Senior provincial official under probe: Xinhuanet

March 29, 2022

Hao Chunrong, vice governor of northeast China’s Liaoning Province, is under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law. The probe is being conducted by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, according to a statement released on Tuesday. Click here to read…

BRICS int’l journalism online training program concludes: Xinhuanet

March 28, 2022

An online journalism training program for media professionals from BRICS countries concluded Monday. Lasting three months, the BRICS International Journalism Online Training Program saw seasoned journalists and renowned academics from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa give lectures to 25 trainees from the five countries, covering topics including BRICS cooperation, news reporting and the Beijing Winter Olympics, among others. Click here to read…

Chinese FM to chair 3rd meeting of foreign ministers of countries neighboring Afghanistan: Xinhuanet

March 28, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will host the third meeting of foreign ministers of the countries neighboring Afghanistan in Tunxi, Anhui Province, from March 30 to 31. Foreign ministers or representatives of Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will attend the meeting, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced on Monday. Click here to read…

China reduces personal income tax for parents of children under 3: Xinhuanet

March 28, 2022

China has announced tax-relief policies for parents rearing children under 3 years old, according to a State Council circular issued on Monday. Starting Jan. 1, 2022, the individual taxable income of such parents can be reduced by a total of 1,000 yuan (157 U.S. dollars) per month for each baby, said the circular. Click here to read…

China launches smart platform for education public services: March 28, 2022

A national smart platform was launched Monday to provide a range of education-related public services, according to China’s Ministry of Education. The platform, www.smartedu.cn, integrates China’s platforms for primary and middle school education, vocational education and higher education, and the platform for employment services for college graduates. It will provide users with a wide array of courses and education services. Click here to read…

China to boost green development of Belt and Road: Quishi

March 29, 2022

China will promote the green development of the Belt and Road, strengthening international cooperation on the issue, the country’s top economic planner said Monday. China aims to enhance cooperation in multiple areas with the countries along the Belt and Road by 2025 and form a green development pattern for the initiative by 2030, according to a guideline issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and three relevant departments. Click here to read…

Ministry to push legislation on climate: China Daily

March 29, 2022

China has made progress on preparing a law dedicated to tackling climate change, a senior official with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said. Li Gao, director of the ministry’s Climate Change Department, added that the ministry will accelerate efforts to promote the legislative process, and incorporate mechanisms for dealing with the global climate crisis into other laws. Click here to read…

Service sector in Guangdong to get relief: China Daily

March 29, 2022

Provincial government offers tax cuts, subsidies amid ongoing outbreaks Specific policy measures will be implemented to maintain the sustainable growth of the catering, retail, tourism, transportation and civil aviation sectors in Guangdong province amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to a circular issued by the provincial government on Friday. Click here to read…

Tibet marks 63 years since democratic reform: China Daily

March 29, 2022

People from all walks of life took part in activities to mark the 63rd Serfs’ Emancipation Day in the Tibet autonomous region on Monday. More than 1,000 people attended a flag-raising ceremony at Potala Palace Square in Lhasa, the regional capital, on Monday morning to celebrate the region’s democratic reform. Click here to read…

China’s quest for new ways to handle Omicron: People’s Daily

March 29, 2022

As the highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to pose risks and concerns over the social and economic costs of the protracted epidemic grow, several major Chinese cities have embarked on a quest for an improved anti-epidemic approach that can both ensure dynamic zero-COVID targets and minimize disruptions to social and economic activities, with the latest approach of phased closed-off management – instead of citywide measures – imposed by Shanghai, the country’ financial hub, starting on Monday. Click here to read…

Capital of China’s Jilin province apologises for food shortages due to COVID curbs: Reuters

March 29, 2022

The Chinese city of Changchun, capital of the COVID-hit northeastern province of Jilin, on Tuesday apologised to its 8.5 million residents for food shortages related to shutdowns and disruption caused by COVID-related containment measures. Click here to read…

Half of Shanghai locked down: Taipei Times

March 29, 2022

Millions of people in Shanghai were yesterday confined to their homes as the eastern half of China’s financial hub went into lockdown to curb the country’s biggest ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The move, announced late on Sunday, caused a run on grocery stores by residents who have become exasperated with authorities’ inability to snuff out the outbreak despite nearly three weeks of increasingly disruptive measures. Click here to read…

Coronavirus: a city divided, as China’s financial hub Shanghai goes into lockdown: South China Morning Post

March 29, 2022

China’s financial hub Shanghai started a snap two-stage coronavirus lockdown on Monday, restricting a zone to the east of the Huangpu River that includes the Pudong New Area – home to about 5.7 million people. Click here to read…

China’s private firms see Russia as land of opportunity, up for grabs amid West’s exodus: South China Morning Post

March 29, 2022

From car parts to food and household cleaners, smaller private firms in China are seeking ways to capitalise on the “void” left by a mass exodus of high-profile Western brands from the Russian market. But the outlook for state-owned companies and banks is a little foggier.
Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine have sent the likes of Ford, Coca-Cola and other iconic brands heading for the exit in Russia. This has created opportunities for Chinese firms, despite warnings from the United States and its allies over providing assistance to help circumvent the various bans and restrictions imposed on Russia. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

US Hopes for Reversal by Islamic Emirate on Girls’ Education: Tolo News

The US Special Representative for Afghanistan said on Saturday he is hopeful that there will be a reversal of the Islamic Emirate’s u-turn on girls’ education in the coming days.“I am hopeful that we will see a reversal of this decision in the coming days” Thomas West, US special representative for Afghanistan, said at the Doha Forum. Click here to read…

