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

COMMENTARY

Justice for Thomas Sankara

This week, Blaise Compaoré was jailed for his role in the murder of Burkinabe revolutionary Thomas Sankara –but real justice can only be won by a movement that fights to bring Sankara’s socialist vision back to life. Click here to read…

Corridor in uncertainty

The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, a joint initiative of India and Japan, was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a meeting of the African Development Bank in 2017Click here to read…

NEWS

Morocco, Spain mend ties after change in policy on Western Sahara

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez and Moroccan King Mohammad VI met in Rabat after a year of tense relations. Spain said it backed the kingdom’s plan of limited autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty for Western Sahara. Click here to read…

EXCLUSIVE- Draft Sudan deal seeks to cement military’s grip

Factions aligned with Sudan’s military have drawn up a deal to form a transitional government that would cement the army’s control and bypass pro-democracy groups it shared power with before an October coup. Click here to read…

Russia blocks UN security council request for investigation into Moura massacre

A UN Security Council request for independent investigations into the alleged Moura massacre in Mali has been blocked by Russia. Click here to read…

Despite a recent agreement, new clashes broke out between supporters of South Sudan’s rivals

Less than a week days after a major agreement was sealed between South Sudan’s rival leaders, fighting erupted in the North of the country. Click here to read…

Sparring Somali leaders now at odds over expulsion of African Union envoy

Somalia’s prime minister on Thursday expelled the African Union representative because of “acts incompatible with his status” but the president rejected the order, signalling a new rift between the leaders of the Horn of Africa nation. Click here to read…

Tunisia to compensate victims of revolution

Tunisian President Kais Saied, facing political and economic crisis and accusations that he took power in a coup, announced compensation on Sunday for the families of those killed and wounded in the 2011 revolution that brought democracy to the country. Click here to read…

DR Congo’s Tshisekedi signs EAC Treaty

Tshisekedi’s accession signature immediately brought the DR Congo into the realms and provisions of all the protocols and regional policies of the EAC. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s electricity grid collapses for the second time in a month

Nigeria’s national electricity grid has collapsed for the second time in a month, the federal ministry of power said on Saturday, leaving the parts of the country it serves, including capital Abuja and Africa’s biggest city Lagos, without power. Click here to read…

Burkina ex-president moved to home after house arrest

Burkina Faso’s military-led government said in a statement that former president Kabore would return to his home after house arrest. Click here to read…

Eastern Libyan military commanders urge closure of road to west

Military commanders in eastern Libya said on Saturday they had suspended participation in a U.N.-backed joint military council, accusing the Tripoli-based government of failing to hand power to a new cabinet and calling for the road west to be closed. Click here to read…

The Gambia votes for a new National Assembly

Gambians to vote for 53 legislators on a five-year term, with President Barrow picking five others, including the parliament’s president. Click here to read…

What is happening with Chad’s peace talks in Doha?

About 300 rebels landed in the Qatari capital, seeking a peace deal, but find themselves in a curious cohabitation. Click here to read…

Guinea junta chiefs warns mining giants over inequality

The head of Guinea’s ruling junta, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has warned foreign mining companies to build processing factories locally and to share revenues with the country equally. Click here to read…

Angola: UN Supports Angola’s Transition to Middle Income Country

The resident coordinator of the United Nations in Angola Zahira Virami reaffirmed Wednesday the support of the UN system in the preparation process of Angola’s transition from Least Developed Country to Middle Income Country. Click here to read…

New COVID-19 variant discovered in Botswana

A new COVID-19 variant has been discovered in Botswana, a government official said. The new variant, which has characteristics of both the Alpha and Delta variants, has yet to be named. Click here to read…

Kenya’s Odinga running his fifth presidential race. Why outcome means so much for Kenya

“Odinga has a common touch that resonates with Kenyans who have felt locked out of the power matrix controlled by two ethnic groups.” Click here to read…

Life sentence for Burkinabe ex-leader Compaoré for Sankara murder

The long-awaited verdict brings to close a six-month trial for the assassination of Thomas Sankara on October 15, 1987. Click here to read…

Separatist commander killed in infighting in Cameroon’s restive Anglophone region

Security and local sources said on Saturday that a notorious separatist commander has been killed in Cameroon’s war-torn Anglophone region of Northwest in clashes between rival separatist groups. Click here to read…

Ghana on high alert against terrorist attacks – Minister of National Security assures

The Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, has given the assurance that the country will be able to respond and ward off any terrorist attacks in the country. Click here to read…

Coptic Christian Priest Killed in Egypt’s Alexandria

On Thursday 7 April 2022, the Ministry of Interior announced on its official Facebook page the arrest of a 60-year-old man who stabbed an archpriest to death in Alexandria. Click here to read…

US Alarmed by Reports of Atrocities in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region

The United States expressed concern Friday about reports of ethnically motivated atrocities in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Click here to read…

Draghi Heads to Algeria as Italy Seeks to Cut Russia Gas Imports

Mario Draghi will visit Algeria on Monday as part of a plan to wean Italy off Russian natural gas. Click here to read…

Zambia’s President Hichilema goes eight months without salary

The Zambian leader, who was elected into office last August, says a salary was not his motivation for seeking public office. Click here to read…

Togo dismisses more teachers in new dispute with teachers’ union

The Togolese government has dismissed nine teachers, within a week of firing 137 others, even as the teacher’s union continues to demand that the Faure Gnassigbe administration honour its promises to them. Click here to read…

The problem with gaming in Uganda

The gaming industry in Uganda is highly informal, with individual-owned gaming parlours charging per hour of game time. However, the opportunity is huge. Click here to read…

Tanzania commemorates 100 years of founding leader Julius Nyerere

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Saturday joined fellow citizens in commemorating 100 years of the birth of founding leader Julius Nyerere. Click here to read…

Negotiating Local Business Practices with China in Benin

Beninese officials have shown how even small countries can use close coordination between ministries and other negotiating tactics to strike deals with Chinese counterparts that better protect their own interests. Click here to read…

Mozambique: All eyes on suitors as they await news on bid round qualification

Thirteen players — including two from Russia — will hear this week if they have succeeded in their plans to take part in Mozambique’s upcoming licensing round. Click here to read…

29,000 COVID-19 Vaccines Expired in Botswana: Official

At least 29,000 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines have already expired and some will expire at the end of April in Botswana, an official said Saturday. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Haryana signs collaboration deal with Ethiopia to strengthen trade, investment ties

The FFC was signed by Haryana’s Principal Secretary Yogender Choudhary and Ethiopian Ambassador Dr Tizita Mulugeta. Click here to read…

India, Kenya holds 2nd Foreign Office Consultations, review bilateral relations

India and Kenya on Friday held the 2nd round of Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political and economicClick here to read…

MoU with Congo-based foundation

MS University has signed an MoU with the Vinmart Foundation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for our scholarships to students of Congo who will be coming to Vadodara to pursue higher education. Click here to read…

Haryana, Ethiopian panel sign trade framework

During the two-day meeting of the Haryana-Ethiopia Investment Commission (EIC), a framework of collaboration (FFC) was signed between Haryana and the EIC. Click here to read…

Madagascar joins India-backed Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

Madagascar has become the 30th country to join the India-backed Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) that aims to help small island nations develop resilience to deal with the adverse impact of climate change. Click here to read…

Fishermen team meets Kanimozhi for release of five captains from Seychelles

Thoothukudi MP and DMK leader Kanimozhi has assured a delegation from the International Fishermen Development Trust (INFIDET) that she will take efforts for the release of five captains and their boats detained in Seychelles. Click here to read…

Rwandans in India pay tribute to genocide victims

The Rwandan High Commission in New Delhi, India in collaboration with the India Africa Trade Council commemorated the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi on April 7Click here to read…

Why India’s beautiful flowers miss the plane of exports while Kenya & Ethiopia fly high

Ethiopia and Kenya have promoted floriculture in key markets, offered tax holidays, organised producers and worked to create infrastructure for farmers. Click here to read…

Why is a dragon carved on Jain temple in Mangalore? Medieval Africa-China trade holds answer

While many of us have heard of Indian interactions with Southeast Asia and China, or even Arabia, Africa is a gaping hole in how we think about premodern trade. But it was one of the most prosperous. Click here to read…

Review: India-Africa Relations: Changing Horizons by Rajiv Bhatia

A meticulously detailed book that tells us why Africa matters so much to India and presents good suggestions on how the India-Africa relationship should be enhanced and pushed ahead. Click here to read…

Chibuzor, who once ruled Kolkata football, dies in Nigeria

Nigerian striker Chibuzor Nwakanma – the first foreigner to play for Kolkata’s big three clubs and whose unique nose for goals often set the field afire with his special somersault celebration – is no more. Click here to read…

Egyptian Govt expresses interest to buy Indian wheat

Team from Cairo to visit New Delhi next week, to inspect facilities for imports by supplies and commodities authorityClick here to read…

Nigeria Exports Crude Oil worth NGN774.5 Bln to India in 4Q

Nigeria exported crude oil worth 774.5 billion Nigerian naira ($1.86 billion) to India in the fourth quarter of 2021, the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics said in a report. Click here to read…

Paree Sanitary Pads Eyes Global Expansion, Enters Tanzania, Africa, and Nepal

With an objective to cater to women’s needs and make sanitary pads easily accessible, Paree Sanitary Pad has now expanded its operations to Tanzania, Africa, and Nepal. Click here to read…

Indian community to strengthen economic relations with Ghana

The Indian community in Ghana has said it will expand business operations as part of efforts to boost investment and increase its economic relations with the country. Click here to read…

