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Joe Biden: Deal is About Amplifying Alliances; France: U.S.-UK- Australia Security Pact a "Stab in the Back"; Taliban Acting Deputy PM: No Internal Rifts; Japanese Foreign Minister: Taiwan and Japan are Directly Linked; UAE Building a New Investment Strategy; SpaceX Civilian Crew to Spend Three Days Orbiting Earth. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired September 16, 2021 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: Live from CNN, London. This is "Connected the World".
MAX FOSTER, CNN HOST: I'm Max Foster in for Becky Anderson today. Hello and welcome to "Connect the World".
International condemnation is pouring in over the new security deal between the U.S., the UK and Australia leaving the chorus is China. The deal has
the UK and U.S. helping Australia establish a fleet of nuclear powered submarines. Keep in mind they won't be armed with nuclear weapons. But
China's Foreign Minister says the pact undermines peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region.
France and New Zealand have their own reasons for opposing the deal more on that in just a moment. The leaders of the three countries say the pact
isn't about countering China in particular.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: This about investing in our greatest source of strength, our alliances and updating them to better meet
the threats of today and tomorrow. It's about connecting America's existing allies and partners in new ways and amplifying our ability to collaborate,
recognizing. And there is no reasonable divide, separating the interests of our Atlantic and Pacific partners.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOSTER: Well, we've got our team of reporters on this a global story for you. Steven Jiang is in Beijing, Nina's here in London, but we begin with
Alex Marquardt, he's at the Pentagon. And there's been quite a backlash internationally from this from some quarters, also a lot of praise for it
as well. But I guess all of this was expected from the Pentagon and the White House.
ALEX MARQUARDT, CNN SENIOR U.S. SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Yes, this is not just Australia, saying this is how we see the future of the future of the
Indo-Pacific region. And we want to be on the side of America. This is America clearly signaling that at this time, of growing Chinese strength,
that alliances need to be shored up that as Beijing get stronger, this alliance between the U.S., Britain and Australia needs to be stronger.
And so this was rolled out with some fanfare yesterday at the White House here the Prime Ministers of Britain and Australia alongside President Biden
all speaking. But notably Max, none of them actually mentions China. You heard in that clip there.
It's they wanted to make more of an emphasis on the - of this proactive alliance building rather than countering China. President Biden did mention
France saying that they are a key ally and partner in the region that has done little to comfort France, which is furious about this deal now with
Australia, notably moving away from developing submarines with the French and now developing them with American technology that's extremely
significant.
Australia will be the only the second country after Great Britain to receive a U.S. nuclear technology. As you noted, it is very important to
emphasize that these are going to be nuclear powered submarines, not nuclear armed submarines.
The Biden Administration, you know, rolling out this big initiative at a time when they are coming under fire on the foreign policy front for the
chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Biden Administration, of course, eager to cast this as a foreign policy win despite the fact that as you
noted, they are angering a lot of key allies, particularly in Europe.
And then more broadly, the Biden Administration signaling to the world that they are re engaging with key allies reinvesting in key international
relationships after four years under President Trump, they saw the U.S. really recede from the world stage, Max.
FOSTER: OK. And Steven, in terms of the Chinese reaction, it was expected, wasn't it? And I think China was - had some awareness that this was coming.
What sort of reaction you expect from them, though, because it was clearly pointed towards China, even though as Alex says the word was never used
during that launch?
STEVEN JIANG, CNN BEIJING BUREAU CHIEF: That's right. This is just a thinly veiled target China, it's the 800 pound gorilla, and even though nobody's
naming that everybody knows that's China. So from their perspective, this really reinforces this notion that the U.S. under Biden is carry on with a
strategy of forming this united front against Beijing.
And not only through traditional alliances bilateral treaties, like with Japan and South Korea, and also the 5I intelligence sharing alliance, but
also through newer groupings, such as the Quad, which of course includes the U.S., Australia, Japan and India but now, of course, the latest
Alliance, the Arqus Alliance.
This, of course, is seen by Beijing as the U.S. and its allies and partners trying to contain it trying to encircle it, not only politically and
diplomatically, but increasingly militarily, and that's something they feel they have to deal with and handle and respond head on.
That's why there is this worry. Even though the three countries leaders stress these submarines or nuclear power, not armed at this date - this
distinction really makes little difference in the eyes of Beijing, they are going to really trigger this regional arms race.
That's why - that's one thing the officials here of course, have said publicly at the Foreign Ministry but also, even more strongly by state
media here with "The Global Times" newspaper for example, warning Australia which may cause a running dog of the U.S. have deadly consequences.
If ever gets involved militarily with China saying that Australian soldiers are likely to become the first Western casualties in the South China Sea if
Canberra continues down this path.
