Afghanistan

UN Official Urges Islamic Emirate to Lift Ban on Female Staff at NGOs: Tolo News

The UN deputy humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, Fran Equiza, in a meeting with Acting Minister of Public Health Qalandar Ibad called for “the Taliban ban on women working for NGOs and international NGOs to be lifted in its entirety.” “The ban will impact millions of the most vulnerable Afghans,” the UN official said. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in a phone call reaffirmed the importance of guaranteeing women’s rights and their full and equal participation in all aspects of life, a statement of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said.
Click here to read…

Pakistan faces disappointment on bilateral deals with the new regime in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Recent events on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border make it clear that Pakistan’s decades old Afghanistan policy has failed. On 11 December 2022, Taliban forces in Afghanistan shelled a town just across the border in Pakistan, killing seven Pakistani civilians. Pakistan retaliated, killing one Taliban fighter and injuring ten Afghans. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the “unprovoked shelling” by Afghan forces. On 15 December, the two sides exchanged artillery fire across the border, killing at least one Pakistani civilian and wounding 15 others. Both countries are today on the verge of war! These developments signal a turn in ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and signals Pakistan’s loss of control over the Afghan Taliban, which is today a government in power. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina: Metro rail a unique milestone for Dhaka – Dhaka Tribune

After completing the giant Padma Bridge and the Bangabandhu tunnel this year, the government will now inaugurate a part of Bangladesh’s first-ever elevated metro rail on Wednesday as another feather in its cap. The Awami League has taken detailed preparations to make this historic moment memorable with the presence of a vast crowd along the streets from Diabari to Agargaon.Click here to read…

Minister: Delhi has assured Dhaka of smooth supply of essentials – Dhaka Tribune

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Tuesday said that India has assured Bangladesh of uninterrupted supply of essential goods round the year as New Delhi is setting an annual quota of exports to its immediate neighbor. The quota will be set up after reviewing export data of India’s essential commodities to Bangladesh in recent years, he said in a press briefing on his recent India tour at his ministry. He said Bangladesh imports rice, wheat, onion, garlic, ginger, pulse and many other essential items from India. Sometimes India suspends export of those goods, but this time India has assured that the supply will remain uninterrupted, he said. Click here to read…

HCA signed, €609 million in loans approved by France’s AFP for Bangladesh – Dhaka Tribune

In 2022, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the government of Bangladesh signed a host country agreement for the establishment of AFD activities in Bangladesh, a successful outcome of years of negotiations between the French and Bangladesh governments. This was a crucial step which came after 10 years of operation and over 20 projects financed in the country, said a media release on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

NC elections in early 2023 – Kuensel online

The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) has notified that the National Council (NC) elections for the fourth Parliament will be conducted in early 2023. The tenure of the current National Council members end on May 9, next year. The ECB also said that the familiarisation tour of the political parties and candidates would be allowed only until January 31, 2023. All political parties and candidates who are on their familiarisation tour must comply with this announcement. Click here to read…

Credit growth improves by 9.2 percent – Kuensel Online

With the re-opening of the economy, the total credit growth of financial institutions (FIs) saw an increase by 9.2 percent as of September this year from the same month last year, the Royal Monetary Authority figures show. The total loan disbursement from FIs to customers amounted to Nu 191.96 billion (B) as of September this year. It saw an increase of Nu 16.17B from September last year. Click here to read…

Nu 108.7M forgone from duty-free entitlement tax – Kuensel Online

The government last year forswore Nu 108.7M from the taxes from the duty-free entitlement, according to the Ministry of Finance (MoF). From next year, the duty-free quota privilege will be given only to diplomats governed by the international laws, conventions and covenants ratified by the parliament of Bhutan and International employees governed by the Bilateral and multilateral agreement signed by the government of Bhutan. Click here to read…

Maldives

Rail Vikas Nigam shares jump 5% on bagging Rs 1,545 crore contract in Maldives – Business Today

Shares of Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) surged 4.96 per cent in Wednesday’s trade after receiving an appointment letter as project implementation agency for the UTF Harbor project in Maldives. The order for this strategic project was placed by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The project cost stood at Rs 1,544.60 crore and it has to be completed within 24 months. Click here to read…

Team from India studies technical specifications for India-Maldives power transmission grid – Live Mint