Former deputy head of State Administration of Grain indicted for graft: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

Xu Ming, former deputy head of the State Administration of Grain, has been indicted on charges of taking bribery and abuse of power, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) said Thursday. Click here to read…

Chinese premier stresses maneuvering monetary policy tools to bolster real economy: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday said that the country will maneuver monetary policy tools when appropriate to effectively support the real economy. Chairing a State Council executive meeting, Li also stressed the need for enterprises in strained industries to postpone the payment of pension insurance, as well as stabilize jobs and strengthen employment training. Click here to read…

China welcomes int’l assessment of documents about U.S. biological military activities: Xinhuanet

April 7, 2022

China on Wednesday welcomed any global initiative within appropriate frameworks to assess the discovered documents related to U.S. biological military activities. Click here to read…

China-Mongolia land port sees robust growth in freight exports: Xinhuanet

April 6, 2022

The land port of Erenhot in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region saw its freight transport export volume increase 41.4 percent year on year in the first quarter of this year, local authorities have said. Click here to read…

China to regulate use of Chinese characters: Xinhuanet

April 6, 2022

The Chinese government has launched a nationwide campaign to regulate the use of Chinese characters in publications and on radio, TV, and the internet. The National Press and Publication Administration and the National Radio and Television Administration jointly launched a notice, asking local authorities to investigate and correct the misuse of Chinese characters in traditional publications such as books and newspapers, online publications, advertisements, radio, TV programs, and online audio and video programs. Click here to read…

China strengthens legal aid for abducted women: Xinhuanet

April 6, 2022

China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) on Wednesday announced that a special campaign has been launched to strengthen judicial assistance to women in need, including those who are victims of abduction and human trafficking. Click here to read…

Resilient China-EU cooperation critical for an uncertain world: Quishi

April 6, 2022

In a virtual meeting on Friday, Chinese and European Union (EU) leaders underscored the imperative role of sound and healthy bilateral ties for a world that has arrived at a critical juncture. China and the EU stand as two major forces, big markets and great civilizations on the world stage. It is the common aspiration of the global community for the two sides to uphold peace, promote shared development and add stabilizing factors to a turbulent world fraught with uncertainties induced by such challenges as a lingering COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Click here to read…

Students gain from digital learning: Quishi

April 7, 2022

Online education platform provides smart solution for more flexible study. China has launched a smart learning platform covering all stages of education from primary school to universities to offer free digital learning resources to students. Click here to read…

Chief secretary for administration of HKSAR gov’t tenders resignation: People’s Daily

April 7, 2022

John Lee, chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, tendered his resignation on Wednesday, saying he plans to run for the upcoming election of the HKSAR’s sixth-term chief executive. Click here to read…

Chinese police launch campaign to hunt down economic fugitives abroad: People’s Daily

April 7, 2022

Chinese police have launched a new campaign to apprehend economic fugitives who have fled overseas, the Ministry of Public Security said on Wednesday. The public security organ pledged all-out efforts to arrest economic fugitives who have fled abroad in the “Fox Hunt 2022” campaign, and will support discipline inspection and supervision departments in fugitive repatriation and the recovering of criminal assets, the ministry said. Click here to read…

China sends nearly 40,000 medics to Shanghai in tough fight against Omicron: People’s Daily

April 7, 2022

More than 38,000 medics from 15 provincial-level regions have rushed to China’s business hub Shanghai to aid the megacity in its fight against resurging COVID-19. Some 27,000 medics are responsible for sampling and testing work, and another 11,000 work in temporary hospitals, according to the National Health Commission. Click here to read…

In Hangzhou, 2 detained over COVID spread: China Daily

April 6, 2022

Two people were detained for investigation on Tuesday after authorities said they may have caused the spread of COVID-19 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Wednesday. The two, a mother and a daughter, traveled from outside the province to Hangzhou on Tuesday morning. The two knowingly concealed the fact that they had been in medium- and high-risk areas, an official statement said. Click here to read…l

Shanghai fights decisive battle against Omicron with swifter actions; nearby cities provide 60,000 beds for quarantine: Global Times

April 7, 2022

The decisive battle against Omicron in Shanghai has entered a crucial stage, with the chief Chinese financial center conducting a second round of citywide nucleic acid testing on Wednesday, as new infections continued to hit a new record, striking the nerves of the whole country in the beginning of April. Click here to read…

China’s State Council stresses support for real economy as outlook dimmed by COVID-19: Global Times

April 6, 2022

With the resurgence of COVID-19 outbreaks across China since March weighing on the outlook for economic growth, Chinese officials and experts on Wednesday called for more robust fiscal and monetary support and other measures to help affected businesses and stabilize economic operations. Click here to read…

China unveils draft financial stability law in major push to prevent systemic risks: Global Times

April 6, 2022

China’s central bank on Wednesday night unveiled a draft financial stability legislation, including the creation of a financial stability guarantee fund, laying the legal groundwork for a holistic, sector-spanning and cross-departmental approach to preventing systemic financial risks. Click here to read…

China energy goals a problem as U.N. report calls for deeper coal cuts: Reuters

April 7, 2022

A new U.N. report detailing what the world needs to do to combat climate change has highlighted the need for China – by far the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter – to accelerate its shift towards clean and low-carbon energy. Click here to read…

Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over COVID curbs: Reuters

Shanghai on Thursday said it was trying its best to improve the distribution of food and essential goods to locked-in residents, responding to growing discontent over such difficulties as COVID curbs stretched into an 11th day. Click here to read…

Hong Kong arrests six activists on accusation of sedition: Reuters

April 6, 2022

Hong Kong police arrested six activists on Wednesday for suspected sedition and contravention of a national security law in connection with what the police called “causing nuisance” at court hearings in December and January. Click here to read…

Hong Kong No. 2 official says he plans to run in leadership election: Reuters

April 6, 2022

Hong Kong’s No. 2 official, John Lee, said on Wednesday he had resigned to run in a leadership election in May, two days after Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she will not seek a second five-year term. read moreClick here to read…

China’s new infection cases top 20,000 despite “zero COVID” policy: Kyodo

April 6, 2022

The number of new infection cases with the novel coronavirus in China hit a record high, exceeding 20,000, the health authorities said Wednesday, casting doubt on the effectiveness of the country’s radical “zero COVID” policy. Across the mainland, 20,472 people, including asymptomatic ones, were confirmed to be infected with the virus on Tuesday, the highest in two years, according to the Chinese government. Click here to read…

Coronavirus: Shanghai adds 19,928 Covid-19 cases, setting a daily record for the sixth day: South China Morning Post

April 7, 2022

Shanghai’s daily Covid-19 infections set a record for the sixth straight day on Thursday, as citywide mass testing identified 19,982 cases in China’s financial and commercial hub.
The number of symptomatic cases ticked up to 322, from 311 a day earlier, while the vast majority of the positively identified infections showed no symptoms of illness, according to the data provided by Shanghai’s health authorities. Click here to read…

US sanctions threat if China aids Russia stirs fear in Beijing about forex assets: South China Morning Post

April 7, 2022

Washington’s financial sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine have raised concern in China over its large exposure to US government bonds, although experts say there is no real alternative for the country to invest its foreign exchange reserves. In recent weeks, former central bank adviser Yu Yongding and former vice-chairman of the Bank of China, Wang Yongli, have issued warnings about the effect that Western sanctions could have on China’s investment in foreign securities, amid US threats of “consequences” if Beijing helps Russia evade sanctions. Click here to read…

Coronavirus: time to ‘lie flat’? Divides emerge on Chinese internet about country’s path out of Covid-19: South China Morning Post

April 7, 2022

The Chinese internet has become a centre of a debate about the efficacy of widespread lockdowns as officials try to maintain a “dynamic zero-Covid” policy amid a worsening Covid-19 pandemic driven by the Omicron variant.To achieve the policies, cities across China have spent the past two years implementing rolling lockdowns, mass testing, rigid quarantine rules and nearly-closed national borders. Click here to read…

Chinese vice premier stresses support for foreign trade companies: Xinhuanet

April 2, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua on Saturday called for more efforts to ramp up support for foreign trade enterprises and ensure stable foreign trade. Hu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while chairing a symposium on foreign trade situations. Click here to read…

Top legislator stresses adherence to path of socialist political advancement with Chinese characteristics: Xinhuanet

April 3, 2022

China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu has urged the implementation of the guiding principles from the Central People’s Congress Work Conference and adherence to the path of socialist political advancement with Chinese characteristics. Click here to read…

Xi’s remarks on boosting China-EU cooperation for world stability: Xinhuanet

April 4, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping met via video link with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Experts and scholars applauded Xi’s remarks on China-European Union (EU) relations and the Ukraine crisis, saying that the meeting has provided strategic guidance for sustained and sound development of the China-EU relationship, while adding stability and positive energy to a turbulent world. Click here to read…

Chinese premier calls on China, EU to enhance dialogue, coordination, deepen cooperation: Xinhuanet

April 1, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday called on China and the European Union (EU) to enhance dialogue and coordination, deepen practical cooperation, maintain peace and tranquility, and stabilize the world economy. The pledge came as Li held the 23rd China-EU leaders’ meeting with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen via video link. a href=”https://english.news.cn/20220401/5daee0f0ef4d48f6b18fcba829547e36/c.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Chinese state councilor stresses cooperation among SMEs, win-win development in Asia-Pacific: Xinhuanet

April 1, 2022

Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong has called for efforts to boost openness and cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote win-win economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Click here to read…

Afghanistan must not be excluded from international community, says Wang Yi: Xinhuanet

