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AP Week in Pictures: Global

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AP Week in Pictures: Global
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AP Week in Pictures: Global

2024-06-14 14:11 Last Updated At:14:21

June 7-13, 2024

Cambodians pray for rain and good fortune in the He Neak Ta ritual, people suffering respiratory ailments receive a secret herbal treatment with live fish in India, and soldiers and politicians commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France. People react to the war between Hamas and Israel, and anti-government protesters clash with police outside the Congress building in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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Jesus Culis adjusts his swimming goggles at the coastal village of Simlong in Batangas province, Philippines on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. He lost his vision on one eye during a childhood accident. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Jesus Culis adjusts his swimming goggles at the coastal village of Simlong in Batangas province, Philippines on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. He lost his vision on one eye during a childhood accident. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

The statue of "Corazon de Jesus," or Heart of Jesus, stands in El Aldo, Bolivia, overlooking La Paz, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

The statue of "Corazon de Jesus," or Heart of Jesus, stands in El Aldo, Bolivia, overlooking La Paz, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

A woman wearing a face cover chats with a man as they visit the Forbidden City in a hot and sunny day in Beijing, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

A woman wearing a face cover chats with a man as they visit the Forbidden City in a hot and sunny day in Beijing, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Anti-government protesters clash with police outside Congress, as lawmakers debate a reform bill promoted by Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Anti-government protesters clash with police outside Congress, as lawmakers debate a reform bill promoted by Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

A Ukrainian national guard serviceman of Khartia brigade prepares to reload his D-20 cannon while firing towards Russian positions on the front line near Kharkiv, Ukraine, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A Ukrainian national guard serviceman of Khartia brigade prepares to reload his D-20 cannon while firing towards Russian positions on the front line near Kharkiv, Ukraine, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Children play with the ropes of a ship docked on a beach in Parika, Guyana, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Children play with the ropes of a ship docked on a beach in Parika, Guyana, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

An asthma patient arrives to receive a fish therapy as others stand in a queue, in Hyderabad, India, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Every year thousands of asthma patients arrive here to receive this fish therapy from the Bathini Goud family, a secret formula of herbs, handed down by generations only to family members. The herbs are inserted in the mouth of a live sardine, or murrel fish, and slipped into the patient's throat. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

An asthma patient arrives to receive a fish therapy as others stand in a queue, in Hyderabad, India, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Every year thousands of asthma patients arrive here to receive this fish therapy from the Bathini Goud family, a secret formula of herbs, handed down by generations only to family members. The herbs are inserted in the mouth of a live sardine, or murrel fish, and slipped into the patient's throat. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

A masked anti-government protester aims a toy gun during a demonstration outside Congress where lawmakers debate a reform bill promoted by President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The sign at right reads in Spanish "Exterminator of the homeland." (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A masked anti-government protester aims a toy gun during a demonstration outside Congress where lawmakers debate a reform bill promoted by President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The sign at right reads in Spanish "Exterminator of the homeland." (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A reveler takes part in the Pride March in Vilnius, Lithuania, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

A reveler takes part in the Pride March in Vilnius, Lithuania, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

A soldier of the First U.S. Army shows the Distinguished Service Cross while another holds the portrait of of Waverly Woodson Jr., a medic who was part of the only Black combat unit to take part in the D-Day invasion of France during World War II, being posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of the heroism and determination he showed treating troops under heavy enemy fire , on Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer, France on Friday, June 7, 2024, (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)

A soldier of the First U.S. Army shows the Distinguished Service Cross while another holds the portrait of of Waverly Woodson Jr., a medic who was part of the only Black combat unit to take part in the D-Day invasion of France during World War II, being posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of the heroism and determination he showed treating troops under heavy enemy fire , on Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer, France on Friday, June 7, 2024, (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)

