Afghanistan

Afghan Coal Sold to Companies Linked to Pakistan Army: Analyst: Tolo News

Owners of coal factories in Afghanistan said the Afghan coal is being sold to three Pakistani companies: Fauji Fertilizer Power Station, Cherat Cement Factory and Lucky Cement and Coal. Economists said these companies are connected with the Pakistan Army. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Leader Vows to Enforce Islamic Law Across Country: Tolo News

The supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, vowed to enforce the Islamic system in Afghanistan. In audio recorded from Eid prayers in Eid-Gaah Mosque in Kandahar, Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, the Islamic Emirate’s leader, said that the laws which were not based on Sharia in the previous government will be demolishedClick here to read…

Kabul Sees Hike in Customs Revenue amid Hunger Strikes: The Khaama Press

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) said it has collected more than 24 billion Afs in revenue from customs offices within the first three months of the fiscal year – a promising figure for a country that has been suffering from financial loose since the fall last August. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Commit to country’s wellbeing with spirit of sacrifice: PM- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on the eve of the holy Eid-Ul-Azha, has urged all to devote themselves to the welfare of the country while being imbued with the spirit of sacrifice. Click here to read…

Forfeit leaseholders’ deposits if they don’t clean up cattle markets: Mayor Atiqul- The Daily Star

Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam today said deposit money of leaseholders will be declared forfeit if they do not clean up cattle markets under DNCC. Click here to read…

Over 12 crore Bangladeshis can’t afford a healthy diet- The Daily Star

It is roughly Tk 286 ($3.064) in Bangladesh whereas the global average is about Tk 331 ($3.54), according to the UN’s flagship report styled “The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2022: Repurposing Food and Agricultural Policies to Make Healthy Diets More Affordable.” Click here to read…

Dhaka cattle markets finally booming- The Daily Star

After seeing a scarcity of customers, Dhaka’s cattle markets have started gaining momentum after Juma prayers yesterday, as a huge number of buyers rushed to the markets. Click here to read…

“Recall with gratitude Abe’s contributions to elevating Bangladesh-Japan relations”- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (July 8, 2022) expressed deep shock at former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe’s assassination, calling his sudden demise a great loss for Japan and the world. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan embarks on small hydropower projects for energy security- Kuensel

The Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) will begin construction of three small hydropower projects, one each at Lhuentse, Zhemgang and Haa, with a total generation capacity of 104 megawatts (MW). Click here to read…

Are managed-out civil servants eligible to contest elections?- Kuensel

With the next parliamentary elections approaching, the political ambitions of the executives who have been managed out through the leadership assessment exercise hinges on what the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) decides. Click here to read…

Walups question legality of land, owner refutes- Kuensel

There are about 30 households in Walungna. Villagers said they were never consulted nor knew that a new settler had bought 14 acres of land above the village, once their tsamdro (grazing land). Click here to read…

Their Majesties offer prayers and butter lamps for late former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe- Bhutan Times

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen offered prayers and butter lamps at Tashichhodzong yesterday for the late former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community and the Japanese community in Bhutan attended the ceremony. Click here to read…

Sudhakar Dalela appointed as next Ambassador to Bhutan- The Print

Sudhakar Dalela, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1993 batch has been appointed as the Ambassador of India to the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives seeks loan from Bangladesh – The Daily Star

In another show of the growing strength of Bangladesh’s economy, the government might give loans to the Maldives after the Island nation sought funds. If the government agrees to the request, it will mark the second time that Bangladesh has lent money to another country. Click here to read…

Bilateral ties between Maldives and South Sudan will continue to flourish: FM Shahid – Raajje

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has expressed confidence that the bilateral ties of friendship between Maldives and South Sudan will continue to develop and flourish in the years ahead. Minister Shahid stated this in his message of felicitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan, Mayiik Ayii Deng, on the occasion of their Independence Day. Click here to read…

Junta forces overrun resistance base in northwestern Myanmar – Myanmar Now

A base belonging to the anti-junta Yaw Defence Force (YDF) in Magway Region’s Htilin Township was attacked by junta troops last week, forcing resistance fighters to abandon the site and some 20m kyat (US$10,800) worth of supplies. Click here to read…

Blinken hits at ASEAN for lack of pressure on Myanmar – Federal News Network

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is criticizing Southeast Asian nations for not doing enough to press Myanmar’s military government to return the country to the path of democracy following last year’s power seizure. Click here to read…

India running out of options in Myanmar as a civil war rages and China backs the junta – National Herald India