April 1, 2022

China believes that if Afghanistan responds more effectively to the concerns of all parties, the diplomatic recognition of the Afghan government will come naturally, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday. Click here to read…

China to pilot digital yuan in more cities: Xinhuanet

April 2, 2022

China’s central bank announced Saturday that its digital yuan pilot program will be expanded to more domestic cities following its successful operation over the past years. a href=”https://english.news.cn/20220402/2c06ccaa65d546f28f9467feda41e72c/c.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

China unveils 5-year plan on energy technology innovation: Xinhuanet

April 2, 2022

China has unveiled a five-year plan, from 2021 to 2025, on developing energy technologies to propel green growth and digital transformation of the energy sector, the National Energy Administration (NEA) said Saturday. Click here to read…

China’s BYD ceases to produce gasoline-powered vehicles: Xinhuanet

April 3, 2022

Chinese auto manufacturer BYD announced Sunday that it has already ceased the production of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles starting from March. In the future, BYD’s auto business will focus on pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, said the Chinese leading new-energy vehicle manufacturer. Click here to read…

China regulates online tomb-sweeping activities during Qingming holiday: Xinhuanet

April 2, 2022

China has released a circular demanding that online platforms not slander deceased heroes during the upcoming Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 5 this year. Click here to read…

Report delves into China’s poverty reduction work: Quishi

April 2, 2022

China’s poverty reduction work has focused on two main areas: broad-based economic transformation, and targeted support for disadvantaged areas and households, a new report has said. Click here to read…

Xi calls on China, EU to add stabilizing factors to turbulent world: Quishi

April 2, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping met via video link with President Charles Michel of the European Council and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission in Beijing on the evening of April 1. Click here to read…

Chinese lawmakers’ suggestions move toward implementation: China Daily

April 1, 2022

A total of 9,203 suggestions made by national lawmakers have been distributed to 208 organizations to be processed, part of China’s efforts to transform people’s voices into concrete actions. The suggestions were submitted by deputies to the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, during the fifth session of the 13th NPC held in March. Click here to read…

Shanghai launches citywide antigen testing amid COVID-19 resurgence: China Daily

April 3, 2022

Shanghai will conduct citywide antigen testing on Sunday and nucleic acid testing on Monday amid efforts to contain the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the metropolis, according to local authorities. Click here to read…

Over 20,000 medics arrive to help Shanghai: China Daily

April 4, 2022

More than 20,000 medics from across China arrived in Shanghai on Monday to assist in the testing and treatment of COVID-19, as the city steps up the fight against the toughest battle in the past two years. Shanghai is set to complete nucleic acid tests of all its 26 million residents within 36 hours starting on Monday. Click here to read…

COVID-19 cases in 3 regions in China linked to imported clothing from S.Korea: Global Times

April 4, 2022

The COVID-19 cases recently reported in at least three Chinese cities were found to be related to clothing imported from South Korea, raising concerns that the source of infection may be contaminated imported clothing. Beijing’s Chaoyang district reported five new positive COVID-19 cases on Monday, all of which were shop assistants and their roommates working at a clothing store specializing in South Korean clothing in the SOHO Complex of Wangjing, home to many South Korean residents. Click here to read…

China reports record-high five-digit daily infections with Shanghai worst hit, new variant found in Suzhou: Global Times

April 3, 2022

The Chinese mainland reported 13,146 local COVID-19 cases on Sunday, including 1,455 confirmed and 11,691 asymptomatic ones, the highest number of daily increase since the latest outbreak, which has already infected over 100,000 people.

While one of the severest-hit regions in Northeast China’s Jilin Province successfully curbed the epidemic, the infection curve has not seen signs of decline, and a new Omicron variant mutation was detected in East China’s Jiangsu Province, neighboring Shanghai, where the mass majority of cases in China have been found in recent days. Click here to read…

North China’s Inner Mongolia reports plague among mice, issues level IV warning: Global Times

April 3, 2022

Authorities in North China’s Inner Mongolia have found one dead mouse in the city of Baotou on Sunday, which has been linked to a rodent plague. Baotou city has announced a Level VI plague warning, reminding local residents to stay away from mice, foxes, and other wild animals. The warning came into effect upon issuance and will remain in force until the end of this year, authorities said in the notice. Click here to read…

Meng Wanzhou named as Huawei rotating chairwoman: Global Times

April 2, 2022

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer (CFO) of Chinese telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies Co, was named as rotating chairwoman, one of the highest leadership positions at the company. Her appointment comes more than six months after her return from an arbitrary detention in Canada. Click here to read…

Smart courts in China provide efficient, convenient judicial services online: People’s Daily

April 3, 2022

The construction of smart courts in China has picked up speed with the deep integration of blockchain, big data, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies into courts’ functions, giving people easier access to judicial services while enabling cases to be handled in a paperless manner. Click here to read…

China says not deliberately circumventing sanctions on Russia: Reuters

April 2, 2022

China is not deliberately circumventing sanctions on Russia, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Saturday, a day after the European Union warned Beijing against allowing Moscow to work around measures imposed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read…

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says she will not seek a second term: Reuters

April 4, 2022

Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam, who has governed the global financial hub through the unprecedented upheaval of anti-government protests and COVID-19, said on Monday she will not seek a second five-year term of office. Click here to read…

Shanghai separating children, parents: Taipei Times

April 3, 2022

Some children as young as three months have reportedly been separated from their mothers, while others have been left without adult supervision Esther Zhao thought she was doing the right thing when she brought her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter to a Shanghai hospital with a fever on Saturday last week. Click here to read…

China urges vaccinations with carrot and stick: Taipei Times

April 2, 2022

In China’s southern Guangdong Province, a teacher was told by her school that she must find four individuals aged 60 or older who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 and get them to take vaccines to help boost the district’s inoculation rate among older residents. Otherwise, her performance review would be affected. Click here to read…

China starts Covid-19 mass testing for 25 million Shanghai residents: South China Morning Post

April 4, 2022

In a world first, military transport planes have been drafted to Shanghai, as its 25 million residents undergo a three-day mass testing from Monday, aimed at cutting Covid-19 transmission chains in China’s most developed metropolis. The rapid testing exercise was launched as Shanghai announced a record 9,000 more cases were detected on Sunday, amid a citywide lockdown. Total infections since March 1, when the outbreak began, have now topped 61,000 – most of them asymptomatic, making detection difficult. Click here to read…

China’s Covid-19 health code: algorithms weigh on lives and freedoms, leaving some confused and miserable: South China Morning Post

April 4, 2022

When Beijing resident William Wei tried to go for a run with his wife at the Olympic Green last week, he could not enter the park. He was scanning the health QR code at the entrance – a routine measure to ensure all entrants are coronavirus-free – when a pop-up appeared on his phone stating he might have crossed paths with someone at risk of catching the virus, or that he had possibly travelled through a risky area. a href=”https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3172995/chinas-covid-19-health-code-algorithms-weigh-lives-and-freedoms” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Xi chairs CPC leadership meeting on plane crash emergency response: Xinhuanet

March 31, 2022

The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Thursday held a meeting to hear a report on the emergency response to the recent China Eastern Airlines plane crash. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, chaired the meeting, which made deployment for follow-up work. Click here to read…

Former senior official Fu Zhenghua expelled from Party, public office: Xinhuanet

March 31, 2022

Fu Zhenghua, a former official who had served as China’s deputy police chief and justice minister, was expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and removed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws. The punishment of Fu was announced by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, China’s top anti-graft body, on Thursday. Click here to read…

Xi’s article on agriculture, rural areas, rural residents to be published: Xinhuanet

March 31, 2022

An important article on issues related to agriculture, rural areas and rural residents by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will be published on Friday. Click here to read…

China urges Japan to stay out of Taiwan-related affairs: Xinhuanet

March 31, 2022

A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday said that Taiwan question is China’s internal affair and urged Japan to stay out of it. Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, made the comments when responding to a relevant question at a regular press conference. Click here to read…

Joint Statement of the Third Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Among the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan: Xinhuanet

March 31, 2022

The third Foreign Ministers’ Meeting among the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan was held in Tunxi, Anhui Province in China on March 31, 2022. Foreign Ministers or senior representatives of seven countries, namely China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, attended the meeting. Click here to read…

China-India corps commander level meeting yields positive, constructive results: spokesperson: Xinhuanet

March 31, 2022

The 15th round of the China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting has yielded positive and constructive results, Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, said at a press conference Thursday. Click here to read…

China sees deficit in int’l service trade: Xinhuanet

March 31, 2022

China continued to see a deficit in international service trade in the first two months of 2022, data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange showed Thursday. Service trade exports stood at 411 billion yuan (about 64.6 billion U.S. dollars) during the January-February period, while imports came in at 485.9 billion yuan, resulting in a deficit of 74.9 billion yuan. Click here to read…

Construction of all 56 Venues for Hangzhou 2022 completed: Xinhuanet

March 31, 2022

With almost half a year to go before the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, venues are ready for a Green, Smart, Economical and Ethical Asian Games. Yangshan Sports Climbing Center, located in Keqiao District, Shaoxing, is the last venue scheduled to be finished by the end of March 2022, among the construction of all venues. As it passed the inspection of sports events function on Thursday, all 56 venues for the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Asian Para Games have been completed. Click here to read…

Enhanced domestic crude oil, gas output to help ensure energy security: Qiushi

April 1, 2022

China has vowed to further enhance national energy security through strengthening domestic crude and gas supplies while developing clean energy on a large scale to steadily push forward the country’s green energy transition. The National Energy Administration is targeting 200 million tons of crude production this year, up from last year’s 199 million tons, while the goal for domestic natural gas production in 2022 is 214 billion cubic meters, up 4.2 percent year-on-year, according to its annual energy industry guideline published on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China, Pakistan to further promote military cooperation in various fields China Military