U.S. President Joe Biden, , center right, first lady Jill Biden, right, French President Emmanuel Macron, center left, and his wife Brigitte Macron walk on stage during ceremonies to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Normandy. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. President Joe Biden, , center right, first lady Jill Biden, right, French President Emmanuel Macron, center left, and his wife Brigitte Macron walk on stage during ceremonies to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Normandy. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A boy jumps with a skateboard near the Lakhta Center skyscraper, the headquarters of Russian gas monopoly Gazprom in St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

A boy jumps with a skateboard near the Lakhta Center skyscraper, the headquarters of Russian gas monopoly Gazprom in St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest against Israeli attacks on Gaza, in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest against Israeli attacks on Gaza, in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Protesters shout slogans during a rally in support of the Palestinians in Gaza in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Protesters shout slogans during a rally in support of the Palestinians in Gaza in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Palestinian medics treat a wounded youth in an Israeli bombardment on a residential building owned by the al-Telbani family in Al Zawaiyda area, at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, late Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Saher Alghorra)

Palestinian medics treat a wounded youth in an Israeli bombardment on a residential building owned by the al-Telbani family in Al Zawaiyda area, at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, late Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Saher Alghorra)

FILE - A bulldozer unloads the bodies of Palestinians killed in fighting with Israel and turned over by the Israeli military during a mass funeral in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair, File)

FILE - A bulldozer unloads the bodies of Palestinians killed in fighting with Israel and turned over by the Israeli military during a mass funeral in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair, File)

Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip arrive at al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Ismael Abu Dayyah)

Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip arrive at al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Ismael Abu Dayyah)

A plane uses a fire retardant to extinguish a fire burning in an area near the border with Lebanon, in Safed, northern Israel, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Scores of rockets were fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel on Wednesday morning, hours after Israeli airstrikes killed four officials from the militant Hezbollah group including a senior military commander. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A plane uses a fire retardant to extinguish a fire burning in an area near the border with Lebanon, in Safed, northern Israel, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Scores of rockets were fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel on Wednesday morning, hours after Israeli airstrikes killed four officials from the militant Hezbollah group including a senior military commander. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians shop for animals for the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday at a livestock market in the West Bank city of Nablus, Thursday, June 13, 2024. Muslims around the world will celebrate the four-day Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice. It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as recounted in the Quran. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Palestinians shop for animals for the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday at a livestock market in the West Bank city of Nablus, Thursday, June 13, 2024. Muslims around the world will celebrate the four-day Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice. It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as recounted in the Quran. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

A cyclist attends World Naked Bike Ride day, in Mexico City, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Naked and partially clothed cyclists took to the streets in an effort to promote alternative forms of transportation highlighting the risks of the dependence on fossil fuels and climate change. (AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme)

A cyclist attends World Naked Bike Ride day, in Mexico City, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Naked and partially clothed cyclists took to the streets in an effort to promote alternative forms of transportation highlighting the risks of the dependence on fossil fuels and climate change. (AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme)

People wave Russian national flags as thousands gather on Red Square to watch a concert dedicated to the Day of Russia in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The Day of Russia is celebrated annually on 12 June. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

People wave Russian national flags as thousands gather on Red Square to watch a concert dedicated to the Day of Russia in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The Day of Russia is celebrated annually on 12 June. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

A Thai rescuer carries a survived chicken from a fire at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the most famous markets in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Hundreds of caged animals died Tuesday after the fire struck the market in Thailand's capital. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A Thai rescuer carries a survived chicken from a fire at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the most famous markets in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Hundreds of caged animals died Tuesday after the fire struck the market in Thailand's capital. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

An asthma patient is administered a traditional "fish medicine" in Hyderabad, India, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Every year thousands of asthma patients arrive here to receive this fish therapy from the Bathini Goud family, which keeps a secret formula of herbs, handed down by generations only to family members. The herbs are inserted in the mouth of a live sardine, or murrel fish, and slipped into the patient's throat. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

