[지구촌 오늘] Blinken “Time to end the Gaza conflict”…Trump and Harris campaign battle

This is ‘Global Village Today’, which brings you important news from various countries around the world. Let’s find out what’s happening at this moment with reporter Boo Ji-young.

Host) What news is there today?

Reporter) Yes. US Secretary of State Tony Blinken emphasized that it is time to end the conflict in the Palestinian Gaza Strip. As the U.S. presidential election campaign enters its final stages, Republican candidate former President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris continued to target each other. Britain and Germany have signed a defense agreement to counter the growing threat from Russia. We would like to report the news that Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense announced that a Chinese aircraft carrier strike group passed through the Taiwan Strait.

Host) Global Village Today, first, news from the Middle East. U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken says it’s time to end the war in Gaza, right?

Reporter) That’s right. Secretary Blinken said this to reporters before leaving Israel for Saudi Arabia on the 23rd. Let’s listen to Secretary Blinken.

“In the space of a year, it’s managed to dismantle Hamas’s military capacity, it’s destroyed much of its arsenal, it’s eliminated its senior leadership, including, most recently, Yahya Sinwar. This has come at the cost, great cost to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Now is the time to turn those successes into an enduring strategic success.”

Reporter) Yes. Over the past year, Israel has destroyed the power and weapons of Hamas, a Palestinian armed organization designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, and recently eliminated Hamas leadership, including its leader Yahya Shinwar. However, Secretary Blinken emphasized that the price of success was a great sacrifice by the people of Gaza, and that it is time to turn that success into a sustainable strategic success.

Host) What specifically do we need to do to transition to sustainable strategic success?

Reporter) Yes. Secretary Blinken pointed out that two things remain to be done. It is an end to war based on the return of hostages and an understanding of what will happen next. Secretary Blinken emphasized, “That’s what we did last day, and that’s what we will continue to do on this trip to the Middle East.”

Host) Israel’s retaliatory attack on Iran is also an issue between the two countries. Did Secretary Blinken also mention this issue?

Reporter) Yes. First, he emphasized that he would resolutely defend Israel from attacks by Iran and its proxies. Secretary Blinken went on to say that it is very important for Israel to respond in a way that does not escalate tensions. Secretary Blinken moved from Israel to Saudi Arabia on the 23rd. Afterwards, I will stop by Qatar and then head to London, England. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller reported on the 22nd that Secretary Blinken will meet foreign ministers from Arab countries in London on the 25th to discuss the war in Gaza and Lebanon.

Host) Who did Secretary Blinken meet in Saudi Arabia?

Reporter) I had a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, for about an hour and a half. The State Department said in a statement under Spokesperson Miller on the 23rd that Secretary Blinken emphasized to Crown Prince Bin Salman the need to end the war in Gaza, release hostages, and allow Gaza residents to rebuild their lives free from Hamas. It was revealed. Secretary Blinken also said in a statement that he appreciated Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting stability and peace in the region. Secretary Blinken also met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The State Department said in a statement that the two “continued discussions on how to establish security, governance, and reconstruction in the postwar period.”

Host) Israel announced on the 22nd that Hashim Safieddin, who was mentioned as the next head of the Lebanon-based Islamic militant organization Hezbollah, has died. Hezbollah also confirmed this?

Reporter) That’s right. Hezbollah issued a statement on the 23rd and said, “We mourn the great leader and martyr who lived an honorable life.” Earlier, the Israeli military issued a statement on the 22nd and announced that Safieddin, along with Intelligence Director Ali Hussein Hajima, were killed in an airstrike targeting Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters three weeks ago. Safieddin is the cousin of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli attack last month. It is known that he has been nominated as Nasrallah’s successor.

Host) Meanwhile, the Israeli army attacked the Lebanese city of Tire on the 23rd?

Reporter) Yes. Reuters reported on the 23rd that the Israeli military began bombing Tire on the 23rd. Three hours before the start of the attack, the Israeli military issued an order on the Internet for residents to evacuate the city center. Reuters reports that tens of thousands of Tire residents have already fled in the past few weeks as Israel intensifies its offensive targeting Hezbollah.

Host) Tire, Lebanon, is a well-known place, right?

Reporter) That’s right. It’s in southern Lebanon. This area has been listed as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This is a city bustling with fishermen, tourists, and United Nations peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) soldiers resting from their posts.

Host) There were many people who lost their lives in Lebanon due to Israeli military attacks, right?

Reporter) That’s right. The Lebanese government announced on the 22nd that about 2,500 people were killed in Israeli attacks and at least 1.2 million people fled their homes. The Lebanese government said at least 63 of the deaths occurred in the past 24 hours.