[11:05:00]
JIANG: So all of this of course, ironically, in a way proves Australia's point why it needs to upgrade its military capability to deal with an
increasingly assertive and somewhat aggressive China, Max?
FOSTER: And Nina interesting to see Boris Johnson so forth right here, stepping away from Europe really, in this deal? Is this the post-Brexit
Britain that he had in mind?
NINA DOS SANTOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's probably going to be a very lucrative deal you can imagine. And as you pointed out before, Alex,
there's only a few countries that are part of this elite club that actually gets to share this type of nuclear technology to power submarines.
And Boris Johnson was very keen to stress that as he made an address to the members of parliament earlier on today, in the House of Commons outlining
the broad rationale behind this deal, essentially what they're saying Downing Street in a statement, and also he was saying in the House of
Commons is that this orcas partnership, as it's been called, will work to protect people and also support a peaceful rules based international order.
However, having said that, he was pressed by the Former British Prime Minister Theresa May, about what he does if he had to tackle a situation
that wasn't peaceful? Say for instance, if some of these submarines were actually sent into action in parts of the South China Sea, if, for
instance, the issue of Taiwan became heated?
And he actually tried to dodge that question I should say he didn't really want to be pinned down on it. He said that this is a technology in a
partnership that is not adversarial. If anything, it's more of a deterrent. As you pointed out before, though, it's the type of post-Brexit lucrative
deal that is good for Boris Johnson's government.
The UK has huge technologies in this field. BAE systems build submarines in the South Coast of the UK Rolls Royce engines also make some of these
nuclear powered propulsion systems. So the UK is uniquely placed here as Alex was saying before having shared this technology to be the ideal
partner.
The big question further on those Steven was saying is, what will it be used for? And how will the UK continue to navigate that relationship with
China, Max?
FOSTER: We'll see Nina, Steven and Alex, thank you very much indeed. Tensions over the new Security Alliance are ruffling feathers of at least
two Western allies New Zealand right next door to Australia wasn't asked to participate. After the pact was announced the Prime Minister reaffirmed a
ban on nuclear powered submarines in New Zealand's waters.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JACINDA ARDERN, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER: Nor we weren't approached but nor would I expect us to be. Well, certainly they couldn't come into our
internal waters. Our legislation means that nothing that is wholly or fully powered, no vessel that is wholly or fully partially or fully powered by
nuclear energy is able to enter into our internal waters.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOSTER: Meanwhile, France is feeling burned by the deal. The French Foreign Minister accusing its allies of backstabbing, Australia scrapped a
multibillion dollar submarines deal with a French manufacturer.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JEAN-YVES LE DRIAN, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: It is really to put it plainly a stab in the back we have built a relationship of trust with Australia.
This trust has been betrayed. And today I'm angry with plenty of bitterness regarding this break. This is not done between allies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOSTER: Well, that submarines contract was years in the making. Cyril Vanier is joining us live from Paris with more on the situation. France
clearly annoyed with Australia but probably pretty annoyed with the U.S. and UK too.
CYRIL VANIER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, absolutely. I think the anger here in France is directed just as much as the - at the U.S. as it has been at
Australia. Look, France has been working on providing submarines albeit not nuclear powered submarines to Australia for more than five years.
The French and Australian Governments have had to deal since 2016. It's been formally signed, there's money on the table. France now stands to lose
$65 billion simply because the U.S. has been able to flex its diplomatic muscle as the world's superpower and emphasize this three way alliance
between the U.S., the UK and Australia.
And Joe Biden's policy priority aggressively containing China in the Indo- Pacific region relies on this notion that the Australians should have better submarines, nuclear powered submarines that can go faster they can
remain undetected for longer.
And that has caused the Australians to scrap the deal that they had with friends. So understandably, I think the French are furious. This - there is
a lesson here for them as well that they can't expect any favors from the U.S. when the White House feels that their strategic priorities are at
play.
And this also validates the French point of view that has been reiterated multiple times by President Macron that the Europeans should invest in a
common defense force. This is something that France wants for Europe to be just a bigger player on the diplomatic stage.
[11:10:00]
VANIER: Currently, they don't have a joint military force. And that is what Macron has been pushing for. Moments like this show or validate the French
point of view as far as the French government is concerned.
FOSTER: OK, Cyril, thank you! As you mentioned, China is also slamming the deal and urging the countries to shake off their, "Cold War mentalities".
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the Chancellor on Nuclear Technology for Geopolitical Purposes was extremely irresponsible.
Let's dig a little deeper into this pact focusing on China's concern. Max Baucus is a Former U.S. Ambassador to China during the Obama
Administration. He joins me now from Montana. Thank you for joining us. Do you understand why the Chinese might be upset by this? What some would say
it's quite an aggressive announcement?
