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2024-07-17 03:37:57

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#note1ysm…kjpr

2024-07-17 03:37:46

Americans view China’s economic impact negatively, survey finds
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A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that Americans have a negative view of China's economic impact. The survey shows that while most people recognize China's economic influence in their country, they are divided on whether that influence is good. Compared to other countries, more people in the U.S. view China's economic influence negatively. The survey findings indicate a general sentiment of skepticism and concern towards China's economic activities in the U.S.
#China #EconomicImpact #Survey #PewResearchCenter
https://www.voanews.com/a/americans-view-china-s-economic-impact-negatively-survey-finds/7701344.html

2024-07-16 18:00:39

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#note1tx2…eu5l

2024-07-16 18:00:28

US sees 'incremental progress' in Ethiopia's reconciliation efforts
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The United States is encouraged by "incremental progress" on peace and reconciliation efforts in Ethiopia, 20 months after a cease-fire was implemented in the northern Tigray region. Mike Hammer, U.S. special envoy for the Horn of Africa, stated that internally displaced people have started to return to their homes, and human rights abuses in Tigray have "dramatically decreased." However, conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions continue, and the U.S. is prepared to support efforts to bring peace through dialogue. The U.S. special envoy visited Ethiopia to attend the African Union's second meeting to review the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. The U.S. is committed to supporting Ethiopia's transitional justice process to ensure accountability for war crimes. The U.S. special envoy also discussed regional issues in Djibouti and expressed concern over the situation in Sudan, calling for a resumption of peace talks.
#Ethiopia #Reconciliation #Peace #Tigray #Conflict #HumanRights #DisplacedPeople #Amhara #Oromia #Dialogue #WarCrimes #Accountability #Sudan #PeaceTalks
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-sees-incremental-progress-in-ethiopia-s-reconciliation-efforts-/7700514.html

2024-07-16 18:00:03

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#note14u7…gqfd

2024-07-16 17:59:52

IMF should work with Kenya to account for public funds, says rights group
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Advocacy group Human Rights Watch called for greater accountability of public funds in Kenya, urging the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to work with the Kenyan government to ensure that corruption doesn't divert funds meant to improve the lives of ordinary people. Kenyans have been protesting for four consecutive weeks against the high cost of living, corruption, and misuse of the country's finances. The protests have evolved into a demand for the end of President William Ruto's government. Kenya's debt pressures led the IMF to approve $941 million in January, bringing the total amount loaned to the country to $3.9 billion. Kenyans have raised concerns about heavy borrowing, arguing that it has not improved their lives while they are burdened with increased taxes to repay the loans. Human Rights Watch also called for the Kenyan government to be accountable to the IMF and other foreign loan providers, as well as for the revenue it collects within the country. Activists have demanded transparency regarding the country's total current debt, including the amount owed to China. The Kenyan government has formed a task force to audit the country's debt and report back by the end of September. The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has highlighted Kenya's issues with illicit financial flows, tax avoidance, and corruption involving top government officials. Human Rights Watch argues that aligning economic policies with human rights on all levels could help solve many countries' problems.
#Imf #Kenya #PublicFunds #HumanRights #Protests #Corruption
https://www.voanews.com/a/imf-should-work-with-kenya-to-account-for-public-funds-says-rights-advocate/7700485.html

