long-standing arms sales ban, as concerns over transnational harassment of Hong Kong activists escalate. Meanwhile, Australians are increasingly avoiding travel to the United States due to new social media disclosure requirements that many consider invasive.

UK Denies Arms Negotiations with Argentina
The British government has firmly rejected assertions made by Argentine President Javier Milei that discussions are underway to relax the arms sales ban imposed since the Falklands War in 1982. Milei's comments, made to the Daily Telegraph, included plans for a potential visit to the UK in 2026 and a desire to resolve the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands through diplomacy. However, a British government spokesperson reiterated that the sovereignty of the islands is non-negotiable and emphasized that there are no current talks about easing arms export controls to Argentina. The spokesperson did express hopes for enhanced cooperation with Argentina in trade and cultural exchanges.

Escalation of Harassment Against Hong Kong Activists
In a disturbing development, sexually explicit letters targeting exiled Hong Kong activists have been sent to addresses in the UK and Australia. The letters, which include digitally altered images of Carmen Lau, a prominent pro-democracy activist, have sparked outrage and fear among those targeted. Lau's former neighbors in Maidenhead received these letters, which were mailed from Macau and featured fake images portraying her in compromising positions. In Australia, Ted Hui, another exiled activist, faced similar harassment with a fake poster depicting his wife as a sex worker. Both activists have condemned these acts as a significant escalation in transnational repression, particularly against women.

Australians Boycott US Travel Over New Requirements
Australians are increasingly opting out of travel to the United States as new rules requiring visitors to disclose their social media history loom. The US Customs and Border Protection agency announced that tourists from 42 countries, including Australia, will need to provide extensive social media data as part of the visa waiver application process. Many Australians have described these requirements as draconian and invasive, leading to a notable decline in travel numbers. Data indicates that the number of Australians visiting the US has dropped significantly, with arrivals falling to just over 45,000 in November, a decrease of 11% compared to the previous year. Travelers express concerns over potential repercussions for their families due to the new policies.

Wrap-up
As international tensions rise over arms sales, harassment against activists, and travel restrictions, the global landscape continues to evolve. The UK maintains its stance on the Falkland Islands, while activists face increased threats from authoritarian regimes. Australians are also reconsidering their travel plans in light of new US policies, reflecting broader concerns about privacy and safety in an increasingly interconnected world.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team