MAX BAUCUS, FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO CHINA: Well, I think, first of all, Australia needs to upgrade its submarines. The current submarines are
pretty old. A second, it's important to remember that these are not ballistic missiles. These are only nuclear powered submarines.
But on the other hand, it's certainly a strong action by President Biden primarily along with Boris Johnson and Morrison in Australia, to show to
the world especially to their domestic constituents and China that United States is going to stand tall. We're going to not take a backseat, but
we're going to protect ourselves.
So that's - I think, what's going on here, but it will clearly emboldened the hawks in China. Already China thinks it's being unnecessarily contained
by the United States. The Quad development reinforced part of that now this new development will add will further reinforce that.
So that's the situation, the tension between our two countries will continue, I think, to deteriorate modestly, not dramatically, but modestly.
And I frankly, don't see a lot of change in this until the elections in the U.S. in 2022. And, and the next party congress in China, and in October
2022, there was I hope, to see some change, that this is more positive.
FOSTER: They've talked to a "Cold War mentality" in relation to this the Chinese. We're hearing from our correspondent has a genuine fear in parts
of China that there is a new Cold War sense developing from the West. Do you think there's a very different perspective on that between the West and
China?
BAUCUS: Well, I think that Chinese feel pretty confident. They think they have put themselves on the right track. They're building up their domestic
industry. They're focusing on all the new technologies under you know, 2025. And the Chinese people are pretty content.
They think Xi Jinping has done a pretty good job for them. And they - Chinese people nationalist to just like Americans are people in other
countries are. So they feel a bit put upon. And they think that, frankly, all these calls by Western countries to pretend to change, that are its
human rights are in Hong Kong or Xinjiang or whatnot, are they looked at cynically.
They're not really looked at as honest and something that helps relationships develops positively. So this - there is - there's growing
tension. But I do not think the Chinese feel that they're weaker. Frankly, I feel they're stronger. But this will embolden the hawks in China.
FOSTER: Do you think they'll be emboldened by the fact as well that, you know, London, Washington and Canberra have managed to alienate some of our
key allies, particularly New Zealand and France of the European Union in the way that they've handled this announcement?
BAUCUS: Well, I don't know how relevant all that really is. I don't take the French complaints very seriously as former kerfuffle, that's it, that's
typically French. They're a bit put out, obviously, it's France, as offers been put out, there's never quite been able to be the strong power that
they'd like to be.
And now it is true that Britain's no longer part of EU and so it's got to go its own direction. So France will try to work something with the
European Union, the commission to be more unified. But frankly, all in all, I see this development as one that were President Biden is showing that
he's strong, he's tough on China.
He's not good; therefore, enable any Republican complaints in the U.S. presidential candidates or congressional members of Congress complaint
against Biden. So all-in-all I see this as pretty much predicted -- it is very predictable because of domestic politics in both countries.
[11:15:00]
BAUCUS: And it's going to continue regrettably. But on the margin, it's not going to be tremendous. Nope, nothing cataclysmic, basically continually
grow the tension grow a little bit over time. And I hope it starts to change after these elections later on in 2022.
FOSTER: Doesn't feel that Biden's got the - you know any better relationship with China than the previous administration? I mean, where do
you think this relationship is going in future? Can you get more tense content as China gets stronger?
BAUCUS: Yes, I think we'll get more intense. I don't know if Biden and Xi ever really do have a close relationship of the reports of the last
telephone call that hour and a half telephone call, but several weeks ago, are not good. They basically the reports basically, are that, you know,
each - talking points.
In fact the reports are that Biden said he liked to work with -- meet President Xi sometime soon. And Xi deferred didn't really want to meet with
the President Biden and seem pretty kind of interim the reports that I've heard, but that telephone call or that Xi was pretty critical of U.S. and
America's got to shape up, you're the cause of the problems here.
So it's - I don't know that there's that cordial relationship that we like, that we think exists between Xi and President Biden. But all-in-all, your
point is valid. Tensions are going to I think, marginally increased, not decreased for the next 18 months.
FOSTER: OK. Max Baucus, thank you very much indeed for joining us with your insight. Do head over to cnn.com for more on the story we deep dive. No pun
intended into the global diplomatic repercussions of the deal, including the backlash in China, France and New Zealand just head to cnn.com.
A little later this hour, Japan's neighbors are flexing their muscles. We speak to Japan's Defense Minister about how they're preparing to counter
any threats, that one to one exclusive interview later in this show.
Now this is "Connect the World" live from London. Still ahead, Afghan women who thrived over the past two decades are now living in fear. They're
talking to CNN about the heart trend - heartbreaking choices they now face with the Taliban in control. In mega multi-billion dollar investment deals,
clean energy, technology and infrastructure.
The UAE bets big on the UK and an historic list off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Space tourists are orbiting Earth details on this launch when we
return.