The military junta in Myanmar, which seized power in a coup in February last year, have had luck and China on their side, making them far less vulnerable to external pressure than the Taliban in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Junta Watch: Coup Leader Says Military Still Needed in Politics; Another ASEAN Snub, and More – The Irrawaddy

Offering a view that is the complete opposite of that held by the Myanmar people, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said during a meeting with military personnel and their families in Pulaw Township, Ayeyarwady Region on Monday that the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) must continue to take a leadership role in the country’s politics and maintain its oversight position as the “guardian” of the country. Click here to read…

Nepal

NRB seeks suggestions for monetary policy- Himalayan Times

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has sought suggestions for the monetary policy. Click here to read…

New citizenship bill does away with 7 years wait- Himalayan Times

The government registered a new citizenship bill last night proposing to continue the provision that allows foreign women married to Nepali men to obtain matrimonial naturalisation immediately after they take steps to renounce the citizenship of their mother country. Click here to read…

CPC foreign department chief Liu arrives in Kathmandu- Himalayan Times

Foreign Department Chief of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Liu Jianchao, arrived here this morning, leading an eight-member delegation. Click here to read…

Deuba government taking a leaf out of Oli’s book in obscene fashion, experts say- Kathmandu Post

A bill to amend Constitutional Council Act comes as the latest case to demonstrate current administration is no different from the previous one in disregarding rule of law. Click here to read…

Tax waiver sets off investment rush in automobile assembly plants- Kathmandu Post

Six motor vehicle assembly companies with a combined capital of Rs6.83 billion have been registered with the Industry Department in the current fiscal year. Click here to read…

Govt holds discussion with UML leader Nembang on citizenship bill- Republica

The government has expedited consultation with the main opposition party to endorse the citizenship bill through parliament. Click here to read…

Deuba protested Oli’s intent to change Constitutional Council rules. But, he is proposing the same changes now- OnlineKhabar

KP Sharma Oli issued the same ordinance between 2019 and 2021 introducing changes in the rules of the operation of the Constitutional Council. The ordinance was never endorsed in parliament as the then main opposition Nepali Congress was against it. Click here to read…

No closure after Nepal’s insurgency- Nepali Times

Sixteen years after the conflict ended, families still struggle for transitional justice. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Severe urban flooding in Karachi after record heavy downpour: The Express Tribune

The port city is facing severe urban flooding and continuous torrential rainfall since Sunday night with predictions that heavy downpour will continue for hours to come on Monday. Click here to read…

Deadline extended for energy standards: The Express Tribune

The government has extended the deadline for implementing the minimum energy performance standards for electric fans in an effort to minimise
power outages. Click here to read…

PM Shahbaz Shaarif extends Eid greetings to Erdogan, King Hamad: The News

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a telephonic call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, conveyed warm greetings to the government and people of Türkiye on the happy occasion of Eidul Azha. Click here to read…

Editorial: CPEC resumption: Dawn

Work has reportedly resumed on the Main Line 1 (ML-1) upgradation project, the largest component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Pakistan and the centrepiece of the second phase of CPEC. Click here to read…

Two PMLN ministers resign to participate in by-poll campaign: The News

Former speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and former provincial health minister Khwaja Salman Raffique resigned from their posts. PMLN Deputy Secretary Information and Punjab Law Minister Atta Tarar said that both the PMLN leaders had resigned from their posts to participate in the by-election campaign. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

GR confirms to resign on Wednesday; Presidential Polls before March- The Daily Mirror

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will end his presidency on Wednesday after handing in his resignation to the Parliament Speaker after which a decision has been taken to hold a presidential and parliamentary election before March next year, senior political sources told Daily Mirror last evening. Click here to read…

Slain Japanese PM’s funeral tomorrow; SL declares day of mourning- The Daily Mirror

Tomorrow, the country will observe a state of mourning as a mark of respect to the longest served late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Click here to read…

More than 1.5mn litrs of fuel distributed so far: LIOC MD- The Daily Mirror

More than 1.5 million litres of petrol and diesel have been released for distribution so far from the oil terminal at Trincomalee, Manoj Gupta, Managing Director, Lanka IOC PLC said. Click here to read…

India denies report of sending Indian troops to SL- The Daily Mirror
The Indian High Commission in Colombo categorically denied speculative reports in sections of media and social media about India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Pope Francis appeals for peace for SL- The Daily Mirror

Pope Francis has renewed his appeal for peace in Sri Lanka today. “I unite myself to the sorrow of the Sri Lankan people, who continue to suffer the effects of political and economic instability,” Pope Francis said on Sunday, following the weekly prayers. Click here to read…

India always stands with Sri Lanka, no refugee crisis at the moment: Jaishankar- The Daily Mirror

