Allen Giovanni Ai is a journalist based in Florence, Italy.

Italy Reconsidering Investment Pact With China

11 May 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Trade Agreements

Italy is reconsidering its participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a senior official indicating the country is unlikely to renew the investment pact when it expires next year. The deal, signed in 2019, has not yielded the economic benefits Italy anticipated. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed opposition to Chinese expansion in Italy and Europe. The agreement includes the development of the ports of Genoa and Trieste, with the latter gaining importance post the Russian invasion of Ukraine. China has not made strong public comments on Italy's hesitation, while Italy has shown increased interest in cooperating with Taiwan, including plans to establish a representative office in Milan and discussions on semiconductor cooperation.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Belt and Road Initiative Italian Government

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Sertaç Aktan is a journalist based in Brussel, Belgium.

China blacklists US analysts reporting on human rights violations in Xinjiang

27 Dec 2023  |  tr.euronews.com  |  Turkish  |  International Relations

China has blacklisted a US research company, Kharon, and two analysts, Edmund Xu and Nicole Morgret, for their reports on human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. The sanctions include asset freezes and bans on transactions with Chinese entities. The Chinese government claims these measures are in retaliation for the US government's annual human rights report on Xinjiang. Despite China's denial of the allegations and claims that the camps have been closed, reports suggest that many former detainees have been given long prison sentences elsewhere. Additionally, China continues to impose visa bans and sanctions on officials from Hong Kong, where freedom of expression and democracy have been heavily suppressed since the implementation of a national security law in response to the 2019 protests.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Chinese Government US Government Center for Advanced Defense Studies

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Claude Arpi is a writer based in Auroville near Puducherry, India.

Do you believe in coincidences?

17 Jul 2022  |  Firstpost  |  English  |  US Policy on Tibet

The article discusses the coincidental timing of the Dalai Lama's visit to Ladakh and significant political events between India and China, such as the 16th round of Corps Commander-level meeting. It also covers Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday greeting to the Dalai Lama and President Xi Jinping's visit to Xinjiang. The article suggests that these events may signal a change in India's Tibet policy, which has become more assertive. Additionally, it mentions a bill introduced in the US Congress that could impact the Tibet-China conflict by recognizing Tibet's right to self-determination and challenging China's historical claims over Tibet. The author, a noted Tibetologist and China expert, provides historical context and implies that these developments could indicate a shift in the regional dynamics, with the potential for significant policy changes.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Communist Party of China Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Central Military Commission International Campaign for Tibet US Congress Senate

Meredith Chen is a journalist based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Mainland China to hit Taiwan’s polycarbonate imports with anti-dumping measures, claims ‘concrete damage’

14 Aug 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Cross-Strait Relations

Mainland China will impose temporary anti-dumping measures on polycarbonate imports from Taiwan, citing significant damage to its industries. The Ministry of Commerce announced deposits ranging from 16.9% to 22.4% on Taiwanese products. Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs is preparing a response. The measures follow an anti-dumping probe initiated in November. The article also touches on political tensions, with Beijing criticizing the U.S. for receiving Taiwanese vice-president William Lai Ching-te, who is seen as a separatist by China. Economic ties between China and Taiwan have been strained, with significant declines in trade volumes reported.

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China’s foreign ministry Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs Ministry of Commerce

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Ann is an Australian freelance journalist in Mexico City. She reports for international media outlets on social, political and economic issues in Mexico including migration, the 'war on drugs', and feminist and indigenous social movements. 

Contributor to Foreign Policy, BBC New Economy, The New ...

Chinese vaccine rolls out across Latin America

08 Apr 2021  |  Dialogue Earth  |  English  |  International Relations

Latin America, declared the global epicenter for Covid-19 by the WHO, has faced high infection and death rates, with a significant underreporting of fatalities in Mexico. Despite high vaccination rates, countries like Chile and Colombia are experiencing new waves of the virus. China and Russia have stepped in to provide vaccines, with Mexico approving the Convidecia and CoronaVac vaccines and receiving millions of doses. Vaccine diplomacy is seen as a way for China to build soft power, continuing a trend of health cooperation with Latin America. Political scandals have emerged over elites receiving vaccines ahead of the public. The urgency to vaccinate massively and quickly is emphasized to prevent the spread of new variants and alleviate the pandemic.

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China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs World Health Organization Mexican Government

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Irene Dominioni is a journalist based in Milano, Italy.

