分类: politics

  • Chinese, Uzbek FMs hold second strategic dialogue

    Chinese, Uzbek FMs hold second strategic dialogue

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov convened the second strategic dialogue in Tashkent on Friday. Wang emphasized the importance of steering bilateral relations towards a new benchmark of good neighborliness, solidarity, and mutual trust. He highlighted the need to leverage the strategic dialogue platform to implement key agreements reached by the two heads of state. Wang reiterated China’s commitment to viewing Uzbekistan as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and a crucial partner in its global diplomatic strategy. He expressed China’s support for Uzbekistan’s development path tailored to its national conditions and its aspirations for a new Uzbekistan. Wang also noted that China has emerged as Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment. The two nations are set to collaborate on the landmark China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, diversify connectivity networks, and enhance cooperation in green minerals, new energy, and high technology. Additionally, Wang called for strengthened exchanges in education, culture, and tourism. He commended Uzbekistan’s achievements in poverty reduction and offered to share China’s experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. Saidov expressed gratitude for China’s support in improving livelihoods and reducing poverty in Uzbekistan. He expressed Uzbekistan’s desire to learn from China’s governance experience, strengthen high-level exchanges, expand bilateral trade, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism. The meeting concluded with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also meeting with Wang, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.

  • European leaders scramble to respond to a US peace plan for Ukraine seen as favoring Russia

    European leaders scramble to respond to a US peace plan for Ukraine seen as favoring Russia

    European leaders are scheduled to meet in South Africa on Saturday to discuss alternatives to a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. The 28-point blueprint, perceived as favoring Moscow, has raised concerns in Kyiv and European capitals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed apprehension on Friday, stating that Ukraine faces a critical decision between defending its sovereignty and maintaining essential American support. European nations, viewing their own future as intertwined with Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression, have emphasized the importance of their involvement in any peace negotiations. The meeting, set to occur on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, was announced by top European Union officials, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President António Costa, following a call with Zelenskyy. Von der Leyen reiterated the principle of ‘nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,’ underscoring the need for Kyiv’s active participation in any resolution. The U.S. plan, which includes provisions for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, reduce its military size, and abandon its NATO aspirations, aligns closely with Moscow’s demands while offering minimal security assurances to Kyiv. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone strike on a fuel refinery in Russia’s Samara region resulted in two fatalities and two injuries, marking another instance of Kyiv’s long-range attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. Russian air defenses reportedly intercepted 69 Ukrainian drones overnight, disrupting operations at several airports and causing power outages in Rylsk.

  • Former Polish deputy PM praises China’s economic rise, growing influence

    Former Polish deputy PM praises China’s economic rise, growing influence

    In a recent exclusive interview with China Daily, Grzegorz W. Kolodko, former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Poland, commended China’s remarkable economic progress over the past three to four decades. Kolodko highlighted that China’s burgeoning economic power is significantly enhancing its political influence on the global stage. He also noted a steady increase in international goodwill towards China, coupled with a favorable shift in the geopolitical landscape. Kolodko’s insights underscore the transformative impact of China’s economic strategies and their ripple effects on international relations and global power dynamics.

  • Japan urged to take practical steps to honor its commitments to China

    Japan urged to take practical steps to honor its commitments to China

    China has urged Japan to take concrete actions to uphold its commitments to bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and strategic cooperation. The call came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed her commitment to advancing China-Japan relations in a recent interview. However, her earlier remarks on Taiwan, which suggested potential intervention in the Taiwan Strait, sparked widespread condemnation in China. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stressed that Japan must retract these erroneous statements and adhere to the spirit of the four political documents between the two nations to foster a stable and constructive relationship. Mao also criticized Japan’s recent moves to abandon its defense-oriented principles and accelerate rearmament, warning that a return to militarism would lead to failure. Reports indicate that Japan has eased restrictions on arms exports, including the first-ever export of domestically produced Patriot missile interceptors to the United States. Additionally, discussions within Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party about revising the country’s three non-nuclear principles and increasing defense spending have raised concerns. Mao questioned Japan’s intentions, particularly its contradictory stance on nuclear disarmament while pursuing extended deterrence and nuclear-sharing arrangements. She reiterated that any deviation from peaceful development and the postwar international order would be unacceptable to both the Chinese people and the global community.