The union power ministry on Tuesday said that a technical team from India has visited Maldives to study the technical specifications for interconnection of a power transmission grid between the two countries. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Political turmoil in Afghanistan, Myanmar impacting Indian projects – Business Standard

India-backed projects have suffered setbacks in Afghanistan and faced numerous challenges in Myanmar due to the current political and security situations in these countries, the Ministry of External Affairs has informed a parliamentary panel. Click here to read…

China-aided national theatre renovation project handed over to Myanmar – Xinhua

The China-aided renovation project of the National Theatre of Yangon was officially handed over to the Myanmar government here on Tuesday. The renovation project, which was carried out with the assistance from China, began in August 2019 and was completed in November 2022. The upgrading work has made the theatre a modernized one of higher standards. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai said that the National Theatre of Yangon is the largest of its kind in Myanmar, whose construction was completed with the assistance from the Chinese government in 1990. Click here to read…

Nepal

India’s policy hurts power export prospects of Nepal – The Kathmandu Post

In a move that will make hydroelectricity generated by Indian projects cheaper than that produced by Nepal, India’s power ministry starting earlier this month removed the inter-state transmission charges for new Indian hydropower projects. The ministry on December 2 issued the order to waive Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges on the transmission of electricity generated by new hydropower projects. The waiver is already available to solar and wind power projects. Click here to read…

President summons parliament session from January 9 – The Kathmandu Post

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called for the session of the Federal Parliament on January 9. The session has been called at 1:00 pm according to Article 93 (1) of the constitution, informed Office of the President on Tuesday. The meeting of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly is going to be held for the first time after the November 20 polls. There are 12 lawmakers from different political parties while four are independent. Click here to read…

China nudges Nepal to expedite BRI projects as Prachanda becomes new PM – Business Standard

A day after Maoist party chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda was appointed as Nepals new prime minister, China on Monday said that it looks forward to working with the new government to push projects under the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Congratulating Prachanda on his appointment, Mao Ning, the official spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, has said that China wants to pursue projects under the Belt and Road cooperation. Click here to read…

Not Against India, Will Forget Old Disputes, Says Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ – ABP News Online

The newly appointed Prime Minister vowed to strengthen Nepal’s relations with India. “We want good relations with India,” he said. “I am not against India, will forget the old disputes and move forward,” said Prachanda. “According to the mandate given, the government has been formed in the country. The public wanted everyone to work together, and that’s why they formed the government together. Our government will complete its term. Work will be done according to the constitution,” said PM Prachanda while talking to senior news anchor Dibang. Click here to read…

Chinese arrive for rail feasibility study – The Kathmandu Post

A day after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s assumption of office, a six-member Chinese technical team landed in Kathmandu on Tuesday to carry out a feasibility study of the Nepal-China cross-border railway. Dahal, the CPN (Maoist Centre) chairman, heads a coalition of two biggest leftist parties and others. The China Railway First Survey and Design Institute Group will carry out the feasibility study via a Chinese government grant. Click here to read…

Pakistan

No other option but to implement IMF deal: PM: The Express Tribune

He said the coalition government never wanted to transfer the burden of price hikes. In the past, the PTI government blatantly breached the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Meanwhile, the prime minister said that they had devised a plan to immediately convert all the federal government entities’ buildings to solar power by April next year in order to slash a huge chunk out of the country’s costly fuel import bill hovering around $27 billion. Click here to read…

Road, railway connectivity with CARs discussed: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said road and railway connectivity projects between Pakistan and Central Asian states will not only bring the trade communities together, but also usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in the region.The premier said this during a meeting with a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Investment and Foreign Trade Khodjaev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich in Islamabad. Click here to read…

Gold outshines market, gives over 40pc return in 2022: report: The News

Gold was the top-performing asset class in 2022 with a return of more than 40 percent, followed by one-year dollar-denominated Naya Pakistan Certificate (NPC), and the US currency, a local brokerage report stated on Tuesday. The NPC remained on second with a return of up to 36 percent and the holders of the US dollar in cash were listed on third with 28 percent return. Topline Securities presented the report on asset classes that were widely followed by local investors and savers in 2022. “These asset classes provided better returns compared to estimated average consumer price index inflation of 20 percent in outgoing calendar year 2022,” the brokerage said in a client note. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Not the correct time for LG polls: PUNP – Daily News

