Author: AsiaOne

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the launch of an exclusive programme called “Classes Internationales” (international classes) for Indian students. On January 26, President Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a joint statement. The programme aims to enhance educational and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Starting in September, this special programme will offer Indian students the opportunity to spend a year in France learning French before pursuing their chosen degrees.

As per a statement from the French Embassy, students who complete a foundational year of immersive language training at an institution will be eligible for admission to undergraduate programmes taught in French at higher education institutions in France. The admission will be irrespective of whether they are native speakers or complete beginners.

Additionally, Indian students will receive instruction in French language, methodology, and academic content at prestigious French universities. The initiative aims to welcome over 30,000 Indian students to France by 2030.

France aims to increase opportunities for Indian students, which is evident in programmes like Classes Internationales, and 5-year short-stay Schengen visas for alumni. As of right now, the nation receiving the most number of French academic scholarships is India.

Vietnam and the Philippines have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in safeguarding the South China Sea to prevent untoward incidents in the region.

The announcement came during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Hanoi, underscoring the strategic importance of collaboration amid escalating tensions. With China laying claim to nearly all of the $3 trillion in annual shipborne trade passing through the South China Sea, both Southeast Asian nations find themselves in competition over vital maritime territories.

The bilateral agreement, consisting of two memoranda of understanding on security, addresses crucial areas such as “incident prevention in the South China Sea” and “maritime cooperation” among coastguards. The latest agreement between Vietnam and the Philippines may provoke Beijing, given its extensive deployment of coastguard fleets throughout the South China Sea to enforce its territorial claims. However, details of the agreement reached in Hanoi have not been revealed.

Marcos stressed Vietnam’s role as the Philippines’ sole strategic partner in Southeast Asia ahead of his meeting with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong. He highlighted the foundation of their relationship, emphasising maritime cooperation.

Additionally, Vietnam, one of the world’s leading exporters of rice, has solidified agreements on rice trade and agricultural cooperation with the Philippines, a key importer of the crop.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has set the stage for a fresh era of collaboration with Africa during a pivotal one-day summit. In an unveiling of long-awaited plans, Meloni outlined a vision aimed at fortifying economic ties, establishing an energy hub for Europe, and mitigating migration pressures.

In a bid to kickstart this ambitious agenda, Meloni committed an initial investment of $5.95 billion, which includes state-backed guarantees. Meloni said, “We are only at the beginning; there is a very long road ahead of us. This day is a restart.” She outlined the need for swift action to start working on projects that would have a practical impact.

However, amidst the optimism, dissenting voices emerged among the attendees. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, highlighted the importance of honouring commitments and expressed disappointment over Africa’s exclusion from priority-setting discussions.

Critics who point to Italy’s staggering debt levels cast doubt on the nation’s ability to compete with global powers like China, Russia, and the Gulf states in Africa. Italy is likely to face great challenges as other nations seek to expand their power due to the continent’s abundant natural resources.

On Tuesday, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed that Australia stands as the premier “security ally” for its close neighbour Papua New Guinea (PNG), following revelations that China had initiated discussions for a policing and security arrangement.

PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko said that China approached PNG in September with proposals to support its police force through training, equipment provision, and surveillance technology. He emphasised that discussions were in preliminary stages and assured that PNG remained committed to its security relationships with Australia and the United States, prioritising their integrity.

In December, PNG sealed a security agreement worth A$200 million with Australia aimed at enhancing police training after a defence agreement with the United States was forged in May, both awaiting implementation.

Early this month, a Chinese ambassador to Australia stressed Beijing’s intentions were mainly focused on policing, not defence, to alleviate Australia’s concerns about Beijing’s growing regional influence.

Tkacheno said China’s offer of policing and internal security assistance was “being carefully assessed, as we do not want to duplicate or compromise agreements already in place with our traditional security partners, Australia and the United States of America.”