March 31, 2022

The military-to-military relations, serving as the mainstay of the China-Pakistan friendship, have played an important role in the development of bilateral relations for a long time, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday. Click here to read…

15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting positive and constructive: China Military

China and India sides have agreed to properly handle the border issue through negotiation and consultation, firmly opposing interference from a third party, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND) at a regular press conference in Beijing today. Click here to read…

Ex-justice minister ousted from Party: China Daily

April 1, 2022

A former official who had served as China’s deputy police chief and justice minister was expelled from the Communist Party of China and removed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws. Click here to read…

Shanghai to launch phase II of lockdown: China Daily

April 1, 2022

Shanghai will start the second phase of its lockdown on Friday and begin mass testing of more than 16 million residents living in Puxi, the area west of the Huangpu River. Two rounds of nucleic acid tests were due to have been completed by 3 am on Friday among around 9.1 million residents east of the Huangpu River, who have been under lockdown since Monday. Click here to read…

‘Patient zero’ in Yangzhou outbreak arrested: China Daily

March 31, 2022

A woman believed to be “patient zero” in last July’s COVID-19 outbreak in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province has been arrested on suspicion of obstructing the prevention and control of infectious diseases, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate announced on Thursday. Click here to read…

Changchun govt in Jilin punishes two officials over improper posts: China Daily

March 31, 2022

The Changchun government of Jilin province punished two officials for imposing unjust measures during the recent outbreak of COVID-19, according to a statement released by the government on Thursday. Click here to read…

US ‘biggest disrupter’ in South China Sea: China Daily

April 1, 2022

The United States is the biggest culprit behind the militarization of the South China Sea, and the “biggest disrupter and troublemaker” in the region, the Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday. Click here to read…

5 million people join a joyful ‘virtual disco dance’ on the eve of Puxi’s lockdown in Shanghai: Global Times

April 1, 2022

Over 5 million people on Thursday night joined a “virtual disco dance” with many Shanghai residents participating and sending best wishes before the city starts a second phase of closed-loop management from 3 am on Friday. Click here to read…

Regional meeting on Afghanistan stresses 8 consensuses, pledges aid: Global Times

April 1, 2022

China-hosted talks between foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries and the Afghan Taliban concluded on Thursday in East China’s Tunxi, Anhui Province, foregrounding China’s role as a constructive leading force in addressing the Afghan issue. Some analysts said the mechanism has given regional countries confidence in the Afghan Taliban and more expectations to the international community. Click here to read…

Beijing specifies rules for construction of pilot FTZ, focus on high-tech, innovation: Global Times

March 31, 2022

Beijing on Thursday passed a detailed regulation that lays out the city’s policy priority and development plan for the China (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), covering 10 areas, ranging from the FTZ’s development target, management system and finance service to talent service guarantees. The regulation will be effective from May 1Click here to read…

EU to push China at summit to not help Russia in Ukraine war: Reuters

April 1, 2022

EU and Chinese leaders meet for a first summit in two years on Friday with Brussels keen for assurances from Beijing that it will neither supply Russia with arms nor help Moscow circumvent Western sanctions imposed over the invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read…

Hong Kong govt ‘strongly opposes’ UK, US report on city’s diminishing freedoms: Reuters

April 1, 2022

Hong Kong’s government said on Friday it rejected “unfounded and ridiculous” allegations made in policy reports from Britain and the United States of a deteriorating political and legal situation due to the city’s sweeping national security law. Click here to read…

China’s farmers face fertiliser crunch as COVID measures hamper deliveries: Reuters

April 1, 2022

China’s COVID-19 curbs are disrupting the supply of fertiliser to the country’s northeastern bread basket just a month away from spring planting, threatening this year’s corn and soybean crops if not resolved soon. Click here to read…

As Shanghai expands COVID lockdown, life on hold in city of 26 million: Reuters

April 1, 2022

China’s commercial hub of Shanghai ground to halt on Friday after the government locked down most of the city’s 26 million residents to stop the spread of COVID-19, even as official numbers put local cases falling for the second day in a row. The city government late on Thursday extended an existing lockdown in eastern districts, just as western parts of the city were shut down as scheduled. Click here to read…

Chinese professor censured by Taipei: Taipei Times

April 1, 2022

A university in Milan is investigating a Chinese lecturer after a video showing him upbraiding a Taiwanese student over nationality went viral
Staff Writer, with CAN. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday condemned a Chinese professor for pressing a Taiwanese student over his nationality, calling it an abuse of power. Click here to read…

Xi plants trees for 10th year as top leader: Xinhuanet

March 30, 2022

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday planted trees in Beijing, marking the 10th year of his participation in the annual tree-planting activity in the Chinese capital as the top leader. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said he did so to make his share of contribution to building a beautiful China and encourage the whole society, especially the young people, to push for ecological advancement so that China’s environment will be even better. Click here to read…

China to make best use of gov’t bonds to expand effective investment for stable economic performance: Xinhuanet

March 30, 2022

China will make the most of government bonds to expand effective investment, as part of efforts to shore up weak links, enhance the momentum of development and promote steady economic growth, according to a decision made at the State Council’s executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China to strengthen workplace safety, leverage gov’t bonds to expand effective investment: Xinhuanet

March 31, 2022

China will step up its efforts to comprehensively strengthen workplace safety and resolutely prevent major accidents, a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China’s foreign ministry clarifies nature of relationship with Russia: Xinhuanet

March 30, 2022

The China-Russia relationship consists of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked about China-Russia relations. “There is no ceiling for China-Russia cooperation, no ceiling for us to strive for peace, no ceiling for us to safeguard security and no ceiling for us to oppose hegemony,” Wang said. Click here to read…

China-EU leaders’ meeting provides strategic leadership in China-EU ties:: Xinhuanet

March 30, 2022

The China-EU leaders’ meeting has taken place successfully 22 times, playing a vital strategic guiding role in the development of China-EU relations and dialogue and cooperation, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese president stresses neighboring countries’ role in supporting Afghanistan: Xinhuanet

March 31, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the neighboring countries of Afghanistan to do their best to support the Afghan people to create a brighter future. Xi made the remarks in a written message to the third meeting of foreign ministers of the countries neighboring Afghanistan, in Tunxi, east China’s Anhui Province. Click here to read…

Chinese FM holds talks with Russian counterpart: Xinhuanet

March 30, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday in Tunxi, east China’s Anhui Province, and both sides pledged to strengthen bilateral ties. Click here to read…

China approves IPO application of CNOOC Limited: Xinhuanet

March 30, 2022

China’s securities regulator has approved the initial public offering (IPO) application of CNOOC Limited. CNOOC Limited will be listed on the A-share market, the China Securities Regulatory Commission said in a statement on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese researchers develop lubricated composite with high load-bearing capacity: Xinhuanet

March 30, 2022

Chinese researchers have designed a cartilage-like lubricated composite with mechanical robustness, according to a research article recently published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. Click here to read…

China to further strengthen regulation of livestreaming sector: Xinhuanet

March 30, 2022

Chinese authorities will increase efforts to tighten the regulation of the country’s livestreaming sector. The management of livestreaming account registration will be enhanced, according to a circular jointly issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the State Taxation Administration and the State Administration for Market Regulation. Click here to read…

China to have over 1 mln IP professionals by 2025: Xinhuanet

March 30, 2022

China will intensify efforts toward cultivating intellectual property (IP) talent, the country’s top IP regulator said Wednesday, adding that the country plans to achieve the goal of having more than 1 million IP professionals by 2025. Click here to read…

China issues new regulations on management of soldiers: China Military

March 30, 2022

With the approval of Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the CMC has issued a series of new regulations on the management of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers. Click here to read…

China issues guideline to ensure use of science and technology for good purposes: People’s Daily

March 31, 2022

To better ensure the use of science and technology for good purposes and standardize scientific and technological innovation activities, China recently issued a guideline on strengthening the governance over ethics in science and technology. The document, which is the country’s first national-level guideline of its kind, made systematic deployment regarding science and technology ethics governance for the first time. Click here to read…

China makes substantial progress in building giant “power bank”: People’s Daily

March 31, 2022

A compressed air energy storage project in Jintan district, Changzhou city, east China’s Jiangsu province, has turned a salt cavern located at 1,000 kilometers underground into a giant “power bank” that can store 300,000 kWh of electricity in an energy storage cycle, which is equivalent to the amount of electricity consumed by 60,000 residents a day. Click here to read…

IPR awareness efforts extended to students: China Daily

March 30, 2022

Greater effort will be paid to training intellectual property specialists, the most fundamental, core and critical element in helping China become a global center of IPR, an official from the country’s top IPR regulator said. Click here to read…

Xi to meet EU leaders virtually at key summit, to inject positive energy to world amid Ukraine crisis: Global Times

March 31, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet EU leaders at the China-EU leaders’ meeting on Friday during which the Ukraine crisis is expected to be one of the major topics, some Chinese experts said. Click here to read…

PLA fighter jets hold cross-regional drills over 5,000km, show capabilities: Global Times

March 30, 2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force recently organized a cross-day-and-night, cross-regional maneuver exercise that saw multiple types of fighter jets flying across more than 5,000 kilometers in less than 20 hours, covering different terrains including plateaus and the sea, demonstrating not only the outstanding capabilities of the pilots and warplanes, but also the strong logistics support capabilities of all air bases involved, experts said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Australian journalist tried behind closed doors in Beijing court: Reuters

