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Geopolitics

French Bombers Pound Northern Mali Ahead Of UN Security Council Meeting

FRANCE24, LIBERATION (France)

Worldcrunch

BAMAKO - On the third day of the French-led “Operation Serval” to drive the Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group MUJAO out of northern Mali, air strikes have been carried out Monday on Timbuktu and Gao, two key rebel strongholds.

Four Rafales fighter jets pounded rebel training camps, logistic depots and infrastructure around the city of Gao, reports France 24. French President François Hollande stated that this was just the beginning of a war campaign to be pursued both from the air and on the ground.

As some 550 French soldiers were deployed this weekend in different locations, Hollande's decision was largely supported by other European leaders.

The UN Security Council will meet Monday to assess the situation, as the UK already agreed to help out the French contingent by deploying troops immediately.

Reports say locals welcome the external intervention, though their concern for their own security is real: “The planes are so fast, you can only hear their sound in the sky,” says resident Soumaila Naiga, speaking by telephone with France24 television network. “We are happy, even though it is frightening. Soon we will be delivered.”

This intervention triggered some threats from MUJAO, which declared their will to “strike the heart of France,” reports French newspaper Libération. The French troops will benefit from the support of Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara, who promised a 3,300 soldier contingent to be sent.

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FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

With His Trip To Moscow, Xi Has Sent A Clear Message To The World

China has adopted a stance of pro-Putin neutrality since the start of Russia's invasion. But this is not an alliance of equals. China has the upper-hand and sees the opportunity to present itself as an alternative world leader.

Photo of ​Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — While Russia is mired in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has become the target of an international arrest warrant, China appeared as a lifeline.

Stay up-to-date with the latest on the Russia-Ukraine war, with our exclusive international coverage.

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Xi Jinping’s presence in Moscow from Monday to Wednesday was a bit like the "quiet force" visiting a friend in trouble. They offer him "face," as the Chinese expression for showing respect goes, referring to him as "dear friend"...

But reality sets in very quickly: between the couple, Beijing has the upper hand — and Moscow has no choice.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, China has observed what one diplomat astutely calls a "pro-Putin neutrality", a subtle balance that suits Beijing more than Moscow. Putin could have hoped for more active support, especially in the delivery of arms, technological products, or ways to circumvent Western sanctions. But China is helping Russia sparingly, while making sure to not incur sanctions in turn.

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