Human Rights

Mexico Decriminalizes Abortion

The Supreme Court of Mexico has ruled that it is unconstitutional to prosecute women for getting an abortion. Even though the ruling related to the abortion laws of the state of Coahuila, it will be applicable throughout the country. Until now, abortion in Mexico was only legal in a few states. To read more, click here and here. 

International Trade Law

WTO Creates Panel to Deal with the Australia-China Anti Dumping Dispute

After several unsuccessful consultations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has appointed a three member panel to hear out the dispute between Australia and China relating to the anti dumping duties imposed by China on Australian barley imports. There have been other anti-dumping disputes between Australia and China. However, this is the first dispute where a panel was formed to hear the issues. To read more, click here and here. 

India May Soon Begin Talks with UK and EU Relating to a Free Trade Agreement

The United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for International Trade stated that the public consultation process has attracted a lot of interest across the United Kingdom relating to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. This means that the UK will soon start negotiations with India regarding the same. Further, the Indian Minister of External Affairs stated that India will resume formal talks with the European Union (EU) relating to a Free Trade Agreement. To read more, click here and here. 

Biden Administration Takes Aim at China’s Industrial Subsidies

Senior US officials are debating whether to open an investigation into China’s use of industrial subsidies, in a move that could spark an escalation in trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. The discussions within Joe Biden’s administration could ultimately lead America to impose a new round of punitive tariffs on products from China, although such a step is still a long way away. According to people familiar with the matter, Katherine Tai, the US trade representative, and Gina Raimondo, the US commerce secretary, have considered launching a probe into China’s subsidies under section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act. For more information, click here and here.

Conflict and Security

China Welcomes the Taliban Government in Afghanistan

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced that they welcome the new ‘Islamic Emirate’ of Afghanistan and that the interim government was a necessary step to restore order in the country. Further, China has offered the Taliban government an aid worth $31 million in the form of food and Covid-19 vaccines. It was also stated that they will remain in contact and expect Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to do the same. To read more, click here and here. 

International Maritime Law

China Introduces New Law in Order to Control the South China Sea

China introduced new maritime rules which require foreign ships carrying radioactive material, bulk oil, and various other chemicals to report the details of cargo when they enter Chinese waters. This law is expected to increase tension in the South China Sea as Philippines, USA and other allies have been conducting naval expeditions in the sea which China claims to be its territory. Further, the Philippines has stated that they will be completely ignoring this law. To read more, click here and here. 

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Curated by Kirti Vardhan Singh and Aryaman Kapoor.

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