March 31, 2022

Australian journalist Cheng Lei went on trial behind closed doors in a heavily guarded Beijing court on Thursdayon charges of providing state secrets to a foreign country, more than 19 months after she was detained. Click here to read…

Chinese manufacturing, services contract together for first time since 2020: Reuters

March 31, 2022

Activity in Chinese manufacturing and services simultaneously contracted in March for the first time since the height of the country’s COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, adding to the urgency for more policy intervention to stabilise the economy. Click here to read…

Chinese officials’ job safety plunges: Taipei Times

March 31, 2022

Leaders of China’s provinces have less job security than at any time in the past four decades, a sign of the upheaval caused by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign. The Chinese Communist Party’s provincial heads stayed in the job just 1.6 years on average last year, according to data compiled by Cheng Li, director of the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution, a US research organization. Click here to read…

Chinese Communist Party chief in Hubei steps down after leading Covid-19 battle: South China Morning Post

March 30, 2022

The Chinese official who was appointed to the top job in Hubei province at the height of the Covid-19 outbreak in the province is retiring. On Tuesday the state news agency Xinhua reported that Ying Yong had left his post as provincial party secretary “due to his age”. Ying, a Xi Jinping loyalist, turns 65, the usual retirement age for provincial officials, later this year. Click here to read…

‘Send e-cards to the dead’: closed cemeteries in mainland China and live-streamed tomb-sweeping will dampen Ching Ming Festival amid Covid-19 surge: South China Morning Post

March 31, 2022

Cemeteries are being closed and officials are pushing online channels to honour ancestors during the upcoming Ching Ming Festival as China tries to neuter an Omicron-driven Covid-19 outbreak. Local governments have either closed cemeteries or will limit the number of visitors during the annual event, also known as the “tomb-sweeping festival”, which takes place on April 5 this year. Click here to read…

Chinese premier stresses safeguarding women, children’s rights: Xinhuanet

March 29, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has stressed pushing forward with the ongoing campaign against women and children trafficking and stepping up efforts to protect these groups’ legitimate rights and interests and safeguard social justice. Click here to read…

Political advisors urged to greet 20th CPC national congress with solid work: Xinhuanet

March 29, 2022

China’s national political advisory body has been urged to do solid work in conducting consultations and deliberations to greet the convocation of the 20th national congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) later this year. Click here to read…

China-U.S.-Russia +” consultation mechanism meeting on Afghan issue upcoming: Xinhuanet

March 29, 2022

A meeting of the “China-U.S.-Russia +” consultation mechanism on the Afghan issue will be held during the third foreign ministers meeting among the neighboring countries of Afghanistan in Tunxi, Anhui Province. It will take place from March 30 to 31, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday. Click here to read…l

Strong vehicle exports boost trade between China’s Tibet, Nepal:Xinhuanet

March 29, 2022

The export of whole vehicles from China to Nepal via the ports in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region has emerged as a new growth engine for Sino-Nepalese trade, according to customs in Lhasa, the regional capital. Click here to read…

Shanghai announces measures to help businesses affected by COVID-19: Xinhuanet

March 30, 2022

China’s economic hub Shanghai on Tuesday announced 21 measures to help enterprises affected by COVID-19 emerge from the pandemic gloom. Preliminary estimates show that tax-related measures alone can reduce the burden on related industries and enterprises in Shanghai by about 140 billion yuan (about 22 billion U.S. dollars) in 2022. Click here to read…

China to further improve social credit system: Xinhuanet

March 29, 2022

The general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council have issued a guideline on underpinning the development of the social credit system.It called for strengthening the integrity of scientific research and protecting intellectual property rights, cracking down on thesis trading, and optimizing the protection and application system for intellectual property rights. Click here to read…

Former vice governor of Qinghai Province jailed for 11 yrs for bribery: Xinhuanet

March 29, 2022

Wen Guodong, former vice governor of northwest China’s Qinghai Province, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Tuesday for taking bribes. Wen was found to have taken bribes worth about 19.9 million yuan (about 3.13 million U.S. dollars), according to a statement by the Chongqing First Intermediate People’s Court. Click here to read…

China issues plan for development of traditional Chinese medicine: Xinhuanet

March 29, 2022

The Chinese government has issued a new five-year plan for the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), introducing comprehensive arrangements for its related work. According to the plan released by the General Office of the State Council, by 2025, the capacity of health services provided by TCM will be significantly enhanced, while the policy and system for the high-quality development of TCM will be further improved, with its unique strengths in building a healthy China brought fully into play. Click here to read…

From serfdom to freedom — Tibet’s progress on democracy, human rights: Quishi

March 29, 2022

Sonam Tobgye, whose parents were serfs in old Tibet, once lived in an adobe house without windows next to the cowshed. Two spoons of zanba, a traditional Tibetan staple food made of barley flour, were all that his parents earned for each meal from their lord, while children younger than 13 were given nothing despite a day’s hard work. Click here to read…

China sees notable progress in computing power: Quishi

March 29, 2022

China has seen notable development in its computing power, ranking second globally during the 2021-2022 period, according to an industry report. The report, jointly compiled by Tsinghua University, the International Data Corporation, and Chinese IT firm Inspur, provides a comprehensive assessment of the computing power, efficiency, application and infrastructure of 15 major economies during the period. Click here to read…

Rear admiral Lai Ruxin appointed political commissar of PLA Hong Kong Garrison: China Military

March 29, 2022

Navy Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin, former deputy director of the political work department of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Northern Theater Command, was appointed political commissar of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, said Colonel Wu Tao, spokesperson for the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, on March 28, 2022. Click here to read…

Chinese military industry products showcased at DSA 2022 in Kuala Lumpur: China Military

March 29, 2022

The 17th edition of Defense Service Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2022) kicked off in Kuala Lumpur on March 28. Aerospace Long March International Trading Co., Ltd., China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd., CETC International Trading Co., Ltd., Poly Technology Co., Ltd. and other Chinese enterprises participated in the four-day-long exhibition. Click here to read…

Central government aims to standardize administrative services: China Daily

March 30, 2022

The central government has pledged to make greater strides in improving China’s business climate this year as it rolled out a host of measures to make administrative services more standardized and easily accessible. Click here to read…

New provincial, regional Party secretaries chosen: China Daily

March 30, 2022

The Communist Party of China Central Committee announced the appointments of new Party secretaries for Hubei and Qinghai provinces and the Ningxia Hui autonomous region on Tuesday. Wang Menghui, former minister of housing and urban-rural development, was appointed Party chief of Hubei, replacing Ying Yong. Click here to read…

New measures to bolster job market: China Daily

March 30, 2022

With a historic number of college graduates and mounting economic pressure, China is scaling up job creation measures this year, creating more government-sponsored internships and extending support to workers on flexible payrolls. Click here to read…

Key expressway expected to complete in N China by 2022: China Daily

March 30, 2022

An important expressway linking Beijing and Xiong’an New Area in North China’s Hebei province is expected to open as scheduled as the construction of a bottleneck bridge over the Yongding River progressed smoothly. The 108-kilometer Beijing-Xiong’an Expressway is one of the major projects to further promote the Beijing-Tianjing-Hebei coordinated development, and is projected to open by the end of 2022. Click here to read…

China releases guidelines to accelerate development of clean energy bases in Xizang: Global Times

March 30, 2022

China’s National Energy Administration on Tuesday released guidelines to accelerate the development of clean energy bases in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, a move to promote a high-quality energy development in the region. The guidelines were issued to lead the work during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period as well as the medium- and long-term energy development in Xizang. Click here to read…

China toughens up to battle COVID as local cases surpass 70k in mainland since March: Global Times

March 29, 2022

Since March 1, China has recorded more than 70,000 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, mostly caused by the highly contagious Omicron and its sub-variant, with 28 provincial-level regions affected. Epidemiologists said that such a rapid increase in cases in this short timeframe indicates the difficulty of quashing this wave quickly and returning the country to a state of zero-COVID as has been the case with previous waves.Click here to read…

Chipmakers in Shanghai race to minimize supply chain disruption amid closed-off management: Global Times

March 29. 2022

As China’s financial center Shanghai, which is also an important semiconductor production base, implemented phased closed-off management measures to curb the COVID-19 outbreak, chipmakers have been racing to ensure supplies and maintain operations, in a bid to minimize the losses and potential impact on the global supply chains. Click here to read…

Chinese insurers remove quarantine policies amid high number of claims, complaints: Global Times

March 29, 2022

A number of Chinese insurance companies have in recent days shut down their so-called “quarantine insurance” policies, which offer buyers compensation if they’re put under quarantine due to anti-epidemic efforts. Industry insiders said the product removal is partly due to the high number of claims, which is costly for insurance firms, as well as mounting complaints over difficulties in making claims. Click here to read…

Digital village construction drives modernization of agriculture and rural areas in China: People’s Daily

March 30, 2022

During the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), all 832 impoverished counties and 128,000 poor villages in China had been lifted out of poverty, and advances in agricultural science and technology had contributed over 60 percent to the growth in the country’s gross agricultural output. Click here to read…

Largest electric cruise ship makes debut: People’s Daily

March 30, 2022

The world’s largest electric cruise ship, the Yangtze River Three Gorges 1, developed in China, made its maiden voyage in Yichang, Hubei province, on Tuesday. The ship, which is 100 meters long and 16.3 meters wide, can accommodate 1,300 passengers and will mainly be used for Yangtze River sightseeing trips near Yichang. Click here to read…