An asthma patient is administered a traditional "fish medicine" in Hyderabad, India, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Every year thousands of asthma patients arrive here to receive this fish therapy from the Bathini Goud family, which keeps a secret formula of herbs, handed down by generations only to family members. The herbs are inserted in the mouth of a live sardine, or murrel fish, and slipped into the patient's throat. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

A newly ordained Catholic priest is launched in the air by friends and family outside the Duomo Cathedral after the ordination ceremony in Milan, Italy, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

A newly ordained Catholic priest is launched in the air by friends and family outside the Duomo Cathedral after the ordination ceremony in Milan, Italy, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

A man, his face painted in the likeness of a spirit, participates in the He Neak Ta rituals in Phum Boeung village, northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Cambodian villagers on Tuesday took part in a rare traditional guardian spirit ceremony praying for good fortune, rain and prosperity, as they aimed to preserve this ancient tradition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

A man, his face painted in the likeness of a spirit, participates in the He Neak Ta rituals in Phum Boeung village, northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Cambodian villagers on Tuesday took part in a rare traditional guardian spirit ceremony praying for good fortune, rain and prosperity, as they aimed to preserve this ancient tradition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

This gallery highlights some of the most compelling images published in the past week by The Associated Press.

The selection was curated by AP photo editor Michael Sohn in Berlin.

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Jesus Culis adjusts his swimming goggles at the coastal village of Simlong in Batangas province, Philippines on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. He lost his vision on one eye during a childhood accident. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Jesus Culis adjusts his swimming goggles at the coastal village of Simlong in Batangas province, Philippines on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. He lost his vision on one eye during a childhood accident. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

The statue of "Corazon de Jesus," or Heart of Jesus, stands in El Aldo, Bolivia, overlooking La Paz, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

The statue of "Corazon de Jesus," or Heart of Jesus, stands in El Aldo, Bolivia, overlooking La Paz, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

A woman wearing a face cover chats with a man as they visit the Forbidden City in a hot and sunny day in Beijing, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

A woman wearing a face cover chats with a man as they visit the Forbidden City in a hot and sunny day in Beijing, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Anti-government protesters clash with police outside Congress, as lawmakers debate a reform bill promoted by Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Anti-government protesters clash with police outside Congress, as lawmakers debate a reform bill promoted by Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

A Ukrainian national guard serviceman of Khartia brigade prepares to reload his D-20 cannon while firing towards Russian positions on the front line near Kharkiv, Ukraine, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A Ukrainian national guard serviceman of Khartia brigade prepares to reload his D-20 cannon while firing towards Russian positions on the front line near Kharkiv, Ukraine, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Children play with the ropes of a ship docked on a beach in Parika, Guyana, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Children play with the ropes of a ship docked on a beach in Parika, Guyana, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

An asthma patient arrives to receive a fish therapy as others stand in a queue, in Hyderabad, India, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Every year thousands of asthma patients arrive here to receive this fish therapy from the Bathini Goud family, a secret formula of herbs, handed down by generations only to family members. The herbs are inserted in the mouth of a live sardine, or murrel fish, and slipped into the patient's throat. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

An asthma patient arrives to receive a fish therapy as others stand in a queue, in Hyderabad, India, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Every year thousands of asthma patients arrive here to receive this fish therapy from the Bathini Goud family, a secret formula of herbs, handed down by generations only to family members. The herbs are inserted in the mouth of a live sardine, or murrel fish, and slipped into the patient's throat. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

A masked anti-government protester aims a toy gun during a demonstration outside Congress where lawmakers debate a reform bill promoted by President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The sign at right reads in Spanish "Exterminator of the homeland." (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A masked anti-government protester aims a toy gun during a demonstration outside Congress where lawmakers debate a reform bill promoted by President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The sign at right reads in Spanish "Exterminator of the homeland." (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

A reveler takes part in the Pride March in Vilnius, Lithuania, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

A reveler takes part in the Pride March in Vilnius, Lithuania, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

