Beijing, China | AFP | China has put its first stealth fighter into military service, state-run media reported on Friday, in the latest milestone highlighting the modernisation of the country’s armed forces. Swift, stealthy, and armed with long-range missiles, the J-20 represents a leap forward in China’s ability to project power …
Read More »Baidu CEO defends state support of Chinese firms
Beijing, China | AFP | State support for private firms is crucial in China’s market, the head of the mainland’s online search giant Baidu said Thursday, following complaints from European businesses that Beijing-backed firms are pushing out foreign competitors. “I think state support of private companies is absolutely necessary. In the …
Read More »China vows ‘resolute’ measures after US deploys THAAD
Beijing, China | AFP | China said Tuesday it would “resolutely” defend its security interests as the US began deploying the THAAD missile-defence system in South Korea that Beijing fears will undermine its own military capabilities. “We are firmly opposed to the deployment of THAAD in the Republic of Korea …
Read More »China vows blue skies despite economic challenges
Beijing, China | AFP | China will work to clear its skies by increasing investment in clean energy and punishing polluters, Premier Li Keqiang said Sunday in comments aimed at mollifying public anger over chronic smog. Swathes of northern China were blanketed under toxic smog this winter, affecting more than …
Read More »China’s premier rules out Taiwan, Hong Kong independence
Beijing, China | AFP | China will firmly oppose Taiwan “separatism”, Premier Li Keqiang declared Sunday, following tension with US President Donald Trump over the island, and said Hong Kong independence moves would “lead nowhere”. “We will resolutely oppose and contain separatist activities for Taiwan independence,” Li said in a …
Read More »China 2017 growth target ‘around 6.5%’
China trims GDP target, citing severe challenges Beijing, China | AFP | Chinese Premier Li Keqiang warned Sunday the world’s second-largest economy faces severe challenges, signalling a further deceleration as he announced a trimmed 2017 GDP growth target of “around 6.5 percent.” The economy is already growing at its slowest …
Read More »Key points on China’s annual parliamentary meeting
Beijing, China | AFP | Thousands of politicians from across China have converged on Beijing for the country’s annual legislative meetings known as the “lianghui” or “two sessions”. The gathering provides a glimpse into the country’s politics and priorities, and this year’s event is being monitored particularly closely for hints …
Read More »China counts over 100 billionaires among top Communist legislators
Beijing, CHINA | AFP | China counts more than 100 billionaires among its top legislators, with 209 of the richest holding wealth nearly equivalent to Belgium’s annual GDP, according to a report released as the Communist Party’s annual parliamentary session started Friday. A key focus of the sessions is eliminating …
Read More »COMMENT: Achieving Africa’s industrialisation
COMMENT: By Justin Yifu Lin and Andrea Goldstein In an interconnected global economy, effective development demands effective external partnerships In the mid-2000s, after decades in the slow lane, African economies hit the accelerator. But what lies ahead for the continent is not an open highway. If Africa is to achieve …
Read More »Russia, China veto UN resolution on Syria sanctions
United Nations, United States | AFP | Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a Western-backed UN resolution that would have imposed sanctions on Syria over chemical weapons use, in the first clash at the Security Council since US President Donald Trump took office. The twin vetoes came as peace talks …
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