Shanghai expands lockdown to more areas as new local cases hit 5,982: Reuters

March 30, 2022

Shanghai on Wednesday extended its shut downs to some western parts of the city, earlier than scheduled, as it reported a total of 5,982 new local cases. The financial hub of Shanghai, home to 26 million people, is in its third day of a lockdown authorities are imposing by dividing the city roughly along the Huangpu River, splitting the historic centre from the eastern financial and industrial district of Pudong to allow for staggered testing. Click here to read…

China’s largest banks signal tough times ahead:Reuters

March 29, 2022

Three of China’s largest banks have said that the country’s lenders face multiple headwinds this year that include the pandemic, global politics and domestic turmoil in the real estate industry. China’s banking industry is facing “a more complicated and severe business environment,” the country’s second-biggest lender by assets China Construction Bank Corp (CCB)(601939.SS), said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

U.S. defense strategy prioritizes China over Russia as bigger threat: Kyodo

March 29, 2022

The United States prioritizes China over Russia as a greater threat to its national security, the Defense Department said Monday, after sending the administration of President Joe Biden’s first defense strategy to Congress. Click here to read…

‘Stick to zero-Covid’: Xinhua puts Xi Jinping’s stamp on China’s coronavirus strategy: South China Morning Post

March 30, 2022

A Chinese state media editorial has reaffirmed China’s commitment to its “dynamic zero-Covid” strategy to contain the coronavirus, detailing what it said was Chinese President Xi Jinping’s role in fighting the latest surge in cases.The editorial by state news agency Xinhua appeared to end suggestions that the country should try to live with Covid-19 after a nationwide spread of the Omicron variant cast doubt on China’s long-standing strategy of mass lockdowns, testing and contact tracing. Click here to read…

Senior provincial official under probe: Xinhuanet

March 29, 2022

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

BRICS int’l journalism online training program concludes: Xinhuanet

March 28, 2022

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

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

March 28, 2022

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

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

March 28, 2022

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

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

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

China to boost green development of Belt and Road: Quishi

March 29, 2022

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

Ministry to push legislation on climate: China Daily

March 29, 2022

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

Service sector in Guangdong to get relief: China Daily

March 29, 2022

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

Tibet marks 63 years since democratic reform: China Daily

March 29, 2022

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

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

March 29, 2022

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

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

March 29, 2022

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

Half of Shanghai locked down: Taipei Times

March 29, 2022

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

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

March 29, 2022

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

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

March 29, 2022

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

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

COMMENTARY

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Where do African Countries Stand?

On 21st February 2022, President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of Ukraine’s breakaway regions, Donetsk and Luhansk and decided to support Moscow-backed separatists with a military operation. Three days later, when Russia started its air and missile strikes in Ukraine’s Donbas region, it transformed into a full-blown war. Click here to read…

NEWS

Tensions rise in Libya as risk of ‘parallel governments’ grows, Security Council hears

Amid a political impasse that threatens to see Libya fractured again by two parallel governments, the priority must be maintaining hard-won gains and fulfilling the electoral aspirations of nearly three million registered voters. Click here to read…

Tanzania is getting a political remake as President Hassan eyes the 2025 polls

The sudden death of Tanzania’s populist president John Pombe Magufuli on 17 March 2021 catapulted his then little-known vice-president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, to the helm of political leadership. Click here to read…

Somalia delays election process again as deadline lapses

Somalia has again pushed back the deadline for completing lower house elections, delaying until March 31 a process that is already more than a year overdue and has resulted in political sanctions. Click here to read…

West African bloc says it won’t abandon Burkina Faso after coup

A representative of West Africa’s regional bloc said it would keep working with Burkina Faso despite concerns about the military’s plan to hold power for three years after a January coup. Click here to read…

Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan hold secret talks on GERD dispute in UAE

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are holding secret talks mediated by the United Arab Emirates on the filing and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Click here to read…

Niger pushes for peace with jihadist talks

Niger is pressing ahead with an initiative to talk to jihadists whose attacks have shaken the country’s southwest, amid fears that a new wave of bloodshed lies ahead. Click here to read…

Sudan: Russian influence and Ukraine war stir domestic tensions

Officials courted Russian influence but the interference and the war in Ukraine are driving a wedge between its two most powerful men and stirring up domestic tensions. Click here to read…

Mali to suspend France 24 TV station and RFI radio

The Malian military government is moving to suspend broadcasts by French state-funded international RFI radio and France 24 television channel, accusing the news outlets of reporting “false allegations” that the army killed dozens of civilians. Click here to read…

‘Union will not remain silent’: Tunisia’s UGTT demands dialogue

Tunisia’s powerful UGTT labour union says it will not remain silent if authorities do not include it in negotiations over the country’s political and economic future, rejecting proposed reforms. Click here to read…

UK approves Rwandan envoy ahead of Commonwealth meet

The United Kingdom has approved Rwanda’s new envoy to the country, Johnston Busingye, despite calls from critics to London to reject the nomination. The approval comes three months before Kigali hosts the Commonwealth Head of Governments meeting slated on June 20. Click here to read…

Ambush and reprisals in western Ethiopia kill 64 – rights body

At least 53 people have died in western Ethiopia after an unidentified armed group attacked a civilian convoy and its military escort in a region plagued by ethnic violence. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa blames NATO for Russia’s war in Ukraine

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa blamed NATO for the war in Ukraine and said he would resist calls to condemn Russia, in comments that cast doubt over whether he would be accepted by Ukraine or the West as a mediator. Click here to read…

Russia, China Build Ties in Africa as U.S. Falls Behind

In a new “scramble for Africa”, Russia and China are cutting deals, extending loans, making friends and allies across the continent at a time when jihadists in many countries have posed a growing threat to citizens and national security forces. Click here to read…

US’s Blinken meets Ivory Coast PM to discuss trade, security

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has welcomed Patrick Achi, prime minister of Ivory Coast, for bilateral talks on a number of trade and security issues at the US Department of State. Click here to read…

Complementing Rafales, US Could Sell Its ‘Top Dogfighters’ to Egypt as Cairo Moves Away from Russian SU-35 Jets

The Biden administration is planning to approve the sale of F-15 Eagles to Egypt, a top US military official said. This comes despite speculation that Washington might cut military aid to Cairo due to concerns about Egypt’s human rights record. Click here to read…

Chad military gov’t, armed groups peace talks in Doha on hold

A first round of negotiations between Chad’s ruling transitional military council (TMC) and representatives of armed groups set to kick off in Doha, the Qatari capital, has been delayed by 48 hours. Click here to read…

Nigeria moving ahead on nuclear power plant plan

Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit in Abuja earlier this month, Idris said that Nigeria had had a small nuclear research reactor in operation for 18 years “so if anyone tells you Nigeria can’t manage a nuclear power plant – they are just telling you a story”.Click here to read…

Italy Negotiates with Libya, Algeria for Renewable Energy Deal

Italy is currently holding negotiations with Libya and Algeria for the mobilization and development of renewable energy resources. The European country is looking to diversify its energy mix, adopting clean energy sources from renewable-rich countries in northern Africa. Click here to read…

Rebel attacks in eastern Congo kill more than 60

Suspected Islamist militants have killed more than 60 people over five days of attacks on villages in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local residents said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Western Sahara: Spain and Morocco near end to diplomatic row over disputed territory

Morocco and Spain have moved closer to resolving a decades-long dispute over Western Sahara. Spain’s Prime Minister stated that a proposed autonomous region under Rabat control is the “most serious, realistic and credible” solution, according to Morocco’s royal palace. Click here to read…

Cameroon’s separatist conflict spills into Nigeria

The peaceful Nigerian fishing village of Manga sits not far from Cameroon’s border, but its residents know all about the separatist war raging inside their West African neighbour. Click here to read…

What drives South Africa’s political violence?

South Africa has a history of political violence, including a culture of violent protests and political killings. Historically, the violence is rooted in diverse drivers such as ethnic and tribal differences, and political intolerance. Click here to read…

The Chagos archipelago: Between British colonial past, American interests and Mauritian sovereignty

Last month, while global attention was fixated on the Ukraine crisis, Mauritius sent an expedition, a first of its kind, to the Chagos archipelago, also known as the Chagos Islands. Click here to read…

OIC Africa Group in Solid Support of Gambia Hosting Summit

In response to false and misleading rumours emerging largely on social media, The Gambia OIC Secretariat wishes to inform the public that The Gambia maintains its role as the rightful host of the next OIC Heads of State and Governments Summit. Click here to read…

African Countries Build Capacity on Cyber security

Sixty-five participants from 32 countries are attending a forum in Accra to promote cybersecurity capacity building in Africa. Dubbed Africa Cyber Experts (ACE) Community Kick-Off Meeting, it is on the theme “Setting the Scene for Cybersecurity Status in Africa.” Click here to read…

President of Guinea-Bissau says he stands firm in his post

The President of Guinea-Bissau said on Thursday that the Guinean State is still standing and that he remains firm in his post. The president’s speech, delivered on Thursday, takes place after the attempted coup on the 1st of February. Click here to read…

Eswatini Air adds first aircraft, an E145

Eswatini Air – the new regional airline brand of state-owned Royal Eswatini National Airways (RENAC) – plans to debut by the end of 2Q22 on Southern African regional routes using two EMB-145EPs. Click here to read…

How China-African trade may evolve

China is taking a more cautious approach to trade and investment in Africa and shifting its focus from governments to multilateral institutions. Click here to read…

Uganda bids to host Africa drugs agency

Uganda has the required capacity to host the African Medicine Agency (AMA) following its investments in developing and manufacturing drugs over the years. Click here to read…

Kenya Receives A $750 Million Boost to Support Economic Transformation Post-Pandemic