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FOSTER: Now Taliban's Acting Deputy Prime Minister wants the world to know that he's not injured or dead. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar appeared in
Taliban made video - reports that he was harmed by infighting within the Taliban.
[11:20:00]
FOSTER: The Taliban Co-Founder says Afghanistan's new leaders are all getting along.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MULLAH ABDUL GHANI BARADAR, TALIBAN ACTING DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: Praise be to God I'm fitting well, and with regard to media claiming that we have
internal disagreements, that is not true at all. Praise be to God, we have a lot of kindness and mercy amongst us.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOSTER: Baradar also says temporary absence that fuels the rumors was just a trip outside of Kabul. CNN's International Diplomatic Editor, Nic
Robertson joining me now from Kabul. On the record, they're all saying the same thing, aren't they? But clearly, there are some differences as they
would be with any new administration.
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: That seems to be the bottom line, Max. I mean, that's what we're hearing here that this was, you
know, differences between different factions. But I think the real question is, you know, despite the denials we have for Mullah Baradar and the other
faction that is believed to be the one that's most at loggerheads with him the Haqqani faction.
Remember Mullah Baradar sort of was more than political spear head the diplomat that negotiated with the United States. The guys who actually came
into Kabul the real power behind the guns, the force, if you will, the military force, the Haqqanis they are now sitting in Kabul with Mullah
Baradar or were with Mullah Baradar because he's widely believed to be in Kandahar at the moment.
So there does seem to be this tension between those that were leading the political fight paving the way for the military takeover and those that did
the military takeover. The Haqqanis feel they invested a lot of money, they feel they have a lot of troops involved here. They want a big slice of the
power.
That's the sort of view here and out on the streets in Kabul. Most people here really don't take it at face value when they get the denials from the
Mullah Baradar or they get the denials from their Haqqani. They really do feel there's a struggle going on behind - that behind the scenes.
Despite that, though, there are other struggles that are going on here where the Taliban are at the forefront. And that is it does appear to be
against women's rights. Women have come out and protested against the Taliban for better rights. Now they're in fear for their lives.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROBERTSON (voice over): In happier times Taranom Seyedi saved children from abuse. Paid for it with profits from a construction company she built. Now
she is in hiding from the Taliban in fear for her life.
TARANOM SEYEDI, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST: They're trying to threaten us and execute us secretly as they did too many of my female friends.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Her crime in the Taliban's eyes protest, taking to the streets two weeks ago demands equal rights. She was beaten and bruised.
Ever since Taliban death rates have stalked her so much fear she now hopes if death comes, it's fast.
SEYEDI: I am not afraid of death, but I wish when they find me they kill me quickly. If they torture me first, then they will kill me without any
honor. Everyone wants to die with dignity.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Before the Taliban she was well known popular ran for Parliament might have been elected if not for endemic corruption. She
hoped her high profile might save her. Now has no idea what to do?
SEYEDI: How long can I be brave? How long do we have to fight in fact fight with whom, with whom to talk with whom to discuss? We are in darkness with
no way to get to a brighter future.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Across the country, many more women like Seyedi hide in fear of the Taliban. They share all the new social media posts that
they say show arbitrary abuse that are both hard to verify and the Taliban deny. For now though, they are the only way that women can protest their
plight.
MAHBOUBA SERAJ, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST: Everything is at stake right now because we are actually facing a situation that we are so disliked by a
group of people who are actually running this country. They can't even look at us.
ROBERTSON (voice over): Mehbouba Seraj is Afghanistan's highest profile women's rights activist. She returned from the U.S. when the Taliban were
ousted two decades ago. She won't leave again she says, will stay here to defend women get the world's attention.
SERAJ: They're going to make problems. They're going to raise their voices. They are going to start you know they can - the world is becoming a very
small place.
ROBERTSON (on camera): Now, these are brutal guys with guns who turn them on crowds.
SERAJ: It's true, but for how long? They're going to be killing everybody. Is that what they want to do?
ROBERTSON (voice over): Seyedi is facing an agonizing choice. She is the breadwinner her brother's family and the abused children she rescued depend
on her.
[11:25:00]
SEYEDI: They need me. So I need to be strong. And that's really hard.
ROBERTSON (voice over): But to stay is the risk death.
SERAJ: We tried a lot to have a better Afghanistan to have a better life to have a better future. In fact, I and my friends didn't expect that one day,
we will be forced to leave our own country. But they took everything from us.
ROBERTSON (voice over): What happens now she says depends on her calls for help to the U.S., the UK, Canada and others if she does leave Seyedi vows
to fight on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROBERTSON: And of course, this is one of the key things that the international community is watching, watching to see how the Taliban treat
women? Watching to see how they treat minorities in the country? And that the international community is fully indicated will be tied to how quickly
or how slowly they release the funds that Taliban need to run the country Max?
