Malaysian King in China for maiden visit

King accorded state welcome in Beijing

Red-carpet welcome: Sultan Ibrahim arriving in Beijing as a guard of honour mounted by the People’s Liberation Army stands at attention. Accompanying His Majesty is Sun (right). — Bernama

BEIJING: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia has arrived for a four-day state visit to China.

His Majesty, who ascended the throne on Jan 31, is making his maiden state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

The special aircraft carrying His Majesty departed from the Royal Malaysian Air Force Subang Air Base at about 9.40am yesterday and arrived at the Official Terminal, Beijing Capital International Airport at 3.30pm.

Accompanying His Majesty on the visit are Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who arrived at the same airport in a separate aircraft at about 3pm, is also accompanying His Majesty on the visit.

Sultan Ibrahim was received at the airport by China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong, China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, Malaysian Foreign Ministry secretary- general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zain and Malaysia’s Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.

His Majesty received the salute from a guard of honour mounted by the People’s Liberation Army.

His Majesty’s visit symbolises the robust state of bilateral relations between Malaysia and China that have continued to grow since its elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013.

During the visit, Sultan Ibrahim will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, followed by an audience with Xi and a state banquet hosted by the Chinese President.

His Majesty will also grant an audience to Premier Li Qiang and visit the Beijing COMAC Aircraft Technology Research Centre to observe the latest developments in China’s aviation technology.

His Majesty is also scheduled to attend the naming ceremony of the Chair of Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University in His Majesty’s honour and engage with the Malaysian diaspora during the visit.

The visit also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.

Earlier, during a press conference, Norman said His Majesty’s state visit is highly anticipated by China.

He noted that this is the first state visit by a Malaysian King to China in 10 years, marking a significant moment for both nations as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

This is the second state visit conducted by His Majesty, with the first being a two-day visit to Singapore in May at the invitation of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. — Bernama

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Malaysian king’s China visit to ‘expand co-op’

Malaysia's new king Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar (C, L) attends the installation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 20, 2024. Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar was formally installed as Malaysia's new king on Saturday, as part of a grand ceremony marking the event held at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. (Malaysia's Department of Information/Handout via Xinhua)

 

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National Anthem: China - 义勇军进行曲March of the Volunteers

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Self-repair capability of US democracy is weakening, with grave consequences, Second assassination attempt on Donald Trump

 

Illustration: Chen Xia/Global Times

Former US president Donald Trump was once again the target of an assassination attempt, marking the second such incident in two months. 

How many more bullets are aimed at American political figures? This event has thrust the issue of escalating political violence in the US into the spotlight.

Politicians have resumed their customary performances in Washington: condemning violence and calling for unity. Yet, behind these lofty words lies a political system spiraling out of control, a beacon slowly dimming.

American media and analysts have offered various explanations: increasing social inequality, political polarization, the spread of fake news, and rampant gun ownership. 

Some even provide historical context, suggesting that the political violence has always been part of American politics. 

The evolution of America's democratic system to its current state is linked to early defects in this machine. However, it has self-repair capabilities, and the current problem is that this ability is weakening.

It can no longer keep pace with the global progress and development of democracy, nor can it adapt to the political and social developments within the US. 

The flaws of this dual-party rivalry are becoming increasingly apparent over time.

The American electoral system is gradually becoming a money game. Whoever has the financial resources can manipulate election outcomes. Corporations and wealthy individuals easily influence policy directions through political donations. 

In this process, the voices of ordinary citizens are feeling completely marginalized. This money-driven politics exacerbates social inequality and erodes public confidence in the political system.

The two-party system has devolved into a disingenuous performance. The Republicans and Democrats appear to be at odds, but in reality, they are engaged in a back-and-forth power play. 

Their conflicts are not about solving problems but about winning elections. In this process, the true spirit of democracy is cast aside, ultimately deepening societal division and polarization.

Social media in the US has become a tool for spreading lies and hatred. In such an information environment, it is difficult for the public to make rational judgments, and extreme ideologies and conspiracy theories flourish.

The American judicial system has also been politicized. Supreme Court justices are no longer neutral arbiters but have become representatives of party interests. The law is no longer a symbol of justice but a weapon in political struggles. Critically, this machine can no longer solve these problems and instead becomes a creator of issues.