In an effort to help accelerate Kenya’s ongoing inclusive and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, the World Bank has approved a $750 million Development Policy Operation (DPO) that will help strengthen fiscal sustainability through reforms that contribute to greater transparency and the fight against corruption. Click here to read…

Mauritania says fight against slavery an ‘irreversible priority’

Fighting slavery in Mauritania is “a constant and irreversible” priority for the authorities, one of the country’s top rights officials said Wednesday, in a rare public comment on the issue there. Click here to read…

Talks underway to resume iron ore project in Guinea

Company representatives and officials are actively seeking a joint solution to a quick resumption of work at the Simandou project in Guinea, which has the world’s largest untapped iron ore reserves, the Global Times has learned. Click here to read…

Zambia’s late former President Rupiah Banda buried

Zambian late former President Rupiah Banda, who ruled from 2008 to 2011 and died at 85 last week after a battle with cancer, was buried at Embassy Park in Lusaka, the capital. Click here to read…

Mozambique: Cyclone Gombe death toll rises to 53

Tropical Cyclone Gombe has killed at least 53 people since it hit Mozambique a week ago, a sharp rise from earlier estimates. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

‘Green Triangle’ named after Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated in Madagascar’s capital as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

As part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate India’s 75th year of independence, a “Green Triangle” named after Mahatma Gandhi was jointly inaugurated in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo. Click here to read…

Delegation from Telangana announced for Namibia for diamonds and pharma sectors

The India Africa Trade Council organized the India Namibia Summit which was attended by the Business community in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Click here to read…

Indian-American Puneet Talwar Appointed New US Ambassador to Morocco

US President Joe Biden on Friday announced Indian American Puneet Talwar for Ambassador of Morocco as part of some key nominations for his administration, a White House press release said. Click here to read…

India, Namibia committed to partnership in pharma sector

Trade between India and Namibia stood at approximately $80 million in the last few years. Namibia imports drugs and pharmaceuticals, chemicals and agricultural machinery from India. Click here to read…

South Africa Tourism aims at 64% rise in arrivals from India

With 48 per cent of the total Indian visitors to South Africa travelling from Mumbai, the city is the leading source market for South African Tourism in India. Click here to read…

South Africa to soon start e-visa facility for Indian travellers

The South African Tourism Board has recently expressed that it’s eyeing 64% year-on-year growth in arrivals from India this year. Click here to read…

2022 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports launched in India at Rs 16.01 lakh, bookings open

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India announced today that bookings for the new 2022 Africa Twin Adventure Sports are now open in India at Honda’s exclusive Big Wing Topline dealerships. Click here to read…

South Africa, India, EU, US reach compromise on Covid-19 vaccine patent

Any agreement must be accepted by the WTO’s 164 member countries in order to be adopted. If one country rejects the proposal, it could mean the end of the waiver. Click here to read…

India at UNSC calls for elections in Libya, hopes issues resolve peacefully

At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on the situation in Libya, R. Madhu Sudan, Counsellor at Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations reiterated the imperative for holding the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the North African country at the earliest. Click here to read…

34 countries, including India, confirm presence at Commonwealth Summit in Rwanda

The CHOGM or Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has been scheduled to start in the third week of June with President of Rwanda Paul Kagame being the host of the summit. Click here to read…

South Africa to issue e-visas for Indian travellers soon

As part of post-pandemic revival plans, South Africa will introduce e-visas for Indians to attract more tourists, business travellers and movie-makers, mainly from the south. Click here to read…
Click here to read…

Report on Work of NPC Standing Committee: Xinhuanet

March 14, 2022

Following is the full text of the Report on the Work of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC). Delivered by chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Li Zhanshu on March 8, the report was approved at the closing meeting of the fifth session of the 13th NPC on March 11. Click here to read…

Chinese premier stresses stable economic growth: Xinhuanet

March 14, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday stressed efforts to tide over difficulties to ensure stable economic growth of the country. Li made the remarks while presiding over an executive meeting of the State Council. Click here to read…

State Council decides on division of responsibilities on key tasks in government work report to facilitate stable economic performance: Xinhuanet

March 14, 2022

All key tasks laid out in the government work report must be effectively implemented with clear division of responsibilities and solid steps to facilitate stable economic performance while overcoming difficulties, according to a decision made at the State Council’s executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Monday. Click here to read…

Chinese envoy to UN says sanctions won’t help solve Ukraine issue: Xinhuanet

March 15, 2022

China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun said Monday that “the wanton use of sanctions” will not help solve the conflict in Ukraine but only create new problems. Click here to read…

Senior Chinese official elaborates on China’s position on Ukraine situation: Xinhuanet

March 15, 2022

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday elaborated on China’s position on the situation in Ukraine during his meeting with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Rome. Click here to read…

China urges U.S. to fully clarify biological military activities: Xinhuanet

March 15, 2022

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Monday urged the United States to act responsibly and provide a thorough clarification regarding its biological military activities. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a daily press briefing that the United States should also stop standing alone in obstructing the establishment of a Biological Weapons Convention verification regime. Click here to read…

Former deputy commander of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps indicted for graft: Xinhuanet

March 14, 2022

Yang Fulin, former deputy commander of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, has been indicted for taking bribes, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) said Monday. Click here to read…

China maintains world’s largest manufacturing hub for 12 consecutive years: Quishi

March 15, 2022

China has maintained the world’s largest manufacturing hub for 12 straight years, said the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The country’s value-added output of the manufacturing sector in 2021 reached 31.4 trillion yuan (about $4.97 trillion), accounting for 27.4 percent of its GDP. Click here to read…

Chinese military to recruit 3,600-odd fresh college graduates as officers: China Military

March 14, 2022

The Political Work Department of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) recently launched the work of direct recruitment of fresh college graduates in 2022. This year, the Chinese military plans to publicly recruit more than 3,600 officers from the fresh college graduatesClick here to read…

Action urged to stop domestic violence: China Daily

March 15, 2022

Experts have called for mandatory intervention and counseling sessions for perpetrators of domestic violence after video footage of a man beating his wife in front of their child went viral, renewing debate on how to prevent such incidents. Click here to read…

Jilin recorded 4,067 domestic COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, province vowed to cut off community spread within a week: Global Times

March 15, 2022

Northeast China’s Jilin Province recorded 3,076 domestically transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, 991 silent carriers on Tuesday. Officials said the cases haven’t peaked yet and that Jilin faces a “severe and complicated situation,” yet he vowed to clear transmission within communities within a week. Click here to read…

At least 6 Chinese provincial-level regions show declining population in 2021: Global Times

March 15, 2022

Data released by 16 Chinese provincial-level regions on Monday show that at least six regions have reported a decline in their permanent residents in 2021, including Beijing, provinces in North China and Central China, partly caused by decreasing births. Click here to read…

Chinese industrial design software companies rush to help DJI amid US ban: Global Times

March 14, 2022

US software firm Figma has reportedly started to sever ties with Chinese drone unicorn DJI in compliance with US sanctions, but multiple Chinese software companies have swiftly responded, vowing to give DJI a helping hand to minimize the impact of the US’ access ban. Still, contentions remain over whether Figma’s Chinese lookalikes would be powerful enough to meet DJI’s needs. Click here to read…

Xi Jinping on strengthening overall Party leadership: People’s Daily

March 15, 2022

At the just-concluded annual session of China’s national legislature, President Xi Jinping put forward five convictions that have been reinforced, of which the first is upholding the Party’s overall leadership. Click here to read…

U.S. warns China of “consequences” of aiding Russia on Ukraine war: Kyodo

March 15, 2022

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned during talks with top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi on Monday that Beijing will face “consequences” if it provides Russia with military and other assistance over its invasion of Ukraine, U.S. officials said. Click here to read…

China’s central bank unexpectedly keeps medium-term policy rates unchanged: Reuters

March 15, 2022

China’s central bank kept some of its policy rates unchanged in a liquidity operation on Tuesday, dashing expectations for a cut, although investors believe policymakers may resume monetary easing soon to prop up the cooling economy. Click here to read…

China’s coronavirus lockdowns could trigger ‘shock waves’ across global supply chains: South China Morning Post

March 14, 2022

Rising coronavirus cases in China, including in economic powerhouses Shenzhen and Shanghai, are stirring fears about severe disruptions to the global shipping industry and supply chain, according to industry insiders. As the country grapples with its most severe outbreak since the initial wave in early 2020, Beijing has doubled down on its “dynamic zero-Covid strategy”, prompting local governments to impose stringent prevention measures, including lockdowns. Click here to read…

Ukraine war provides ‘new motivation’ for China to seek tech self-reliance amid Russia sanctions: South China Morning Post

March 15, 2022

Russia’s increasing isolation from the West may reinforce China’s push for self-reliance in advanced technologies, according to analysts, with Western sanctions already leaving one joint venture “effectively dead”. Moscow is facing a barrage of restrictions from the United States and the European Union over its invasion of Ukraine, raising questions over the future of its advanced technology trade, development and investment relationship with China. Click here to read…

China’s advanced J-20 stealth fighters are getting an engine upgrade: South China Morning Post

March 15, 2022

China’s most advanced stealth fighter jet, the J-20, has a new engine that has significantly boosted its performance, according to a military source. The WS-15 afterburning turbofan engine was developed in China and has increased manoeuvrability and combat capability, said the source, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
That could take the J-20, or Mighty Dragon, a step closer to rivalling the American F-22 Raptor. Click here to read…

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

COMMENTARY

How Burkina Faso became the epicentre of conflict in the Sahel

In 2014, when millions of Burkinabes ended the 27-year rule of Blaise Campaore by forcing him to step down, observers and analysts dubbed the occurrence West Africa’s version of the “Arab Spring”. Click here to read…