2024-07-12 21:11:28

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#note1xaa…80rk

2024-07-12 21:11:17

China hosts meeting amid concerns over weak consumption, overcapacity
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China is hosting its Third Plenum to discuss economic and political policy measures for the next 5-10 years. Concerns are growing about the impact of China's economy on global trade, with accusations of flooding foreign markets with cheap goods. The meeting comes as China is facing challenges such as a property market crisis, rising unemployment, and weak consumer spending. The US and the EU have already responded with new tariff actions on various goods. Analysts believe that Beijing is unlikely to change its export-heavy approach to economic growth and is more focused on technological breakthroughs. China has launched initiatives to boost consumer spending, but they have been relatively unsuccessful. China's high savings rate and saving culture contribute to low levels of household consumption. Analysts expect China to continue developing technology and relying on exports for economic growth. The US Treasury Department's Undersecretary of International Affairs hopes that China will address the concerns of its major trading partners and work with them to find solutions.
#China #ThirdPlenum #GlobalTrade #Consumption #Overcapacity #Tariffs #EconomicGrowth #TechnologicalBreakthroughs #SavingsRate #SavingCulture
https://www.voanews.com/a/china-hosts-top-level-meeting-amid-concerns-over-weak-consumption-overcapacity/7695919.html

2024-07-11 14:07:40

US consumer inflation eases to 3.0% in June
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US consumer inflation in June eased to 3.0%, according to government data. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.0% from a year ago, with a fall in gas prices offsetting housing costs. The core CPI index, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, saw the smallest annual rise since April 2021 at 3.3%. The Federal Reserve has been working to rein in inflation, which reached 9.1% in mid-2022, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that inflation has shown 'modest' progress. The latest CPI report suggests that inflation is coming down to the Fed's two-percent target, potentially allowing for interest rate cuts.
#UsConsumerInflation #Cpi #FederalReserve #InterestRates
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-consumer-inflation-eases-to-3-0-in-june/7693859.html

2024-07-09 23:12:00

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#note1zg9…qn22

2024-07-09 23:11:49

US voters prioritize economy in 2024 election
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US voters are prioritizing the health of their wallets and pocketbooks with less than four months to go before Election Day. A CNN poll showed that 36% of respondents said the economy is the most important issue in deciding how to vote. In a June survey, 54% of registered voters believed Trump would best handle the economy, not President Joe Biden. Concerns were raised after Biden's faltering debate performance last month, with some Democratic lawmakers divided on his campaign viability. Biden has vowed to stay in the race, urging Democratic lawmakers to quickly get behind his campaign.
#UsElection #Economy #Biden #Trump
https://www.voanews.com/z/4720

2024-07-03 17:49:10

American journalist Gershkovich arbitrarily detained by Russia, UN group says
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American journalist Evan Gershkovich has been arbitrarily detained by Russia for over a year on false espionage charges, according to the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Gershkovich, a correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, has been jailed since March 2023 and is currently on trial in Yekaterinburg. The trial is widely believed to be a sham. The U.S. State Department and Gershkovich's employer have declared his detention wrongful. Another American journalist, Alsu Kurmasheva, is also currently jailed in Russia on charges of failing to self-register as a 'foreign agent' and spreading false information about the Russian military. The State Department is considering declaring Kurmasheva wrongfully detained. The U.N. working group also determined that Guatemalan journalist Jose Ruben Zamora is arbitrarily detained by his country's government.
#AmericanJournalist #EvanGershkovich #Russia #UnGroup #ArbitraryDetention #EspionageCharges #Trial #WrongfulDetention #AlsuKurmasheva #ForeignAgent #JoseRubenZamora #Guatemala
https://www.voanews.com/a/american-journalist-gershkovich-arbitrarily-detained-by-russia-un-group-says/7683884.html

2024-07-01 12:16:04

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#note1p3v…s3w8

2024-07-01 12:15:52

Economic turmoil in Bolivia fuels distrust in government and its claim of a 'failed coup'
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Economic turmoil in Bolivia, fueled by a shortage of U.S. dollars, has led to a deep distrust in President Luis Arce's government. Many Bolivians have lost trust in Arce, who denies the country is in an economic crisis. The distrust came to a head with a spectacle the government called a 'failed coup d'etat' and opponents called a staged 'self-coup.' The economic crisis is rooted in a dependence on the dollar, draining international reserves, mounting debt, and failures to produce products like gas. The shortage of dollars has led to a black market and gouged prices, causing people to stop buying essential goods and pushing working-class people deeper into poverty. The ongoing feud between Arce and former President Evo Morales has further exacerbated the situation. The discontent has fueled protests and strikes, and there is a growing desire for an outsider to gain traction in the upcoming elections. The economic crisis has caused uncertainty and a lack of future prospects for many Bolivians.
#Bolivia #EconomicTurmoil #Government #FailedCoup #Distrust #ShortageOfDollars #BlackMarket #Protests #Strikes #Elections
https://www.voanews.com/a/economic-turmoil-in-bolivia-fuels-distrust-in-government-and-its-claim-of-a-failed-coup-/7679029.html

