Tag Archives: Covid-19

Neighborhood News Digest – 21 February 2023

Afghanistan
Main Afghanistan-Pakistan border crossing closed, residents report gunfire – Deccan Herald

Taliban authorities have closed the main border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, an Afghan official said on Monday, and residents in the area reported the sound of gunfire near the normally bustling border transit point. A Taliban provincial information official said the Torkham border crossing, near the Khyber Pass, was closed for all trade and travellers. “The Pakistan side hadn’t committed to their promises, they have promised to create facilities for transit, sick people and passengers,” said Siddiqullah Quraishi, the head of the Afghan province of Nangahar’s information department, as the reason for the closure. Click here to read…

China to become Afghanistan’s second-largest trade partner in 2023 – The Print

China’s trade with Afghanistan has been growing fast and it may become the second-largest trading nation with Afghanistan in 2023 after Pakistan, a situation that bodes well for the continuation of the CPEC part of the Belt & Road Initiative into Afghanistan, as per Silk Road Briefing (SRB). Click here to read…

Donor organisations suspend budget for at least 40 COVID-19 hospitals in Afghanistan, says Health Minister – Firstpost

Donor organisations have suspended the budget for at least 40 COVID-19 hospitals in Afghanistan over the past 18 months after political developments in the country, said Health Minister Qalandar Ebad. According to a report in Tolo News, Ebad added, “The suspension of the budget and restrictions on health projects have affected health services in Afghanistan.” Click here to read…

The Future of the Belt and Road Initiative in Afghanistan: Obstacles, Opportunities, and The Taliban’s Perspective – Silk Road Briefing

China has also considered Afghanistan’s membership and participation in the BRI with a delegation from Afghanistan participating in its forum in 2017. Afghan delegations have also been participating in Russian economic and trade development forums. However, despite some agreements in including Afghanistan as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), no progress has currently been made regarding China’s economic presence through the BRI in the country. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Bangladesh Youth Delegation Corner inaugurated, alumni portal launched in Dhaka – NewsOnAir

Bangladesh Youth Delegation is an International Youth Exchange programme between the governments of India and Bangladesh. It aims to promote cultural exchange, leadership development, and people-to-people contacts between the two countries. Since its inception, nearly 800 Bangladeshi youth selected under the BYD programme, have visited India to participate in various activities that promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries. Click here to read…

Japan to provide grant aid for 2 projects in Bangladesh – New Age

Bangladesh and Japan on Monday signed the exchange of notes on the Japanese grant Aad for two projects. One is to provide the grant for the ‘Project for Improvement of Equipment for Technical Education’ – up to JPY 997 million, approximately USD7.7 million. Another is to provide an additional grant for the costs of the development of the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management, the augmented grant of which is up to JPY 2,762 million, about USD 21 million. Click here to read…

Bangladesh shuts down main Opposition newspaper – The Hindu

The only newspaper of Bangladesh’s main Opposition party halted printing on Monday after a government suspension order was upheld, stoking fears about media freedom in the South Asian nation. Campaigners and foreign governments including the U.S. have long expressed worries about efforts by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to silence criticism and what they see as creeping authoritarianism. Click here to read…

Bhutan
Committee yet to review barrage or PI dam option – Kuensel

The committee of experts from Bhutan and India, which was supposed to review and present its recommendations on the proposal to build a barrage at the 1,200MW Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project (PI) by January-end was only formed around that time. Click here to read…

Youth unemployment increases in 2022 – Kuensel

The youth unemployment rate in 2022 is estimated at 28.6 percent which is an increase by 7.7 points compared to 20.9 percent in 2021, according to the Labour Force Survey Report, 2022. Of the 101,170 youth population, 8,496 youth were unemployed and actively seeking work. Click here to read…

President Solih heads to Singapore on unofficial visit – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has left to Singapore on an unofficial visit. The Maldivian leader departed on the unofficial visit from Velana International Airport (VIA) on Monday. His last unofficial trip to Singapore was in October 2022. The president had made four previous trips to Singapore in 2022, the first being from February 10 – 15 and the second being from February 23 – March 6. Click here to read…

Myanmar
EU imposes new sanctions on Myanmar’s junta -AA

The European Union adopted its sixth sanctions package Monday against the military junta in Myanmar for human rights violations. EU foreign ministers approved “restrictive measures against nine persons and seven entities in view of the continuing escalation of violence, grave human rights violations and threats to the peace, security and stability in Myanmar,” the Council of the European Union, an EU institution representing member states, said in a statement. Click here to read…

Over 100 Myanmar Junta Forces Killed in Four Days of Resistance Attacks – Irrawaddy

At least 106 Myanmar junta troops were killed in four days of attacks as People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) escalated their attacks on regime targets across the country. In one case, a PDF couple was arrested and killed by junta troops a day before their wedding in Magwe. Incidents were reported in Mandalay, Sagaing, Magwe, Bago and Tanintharyi regions and Kayah and Mon states. The Irrawaddy has rounded up the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs. Some military casualty figures could not be independently verified. Click here to read…

Opium farming has flourished under Myanmar’s junta – UCANews

Everything in Myanmar is in the worst-ever state. The Southeast Asian nation has a broken economy and a broken society. To add salt to the wound, it is home to more than 1.3 million displaced people. But when it comes to narcotics, Myanmar still holds the dubious distinction of being the world’s second-largest producer of opium, a key source of many psycho-tropical substances such as heroin, morphine and codeine. Despite the chaos, social unrest, and civil war, the army-ruled nation managed to increase opium cultivation last year. Click here to read…

Nepal
India donates 20 kidney dialysis machines to Nepal – The Economic Times

India on Monday handed over the first tranche of the 200 kidney dialysis machines to the Government of Nepal as part of its effort to develop the health infrastructure in the Himalayan nation. Click here to read…

Late Gen. Bipin Rawat honoured in Nepal, bell in his name placed inside revered temple – India Narrative

In commemoration of India’s late Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, a bell has been placed at Nepal’s revered Shree Muktinath Temple. The bell named “Bipin Bell,” has been installed at the revered Hindu temple in Mustang district during the visit of four former Indian army chiefs namely Gen VN Sharma, Gen JJ Singh, Gen Deepak Kapoor and Gen Dalbir Suhag. Click here to read…

Assessment of India’s Approach to Nepal – Indian Defence Review

As per International Monetary Fund, India is fastest growing economy in the world. Indian economy is crossing Chinese economy that will grow just by 5.2% in 2023. Economy and security are the two faces of the same coin. In other words, both affect each other, and most importantly both have the potential to transform the regional and international polity and economy. Economic growth and military might both determine any country’s stature in international system of states. Click here to read…

Maoists cotton to Congress, as Dahal, Oli size each other up – The Kathmandu Post

Even with just four days to go for the filing of nominations for the presidential election, the CPN (Maoist Centre) is still keeping its cards close to its chest. There have been no clear indications about whom it will support as the new head of state, even though the party seems to be inching closer to the Nepali Congress on the issue. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Dialogue with India ‘need of Pakistan’: Former Pak Army spokesperson – India Today

Dialogue is a need of Pakistan, the former chief of the country’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Athar Abbas, said. “The way forward is not just the state apparatus, because if you leave it [solely] to the security establishment, there will be no move forward. It will be like taking one step forward and two steps backwards,” he added. Click here to read…

Section 144 imposed in Lahore for 7 days citing terror threats: Mint

The caretaker government of Punjab province in Pakistan imposed Section 144 in Lahore for seven days, citing terror threats amid the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest and rallies, ARY News reported. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s elite in trouble amid bankruptcy as IMF tells Shehbaz Sharif govt to tax only the rich – Firstpost

Pakistan last week increased prices of commodities that are now weighing on people of the cash-strapped country. Concerned about poor in the bankrupt South Asian nation, IMF said that the Shehbaz Sharif government to tax its high earners and ensure that only poor get the subsidies. Click here to read…

Imran gets preventive bail from arrest in 1 case, Lahore HC disposes plea in 2nd – Hindustan Times

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has secured preventive bail from arrest by the Lahore high court till March 3 in a case pertaining to protests outside the Election Commission of Pakistan office, Geo TV reported. The second plea was disposed of by the high court after Khan’s counsel withdrew the petition, Dawn reported. Click here to read…

Cash-starved Pakistan’s current account deficit shrinks 90% to $0.24 billion in January – The Economic Times

“Current Account Deficit (CAD) recorded USD 0.2 billion in Jan 2023 against a deficit of USD 2.5 billion in Jan 2022,” the central bank said in a brief statement on Twitter. The decrease in the deficit is also 16.55 per cent lower than December when the SBP announced that the deficit was USD 0.29 billion. Click here to read…

Pakistan Covid Scam: Amid bankruptcy, 2 of 4 billion rupees of corona relief fund vanish without trace – Firstpost

In a major embarrassment for the Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistani government, a recent inquiry has revealed financial discrepancies in the allocation of and expenditure on medical resources in the Corona Relief Fund (CRF). This comes amid looming fears of a default as the country is going through a severe economic crisis. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Ranil govt. faces mounting pressure for ‘attempt to postpone’ polls in Sri Lanka – The Hindu

Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe is facing mounting pressure from the political Opposition and civil society over his government’s apparent attempts to postpone local government polls, scheduled in early March, citing the lack of funds. Click here to read…

Sri Lankans attacked Tamil Nadu fishermen: CM Stalin tells Centre – India Today

Sri Lankans assaulted Indian fishermen, took away their catch and equipment, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin apprised the Centre on Monday and urged that the matter be taken up with Sri Lanka to ensure action against assailants and prevent recurrence of such attacks. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka’s great IMF lie – Himal

Sri Lanka has been subject to a great lie: the IMF solution! For close to a year now, the country has been implementing the International Monetary Fund’s recommendations with complete obedience. The sudden devaluation of the Sri Lankan rupee, a drastic increase in interest rates, the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and severe cuts to state expenditure all amount to harsh austerity measures. The consequence is economic devastation as the country sinks into a depression. Click here to read…

Neighborhood News Digest – 03 February 2023

Afghanistan
Taliban welcome India’s funds announcement for Afghanistan in Budget 2023-24 – Wion News

Taliban welcomed the Indian announcement for Afghanistan in the Union Budget 2023-24, which was presented on Wednesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. New Delhi announced a development assistance of Rs 200 crore ($24.3 million) for the country in the budget, which was the same amount announced in last year’s budget as well. Click here to read…

Leaked Documents Show Qatar Bribed Prominent Leaders a Month before the Collapse of Afghanistan – The Khaama Press

Italian TG1 News Network has revealed an investigative report showing that Qatar had paid Ashraf Ghani, Marshal Dostum, and Atta Mohammad Noor $110, $ 51, and $61 Million, respectively, not to fight against Taliban fighters. The Italian state-run network has recently published three documents that indicate the receipt of bribes to the prominent leaders of Afghanistan a month before the collapse of the previous government in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Pak expects sincere coop from Afghanistan to address terrorism: FO – Pakistan Observer

The Foreign Office said on Thursday that Pakistan expected “sincere cooperation” from the interim Afghan government to address the “challenge of terrorism”. The remarks came a day after Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said that Pakistan should not put the blame for the Peshawar suicide bombing on Kabul. Click here to read…

Denmark to grant asylum status to Afghan women ‘solely based on gender’ – First Post