How China’s Ambitious Belt and Road Plans for East Africa Came Apart

As China draws back from large scale infrastructure investments in Africa, it is worth considering why so many major Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in the region, unveiled with great fanfare, have ultimately struggled. Click here to read…

UN chief wants Amisom to remain in Somalia

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has recommended to the Security Council that the African Union maintains its staffing level in Somalia through the end of the year. Click here to read…

Libya armed groups backing rival PM withdraw from Tripoli

Libya’s parliament-appointed Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha said that armed groups backing him have withdrawn from positions around Tripoli, after the UN warned of a new escalation in the divided country. Click here to read…

Russia ramps up ties with Sudan as Ukraine war rages

As much of the West seeks to isolate Russia after it invaded Ukraine, experts say Moscow is boosting relations with its long time African ally Sudan, eyeing its gold wealth and strategic location. Click here to read…

France to continue aerial support to Mali after troop withdrawal

France will still provide aerial military support to Malian troops battling an Islamist insurgency in the Sahel even after its counter-terrorism mission has withdrawn, but only where Russian fighters are not present. Click here to read…

Arab League summit to take place in Algeria starting November 1

The Arab League will hold its first annual summit for three years in November in Algeria, the bloc said on Wednesday, after the pandemic forced the meetings’ suspension. Click here to read…

Ukraine looms over US-African Union summit

The United States and the African Union (AU) held their first high-level summit since the Covid-19 pandemic this week with the conflicts in Ukraine and Ethiopia looming over the gathering. Click here to read…

South Africa is ready for a woman chief justice

During the vetting of the candidates for chief justice, the question was asked if South Africa is ready for a woman chief justice. Although the question is absurd, misogynistic and a confirmation of our patriarchal society, the answer is a resounding yes — and it is long overdue. Click here to read…

Mohamed Bazoum: Is Niger France’s new key partner in the Sahel?

The president of Niger discusses if his country will become the new focal point in the fight against ISIL and al-Qaeda. Click here to read…

Chad junta and rebels gear for tricky talks in Qatar

Chad’s ruling junta is scheduled to meet rebel leaders in Qatar on Sunday for delayed talks aimed at coaxing armed groups into joining a “national dialogue” on the troubled country’s futureClick here to read…

African Start-up Eswatini Air to Launch Soon After Taking First Aircraft

The southern African nation of Eswatini – previously Swaziland – is tiny. At just 6,704 square miles (17,364 square km), it is smaller in area than Wales and only a bit larger than the US state of Connecticut. It is Africa’s smallest landlocked country. Click here to read…

Important Step Toward Justice in DR Congo?

The Congolese human rights minister launched national consultations on a new transitional justice initiative that, if implemented, would help the Democratic Republic of Congo emerge from conflict, address grave human rights violations, and institute needed reforms. Click here to read…

Morocco to chair 6th UN Environment Assembly

At the end of the 5th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) which took place in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, the member countries voted Morocco as the host country for the next edition. By hosting the 6th edition of UNEA, the Cherifian kingdom reaffirms the need to strengthen the fight against pollution and climate change whose effects have impacts on the global economy. Click here to read…

Tunisian authorities urged to drop draft law restricting civil society organizations

Thirteen NGOs urged Tunisian authorities on Friday to drop a draft law providing restrictions on civil society organizations, which could result in a “major setback” for rights after the country’s 2011 revolution. Click here to read…

New Zimbabwe law threatens to criminalise and ban NGOs

The bill will effectively criminalise the operations of NGOs, proposing harsh penalties, including closure of the organisations, require them to disclose their source of funding and jail terms of up to a year for breaches. Click here to read…

Egypt announces the country is to diversify its sources of wheat

Egypt’s Prime Minister announced the country is to diversify its sources of wheat to avoid relying on what he described as “specific sources” for this productClick here to read…

Chinese Imports Edging Out Kenya’s Local Products

Kenyan artisans say they are losing the market for their products to Chinese imports. According to the crafts persons, the high quality and lower prices of Chinese-made goods put them at a disadvantageClick here to read…

Lesotho: EU Considering Deployment of EOM

The European Union (EU) is planning to deploy the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Lesotho ahead of the elections which are due to take place in September 2022. Click here to read…

Malian Army Accused of Killing Mauritanian Citizens

A Malian delegation is expected in Mauritania’s capital Friday to discuss the alleged disappearance of several Mauritanians on Malian territory. Click here to read…

Rwanda to impose tax on watching Netflix

Rwanda is the latest African country to announce plans to tax online services consumed within the country. This comes a few months after Zimbabwe and Nigeria laid out plans for the collection of taxes from e-commerce and digital companies such as Netflix, Google, YouTube, and Amazon. Click here to read…

Guinea suspends Simandou iron ore project, saying there has been no progress

Guinea’s ruling junta has ordered the cessation of all activities at the massive Simandou iron ore deposit owned by Rio Tinto and a Chinese-backed consortium, saying it was seeking clarification of how Guinea’s interests will be preserved.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/guinea-suspends-simandou-iron-ore-mine-project-2022-03-11/

Turkey’s women diplomats shape relations with Africa

Turkey has made significant progress in its political, economic and cultural ties with African countries in the last two decades, and women diplomats have an important place in these relationsClick here to read…

Uganda: Doctors, MPs unite against bid to jail unvaccinated

In February, the Ugandan parliament introduced a bill proposing to fine anyone refusing to take COVID-19 vaccines four million Ugandan shillings ($1,100) or sentence them to jail for six months. Click here to read…

Ethiopian Airlines, Air Djibouti partner for China-Africa Sea to air transport

Ethiopia’s national air carrier, Ethiopian Airlines announced on Tuesday it has partnered with Air Djibouti and Djibouti Industrial Park Operation (IDIPO) to commence sea-air multimodal transportation. Click here to read…

Eni And bp Finalize Agreement to Create New Independent Joint Venture in Angola

BP and Eni confirmed Friday that they have signed an agreement to form a new 50/50 independent company, Azule Energy [a bp and Eni Company], through the combination of the two companies’ Angolan businesses. Click here to read…

Zambia’s ex-President Rupiah Banda dead at 85

Rupiah Banda, who served as president of Zambia from 2008 and 2011, died Friday evening in the capital Lusaka at age 85 after a two-year battle with cancer. His son Andrew confirmed the former leader’s death, saying, “He is gone.” Click here to read…

Prince William says war normal in Africa and Asia, ‘alien’ in Europe; invites backlash

Prince William’s comments that it is ‘very alien’ to see a war in Europe while it was normal to witness conflict in Asia and Africa has invited a backlash on social media. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Defence Expo put off

The situation in Ukraine has led to the postponement of the prestigious defence exhibition DefExpo-2022, to be held from March 10-14 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Click here to read…

India, European Union hold inaugural consultations on Africa

The leaders of India and EU held the inaugural India-EU Consultations on Africa on March 7, in virtual mode, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

South Africa: Made-in-India Suzuki Celerio goes on sale

Suzuki has launched the second generation Celerio in the South African market. The car is manufactured and exported from Maruti Suzuki’s production facility in India. Click here to read…

Indian Embassy unveils plaque of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ in Antananarivo

To mark the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on the occasion of 75 years of India’s Independence, the Indian Embassy in Madagascar organized a special unveiling ceremony of the plaque of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. Click here to read…

India focuses on Revitalization Agreement, election preparations in South Sudan at UNSC

India emphasised the execution of the Revitalization Agreement and election preparations at a UN Security Council (UNSC) briefing on the situation in South Sudan. Click here to read…

South Africa to issue e-visas for Indian travellers soon

As part of post-pandemic revival plans, South Africa will introduce e-visas for Indians to attract more tourists, business travellers and movie-makers, mainly from the south. Click here to read…

26 more Indian fishers held in Seychelles

Twenty-six more Indian fishermen were detained by authorities in Seychelles, off East Africa, on Wednesday on charges of entering their territorial waters. This takes the total number of Indian fishermen detained there in three days to 59. Click here to read…

Sewa International evacuates 467 African students from Ukraine

Houston-based Indian-American non-profit body Sewa International has evacuated 467 African students including 367 Nigerians, from Ukraine’s Sumy amidst a Russian military offensive. Click here to read…

Former diplomat Rajiv Bhatia’s India-Africa Relations: Changing Horizons, is an essential reader on India’s burgeoning ties with African states

This book is certainly rare considering the paucity of scholarly writings by Indians on the core issues of Africa. As a scholar-diplomat, who headed Indian embassies in South Africa, Kenya and Lesotho, Rajiv Bhatia has deftly handled changing horizons of Indo-African ties. Click here to read…

Chennai’s Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science celebrates its 12th Convocation

Chennai’s Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS) celebrated its 12th annual convocation on March 5 where Dr Grace Akello, Uganda Ambassador to India, was one of the key guest speakers. Click here to read…

Morocco & Jordan join hands with India to organise sporting tournament in Kashmir

Key Arab states of Morocco and Jordan have taken a key step in organising a sporting tournament in collaboration with India in Kashmir. Click here to read…

‘Best experience in India’: Travelers from Morocco join clean-up drive at Thiruvanmiyur beach

Two Moroccon travelers joined the save a turtle team for a beach clean-up drive to create awareness on responsible tourism at Thiruvanmiyur beach on Friday. Click here to read…

Telecoms major Airtel Uganda plans IPO by 2022-end: MD

Airtel Uganda, the country’s second largest telecoms company and a unit of India’s Bharti Airtel, plans to list a part of its equity by the end of this year, a top company official told local NTV Uganda late Monday. Click here to read…