Patriotic United National Party (PUNP) General Secretary Sugath Hewapathirana stated that it is inappropriate to hold a Local Government election now as the economic situation in the country is not stable yet. He said that it is inappropriate to spend Rs.10 billion for an election at this time. He said that it is not appropriate to spend such a large amount of money to hold an election, leaving aside the sufferings of the entire country, who have been greatly affected by the severe economic downturn that the country has faced. He also said that this will give the people an opportunity to recognize who are the political parties and leaders who are working for their own greedy goals by urging for an election setting aside the hardships faced by the people. Click here to read…

Can Sri Lanka drive itself from bankruptcy to prosperity in 2023? DailyFT

Converting the bankrupt nation to solvency will be a challenging task for Sri Lanka in 2023. If this is not done quickly, the goal of making Sri Lanka a rich country by 2048 will be an elusive one…Click here to read…

Increase in requests for dual citizenship in Sri Lanka – Adaderana

Requests have reportedly been made by 5,401 individuals to the Department of Immigration and Emigration for obtaining dual citizenship in the year 2021. The Department of Immigration and Emigration pointed out that the majority of them are residents of Australia, which is numerically 1,621 individuals. Meanwhile, dual citizenship requests have been made by 885 individuals from the United Kingdom, 795 from the United States, 371 from Canada and several others from countries such as Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, New Zealand, France and Denmark. Click here to read…

China to remove bottlenecks in policy implementation to produce greater effects for keeping economic activity stable: Xinhuanet

June 8, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang urged greater efforts to remove barriers, improve support measures and better bring out the effects of the policies at the State Council Executive Meeting on Wednesday. Click here to read…

AIIB issues 1.5 bln yuan of panda bonds in China: Xinhuanet

June 8, 2022

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has issued 1.5 billion yuan (about 225.11 million U.S. dollars) worth of panda bonds in China’s interbank bond market. They are the first sustainable development bonds that have been issued by an international institution in China. The National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors approved launching sustainable development bonds in 2021. Click here to read…

Scientists stress water imbalance in Third Pole: Xinhuanet

June 8, 2022

Rapid climate warming has caused water imbalances in the Third Pole region, leading to greater water demand in densely populated downstream countries, according to a new studyClick here to read…

How China’s fiscal strength pushes ahead carbon goals: Quishi

June 8, 2022

Source: Xinhua Updated: 2022-06-08

China has aligned its fiscal strength with pro-ecology and low-carbon efforts to fast-track the pursuit of its carbon goals. A recent guideline issued by the Ministry of Finance has specified plans to buttress the goals of striving to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Click here to read…

China furthers efforts in wind, solar power: Quishi

June 8, 2022

China vows to speed up the construction of the second batch of massive wind and solar power projects in the Gobi Desert and other arid regions, according to a package of policy measures that aims to stabilize the economy announced by the State Council recently. Click here to read…

Stricter guidelines target bribery: China Daily

June 8, 2022

The National Supervisory Commission and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate have released details of typical bribery cases to guide the fight against the crime. The cases cover key areas for the central government to investigate bribery, including bidding and tendering, medical drugs, illegal mining and environmental protection. Click here to read…

China, Central Asia agree on broad cooperation covering BRI, trade and security at C+C5 FMs’ meeting: Global Times

June 8, 2022

China and five Central Asian countries achieved fruitful cooperation and broad consensus on issues covering the economy, trade and security during Wednesday’s third China+Central Asia (C+C5) foreign ministers’ meeting. Chinese analysts said the outcomes addressed the region’s most acute challenges of an economic downturn and the threat of a “color revolution” following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and also smashed the US’ recent malicious attempt to pressure Central Asia with ideological tools in order to drive a wedge between China and the region. Click here to read…

PLA includes robots, drones in amphibious landing training for officer cadets: Global Times

June 8, 2022

Academies of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) recently integrated a large number of unmanned and intelligent equipment including unmanned vehicles, drones and robots into the amphibious landing training for officer cadets, showing a high level of combat preparedness and what future amphibious landing warfare could be like. Click here to read…

China issues certification standards for GM crops in major boost for commercialization: Global Times

June 8, 2022

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Wednesday issued two variety certification standards at the national level for genetically modified (GM) crops, including soybeans and corn, in what industry observers said a significant step in China’s legalization of GM crops as the country seeks to further bolster its food security. Click here to read…