Denmark has announced that it will grant asylum to all Afghan women owing to their worsening condition in the Taliban-ruled nation. Flygtningenævnet, the Danish Refugee Appeals Board stated that asylum status will be granted to all female applicants “solely based on their gender”. Citing a report from the European Union’s Agency for Asylum, the appeals board said that asylum status would be given to women as the “accumulation of various measures introduced by the Taliban affect the rights and freedoms of women and girls in Afghanistan.” Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Bangladesh gets $476m IMF loan as first instalment – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh has received the first instalment of $476 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) out of the $4.7 billion loan package. The disbursed amount has already been added to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and it currently stands at $32.69 billion, up from $32.19 billion a day earlier, Bangladesh Bank Spokesperson Md Mezbaul Haque told Dhaka Tribune. IMF approved Bangladesh’s $4.7 billion loan proposal during a board meeting on Monday. Bangladesh will get the remaining amount in six equal instalments of $704 million each. The country will get around $3.3 billion under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and about $1.4 billion under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), according to an IMF press release issued on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh wants revision of 2017 power purchase deal with Adani Power – TBS

Bangladesh has sought revision of a 2017 power purchase agreement with Adani Power Ltd as the price for the coal-generated electricity appeared too expensive, officials said in Dhaka on Thursday. “We have communicated with the Indian company seeking revision of the agreement,” an official of the state-run Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDC) told PTI on the condition of anonymity and without elaborating on the matter. Media reports suggested that the “high coal price” to be purchased for the Adani plant at India’s Jharkhand emerged as the key factor for the dispute. Click here to read…

Govt restricts entry of 69 US-sanctioned Russian ships – New Age

The Bangladesh government has instructed the authorities concerned not to allow any of the 69 mother vessels of seven Russian companies sanctioned by the United States to enter the country’s ports. The Mercantile Marine Office, Chattogram, issued a circular to this effect on January 16, mentioning the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) ship identification numbers so that they were not allowed to avail of any services, including certification, renewal, refuelling, and insurance, in Bangladesh territory. Click here to read…

Bhutan
Exporters seek solution to West Bengal’s Suvidha system hindering exports – Kuensel Online

Bhutanese exporting to Bangladesh via India are facing inconveniences in exporting after West Bengal’s government implemented the online web-based vehicles facilitation system, ‘Suvidha’ app. On January 4, the West Bengal government revised the fee for the Suvidha system from the uniform rate of INR 2,000 to INR 10,000 for non-perishable goods, INR 5,000 for boulders and INR 3,000 for perishable goods at the Changrabandha land custom station (LCS). Click here to read…

No improvement for Bhutan on corruption index – Kuensel Online

Bhutan scored 68 points consecutively for the fifth year in a row and has been ranked 25 for the second consecutive year in Transparency International’s (TI) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2022 released on January 31. Bhutan is among 124 countries that have stagnant scores and has been consecutively placed in sixth position in the Asia and Pacific Region for the past 10 years. Click here to read…

Cabinet approves Nu 65M sovereign guarantee for BLDCL – Kuensel Online

The Cabinet approved the provision of a sovereign guarantee to Bhutan Livestock Development Corporation Limited (BLDCL) in availing loan amount of Nu 65 million (M) for the automated poultry processing line project. The Cabinet directed the approval of borrowing to the finance ministry on January 30 after the Finance Ministry proposed a sovereign guarantee on January 12. Click here to read…

Maldives

Indian tourists experience the best of Maldives – Dajji World

Maldives has become the latest destination in South Asia to join Mastercard’s coveted Priceless program, a carefully curated list of destinations that offer exclusive experiences to its cardholders from around the world. The program is expected to bolster Maldives’ tourism industry while showcasing the unique and authentic experiences that the country can offer to a global audience. Click here to read…

India Budget 2023: Increase in funds for Maldives, Bhutan, support for Afghanistan continues – WION News

The Government of India has allocated Rs 2,400 crore for Bhutan, a slight increase compared to last year of Rs 2,266 crore, and Rs 400 crore to the Maldives. India has been involved in a number of infrastructure projects in the Maldives, including the Greater Malé Connectivity Project. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Indonesia should lead the way in helping Myanmar’ pro-democratic movement – The Jakarta Post

Those were two of the main conclusions that an International Parliamentary Inquiry (IPI) into the global response to the crisis in Myanmar, organized by ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), reached in a report published in November. The report laid bare the many inadequacies of the international community on Myanmar, in particular how it has hidden behind ASEAN, despite the regional bloc’s evident fecklessness in managing the issue so far. Little has changed since the report came out. Click here to read…

After extension of emergency, Myanmar declares martial law in 37 towns – Business Standard

Myanmar’s State Administration Council has declared martial law in 37 towns of four regions and four states in the Southeast Asian country. According to the council’s orders issued Thursday night, the 37 towns are 11 from Sagaing region, seven from Chin state, five each from Magway and Bago regions, four from Kayah state, two each from Taninthayi region and Kayin state and one from Mon state respectively, Xinhua news agency reported. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta participation cancelled at ASEAN tourism meeting – Myanmar Now

Indonesia appears to have halted a Myanmar military council official’s planned attendance at a tourism conference to be held by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this week in Yogyakarta. The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), slated to be hosted in the Indonesian city from February 2-5, comes shortly after Indonesia assumed chairmanship of the regional bloc for the year 2023. Click here to read…

ASEAN foreign ministers to meet in Indonesia under shadow of Myanmar crisis – Business Standard

Southeast Asian foreign ministers are meeting in Indonesia’s capital Friday for talks bound to be dominated by the deteriorating situation in Myanmar despite an agenda focused on food and energy security and cooperation in finance and health. Click here to read…

Nepal
Nepal not included in Chinese govt’s tourist destinations list – My Republica

China is not only a friendly country of Nepal but also a neighboring country. China has been interested in Nepal’s internal and international affairs, but China has neglected the development of tourism here, which is linked to Nepal’s economic development. Click here to read…

RSP urged to defer decision on quitting – The Himalayan Times

The Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party will wait for two days before deciding whether or not it should leave the government over home portfolio. RSP Spokesperson Mukul Dhakal told mediapersons after his party’s central committee met parliamentary party lawmakers that Lamichhane received calls from Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chair Rajendra Lingden during the meeting requesting him to wait for two days before decide on withdrawing support to the government. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves drop to $3.09b – The Express Tribune

Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank decreased by 16.1% to $3.09 billion in the week ending Jan 27, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Thursday, which analysts said covers less than three weeks of imports. The country is locked in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to release much-needed money under a stalled bailout programme. Click here to read…

Terror surge provides govt opportunity to negotiate with arch-rivals – Dawn

In a move that is being seen as a significant development amid rising political temperatures in the country, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday convened a multi-party conference (MPC) to discuss “important challenges” being faced by Pakistan. According to an announcement by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the MPC will be held in Islamabad on Feb 7, for which an invitation has also been extended to PTI chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan. Click here to read…

Operation underway to tackle TTP in Punjab-KP border area – Dawn

The Punjab police on Wednesday morning launched a grand counterterrorism operat­ion in the highly complex and inac­cessible hilly areas of Mian­wali district, hours after some heavily equipped militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakis­tan (TTP) attacked a police station in the area in the dead of the night. Click here to read…

Time to amend water treaty with Pakistan – Deccan Herald

India’s frustration with Pakistan’s obstructionist approach has culminated in its notification to Islamabad calling for negotiations to amend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960, gives India control over the waters of the eastern rivers—the Beas, Ravi and Sutlej, and Pakistan control over the western rivers—the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. While the IWT has survived upheavals in bilateral relations, including wars, it has in recent decades seen the two sides pointing accusing fingers at each other. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
EU to Provide EURO 18 mn to upgrade social security – Daily News

European Union has decided to provide Euros 18 million for a programme to improve the social security system in Sri Lanka, Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said. State Minister Semasinghe said focus has also been made on making the welfare programme more efficient.He added that a comprehensive discussion was held on Wednesday with a delegation of the European Union (Sri Lanka and the Maldives) with the aim of identifying areas to upgrade the social security system in Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Indian minister V. Muraleedharan to attend Sri Lanka’s Independence Day celebrations in Colombo – Wion

Minister of state in India’s Ministry of External Affairs V. Muraleedharan will be representing India at Sri Lanka’s Independence day celebrations on Saturday. Sri Lanka this year marks its 75th National Independence celebrations. The island-nation in India’s south will be focusing on new reformist program for the next 25 years. The main ceremony of the National Independence Day celebrations will take place at the Galle Face Green led by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. During the country’s independence celebrations, special commemorative stamps will be released, including of first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka’s powerful Buddhist clergy opposes full implementation of 13A to grant political autonomy to Tamils – The Print

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s plan to fully implement India-backed 13th Amendment to grant political autonomy to the minority Tamils received a blow on Thursday as the powerful Buddhist clergy expressed strong opposition to the move, claiming it challenges the unitary nature of the country. The four chief prelates of the main Buddhist sects handed over a letter to Wickremesinghe in the central town of Kandy. The letter charges that Wickremesinghe’s plan had created dissent in the country as the move challenges Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. Click here to read…

Neighborhood News Digest – 02 February 2023

Afghanistan
Taliban Tell Pakistan Not to Blame Afghanistan for Mosque Bombing – VOA News

Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers Wednesday rejected allegations their territory was used in this week’s mosque bombing in Pakistan, urging the neighboring country to thoroughly investigate such terror acts before blaming others. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told a gathering in the capital, Kabul, that Pakistani officials should find a solution to their security challenges locally and desist from “sowing the seeds of enmity” between the two Muslim countries. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Ranks 150th on Corruption Perception Index – Tolo News

In a recent report released by Transparency International, Afghanistan was ranked 150 in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in 2022 out of 180 countries. According to the report, Afghanistan has climbed 24 places compared to 2021 when the country was ranked 174 out of 180 countries. Somalia was ranked as the most corrupt nation in the world. Click here to read…

Dam inaugurated in Afghanistan – DT Next

Afghan authorities have inaugurated a dam in Afghanistan’s southern Zabul province to irrigate more than 700 hectares of land, provincial governor Mawlawi Qudratullah Abu Hamza said on Wednesday. The reservoir, which was officially inaugurated and put into use on Tuesday, stores 450,000 cubic meters of water and would facilitate farmers to irrigate more than 700 hectares of land in Tana Sah area and its vicinity, the official was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. Click here to read…

Budget 2023: Development aid for war-torn Afghanistan unchanged, cuts for Sri Lanka & Myanmar – The Print

Allocation to external affairs ministry for development assistance to foreign countries & projects fell 13% to estimated Rs 5,848.58 crore from Rs 6,750 crore in FY23. In Union Budget 2023-24, India has left development assistance to war-torn Afghanistan unchanged (Budget estimates). Meanwhile, aid to cash-strapped Sri Lanka and junta-ruled Myanmar’s was cut by 25 per cent and 33 per cent respectively. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Ever-strengthening India-Bangladesh relations – The Print

India and Bangladesh share not only close historical, civilisational and cultural links but have also forged strong social, economic and political ties over decades since Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971. United by a shared history and common heritage, linguistic and cultural links, fervour for arts, music and literature, and strong people-to-people ties, the two countries share a unique camaraderie and friendship. Click here to read…

AL, Jamaat demanded caretaker govt: BNP – NewAge

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party said on Wednesday that they were demanding the caretaker government system, as it was also the demand of the then-opposition Awami League and Jamaat-e-Islami during the party’s tenure in 1996. Click here to read…

Is Bangladesh getting tired of hosting Rohingya refugees? – Dhaka Tribune

In 2017, Bangladesh welcomed fellow Muslims from Myanmar’s troubled Rakhine state to the southern coastal community of Cox’s Bazar with open arms, food and shelter.
Despite the presence of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya in the already overcrowded settlements for decades, they didn’t have to think twice about accommodating the new surge of people, albeit into an already overcrowded area of Bangladesh. Attempts to repatriate the Rohingya refugees have failed due to unstable conditions in Myanmar. As such, they have become victims of the worst refugee crisis in the last 50 years. Click here to read…

Bhutan
In Neighbourhood, Bhutan Receives Largest Share Of Aid At Rs 2,400 Crore In Finance Budget – ABP News