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that India has been providing assistance to Sri Lanka and is monitoring the developments in the island nation adding that there is no refugee crisis now. Click here to read…

EU calls on all parties to focus on a peaceful, democratic transition in SL- The Daily Mirror

The European Union (EU) today called on all parties to cooperate and focus on a peaceful, democratic and orderly transition in Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

US urges SL leaders to work ‘quickly’ to address ‘discontent’- The Daily Mirror

As President Gotabaya Rajapaksa prepares to step down, the United States calls on “the Sri Lankan Parliament to approach this juncture with a commitment to the betterment of the nation – not any one political party,” a State Department spokesperson said as Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Thailand. Click here to read…

IMF hopes for resolution of SL crisis to allow bailout talks- The Daily Mirror

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it is hoping for a resolution to Sri Lanka’s political turmoil that will allow a resumption of talks for a bailout package after a violent day of protests. Click here to read…

Full Text: Youth of China in the New Era: Xinhuanet

April 21, 2022

The State Council Information Office of China on Thursday published a white paper titled “Youth of China in the New Era.” The following is the full text of the report.

Youth of China in the New Era
The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China
April 2022Click here to read…

Full Text: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s keynote speech at the opening ceremony of BFA annual conference 2022: Xinhuanet

April 21, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2022 on Thursday. Following is the full text of the speech: Click here to read…

Xi proposes Global Security Initiative: Xinhuanet

April 21, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday proposed a Global Security Initiative to promote security for all in the world. Xi put forward the initiative while delivering a keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022. Click here to read…

Chinese defense minister holds phone talks with U.S. counterpart: Xinhuanet

April 20-, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe on Wednesday held phone talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. In the phone talks, Wei said that China and the United States should earnestly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state. Click here to read…

China intensifies crackdown on bribery: Xinhuanet

April 20, 2022

The National Supervisory Commission and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate on Wednesday jointly released five typical cases involving individuals and organizations offering bribes. Click here to read…

China rolls out private pension scheme: Xinhuanet

April 21, 2022

China on Thursday rolled out a private pension scheme to complement the nation’s current pension system in its latest effort to tackle the strains of an aging population. The scheme allows Chinese citizens to contribute up to 12,000 yuan (about 1,872 U.S. dollars) annually to individual pension accounts that would be subject to closed-end management, according to guidelines released by the State Council. Click here to read…

Chinese authority to unveil supportive measures for NEV industry: Quishi

April 21, 2022

China is to take measures to bolster the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry, including extending the preferential policy for NEV purchase tax, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said Tuesday. Click here to read…

Tibet moves forward with cultural preservation: Quishi

April 21, 2022

The Tibet autonomous region achieved remarkable results in 2021 on traditional cultural inheritance and protection, an official said at a work conference recently in Lhasa, the capital. Click here to read…

Academic database faces furor over fees: China Daily

April 21, 2022

China’s largest online academic database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, is under scrutiny after a library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said it would stop using the service due to its expensive subscription fee. Click here to read…

Wuhan hospital accused of medical insurance fraud: China Daily

April 20, 2022

A hospital in Wuhan, Hubei province, was fined about 59.2 million yuan ($9.2 million) for defrauding the national medical insurance program of more than 23 million yuan, the National Healthcare Security Administration said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 2,830 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases, 2,634 in Shanghai: China Daily

April 21, 2022

The Chinese mainland Wednesday reported 2,830 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 2,634 were in Shanghai, according to the National Health Commission’s report Thursday. Apart from Shanghai, 17 other provincial-level regions on the mainland saw new local COVID-19 cases, including 95 in the northeastern province of Jilin, and one in Beijing. Click here to read…

Harbin locks down six districts due to COVID: China Daily

April 20, 2022

Harbin, Heilongjiang province implemented “static management” in its main urban areas, according to a statement released by the city’s epidemic control and prevention headquarters on Wednesday. Starting at noon on Wednesday, residents are urged not to enter or leave six districts — Daoli, Daowai, Nangang, Xaingfang, Pingfang and Songbei — which will be locked down until next Tuesday, the statement said. Click here to read…

Shanghai reports 52 COVID-19 patients in critical conditions; death tally reaches 17: Global Times

April 20, 2022

Shanghai authorities urged to prioritize the treatment of severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients to reduce the number of severe cases and mortality rate, as the city on Wednesday reported seven more COVID-19 patient deaths, adding to a total number of 17 amid this around of Omicron outbreak. Click here to read…

