Berlin welcome Biden’s call for troop reduction in Germany

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Berlin welcome Biden’s call for troop reduction in Germany

The German government welcomed US President Joe Biden’s announcement that his administration would suspend any planned troop withdrawal from Germany in another sign of thriving relations between Washington and Berlin.

Southern and western Germany was at a time dotted with US military installations, many of which dated back to the end of the second world war when international allies had defeated Nazi Germany, then later during the cold war era when Germany has divided into two parts, western Germany under NATO influence, and eastern Germany under Soviet influence. During that era of hardship, the number of foreign armies was dramatic in the whole of Germany, but now it is just a fraction of what it once used to be.

But the Pentagon still maintains several important installations in Germany, including Ramstein airbase, which serves as a gateway for US troops to Europe and the middle east.

US and Russia signed a new START

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US and Russia signed a new START

Authorities from the United States and Russia have confirmed the official extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) by a term of five years as the agreement on the extension of the key nuclear pact has entered into force.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Russian foreign ministry said that the new START treaty will operate in the form it was signed, without any changes or additions made until February 5, 2026.

According to the ministry, the telephone conversation between the leaders, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and President Joe Biden of the United States on the twenty-sixth of January was key for this development to proceed.

US secretary of state Antony Blinked noted that Washington would use the five-year extension period to seek arms control with Moscow that addresses all of the Russian nuclear weapons.

President Biden names China as the main competitor

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President Biden names China as the main competitor

US President Joe Biden, in his agenda-setting foreign policy speech, made China the principal competitor of the United States but didn’t make any considerable mention of the Indo-Pacific region.

The strong language used by Biden was a contrast to his globalist past as a Senator and Vice-President and his campaign statements like, ‘They’re not competition for us’ and ‘China is going to eat our lunch? Come on, man.’

Though he did not give out a concrete plan in his speech regarding dealing with the China challenge, he spoke in generalities. But, unlike his predecessor Donald Trump, Biden did not mention the Indo-Pacific or, while speaking of allies, the Quad or India. However, he mentioned his conversations with Japan, South Korea, and Australia, and he is yet to speak to Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi.

Biden listed climate change and Russia and his other global adversaries. He talked about reducing carbon emissions regarding the climatic change, and about dealing with Russia’s determination to damage and disrupt their democracy.

Sweden plans to develop a digital coronavirus passport

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Sweden plans to develop a digital coronavirus passport

On Thursday, 4 February 2021, Sweden announced its plans to develop a digital coronavirus passport for use by the summer of this very year. Swedish health minister Lena Hallengren at a press conference said, “International processes have commenced regarding technical solutions and standards for proof of vaccination. There is a need for Sweden to participate.”

This digital certificate will serve as a proof for Swedes that they have been immunized against COVID-19. The certificate will follow the international rules and standards and will also ensure privacy. The government expects to bring it in place by June 1. The government assumed that proof of vaccination will be required by other countries for entry or to participate in any sort of social gathering.

Under the plan, many authorities and agencies including the Public health agency, the Swedish e-health agency, and the Swedish association of local authorities and regions would join in developing the digital passport, which is certainly a great step towards ensuring safety against COVID-19 and will also help in saving paper which in turn will help in saving the environment. 

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