Bhutan received the largest share of India’s aid pegged at Rs 2,400 crore in the Finance Budget 2023-24, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earmarked Rs 990 crore for India’s G20 Presidency that began on December 1, 2022. In line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the largest share of India’s aid portfolio is towards Bhutan, which constituted 41.04 per cent of the development assistance by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Click here to read…

GoI to facilitate concessional rate on the third internet gateway – Kuensel Online

The Government of India (GoI) would be facilitating a special concessional rate on the third international internet gateway for Bhutan as per the Bhutan government’s request. Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela said this during the technology roundtable yesterday. Click here to read…

Maldives
Commonwealth Secretary-General & Maldives FM arrive in SL – Sri Lanka Mirror

Secretary General of the Commonwealth – Patricia Scotland and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid have arrived in Sri Lanka today (01) to attend the 75th Anniversary Celebration of Independence of Sri Lanka. They were warmly received by State Minister of Foreign Affairs – Tharaka Balasuriya. Click here to read…

“India has been one of the most trusted and valued partners of Maldives” – Raajje

India has proven to be one of the most trusted and valued friend of Maldives during challenging times, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. President Solih stated this on Tuesday, while speaking at the official reception held at Dharubaaruge to commemorate the 74th Republic Day of India. In his remarks, the President stated that the Maldives and India share a unique partnership built on mutual trust and respect with a renewed impetus during the past four years. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Myanmar junta extends state of emergency, delaying promised elections – The Guardian

Myanmar’s military regime has announced an extension to its state of emergency, effectively delaying elections the junta had pledged to hold by August, as it battles anti-coup fighters across the country. The junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, acknowledged that more than a third of townships were not under full military control, in comments reported by state media on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Myanmar announces cabinet reshuffle after state of emergency extension – DajjiWorld

Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC) announced a cabinet reshuffle after the country’s state of emergency was extended for six more months on Wednesday. Under the cabinet reshuffle, a new chairman for the Union Civil Services Board, a new chairman for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and four new Chief Ministers of region and states were appointed, Xinhua news agency reported. Click here to read…

UN special envoy to Myanmar moots regional protection framework as crisis drags on – CNA

United Nations special envoy to Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer plans to rally the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to form a regional protection framework. The aim is to help those suffering from a crisis sparked by a military coup two years ago. She tells Leong Wai Kit this is one of four key areas she will focus on this year. Click here to read…

Nepal
Nepal’s Social Protection System Reinforces Inequality – My Republica

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the newly-elected government of Nepal to prioritize coverage for all children and add coverage for millions of informal-sector workers as it considers changes to the existing system. The global human rights watchdog also said that Nepal’s social protection system fails to effectively protect children from poverty and reinforces inequalities between informal and formal workers. Click here to read…

Nepal to receive 1.5mn COVID-19 booster vaccines under GAVI – Foreign Brief

The Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI) will today deliver 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 booster shots to Nepal. Following the sudden rise of positive FB.7—a sub-variant of Omicron—cases in neighboring countries such as India and China, the Nepalese government is gearing up to curb another possible outbreak. While the new set of Pfizer-Biontec Bivalent vaccines are not required for everybody, the Nepalese health minister Dr Sanjay Mahaseth strongly urges its citizens to get vaccinated. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Former Pakistan Interior minister Sheikh Ahmed arrested: Report – India Today

Former interior minister of Pakistan Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was arrested on Thursday, reports said. A complaint was lodged against him for claiming that former President Asif Zardari was hatching a plot to assassinate PTI chief Imran Khan. Police said a bottle of liquor and a weapon were recovered from Sheikh Rashid’s possession, adding that the minister was intoxicated, the report said. Click here to read…

IMF Projects Slowdown In Pakistan’s GDP From 3.5% To 2% – NDTV

The International Monetary Fund projected a slowdown in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 3.5 per cent to 2 per cent for the current fiscal, The News International reported. According to the Pakistan daily, the IMF had also projected that the GDP growth rate would rebound in the next fiscal 2023-24 up to 4.4 per cent. Click here to read…

Imran says govt lacked ‘understanding, interest’ when terrorism began to resurface – Dawn

PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday slammed the government for blaming his party for the resurgence in terrorism in the country, saying that the incumbent setup had no “understanding nor interest” when the phenomenon had started to resurface. Imran made the remarks during a televised address where he talked about terrorism at length and the steps the PTI government took. Click here to read…

IMF presses Pakistan to foist more taxes in second round of talks – Ary News

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to impose roughly Rs600-800 billion in additional taxes in the second round of talks to revive $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) stalled for months, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources. According to details, the Federal Revenue Board held a second round of technical talks with IMF mission, led by Mission Chief to Pakistan Nathan Porter, on the ninth review of a $7 billion loan programme. Click here to read…

Pakistan inflation rises to 48-year-high of 27.55%: Report – Hindustan Times

Pakistan’s inflation quickened to the fastest in almost 48 years in January as thousands of containers of food items, raw materials and equipment are stuck in ports after the cash-strapped government curtailed imports. Consumer prices rose 27.55% from a year earlier, according to data released by the statistics department on Wednesday. That compares with a median estimate for a 25.9% gain in a Bloomberg survey and a 24.47% jump in December. Inflation is at the highest since May 1975, according to central bank data. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Building the economy should be our priority, President emphasizes – Colombo Page

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that building the collapsed economy should be the priority, as political freedom is of no use if the economic freedom of the country is lost. The President also pointed out that the political stability and territorial integrity of a country is the best factor in winning over the economic war. Addressing a ceremony in Kandy held today (01) at the Presidential Palace in Kandy to present the distinguished service awards “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” to 77 senior officers of the Tri Forces, the President said. However, lives lost during the war cannot be regained, the income lost during the economic war could be regained. The award ceremony recognizes the distinguished service of military officers and was organized in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebrations. Click here to read…

On Sri Lanka’s 75th birthday, the future looks bleak – Financial Times

The country defaulted on more than $50bn of foreign loans in 2022, and last May the then prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe complained that finding even $1mn was proving to be a challenge. Sri Lanka has one of the largest public sectors in the world, which — including defence — accounts for between 70-80 per cent of the country’s annual budget. Meeting the salary bill is a battle. The government is in the throes of negotiating a $2.9bn IMF bailout, which ministers seem confident will be approved. Click here to read…

Jaishankar’s Sri Lanka visit a harbinger of positive developments for island nation – The Print

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Sri Lanka is being seen as a harbinger of positive developments and an improved economic and financial situation for the island nation. Click here to read…

US to provide additional US$ 30 million – Daily News

United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland yesterday announced an additional US$ 30 million for the provision of free lunch to 96,000 schoolchildren in 850 government schools. She said that the US has begun the delivery of 770 MT of food supplies and vegetable oil to meet the food security needs of the country. She said that the US government has provided support worth over US$ 240 milion dollars to Sri Lanka just over a year. “This is a critical movement of your country.The government is working with the IMF and international creditors to stabilize the economy,”Nuland said at a press conference held in Colombo yesterday evening. Click here to read…

Neighborhood News Digest – 10 January 2023

Afghanistan
Aid Chief Says NRC Cannot Work without Women: Tolo News

The Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugees Council, Jan Egeland, said on Monday that without female staff, they cannot work and will not work in Afghanistan. Egeland arrived in Kabul on Sunday to meet with the Islamic Emirate’s officials about the ban on women aid workers. “I am here in Afghanistan to meet Taliban leaders and try to find a way to get out of the current ban on our female workers, which is paralyzing all our humanitarian work in Afghanistan,” he said. Click here to read…

United Nations provide clarification on the cash shipments to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan has distributed a press release providing clarification on the cash shipments to Afghanistan. The statement read that The United Nations transported cash to Afghanistan for use by UN agencies. The UN uses the money to carry out its missions in Afghanistan, mainly to provide life-saving humanitarian aid to the many millions of Afghans in need. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Bangladesh, US discuss defence cooperation – New Age

Bangladesh and the United States on Monday discussed defence cooperation, Indo-Pacific Strategy, development cooperation, maritime safety and security, strengthening capacities of law enforcing agencies and cyber security. The two sides also discussed different bilateral issues of mutual interests and priorities, particularly in the sectors of humanitarian assistance, Rohingya repatriation and resettlement. Click here to read…

Chinese FM lands in Dhaka for stopover – Daily Star

China’s new Foreign Minister Qin Gang landed in Dhaka at 2:00am today for a two-hour stopover on his way to five African countries. “The Chinese foreign minister will have the stopover from 1:00am as the plane carrying him will refuel at the Dhaka airport,” a foreign ministry official said. Qin, who was Chinese ambassador to the US, will visit Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin and Egypt from January 9 to 16. Click here to read…

After getting out of jail, Fakhrul vows to intensify movement – Daily Star

Soon after getting out of jail today, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir took a fresh vow to intensify the ongoing movement to oust the government and restore democracy and people’s voting rights. “The more they repress us, the more people will burst into anger and defeat them through a movement,” he said. Click here to read…

Bhutan
India-Led Hydro Project Handed Over to Bhutan – NEBM

Bhutan is the world’s first and only, carbon-negative country thanks to its focus on clean energy and environmental protection. India has immensely supported the government to make the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project a reality which was handed over in December 2022. The North-Eastern states of India are similar to Bhutan in resources and topography and will benefit from gaining a perspective of the pros and cons of hydropower generation.Click here to read…

Indian tour operators to help promote Bhutan as a high-end destination – Kuensel

While the concern was that the Sustainable Development Fee of Nu 1,200 imposed on tourists from India would restrict tourists from the neighbouring country, a group of 36 tour operators from India had better ideas, in line with the tourism policy. The group during a recent visit committed to promote Bhutan as a quality tourism destination by bringing quality tourists. They appreciated the policy and wanted to help Bhutan fulfill the policy of high-value, low-volume tourism. Click here to read…

All Powers Combined: Why It’s Time for An India-Bangladesh-Bhutan-Nepal Regional Electricity Grid – Swarajya

2023 will be a difficult year for the world economy, is more or less certain. For the first time since the end of the Cold War; the US, Europe and one-time growth engine China, are together entering a recessionary phase. 2023 will be tough. Time for Bangladesh and Nepal to expand energy trade with India, to survive the double attack of low export opportunities and high import bills. Click here to read…

Maldives
Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas: India saved us from COVID, says Maldives minister – New Indian

Maldives deputy minister speaks to The New Indian at Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas convention. He speaks on several facets of India-Maldives relationship. Minister Saudulla Ahmed thanks India for helping Maldives during Covid crisis. ‘India has helped Maldives in sectors of health, education and infrastructure development’. Ahmed seeks New Delhi’s help to develop aviation, IT and construction sectors in Maldives. Click here to read…

Covid-19 caseload continues to drop across Maldives – Raajje

Maldives continues to confirm low numbers of weekly Covid-19 cases. This was revealed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in its latest figures publicized on Monday. As such, over the past week, Maldives confirmed nine new Covid-19 infections out of which just two were detected from the Greater Malé Region and seven were reported from others including industrial islands, liveaboard vessels and resorts. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Myanmar junta keeps border gates with China closed following COVID-19 surge – Mizzima

China opened three border gates to Myanmar on 8 January, but Myanmar refused to open the gates on its side of the border, despite announcing that it would. The Chinese Embassy in Yangon said that the three border gates on the Myanmar border in China’s Ruili City in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, opposite Muse in Myanmar’s Shan north, would be opened at 8:00 a.m. on 8 January, after having been closed for the last three years. Click here to read…

Myanmar jails 112 Rohingya who tried to leave country – Aljazeera

Myanmar has jailed 112 people, including 12 children, from the minority Rohingya after they were caught attempting to leave the country. The court in Bogale in the southern Ayeyarwady region of Myanmar sentenced the group on January 6, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Tuesday, citing local police. Click here to read…