Two Shanghai districts eliminate community infections: Global Times

April 20, 2022

Shanghai is seeing a glimmer of hope after battling the Omicron variant for almost a month and a half, with two districts announcing they have stamped out infections within communities, and the number found outside quarantine areas has fallen for consecutive days. Click here to read…

Veteran Chinese envoy heads CEEC visit, to clarify misunderstanding over Ukraine: Global Times

April 19, 2022

A Chinese delegation led by a veteran diplomat will visit eight Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) this week. Analysts said that the trip aims to further promote cooperation as this year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-CEEC mechanism, and to dismiss misunderstandings, especially over China’s stance on the Ukraine crisisClick here to read…

Two new Type 055 large destroyers, a new Type 052D destroyer confirmed in PLA Navy service: Global Times

April 20, 2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy displayed three of its latest warships that have recently entered service – two Type 055 10,000 ton-class large destroyers and a Type 052D destroyer – prior to its 73rd founding anniversary on Saturday. Click here to read…

G20 members should cooperate in providing stability for a volatile world, says Chinese finance minister: Global Times

April 21, 2022

Faced with risks and challenges, G20 members should cooperate in providing stability for a volatile world, Chinese Finance Minister Liu Kun said during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting held on Wednesday and ThursdayClick here to read…

China moves to guarantee energy supply by increasing coal production capacity: Global Times

April 20, 2022

China plans to increase its coal capacity by 300 million tons this year and improve coal production review and approval mechanism, officials said at a meeting on Wednesday, in a move to ensure energy supplies after a power crunch last year and also to bring coal prices down, officials said. Click here to read…

China’s Xi pushes back on sanctions, de-coupling: Reuters

April 21, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s opposition to unilateral sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction” in a speech on Thursday, without directly mentioning the West’s punitive actions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read…

IMF chief warns of risks from a prolonged China slowdown: Reuters

April 21, 2022

A prolonged slowdown in China would have substantial global spillovers, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday, but added that Beijing has room to adjust policy to provide support. Click here to read…

Shanghai eyes reopening as cases fall: Taipei Times

April 21, 2022

Shanghai yesterday reported no new cases of COVID-19 outside quarantined areas in two districts, raising hopes that the tide was turning in its battle against the epidemic, with some factories across the city making a gradual return to work. In an event highly publicized on state media, electric vehicle company Tesla Inc resumed production at its Shanghai plant on Tuesday after a stoppage of more than three weeks. Click here to read…

‘Liaoning’ may be vulnerable like ‘Moskva’: Taipei Times

April 21, 2022

China’s Soviet-build aircraft carrier Liaoning could be as easily sunk as the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, the Nikkei Shimbun reported yesterday. The Russian guided-missile cruiser Moskva sank on Thursday last week after Ukraine said it struck the ship with locally made Neptune anti-ship missiles. Russia has denied the ship was hit, instead saying it sank after a fire broke out on the vessel. Click here to read…

China’s Xi Jinping rails against ‘cold war mentality’, US hegemony in call for global cooperation: South China Morning Post

April 21, 2022

President Xi Jinping has sent a strong message to Washington and its allies that China will firmly oppose decoupling, while its economy can play a lead role in global recovery as the world stands at a crossroads between the coronavirus pandemic, trade conflicts and war in Ukraine. In a speech on Thursday, Xi called for stronger macro coordination between major economies to prevent “severe and negative” spillover effects from policy decisions and to help stabilise the global supply chain. Click here to read…

China’s bride prices still rising despite crackdowns on outdated sexist custom for rights to a woman’s labour and her body: South China Morning Post

April 21, 2022

After dating a woman for several years, a man from northwest China said he had to break up with her because he couldn’t afford the nearly 300,000 yuan (US$47,00) bride price when they considered marriage. “I asked locals and was told this is commonplace. I hope you can crack down on this phenomenon,” wrote the man, surnamed Qin, last month on the page of “Messages to Leaders” on people.com.cn, an online channel for public complaints in China. Click here to read…

Xi’s speech on Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference to be published: Xinhuanet

March 15, 2022

A speech by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at a central conference on the work of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) marking the 70th anniversary of the organization will be published. Click here to read…

Int’l flights to Shanghai rescheduled amid COVID-19 resurgence: Xinhuanet

March 15, 2022

China’s aviation regulator said Tuesday that to alleviate the pressure on epidemic prevention and control in Shanghai, 106 international flights of 22 air routes scheduled to arrive in the city will be diverted elsewhere from March 21 to May 1. Click here to read…

China urges U.S. to take concrete actions to ease situation in Ukraine: Xinhuanet