A soldier of the First U.S. Army shows the Distinguished Service Cross while another holds the portrait of of Waverly Woodson Jr., a medic who was part of the only Black combat unit to take part in the D-Day invasion of France during World War II, being posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of the heroism and determination he showed treating troops under heavy enemy fire , on Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer, France on Friday, June 7, 2024, (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)

A soldier of the First U.S. Army shows the Distinguished Service Cross while another holds the portrait of of Waverly Woodson Jr., a medic who was part of the only Black combat unit to take part in the D-Day invasion of France during World War II, being posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of the heroism and determination he showed treating troops under heavy enemy fire , on Omaha Beach in Colleville-sur-Mer, France on Friday, June 7, 2024, (AP Photo/Jeremias Gonzalez)

U.S. President Joe Biden, , center right, first lady Jill Biden, right, French President Emmanuel Macron, center left, and his wife Brigitte Macron walk on stage during ceremonies to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Normandy. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

U.S. President Joe Biden, , center right, first lady Jill Biden, right, French President Emmanuel Macron, center left, and his wife Brigitte Macron walk on stage during ceremonies to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Normandy. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A boy jumps with a skateboard near the Lakhta Center skyscraper, the headquarters of Russian gas monopoly Gazprom in St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

A boy jumps with a skateboard near the Lakhta Center skyscraper, the headquarters of Russian gas monopoly Gazprom in St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest against Israeli attacks on Gaza, in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest against Israeli attacks on Gaza, in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Protesters shout slogans during a rally in support of the Palestinians in Gaza in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Protesters shout slogans during a rally in support of the Palestinians in Gaza in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Palestinian medics treat a wounded youth in an Israeli bombardment on a residential building owned by the al-Telbani family in Al Zawaiyda area, at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, late Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Saher Alghorra)

Palestinian medics treat a wounded youth in an Israeli bombardment on a residential building owned by the al-Telbani family in Al Zawaiyda area, at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, late Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Saher Alghorra)

FILE - A bulldozer unloads the bodies of Palestinians killed in fighting with Israel and turned over by the Israeli military during a mass funeral in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair, File)

FILE - A bulldozer unloads the bodies of Palestinians killed in fighting with Israel and turned over by the Israeli military during a mass funeral in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair, File)

Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip arrive at al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Ismael Abu Dayyah)

Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip arrive at al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Ismael Abu Dayyah)

A plane uses a fire retardant to extinguish a fire burning in an area near the border with Lebanon, in Safed, northern Israel, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Scores of rockets were fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel on Wednesday morning, hours after Israeli airstrikes killed four officials from the militant Hezbollah group including a senior military commander. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A plane uses a fire retardant to extinguish a fire burning in an area near the border with Lebanon, in Safed, northern Israel, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Scores of rockets were fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel on Wednesday morning, hours after Israeli airstrikes killed four officials from the militant Hezbollah group including a senior military commander. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians shop for animals for the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday at a livestock market in the West Bank city of Nablus, Thursday, June 13, 2024. Muslims around the world will celebrate the four-day Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice. It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as recounted in the Quran. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Palestinians shop for animals for the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday at a livestock market in the West Bank city of Nablus, Thursday, June 13, 2024. Muslims around the world will celebrate the four-day Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice. It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as recounted in the Quran. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

A cyclist attends World Naked Bike Ride day, in Mexico City, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Naked and partially clothed cyclists took to the streets in an effort to promote alternative forms of transportation highlighting the risks of the dependence on fossil fuels and climate change. (AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme)

A cyclist attends World Naked Bike Ride day, in Mexico City, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Naked and partially clothed cyclists took to the streets in an effort to promote alternative forms of transportation highlighting the risks of the dependence on fossil fuels and climate change. (AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme)

People wave Russian national flags as thousands gather on Red Square to watch a concert dedicated to the Day of Russia in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The Day of Russia is celebrated annually on 12 June. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