The Odyssey of Italians Stranded Outside China

01 Jun 2021  |  Linkiesta.it  |  Italian  |  International Relations

A group of Italians, including business owners and employees, are stranded outside China due to stringent entry requirements and limited flight availability. Despite efforts to address the issue with Italian authorities, including a letter to Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, no resolution has been achieved. The situation is exacerbated by high ticket prices and the difficulty of obtaining necessary documents. Some have resorted to extreme measures, such as traveling to Serbia for vaccination, only to face further obstacles. The frustration is compounded by the perception that Chinese residents in Italy face fewer travel restrictions.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Italian Embassy Italian Consulates Farnesina

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Erin Hale is a journalist based in Taipei.

China unlikely to be worried by ‘weaker Putin’ post Wagner revolt

29 Jun 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Geopolitics

China and Russia's relationship is expected to remain strong despite the recent Wagner Group mutiny, though Beijing may become more cautious about Vladimir Putin's stability. The Chinese government emphasized stability and downplayed the mutiny, but analysts suggest that Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, are likely concerned about regime security. The incident has highlighted potential weaknesses in Putin's control, which could influence China's future dealings with Russia. Despite these concerns, the partnership between the two countries is likely to continue, with China possibly making more contingency plans.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Wagner Group International Criminal Court

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Lu Han is a journalist based in Doha, Qatar.

China finalized tree planting project around National Highway

28 Dec 2022  |  en.ce.cn  |  English  |  Infrastructure

China's Yunnan province sponsored a tree planting project around National Highway-5 (N-5) in southern Sindh, Pakistan, planting 5000 high temperature and drought resistant tree saplings. The project, aimed at increasing green coverage and raising environmental awareness, was carried out by the Yunnan People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China Yunnan Sunny Road and Bridge Corporation. It received high praise from Pakistan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Capital Development Authority, and the National Highway Authority. The Chinese side will care for the saplings for a year to ensure their survival.

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Ministry of Economic Affairs China Yunnan Sunny Road and Bridge Corporation Yunnan People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Capital Development Authority National Highway Authority

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Adam Hancock is a freelance journalist based in Singapore covering the wider Asia-Pacific region and Australia. 

I work for a variety of clients including; BBC News, Al Jazeera, The Independent, TRT World and Reuters. My interests include foreign affairs and sport.

Chinese Diplomat Liu Jianchao Meets With Singapore's Leaders

29 Mar 2024  |  The News Lens International Edition  |  English  |  International Relations

Liu Jianchao, expected to be China's next foreign minister, emphasized the need for global connectivity over decoupling during his visit to Singapore, where he met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Liu's speech at the FutureChina Dialogue highlighted the importance of civilizations engaging rather than clashing. Despite recent incidents involving Chinese money in Singapore, bilateral relations are strong, with commitments to expand cooperation in trade and investments. Liu's visit also coincides with increased tensions between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea.

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Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Communist Party of China ASEAN

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Joyce Huang is a journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan. She currently works as a free-lancer, covering news about Taiwan and China. Throughout her journalistic career in the past two decades, she has had experience working for or contributing to both Taiwanese and foreign news outlets. Those include ...

To what extent could China continue to support the Russian government after the Wagner Group rebellion?

26 Jun 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Ukraine War

China reiterated its support for Russia following the Wagner Group's brief rebellion, which exposed significant internal conflicts within the Russian leadership. Analysts suggest this could test the limits of China-Russia relations and predict potential Russian defeat in Ukraine. Despite reaffirming their partnership, China is unlikely to provide direct military aid to Russia, opting instead for indirect support. The rebellion may also influence China's strategic considerations regarding Taiwan. Experts highlight the risks and potential consequences of deeper Chinese involvement in the conflict.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Wagner Group Russian Government

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Jeoffrey Maitem is a journalist based in Davao City, Philippines.

Philippine military chief says Chinese ship ‘rammed’ his boat in disputed waters

11 Dec 2023  |  www.rfa.org  |  English  |  Maritime Conflict

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of the Philippine armed forces, reported that a Chinese ship rammed the boat he was on during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine military outpost in the South China Sea. The incident, which included water cannon and sound blasts from Chinese vessels, was labeled a 'serious escalation' by Philippine officials. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed a Philippine boat rammed a Chinese ship, accusing the Philippines of violating China's sovereignty. The event led to diplomatic protests from both nations and drew condemnation from the United States, the European Union, and Japan.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China National Security Council of the Philippines China Coast Guard Philippine Armed Forces

With over 5 years experience in Print and Digital media, I've been covering issues on/in Indo-Bangladesh border, Drug Smuggling, Border Security etc for media as well as global research organization. 