March 15, 2022

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday urged the United States to make tangible efforts to ease the situation in Ukraine. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a question on recent allegations reportedly made by an unnamed U.S. official on relations between Russia and China with regard to the Ukraine crisis. Click here to read…

China-Bangladesh trade to resume growth: Xinhuanet

March 15, 2022

Bilateral trade between China and Bangladesh will resume growth with the implementation of Bangladesh’s 2021-2024 export policy and duty-free access to China for 98 percent of Bangladeshi products, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said. Click here to read…

China’s Jilin Province reports 1,456 new local COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

March 16, 2022

Northeast China’s Jilin Province, hit hard by the COVID-19 resurgence, registered 1,456 confirmed locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the local health authority said Wednesday. On Tuesday, the province also reported 397 local asymptomatic carriers, according to the provincial health commission. Click here to read…

Consumer protection platform in China’s Tibet recovers huge losses: Xinhuanet

March 15, 2022

Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region retrieved total economic losses of 11.4 million yuan (about 1.8 million U.S. dollars) for the region’s consumers via its consumer protection platform in 2021, local authorities said Tuesday. Click here to read…

China to tighten regulation on e-cigarettes: Xinhuanet

March 15, 2022

China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has issued a regulation that aims to strengthen supervision on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The country will implement license management for e-cigarette production, wholesale and retail entities starting from May 1, according to the regulation. Click here to read…

China fines actor Deng Lun for tax evasion: Xinhuanet

March 15, 2022

Chinese actor Deng Lun has been fined for tax evasion, the Shanghai municipal tax service said Tuesday in a statement. Shanghai’s tax authorities found that the actor evaded individual income tax between 2019 and 2020 by using fictitious business deals to convert the nature of the incomes. Click here to read…

BRI to foster faith in economic cooperation: Quishi

March 15, 2022

China’s unwavering efforts to promote joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative will convey more confidence and strength to the international community on global economic cooperation despite rising external uncertainties and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, analysts and experts said.

The BRI, the world’s largest international cooperation platform with an increasing number of members, is expected to make more contributions to global economic recovery, they said. Click here to read…

China to give more rural residents access to tap water: China Daily

March 15, 2022

China aims to increase the proportion of rural residents that have access to tap water to 85 percent by the end of this year, the Ministry of Water Resources said. The ministry will make accelerated efforts to promote the construction of water supply projects in rural China, according to a document outlining the ministry’s key tasks for this year that was unveiled on Monday. Click here to read…

China releases post-disaster reconstruction plan for flood-hit Henan: China Daily

March 15, 2022

China’s State Council has approved an overall plan for recovery and reconstruction work in flood-hit regions in Central China’s Henan province after torrential rains in July last year caused heavy casualties and property losses. Click here to read…

Shanghai adds 202 new COVID-19 infections: China Daily

March 16, 2022

Shanghai reported 202 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, 197 of whom were asymptomatic. Health authorities announced on Wednesday that 139 individuals tested positive during quarantine while the rest were identified during testing of people with potential exposure. Click here to read…

China’s Jilin province reports 1,456 new local COVID-19 cases: China Daily

March 16, 2022

Northeast China’s Jilin province, hit hard by the COVID-19 resurgence, registered 1,456 confirmed locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the local health authority said Wednesday. On Tuesday, the province also reported 397 local asymptomatic carriers, according to the provincial health commission. Click here to read…

Chinese FM supports Indonesia to keep Ukraine crisis off G20 agenda: Global Times

March 15, 2022

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said that although the Group of 20 (G20) is a major forum for international economic cooperation, it is not an appropriate forum to discuss the Ukraine crisis. Click here to read…

Pharmacies, online shops to offer antigen self-test kits nationwide amid soaring COVID-19 infections: Global times

March 15, 2022

After China approved COVID-19 antigen self-test kits for public use and approved 11 such products from local companies, a number of online service platforms including Alipay, Meituan and JD.com as well as local pharmacies rolled out pre-order services nationwide on Tuesday. The recent Omicron-fueled surge has led to cases soaring to more than 15,000 in just half a month in 28 provinces around the country. Click here to read…

India’s new envoy to China assumes office amid welcoming voices, expectations to improve ties: Global Times

March 14, 2022

India’s new ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat assumed office on Monday amid welcoming voices and expectations from many Chinese following signs of positive momentum from the recently-concluded military talks to resolve border issues between the two countries. Click here to read…

China’s consumer rights gala exposes problems of internet security and food safety: Global Times

March 16, 2022

China’s consumer rights gala held on Tuesday to mark the World Consumer Rights Day exposed cases of violations of consumer rights in various sectors, including internet security, food safety, livestreaming, blind boxes and beauty clinic training among others. Click here to read…