2024-06-29 07:57:24

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#note1ksf…7g76

2024-06-29 07:57:12

China looks to roll out economic reforms at key party conclave
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China's Third Plenum, scheduled for July 15-18, will likely reveal details of China's attempts to boost and reform its troubled economy. China is struggling to raise economic growth back to pre-pandemic levels, with a 10.1% decline in property sales in the first five months of 2024 and weak household consumption. The delay in holding the key party conclave suggests a lack of consensus over how to address the economic challenges. Experts predict that instead of big structural reforms, Chinese authorities will focus on boosting consumer and business confidence and rolling out fiscal reforms. China is also facing economic pressure from foreign countries, with the US and EU imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of science and technology innovation and likely suggests increased funding for research and development and policies to foster an innovation ecosystem. Xi's top priorities will be to strengthen his position in the Chinese Communist Party and enhance his leadership of the country.
#China #EconomicReforms #ThirdPlenum #PropertySector #ConsumerConfidence #FiscalReform #ForeignPressure #ScienceAndTechnologyInnovation #ChineseCommunistParty #Leadership
https://www.voanews.com/a/china-looks-to-roll-out-economic-reforms-at-key-party-conclave-/7677783.html

2024-06-26 23:18:10

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#note1yqp…twlr

2024-06-26 23:17:59

Ukraine sets out on long path to EU membership
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Ukraine has officially opened EU accession talks and is committed to meeting the bloc's standards. The country has already made significant progress under an association agreement with the EU, including securing a visa-free regime. Ukraine was approved as a candidate for EU membership in June 2022. The process of negotiations can take years or even decades, but Ukrainian officials are determined to work diligently. The country must align its laws and standards with those of the EU in 35 policy areas. The negotiations will require consolidated efforts from all sectors of society and political factions. Ukraine is ready to proceed with negotiations and reunite with its European family. The path to EU membership for Ukraine is compared to that of Poland, which completed its negotiations in five years. The EU must be enlarged for its survival and Ukraine's membership will be a key component of the peacebuilding process in Europe.
#Ukraine #EuMembership #AccessionTalks #AssociationAgreement #VisafreeRegime #Negotiations #Standards #PolicyAreas #ConsolidatedEfforts #Poland #Peacebuilding
https://www.voanews.com/a/ukraine-sets-out-on-long-path-to-eu-membership/7675241.html

2024-06-26 08:46:50

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#note14tq…enl4

2024-06-26 08:46:38

Several shot, protesters storm Kenya’s parliament after lawmakers approve tax hikes
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Several people were shot outside Kenya's parliament as police clashed with protesters who stormed the complex after lawmakers passed highly controversial tax increases; At least five people were killed in the clashes; Fires broke out in the parliament buildings after protesters made it past police barricades; The protests were against the 2024 Finance Bill, which was approved on a 195 to 106 vote; The tax bill included increases on bread, car ownership, and financial transactions; The protests have been led largely by young people but have received support from civil society organizations, farmers, manufacturers, the private sector, and religious leaders; The Finance Bill still needs President William Ruto’s signature to become law.
#Kenya #Protests #TaxHikes #Parliament #Clashes
https://www.voanews.com/a/several-shot-protesters-storm-kenya-s-parliament-after-lawmakers-approve-tax-hikes/7674258.html