FOSTER: OK. Nic in Kabul, thank you! Here in the UK Boris Johnson has come out swinging his axe that is the British Prime Minister has shaken up his
cabinet as he tries to move on from the pandemic. One of the big losers in the reshuffle is Dominic Raab demoted from his role as UK Foreign Secretary
instead he's the new Justice Secretary.
Raab ran into trouble recently for going on vacation as the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. He's being replaced at the Foreign Office by Liz
Truss more on her in a moment. But Michael Gove like Truss is one of the winners and is the new Housing Secretary, he'll be tackling one of the
prime minister's big issues regional inequalities, he is also Deputy Prime Minister.
More now about Raab rather more now Liz Truss who's making history she is Britain's first ever female Conservative Foreign Secretary. She used to be
Head of the International Trade Department in the UK she is known for switching from being a Romaine supporter to flying the flag for Brexit.
Now two of the world's most powerful nations are also over a chain of rocky uninhabited islands, in a one-on-one interview, Japan's Defense Minister
explains why and that exclusive reporting is just ahead for you. Plus, a nation in serious political and economic crisis, the latest on the probe
into the assassination of Haiti's President and Haitians describe their suffering after that deadly earthquake.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:30:00]
FOSTER: Let's turn to our top story China is condemning the security alliance between the U.S. the UK and Australia calling it extremely
irresponsible. Australia will now receive help from the U.S. and the UK to obtain nuclear powered submarines with American technology to be clear the
submarines will not be equipped with nuclear weapons.
But the Chinese state run tabloid warned Australia would meet a deadly defeat if a confrontation occurred. Well, this is adding to the tense arms
race in the Asia Pacific region. Now Japan says it's prepared to take action against anyone who threatens its country and its people.
And right now the island nations own neighbors pose the biggest threat. CNN's Blake Essig sat down for an exclusive interview with a Defense
Minister of Japan and spoke about the biggest security concerns the country faces.
BLAKE ESSIG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's been a busy week for Japan's Ministry of Defense North and South Korea each tested new missiles, Taiwan conducted
Military drills and a Chinese submarine was spotted near Japan's Southern islands.
And while this was all happening, I had the chance to sit down with the Minister of Defense, Nobuo Kishi to talk about security challenges facing
Japan in the Indo Pacific, arguably one of the most volatile regions on the planet.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ESSIG (voice over): For years, North Korean missiles have posed a serious threat to Japan's national security. That threat hasn't gone away.
Recently, North Korea has test fired several missiles, including long range cruise missiles capable of striking almost any potential target in Japan.
And even more concerning ballistic missiles that on Wednesday fell into the waters between Japan and the Korean Peninsula. Well, Japan's Defense
Minister Nobuo Kishi says the ongoing hostility from North Korea is a big challenge. He says it isn't Japan's biggest security concern.
ESSIG (on camera): As Japan's Minister of Defense, what threat keeps you up at night?
NOBUO KISHI, JAPANESE MINISTER OF DEFENSE: China has been regularly challenging Japan's territorial integrity. These actions are making it a
fait accompli. In response to such moves, we have to demonstrate our will to protect the lives of Japanese citizens, as well as their livelihoods and
our territory.
ESSIG (voice over): The inherent part of Japanese Territory Minister Kishi is referring to is located here in the East China Sea about 1900 kilometers
from Tokyo. It's this uninhabited island chain known as the Senkaku is in Japan and Diaoyudao in China, that seemingly a red line for Kishi and one
that could serve as Asia's next Military Flashpoint.
ESSIG (on camera): What is Japan doing to contain China and stop them from changing the so called status quo in the East and South China Seas
specifically in the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands?
KISHI: The Senkaku Islands are an integral part of Japanese sovereign territory. Both according to international law and looking historically,
there is no territorial dispute relating to the Senkaku Islands between Japan and other countries.
With regards to the Chinese Coast Guard vessels approaching our territory, Japanese Coast Guards must respond first and show that the Government of
Japan is determined to defend our territory with a greater number of Japanese Coast Guard vessels that of China.
ESSIG (voice over): And according to Minister Kishi, that's exactly what Japan is doing in an effort to maintain peace and stability in the region.
To put that into perspective, over the past five years compared to the previous five, a report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
shows Japan has increased its major arms imports by 124 percent.
And Kishi recently laid out plans to deploy troops and missiles on Ishigaki, as well as other southern islands, as tensions grow between
Beijing and Taipei, along the Taiwan Strait.
KISHI: Taiwan is located at the nexus of the East and South China Seas. And it is geopolitically and strategically important. That's why Taiwan's peace
and stability is not just important for this region, but to the international community as a whole.
With regard to Japan's energy Lifeline, more than 90 percent of the energy Japan uses is imported through the sea around Taiwan. So it's important to
maintain the maritime order and a free and open Indo Pacific.