Mullah Baradar Calls for Afghan Self-Sufficiency: Tolo News

First Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said that the aid provided by international donors will alleviate urgent needs for a short period of time, but said that the ministries must work toward self-sufficiencyClick here to read…

Qatar, Indonesia sign letter for providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Qatar has announced that they have signed a letter of content with Indonesia based on which both the countries will cooperate in providing humanitarian and development assistance to the people of Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Impoverished Afghan families; private schools, universities lose students: The Khaama Press

Owners of private schools and universities in the Afghan capital Kabul complain that they have lost 60% of their students as the new educational year has just begun across Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

It’s delightful to see achievements of Bangladesh- The Daily Star

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he is willing to work with Bangladesh to push the China-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership of Cooperation to new heights. Click here to read…

Voter list update begins on May 20- The Daily Star

The Election Commission (EC) will start updating the voter list from May 20 and this would be the last registration of prospective voters before the 12th parliamentary election. Click here to read…

Protesting price hike of daily essentials: LDA hartal in progress- The Daily Star

Half-day hartal, announced by Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) in protest of the price hike of daily essentials, has begun across the country. Click here to read…

Bridge lies with no approach roads- The Daily Star

People of several villages under two unions in Dhanbari upazila have been suffering immensely for long as the bridge over the Bangshi river does not have approach roads on either sideClick here to read…

A big leap in tech industry- The Daily Star

Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City likely to get $1.3b investment by 2025Click here to read…

Mass media employees bill to be placed at JS today- The Daily Star

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud will place the Mass Media Employees (services and conditions) Bill-2022 at JS today. Click here to read…

Bangladeshi exporters worry as global brands cancel Russian orders over Ukraine invasion- Benar News

Bangladeshi businesspeople are jittery about the future of bilateral trade with Russia, saying that international sanctions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine are disrupting their exports of key products such as ready-made garments. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Taiwan-donated oxygen concentrators, face masks, arrived in Bhutan- Focus Taiwan

A total of 2,000 Taiwan-donated N95 respirators and 50 oxygen concentrators have arrived in Bhutan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Sunday, amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections in the Himalayan kingdom. Click here to read…

Expansionary fiscal policy pushes debt-to-GDP ratio to 138.8 percent- Kuensel

The country’s outstanding external debt increased to a record high of 138.8 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the end of the fiscal year 2020-21 from the previous high of 121 percent. Click here to read…

Businesses to seek more relief measures- Kuensel

Most of the businesses would not be able to repay loans or operate if the relief or monetary measures are discontinued after June 2022, according to Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) President Tandy Wangchuk. Click here to read…

Chilies from southern districts to hit market by April end- Bhutan Times

Despite initial delay in plantation due to pest infection and cold waves, chilly growers in the south are hopeful that their chilies will hit the domestic market by April endClick here to read…

Govt. to recruit doctors from Myanmar- Bhutan Times

With critical shortage of health specialists and their services becoming even dearer in the country, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has initiated the process to recruit foreign doctors from Myanmar on a contract basis which will extend for two years. Click here to read…

Nepal

Chinese Minister Wang completes three-day visit, returns home- Himalayan

China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi returned home today after completing his three-day visit to Nepal. Click here to read…

Wang urged to get China border opened- Himalayan

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal separately today. Click here to read…

Nepal to receive 11.4 billion rupees in Chinese aid- Himalayan

The government of the people’s republic of China will provide more than Rs 11.40 billion in grant assistance to the Government of Nepal under financial and technical assistance. Click here to read…

Tiktok: A tool to win elections- Kathmandu Post

TikTok has been misused by propagandists to spread the political narrative in Southeast Asia. Click here to read…

Main opposition harbours hope to defend pole position, through poll

alliances- Kathmandu Post

UML leaders put on bold faces but are looking deep for opportunities to fight upcoming local elections in collaboration with friends and foes. Click here to read…

(Opinion) Fixing the broken parts in Nepal-China ties: kanak Mani Dixit- Nepal Times

Foreign Minister Wang Yi must use his Kathmandu visit to clear the growing distrust between Beijing and Kathmandu, and seek to better understand Nepal, including its age-old links to Tibet. Click here to read…

Nepal Army Day marked in Kathmandu- Republica

Nepal Army organized a special ceremony to observe the Nepal Army Day and Maha Shivaratri festival at Tundikhel, Kathmandu on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China opposes attempt to engage Nepal in geopolitical games: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi- Nepal Live Today

“China believes that all countries are equal regardless of size, and respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries.” Click here to read…

Maldives

India-Maldives launch initiatives to expand security ties to protect S Indian Ocean: Economic Times

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a two-day trip to the Maldives, said on Sunday that “India and Maldives share a deep and abiding friendship. Click here to read…

Explained: What’s behind the new anti-India campaign in the Maldives?: Indian Express

The theme of the rally was “India Out”, a slogan coined two years ago by protesters who claimed that the MDP government led by President Ibrahim Solih had “sold out” the Maldives to India. Click here to read…

Myanmar

China And Pakistan Stepping Up Engagement with Myanmar, And That’s Bad News for India – Swarajyamarg

With global attention focused on the crisis in eastern Europe, China has surreptitiously stepped up its engagement with Myanmar’s junta and has also got Pakistan involved as its proxy to supply arms and munitions to the southeast Asian nation. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s crimes against the Rohingya warrant UN intervention – The Guardian

Now that the US has finally accepted that Myanmar’s ethnic cleansing and mass murder of Rohingya Muslims amounts to genocide (Rohingya refugees welcome US decision to call Myanmar atrocities a genocide, 22 March), the UN should enact its responsibility to prevent and respond to this most serious violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Click here to read…