India urged to provide level playing field for Chinese companies: Global Times

June 08, 2022

Chinese businesses held a video meeting on Wednesday, urging India to improve its business environment and phase in a level playing field for Chinese companies. In a meeting themed “Webinar on Compliance Operation of Chinese Enterprises in India” held by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in India and the India China-Mobile-Phone Enterprise Association (CMA), the attending Chinese companies expressed concerns over tensions arising from the Indian government’s latest move to suppress Xiaomi. Click here to read…

Cambodia naval base to be used by PRC military: Taipei Times

June 8, 2022

A Cambodian naval base being constructed with the assistance of China is to include a portion for the exclusive use of the Chinese military, the Washington Post reported yesterday. The Chinese and Cambodian governments have previously denied reports that Cambodia would allow a Chinese military presence at the Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand. Click here to read…

China R&D key part of ‘global portfolio’, but technology leaks remain concern, report says: South China Morning Post

June 8, 2022

China’s vibrant innovation ecosystem makes it increasingly part of global research and development strategies for multinational companies, but concerns over technology leaks remain, a report said on Wednesday. Eyeing the sizeable market potential and the fast pace of the commercial application of research and development results in China, an overwhelming majority of European firms will increase spending in China this year, according to a report by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China and the Berlin-based Mercator Institute for China Studies (Merics). Click here to read…

China adopts targeted measures to bolster foreign trade growth: Quishi

June 9, 2022

In the face of increasing external and internal disruption factors, China has adopted a slew of targeted measures to bolster the growth of its foreign trade sector. In an effort to help foreign trade firms navigate difficulties, the State Council, China’s cabinet, issued a guideline last month to improve services and provide more financial and fiscal support for the enterprises. Click here to read…

Shanghai relaxes hukou rules to attract more talent: China Daily

June 9, 2022

Shanghai will relax its household registration permit regulations from July by granting the permits, or hukou, to non-locals who’ve graduated from the world’s top 50 universities and work in the city, without requirements on the amount of social security paid beforehand. Click here to read…

BRICS cooperation leads the way to new era of global development: People’s Daily

June 9, 2022

In recent years, BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have maintained sound momentum of economic and trade cooperation. With the growth rate of exports among them exceeding the global average, BRICS countries have made important contributions to promoting global economic recovery and high-quality development. Click here to read…

U.S. suspends three firms’ export privileges for alleged illegal exports to China: Reuters

June 9, 2022

The U.S. Commerce Department on Wednesday suspended the export privileges of three U.S.-based firms for 180 days for what it said was the illegal export of satellite, rocket and defense technology to China. Click here to read…

Parts of Shanghai impose new COVID lockdown measures: Reuters

June 9, 2022

Parts of Shanghai began imposing new lockdown restrictions on Thursday, with residents of sprawling Minhang district ordered to stay home for two days in a bid to control COVID-19 transmission risks. Minhang, home to more than 2 million people, will conduct nucleic acid tests for all residents on June 11, and restrictions will be lifted once the testing is completed, the government said on its WeChat account. Click here to read…

Chinese blockchain platform ChainMaker says it has new technology to keep it secure from quantum attacks: South China Morning Post

June 9, 2022

Chinese home-grown blockchain platform ChainMaker has been equipped with technology that can resist attacks from classical and quantum computers, according to state-owned China News Service. Developers of the enterprise blockchain – also known as Chang’An Chain – said the new technology further secures information transmission between financial institutions, making online transactions safer, the news agency reported on Monday. The system released in January last year is China’s first independent blockchain platform, developed by a state-backed Beijing consortium – the Beijing Academy of Blockchain and Edge Computing. Click here to read…

Full text of Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter to National Event on Environment Day 2022: Xinhuanet

June 6, 2022

The following is the full text of Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter to the National Event on the Environment Day 2022.