2024-06-24 00:10:54

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#note1nj8…tz7n

2024-06-24 00:10:43

Russia's North Korea defense deal may create friction with China, US top general says
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Russia's President Vladimir Putin's mutual defense agreement with North Korea has the potential to create friction with China, according to Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The pact, signed on June 19, could undercut Beijing's leverage over North Korea and negatively impact China's global economic and strategic ambitions. U.S. officials believe North Korea is keen to acquire advanced military technologies from Russia. The treaty commits both sides to provide immediate military assistance in the event of armed aggression. However, Brown noted limitations to the accord and doubts that Russia would give North Korea everything it wants.
#Russia #NorthKorea #China #DefenseDeal #Friction #MutualDefenseAgreement #China'sLeverage #GlobalEconomicAmbitions #StrategicAmbitions #AdvancedMilitaryTechnologies #Treaty #ArmedAggression
https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-north-korea-defense-deal-may-create-friction-with-china-us-top-general-says/7667203.html

2024-06-19 11:36:34

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#note1z05…qqk8

2024-06-19 11:36:22

UN human rights office: Israeli airstrikes in Gaza may have violated ‘laws of war’
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The United Nations human rights office says Israeli airstrikes on Gaza “may have repeatedly violated fundamental principles of the laws of war.” A report released Wednesday examined six airstrikes conducted by the Israeli Defense Forces between October and December of last year during the opening weeks of the war in Gaza. More than 200 people were confirmed by the human rights office to have been killed in the airstrikes, whose targets included residential buildings, a school, a market and refugee camps. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said it appeared Israel made no attempt to “effectively distinguish” between Palestinian civilians and Hamas fighters in its bombing campaign of Gaza. The report said the six attacks involved the suspected use of heavy bombs between 113-kilograms and 907-kilograms. The report also says continued missile attacks towards Israel by Palestinian armed groups is “inconsistent with their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
#Un #HumanRights #IsraeliAirstrikes #Gaza #LawsOfWar
https://www.voanews.com/a/un-human-rights-office-israeli-airstrikes-in-gaza-may-have-violated-laws-of-war-/7661768.html

2024-06-19 03:13:30

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#note1p6n…japk

2024-06-19 03:13:19

Biden extends protections to undocumented spouses of citizens
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President Joe Biden announced a move to offer protections to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens on the 12-year anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The new move could affect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, plus 50,000 noncitizen children who have a parent married to a U.S. citizen. To be eligible, a person must have lived in the U.S. for 10-plus years and be legally married to a citizen. The eligibility is retroactive, only those married before June 17, 2024, qualify. Those who meet the criteria and have their application approved by the Department of Homeland Security have three years to apply for permanent residency. The announcement also includes a plan to accelerate the process of obtaining work visas for certain DACA recipients with a U.S. degree and an employment offer. The move has received mixed reactions from politicians, with Democratic congresswoman Sylvia Garcia applauding the move and Republican senator Ted Cruz criticizing it as amnesty for illegal aliens. Immigration advocates argue that those who benefit from this policy contribute about $13 billion in spending power to the U.S. economy each year and could increase that amount by $5 billion each year if they become U.S. citizens. The policy is seen as a way to unleash the economic potential of undocumented immigrants who have been contributing to the country for years.
#JoeBiden #UndocumentedImmigrants #SpousesOfUsCitizens #DeferredActionForChildhoodArrivals #PermanentResidency #WorkVisas #DacaRecipients #ImmigrationPolicy #EconomicImpact
https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-extends-protections-to-undocumented-spouses-of-citizens/7660323.html

