The Israeli military urgently needs thousands of additional soldiers to sustain ongoing multi-front operations, Israeli media reported on Sunday, citing statements made by Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to lawmakers.
Israeli media said that Zamir has urged parliament to advance legislation extending mandatory military service from 30 months to 36 months and amending laws governing reservists.
Earlier this month, Zamir said the military remained on high alert and was prepared to launch a powerful, large-scale military operation against Iran if needed.
Israeli military chief says army urgently needs more soldiers
China has decided not to agree to Taiwan region's participation in the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA), Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
The 79th World Health Assembly is set to open on May 18, and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday rejected Taiwan's bid to attend the event.
"There is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. On the issue of the participation of China's Taiwan region in international organizations, including the activities of the World Health Organization, China's position is consistent and clear: It must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle," said Guo.
"To uphold the one-China principle and safeguard the solemnity and authority of relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and the WHA, China has decided not to agree to the Taiwan region's participation in this year's WHA. Any attempt to violate the one-China principle and engage in political manipulation by playing the 'Taiwan card' is doomed to failure," said the spokesman.
China not to allow Taiwan region to participate in WHA