Myanmar army denies Rohingya genocide, says some individuals may have committed crimes – US News

Myanmar’s military did not commit genocide against minority Rohingya Muslims during 2017 operations in Rakhine state, but crimes may have been committed by personnel on an individual level, an army spokesman said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Myanmar military deliberately killed civilians after coup: Report – Aljazeera

Myanmar’s military and police deliberately killed civilians opposed to its rule in the six months following the coup in February 2021, in a policy that amounts to crimes against humanity, according to new research published on Thursday. Click here to read…

Armed Forces Day Spotlights Atrocities – Human Rights Watch

Myanmar’s Armed Forces Day on March 27, 2022, is an opportunity for foreign governments to take stronger action against the military’s widespread abuses, Human Rights Watch said today. Click here to read…

Massive Military Regime Convoy Arrives in Western Myanmar – The Irrawaddy

A Myanmar military convoy consisting of 80 vehicles including artillery and armored vehicles has arrived in Mindat in southern Chin State, according to the Chinland Defense Force (CDF), a local resistance group fighting the regime. Click here to read…

Drug use on rise in Rakhine under the current government – Narinjara

Rakhine State has been witnessing the increase of illegal drug uses, including WY stimulants, under the current administration of military backed government, allege locals. Ko Aung Chae, a resident of Buthidaung locality, claimed that the use of drugs among teenagers was on rise in their township, which is located in northern Rakhine. Click here to read…

Japan’s ‘Special Relationship’ With Myanmar Has Abetted Decades of Military Rule – The Irrawaddy

That “special relationship”—when it comes to aid, investment and involvement in the so-called peace process—has so far resulted in little more than making sure that the Myanmar military remains firmly entrenched in power. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PM Imran says ‘foreign-funded conspiracy’ out to topple his govt, claims to have evidence in writing: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday claimed that the opposition’s no-trust move is part of an alleged “foreign-funded conspiracy” hatched against his government over his refusal to have Pakistan’s foreign policy be influenced from abroad. Click here to read…

NA to deliberate on no-trust move today: The Express Tribune

The much-anticipated session of the National Assembly to deliberate on the no-confidence motion filed against Prime Minister Imran Khan by the opposition parties will be held today (Monday). Click here to read…

Gas crisis to hit country in summer too: The News

After the Singapore based LNG trading company GUNVOR backed out of delivery of four LNG cargoes that were to be delivered in the remaining four months, in April, May and two in June of its five-year contract ending in July 2022, and the decision of Pakistan LNG Limited not to procure spot LNG cargo for April at the price of $34.677 per MMBTU offered by Vitol Bahrain in the bids opened on Friday, it seems the country would now experience a gas crisis even in the summer season. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

India asks Sri Lanka to release fishermen, fishing boats from custody: Economic Times

India expressed its readiness to work together with Sri Lanka for joint research to enhance the productivity of the Palk Bay fisheries. Click here to read…

S Jaishankar Lands in Sri Lanka For Bilateral Talks, BIMSTEC Summit: NDTV

This is his first visit to the island nation since India extended an economic relief package to bail Sri Lanka out of the current economic crisis. Click here to read…

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Heard of Eritrea, Africa’s Ukraine?

There was a little-known African nation that fought for its freedom from Ethiopia, the big bully next door. The little guy won there too. Click here to read…

UN’s Ukraine vote shows the racial subtext of global politics

“Like intercourse in Victorian England . . . race is a taboo topic in modern well-mannered society.” That is how the late R J Vincent, a extremely regarded British worldwide relations theorist, started his 1982 article, ‘Race in worldwide relations’. Click here to read…

NEWS

Ethiopia declares humanitarian truce in war-ravaged Tigray

Ethiopia’s government has announced what it called an “indefinite humanitarian truce” in its war-ravaged Tigray region, saying the action was necessary to allow unimpeded relief supplies into the area. Click here to read…

DR Congo to join EAC next week

The Democratic Republic of Congo will officially be admitted to the East Africa Community (EAC) next week, adding a 90 million market for the bloc. Click here to read…

Mali: ECOWAS leaders meet in Accra to debate sanctions

West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS leaders on Friday staged a summit over Mali’s political crisis, three months after slapping tough sanctions on the Sahelian nation. Click here to read…

Tunisia: Mass anti-Saied protests take place in capital Tunis

Thousands of Tunisians have taken to the streets of the capital Tunis in the latest of a series of rallies against President Kais Saied, accused by opponents of grabbing power amid a deepening political crisis. Click here to read…

More than 30 killed in twin attacks in Somalia

The death toll from twin attacks in central Somalia on Wednesday night has climbed above 30, the Beledweyne district police chief told AFP on Thursday, with the Al-Shabaab insurgent group saying it was targeting politicians ahead of elections. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso: Ousted ruling party calls for President Kabore’s “immediate release”

The party of ousted Burkina Faso president Roch Marc Christian Kabore on Thursday demanded his “immediate release” saying his house arrest is more like detention. Click here to read…

Rwanda to Host Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly

Rwanda has promised to successfully and safely host the 145th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (IPU) due in Kigali in October 2022.
https://allafrica.com/stories/202203250607.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

China’s version of mediation for the Horn of Africa

Beijing is sending its Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa to countries in the region, with a promise to help reach lasting peace, via economic development, while leaving local political settings unaffected. Click here to read…

Sudan’s Military is Brutally Suppressing Protests

In Sudan, where prices for bread and fuel have skyrocketed following the military coup, people are once again taking to the streets. Click here to read…

