Tag Archives: politics

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Istanbul, Turkey | AFP |  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at Germany on Sunday for blocking rallies in support of him ahead of a vote on boosting his powers, likening the ban to “Nazi practices”. The attack came a day after German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Turkish Prime …

  Jerusalem, Undefined | AFP | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Sunday not to allow a street in an Arab Israeli town to be named after late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, promising new legislation if needed. The small Arab Israeli town of Jatt recently inaugurated Yasser Arafat Street in honour …

Nairobi, Kenya | AFP |  A British man has been shot dead on his ranch in central Kenya, a local official said Sunday, blaming heavily armed herders responsible for land invasions in the area. Thousands of herders — some armed with spears, others with AK47s — have invaded private ranches …

Washington, United States | AFP |  A Congressional committee will investigate President Donald Trump’s claim that Barack Obama tapped his phone during last year’s election campaign, the panel’s chairman said Sunday. The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has been examining Russian interference in last year’s US presidential election. Devin …

Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP |  South Africa’s state security minister said Sunday the government is considering a move to regulate social media in an effort to curb the proliferation of what he described as “false” information. “The false narrative in the social media, it’s one of the challenges that …

Harare, Zimbabwe | AFP |  Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe returned home Sunday from Singapore where he had flown earlier this week for a medical review, his spokesman said. Mugabe returned “this morning”, spokesman George Charamba told AFP. He had travelled to Singapore Wednesday, just days after he celebrated his 93rd …