Pro-Junta Militias Forcing Myanmar Voters to Attend Election Propaganda Sessions – The Irrawaddy

Pro-regime militias are forcing voters in Sagaing and Mandalay regions to attend election campaign meetings where junta administrators are canvassing for the military’s proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), local sources say. Pyu Saw Htee militias have reportedly been forcing households in Shwebo and Kantbalu districts, Sagaing, and Mandalay’s Myingyan district to attend meetings on the so-called election that the junta plans to hold in August. One person per household is required to attend the meetings, where junta officials are canvassing for the USDP. Click here to read…

With Eye on Poll, Myanmar Military-Allied USDP Meets Charities, Social Groups – The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar military regime-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has met with some pro-junta social organizations and charities in Yangon ahead of a so-called election the junta plans to hold in August. Since he was installed as the chair of the military-backed party in October last year, Khin Yi, a former brigadier general and a henchman of successive juntas, has been doing his job, making moves to solidify the USDP’s position ahead of the planned poll. Click here to read…

Nepal
China’s new envoy vows to further enhance bilateral ties with Nepal – Business Standard

China is willing to work with Nepal to stay true to their original aspirations, join forces to seek common development and build a closer community with a shared future in the new era, the new Chinese ambassador here said on Sunday. Ambassador Chen Song, one of the senior diplomats in China, also vowed to work to write a new chapter of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Chen was appointed as ambassador to Nepal in November. However, Chen’s arrival in Nepal was delayed after he and his wife got infected with Covid-19. Click here to read…

Ruling parties commit to bring back territories – Kathmandu Post

The ruling alliance has promised to play an effective role to bring back territories. According to the ruling coalition’s common minimum programme document unveiled on Monday, the government will try to bring back the territories of Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulek that are currently under India. Click here to read…

Nepal PM set to take vote of confidence in parliament, parties remain undecided – The Print

Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda is set to test the floor of parliament on Tuesday amid the uncertainty whether the parties on board will vote for him or not. Prachanda last month broke off a democratic-communist alliance forging another alliance with CPN-UML (Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist) and five other parties along with 2 other independent lawmakers. Click here to read…

Pakistan
$10.7b pledged as Pakistan races against time: The Express Tribune

Pakistan on Monday said that donors had so far committed $10.7 billion to help it recover from last year’s devastating floods at the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan which was co-hosted by the government of Pakistan and the United Nations in Geneva. Click here to read…

Skyrocketing prices making flour inaccessible: The News

The highly subsidised 10 and 20kg flour bags in Punjab province are still short in supply despite issuance of wheat to mills in sizeable quantity. The price of 15kg bag went through the roof as it is available at around Rs133 per kg or over Rs2000 per bag. The whole wheat flour on the other hand soared to Rs150 per kg in the province. Click here to read…

Talks with IMF end without ‘breakthrough’: The Express Tribune

The purpose of the meeting was to reach a consensus on the measures that would ensure the negotiations for the 9th programme review. But surprisingly, the finance ministry tweeted that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and IMF Mission Chief Nathan Porter “discussed challenges to regional economies in the wake of climate change”. Sources from Geneva told The Express Tribune that Pakistan would have to take certain measures before the IMF sent a staff-level mission. Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced that the IMF team would visit Pakistan in three days for programme negotiations – a deadline that has already passed. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
SL welcomes over 20,000 tourists in first week of Jan. – Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka continues to maintain the momentum in tourist arrivals witnessed over the last few weeks, as it welcomed over 20,000 international visitors in the first seven days of the New Year. The provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority showed that for the January 01-07 period, a total of 20,875 tourists entered the country. When compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, the arrivals were up by a marginal 1.6 percent. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka out of intensive care, but still in the trauma ward – East Asia Forum

If there’s a silver lining to the hard years ahead for Sri Lanka, it is to be found in the hope that its elites will never allow a repeat of the abysmal policymaking that its people are now paying for with their economic livelihoods. Click here to read…

Indian envoy highlights strengthening connectivity with India, SL for benefit of both countries – Daily Mirror

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay stressed the importance of strengthening connectivity with India for enhancing pilgrimages, tourism, trade and economic benefits for the people of both countries. The High Commissioner highlighted that India has executed projects of over USD 1 billion in the Railways sector under 5 Indian LOCs. In addition, projects of about USD 180 million are either ongoing or in pipeline under existing LOCs. He underscored the importance of modernization of Railways in enhancing mobility of goods and services in Sri Lanka thereby boosting economic activity. He stated that India will work with Sri Lanka to introduce green and sustainable transport solutions. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, December 30, 2022

State Council appoints, removes officials: Xinhuanet
December 29, 2022

The State Council, China’s cabinet, announced the appointment and removal of officials Thursday. Song Tao was appointed director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, replacing Liu Jieyi. Gao Xiang was appointed president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, replacing Shi Taifeng. Du Jiangfeng was appointed president of Zhejiang University. Zhang Pingwen was appointed president of Wuhan University. Click here to read…

Former provincial political advisor stands trial for bribery, abuse of power: Xinhuanet
December 29, 2022

Xiao Yi, former vice chairman of the Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, stood trial at the Intermediate People’s Court of Hangzhou in east China’s Zhejiang Province on Thursday, accused of taking bribes and abusing his power. Click here to read…

Largest China-Nepal land border crossing resumes two-way trade: Xinhuanet
December 29, 2022

The Gyirong port in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, the largest land border crossing between China and Nepal, has resumed two-way trade. The port of Gyirong, located in the city of Xigaze, Wednesday saw the entry of six lorries carrying 825,800 yuan (about 118,321 U.S. dollars) worth of goods from Nepal. The cargo consisted mainly of handicrafts, signaling the official resumption of two-way trade, according to Dekyi Tsomo, deputy head of the regional department of commerce. Click here to read…

China adjusts tariff plan to include more items: Xinhuanet
December 29, 2022

China has decided to adjust its tariff plan for 2023 and expand the number of tariff items in line with the need for industrial development and technical advancement, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council said Thursday. Click here to read…

China’s top economic planner stresses sound development in 2023: Xinhuanet
December 29, 2022

China’s top economic planner has stressed efforts to properly implement the country’s optimized epidemic response while better coordinating epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development in 2023. Click here to read…

China announces latest 19 national archaeological parks: Xinhuanet
December 29, 2022

China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) on Thursday announced its latest list of 19 national archaeological parks, increasing the total number in the country to 55. Click here to read…

100th Chinese-developed ARJ21 jetliner delivered: Xinhuanet
December 29, 2022

The 100th ARJ21 aircraft was delivered to its client on Thursday, bringing China’s first indigenously developed passenger jetliner to a new stage of mass production and large-scale operations. Click here to read…

China holds briefing on latest epidemic response: Xinhuanet
December 29, 2022

China’s State Council Information Office is holding a briefing on Thursday afternoon on the country’s latest COVID-19 response measures. Liang Wannian, head of the COVID-19 response expert panel under the National Health Commission (NHC), Jiao Yahui, head of the Bureau of Medical Administration under the NHC, and Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, introduced epidemic prevention and control in the new phase, medical resource preparation and treatment situation, among others. Click here to read…

China to facilitate green technology innovation with new implementation plan: Qiushi
December29, 2022

China has released an implementation plan designed to further improve the market-oriented green technology innovation system, in order to unleash innovation vitality. The plan, jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Science and Technology, aims to strengthen companies’ leading role in innovation, improve the market mechanism for transformation and application of green technology, and create an environment where all types of innovators can thrive amid enhanced and more efficient cooperation between enterprises, universities and research institutes. Click here to read…

US should stop hyping up “China threat” and space confrontation: China Military
December 29, 2022

China urges the US side to reflect on its negative moves in the space domain, stop hyping up “China threat” and space confrontation, and instead take an active part in international space arms control, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday. The spokesperson made this remark while asked to comment on the reports about the Commander of the US Space Command who recently called China a pacing challenge to the US for its continuously growing capabilities that hold America’s space assets at risk. Click here to read…

PLA military actions targeted at “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external interferences: China Military
December 29, 2022

The military actions by the PLA are targeted at “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external interferences, aiming to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday. Click here to read…

Revised law boosts protection of women’s rights: China Daily
December 29, 2022

China has further improved the legal protection system for women and continued to crack down on crimes that infringe their lawful rights and interests. In October, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the nation’s top legislative body, approved the revised law on the protection of women’s legitimate rights and interests. Click here to read…

Nation takes big leap on vaccinations: China Daily
December 29, 2022

From offering the world’s first inhaled COVID-19 vaccines and developing Omicron-targeted vaccines to rolling out second booster shots and targeted immunization plans for seniors, China’s vaccination efforts have gained steam this year, according to authorities. Click here to read…

China sets space mission record in 2022 with over 50 rocket launches, 100% success rate: Global Times
December 29, 2022

China on Thursday drew a perfect ending to this year’s rocket launch mission as a Long March-3B carrier rocket successfully lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, sending an experimental satellite into preset orbit. Click here to read…

Travel curbs targeting China ‘discriminatory,’ against trend: Global Times
December 29, 2022

Most countries around the world have welcomed China’s move to open up to travelers from all over the globe and encouraged Chinese to travel abroad, after the country’s COVID-19 battle entered a new stage. However, a small number of countries and regions, such as the US and Japan, see China’s reopening as another chance to defame Beijing. They have imposed travel restrictions on arrivals from China, citing what experts called “unfounded” and “discriminatory” measures to defend their moves, but the real intention is to sabotage China’s three years of COVID-19 control efforts and attack the country’s system. Click here to read…

China’s daily output of ibuprofen, acetaminophen quadrupled in quick response to market needs: Global Times
December 29, 2022

China’s daily output of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is now four times higher than at the beginning of December, Wang Jiangping, vice minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), said on Thursday. This is happening as the government and drug producers are ramping up measures to secure the supplies of cold and fever reducing drugs in responding to surging market demand. Click here to read…

World’s first hydrogen-energy urban train with independent IPR rolls off assembly line in SW China’s Chengdu: Global Times
December 29, 2022

The world’s first hydrogen-energy urban train with independent intellectual property rights jointly developed by CRRC Changchun Railway Co and Chengdu Rail Transit officially rolled off the assembly line in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China becomes important driving force for global innovations in green, low-carbon technologies: People’s Daily
December 29, 2022

In the last five years, the number of patents for green and low-carbon technologies granted in China has grown at an average annual rate of 6.5 percent, making the country an important driving force for global innovations in green and low-carbon technologies, an official said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Preferential tax policies give boost to innovative development of enterprises: People’s Daily
December 29, 2022

Enterprises play a principal role in innovation. They are also the primary driving force for innovation. Today, the research and development (R&D) expenditure of Chinese enterprises accounts for over 70 percent of all R&D expenditure of China. Click here to read…

China’s vast countryside in rush to bolster COVID defences: Reuters
December 29, 2022

China’s thinly resourced countryside is racing to beef up medical facilities before millions of factory workers return home for the Lunar New Year holiday next month from cities where COVID-19 is surging. Having imposed the world’s strictest COVID regime of lockdowns and relentless testing for three years, China reversed course this month towards living with the virus, leaving its fragile health system overwhelmed. Click here to read…

China’s COVID policymaking under scrutiny as infections soar: Reuters
December 29, 2022

After China scrapped three years of zero-COVID curbs in 30 days, setting off a massive wave of infections, Beijing’s policymakers face an immense challenge to treat the sick and minimise deaths while winning back public trust dented by previous policies. Click here to read…

U.S. plane has near miss with China fighter over South China Sea: Kyodo
December 30, 2022