ESSIG (on camera): How committed is Japan to the defense of Taiwan versus China?
KISHI: Japan is not directly committed to the defense of Taiwan. However, we think it is very important to have stability on the Taiwan Strait.
ESSIG (on camera): You said that Japan is not directly committed to defending Taiwan. What is the difference between directly and indirectly?
KISHI: Because we are close geographically, what could happen in Taiwan would likely be an issue for Japan, in which case Japan would need to
respond accordingly?
[11:35:00]
ESSIG (voice over): A military situation, Kishi admits has been shifting in favor of Beijing in recent years, one that he plans to keep a close eye on
while still hopeful for a peaceful resolution.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ESSIG: Throughout our interview with the Minister of Defense, we talked about several other topics including the United States recent withdrawal
from Afghanistan. I asked if he felt if America could be trusted and live up to its word to defend allies like Japan.
He told me that the U.S. Military withdrew from Afghanistan with the understanding that the Afghan government had the will to administer the
country. That was obviously not the case.
He said that Japan, on the other hand has committed to defending itself against various security challenges and has all the confidence in the world
that the U.S. would come to Japan's aid, if called on. Blake Essig, CNN, Tokyo.
FOSTER: That's Haiti, which still has no head of state following the assassination of President Moise back in July. Meanwhile, under a cloud of
suspicion, Haiti's Prime Minister just fired the prosecutor investigating the President's death. All this as the nation recovers from a deadly
earthquake. CNN's Matt Rivers reports.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MATT RIVERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): 71 days after its president was assassinated 33 since it was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in
Haiti, in many ways remains a country in crisis. Its de facto leader Prime Minister Ariella D'Andrea now facing possible unspecified charges and the
assassination of former President Jovenel Moise, Andrea has denied involvement.
The man who wants to bring those charges top prosecutor Bedford Claude now potentially out of a job after Andrea ordered his removal on Tuesday. It's
unclear if anyone but the Justice Minister can do that though.
And the President of the Senate Joseph - could be appointed interim president soon, though that to not official. More than two months after the
former president's assassination and the subsequent arrest of roughly 40 suspects, authorities still do not know who the mastermind behind the plot
is.
An investigation with no momentum has devolved into political infighting for who might actually run the Caribbean nation at a time when clear
leadership is needed more than ever because while political elites squabble hundreds of thousands of ordinary Haitians remain in desperate need of help
after the worst earthquake to strike Haiti since 2010 hit on August 14.
Piles of debris still littered the hardest hit areas many in rural, difficult to access locations. 2200 people were killed more than 12,000
injured and still so many need aid.
We are victims of the earthquake because our home was destroyed. We went to the municipality they've told us there is nothing available to help us. We
are paying with our own money to remove the rubble so we can try to rebuild our home.
Nearly 1 million facing acute food insecurity says the UN many of which are children. The children are crying because they need food and water. We are
walking everywhere but without getting anything.
Many still live in makeshift shelters the result of more than 137,000 buildings destroyed or damaged with potable water a challenge and with jobs
scarce and the chance to make money harder than ever. The UN says there could be a mass rural Exodus soon, with desperate people headed towards
cities like Puerto Prince.
That's where the ongoing political crisis continues, the leaders in charge of helping steer aid toward Haiti's most vulnerable, currently consumed in
the aftermath of post assassination politics.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
RIVERS: And a crucial step in terms of figuring out who is going to lead Haiti who has the right mandate to leave that country would be to hold
presidential elections they had previously been scheduled for this month already delayed several months.
And there are many people in Haiti who don't believe that those elections will actually take place this year because of all that damage from the
earthquake because of the ever continuing violence from the gang crisis that is ongoing in places like Puerto Prince.
But there's a lot of people say they can't actually hold safe and secure elections this year might get pushed into next year. It's all adds up to
the fact that when it comes to Haiti's near term future, there are so many open questions. Matt Rivers, CNN.
FOSTER: Got the shot or face the chop why thousands of health care workers in France risk losing their jobs over the COVID vaccine. We'll take you to
live to Paris next. Plus Space-X has successfully sent a group of tourists into space, but who are the four lucky people who get to play astronauts
will have the details coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:40:00]
FOSTER: Now the United Arab Emirates has made a big bet on the United Kingdom. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi is here in London today where he met
the British Prime Minister to sign a $14 billion deal focusing on clean energy and infrastructure.
It's not the only country the UAE will focus on as it celebrates its 50th anniversary by building a new investment strategy. Mohammad Al Gergawi, the
UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, confirmed this when sitting down with my colleague, Becky Anderson earlier this month. He began by discussing why
the UAE is announcing such big projects right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MOHAMMAD AL GERGAWI, UAE MINISTER OF CABINET AFFAIRS: Why now, because we are 50 years old as a nation. When it comes to nation, we're still young,
Becky. But we believe that as a nation, our role is important in this part of the world. With this region requires a home growing model.