Niger Attempts Peace Talks with Jihadists Following Attack

Following the most recent jihadist attack on Thursday, March 17, that killed 21 people, the government of Niger has decided to continue attempting peace talks with the militants. Click here to read…

Turkey urges Libya to avoid steps that could renew clashes

The Turkish National Security Council urged Wednesday all parties in Libya for restraint and refraining from steps that could cause new clashes. Click here to read…

Al-Shabab Increases Attacks as Elections Drag in Somalia

Al-Shabab mounted one of its deadliest attacks Wednesday, targeting elections at the regional presidential palace in Beledweyne town. Forty-eight people were killed and more than 100 others wounded. Click here to read…

China planning another military base in Africa, after Djibouti now eyes Equatorial Guinea

China is planning to build a military base in Equatorial Guinea, which once completed, would be China’s second base in AfricaClick here to read…
Tanzania viewpoint: What President Samia has achieved in her first year

If a happiness index was taken within the last few weeks, it would have shown Tanzanians to be the happiest people in the world, according to some Tanzanians on social media. Click here to read…

Egypt, UAE, Israel leaders meet for first ever three-way summit

Concerns over the war in Ukraine, as well as the Iran nuclear deal, are reportedly on the agenda. Click here to read…

Osinbajo: Any Muslim who supports RCCG member traitor to Islam – MURIC warns

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has warned that any political party that picks any member of the Redeemed Church of Christ Group (RCCG) will kiss the Aso Rock goodbye. Click here to read…

Spain PM eyes ‘more solid’ Morocco ties after Western Sahara U-turn

Under attack over Spain’s decision to change its stance on Western Sahara, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday defended the move as crucial to securing a “more solid relationship” with Morocco. Click here to read…

Ex-Togo premier elected head of UN labour agency

Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo, was on Friday elected the next head of the International Labour Organization, and will become the first African to lead the UN agency. Click here to read…

Blinken to visit Israel, West Bank, Morocco and Algeria

The Russia-Ukraine war, Arab-Israeli normalisation and the two-state solution are on the agenda during the US secretary of state’s visit, the United States says. Click here to read…

Uganda: Court issues warrant for author in exile in Germany

The author fled to Germany earlier this year, the second government critic to leave Uganda in less than six months. Click here to read…

Mauritius challenges UK rights over Indian Ocean domain name

The right to license lucrative online domain names favoured by cryptocurrency firms has become the latest battlefield in the escalating dispute between Mauritius and the UKClick here to read…

Qatar takes up mediation role in Chad talks

Qatar has agreed to act as a mediator in Chad peace talks in a bid to unblock the fledgling process, officials and rebel groups said Friday. Click here to read…

Guinea Expands Role in Mining Sector with Plan to Ship Exports

Guinea’s government plans to export half of miners’ output in a push to exert more control over the lifeblood of its economy. Click here to read…

Young teacher committed to introducing Chinese language in Botswana

Excitement and joy could be felt as students at Legae English Medium School in Gaborone, Botswana, greeted their teacher Goitseone Ishmael with the Chinese phrase nihao, which literally translates to “hello” in English, before she began her Chinese language lesson. Click here to read…

Angola on a mission to hunt for European investors

The first-ever EU-Angola Business forum took place this Thursday in Brussels with an objective of convincing European investors to bet on Angola’s reforms to support private sector investment and business links. Click here to read…

Cameroon Starts Cholera Vaccinations as Outbreak Kills 62 Since October

An outbreak of cholera in Cameroon has claimed 62 lives since October, prompting the central African nation to vaccinate people against the water-borne disease. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India-Madagascar chamber of commerce launched in Antananarivo

The Indian embassy in Antananarivo organized a trade promotion event on Thursday, which saw the launch of the India-Madagascar Chamber of Commerce in the capital city of the island nation. Click here to read…

India’s HAL To Help Uganda with Maintenance of Sukhoi Su-30 Fighter Jets as Russia Gets Entangled in Ukraine War

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Moscow have put countries importing defence equipment from Moscow in a spot. However, this crisis has opened a window of opportunity for India. Click here to read…

India to boost wheat exports to fill void left by Ukraine conflict

Egypt, Israel, Oman, Nigeria and South Africa have approached India to secure wheat supplies, two government officials said, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict entered its fourth week, threatening a global food crisis. Click here to read…

Steel major JSPL Mauritius’ arm makes $ 357-mn prepayment to lenders

Homegrown steel major JSPL on Sunday said its subsidiary in Mauritius has made a prepayment of USD 357 million to lenders. Click here to read…

Opening of Opportunities for Tamil Nadu Businessmen in Ethiopia

The India Africa Trade Council-COMESA organized the India Ethiopia Trade Conference which was attended by the Business community in South India especially Tamil Nadu. Click here to read…

KQ to start daily flights to India on easing of curbs

Kenya Airways will now fly daily to India after the Asian country lifted the restrictions that had limited the national carrier to three flights a week, coming as a major boost to the airline that is struggling financially. Click here to read…

India, Namibia partnership grows progressively

Indian High commissioner to Namibia Prashant Agrawal said a defining feature for Namibia and India is confronting and overcoming challenges that set precedents on the relations and cooperation between the two states. Click here to read…

Doctor alleges smuggling of PPE kits to Africa

The Doctor Was Working In A Hospital In Congo During The Pandemic When She Allegedly Saw Illegally Sourced PPE Kits Being Used ThereClick here to read…

Mumbai-Seychelles travel links boosted at OTM – India’s biggest travel trade show

