Chinese FM stresses two directions in dealing with nuclear issue on Korean Peninsula – People’s Daily Online

English: Logo of the People's Daily 中文: 人民日报题字

English: Logo of the People’s Daily 中文: 人民日报题字 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

North Korea and weapons of mass destruction

North Korea and weapons of mass destruction (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is the top story in China’s leading newspaper, People’s Daily. It reports on Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressing a United Nations Security Council minister, stressing the need to contain the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsular, with the UK and Russian foreign ministers in attendance too.

Source: Chinese FM stresses two directions in dealing with nuclear issue on Korean Peninsula – People’s Daily Online

With the Security Council meeting chaired by the US, this was a reminder to the US that China is probably the only restraining influence on North Korea. The Chinese FM cited previous diplomatic successes with North Korea.

With both the US and North Korea being led by volatile and unpredictable leaders, China’s restraining influence is welcome. Unfortunately, the Trump regime is probably looking for quick wins. For UK readers, it was good news that Boris Johnson took a low profile.

Thoughts?

Refugee crisis: European leaders blamed for record high deaths in the Mediterranean | The Independent

The Independent reports that Britain and other European nations are making the refugee crisis worse by forcing people fleeing conflict and persecution to undertake covert and treacherous journeys, citing new research. It highlights that the damning report by the Unravelling the Mediterranean Migration Crisis (Medmig) project concluded that the refusal to open up legal routes for those seeking safety in Europe has increased demand for people smuggling on ever more dangerous routes.

Source: Refugee crisis: European leaders blamed for record high deaths in the Mediterranean | The Independent

Although I voted for Remain, I sadly must conclude that the refugee crisis highlights why the EU is not workable at the political level. Of all the European leaders, I would highlight Angela Merkel for botched, naive and ill-considered actions on refugees and immigration.

This leads me to an open question:

If Angela Merkel had not botched the refugee crisis, do you think that the UK would still be looking at a Hard Brexit?

Thoughts?