On the holding of the National Event on the Environment Day 2022, I would like to extend my warm congratulations! Natural environment is the basis of human survival and development, and to preserve a sound ecological environment is the shared aspiration of the peoples of all countries. Since the Party’s 18th National Congress in 2012, we have made ecological conservation an initiative vital for sustaining the Chinese nation’s developmentClick here to read…

China reiterates concern over AUKUS-related nuclear material transfer: Xinhuanet

June 6, 2022

China on Monday reiterated concerns over the nuclear weapon material transfer involved in AUKUS, saying the issue should be addressed under the international non-proliferation regime. Click here to read…

Shenzhen to build 20 advanced manufacturing industrial parks: Xinhuanet
June 6, 2022

The southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen plans to build 20 advanced manufacturing industrial parks for strategic emerging sectors and industries of the future. The 20 industrial parks will cover a total area of 300 square kilometers in the districts of Bao’an, Guangming, Longhua, Longgang, Pingshan, and Shenshan, the municipal government announced on Monday. Click here to read…

China EximBank issues bonds to support production resumption in Shanghai: Xinhuanet

June 6, 2022

The Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank), a state-owned policy bank, has issued financial bonds worth 5 billion yuan (about 749.7 million U.S. dollars) to facilitate the resumption of production and work in Shanghai. Click here to read…

Seven arrested for testing misconduct: China Daily

June 6, 2022

The people’s procuratorate of Beijing’s Fangshan district decided to approve the arrest of seven people related to a testing lab on suspicion of obstructing prevention and control of infectious diseases on Monday afternoon, according to an announcement from the government’s official WeChat account. Click here to read…

Tattoo parlors barred from serving minors: China Daily

June 6, 2022

The guideline — released by a high-level task force established to coordinate efforts related to the protection of minors under the State Council, China’s Cabinet — aims to promote the management of tattoo work to protect minors’ legal rights, according to the website of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Click here to read…

China remains global leader in 5G patent declarations: China Daily

June 6, 2022

China’s standard essential patent declarations for 5G account for about 40 percent of the global total, ranking first in the world according to a report issued by a national intellectual property research center. Click here to read…

Wang Yi to attend FMs’ meeting with Central Asian nations, jointly tackle security challenge: Global Times

June 6, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to attend the third “China+Central Asia” (C+C5) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kazakhstan and pay an official visit to the country from June 6 to 9. Click here to read…

Nation to open sci-tech sector wider to world while continuing pursuit of indigenous innovation, says minister: Global Times

June 6, 2022

China will open up its science and technology sector wider to the outside world while continuing the pursuit of indigenous innovation, Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang said on Monday. China’s sharing of its sci-tech advances contributes immensely to addressing global issues spanning energy, the environment and coronavirus containment, experts said, while calling for corresponding opening-up moves by other economies. Click here to read…

China pilots low carbon bonds to help companies become greener: Reuters

June 6, 2022

China is rolling out so-called low carbon transition bonds to help companies become greener, the country’s interbank bond market regulator said on Monday, as Beijing strives toward carbon neutrality. Click here to read…

Chinese tech ADRs rise as end of Didi probe raises hope of easing crackdowns: Reuters

June 6, 2022

U.S.-listed Chinese technology stocks rose on Monday after a report that regulators in China are concluding a probe into ride-hailing giant Didi Global raised expectations of easing crackdowns on the country’s internet sector. Click here to read…

China able to take on Taiwan, allies by 2027, says MND: Taipei Times

June 6, 2022

The Chinese military would be capable of fighting against Taiwan and allied forces by 2027, a Ministry of National Defense (MND) report said yesterday. China has set a goal of modernizing its warfare capabilities by that year, which is to mark the 100th anniversary of its army’s founding, and it might by then be able to act more aggressively toward Taiwan, said the report, which the ministry submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review.Click here to read…

Chinese jet threatens Australian surveillance plane over South China Sea: Kyodo

June 6, 2022

A Chinese fighter jet dangerously intercepted an Australian maritime surveillance plane over the South China Sea, endangering the aircraft and its crew, according to the Australian Defense Department. The department said Sunday the Chinese J-16 aircraft intercepted an Australian P-8 Poseidon on May 26 while it was conducting routine maritime surveillance in international airspace over the highly disputed body of water. Click here to read…

China’s unemployment woes see Yunnan offer big cash subsidies to entice college graduates: South China Morning Post

June 7, 2022

Keen on attracting college graduates for essential jobs in rural villages, one Chinese province is looking to sweeten the pot by splashing out on cash handouts. The move by authorities in Yunnan province, announced on Sunday, comes as the nation’s youth unemployment rate and the number of fresh college graduates have both reached record highs, further straining China’s already battered economy. The central government has also ordered local cadres to take the lead in boosting economic growth and employment, as China is struggling to keep the unemployment rate under the government’s target of “within 5.5 per cent” this year. Click here to read…