Air Seychelles and Tourism Seychelles had the opportunity to promote their services, products and best travel options to the island nation at the OTM travel show in India. Click here to read…

Airtel Africa plans to raise $194 million via debt from IFC for capex needs

The debt financing package for Airtel Africa Plc will comprise a direct $150 million investment from Washington-based IFC and an additional $44 million in mobilisation from its Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP). Click here to read…

5,800 cases of Party conduct violation investigated in Feb: Xinhuanet

March 27, 2022

More than 5,800 cases involving violations of the Communist Party of China (CPC) code on improving Party conduct were investigated in February, China’s top anti-graft agency said Sunday. Click here to read…

Chinese FM calls for long-term vision, win-win cooperation in ties with India: Xinhuanet

March 26, 2022

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Friday that China and India should stick to their own development paths and join hands to safeguard peace and stability in the region and the world at large. Click here to read…

China provides 2,000 tons of rice as emergency food aid to Sri Lanka: Xinhuanet

March 26, 2022

China decides to provide 2,000 tons of rice as emergency food aid to Sri Lanka, said the Chinese embassy here in a press release on Friday. The donation, which was valued at about 2.5 million U.S. dollars (including freight cost), was made at the request of the Sri Lankan government upon its current difficulty of food shortage in the island country, according to the embassy. Click here to read…

China ready to help Afghanistan achieve true independence, self-development: Xinhuanet

March 25, 2022

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Thursday that China is ready to help Afghanistan achieve true independence and self-development. During a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Afghan Taliban’s caretaker government, Wang said China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, respects the independent choice made by the Afghan people, and respects Afghanistan’s religious beliefs and national customs. Click here to read…

China Development Bank ups financial support for rural revitalization in 2021: Xinhuanet

March 27, 2022

The China Development Bank has boosted its loan support in 2021 to advance rural revitalization on all fronts. Last year, the bank has offered 594.8 billion yuan (93.5 billion U.S. dollars) in loans, promoting key areas including advancing the modernization of the agricultural sector and providing follow-up support for those who have relocated from inhospitable areas, it saidClick here to read…

China’s Hualong One reactor demonstration project fully operational: Xinhuanet

March 25, 2022

China’s Hualong One demonstration project, a domestically designed third-generation nuclear reactor, has been completed and put into commercial operation, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) said on Friday. Click here to read…

New Bohai Sea gas field project starts construction: Xinhuanet

March 27, 2022

Construction started Saturday for the first phase of a new gas field project in the Bohai Sea, according to its constructor. The gas field, known as the Bozhong 19-6, was discovered in 2019 in the central Bohai Sea. It has proven reserves of over 150 million cubic meters of oil and nearly 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Click here to read…

Nation cuts market access negative list down to 117: Quishi

March 28, 2022

China unveiled a new, shortened negative list for market access on Friday, opening more industries to Chinese and foreign investment, according to the country’s top economic regulator. Experts said the move is a continuation of the country’s ongoing efforts to expand market access and introduce greater opening-up. Click here to read…

Former rail minister accused of disciplinary violations: China Daily

March 26, 2022

Former railway minister Sheng Guangzu has been accused of serious disciplinary violations and is cooperating with a probe by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, the disciplinary watchdogs said on Friday. Click here to read…

China denounces sending military aid to Russia as ‘pure fabrication’: China Daily

March 25, 2022

A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday said the claim that China sent military aid to Russia is nothing but pure fabrication. Both Chinese and Russian sides have clarified the issue. The rumor repeatedly spread by the United States against China exposed its sinister intention, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense. Click here to read…

Official in Shandong removed from post over improper behavior: Global Times

March 25, 2022

A grassroots official in Pingdu, East China’s Shandong Province, has been removed from her post for improper behavior in resolving a petitioning case, authorities announced Wednesday. Click here to read…

Shanghai carries out staggered lockdown, vows to ensure sufficient daily commodities in closed-loop management: Global Times

March 28, 2022

Shanghai carried out a staggered lockdown starting on Monday in Pudong and Puxi (divided by the Huangpu River) in turn and mass nucleic acid tests will be conducted in the city covering over 6,340 square kilometers and with a population of over 24 million to cut out hidden transmission routes in communities to curb the rapid spread of Omicron.

Shanghai reported a record number of 50 local transmitted COVID-19 cases and 3,450 local asymptomatic infections amid this round of outbreak on Monday. Among the 3,450 local asymptomatic carriers, 2,833 were found under the closed-loop mechanism. Click here to read…

China, India stress managing border dispute, urge Ukraine peace and dialogue during Wang Yi’s visit: Global Times

Mar 25, 2022

China and India, two major developing countries and emerging economies, should stick to their own development paths and join hands to safeguard peace and stability in the region and the world, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday during a visit in New Delhi, stressing the two sides should place the border issue in a proper position in bilateral relations and manage conflicts to facilitate the development of relations. Click here to read…

PLA Marine Corps holds amphibious landing drills with the world’s largest hovercraft: Global Times

March 27, 2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy Marine Corps recently conducted a series of round-the-clock joint amphibious landing drills with Navy surface vessels and the world’s largest hovercraft, enhancing and displaying the PLA Navy’s amphibious landing capabilities, analysts said on Sunday. Click here to read…

Number of private firms in China quadruples in 10 years: People’s Daily

March 25, 2022

The number of private enterprises operating in China has more than quadrupled during the period from 2012 to 2021, according to official data. The country’s private firms increased from 10.857 million in 2012 to 44.575 million in 2021, data released by the State Administration for Market Regulation showed. Click here to read…