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, U.S. Vice President, attended a conversation held in Brookfield, Wisconsin, U.S. on October 21, 2024.

Host) This time, it is news about the US presidential election. The election campaign has now entered its final stages. Republican candidate former President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris had busy schedules on the 22nd, right?

Reporter) That’s right. Candidate Trump attended a town hall meeting in Florida on this day (22nd) and then campaigned in North Carolina. On the other hand, candidate Harris did not have a campaign schedule, but held interviews with Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo and NBC.

Host) Shall we summarize what the two candidates said in the schedule for the 22nd?

Reporter) Yes. First, looking at Candidate Harris, what stands out is what she said at the NBC broadcast conference. The host asked what he would do if candidate Trump tried to overturn the results of this presidential election. Let’s listen to what candidate Harris said.

“And we will deal with election night and the days after as they come and we have the resources and the expertise and, and the focus on that as well.”

Reporter) Yes. Harris responded that she would deal with election night and the following days as they come. He emphasized, “We have the resources and expertise, and we will focus on them.”

Host) After the last presidential election, a lot happened with candidate Trump refusing to acknowledge the election results. Are you saying that you are preparing for such a situation?

Reporter) That’s right. Candidate Harris said that candidate Trump attempted to overturn a free and fair election, and pointed out that Americans are faced with a situation where they must make very serious decisions about the future of the country.

Host) Candidate Harris said that she had an interview with Telemundo. It could be said that the interview was done with Latino, or Latin American, voters in mind, right?

Reporter) That’s right. In this extremely close presidential election, the votes of not only black but also Latino voters have become important. So both candidate Harris and candidate Trump are putting effort into them. Candidate Harris presented economic policies tailored to Latino voters, including easing loan requirements, in an interview with Telemundo on the 22nd.

Former US President Donald Trump, the US Republican presidential candidate, attended an election campaign held at the ‘Greensboro Coliseum’ in Greensboro, North Carolina on October 22, 2024.

Host) What did candidate Trump say on this day (22nd)?

Reporter) Yes. Candidate Trump met with Latinos and Latinos at his golf course in Florida. Let’s hear what was said here.

“”I just saw a poll that we’re actually leading with Hispanics. That’s never happened before. I’m going 14 more days and we’re going to have a big victory party, hopefully, and we’re going to turn our country around.”

Reporter) Yes. “I just saw a survey showing that we’re actually ahead among Latino voters, and that’s something we’ve never done before,” Trump said. “We have 14 days left, and hopefully we will have a big victory party and take America back,” he said.

Host) Candidate Trump continued his vitriol targeting candidate Harris at the event on this day (the 22nd)?

Reporter) That’s right. They accused candidate Harris of being lazy, saying she did not campaign because she was sleeping. He also said that candidate Harris has low intelligence. Stephen Cheng, a spokesman for Trump’s campaign, explained, “Candidate Trump’s comments were not based on race or gender.” He also emphasized, “Compared to Candidate Trump’s busy schedule, Candidate Harris is tired and lazy,” and added, “That has nothing to do with race or gender.”

British Defense Minister John Healey and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius are signing the Trinity House Agreement in London, England, on the 23rd.

Host) Global Village Today, this time we go to Europe. Britain and Germany signed a defense agreement?

Reporter) That’s right. Amid the growing threat from Russia in Europe, the British and German defense ministers signed a defense agreement in London on the 23rd. It’s called the ‘Trinity House Agreement’. Officials explained that this agreement is the first defense agreement between North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states.

Host) As the war between Russia and Ukraine prolongs, the two NATO member countries signed a separate defense agreement?

Reporter) That’s right. The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has continued for over two and a half years. In addition, Ukraine and its European NATO allies are concerned that the security landscape in Europe may change significantly depending on the results of the U.S. presidential election next month. Meanwhile, Britain and Germany signed a defense agreement.

Host) It was said that the defense ministers of both countries attended the agreement ceremony. A press conference was also held, right?

Reporter) Yes. British Defense Minister John Healey and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius attended a press conference held in London on the 23rd. British Defense Secretary Healey said Europe must strengthen its own security and Britain must play a bigger role within NATO. He also emphasized, “In a more dangerous world, alliances are our strategic strength and we must do more together.”

Host) What did German Defense Minister Pistorius say?