The U.S. military said Thursday that its patrol aircraft had a close call with a Chinese fighter jet in international airspace over the South China Sea last week. According to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, a J-11 fighter of the Chinese navy flew within some 6 meters of the nose of an RC-135 reconnaissance plane of the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 21. Click here to read…

Tech war: China to revamp chip strategy under US pressure, but US$143 billion support package is not on the cards: South China Morning Post
December 30, 2022

China is set to overhaul its semiconductor strategy under US pressure, focusing on enhancing strengths instead of fixing weaknesses, in an admission that Beijing’s current plan is not working, according to a Chinese chip industry veteran. Wei Shaojun, an official at the China Semiconductor Industry Association, said in a live-streamed speech on Thursday that the country’s current efforts to shore up the domestic chip industry by focusing on shortcomings is a strategic error. He expects Beijing to revamp its approach in overcoming US restrictions by putting more resources in areas where China has an advantage, such as mature process technologies. Click here to read…

Coronavirus in China: drugs and medical devices are the hottest tickets online: South China Morning Post
December 30, 2022

The first time Huang Lipeng came across a “pulse oximeter” was on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, last week The 30-year-old IT engineer from Zhuhai, in southern China’s Guangdong province, quickly bought an oximeter for his family after watching videos that said people with diabetes should pay special attention to their blood oxygen levels.
His 60-year-old father has severe diabetes while his mother has had surgery for uterine cancer. Click here to read…

President Xi to make New Year address to ring in 2023: Xinhuanet
December 30, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a New Year address to ring in 2023 at 7 p.m. Saturday. The address will be broadcast by major TV and radio channels of the China Media Group, and the websites and new media platforms of major state news organizations. Click here to read…

China’s major power transmission project fully operational: Xinhuanet
December 30, 2022

China has put into full operation a major power transmission project that sends electricity from the resource-rich west to energy-consuming regions in the east. The construction of the Baihetan-Zhejiang 800-kilovolt ultra-high-voltage direct current power transmission project was completed and started operation on Friday, according to the State Grid Corporation of China. Click here to read…

Preferential tax policies give boost to innovative development of enterprises: Qiushi
December 30, 2022

Enterprises play a principal role in innovation. They are also the primary driving force for innovation. Today, the research and development (R&D) expenditure of Chinese enterprises accounts for over 70 percent of all R&D expenditure of China. Click here to read…

China’s new energy vehicle industry in growth fast lane: Qiushi
December 30, 2022

China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) industry has entered the fast lane of development, with both domestic and foreign carmakers vying for bigger shares of this rapidly expanding market. Despite the COVID-19 resurgence, China’s NEV industry continued to enjoy a market boom thanks to policy incentives and more choices of competitive models.
Click here to read…

Party chiefs of Shanxi, Shandong adjusted: China Daily
December 30, 2022

The Party secretaries of Shandong and Shanxi provinces have recently been adjusted, according to Xinhua News Agency on Thursday. Lin Wu, former Party secretary of Shanxi province, has been appointed by the Communist Party of China Central Committee to replace Li Ganjie in Shandong province. Chen Xi, head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, announced the decision at a meeting attended by provincial cadres on Thursday. Click here to read…

China calls on application of TCM decoctions in COVID-19 treatment, releases prescriptions: Global Times
December 30, 2022

China calls on the full use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoctions in COVID-19 treatment in urban and rural grass-roots regions as TCM has played an important role in medical treatment since the beginning of the epidemic, according to the national health authorities on Thursday. TCM prescription examples are also issued based on the different climate characteristics of the southern and northern regions across the country and other factors. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, December 28, 2022

Draft law on financial stability submitted to China’s top legislature for 1st reading: Xinhuanet
December 27, 2022

A draft law on financial stability was on Tuesday submitted for its first reading to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature. Click here to read…

China mulls improving foreign-related litigation through law revision: Xinhuanet
December 27, 2022

Chinese lawmakers are deliberating a draft amendment to the Civil Procedure Law to help build an impartial, efficient and convenient litigation system of civil and commercial cases involving foreign elements. Click here to read…

China mulls revising law on marine environment protection: Xinhuanet
December 27, 2022

Chinese lawmakers are considering a draft revision to the Marine Environment Protection Law to keep improving the country’s marine environment. The revision was submitted Tuesday to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the top legislature, for a first reading. Click here to read…

China, Russia conclude joint naval exercise: Xinhuanet
December 27, 2022

Chinese and Russian navies concluded a seven-day joint naval exercise Tuesday in the East China Sea. The drill, the 11th of its kind since 2012, was conducted in waters east of the area stretching from Zhoushan to Taizhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province.
Click here to read…

China to resume passport, visa issuance from Jan. 8, 2023: Xinhuanet
December 27, 2022

China will optimize immigration administration policies and measures starting from Jan. 8, 2023 in compliance with the country’s downgraded COVID-19 response measures. The National Immigration Administration issued a notice on Tuesday, saying that the optimized policies and measures include the resumption of accepting and approval of Chinese citizens’ applications for ordinary passports for the purposes of tourism and visiting friends abroad starting from the date. Click here to read…

China’s Baidu operates driverless taxi night service in Wuhan: Xinhuanet
December 27, 2022

Chinese tech giant Baidu announced on Monday that it has expanded the commercial operation area and times of its driverless taxi service in central China’s Wuhan.The company’s autonomous ride-hailing platform Apollo Go has launched robotaxis at night in Wuhan for the first time, marking a new stage of the commercial operation of autonomous driving in China. Click here to read…

China lifts COVID restrictions on int’l arrivals: Xinhuanet
December 27, 2022

China will cancel nucleic acid tests for international arrivals starting from Jan. 8, a statement on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday. Inbound travelers to China are advised to take a nucleic acid test within 48 hours before their departure. People with a positive test result are advised to postpone their travels until they test negative, it said. Click here to read…

China to restore 6.67 million hectares of desertified land: Qiushi
December 27, 2022

China will restore some 6.67 million hectares of desertified land during the 2021-2025 period in its long-term fight against desertification. By 2030, 12.4 million hectares of desertified land will be rehabilitated, according to the country’s anti-desertification plan for the 2021-2030 period.Click here to read…

Omicron variants dominate China’s outbreak: China Daily
December 27, 2022

The more virulent Delta strain of COVID-19 is not currently circulating in China according to epidemiological data, experts said. X-ray images of the whited-out lungs of recently infected patients have been circulating on Chinese social media lately, prompting speculation that more severe strains of COVID-19 are spreading in the country.
Click here to read…

Former CPPCC official charged with bribery: China Daily
December 27, 2022

Shen Deyong, a former member of the standing committee of China’s top political advisory body, has been charged with accepting bribes, the country’s top procuratorate said on Tuesday. Shen, former head of the Committee on Social and Legal Affairs of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, was placed under investigation for alleged severe violations of disciplines and laws in March. Click here to read…

Marine tech serves Belt and Road for common good: China Daily
December 27, 2022

The devices, which resemble a swimmer’s kickboard, have a conveyor belt at the front to carry items found in waters to a metal basket at the rear. In Hong Kong, a similar robot is working in the Kai Tak River, venturing into waters that are inaccessible to humans. This device is deployed under bridges being built across the waterway to link West Kowloon with East Kowloon. Click here to read…

China’s first ever Charity Law amendment sent for deliberation, filling in legal blanks for online giving: Global Times
December 27, 2022

Refining rules for online giving, and filling in legal blanks for individuals seeking donations through the internet, the draft amendment of China’s Charity Law was tabled in the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress(NPC), the country’s top legislature, for deliberation on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China-India-Nepal cooperation conducive to regional growth: Global Times
December 27, 2022

Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal at a ceremony on Monday in Kathmandu. Western media has reported on the inauguration, paying special attention to the new government’s future policy, especially toward its immediate neighbors – China and India. Citing officials from the ruling coalition, Reuters reported on Monday that the new government will try to balance ties with its neighbors China and India in pursuit of economic growth.
Click here to read…

China to step up financial support to COVID-hit catering, tourism sectors: Reuters
December 27, 2022

China will step up financial support to small and private businesses in the catering and tourism sectors that were hit hard by the COVID-19 epidemic, the country’s banking and insurance regulator said in a statement on Tuesday. Contact-intensive services sector suffered the most amid China’s anti-virus curbs which shut many restaurants down and restricted tourists’ travels.Click here to read…

Intelligent logistics gives a boost to China’s development: People’s Daily
December 27, 2022

Driven by the development of a new generation of information technology, intelligent logistics is speeding up in China, giving a leg up to the country’s development. According to statistics, the overall market size of China’s intelligent logistics stood at 35.67 billion yuan ($5.11 billion) in 2020, and the figure surged to 128.05 billion yuan as of October this year, with an average annual compound growth of over 70 percent. Click here to read…

Hospitals scramble to cope with elderly influx: China Daily
December 28, 2022

Fever clinics and emergency rooms in Beijing are racing to boost the number of critical care beds to cope with rising hospitalizations among older COVID-19 patients. The China-Japan Friendship Hospital’s fever clinic on Tuesday was packed with gray-haired patients, many in wheelchairs accompanied by children. New arrivals had to elbow through the crowd as they sought advice, to pay bills or to pick up drugs. Click here to read…

Nation to downgrade virus management: China Daily
December 28, 2022

China will downgrade its management of COVID-19 from Class A to Class B on Jan 8, a move made possible by the reduced virulence of Omicron, expanded vaccinations and increased treatment and emergency response tools, officials and experts said on Tuesday.Click here to read…

China to resume outbound tourism, scrap tests, quarantine for arrivals: Global Times
December 28, 2022

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that starting from January 8, 2023, when the country begins to downgrade the management of COVID-19 from Class A to Class B, nucleic acid tests will no longer be carried out on people entering the country, and that those with normal health declarations will no longer undergo any special process. Click here to read…

Chinese experts arrive in Kathmandu for feasibility study of the China-Nepal cross-border railway: Global Times
December 28, 2022

Chinese experts arrived in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu on Tuesday for feasibility study of the China-Nepal cross-border railway, a move described by the Nepalese side as a new step for the project, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Click here to read…

Chinese hospitals ‘extremely busy’ as COVID spreads unchecked: Reuters
December 28, 2022

Chinese hospitals were under intense pressure on Wednesday as a surge of COVID-19 infections strained resources in the last major country to move towards treating the virus as endemic. Click here to read…

China works to vitalize market entities: People’s Daily
December 28, 2022

As China optimized its epidemic response measures and enhanced efforts to help enterprises tide over difficulties, the country has witnessed higher efficiency in the resumption of work and production, as well as a steady rise in the business volume in the logistics sector. Click here to read…

Covid-19 outbreaks put China’s supply chain in the spotlight again, as foreign firms demand ‘solutions’: South China Morning Post
December 28, 2022

China is racing against time to stabilise its workforce and domestic production, as widespread Covid-19 infections test the country’s capability to fulfil overseas orders and threaten its status as the world’s pre-eminent manufacturing hub. Fresh virus outbreaks have put China’s supply chain in the spotlight once again, sparking concern that disruptions could fray the nerves of foreign investors further, while weakening the country’s competitiveness and accelerating diversification plans among multinationals. Click here to read…

China’s wary private sector takes wait-and-see attitude after Beijing pledges ‘unwavering support’: South China Morning Post
December 28, 2022

Despite a flurry of recent promises from Beijing, entrepreneurs have been left guessing about how much support the private sector can actually count on – and whether the government will go so far as to address long-running concerns about unfair competition with state firms. Click here to read…

China’s top legislature starts standing committee session: Xinhuanet
December 28, 2022

The Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, started its 38th session Tuesday in Beijing. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the session’s first plenary meeting. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meeting stresses implementing decisions, plans of key Party congress in unity: Xinhuanet
December 28, 2022

A meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has stressed striving in unity to implement the major decisions and plans made at the 20th CPC National Congress. Click here to read…

China issues trial measures for supervisory rating of foreign banks’ branches: Xinhuanet
December 28, 2022

The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission on Tuesday released trial measures for the comprehensive regulatory rating of foreign bank branches. Under the measures, ratings will be made based on the core factors of a branch, such as risk management, operation control, compliance and asset quality, as well as the support of head offices, which involves evaluating the operating risks, financial conditions and management ability of head offices. Click here to read…

China releases details of COVID-19 management shift: Xinhuanet
December 28, 2022

China has announced that it will be downgrading its management of COVID-19 as of Jan. 8, treating it as a Class B infection, rather than a more serious Class A infection. Further details on this policy shift were revealed on Tuesday at a press conference of the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19. Click here to read…

Belt and Road Studies Network holds 2022 Initiators Council meeting: Xinhuanet
December 28, 2022

The 2022 meeting of the Initiators Council of the Belt and Road Studies Network (BRSN) was convened on Tuesday, with participants attending both in person and online. The council reviewed its work over the past year, discussed work for the next stage, passed a decision on revising the council’s charter, and elected a new chairperson and a new vice chairperson. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meeting stresses implementing decisions, plans of key Party congress in unity: Qiushi
December 28, 2022

A meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has stressed striving in unity to implement the major decisions and plans made at the 20th CPC National Congress. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered an important speech when presiding over the meeting of criticism and self-criticism held from Monday to Tuesday. Click here to read…

Tibet sets economic goals for 2023: China Daily
December 28, 2022

The Tibet autonomous region expects to see GDP growth of 8 percent, as well as 8 percent per capita growth in disposable income for urban residents and 10 percent for rural residents in 2023, said Wang Junzheng, the region’s Party secretary. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, December 27, 2022

Xi stresses protection of people’s safety, health: Xinhuanet
December 26, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, demanded more targeted efforts to carry out patriotic health campaigns and concrete actions to protect people’s safety and health. Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the instruction concerning the 70th anniversary of the patriotic health campaigns. Click here to read…

China issues guideline on supporting veterans in starting businesses: Xinhuanet
December 26, 2022

Chinese authorities have unveiled a guideline to support demobilized military personnel in starting businesses and engaging in innovation. Financial support, such as increased guaranteed loans, will be tilted toward business startups run by ex-service members, according to the document issued by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with 20 other departments. Click here to read…

China urges smooth transition of COVID-19 response in holiday preparations: Xinhuanet
December 26, 2022

Chinese authorities have stressed the need to ensure a smooth transition of COVID-19 response phases in a circular on the work related to the upcoming New Year and Spring Festival holidays. The circular from the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council underscored putting the people and human life above all else and adopting a science-based approach and targeted measures. Click here to read…

China goes all out to increase output of medical supplies: Xinhuanet
December 26, 2022

China is moving to ensure production of key medical supplies in urgent need as the country optimized its COVID-19 response. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and relevant departments have established emergency collaboration mechanisms with local authorities, to help pharmaceutical enterprises expand capacity and ensure supply of key medicines for COVID-19 control. Click here to read…

Faster railway links Chengdu with Kunming: China Daily
December 26, 2022

A new railway line in China’s southwestern region will open on Monday, slashing travel time between the region’s two major cities Chengdu and Kunming, capitals of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, the national railway operator China State Railway Group said on Saturday. Click here to read…

China National Knowledge Infrastructure fined for monopolistic behavior: China Daily
December 26, 2022

The State Administration for Market Regulation, China’s top market regulator, imposed a fine of 87.6 million yuan ($12.58 million) on China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the country’s largest online academic database, for monopolistic behaviors on Monday. Click here to read…

China congratulates Prachanda on becoming Nepal’s new PM, hopes to deepen bilateral ties: Global Times
December 26, 2022

China has congratulated Pushpa Kamal Dahal, chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center), also known as Prachanda, on his appointment as the new prime minister of Nepal, and is willing to continue working with the Nepalese government to deepen bilateral ties, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. Click here to read…

Health officials call for appropriate precautions to deal with possible risks in early stage of COVID-19 downgrading adjustment: Global Times
December 27, 2022

Health officials called for taking precautions to deal with possible risks posed in early stage of the adjustment of downgrading COVID-19 from Class A to Class B, including surging COVID-19 infections and patients seeking medical treatment. Click here to read…

Chinese localities make bold moves to stabilize economy: People’s Daily
December 26, 2022

As China further optimizes its COVID-19 response, multiple localities across the country have recently made bold and sweeping moves to stabilize the economy and promote development, boosting the resumption of work, production, and business activities. Click here to read…

China’s economy brims with vitality thanks to reform and opening-up: People’s Daily
December 26, 2022

No matter how the world changes, China’s faith in and its commitment to reform and opening-up will not waver. This is the solemn commitment President Xi Jinping made at the opening ceremony of this year’s Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference. Click here to read…

China to reopen borders on Jan. 8, exit from “zero-COVID” policy: Kyodo
December 27, 2022

China said Monday it will reopen borders and abandon quarantine measures that have been in place to stem the spread of coronavirus infections on Jan. 8, in a full departure from its strict “zero-COVID” policy that involved lockdowns and isolation measures at designated facilities. Click here to read…

Taiwan detects 78 Chinese craft in a day: Taipei Times
December 27, 2022

A total of 71 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels were detected around Taiwan from 6am on Sunday to 6am yesterday, the Ministry of National Defense said.
It was the most Chinese military craft detected within a 24-hour period so far this year. Click here to read…

China’s industrial profits slump on COVID fallout, next year seen improving: Reuters
December 27, 2022

Profits at China’s industrial firms contracted further in the January-November period as strict COVID 19-related curbs disrupted factory activity and supply chains, but analysts foresaw brighter long-term economic prospects after a U-turn in COVID policy. Click here to read…

Chinese make travel plans as COVID rules ease further: Reuters
December 27, 2022

Chinese people, cut off from the rest of the world for three years by COVID-19 curbs, flocked to travel sites on Tuesday ahead of borders reopening, even as rising infections further strained the health system and roiled the economy. Zero-tolerance measures – from shuttered borders to frequent lockdowns – have battered China’s economy since early 2020, fuelling last month the mainland’s biggest show of public discontent since President Xi Jinping took power in 2012. Click here to read…

China revises 2021 GDP growth: Xinhuanet
December 27, 2022

China’s statistics authority on Tuesday revised the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2021 to 8.4 percent in its final verification. The figure was up 0.3 percentage points from the preliminary calculation, the National Bureau of Statistics said. Click here to read…

China to manage COVID-19 with measures against Class B infectious diseases: Xinhuanet
December 27, 2022

China will manage COVID-19 with measures against Class B infectious diseases, instead of Class A infectious diseases, in a major shift of its epidemic response policies. China has renamed the Chinese term for COVID-19 from “novel coronavirus pneumonia” to “novel coronavirus infection,” said a statement released by the National Health Commission on Monday. Click here to read…

Top legislature releases work plan for 2023: China Daily
December 27, 2022

A set of 37 legislative proposals has been planned for review and discussion next year, an official from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, said on Monday. Click here to read…

Quarantine to end for inbound overseas travelers: China Daily
December 27, 2022

International travelers will no longer need to quarantine upon arrival in China starting Jan 8, according to the country’s latest policy on epidemic control. Inbound passengers will only be required to present a negative nucleic acid test result for COVID-19 obtained within 48 hours of boarding, according to the policy change, which was announced by the State Council’s Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Shanghai clinics dealing with surge in infections: China Daily
December 27, 2022

Ruan Sheng, an ambulance driver at the South Branch Center of Shanghai Medical Emergency Center, has run an average of 20 trips each day for the last week with his teammates, Doctor Li Zhu and Wang Xiaodong, a paramedic. Click here to read…

Health officials call for appropriate precautions to deal with possible risks in early stage of COVID-19 downgrading adjustment: Global Times
December 27, 2022

Health officials called for taking precautions to deal with possible risks posed in early stage of the adjustment of downgrading COVID-19 from Class A to Class B, including surging COVID-19 infections and patients seeking medical treatment. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, December 26, 2022

Xi meets with HKSAR chief executive: Xinhuanet
December 23, 2022

President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee, who is on a duty visit to Beijing. During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Lee on Hong Kong’s current situation and the HKSAR government’s work. Click here to read…

Chinese FM holds phone talks with U.S. secretary of state on bilateral ties: Xinhuanet
December 23, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation Friday with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the latter’s request. Wang said that last month, President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden met successfully in Bali, which provided strategic guidance for steering bilateral relations out of grave difficulties and back to a healthy and stable track, sending a positive signal to the outside world. Click here to read…

China vows further judicial protection for traditional medicine intellectual property: Xinhuanet
December 23, 2022

China’s apex court has introduced guidelines on strengthening the judicial protection for intellectual property in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in all respects. The 16-article guidelines issued recently by the Supreme People’s Court put forth targeted measures regarding major areas and key issues of TCM, providing clear guidance for the adjudicatory work related to TCM intellectual property. Click here to read…

China to rectify medical insurance constraints: Xinhuanet

December 23, 2022

China’s National Healthcare Security Administration has launched a campaign to identify and remove inappropriate constraints concerning medical insurance to protect the interests of the insured, according to a circular recently issued by the administration. Click here to read…

Resilient China injects certainty into global economic recovery: Qiushi
December 23, 2022

The Chinese economy demonstrated remarkable resilience in a tough year, bringing much-needed certainty and vitality to a world facing unprecedented challenges amid COVID-19-induced disruptions and geopolitical tensions. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland opposes Taiwan-related provisions in US defense act: China Military
December 24, 2022

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Saturday voiced firm opposition to Taiwan-related provisions in a new US defense act. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, as a domestic law of the United States, blatantly makes irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question, and includes provisions of providing “military financing” and selling arms to the Taiwan region, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Click here to read…

Former mayor receives suspended death sentence for corruption: China Daily
December 23, 2022

A former mayor of Hegang, a city in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Friday for multiple crimes involving corruption, according to a local court. Click here to read…

Large fever clinic opens in Foshan convention center: China Daily
December 23, 2022

A large clinic was launched inside a convention and exhibition center in Foshan, Guangdong province, on Thursday to facilitate treatment of people with fever.