China’s Sinopec plans its biggest capital expenditure in history :Reuters

March 28, 2022

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (600028.SS), better known as Sinopec, is planning its highest capital investment in history for 2022 after recording its best profit in a decade, echoing Beijing’s call for energy companies to raise production. Click here to read…

Tesla suspends Shanghai factory output for four days on COVID curbs: Reuters

March 28, 2022

U.S. automaker Tesla (TSLA.O) is suspending production at its Shanghai factory for four days after the financial hub said on Sunday it would lock down in two stages to carry out mass testing for COVID 19, two people familiar with the matter said. The company has notified its workers and suppliers of the move, the people said. Click here to read…

China’s Shanghai launches two-phase lockdown as COVID surges: Reuters

March 28, 2022

China’s financial hub of Shanghai launched a two-stage lockdown of its 26 million residents on Monday, closing bridges and tunnels, and restricting highway traffic in a scramble to contain surging COVID-19 cases. The snap lockdown, announced by Shanghai’s city government on Sunday, will split the city in two roughly along the Huangpu River for nine days to allow for “staggered” testing. It is the biggest COVID-related disruption to hit the city. Click here to read…

China’s financial hub Shanghai starts 9-day COVID lockdown: Kyodo

March 28, 2022

China’s financial hub of Shanghai came under lockdown for nine days starting Monday, with each half of the city to be shut down in turns to conduct mass COVID-19 testing, sparking fears about the outlook for the world’s second-largest economy. Click here to read…

Students force Chinese university to lift Covid-19 lockdown after protest over restrictions that ‘gave dogs more freedom than undergraduates’: South China Morning Post

March 26, 2022

Students in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu have forced the university authorities to lift an extended lockdown on campus after protesting over strict restrictions that one undergraduate said meant even dogs had more freedom of movement.
China’s stringent dynamic zero-Covid policies mean that the authorities rely on swift, local lockdowns to stop the spread of the disease as clusters of cases appear across the country, fuelled by the highly infectious Omicron variant. Click here to read…

Why the secrecy with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to South Asia?: South China Morning Post

March 26, 2022

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made an unexpected whirlwind tour of South Asia this week, with unannounced stops in India, Afghanistan and Nepal. The secrecy surrounding the visits comes as Beijing scrambles to drum up support against intense scrutiny by the United States and its Western allies, particularly over China’s ambiguity on the Ukraine war. Observers said the unannounced nature of the trip was highly unusual and motivated in part by Beijing’s fears of diplomatic isolation. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Chinese Foreign Minister, Russian Envoy Visit Kabul: Tolo News

The Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi paid a surprise visit to Kabul on Thursday– the first time since the Islamic Emirate swept into power in August 2021Click here to read…

US, UK, European countries slam Taliban’s decision over suspending girls’ schools: The Khaama Press

Foreign Ministers of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, and High Representative of the European Union in a joint statement condemned the decision of the Taliban over not reopening secondary and high schools for Afghan girls. Click here to read…

Taliban denies reshuffle in interim cabinet: The Khaama Press

Chief spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Zabiullah Mujahid denied reports over rearrangements in the interim cabinet adding no changes have been brought in the government structure. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

DNCC to operate mobile courts in Ramadan- The Daily Star

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) will run mobile courts in all its zones during Ramadan to tackle food adulteration. Click here to read…

Personal data protection bill draft: Law enforcers won’t have to comply- The Daily Star

The Information and Communication Technology Division has finalized the draft of the Personal Data Protection Bill and is preparing to place it before the cabinet for approval. Click here to read…

‘Russia, Bangladesh working out modalities to ensure uninterrupted transactions, trade’- The Daily Star

Russia and Bangladesh are working out modalities to keep transactions and trade between the two countries uninterrupted, said Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy today. Click here to read…

Bangladesh’s ambassador to Egypt receives ‘best diplomat’ award- The Daily Star

Bangladesh’s ambassador to Egypt Monirul Islam has been selected as one of the best foreign diplomats to the country from Asia. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Construction sector prepares for recovery- Keunsel

Smooth facilitation of construction materials would boost the construction sector, according to the Construction Association of Bhutan (CAB). Click here to read…

About 800 people register for home quarantine in Sarpang- Keunsel

More than 800 people registered to undergo home quarantine as Sarpang dzongkhag Covid-19 task force started approving home quarantine for people wishing to travel from Sarpang, a high-risk area to low-risk areas yesterday. Click here to read…

Maldives

Opposition says rally will be held as planned, despite police warning- The SUN

Opposition coalition, composed of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), states they will hold the mass rally planned for Male’ City in the upcoming weekend, despite warnings by the police. Click here to read…

MPL holds training program for security officers at maritime ports- The SUN

Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has conducted a program to train security officers stationed at maritime ports in Maldives. Click here to read…

MRM urges Parliament to expedite repeal of restriction on freedom of assembly- The SUN

Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) has released a statement urging the Parliament to expedite work on repealing the amendment to the Freedom of Assembly Act made in 2016, during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration, which restricts freedom of assembly. Click here to read…

Agreement signed on expanding Hulhumale’ Port’s container yard capacity- The SUN

A lease agreement has been executed between Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for the lease of land to be used for the expansion of Hulhumale’ International Terminal’s container yard capacity. Click here to read…

Maldives Islamic Bank announces service hours for Ramadan- The SUN

Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) has announced its service hours for the month of Ramadan. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar categorically rejects U.S. Secretary of State’s conclusion that Myanmar Tatmadaw has committed genocide – Eleven Myanmar