Evergrande’s electric vehicles approved for sale: Global Times

March 15, 2022

China’s industry regulator has given China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group approval to begin sales of its first electric car model, according to an official document . Vehicle sales and delivery are expected to be completed within the year, though it still faces fierce competition from rival automakers, experts claimed. Click here to read…

China’s soaring COVID infections fuel concern about cost of containment: Reuters

March 15, 2022

China posted a steep jump in daily COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, with new cases more than doubling from a day earlier to hit a two-year high, raising concerns about the rising economic costs of its tough measures to contain the disease. Click here to read…

Chinese EV maker BYD raises prices citing jump in raw materials costs: Reuters

March 16, 2022

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD Co Ltd (002594.SZ) late on Tuesday said it would raise prices on its cars by 3,000-6,000 yuan ($471-942), citing the rising cost of raw materialsClick here to read…

China reports another 3,000 Covid-19 cases as latest surge continues: South China Morning Post

March 16, 2022

China reported more than 3,000 new domestic Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, a drop from the previous day’s 5,100 infections, which had been the biggest rise in the country’s daily tally since the pandemic’s early stages in 2020. The National Health Commission (NHC) reported 3,054 new local cases on Wednesday – 1,860 people with symptoms and 1,194 without. Click here to read…

US-China tech war: Silicon Valley faces ‘difficult battle’ as Beijing ramps up tech spending: South China Morning Post

March 15, 2022

Growing state financial support for hi-tech industries, backed by long-term development targets and a huge pool of engineers, could give China an edge over Silicon Valley within the decade, analysts say. Beijing has its sights set on establishing a world-leading tech industry to boost economic self-reliance and make the country more resilient to external pressure amid heightened rivalry with the United States. Click here to read…

China appoints new minister of civil affairs: Xinhuanet

February 26, 2022

Tang Dengjie was appointed minister of civil affairs by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, on Monday. Click here to read…

Xi stresses firm adherence to China’s path of human rights development: Xinhuanet

February 26, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed unswerving adherence to China’s path of human rights development. Xi made the remarks while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Friday. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meets to discuss draft gov’t work report: Xinhuanet

February 25, 2022

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee met on Friday to discuss the draft government work report, which will be submitted by the State Council to the upcoming annual session of the national legislature for deliberation. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. Click here to read…

Chinese FM elaborates on China’s basic position on Ukraine issue: Xinhuanet

February 26, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday elaborated on China’s basic position on the Ukraine issue. Wang also had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine during his phone talks with British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell as well as Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic counselor to French President Emmanuel Macron, respectively. Click here to read…

Chinese FM holds phone talks with EU’s top diplomat: Xinhuanet

February 26, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a telephone conversation with Josep Borrell, the European Union (EU)’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Click here to read…

China’s lithium-ion battery output surges in 2021: Xinhuanet

February 27, 2022

China’s lithium-ion batteries reported solid growth last year amid nationwide endeavors to peak carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, official data shows. The output of lithium-ion batteries reached 324 GWh in 2021, soaring 106 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland’s sci-tech cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao makes advances: Xinhuanet

February 25, 2022

Efforts to promote the integration of science and technology innovation in Hong Kong and Macao into the national innovation system have made advances, an official with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) said Friday. Click here to read…

Former senior municipal legislator under probe: Xinhuanet

February 25, 2022

Chen Jiadong, a former senior legislator in the city of Xiamen in east China’s Fujian Province, is under probe for suspected severe violations of discipline and law. Click here to read…

China’s robotics industry catches up, eyes on higher development: Quishi

February 28, 2022

According to statistics released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the country’s robot industry reported revenue of over 100 billion yuan (about $15.7 billion) for the first time in 2020. From 2015 to 2020, the output of industrial robots surged from 72,000 sets to 212,000 sets, with an average annual growth of 31 percent. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meets to discuss draft gov’t work report: Quishi

February 28, 2022

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee met on Friday to discuss the draft government work report, which will be submitted by the State Council to the upcoming annual session of the national legislature for deliberation. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. Click here to read…

Chinese lawmakers deliberate draft decision on ranks for active-duty soldiers: China Military

February 27, 2022

Chinese lawmakers on Sunday began discussing a draft decision on the ranks for active-duty soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army. The draft was submitted to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, for review. Click here to read…