2024-06-15 15:46:42

Zelenskyy eyes 'history being made' at Ukraine peace conference
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy predicts 'history being made' at the Swiss-hosted conference on peace in Ukraine, despite Russia's absence. Over 50 heads of state and government, including the presidents of Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Somalia, are attending the conference. China and many other countries are not participating. The agenda includes nuclear safety, humanitarian assistance, exchange of prisoners of war, and global food security. Zelenskyy's 10-point peace formula, which includes the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied Ukrainian territory, is unlikely to be achieved. The conference aims to underline Russia's violation of international law and restore Ukraine's territorial integrity.
#Ukraine #PeaceConference #VolodymyrZelenskyy #Russia #Switzerland
https://www.voanews.com/a/zelenskyy-eyes-history-being-made-at-ukraine-peace-conference/7657295.html

2024-06-15 01:56:12

G7 leaders discuss economic threats from Chinese, AI ethics
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On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden wrapped up meetings in Italy with leaders of the Group of Seven democracies. The leaders focused on threats they say China poses to the global economy and artificial intelligence ethics championed by Pope Francis.
#G7 #China #AiEthics #GlobalEconomy
https://www.voanews.com/a/g7-leaders-discuss-economic-threats-from-chinese-ai-ethics/7657029.html

2024-06-13 23:06:59

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#note1lsx…ftj8

2024-06-13 23:06:48

Experts: Thailand’s bid to join BRICS is mostly symbolic
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Thailand wishes to become the first Southeast Asian member of BRICS, a geopolitical group of developing countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Experts suggest that the membership may provide Thailand with mostly symbolic rather than concrete benefits. Thailand expects the membership to enhance its participation in international economic policy and to "create a new world order." Joining BRICS would support China and Russia's strategic goals in the region. However, analysts say geopolitical tensions and differences among member countries test the bloc's effectiveness. Thailand is already a member of APEC, IPEF, and RCEP. BRICS may not bring any concrete economic results for Thailand or ASEAN beyond political symbolism. Thailand's current application only starts the conversation, and it will become clearer during the October summit how Thailand might benefit from membership in BRICS. A Thai entry into BRICS would be unlikely to prompt others in the region to follow quickly.
#Thailand #Brics #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #EconomicPolicy
https://www.voanews.com/a/experts-thailand-s-bid-to-join-brics-is-mostly-symbolic-/7655219.html

2024-06-13 19:07:02

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#note1x3r…ktpx

2024-06-13 19:06:51

Google AI Gemini parrots China’s propaganda
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Google's artificial intelligence assistant, Gemini, has been criticized for parroting China's propaganda. When asked about China's human rights abuses in Xinjiang or street protests against the country's COVID policies, Gemini remained silent. However, it echoed Beijing's official positions on topics such as Xi Jinping's leadership and China's claim to sovereignty over Taiwan. Experts suggest that the training data used for Gemini may have been influenced by Chinese government propaganda. Congressional lawmakers are concerned about Gemini's pro-Beijing responses and are calling for more transparency from Google and other Western companies regarding their AI training data.
#Google #Ai #Gemini #China #Propaganda #HumanRights #Xinjiang #Covid #Taiwan
https://www.voanews.com/a/google-ai-gemini-parrots-china-s-propaganda/7654874.html

2024-06-13 01:40:31

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#note1xwn…paa9

2024-06-13 01:40:20

Afghan girls endure 1,000 days without school under Taliban rule
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The Taliban's ban on educating girls over the age of 12 in Afghanistan has reached 1,000 days. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has denounced the ban, stating that 1,000 days out-of-school amounts to 3 billion learning hours lost. UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell has called on the Taliban government to allow all children to resume learning immediately. The Taliban have also banned women from attending school beyond the sixth grade and from public places such as parks, beauty parlors, and gyms. Human Rights Watch has expressed concern about the potential loss of talent and dreams due to the ban. The U.N. special rapporteur on Afghan human rights has called for the Taliban to be held accountable for their crimes against women and girls. The Taliban reject criticism of their government and policies, stating that they are aligned with local culture and Islam. The impoverished country of Afghanistan is in need of relief assistance, with more than half of the population, including 9.2 million children, requiring assistance. UNICEF executive director Russell emphasized that education not only provides opportunities but also protects girls from early marriage, malnutrition, and other health problems.
#Afghanistan #Taliban #Girls'Education #Unicef #HumanRights #Women'sRights
https://www.voanews.com/a/afghan-girls-endure-1-000-days-without-school-under-taliban-rule/7653958.html