Myanmar has categorically rejected the U.S. Secretary of State’s determination to conclude that the Myanmar Tatmadaw has committed genocide and crimes against Bengali Community in northern Rakhine State, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 22. Click here to read…

Junta Sets Places of Worship on Fire in Sagaing Region – persecution.org

During recent raids in Sagaing Region’s Taze Township, the Tatmadaw (Burmese Army) torched a monastery and a Catholic church as they swept through two villages. Three villagers were murdered during the attacks. Click here to read…

Myanmar ‘special command’ authorised lethal attacks on civilians – report – Reuters

Myanmar’s junta chief created a special command a day after last year’s coup that was solely responsible for deployment and operations of troops in urban areas, and authorised lethal attacks on unarmed civilians, human rights investigators said. Click here to read…

Australia’s Embrace of Defectors Sends Shockwaves Through Myanmar Military – The Irrawaddy

The Australian government’s granting of protection to defectors from the Myanmar regime’s armed forces has elicited interest even among senior officers, especially those who oppose military rule in the country. Some have already quit the military, which has become notorious for killing its own people. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Deploys Militias in Key Strategic State – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s junta has mobilized militias against resistance groups in Kayah State, according to the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF). Click here to read…

Poll commission plans video tracking of ballot counting- the Kathmandu Post

Election officials says local governments should purchase and install the system. Click here to read…

Water lift projects ease Karnali water crisis- the Kathmandu Post

Drinking water shortage had made life difficult not just for adults but also for children who had to skip classes to manage water. Click here to read…

Nepal wants to be off aviation blacklist. It has not passed key bills yet- the Kathmandu Post

The government has been working on the proposed legislation since 2009 when it made a commitment to ICAO to split the civil aviation body during the safety audit. Click here to read…

Pakistan

No-trust on agenda as ‘fateful’ NA sitting begins: Dawn

The much-anticipated session of the National Assembly with a crucial no-confidence resolution — filed by the opposition against Prime Minister Imran Khan — on the agenda, is set to commence at 11am today (Friday). Click here to read…

China says willing to extend CPEC to Afghanistan: Dawn

Wang met acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss political and economic ties, including starting work in the mining sector and Afghanistan’s possible role in China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, according to a statement from an Afghan foreign ministry spokesman. Click here to read…

PM asks nation to attend PTI’s March 27 rally: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday asked citizens to participate in the PTI’s public gathering in Islamabad on March 27, urging them to join him “against evil”.Click here to read…

Yawning gap in estimates: IMF, Pakistan talks hit stalemate: The News

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has estimated that the Prime Minister’s Relief Package for slashing down petrol, diesel, and electricity prices as well as doling out of Kamyab Pakistan Program (KPP) loans would cost almost doubled amount of Rs 425 billion against official estimates of Rs 220 billion only. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

SJB says a state bank on verge of default- The Island

SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that a state bank was on the verge of default. Click here to read…

Agriculture Minister admits drop in paddy harvest- The Island

A special mechanism was being set up to make rice available at reasonable prices during the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage told Parliament yesterday (24). Click here to read…

Lanka’s first LNG power plant will generate 200 MWs next year- The Island

The LNG Power Plant, which is being built at Kerawalapitiya, would add 200 MWs to the national grid by next year, Power Minister Pavithra Wanniarachi said inspecting the progress of its construction. Click here to read…

APC gets underway: Prez says won’t seek political advantage; Basil undertakes to present new budget- The Island

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has assured political parties that his government will not seek any political advantage by calling an All-Party Conference (APC) to address the current economic crisis. Click here to read…

Even with emergency power purchase no uninterrupted supply of electricity- The Island

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday (24) announced that uninterrupted electricity couldn’t be supplied even with the emergency power purchase of 200 megawattsClick here to read…

China ready to help Afghanistan achieve true independence, self-development: :Xinhuanet

March 25, 2022

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Thursday that China is ready to help Afghanistan achieve true independence and self-development. During a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Afghan Taliban’s caretaker government, Wang said China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, respects the independent choice made by the Afghan people, and respects Afghanistan’s religious beliefs and national customs. Click here to read…

China denounces U.S.’s “prior knowledge” claim of Russian military operation in Ukraine: Xinhuanet

March 25, 2022

A Chinese military spokesperson Thursday denounced the claim that China had prior knowledge of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine as disinformation. The spread of such disinformation by the United States is intended to shirk responsibility and smear China, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense. Click here to read…

Chinese FM meets Pakistani chief of army staff on ties, int’l issues: Xinhuanet

March 24, 2022

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday met with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa and the two had friendly and in-depth discussions on the relations between China and Pakistan as well as the regional and international issues. Click here to read…

China to up financial support for rural vitalization : Xinhuanet

March 24, 2022

China will continue to guide banks and insurers to optimize financial services to advance rural vitalization, the country’s top banking and insurance regulator has said. Financial input to ensure the supply of grains and important agriculture products in 2022 should be prioritized, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission said, pledging to step up financial support for rural industries and new types of rural business entities. Click here to read…

China to boost employment of people emerging from poverty: Xinhuanet

March 24, 2022

China will step up efforts this year to stabilize employment of people who have been lifted out of poverty, as part of the work to consolidate the achievements made in poverty alleviation, according to a circular. Click here to read…

China Eastern Airlines grounds 223 Boeing 737-800 aircraft: Xinhuanet

March 24, 2022

China Eastern Airlines and its subsidiaries have temporarily grounded 223 Boeing 737-800 aircraft after one such plane with 132 people on board crashed earlier this week in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, an airline official said Thursday. Click here to read…

Former senior political advisor of Yunnan under probe: Xinhuanet

March 24, 2022

Huang Yi, a former senior political advisor of southwest China’s Yunnan Province is under investigation by the country’s top anti-graft body for suspected severe violations of disciplines and laws. Click here to read…

China orders nationwide safety inspections in all sectors: Xinhuanet

March 24, 2022

Chinese authorities have ordered comprehensive safety inspections in all fields and industries nationwide following a passenger plane crash earlier this week.