United Arab Emirates is a home growing model, secondary that started from nothing, no road, no University, almost nothing. And today at this show,
what does humanity can do when there is the right environment, leadership and regulation or rule of law from no role to --.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: the vision going forward is for the world's most dynamic economy. That is that is your stated goal. As is the
goal for example, Saudi Arabia is there enough room in this region for a successful Saudi Arabia competing with a super successful Dubai.
GERGAWI: We need more country to be open in this region, prosperity of this region of every country. And this region is good for everybody. I stated we
had enough actually failed state in this region. Look at Yemen; look at Afghanistan that is time to move on.
And we're working closely with other nations also whatever is happening in Egypt, whatever happening in Qatar, whatever happening in Saudi Arabia, I
think it's very important for all of us.
ANDERSON: I was going to put words in your mouth, but you perhaps describe the competition between the UAE and the Saudis when it comes to a future
economy as competitive, healthy.
GERGAWI: Very healthy. I mean, you need competition and life to move on. Sometime we compete with ourselves. It's very important for this region to
have a puller and that's the role of the United Arab Emirates.
ANDERSON: You talk about fostering positive economic and political relations with neighboring countries as being at the core of the UAE's
foreign policy. Can you just expand on that a little? To me it feels like that is a statement directly. Speaking to for example, the relationship
between the UAE and Iran am I right in saying that?
[11:45:00]
GERGAWI: We're building bridges; we look at their economic prosperity of our region, with Iran, with Turkey with every single country, actually.
ANDERSON: You noted Turkey, I was interested to note that the forecast for business with Turkey is a significant one for the UAE going forward, they
are embedded in the sort of forecasts that you have for foreign direct investment, for example.
GERGAWI: We had our difference with Turkey. But that didn't stop us from investing in Turkey. One of the largest investment was in the banking
sector, EMBD Bank in Dubai bought one of the largest bank in Turkey, and that was three years ago.
So this is the essence you might have a political different. You try to minimize it, whether you increase at the issue, basically. So you increase
your investment, you increase the workflow, you increase tourism and that's our pathway to the future.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOSTER: Now, America's top gymnasts are demanding justice and calling out the system that badly failed them. In testimonial on Capitol Hill On
Wednesday, the star athletes, the FBI's botched investigation into the team Dr. Larry Nassar enabled a sexual predator as soon as Jean Casarez
proposes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MCKAYLA MARONEY, U.S. GYMNAST: They had legal legitimate evidence of child abuse and did nothing. I felt pressured by the FBI to consent to Nassar's
plea --.
SIMONE BILES, U.S. GYMNAST: I blame Larry Nassar and I also blame an entire system. Why?
MAGGIE NICHOLS, U.S. GYMNAST: Why would the FBI agents -- investigators?
JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Simone Biles and Maggie Nichols, elite gymnast and members of the Olympics
United States gymnastics team, giving emotional testimony, ripping the FBI for failing to protect them from their sexual abuser.
MARONEY: I was so shocked at the agent silence and disregard for my trauma.
NICHOLS: The survivors of Larry Nassar have a right to know why their well- being was placed in the Jeopardy by these individuals who chose not to do their jobs.
ALY RAISMAN, U.S. GYMNAST: It was like serving innocent children up to a pedophile on a silver platter.
CASAREZ (voice over): One by one the decorated gymnast told their stories recounted the years of abuse by Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics
team doctor.
BILES: I sit before you today to raise my voice so that no little girl messenger what I the athletes at this table and the countless others who
needlessly suffered under Nassar's guise of medical treatment, which we continue to endure today.
MARONEY: That evening, I was naked, completely alone with him on top of me molesting me for hours. I told them I thought I was going to die that
night; because there was no way that he would let me go. He turned out to be more of a pedophile than he was a doctor.
CASAREZ (voice over): Nassar is currently serving a 40 to 175 year state prison sentence. After 150 women and girls came forward to expose he abused
them over the course of 20 years.
But today's congressional hearing a result of the scathing report from the Justice Department's inspector general's office, revealing FBI officials
investigating the allegations against Nasser made false statements and failed to properly document complaints by the accusers at the time.
MARONEY: Not only did the FBI not report my abuse, but when they eventually documented my report, 17 months later, they made entirely false claims
about what I said.
CASAREZ (voice over): One FBI agent already fired Michael Langman, according to The Washington Post, interviewed Maroney in 2015 about her
allegations of sexual abuse by Nassar and is accused of failing to launch a proper investigation.
SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL): The FBI's handling of the Nasser case is a stain on the Bureau.
CASAREZ (voice over): FBI Director Christopher Wray, who did not lead the bureau at the time also being grilled today.