China brings forward plans for space solar power plant: South China Morning Post

June 7, 2022

China plans to launch an ambitious space solar power plant programme in 2028, two years ahead of the original schedule, according to scientists involved in the project. A satellite will be launched that year to test wireless power transmission technology from space to the ground from an altitude of 400km (250 miles), according to the updated plan in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Chinese Space Science and Technology on Thursday. In the paper, the researchers said the satellite would convert solar energy to microwaves or lasers and direct the energy beams to various targets, including fixed locations on Earth and moving satellites. Click here to read…

Chinese scientists say ‘Midas’ touch helps to fine-tune CRISPR gene editing: South China Morning Post

June 7, 2022

Chinese scientists say they have discovered a new method that can significantly improve the efficiency of genome-editing tools. The method, called Improving Editing Activity by Synergistic Engineering, or Midas, “robustly and significantly increased” the human gene-editing efficiency of three tools they used, the researchers said. Moreover, based on Midas, the researchers found new genome editing tools that had higher efficiency and “very low” off-target effects. Click here to read…

China’s top political advisor holds virtual meeting with Singaporean parliament speaker: People’s Daily

June 7, 2022

China’s top political advisor Wang Yang and Tan Chuan-Jin, speaker of the parliament of Singapore, on Monday held a virtual meeting to discuss bilateral ties. Wang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that the China-Singapore ties feature geographical proximity, shared benefits, close cultural links and people-to-people affinity. Click here to read…

Canadian warplanes’ actions ‘provocative’: China Daily

June 7, 2022

China firmly opposes close reconnaissance and provocative actions by Canada’s warplanes, which threaten China’s national security, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense said on Monday. Click here to read…

Former head of local education department under investigation for smearing Chinese traditional festival, historical figure: Global Times

June 7, 2022

The Education Department of Southwest China’s Yunnan Province is investigating its former head, Luo Chongmin, for his controversial remarks about the Dragon Boat Festival, one of the most important Chinese traditional festivals. Yunnan’s Education Department said in an announcement on Monday that it has set up a working group to investigate Luo Chongmin and will release the findings to the public in a timely manner. Click here to read…

More sci-tech innovation a national goal: China Daily

June 7, 2022

China will enhance efforts to make more original breakthroughs in core technologies, train quality talent, conduct institutional reforms, expand international cooperation and contribute more to tackling global challenges, officials said on Monday. Click here to read…

BRICS countries vow to deepen financial cooperation: Xinhuanet

June 7, 2022

The Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of BRICS countries issued a joint statement at a virtual meeting on Monday, reaching consensus on deepening financial cooperation and strengthening coordination on macroeconomic policy. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 39 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

June 7, 2022

The Chinese mainland Monday reported 39 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 20 in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to the National Health Commission’s report Tuesday. Click here to read…

Book of Xi’s discourses on rural work published: China Military

June 7, 2022

A compilation of discourses of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on work concerning agriculture, rural areas and farmers has been published by the Central Party Literature Press. Click here to read…

Senior CPC official meets with former KMT chairperson: Xinhuanet

February 5, 2022

Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Wang Yang Saturday met with Hung Hsiu-chu, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Beijing after Hung attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Click here to read…

China, Russia reaffirm support on core interest, oppose interference in internal affairs: Xinhuanet

February 5, 2022

China and Russia reaffirmed strong support for each other’s core interest, state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and voiced opposition to external interference in their domestic affairs, according to a joint statement issued Friday after a meeting between the two countries’ presidents. Click here to read…

Xi says China ready to accelerate FTA negotiation with GCC: Xinhuanet

February 5, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday said China stands ready to work with countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to accelerate the free trade agreement negotiations. Xi said this will inject fresh vitality to the two sides as well as the world economy. Click here to read…

China’s commerce ministry criticizes U.S. solar tariff extension: Xinhuanet

February 5, 2022

China’s commerce ministry on Saturday criticized a recent extension of U.S. tariffs on imported solar products, calling the move unhelpful to the photovoltaic industry and disruptive to the global trade order. The U.S. government announced Friday that the levies due to expire Sunday would remain effective for another four years as advised by the U.S. International Trade Commission. Click here to read…

Xi calls for building closer China-Pakistan community with shared future: Xinhuanet