Reporter) Minister Pistorius said that Europe’s security should not be taken for granted. In addition, he pointed out that Russia is massively increasing its weapons production while waging war with Ukraine and is repeating hybrid attacks against NATO partner countries in Eastern Europe. A hybrid attack refers to an attack that uses all available means, such as cyber attacks and political intervention, in addition to physical attacks.

Host) The two countries signed an agreementWhat changes will this bring?

Reporter) In accordance with the ‘Trinity House Agreement’, the German P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, called ‘submarine hunter’, is expected to conduct periodic operations from a Scottish military base and patrol the North Atlantic. The two countries will also work more closely to protect vital underwater cables in the North Sea.

Host) Is there any cooperation in the field of weapons development?

Reporter) Yes. The two countries announced that they would first cooperate to develop a long-range strike weapon that can fly farther than Britain’s existing ‘Storm Shadow’ missile. In addition, Rheinmetall, a large German defense company, is expected to open a factory to produce cannon barrels using British steel. The two countries are also expected to cooperate in the development of new ground and aerial drones.

Host) What impact will the agreement between the two countries have on security in Eastern Europe?

Reporter) Officials say the agreement will strengthen NATO’s eastern front. Currently, British and German troops are carrying out NATO missions in the Eastern European countries of Estonia and Lithuania. Officials said the agreement means the two countries’ militaries will train and operate more closely in the field, ensuring ground forces maintain a strong deterrent on NATO’s eastern front and are ready to fight and win if necessary.

Host) Meanwhile, the European Parliament has approved new loans to Ukraine?

Reporter) That’s right. The European Parliament, the European Union’s legislative body, has approved a plan to lend up to 35 billion euros (US$38 billion) to Ukraine. The European Parliament put this plan to a vote on the 22nd and passed it with 518 votes in favor, 56 against, and 61 abstentions.

Host) Is the EU’s decision-making process now complete?

Reporter) That’s right. Earlier this month, EU member governments agreed to lend Ukraine the proceeds from Russia’s frozen assets as collateral. The vote on this day (the 22nd) was the final legislative step.

Host) They say that most of Russia’s frozen assets are tied up in Europe, right?

Reporter) That’s right. The West froze the assets Russia had deposited in the West immediately after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. More than two-thirds of all assets, about 210 billion euros (about 226.2 billion U.S. dollars), are tied up in the EU.

The Chinese Navy’s ‘Liaoning’ aircraft carrier. (data screen)

Host) Let’s look at one more news from the global village today. Is there news that a Chinese aircraft carrier group has passed through the Taiwan Strait again?

Reporter) Yes. Taiwan’s defense chief announced that a strike force led by China’s ‘Liaoning’ aircraft carrier passed through the Taiwan Strait on the 23rd. Taiwan’s Defense Minister Gu Li-hsiung explained to reporters on this day, “The Liaoning is currently passing through the Taiwan Strait and is heading north along the west side of the strait’s center line.”

Host) Liaoningis China’s first-generation aircraft carrier, right?

Reporter) That’s right. This is not an aircraft carrier developed by China itself. This is an aircraft carrier that is a converted former Soviet ship. The Liaoning was also mobilized last week when China conducted large-scale military exercises surrounding the island of Taiwan.

Host) It appears that military tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate.

Reporter) That’s right. China considers Taiwan its own territory. However, the level of conflict between the two sides continues to rise as the President Tsai Ing-wen government of the Democratic Progressive Party (Democratic Progressive Party), which pursues Taiwan’s independence, took office in May, followed by the election of the President Lai Ching-de government of the same party.

Host) President Lai is evaluated as using stronger rhetoric than her predecessor, President Tsai Ing-wen, right?

Reporter) That’s right. In a speech given on October 10 to mark Taiwan’s National Day, President Lai also pledged to strongly resist China’s annexation of Taiwan. Then, a few days later, China dispatched large-scale military aircraft, including fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles, and warships to put pressure on Taiwan with military exercises surrounding Taiwan.

Host) Is there any story from China?

Reporter) Yes. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian confirmed the Liaoning’s passage through the strait. However, Taiwan claimed that as a province of China, there is no Ministry of Defense in Taiwan. He also emphasized that no matter what measures the Taiwanese authorities take, the fact that China and Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait are one China will not change.

Host) US and Canadian ships also recently passed through the Taiwan Strait, right?

Reporter) That’s right. The international community views the Taiwan Strait as an international waterway. Accordingly, the United States is regularly patrolling the Taiwan Strait area as part of the so-called ‘freedom of navigation’ operation to protect international airspace and territorial waters. On the 20th, U.S. and Canadian ships passed through the Taiwan Strait.

Host) Global Village concludes today. This was reporter Bu Ji-young.