People wave Russian national flags as thousands gather on Red Square to watch a concert dedicated to the Day of Russia in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The Day of Russia is celebrated annually on 12 June. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

A Thai rescuer carries a survived chicken from a fire at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the most famous markets in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Hundreds of caged animals died Tuesday after the fire struck the market in Thailand's capital. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A Thai rescuer carries a survived chicken from a fire at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the most famous markets in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Hundreds of caged animals died Tuesday after the fire struck the market in Thailand's capital. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

An asthma patient is administered a traditional "fish medicine" in Hyderabad, India, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Every year thousands of asthma patients arrive here to receive this fish therapy from the Bathini Goud family, which keeps a secret formula of herbs, handed down by generations only to family members. The herbs are inserted in the mouth of a live sardine, or murrel fish, and slipped into the patient's throat. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

An asthma patient is administered a traditional "fish medicine" in Hyderabad, India, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Every year thousands of asthma patients arrive here to receive this fish therapy from the Bathini Goud family, which keeps a secret formula of herbs, handed down by generations only to family members. The herbs are inserted in the mouth of a live sardine, or murrel fish, and slipped into the patient's throat. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

A newly ordained Catholic priest is launched in the air by friends and family outside the Duomo Cathedral after the ordination ceremony in Milan, Italy, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

A newly ordained Catholic priest is launched in the air by friends and family outside the Duomo Cathedral after the ordination ceremony in Milan, Italy, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

A man, his face painted in the likeness of a spirit, participates in the He Neak Ta rituals in Phum Boeung village, northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Cambodian villagers on Tuesday took part in a rare traditional guardian spirit ceremony praying for good fortune, rain and prosperity, as they aimed to preserve this ancient tradition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

A man, his face painted in the likeness of a spirit, participates in the He Neak Ta rituals in Phum Boeung village, northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Cambodian villagers on Tuesday took part in a rare traditional guardian spirit ceremony praying for good fortune, rain and prosperity, as they aimed to preserve this ancient tradition. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan has again rejected South Africa’s demand that it move its representative office in the country from the capital, Pretoria, to the commercial center of Johannesburg.

Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jeff Liu said at a news conference on Tuesday that the demand to move or shut the office entirely violated a 1997 agreement between the sides on the location of their mutual representative offices following the severing of formal diplomatic relations.

“Facing this kind of unreasonable demand, our side cannot grant our acceptance,” Liu said.

South Africa maintains a liaison office in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, and the sides have a strong commercial relationship. Liu repeated Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s avowal at the legislature on Monday that Taiwan “was prepared for all eventualities” over the issue. The office is Taiwanese property and Taipei retains the right to determine its location and status, Lin and Liu said.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory that must be annexed by force if necessary, relentlessly seeks to minimize Taiwan's international representation, although the self-governing island republic maintains robust unofficial relations with the U.S. and other major nations.

South Africa confirmed last week that it had asked Taiwan to move its liaison office, in a demand seen purely as a concession to China, which has used its influence to keep Taiwan out of the United Nations and affiliated branches such as the World Health Organization, and limit its formal diplomatic partners to just 11 countries and the Vatican.

In addition to diplomatic and economic pressure, China has stepped up its military threats against Taiwan, most recently holding large-scale live-fire drills just off the Chinese coastal province of Fujian, which faces Taiwan.

South Africa's demand that Taiwan move its office has also drawn attention in the U.S. Congress, with Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn posting on the social platform X that “the United States should not tolerate this behavior from South Africa.”

“I am calling on ... the Biden administration to make it clear that there will be consequences if South Africa works with the (Chinese Communist Party) to bully Taiwan,” including removing South Africa from a key trade program, Blackburn said.

“The United States must not provide trade benefits to countries that prioritize China’s influence over democratic partnerships,” she added.

FILE- A rainbow forms over the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)

FILE- A rainbow forms over the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)

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