Immediate identifications of safety hazards should be carried out in the civil aviation sector, and all problems should be rectified timely, said a circular jointly released by the Office of the Work Safety Commission under the State Council and the Ministry of Emergency Management. Click here to read…

J-10CE fighter jets debut in Pakistan Day Parade :China Military

March 24, 2022

In the annual parade held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to celebrate the 82nd Pakistan Day on March 23, the newly inducted Chinese J-10CE fighter jets made a debut. Five J-10CE fighter jets participated in the military parade. Two of them formed a three-aircraft formation with another F-16 jet, leading the entire flight echelon. The other three J-10CE fighter jets appeared in the eighth echelon. In addition to the J-10CE, the JF-17 and J-7PG fighter jets also flew over the parade ground for review. Click here to read…

Official in Shandong removed from post over improper behavior: Global Times

March 25, 2022

A grassroots official in Pingdu, East China’s Shandong Province, has been removed from her post for improper behavior in resolving a petitioning case, authorities announced Wednesday. Wang Li, the former Party chief of Yunshan township of Pingdu, was reportedly caught threatening petitioners in a recording that went viral online. But the case reflects the complexity of China’s grassroots governance, as the petitioners were not entirely victims in the case and they appeared to be seeking economic gain from the local government. Click here to read…

China’s top anti-corruption agency to keep close watch on virtual currency mining: Global Times

March 24, 2022

China’s top anti-corruption agency has vowed to be vigilant toward virtual currency mining in order to achieve carbon neutrality. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) will watch closely for any misconduct or corrupt activity associated with virtual currency mining and punish the violations strictly according to rules and regulations, the commission announced on its official website on Thursday. Click here to read…

Shanghai registers highest daily tally of asymptomatic cases in Chinese mainland: Global Times

March 24, 2022

Shanghai reported 979 asymptomatic COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest daily number in the Chinese mainland. With the gradual adoption of an updated COVID-19 playbook and targeted nucleic acid testing scheme, the city is rushing to get ahead of the virus, through screening, testing and quarantining silent carriers. Click here to read…

US Navy deploys 3 spy ships near China at once ‘in support of submarine warfare’: Global Times

March 24, 2022

The US Navy has reportedly deployed three spy ships simultaneously to sensitive waters near China over the past week in a provocative move experts said on Thursday aims to boost its submarine and anti-submarine warfare capabilities against the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), after the US “acknowledged its shortcomings” with last year’s undersea collision of the USS Connecticut nuclear-powered attack submarine in the South China Sea. Click here to read…

Young people leaving digital assets in wills: China Daily

March 25, 2022

More young people have been preparing wills, and they’re including a number of digital assets that previous generations wouldn’t have considered. According to a white paper released recently by the China Will Registration Center, more than 1,200 people born in the ’90s have registered wills with the center, with 553 doing so last year, 80 percent more than in 2020. Click here to read…

Xinjiang attracts investment projects with optimized business environment: China Daily

March 24, 2022

Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region has signed more than 460 investment projects so far this year, worth more than 190 billion yuan (about $30 billion), according to the regional department of commerce. Click here to read…

China issues roadmap for high-quality development of iron and steel industry: People’s Daily
March 25, 2022

Chinese authorities issued a guideline on promoting the high-quality development of the iron and steel industry, which specified that China’s iron and steel industry aims to basically form a high-quality development pattern featuring reasonable layout and structure, stable supply of resources, advanced technical equipment, high quality products and outstanding brands, high level of intelligentization, strong global competitiveness, as well as green, low-carbon, and sustainable development by 2025. Click here to read…

QR code helps rural residents gain clear understanding of government policies: People’s Daily

March 25, 2022

By scanning a QR code with mobile phone, Shen Jihong, a resident in Xiaoli village, Liangma township, Anze county, Linfen city, north China’s Shanxi province, can check basic information, engagement in industries, income details, contact officials in charge of poverty elimination and other kinds of important information and government policies. Click here to read…

Chinese foreign minister on first India visit since 2020 clash: Reuters

March 25, 2022

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet his Indian counterpart in New Delhi on Friday, India’s foreign ministry said, after he arrived in the capital on the first visit by a top Chinese official since border clashes in 2020. Click here to read…

Beijing autoshow postponed due to COVID surge in China: Reuters

March 25, 2022

Organisers of the Beijing autoshow, which was scheduled to be held in late April, have postponed the event due to a recent flare up of COVID-19 cases in China, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Click here to read…

China unlikely to attack in fall, says NSB: Taipei Times

March 25, 2022

It is “highly unlikely” that China would invade Taiwan this autumn, National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Chen Ming-tong told lawmakers yesterday, amid reports of a leaked Russian intelligence document suggesting that Chinese President Xi Jinping is considering doing so. Click here to read…

Funerals held for PLA pilots and crew killed in South China Sea crash: South China Morning Post

March 25, 2022

Funerals have been held for at least seven People’s Liberation Army pilots and crew who died when a warplane crashed in the South China Sea early this month, according to official reports. The Chinese military has not confirmed the crash, which is believed to have happened southwest of Sanya in Hainan province on March 1. Click here to read…