February 6, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Beijing on Sunday, saying that China is willing to work with Pakistan to accelerate the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, bring benefits to the people of the two countries, provide impetus for regional cooperation and contribute to world peace. Click here to read…

Full text: Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan: Xinhuanet

February 7, 2022

The following is the full text of a joint statement released by China and Pakistan on Sunday. Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of PakistanClick here to read…

Chinese scientists discover promising green refrigeration technology: Xinhuanet

February 5, 2022

Chinese scientists have discovered a promising green refrigeration technology that may replace traditional refrigerants represented by freon, a greenhouse gas that leads to severe climate problems. The research team led by Tong Peng at the Institute of Solid State Physics at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science under the Chinese Academy of Sciences has found excellent cooling performance in n-alkanes through solid-liquid state transition driven by high pressure. The discovery provides a new perspective for developing eco-friendly refrigeration technology. Click here to read…

Xi extends congratulations to 35th African Union Summit: China Military

February 6, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday warmly congratulated the African countries and people on the opening of the 35th African Union (AU) Summit. In his congratulatory message to the AU Summit, Xi pointed out that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the AU’s founding, and that over the past 20 years, the AU has stayed committed to seeking strength through unity, actively explored a development path suited to Africa, facilitated important progress in regional integration and coordinated a concerted response from African countries to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Ambassador Zhang Jun: the US should not go further down the wrong path: China Military

February 7, 2022

On February 6, Ambassador Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China to the Untied Nations, released a press statement to resolutely refute the unfounded accusations against China made by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN, in her interview with CNN. Ambassador Zhang said that the US has again made accusations against China and wrongful, irresponsible remarks on issues like the Beijing Winter Olympics, Xinjiang and Taiwan. Such groundless, politically-biased words have seriously poisoned the China-US relations. Facing such a smear campaign, China has no choice but to push back and clarify our position and reject the unfounded accusations by the US. Click here to read…

China starts busy diplomacy season with over 30 foreign dignitaries in Beijing for Olympics: Global Times

February 4, 2022

The tarmac of the Beijing Capital International Airport is seeing its busiest time in the last two days with more than 30 foreign dignitaries arriving in Beijing for the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, as China kicked off a busy and crucial round of diplomatic activities to improve relations, promote multilateralism and call for global unity in dealing with global and regional challenges. Click here to read…

China reveals concept art for armed, aerial refueling-capable variant of Z-20 chopper: Global Times

February 6, 2022

An armed, aerial refueling-capable variant of China’s Z-20 medium-lift utility helicopter is believed to be currently under development after the aircraft’s maker recently revealed concept art for such a chopper, observers said on Sunday. The state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the maker of most aircraft used by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), released a promotional video titled “In the blue sky” on January 31 on social media platforms, in which the company rounded up the achievements it made in 2021. Click here to read…

China to see moderate CPI growth in 2022 despite global inflationary pressure, says NDRC: Global Times

February 6, 2022

China’s consumer price index (CPI), the main gauge of inflation, is expected to maintain moderate expansion in 2022 and the growth of the producer price index (PPI), or factory-gate prices, will gradually fall, according to an article published by China’s top economic planner on Sunday. Click here to read…

Premier meets with series of world leaders: China Daily

February 7, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang has met with a series of foreign guests who were visiting China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, pledging to strengthen ties with the countries and international organizations they represent. In a meeting with Zoran Tegeltija, chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Saturday, Li said China will import more high-quality specialty agricultural products from the European country, promote the implementation of energy and infrastructure cooperation projects, and continue to step up antipandemic cooperation. Click here to read…

Chinese scientists develop AI-assisted tool to detect early-stage lung cancer: China Daily

February 4, 2022

Chinese scientists have developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted testing tool to detect early-stage lung cancer. The study published on Thursday in the journal Science Translational Medicine described the Lung Cancer Artificial Intelligence Detector that may play a part in the early detection of lung cancer or large-scale screening of high-risk cancer populations. Click here to read…

Athlete hailed by Uyghur advocates for ‘East Turkestan’ flag: Reuters

February 6, 2022

A ski jumper at the Winter Olympics was hailed by advocates for Uyghurs on Sunday after displaying what they said was the flag of the independence movement of East Turkestan, a group Beijing says threatens the stability of its Xinjiang region. Turkey’s Fatih Arda Ipcioglu on Saturday competed in light blue-coloured skis with a white crescent and white star on them. His native Turkish flag is almost identical, but features a red background. Click here to read…