Even the shrewdest politicians cannot discern whether it is societal polarization that has caused party polarization or vice versa. 

This touches upon a more fundamental problem: it is the system itself that perpetuates political violence. In other words, the machine's operating system is flawed, not just a few parts or components. It either produces defective outcomes or damages itself in the process. 

Washington's politicians seem aware of the severity of the problem but are powerless. They continue to exploit the system for their political gain, attempting to divert attention by creating new adversaries.

America needs a political reform. It needs to redefine what true democracy is and establish a political system that genuinely represents the interests of all people. This inclusivity is crucial for rebuilding the public's confidence in politics.

Meanwhile, Washington's political elites should be careful in using the term "democracy" on the international stage, as it may further remind people to pay greater attention to the challenge they are facing domestically, and damage their reputation.

The bullets are flying, and the potential consequences are grave. Who will they ultimately hit? Let us wait and see.

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  Withdrawal of BRP 9701 shall be a beginning of changing course by the Philippines

   Withdrawal of BRP 9701 shall be a beginning of changing course by the Philippines

    On August 26, 2024, an officer from China Coast Guard monitors Philippine Coast Guard ship 4411 which ilegally intruded into waters near C...

Mayhem as storms lash Penang, felling over 200 trees, damage homes, Shanghai hit by strongest typhoon in 75 years

 

Penang seaside spots bashed by strong winds and tides

Volunteers sawing off fallen branches after they fell on a parked car in Butterworth, Penang. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

GEORGE TOWN, Penang - Pandemonium swept through Penang when storms caused over 200 roadside trees to topple, crushing cars, damaging homes and putting motorists’ lives in danger.

The northern region of Malaysia has been lashed by storms since Sept 15 and on Sept 17 morning, bouts of strong winds toppled more trees onto passing vehicles on many roads.

The intense wind whipped up the sea too, and in the clan jetties off Pengkalan Weld, a walk away from Penang island’s ferry terminal, violent waves tore up the planks on the jetties.

Built in the 1900s, the clan jetties stretch offshore for over 100m and people live on wooden homes along these jetties, which are tourist attractions.

Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng advised tourists not to visit the clan jetties in the near term till repairs were made.

“Volunteers have been dispatched to monitor and arrange for repairs where necessary.

“For safety, we advise visitors to refrain from visiting the jetties and coastal areas during high tides,” he said.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow called for all motorists to be vigilant as trees fell in 90 places and three houses and eight cars were damaged on Sept 15.

“On Sept 16, fallen trees were reported in nine locations,” he told a press conference on Sept 17.

As at noon on Sept 17, more trees fell in 43 locations, he added.

Mr Chow said even mainland Penang was not spared, with falling trees reported in 30 locations.

Many of Penang’s roads, especially in George Town, are lined with shady decades-old trees – some so large it will take the outstretched arms of at least three adults to encircle them.

The Pulau Tikus suburb, which motorists pass on their way to Tanjung Bungah and beach resort of Batu Ferringhi, had 13 falling trees as at 9.50am on Sept 17, said Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Wong.

He said Penang Island City Council had removed 30 dangerous trees in his constituency so far, and he was saddened to still see so many roadside trees falling and becoming major hazards during the current stormy spell.

He said in the past, the city council had been persuaded by some non-governmental organisations to preserve large and old trees, but “it was a mistake”.

Beautiful as they were, he said these large roadside trees posed a major risk to life and property during storms.

“Penang needs a ‘green city’ concept that is safe, without big, old trees that are dangerous to people and property,” he added.

Retiree Kenny Chuah, 63, from Pulau Tikus, said he drove his daughter to work just 2km away in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah at 7.30am on Sept 17.

“During the whole drive there and back, the rain was not heavy, but the winds were incredible. I watched roadside trees swaying crazily, and it was frightening.

“On my way back to my house, I drove quickly to get past stretches with old roadside trees. The road was littered with small fallen branches,” he said. -THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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Tree falls every where due to strong wind 💨 and heavy rain 🌧️ 

Stay safe everyone. Pray 🙏🏼 for those front lines that help to ease the situation.