SPP pledges to deepen supervisor system: China Daily

February 26, 2022

The Supreme People’s Procuratorate pledged to deepen the work of the people’s supervisor system and public hearings to promote democracy in the judicial sector. The people’s supervisor system－an external mechanism to oversee the case-handling activities of procuratorates－guarantees orderly public participation in judicial activities and the practicing of democracy, Li Xuehui, spokesman of the top procuratorate, said at a news conference on Thursday. Click here to read…

Stabilizing economy to be major government task: China Daily

February 26, 2022

A Party leadership meeting has underlined the priority of stabilizing the country’s economy for this year’s government work, urging stronger measures to implement macroeconomic-control policies. The meeting on Friday of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chaired by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, also emphasized the need to prevent and mitigate financial risks and ensure financial stability. Click here to read…

Third pension system to help aging population: China Daily

February 25, 2022

Pensions are projected to rise this year, as the government explores a flexible policy to push back the retirement age and establish an additional pension system. The moves are designed to cope with the increasing percentage of seniors in the population. Click here to read…

Russia-Ukraine jokes hit social media wall: China Daily

February 28, 2022

Chinese social media platforms are moving to crack down on inappropriate remarks in regard to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, such as denigrating jokes made by some netizens. Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, along with Douyin, a short-video platform known as TikTok overseas, and the WeChat social media app all reiterated management rules over the weekend, calling for objective and serious discussions on such a weighty topic. Click here to read…

COVID outbreaks affect more regions on Chinese mainland: China Daily

February 28, 2022

The novel coronavirus is spreading in multiple regions on the Chinese mainland, with the coastal province of Guangdong facing a complicated situation, the National Health Commission said over the weekend. The Chinese mainland registered 112 locally transmitted confirmed infections on Saturday, up from 93 on Friday, the commission said. Click here to read…

Chinese embassy in Ukraine mulls alternative plans apart from charter flights to evacuate Chinese nationals amid rising tensions: Global Times

February 27, 2022

The Chinese Embassy in Ukraine is mulling alternative plans to evacuate local Chinese apart from charter flights amid the deteriorating situation in the country, and as long as safety premises are met, they will immediately take action and launch the evacuation plan, the embassy told Global Times in an exclusive interview on Sunday. Click here to read…

PLA airborne troops take delivery of new Y-12 transport aircraft with better power, handle ability: Global Times

February 27, 2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) airborne troops recently took delivery of new Y-12 transport aircraft that boasts significantly enhanced power, avionics and handle ability, with experts saying on Sunday that the aircraft is expected to host training missions for paratroopers and potentially carry out special forces tasks. Click here to read…

Russia-Ukraine conflict starts to affect China-Europe trade: Global Times

February 27, 2022

Chinese traders and logistics service providers have been ramping up efforts to cope with the rapidly evolving situation in Europe, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict raised concerns over potential impact on certain aspects of the China-Europe freight train and shipping routes by sea and air. While the actual impact remains unclear given the fast changing developments, some Chinese and international traders have canceled or diverted certain trading channels and routes to fend off possible disruptions, the Global Times has learned. Click here to read…

Disinformation on China in full bloom in US: People’s Daily

February 25, 2022

As if the supply of anti-China disinformation has exceeded the demand in the US, the American government decided to blow federal money to export it. On February 4, the US House of Representatives greenlighted the America COMPETES Act, in which a sum of 500 million dollars was allotted to “produce journalism for overseas audiences that is critical of China,” according to American Prospect, a US-based magazine. Click here to read…

China not coming to Russia’s aid, US official says: Taipei Times

February 28, 2022

China so far does not appear to be helping Russia evade Western financial sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, but doing so would “do profound damage” to China’s reputation, a senior official from the administration of US President Joe Biden said on Saturday. Click here to read…

China willing to work with U.S. on Build Back Better World initiative: Reuters

February 28, 2022

China is willing to work with the United States on a G7-led global infrastructure plan and welcomes Washington to join its Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday. The Group of Seven (G7) richest democracies, consisting of United States and its allies, proposed the Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative in June to help developing countries meet infrastructure needs, as they sought to counter China’s growing influence. Click here to read…

Backlash in China over vulgar social media mocking of Ukraine conflict: South China Morning Post

February 28, 2022

Chinese authorities have called for caution over online comments about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine amid concerns that public internet sentiment stoked anger towards citizens abroad. The conflict is hotly debated on Chinese social media, with some internet users sympathetic towards the plight of Ukrainians and others mocking the conflict and cheering on Russia’s aggression. A number of users appeared to endorse sexual violence against fleeing Ukrainian women, saying they would “gladly take care of them”, prompting widespread criticism of their behaviour. Click here to read…

Why is China being blamed for the stalled G20 debt relief plan for distressed countries? : South China Morning Post