As the Senior editor of New Delhi based The CEO Magazine ( and the group's other publication), ...

Xi Discusses Stretching CPEC To Afghanistan

04 Oct 2023  |  THE NEW INDIAN  |  English  |  Afghan Crisis

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed extending the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan to enhance regional connectivity. During Sharif's state visit to China, the leaders addressed various issues including defense, trade, agriculture, and disaster preparedness. Xi announced additional aid for Pakistan's flood relief and agreed to expedite the Karachi Circular Railway project. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a stable Afghanistan for regional security and economic development. Sharif praised Xi's leadership and invited him to visit Pakistan, which Xi accepted.

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Communist Party of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan

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Maggie Miller is a journalist, and has a longer written out bio

Chinese hackers targeted Raimondo, State emails through Microsoft breach

12 Jul 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Espionage

Chinese-based hackers accessed the emails of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and U.S. State Department officials through a Microsoft email system vulnerability. The breach, confirmed by the State Department, comes amid rising U.S.-China tensions and follows a recent Russian-linked cyberattack on U.S. agencies. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the FBI are investigating, with Microsoft identifying the hackers as Storm-0558. The breach did not impact classified systems, but U.S. officials are pressuring Microsoft for better security measures. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the U.S. of being a global cyber thief in response. The incident coincides with Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh’s nomination hearing to lead the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China U.S. State Department Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency FBI White House National Security Agency U.S. Cyber Command Senate Intelligence Committee

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Aaron Ross is the Reuters correspondent based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Chinese regime hackers attacked the Kenyan government as tensions over the 'debt trap' grow

24 Jun 2023  |  infobae  |  Spanish  |  Debt Crisis

Chinese hackers targeted the Kenyan government in a series of extensive cyberattacks over several years, aiming to gather information on Kenya's debt to China. The attacks, linked to the state-sponsored group BackdoorDiplomacy, focused on key government ministries and institutions. China's influence in Africa has grown, with significant loans for infrastructure projects, but Kenya's financial pressures are mounting. Both Chinese and Kenyan officials have denied or downplayed the incidents, while cybersecurity experts highlight the strategic importance of these espionage activities.

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National Intelligence Service of Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Chinese Government Kenyan Government BackdoorDiplomacy

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Ashok Sharma is a Dubai based journalist. He has more than three decades of experience with newspapers and TV news channel. His background includes rich experience of reporting, editing, re-writing news and features for daily newspapers - print and online. For the past over 10 years he has been in ...

Leaders of India and China meet days after reaching mutual border agreement

23 Oct 2024  |  lancasteronline.com  |  Spanish  |  BRICS Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met during the BRICS summit in Russia, marking their first bilateral meeting in five years. This meeting follows a recent border agreement aimed at resolving a four-year standoff involving troops in the Ladakh region. Both leaders emphasized the importance of managing disputes and fostering development aspirations. The agreement includes resuming military patrols along the disputed Himalayan border, with both countries expressing commitment to implementing resolutions. The meeting is seen as a step towards stable and friendly bilateral relations, impacting regional and global peace and prosperity.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Ministry of External Affairs of India BRICS

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Derrick Silimina is a journalist based in Lusaka, Zambia.

A Source of Sustenance

01 Mar 2023  |  mbuyotimedia.blogspot.com  |  English  |  Agriculture

Habib Mohammed, a coffee farmer in Ethiopia's Oromia Region, highlights the importance of coffee farming for local livelihoods. Ethiopia's coffee industry, a major export commodity, supports over 15 million smallholder farmers. The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) and the Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association are working to penetrate the Chinese market, with significant deals already in place. The Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing and platforms like the China International Import Expo (CIIE) are facilitating these efforts. Key stakeholders, including Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, praise the industry's growth and the benefits of Sino-Ethiopian trade cooperation.

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Department of African Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs China International Import Expo Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing

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Dorothy So is a freelance journalist and editor. She was formerly the Editor-in-Chief of Time Out Hong Kong and Entertainment Editor of Bauer Media Hong Kong. Her articles have appeared in publications such as The Guardian, Fodor's Travel Guides, Condé Nast Traveler and South China Morning Post.

...

Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation Ramp up Coronavirus Aid to Europe

31 Mar 2020  |  www.alizila.com  |  English  |  International Aid

The Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation have significantly ramped up their efforts to provide medical supplies to European countries affected by Covid-19. Donations include surgical masks, test kits, ventilators, and protective clothing, distributed through various European logistics hubs, particularly Belgium's Liege Airport. Key recipients and supporters include the Italian Red Cross, Spain's National Institute of Health Management, and the National Health Service of the UK. The aid efforts highlight the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in combating the pandemic.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal Embassy of Portugal in China Swiss Ministry of Defence Spanish Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jack Ma Foundation Italian Red Cross International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Italian Civil Protection Agency Sciensano National Institute of Health Management in Spain Slovenia’s Department of Defense France’s Ministère des Affaires sociales et de la Santé National Board of Health and Welfare of Sweden National Health System of Portugal Portuguese health authorities National Health Service of the UK

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Michael Tatarski is a journalist based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He has covered politics, current events, the environment and more for The Atlantic, Politico, the South China Morning Post, Al-Jazeera, Mongabay and the Guardian. He is available for freelance written assignments, as well as radio ...

High-Speed Rail Fever Dreams

03 Oct 2024  |  vietnamweekly.substack.com  |  English  |  Vietnam-China Relations

Vietnam is considering a high-speed rail project connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, estimated to cost $67 billion. The Ministry of Planning and Investment is reviewing a pre-feasibility study, with plans to start construction in 2027. The project aims to be completed by 2035, a decade earlier than initially planned, without foreign loans or technology. Concerns arise over the project's feasibility, given its cost and Vietnam's lack of experience in high-speed rail construction. Meanwhile, tensions between Vietnam and China have resurfaced following an incident involving Vietnamese fishermen and the Chinese Coast Guard in the Hoàng Sa Archipelago. Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City's public investment spending remains low, with only 20% of the budget spent by the end of Q3.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs China Communications Construction Company Ministry of Transport Ministry of Planning and Investment National Assembly Politburo Japanese Government Chinese Coast Guard

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Multimedia journalist based in İstanbul. Focuses on Turkish politics and foreign policy and economy. Also interested in labour rights and feminism.

Saudi Arabia hosts peace talks for Ukraine without Russia

05 Aug 2023  |  www.elmundo.es  |  Spanish  |  Food Security

Representatives from over 40 countries, including China and the United States, participated in a summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aimed at advancing peace efforts in Ukraine. The summit, notable for Russia's absence, sought to engage countries that have remained neutral in the conflict, such as Brazil and India. Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski emphasized the importance of the summit for global food security, following Russia's withdrawal from a grain agreement. The meeting follows earlier talks in Copenhagen and aims to establish principles for ending the war, including respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops. China, maintaining a neutral stance, participated with its special envoy, while the US was represented by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Saudi Arabia, despite criticism from Washington over oil production cuts, has supported UN resolutions condemning Russia's actions.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China United Nations Kremlin

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Cassandra Vinograd is a freelance journalist and producer specializing in conflict, human rights and migration. She previously worked for NBC News, The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal. Her reporting has taken her throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

She is HEFAT certified....

Israel Pushes Into Rafah as Displaced Palestinians Search for Safety

28 May 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Israel continues its ground assault in the southern Gaza Strip, particularly in Rafah, despite international condemnation following an airstrike that killed dozens of civilians. The Israeli military claims the strike targeted a Hamas compound, while Prime Minister Netanyahu called the civilian deaths a 'tragic accident.' The United Nations reports massive displacement from Rafah, and international figures, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Britain's David Cameron, have called for investigations. China has also condemned Israel's actions, urging adherence to international law. Amidst the conflict, residents of Rafah face severe bombardments and displacement.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China International Court of Justice Israeli Military Hamas United Nations Palestinian Civil Defense State Department

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Laura Walters is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Laura spent a decade reporting in New Zealand, on politics, geopolitical issues, and social issues including education, health, mental health, immigration, justice policy, and sexual and family violence. She was based in New Zealand'...

I am a journalist based in San Francisco, United States of America.

I am a graduate of the Department of Art History at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China. With experience as both a college teacher and a gallery manager and curator in Beijing, I have a solid understanding of the arts and ...

Legu Zhang is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

China’s Fake History of Zero Wars Ever

13 Feb 2023  |  www.polygraph.info  |  English  |  Historical Conflict

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that China has never invaded any country or started any proxy wars, which is contradicted by historical events. China invaded Vietnam in 1979 and India in 1962, with significant casualties on both sides. China also supported the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and provided assistance to North Vietnam and North Korea in their respective wars. Recent actions in the South China Sea, including the militarization of artificial islands and aggressive maneuvers against other countries' vessels, further challenge China's claim of a peaceful track record.

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People's Republic of China China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khmer Rouge

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