2024-06-12 15:26:25

US inflation cooled in May in sign that price pressures may be easing
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Inflation in the United States eased in May for a second straight month, with consumer prices excluding volatile food and energy costs rising 0.2% from April to May, the smallest increase since October. Core prices rose 3.4% from a year earlier, below last month's 3.6% increase. Overall inflation also slowed, with consumer prices unchanged from April to May. The Federal Reserve may be closer to cutting its benchmark interest rate from its 23-year peak if the trend continues. The Fed has kept its key rate unchanged for nearly a year after rapidly raising it in 2022 and 2023 to fight inflation. Persistently elevated inflation poses a challenge for the Fed, which raises interest rates to slow borrowing and spending. However, if rates are cut too soon, it risks reigniting inflation. Several Fed officials have said they need to see several consecutive months of lower inflation before considering rate cuts.
#UsInflation #PricePressures #FederalReserve #InterestRates
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-inflation-cooled-in-may-in-sign-that-price-pressures-may-be-easing-/7652925.html

2024-06-12 00:55:45

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#note18hr…nd2c

2024-06-12 00:55:33

Two US men jailed for conspiracy to sell Iranian oil to China
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Two men, Zhenyu Wang and Daniel Ray Lane, have been sentenced to 45 months in prison for conspiracy to sell Iranian oil to China. They were convicted by a U.S. jury in November for violating sanctions imposed by Washington and for conspiracy to commit money laundering. The scheme involved facilitating the purchase of sanctioned oil from Iran, masking its origins, and selling it to a refinery in China. Lane, the president of Stack Royalties, a Texas-based company, was approached by undercover government agents who offered him millions of dollars in profits to participate in the scheme. Two co-conspirators have pleaded guilty in the case. China remains the world's major importer of Iranian oil despite U.S. sanctions imposed in 2018.
#UsMen #IranianOil #China #Sanctions #Conspiracy #MoneyLaundering
https://www.voanews.com/a/two-us-men-jailed-for-conspiracy-to-sell-iranian-oil-to-china-/7652109.html

2024-06-06 00:06:57

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#note13yp…fh92

2024-06-06 00:06:45

Biden congratulates India's Modi as US looks forward to more Indo-Pacific cooperation
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U.S. President Joe Biden congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his election victory. The United States and India have deepened ties in recent years due to shared concerns about China's growing power. The U.S. State Department said it looks forward to further partnership with India to promote prosperity, address the climate crisis, and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region. However, the U.S. has concerns about human rights and will continue to raise them with India. Washington hopes India will act as a counterweight to China. Ties have been tested by the discovery of assassination plots against Sikh nationalists in Canada and the U.S. Reuters is a news agency founded in 1851 and owned by Thomson Reuters Corporation.
#Biden #Modi #UsindiaRelations #IndopacificCooperation #China #HumanRights
https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-congratulates-india-modi-as-us-looks-forward-to-more-indo-pacific-cooperation/7644504.html