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On August 26, 2024, an officer from China Coast Guard monitors Philippine Coast Guard ship 4411 which ilegally intruded into waters near China's Xianbin Jiao. Photo: China Coast Guard

It is reported that the Philippine Coast Guard ship 9701 has left Xianbin Jiao (also known as Xianbin Reef) of China's Nansha Islands, which has been illegally stationed for near five months, three days after the China-Philippine BCM meeting on the South China Sea Issue on September 11, but the Philippines did not inform the Chinese side in advance. The ship's departure shows the failure of this round of infringing provocations by the Philippines and is also a step forward in achieving peace and stability in the South China Sea.

But the Philippines and its backers will not admit defeat. How to persuade those are bent on changing the status quo in the South China Sea with infringement, and even expect to "invoke" the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to force China to give up its sovereignty and development interests, and to persuade them to recognize that China will not retreat on her sovereignty and territorial issues, is indeed a matter that requires effort and long-term patience.

First of all, it would be absurd for the Philippines to package the evacuation of BRP 9701 as a "triumphant return" after completing the "mission." To the outside world, it was obvious that the airdrop of supplies on August 28 was only a drop in the bucket, and the ship's withdrawal was more likely a helpless move after running out of supplies. Of course, the Philippines and its supporters have always been good at packaging "victory" as proof that US commitments really "work." But this is of little practical value, other than to delight a few Filipino elites and their backers.

Second, the Philippines may stick to the "misery selling" strategy, that is, hyping up China's "inhumane" obstruction of Philippine ships to resupply. However, it was in fact the BRP 9701 that invaded and forcibly stayed in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao, and it could completely leave the lagoon on its own. The so-called need for "humanitarian supplies" is a false claim created by the Philippines. Facts have proved that the Chinese ships exercising control in the nearby waters did not stop the Philippine ship sailing away from the reef. As soon as the BRP 9701 left Xianbin Jiao, the "humanitarian crisis" was gone with it.

Finally, the Philippine side may also smear its retreat as "freedom to come and go" within its "jurisdiction." This is certainly the freedom of speech of the Philippines. Nevertheless, the struggles in recent months have demonstrated that if the Philippine side deliberately provokes and tries to force China to accept its change of the status quo in the South China Sea, it will face strong countermeasures from China. But when they choose to withdraw, China will adhere to the principle of "good to go" and not interfere. Therefore, the Philippines enjoys the freedom to respect China's sovereignty and national interests, but it does not have the freedom to make willful provocations without being stopped or countered.

It is for sure that this round of withdrawal does not mean that the Philippines will give up. Next, the Philippine Government may accuse China of still "staying" in the waters of Xianbin Jiao. But this accusation ignores the premise that China is conducting law-enforcement patrols in waters under its own jurisdiction, and without question it can stay as long as it deems necessary. Second, the withdrawal of the Philippine Coast Guard ship 9701 was done without informing China or indicating its intention to follow up. According to the latest statement of the Philippine National Maritime Commission, the BRP 9701 will still "resume its mission" after the withdrawal and completion of replenishment. Whether it intends to storm Xianbin Jiao again after repairs and supplies or send a new ship to invade, it is still worthy of caution. But for the Philippines, the lesson should be clear: Any new provocation will only invite stronger countermeasures from China, regardless of whether its next "mission" is accompanied by any warship from a third party. If the Philippines moves this kind of illegal ground sitting or illegal stay to other islands and reefs in the South China Sea, the Chinese side is also ready to shift its position and block it at any time.

It is difficult for the Philippines to succeed in illegal sitting and staying on the Chinese territory in the South China Sea, and it cannot be ruled out that the Philippines is again hyping up a "second arbitration" on the so-called environmental issue. In this regard, the Ministry of Natural Resources of China published the "A Survey Report on the Coral Reef Ecosystem of Xianbin Jiao" on August 30, elaborating on the good ecosystem status of China's Xianbin Jiao so far, and the great efforts made by China to investigate and publicize the original ecological status of Xianbin Jiao. It is precisely the illegal stay of the BRP 9701 for nearly five months that poses a real danger of pollution to the coral ecosystem of Xianbin Jiao.

In conclusion, it is a good thing that the Philippines has withdrawn the ship, and other provocations will not work. The Philippine side should take this withdrawal as a beginning of changing its South China Sea policy and shift focus onto developing pragmatic relations with China.

The author is an assistant research fellow from the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

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The only correct choice for the Philippines is to leave Xianbin Jiao immediately

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