February 27, 2022

More than a year has passed since the G20 launched a debt restructure plan to help potential defaulters but developing countries have yet to see the benefits – something the US and multilateral groups are blaming on China. The Group of 20 wealthy nations set up the Common Framework in late 2020 to help 70 countries in danger of default. Click here to read…

Chinese vice premier stresses importance of improving textbook quality: Xinhuanet
October 13, 2021

Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan on Tuesday urged accelerated efforts to build a high-quality textbook system to serve students’ all-round development. Sun, also head of the national textbook committee, made the remarks at a national meeting on work related to textbooks. Click here to read…

Chinese FM calls on G20 to contribute to Afghan peace, stability: Xinhuanet
October 13, 2021

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s special representative Wang Yi on Tuesday said the G20 should give full play to its own advantages to contribute to the peace, stability, prosperity and development of Afghanistan and the region. Wang, also Chinese state councilor and foreign minister, made the remarks via video link at an extraordinary G20 leaders’ summit on the Afghanistan issue. Click here to read…

Chinese FM attends CICA foreign ministers’ meeting: Xinhuanet
October 12, 2021

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Tuesday attended the sixth foreign ministers’ meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) via video link in Beijing. Noting China has always been a participant and promoter of the CICA process, Wang said China stands ready to make new and greater contributions to promoting CICA cooperation. Click here to read…

China to beef up support for college student entrepreneurship, innovation: Xinhuanet
October 12, 2021

China will support the entrepreneurship and innovation of college students with renewed efforts, according to a set of guidelines released by the General Office of the State Council. Hailing college students as a vibrant force of entrepreneurship and innovation, the guidelines called for measures to create a more favorable environment for business startups and innovative projects launched by college students. Click here to read…

CPC launches governance inspection in 8 provincial-level regions: Xinhuanet
October 12, 2021

China has launched an inspection of the building of law-based government in eight provincial-level regions, according to central authorities. Inspectors from over 20 departments, including the rule-of-law and disciplinary authorities, were dispatched on Tuesday to Beijing, Tianjin, Jilin and other five regions. Click here to read…

Amended laws to guarantee people are masters of the nation: China Daily
October 13, 2021

China has been stepping up efforts to amend laws involving the people’s congress system to further guarantee the people are masters of the nation and implement whole-process people’s democracy. The amendments not only keep the country’s important system running by rule of law, but also meet new needs of the people and social development, senior legislators said. Click here to read…

Huawei expands to four new businesses amid survival battle: Global Times
October 12, 2021

Amid falling smartphone sales and a shrinking telecom market share globally, Chinese tech giant Huawei set up units in four new segments to boost technologies for customs and ports, smart highways, data centers and solar energy, as the US’ sanctions against the company persist. Click here to read…

China’s top real estate industry body to hold meeting on issues in housing market amid Evergrande crisis: Global Times
October 12, 2021

China’s top real estate industry body is planning to convene a meeting of industry leaders on Friday to address issues in the housing market, as debt troubles at Evergrande Group continue to spark concerns and speculations about the country’s property sector.

The China Real Estate Association plans to hold an internal meeting on Friday in Beijing to evaluate difficulties and challenges faced by real estate companies, a source close to the matter confirmed with the Global Times on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China ‘overly optimistic’ on relations with US, says Beijing adviser: South China Morning Post
October 12, 2021

A government adviser in Beijing has cautioned against being too optimistic about signs of a thaw in relations with Washington, saying the US will not stop trying to contain China.

Shi Yinhong, an international relations professor at Renmin University and adviser to the State Council, China’s cabinet, said consensus would be hard to reach given the nations’ long-standing differences. The world’s two biggest economies are at loggerheads over a long list of issues, from trade and technology to the origins of the pandemic, human rights, and China’s territorial claims. Click here to read…

Harvard moves Chinese language programme from Beijing to Taipei: South China Morning Post
October 12, 2021

Harvard is moving its Chinese language programme from Beijing to Taipei next year, its organiser said. Jennifer Liu, director of the Harvard Beijing Academy summer study abroad programme, told student newspaper The Harvard Crimson that the decision was made because of a perceived lack of friendliness from the host institution, Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU). Click here to read…

China coal prices hit record high as floods add to supply woes: Reuters
October 13, 2021

China’s thermal coal prices surged to fresh record highs on Wednesday as recent floods in key coal producing province Shanxi worsened a supply crunch, just as new efforts by Beijing to liberalise power prices boosted demand from power generators. China, the world’s largest coal consumer, has been grappling with a growing energy crisis brought on by shortages and record high prices for the fuelClick here to read…