Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to China, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader in eight years. Carney announced a preliminary trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs and increasing imports of electric vehicles from China. This initiative seeks to strengthen economic ties and reduce Canada's reliance on the United States amid ongoing trade tensions. Carney emphasized the importance of cooperation in agriculture, energy, and finance, as both nations signed agreements to enhance collaboration in clean energy and fossil fuels.

In the realm of entertainment, Spanish singer Julio Iglesias has publicly denied allegations of sexual abuse made by two former employees. The accusations, which surfaced after a joint investigation by elDiario.es and Univision Noticias, claim Iglesias subjected the women to inappropriate behavior and sexual assault in his Caribbean residences. Iglesias stated he has never disrespected any woman and intends to defend his dignity against these allegations, which he categorically denies. The women have filed a complaint at Spain's Audiencia Nacional, and the case is under preliminary investigation.

Meanwhile, TikTok is set to implement new age-verification technology across the European Union to combat the rising concerns over children's safety on social media. The platform's new system, which has been piloted in the EU, will analyze user data to identify accounts belonging to those under 13. This initiative comes amid calls for stricter regulations on social media usage by minors, particularly in the UK, where political leaders are considering a ban on social media for users under 16.

In Bosnia, figures linked to former President Donald Trump are pursuing a $200 million contract for a gas pipeline intended to reduce the region's dependence on Russian energy. Jesse Binnall and Joe Flynn, both involved in Trump's efforts to contest the 2020 election results, are exploring this project, which aims to connect Bosnia to a liquefied natural gas terminal in Croatia. The initiative has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest due to their political connections.

In Hungary, right-wing leaders from across Europe have endorsed Viktor Orbán in a campaign video ahead of the upcoming elections. Despite facing challenges in the polls, Orbán's international connections are being highlighted as a political asset. The election is set against a backdrop of economic difficulties in Hungary, with rising living costs and social services under strain. His opponents are focusing on domestic issues, promising to address corruption and economic stagnation.

In a significant legal development, a court in Greece acquitted 24 aid workers who had been prosecuted for allegedly smuggling migrants during the refugee crisis. The verdict was celebrated as a victory for humanitarian efforts, as the prosecution had faced widespread criticism for criminalizing solidarity. The aid workers had been involved in rescue operations on the island of Lesbos, and their acquittal was seen as a crucial moment for the treatment of humanitarians in Europe.

Spanish police have dismantled a drug trafficking network that utilized young swimmers to smuggle cocaine onto ships bound for Europe. The operation led to the arrest of 30 individuals and the seizure of nearly 2.5 tonnes of cocaine. The investigation revealed sophisticated methods employed by the gangs, including the use of swimmers to transport drugs to vessels at sea before intercepting them.

In Iran, protests have reportedly slowed following a brutal crackdown by authorities that resulted in significant casualties. The regime's violent response has drawn international condemnation, with the G7 foreign ministers expressing grave concern over the situation. They threatened further sanctions if Iran continues its repression of dissent. Prominent filmmaker Jafar Panahi has predicted that the Khamenei regime will struggle to maintain control, emphasizing the inevitability of its collapse amid ongoing protests.

The Iranian government's actions have prompted discussions at the United Nations, where the US has called for an emergency meeting to address the crackdown. The situation remains fluid, with reports of halted executions and ongoing scrutiny from international observers.

Wrap-up
The global landscape is witnessing significant shifts in political dynamics, from Canada's renewed engagement with China to the implications of human rights abuses in Iran and the ongoing challenges in Hungary and Greece. As nations navigate trade agreements, social media regulations, and humanitarian efforts, the interplay of domestic and international pressures continues to shape the world stage.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team