West decries Putin’s election win, China, India vow closer ties
London, UK Reuters Western governments lined up on Monday to condemn Vladimir Putin’s landslide election victory as unfair and undemocratic, but China, India and North Korea congratulated the veteran Russian leader on extending his rule by a further six years. The contrasting reactions underscored the geopolitical fault lines that have gaped wider since Russia launched […]
China, Australia agree to turn the page as tensions ease
Beijing, China Reuters President Xi Jinping said on Monday stable ties between China and Australia served each other’s interests and both should expand their cooperation, sending a clear signal that Beijing was ready to move on from recent tensions. China and Australia should promote the development of their strategic partnership as they build up mutual […]
Postcards: For Hong Kong’s youth, government-backed hostels offer a smidgen of housing hope
CLARE JIM, of Reuters, reports from Hong Kong…
China’s Xi demands officials step up flood prevention measures during rain deluge
Beijing, ChinaReuters China’s President Xi Jinping demanded government authorities at all levels give top priority to ensuring people’s safety and property as torrential rains cause devastating floods, deadly mudslides and geological disasters in the country. Residents salvage their belongings after heavy rainfall flooded Wanzhou district of Chongqing, China, on 4th July, 2023. PICTURE: cnsphoto via […]
Blast at BBQ shop in north-west China kills 31
Beijing, ChinaReuters A gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant on Wednesday night in China’s north-western Ningxia region killed 31, according to state-run Xinhua news agency, prompting President Xi Jinping to order stronger safety checks. Smoke rises from a building following a gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant in Yinchuan city, Ningxia, China, on 21st June, […]
Ukraine ask Pope’s help in getting children back from Russia
Rome, Italy AP Ukraine’s Prime Minister said he asked Pope Francis during a private Vatican audience Thursday to help facilitate the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken to Russia. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, briefing reporters on his half-hour audience with the pontiff, said he also invited Francis to come to Ukraine. “I asked His Holiness to […]
Xi holds first talks with Zelenskiy since invasion; Ukraine condemns nuclear “blackmail” on Chornobyl anniversary
Kyiv, Ukraine/Beijing,ChinaReuters Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fulfilling a longstanding goal of Kyiv which had publicly sought such talks for months. Zelenskiy, describing the hour-long phone call as “long and meaningful”, signalled the importance of the chance to open closer […]
StrangeSights: A watery Easter gift?; animal memorials; and, why a Formosan black bear is punching Winnie…
DAVID ADAMS provides a round-up of some stories on the odder side of life…
Ukrainian forces cling onto besieged city, China pressed to help end war
Near Bakhmut, Ukraine Reuters Ukrainian and Russian forces battled in Bakhmut, the devastated eastern city which has become a symbol of Kyiv’s defiance, while seven civilians were reported killed by Ukrainian artillery strikes in Russian-controlled areas. Ukrainian soldiers in trenches just outside Bakhmut said they were ready for a long-anticipated counter-offensive once the weather improves. […]
Putin, Xi pledge friendship but talks yield no Ukraine breakthrough
Reuters Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin emerged from two days of talks on Tuesday with warm words of friendship between China and Russia and joint criticism of the West, but no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough over Ukraine. Xi’s visit to Moscow – long touted by the Kremlin as a show of support from its […]