Medical workers are being sent by a number of hospitals to the new clinic in the Tanzhou Convention and Exhibition Center, which initially allocated 10 rooms for both adult and minor patients and offers 24-hour services. Click here to read…

China develops first home-grown DPU chip: China Daily
December 23, 2022

Yusur, a leading Chinese startup on data processing units, or DPUs. Chinese researchers have developed the country’s first Data Processing Unit (DPU) chip, marking a milestone in the domestic chip industry. Click here to read…

Chinese experts say second booster still necessary for people who have been infected: Global Times
December 23, 2022

Is the second booster shot still necessary for people who have been infected with COVID-19? China’s State Council joint epidemic prevention team said yes, calling on the public to choose a different vaccine from the previous three doses as their second booster shot. Click here to read…

E-commerce platform links China’s cryptocurrency: Global Times
December 23, 2022

With China’s digital yuan becoming more widely used across a growing number of scenarios and platforms, it will serve the real economy and people’s lives by being better, faster and more inclusive in usage, experts told the Global Times. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland opposes Taiwan-related provisions in US defense act: China Military
December 24, 2022

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Saturday voiced firm opposition to Taiwan-related provisions in a new US defense act. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, as a domestic law of the United States, blatantly makes irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question, and includes provisions of providing “military financing” and selling arms to the Taiwan region, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Click here to read…

China central banker calls for strengthening property sector policies: Reuters
December 24, 2022

A top advisor to the People’s Bank of China on Saturday called for strengthening of real estate policy in light of sluggish economic growth over the past several years as China has pursued its zero-COVID policy. Click here to read…

China turns to online help as Covid outbreaks swamp health facilities: South China Morning Post
December 24, 2022

Earlier this week, Amy Luo, who lives in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, tested positive for Covid-19. While she struggled with a fever, she managed to obtain hard-to-find medicines at a pharmacy, but as her symptoms began to change, she was not sure how often, or how much of the medicine to take. “I didn’t go to a nearby hospital to see the doctor,” Luo said. “Too many people were there. I was afraid to get cross-infected.” Instead, she turned to Ask Doctor, a mini-programme offered on the Baidu Health platform, which is operated by China’s biggest search engine. Click here to read…

Xi stresses building up China’s strength in agriculture at key rural work conference: Xinhuanet
December 24, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for enhanced efforts to build up China’s strength in agriculture and do a good job in work on agriculture and rural areas. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing the annual central rural work conference held from Friday to Saturday in Beijing. Click here to read…

Eight major achievements of China’s major-country diplomacy in 2022: Xinhuanet
December 25, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that over the year 2022, China has conducted major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in an all-round way, making new contribution to upholding world peace and promoting common development. Click here to read…

China’s National Health Commission stops publishing daily COVID information: Xinhuanet
December 25, 2022

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) has stopped publishing daily epidemic information starting from Sunday, and relevant epidemic information will be released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention for reference and research, according to a notice on the NHC website. Click here to read…

China prioritizes people’s health in COVID-19 fight: Xinhuanet
December 25, 2022

Unlike the ordeal at the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic three years ago, Wuhan resident Huang Jianmei was not in a state of panic after getting infected with the Omicron variant this time. Huang caught a cough, but the symptom was mild. She took some medicine and recovered, without going to the hospital. She has completed a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 including a booster shot. Click here to read…

Daily new COVID infections in Zhejiang reach over 1 mln, peak expected with 2 mln daily around New Year’s Day: Global Times
December 25, 2022

With daily new infections surpassing 1 million, the COVID-19 epidemic in East China’s Zhejiang Province is expected to peak earlier around the New Year’s Day and enter a high-level stage with the highest daily tallies reaching 2 million, local authorities said on Sunday. Click here to read…

China navigates complex international issues, striking balance in major-country diplomacy in 2023: Global Times
December 25, 2022

China has greatly advanced its diplomatic agenda in 2022 with head-of-state diplomacy setting the pace for the country’s overall diplomatic work, which was highlighted by one home-ground event, two major initiatives and three important visits, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday in reviewing the country’s diplomatic work for 2022. Chinese experts believe that the overall successful diplomatic work helped China navigate complex global and regional issues, consolidate consensus and strike a balance in maintaining strategic stability in relations with other major countries such as the US and Russia. Click here to read…

New improvements expected for China’s J-20 stealth fighter jet: Global Times
December 25, 2022

Chinese military analysts said constant upgrades are expected for China’s J-20 fighter jet, after foreign media reported recently that a new and more powerful variant of the stealth aircraft has appeared. Click here to read…

Railway transportation in Xinjiang region completes annual target ahead of schedule: Global Times
December 25, 2022

Railway transportation in Northwest China’s Xinjiang region has completed its annual work load target at 201.3 million tons set for the year eight days ahead of schedule on Friday, domestic news portal chinanews.com.cn reported over the weekend. Click here to read…

Xizang’s largest photovoltaic supply project begins grid-connected power generation : Global Times
December 25, 2022

A 120,000-kilowatt photovoltaic plant, the largest photovoltaic supply project in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region constructed by China Huadian Corporation connected with the grid and began power generation on Sunday, the company said via its official Wechat account. Click here to read…

China stages ‘strike drills’ around Taiwan, citing provocation: Reuters
December 25, 2022

China’s military said it had conducted “strike drills” in the sea and airspace around Taiwan on Sunday in response to what it said was provocation from the democratically-governed island and the United States. Click here to read…

China must raise self-reliance in agricultural technology, Xi says: Reuters
December 25, 2022

President Xi Jinping wants China to accelerate efforts to achieve self-reliance in agricultural technology, identifying seed development and core equipment among areas to focus on, state media reported. Click here to read…

Estimated several million daily COVID cases in China amid virus surge: Kyodo
December 25, 2022

Daily new COVID-19 infections in China are believed to have reached several hundred million based on figures released by regional authorities, amid the rapid spread of the coronavirus since the government significantly relaxed its strict antivirus measures earlier this month. Zhejiang Province in eastern China said Sunday the number of new daily COVID-19 cases in the area has topped 1 million and that the figure is expected to double around the turn of the year. Click here to read…

Hong Kong to reopen China border in mid-January: Taipei Times
December 26, 2022

Hong Kong intends to start reopening its borders with mainland China before mid-January, aiming to return to pre-2020 cross-border travel arrangements, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said. Click here to read…

China stops reporting daily cases: Taipei Times
December 26, 2022

Authorities are making nearly no effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 ahead of Lunar New Year travel, analysts said in a report The Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) yesterday ceased publishing daily COVID-19 data amid doubts about the reliability of numbers, as infections explode in the wake of an abrupt easing of tough restrictions. Click here to read…

Why has China had such a struggle vaccinating the elderly against Covid-19? : South China Morning Post
December 26, 2022

Chinese cancer patient Xiao Cuiru, 75, has been unsure about whether to have a Covid-19 jab. He has had several operations to remove malignant bladder tumours since July last year and this summer, after finishing the first phase of chemotherapy, received conflicting advice about vaccination. Two doctors from Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, who first detected his cancer, advised him to wait and prepare instead for a second round of chemotherapy three months later. But two other doctors, from his hometown in Hunan province, said his condition was stable enough for him to get jabbed. Click here to read…

Opening-up in major sectors seen next year: Qiushi
December 26, 2022

Advanced manufacturing, smart power, modern services to attract foreign funds. China will continue to widen opening-up and guide foreign companies to invest in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, modern services and energy conservation in its market in 2023, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday. Click here to read…

New high-speed railway line linking Chengdu and Kunming opens to traffic: China Daily
December 26, 2022

A new railway line in China’s southwestern region opened on Monday, rediucing travel time between the region’s two major cities Chengdu and Kunming, capitals of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, respectively. Click here to read…

Grassroots fever clinics open across China as COVID-19 cases surge: Global Times
December 26, 2022

Grassroots clinics for fever patients are being opened in many places across China, especially in small towns and cities, to enhance the capacity of the local medical system to deal with the epidemic. These changes are among the latest efforts by Chinese cities to cope with rising numbers of COVID-19 cases. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, December 21, 2022

Senior CPC official calls for promoting national reunification, rejuvenation: Xinhuanet
December 20, 2022

A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has pledged to unite Taiwan compatriots to jointly promote national reunification and rejuvenation. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks in a letter to congratulate the convening of the 2022 annual conference of the summit for entrepreneurs across the Taiwan Strait on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and its general secretary Xi Jinping. Click here to read…

China-donated aid distributed among 6,000 families in Afghanistan: Xinhuanet
December 20, 2022

Afghan authorities have distributed China-donated humanitarian aid to 6,000 needy families in the western Herat province, provincial director for Natural Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs Mohammad Hashim Khalid said Tuesday. Click here to read…

China adds more cities to pilot programs list for service opening up: Xinhuanet
December 20, 2022

China’s State Council said Tuesday that it has allowed a further six cities to launch comprehensive pilot programs for opening up the service sector. The six cities — Shenyang, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Guangzhou and Chengdu — can carry out the pilot programs for a period of three years, starting from the date when their plans for the programs were approved, according to the State Council. Click here to read…

China producing 60 million COVID-19 antigen test kits daily: Xinhuanet
December 20, 2022

China’s daily output of antigen test kits has hit around 60 million units, as the country steps up output of anti-COVID-19 medical supplies. The figures were shared by Huang Guo, deputy director of the National Medical Products Administration, at a press conference on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Major highway tunnel completed in Tibet: China Daily
December 20, 2022

A tunnel connecting Tsokha and Jinling townships in Penba county, Tibet autonomous region, was completed on Saturday after four years of construction. The tunnel is located on Shargongla in the county, where altitudes soar to 5,200 meters above sea level. The mountain is steep and in 2000 was connected with nothing but rough vehicle roads. Click here to read…

China identifies over 130 sublineages of Omicron: China Daily
December 20, 2022

China has detected over 130 sublineages of Omicron in the past three months, including the highly watched BQ.1 and XBB strains, but their pathogenicity remains unchanged, an expert said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

HKSAR chief to begin duty report in Beijing with border reopening, economic recovery topping agenda: Global Times
December 20, 2022

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will travel to Beijing from Wednesday to Saturday to deliver his annual work report, which will also be his first duty visit since he became leader of the HKSAR government.
Click here to read…

Deaths from other or underlying diseases not classified as COVID-related deaths: epidemiologist: Global Times
December 20, 2022

China’s top epidemiologist said at a press conference on Tuesday that the deaths of COVID-19 patients due to underlying diseases, which is the main cause of their deaths, are not counted as deaths from Omicron infections.
Click here to read…

Leading respiratory expert predicts Beijing facing spike in severe COVID-19 cases over coming fortnight, urges city to expand ICUs: Global Times
December 20, 2022

Beijing may experience a spike in severe COVID-19 cases over the next fortnight, a leading Chinese respiratory expert warned, urging medical institutions to expand intensive care units (ICUs) and boost medical resources to address the impending wave of infections.
Click here to read…

Chinese pharmaceutical firms operate at full capacity to address cold medicine shortage: Global Times
December 20, 2022

Many Chinese pharmaceutical companies are operating at full capacity to meet rocketing demand for cold and fever medicines, and thanks to various measures taken by the government and firms, the shortages are easing, according to industry insiders on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Belt and Road News Network Second Council Meeting held in Beijing: People’s Daily
December 20, 2022

The Belt and Road News Network (BRNN) Second Council Meeting was held on Dec. 19 in Beijing. Representatives of 38 council members of the BRNN from 23 countries took part in the meeting online or offline. Click here to read…

U.S. monitoring rising COVID rates in China – White House: Reuters
December 20, 2022

The Biden administration is closely monitoring the rising rates of COVID infections in China in the wake of relaxed rules, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in a call with reporters on Tuesday. Kirby said the administration is watching the potential impact on U.S. companies and supply chains although the administration has worked to build up resiliency to mitigate any economic impact. Click here to read…

World Bank cuts China growth outlook on COVID, property woes: Reuters
December 20, 2022

The World Bank has cut its China growth outlook for this year and next, citing the impact of the abrupt loosening of strict COVID-19 containment measures and persistent property sector weakness. The Washington-based lender, in a report released on Tuesday, said it expected China’s economy to grow 2.7% in 2022, before recovering to 4.3% in 2023 as it reopens following the worst of the pandemic. Click here to read…

China urges those with mild COVID symptoms to return to work: Kyodo
December 20, 2022

Chinese authorities have called on those with mild COVID symptoms to return to work, in a radical shift from previous strict restrictions, as the world’s second-largest economy promotes the resumption of business activities and hospitals suffer from manpower shortages amid a surge in the virus. Click here to read…

China says it will only count Covid deaths from respiratory failure in official toll: South China Morning Post
December 20, 2022

China’s National Health Commission has clarified that only Covid-19 patients who die from respiratory failure will be counted towards the official death toll after this week reporting the first deaths since the easing of pandemic controls. Many elderly had other chronic illnesses and very few people died directly from respiratory failure caused by the coronavirus, experts from the NHC said. Click here to read…

China should go easy on zero-Covid violators now that rules have eased, former top court judge says: South China Morning Post
December 20, 2022