U.S. calls for ‘concrete action’ from China to meet Phase 1 purchase commitments: Reuters

February 7, 2022

U.S. officials called on Monday for “concrete action” from China to make good on its commitment to purchase $200 billion in additional U.S. goods and services in 2020 and 2021 under the “Phase 1” trade deal signed by former President Donald Trump. The officials said Washington was losing patience with Beijing, which had “not shown real signs” in recent months that it would close the gap in the two-year purchase commitments that expired at the end of 2021. Click here to read…

China could take further measures to rein in yuan- former regulator: Reuters

February 7, 2022

The Chinese government could take further measures if needed to keep the yuan stable, potentially putting downward pressure on the currency, a former foreign exchange regulator said. Policymakers could increase yuan’s flexibility, expand capital outflows, or control capital inflows to rein in the yuan, which could deviate from economic fundamentals in the short term, wrote Guan Tao, global chief economist at BOC International and a former official at the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE). Click here to read…

U.S. House backs sweeping China competition bill as Olympics start: Reuters

February 5, 2022

The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday narrowly passed a multibillion-dollar bill aimed at increasing American competitiveness with China and boosting U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, despite Republican opposition. The Democratic-majority House backed the “America COMPETES Act of 2022” by 222-210, almost entirely along party lines. One Republican joined Democrats in voting for the measure and one Democrat voted no. Click here to read…

Republican senator urges U.S. to monitor China’s digital yuan push during Olympics: Reuters

February 4, 2022

A leading Senate Republican is urging the Biden administration to closely monitor the use of China’s recently launched digital currency during the Beijing Winter Olympics, where the country is expected to showcase the project to foreign visitors. In a letter sent Thursday to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Senator Pat Toomey expressed concern that the Chinese government could use the global event to help its digital yuan, dubbed e-CNY, gain a global foothold. Such an effort could be used to set standards in cross-border payments, as the People’s Bank of China looks to get out ahead of other countries in the race to develop central bank digital currencies, he warned. Click here to read…

China, Russia enhance ‘growing energy partnership’ with gas deal during Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin meeting: South China Morning Post

February 4, 2022

China and Russia strengthened the interdependency of their two economies on Friday as visiting President Vladimir Putin unveiled a series of agreements, including a new gas deal, during his meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing at a time when Moscow is facing rising tensions over Ukraine. Putin confirmed the deal to supply 10 billion cubic metres (353 billion cubic feet) of gas per year to China, which is the world’s biggest energy consumer, from Russia’s Far East via a new pipeline hours after landing in the Chinese capital ahead of the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. Click here to read…

China is a reliable friend and partner, President Xi Jinping tells Central Asian leaders on Olympics visit: South China Morning Post

February 5, 2022

China is a reliable partner for Central Asian nations and seeks to deepen cooperation in areas ranging from energy to security, Beijing has stressed, in its latest push to step up engagement with the region.This came as Chinese President Xi Jinping met the leaders of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on the sidelines of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Xi’s meetings on Saturday, which also included exchanges with the Serbian and Egyptian leaders, followed groundbreaking talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the Olympic opening ceremony a day earlier, amid simmering tensions with the United States. Click here to read…

US-China tech war: Top Chinese university pulls report that concluded China would suffer more from tech decoupling with US: South China Morning Post

February 4, 2022

A think-tank at China’s prestigious Peking University has pulled a report that concluded China would likely suffer more in a tech decoupling from the US. The 7,600-character report was published on the official WeChat account of the school’s Institute of International and Strategic Studies on Sunday, and was subsequently shared by Chinese media outlets and analysts. A key finding from the analysis was that both the US and China would suffer from a tech decoupling, but China’s losses would likely be bigger than those of the US. Click here to read…

Why China’s J-20 Mighty Dragon may lack the firepower to use laser weapons: South China Morning Post

February 6, 2022

China’s ambitions to arm its most advanced fighter jet with hi-tech weapons, such as lasers or particle beams, may be frustrated by its underpowered engines, according to military analysts.An increasing number of countries are researching cutting-edge directed-energy weapons (DEW), including the United States which is looking into their use to target hypersonic missiles and gliders. Click here to read…