  • Premier in South Africa for G20 Summit

    Premier in South Africa for G20 Summit

    Premier Li Qiang of China arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday, November 21, 2025, to participate in the 20th G20 Summit. This marks a historic occasion as it is the first time the G20 Summit is being held on the African continent. The summit, scheduled for November 23-24, is themed ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,’ reflecting South Africa’s presidency focus on inclusive growth, reducing inequalities, and prioritizing African-driven agendas. Key topics on the agenda include climate financing, global economic recovery, food security, artificial intelligence governance, and bridging the digital divide, alongside advancing sustainable development goals. The summit convenes amidst a rapidly evolving international landscape, sluggish global economic growth, and widening development disparities. China, through its Foreign Ministry, has expressed its commitment to enhancing international solidarity and cooperation, advocating for multilateralism, and fostering an open world economy. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian emphasized China’s support for South Africa’s G20 presidency and its readiness to collaborate with other nations to build consensus on these critical issues. The G20, established in 1999, includes 19 countries and two regional bodies—the European Union and the African Union—representing approximately 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population. Ma Hanzhi, an assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, highlighted that China aims to leverage the summit to promote the Global Governance Initiative, particularly advocating for increased representation and voice of the Global South in global financial and economic governance. This initiative seeks to foster an equal and orderly multipolar world and promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

  • Ukraine allies to hold talks at G20 on White House peace plan

    Ukraine allies to hold talks at G20 on White House peace plan

    As the G20 summit convenes in South Africa, Ukraine’s allies are set to bolster a US-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the commitment of Ukraine’s ‘friends and partners’ to achieving a lasting peace. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of one of the most challenging periods in Ukraine’s history, as pressure mounts to accept a plan perceived as favorable to Moscow. The leaked draft includes contentious provisions such as ceding control of eastern regions, reducing Ukraine’s military size, and pledging not to join NATO. European leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have expressed concerns over the plan’s bias towards Russia, stressing that any agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has urged Kyiv to accept the proposal, warning of further territorial losses if the plan is not adopted. The White House has defended the plan, asserting that Ukraine was involved in its drafting. Amid these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated openness to the proposal but reiterated Russia’s commitment to its military objectives. The summit will also address the broader implications of the conflict, including the potential reintegration of Russia into the global economy and the lifting of sanctions.

  • High-profile Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene to quit Congress after Trump feud

    High-profile Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene to quit Congress after Trump feud

    In a surprising turn of events, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her resignation from office, effective January 5, 2026. This decision comes just days after a highly publicized feud with former President Donald Trump, marking a significant shift in their once-close political alliance. Greene, a prominent figure in Trump’s ‘MAGA’ movement, revealed her decision in a video statement posted on social media, citing her refusal to endure further political strife as a primary reason for her departure. The rift between Greene and Trump escalated over her persistent demands for the release of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump, who had previously labeled Greene a ‘traitor,’ responded to her resignation by calling it ‘great news for the country’ in an interview with ABC News. Greene, who has been a staunch defender of Trump in Congress, expressed her disappointment in the president’s response to her advocacy for justice for Epstein’s victims. She emphasized that her efforts to stand up for American women who were victims of trafficking and abuse should not have resulted in such harsh criticism from the president. Despite her resignation, Greene has hinted at potential future political ambitions, with reports suggesting she may consider running for state office in Georgia. Her departure from Congress could have significant implications for the Republican Party, which holds a narrow majority in the House of Representatives. The 2026 midterm elections will be crucial in determining the balance of power in the chamber.