DURBIN: What am I missing here? This man is on the loose molesting children. And it appears that it's being lost in the paperwork of the
agency.
CHRISTOPHER WRAY, FBI DIRECTOR: I share your bewilderment, I share your outrage, and I don't have a good explanation for you.
CASAREZ (voice over): Re apologizing to the victims and vowing to do more.
WRAY: It's my commitment to you that I and my entire senior leadership team are going to make damn sure everybody at the FBI remembers what happened
here in heartbreaking detail.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CASAREZ: The Department of Justice was invited to testify at today's hearing they declined. Senator Richard Blumenthal said by them just not
showing up. It appeared as though they don't care about the abuse of little girls.
CNN though has now learned that Attorney General Merrick Garland does plan on coming before the Senate Judiciary Committee in October. But at this
point, they have still declined any prosecution in this matter. Jean Casarez, CNN Capitol Hill.
[11:50:00]
FOSTER: Let's get you up to speed on some other stories that are on our radar right now. China is reporting it has fully vaccinated on a billion
people against COVID-19. That's about 70 percent of the population. Furthermore, Chinese officials say the vast majority of children aged 12 to
17 have received two COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Humanity has a history of friendship with vaccines, the words of Pope Francis who says he's puzzled by the COVID anti vaccination movement. The
pontiff is a prominent advocate of getting the shots. He says fear or misinformation leaving behind some people skepticism.
Francis getting tough with health care workers who refuse to get the COVID vaccine. Officials tell French media the 3000 workers have been suspended
back in July, President Emmanuel Macron announced that anyone who works in hospitals and nursing homes must be fully vaccinated against the virus by
September the 15th or risk losing their job.
Right now, a grip of space tourists is high above us somewhere inside a capsule orbiting the Earth. It is the first ever mission crewed entirely by
tourists. We'll take you inside the mission when we come back.
Now that Joe Biden is no first timer when it comes to the ways of power and politeness among world leaders, but the U.S. president has certainly proved
one thing is just like the rest of us, will explain just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FOSTER: And just like that the world's first ever space mission crewed entirely by tourists launched into Earth's orbit. The Space-X Dragon
capsule lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida Wednesday night, caring for people who are not professional astronauts their unique vacation is set to
last three days.
During that time they'll orbit the Earth once every 90 minutes. And if all goes to plan, they'll be back on Earth by Saturday. CNN's Kristin Fisher
joins us now from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
And Kristin, some say this launch is ushering in a new era of space travel for normal people. But all these passengers just average Joes, what do we
know about them?
KRISTIN FISHER, CNN SPACE & DEFENSE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, I mean, that's really what the purpose of this mission is all about inspiring all of
humanity, but also proving that the everyday person is just as capable as going into space as professional astronauts. Now this whole mission was
essentially the brainchild of the commander Jared Isaacman.
He's a billionaire entrepreneur here in the United States, a lifelong aviation junkie and he went to Space-X last October and said, hey, guys, if
you ever want to fly a private civilian into space, I'm down.
And less than a year later, here he is up in orbit and right now he is weightless circling the earth and right now they're really all conducting
science experiments, some medical experiments.
[11:55:00]
FISHER: And they're also just kind of looking back and enjoying the view because Space-X has outfitted its Dragon capsule with this 360 degree
windowed cupola is what it's called. So you can stick your head out and get a 360 degree view of planet Earth and the universe, it looks pretty cool.
Indeed, I can't wait to see the pictures of that. But you know, big picture here. This is really all about opening up space to everyone democratizing
space. And Jared Isaacman, those are some of his first words once he reached orbit. He said we are now opening up the door for everyone.
Also on board this flight, a 29 year old pediatric cancer survivor Max, she's the first person ever in orbit to have a prosthetic leg. And so there
are all sorts of medical questions too about, you know, how does the prosthetic do in that zero G environment. Max?
FOSTER: Yes, we'll see a lot of them when they land, I'm sure as they try to promote you know, this whole projects of a space race going, continuing
the pace. Thank you so much for joining us.
At the top of the hour we told you about the international outrage over the new security deal between the U.S., UK and Australia. At the end of the
show we're going to take you in a different direction related to the same thing though forget the outcry, think global - instead after the world
heard this. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BIDEN: Thank you, Boris and I want to thank that fell down under. Thank you very much --. I appreciate Mr. Prime Minister.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FOSTER: While cue the tweets after U.S. President Joe Biden apparently forgot the Australian Prime Minister's name Scott Morrison. Will all, we've
all been there I guess, but not necessarily during a high profile announcement amongst world leaders with a prompt.
You can bet Mr. Morrison has just acquired a new nickname "That fella Down Under" not the first Australian with that name either. I'm Max Foster in
London. Thank you so much for joining us, "One World" up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