Those who might have violated China’s Covid-19 restrictions earlier should be let off now that zero-Covid rules have been eased, a former top court judge has said. Huang Yingsheng, one-time criminal cases judge at the Supreme People’s Court, said even though the pandemic was nearing its end, many amends related to its handling remained to be made – especially in the legal field. Click here to read…

China to work with Australia to promote strategic partnership, says Xi Jinping: Reuters
December 21, 2022

China’s President Xi Jinping said he will work with Australia to promote a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Chinese state media reported on Wednesday. “I attach great importance to the development of China-Australia relations and am willing to work with the Australian side,” Xi said in a report from CCTV. Click here to read…

Japan warns of China’s COVID situation, cuts view on factory output: Reuters
December 21, 2022

Japan will pay close attention to the COVID-19 situation in China, in addition to risks from a global economic slowdown, price hikes and supply constraints, according to its monthly report for December. The economic report from the Cabinet Office comes as Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, wrestles with sluggish global growth and high import costs that have weighed on its exports and manufacturing activity. Click here to read…

China imposes national security review on data, merger deals involving foreign capital as Beijing tightens cross-border information flow: South China Morning Post
December 21, 2022

Chinese authorities will impose a strict review of data processing, cross-border data transfers, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities involving foreign capital that could affect national security, as Beijing moves to safeguard what it considers as sensitive information. That approach forms part of new policy guidelines released on Monday by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and the State Council, the country’s cabinet. The guidelines aim to boost the country’s data market, while addressing issues such as data rights and trading profit distribution. Click here to read…

Xi says China, Germany partners of dialogue, development, cooperation, and for handling global challenges: Xinhuanet
December 21, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and Germany have always been partners of dialogue, development and cooperation, as well as partners for handling global challenges. Xi made the remarks during his phone talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Click here to read…

New policy mix to propel turnaround in China’s economy: Qiushi
December 21, 2022

With a new policy mix unveiled at a meeting last week, China, the world’s second-largest economy, is ramping up efforts to ensure an overall recovery next year despite the looming shadow of a global economic recession. Click here to read…

Construction of Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle in full swing: Qiushi
December 21, 2022

As another important regional development strategy, the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle in southwest China is glittering under the spotlight of “coordinated regional development” highlighted in the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 3,049 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
December 21, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Tuesday reported 3,049 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Wednesday. A total of 1,953 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovery on the mainland on Tuesday, said the commission in its daily report. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, December 15, 2022

Chinese vice premier meets with Iranian president: Xinhuanet
December 14, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Iran’s capital Tehran on Tuesday. Hu conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings and best wishes to Raisi, and briefed the Iranian president on the major achievements and far-reaching significance of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China held in October. Click here to read…

China stops publishing novel coronavirus asymptomatic carrier numbers: Xinhuanet
December 14, 2022

China has stopped publishing data reflecting the number of asymptomatic carriers of the novel coronavirus starting from Wednesday, according to an official with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). Click here to read…

China detains over 240 in online, telecom fraud crackdown: Xinhuanet

December 14, 2022

China has detained more than half of the suspects on its wanted list of leaders and key members of fraud gangs, six months after it launched a campaign against emerging criminal activities in telecom network and cyberspace. Click here to read…

Protection efforts make Tibet a paradise for wildlife, human: Qiushi
December 14, 2022

Qamba begins his day at dawn, braving the biting wind on his motorcycle every day as he patrols the vast no man’s land in Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region. Qamba, 37, is a wildlife ranger in Tsonyi county, a core area of Changtang, China’s biggest and highest nature reserveClick here to read…

Chinese FM expresses support to HKSAR govt in defending national anthem with Google: Global Times
December 14, 2022

Internet enterprises have the responsibility to release correct information to the public instead of sitting aside to let the spread of misinformation mislead people, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday, expressing support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government’s move to defend the national anthem against Google. Click here to read…

Chinese phone makers ratchet up microchip capability: Global Times
December 14, 2022

Chinese smartphone maker Oppo unveiled its second self-developed microchip on Wednesday, a fresh effort as more Chinese hardware companies speed up investment in the semiconductor sector amid a relentless US crackdown on the Chinese technology industry. Click here to read…

China promotes sharing of scientific facilities, instruments: People’s Daily
December 14, 2022

Major basic research facilities and large research instruments are important tools that advance sci-tech innovation and expand scientific knowledge. At present, China is promoting the sharing of such facilities and instruments owned by centrally administered universities and scientific institutions to further improve utilization and optimize the distribution of innovative resources. Click here to read…

Medical staff in China’s hospitals say COVID-19 ripping through their ranks: Reuters
December 14, 2022

A growing number of China’s doctors and nurses are catching COVID-19 and some have been asked to keep working, as people showing mostly moderate symptoms throng hospitals and clinics, according to medical staff and dozens of posts on social media. Click here to read…

The painter who shared China’s COVID protests with the world: Reuters
December 14, 2022

When China’s historic protests against COVID curbs erupted in late November, a 30-year-old Chinese man in a flat in northern Italy became one of the most important conduits of information on the unfolding drama via a lone Twitter account. Click here to read…

Former Chinese lawmaker Yu Zhigang dies in detention while awaiting corruption verdict: South China Morning Post
December 14, 2022

A prominent former Chinese lawmaker has died of a brain haemorrhage in a northeastern detention centre, Chinese authorities announced on Tuesday. Yu Zhigang, 49, a former member of China’s top legislature and a former vice-chancellor of the China University of Political Science and Law, the country’s top legal university, died in May while awaiting a verdict on corruption charges against him, according to the announcement. He pleaded guilty to taking 6.91 million yuan (US$976,000) in bribes in a trial last November, but his case was terminated after his death. Click here to read…

Chinese new energy buses gallop into Arab market: People’s Daily
December 15, 2022

In the workshop of Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd, one of China’s leading bus makers, engineers were doing static debugging on an olive green bus, readying its instrument panel, lights, and air conditioning for their faraway client in Saudi Arabia. Click here to read…

Xi delivers written remarks at 15th China-Latin America Entrepreneurs Summit: China Military
December 15, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday delivered a written speech at the opening ceremony of the 15th China-Latin America Entrepreneurs Summit. Xi pointed out that China will adhere to the basic national policy of opening up, firmly pursue a win-win strategy of opening-up, keep to the right direction of economic globalization, continue to provide new opportunities for the world with China’s new development, promote the building of an open world economy, and deliver more benefits to the people of all countries including Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC). Click here to read…

U.S., UK export controls hit China’s access to Arm’s chip designs: Reuters
December 15, 2022

Chinese tech giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd cannot buy some of the most advanced chip designs after the SoftBank-owned (9984.T) British chip tech firm Arm Ltd determined that U.S. and Britain would not approve licences to export technology to China, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday. Click here to read…

COVID-19 tracking ‘impossible’ as cases soar in China: Taipei Times
December 15, 2022

China’s COVID-19 cases have become “impossible” to track, the country’s top health body said yesterday, with officials warning that cases are rising rapidly in Beijing after the Chinese government abruptly abandoned its “zero COVID-19” policy. Beijing’s move to scrap mass testing and quarantines after nearly three years of attempting to stamp out the virus has led to a drop in officially reported infections, which last month hit an all-time high. Click here to read…

China protests reveal limits of Uighur support: Taipei times
December 15, 2022

Their deaths in a fire triggered China’s biggest protests in generations, but few people seemed to know the victims were Uighur families torn apart by Beijing’s crackdown in Xinjiang. On Nov. 24, 10 people died in an apartment block blaze in Urumqi, the northwestern region’s capital, with many around China blaming a grinding COVID-19 lockdown for scuppering rescue efforts. Click here to read…

China’s retail sales tumble, jobless rate surges as Covid curbs hit economic recovery before U-turn: South China Morning Post
December 15, 2022

China reported a sharp fall in retail sales and a surge in its jobless rate in November as coronavirus controls continued to hit economic recovery before Beijing’s recent policy U-turn, data released on Thursday showed. Coronavirus outbreaks worsened in China last month amid a rise in cases, triggering stricter control measures that curbed mobility, capped factory production and hurt confidence. Click here to read…

Chinese, Malaysian FMs meet on ties: Xinhuanet
December 15, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir via video link on Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China and Malaysia are good friends and partners, noting that China stands ready to work with Malaysia’s new government to carry forward their friendship and deepen cooperation. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 1,944 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
December 15, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 1,944 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Thursday. A total of 2,565 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovery on the mainland on Wednesday, said the commission in its daily report. Click here to read…

Jiang Zuojun elected China Zhi Gong Party chairman: Xinhuanet
December 15, 2022

Jiang Zuojun has been elected chairman of the Central Committee of the China Zhi Gong Party, one of the eight non-Communist political parties on the Chinese mainland. This was announced on Wednesday after the party concluded its three-day 16th national congress, which elected the 16th Central Committee of the China Zhi Gong Party. Click here to read…

China issues guideline on expanding domestic demand: Qiushi
December 15, 2022

China has released a guideline on expanding domestic demand and fostering a sound domestic demand system to promote its long-term development. The long-term goals extending to 2035 include seeing the scale of consumption and investment hit new levels and fully establishing a sound domestic demand system, said the guideline, jointly issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council. Click here to read…

New Era’ exhibition launched online: China Daily
December 15, 2022

To allow more people to see the contents displayed at the exhibition Forging Ahead in the New Era, the online version of the exhibition was launched on Wednesday. Since the exhibition, which focuses on the great achievements made through the endeavors of the Communist Party of China and the country over the past decade, was opened at the Beijing Exhibition Hall on Sept 29, many people have seen it while others have shown great interest. Click here to read…

Authorities ramp up construction of fever clinics amid sharp rise of cases: China Daily
December 15, 2022

Authorities are ramping up construction of fever clinics and wards to cope with a sudden surge of COVID-19 patients, an official said on Wednesday. The National Health Commission has asked all medical facilities ranging from village health rooms to top hospitals to roll out fever wards and clinics after China recently adjusted its COVID-19 control measures, Jiao Yahui, director of the commission’s medical administration division, told a news conference in Beijing. Click here to read…

Canned yellow peaches bring back memories of childhood amid COVID-19 outbreak: Global Times
December 15, 2022

Along with skyrocketing demand for fever medication, some other goods such as canned yellow peaches have also been in the spotlight recently amid the ongoing optimized anti-COVID-19 measures implemented across the country. Many netizens believe that canned yellow peaches can be a comfort when people get sick. Click here to read…

Record PLA bomber group trains near Taiwan island, deterring collusion between secessionists, external forces: Global Times
December 15, 2022

The defense authority on the island of Taiwan on Tuesday reported the activities of a whopping 18 H-6 bombers of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a record high in terms of PLA bomber sorties in drills around the island in a single day. Click here to read…

Companies set to ramp up COVID-19 vaccine production following plan for second booster shots: Global Times
December 15, 2022

COVID-19 vaccine producers have started to prepare for increased vaccine production after China issued a plan to roll out second booster shots on Wednesday, with nine vaccine booster combinations included in the plan. Click here to read…

New draft rules mandate regulatory approval for overseas financial infrastructure offering cross-border supply services: Global Times
December 15, 2022

Overseas financial infrastructure that provides domestic institutions or individuals with cross-border supply services would require access granted by financial management departments under the State Council, China’s cabinet, according to new draft rules released on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China’s production capacity for antigen detection reagents, vaccines, masks sufficient: Global Times
December 15, 2022

The production capacity for key medical supplies such as antigen detection reagents, vaccines and masks is sufficient in China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) told a press conference on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China’s economy making steady progress: People’s Daily
December 15, 2022

Since the beginning of this year, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core has led and united the whole Party and people of all ethnic groups of China to ensure effective COVID-19 containment, economic stability and development security, against the backdrop of the complex and changing international landscape and the daunting task of reform and development at home. Click here to read…