  • ‘I’ll be cheering for him’: Trump has ‘great’ meeting with NYC mayor-elect Mamdani

    ‘I’ll be cheering for him’: Trump has ‘great’ meeting with NYC mayor-elect Mamdani

    In a surprising turn of events, former U.S. President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who have previously exchanged harsh criticisms, shared a cordial and unexpectedly amicable meeting at the White House. Trump, who once labeled Mamdani as a ‘communist,’ ‘jihadist,’ and ‘Jew-hater,’ praised the incoming mayor after a 40-minute discussion, stating, ‘I’ll be cheering for him.’ Mamdani, who has called Trump a ‘despot’ and ‘fascist,’ reciprocated the conciliatory tone, focusing on their shared commitment to serving New Yorkers. The meeting highlighted their overlapping populist appeal, with both leaders emphasizing affordability and addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Despite their ideological differences, Trump expressed confidence in Mamdani’s ability to lead, even hinting at a shift in his own views. The encounter underscored a rare moment of political bridge-building, as Trump acknowledged Mamdani’s rapid rise from a virtual unknown to the mayor-elect of the nation’s largest city. The meeting also touched on contentious issues such as Gaza, with Mamdani reiterating his stance on human rights violations. Trump’s willingness to engage with Mamdani signals a potential shift in his approach to political adversaries, as both leaders seek to harness their populist appeal to address pressing urban challenges.

  • Africa’s first G20 summit opens with an ambitious agenda and tries to move on from Trump’s boycott

    Africa’s first G20 summit opens with an ambitious agenda and tries to move on from Trump’s boycott

    The inaugural Group of 20 (G20) summit hosted in Africa commenced on Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a bold agenda aimed at addressing persistent challenges faced by the world’s poorest nations. Leaders and top officials from the world’s wealthiest and emerging economies gathered near Soweto, a historic township once home to Nelson Mandela, to seek consensus on key priorities outlined by the host country. These include aiding poor nations in recovering from climate-related disasters, reducing foreign debt burdens, transitioning to green energy, and leveraging critical mineral resources to combat global inequality. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging South Africa’s efforts in spotlighting these issues. However, the summit faced a significant setback as U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a boycott, citing claims of South Africa’s anti-white policies. This diplomatic rift threatened to overshadow the event, though leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need to move forward despite the absence. The G20, comprising 19 nations, the European Union, and the African Union, was established in 1999 to bridge the gap between rich and poor nations during global financial crises. Despite its influence—representing 85% of the global economy and over half the world’s population—the G20 operates on consensus, often hindered by conflicting member interests. Guterres warned that wealthy nations have historically failed to make necessary concessions for effective global reforms. The summit’s traditional leaders’ declaration faced uncertainty, with South Africa resisting U.S. pressure to issue a unilateral statement. President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed not to be intimidated, promising a collective declaration. As the U.S. prepares to assume the G20 presidency, the bloc’s focus on climate change and inequality may shift sharply under the Trump administration. The U.S. will only participate in the formal handover ceremony, a move South Africa deemed insulting.

  • Trump says he’s terminating legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota

    Trump says he’s terminating legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota

    In a significant policy shift, former President Donald Trump declared on Friday night that he is ‘immediately’ ending Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Somali migrants residing in Minnesota. This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle immigration protections that his administration has consistently targeted. Minnesota, home to the largest Somali community in the United States, has long been a refuge for individuals fleeing the prolonged civil war in Somalia, attracted by the state’s supportive social programs. However, the actual number of migrants affected by this decision may be minimal. A congressional report from August revealed that only 705 Somalis nationwide are currently covered by TPS. Established in 1990, the TPS program was designed to prevent the deportation of individuals to countries experiencing natural disasters, civil unrest, or other hazardous conditions. The Homeland Security Secretary has the authority to grant TPS in 18-month increments. Trump announced his decision on social media, alleging that Minnesota is ‘a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity’ and accusing Somali gangs of terrorizing the state. He vowed to send them back to their country of origin, stating, ‘It’s OVER!’ This announcement aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to deport millions of people and his administration’s broader agenda to implement stringent immigration policies. Previously, the Trump administration had revoked TPS for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans and Haitians, and sought to limit protections for migrants from Cuba, Syria, and other nations.