2024-06-01 06:00:15

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#note15f6…kts7

2024-06-01 06:00:04

Modi touts India's roaring economy as he seeks reelection, but many feel left behind
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Narendra Modi, seeking a third term as prime minister, has made strides in transforming India's economy, with economic growth at 7% and the country's stock markets booming. However, there are concerns about high unemployment, persistent poverty, and the limited benefits of economic growth reaching the majority of India's population. While Modi's administration has implemented welfare programs and cash transfers to alleviate economic distress, critics argue that these measures are only temporary fixes and that investment in health and education is necessary to reduce inequality and provide a better future for the population. The opposition party, led by the Congress party, is focusing on the jobs crisis to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's chances of securing a majority. The liberalization of India's economy in the 1990s has contributed to remarkable growth and poverty reduction, but has also widened the wealth gap. Modi defends the growing inequality, stating that wealth distribution is a gradual process and asking if everyone should be poor. Both the BJP and the Congress party have promised to create more employment through various sectors, but experts highlight the challenge of solving the long-standing issue of mass unemployment and underemployment in India.
#India #Economy #NarendraModi #Elections #Unemployment #Poverty #Inequality #WelfarePrograms #CashTransfers #CongressParty #BharatiyaJanataParty
https://www.voanews.com/a/modi-touts-india-s-roaring-economy-as-he-seeks-reelection-but-many-feel-left-behind/7638629.html

2024-05-29 23:23:58

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#note1a97…r2nd

2024-05-29 23:23:46

US Treasury promises to tighten sanctions on Russia
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U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday to meet with Ukrainian officials for talks about tightening sanctions on Russia and financial support for Ukraine. Washington has sanctioned more than 4,000 individuals and businesses since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine reported eight people killed in a series of Russian attacks across four regions. Ukraine's military said it shot down Russian drones that targeted areas of western, central, and southern Ukraine. The death toll from a Russian strike on a hardware store in Kharkiv has risen to 19. Sweden announced a $1.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine. The US Treasury plans to take further measures to put pressure on Russia's economy and reduce its revenue.
#UsTreasury #Sanctions #Russia #Ukraine #WallyAdeyemo
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-treasury-promises-to-tighten-sanctions-on-russia/7634156.html

2024-05-25 23:17:29

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#note1lfx…pduf

2024-05-25 23:17:18

G7 officials make progress on money for Ukraine from frozen Russian assets
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Finance officials from the Group of Seven (G7) rich democracies have made progress on a U.S. proposal to squeeze more money for Ukraine from Russian assets frozen in their countries. The G7 ministers are working on potential avenues to bring forward the profits from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to benefit Ukraine. The final decision on how the assets will be used will be made by the G7 national leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, at their annual summit in June. European countries have a strong voice in the matter since most of the $260 billion in Russian central bank assets frozen after the 2022 invasion are held in their jurisdictions. European officials have concerns about outright confiscation of the money and plan to use the interest accumulating on the assets, which amounts to about $3 billion a year. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is pushing for borrowing against the future interest income from the frozen assets, which could provide Ukraine with as much as $50 billion immediately. However, European members have concerns about legal complexities and potential retaliation from Russia. The ministers also discussed China's production of green energy technology and its impact on the global economy. The G7 is an informal forum consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
#G7 #Ukraine #Russia #FrozenAssets #InternationalRelations
https://www.voanews.com/a/g7-officials-make-progress-on-money-for-ukraine-from-frozen-russian-assets-/7626650.html

2024-05-21 17:54:30

Biden releasing 1 million barrels of gasoline from Northeast reserve in bid to lower prices at pump
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The Biden administration is releasing 1 million barrels of gasoline from a Northeast reserve established after Superstorm Sandy to lower prices at the pump. The sale will be allocated in increments of 100,000 barrels at a time, creating a competitive bidding process. Gas prices average about $3.60 per gallon nationwide. The release of gas from the Northeast reserve builds on previous actions by President Joe Biden to lower gas and energy costs. Biden significantly drained the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The move is intended to help lower costs for American families and consumers.
#BidenAdministration #GasolineRelease #NortheastReserve #GasPrices #CompetitiveBiddingProcess #StrategicPetroleumReserve
https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-releasing-1-million-barrels-of-gasoline-from-northeast-reserve-in-bid-to-lower-prices-at-pump/7621242.html

2024-05-18 13:58:58

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#note1czp…gega

2024-05-18 13:58:47

US ambassador to Japan visits southern islands, focus of China tension
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US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel visited Yonaguni, Japan's westernmost island just east of Taiwan, and Ishigaki, home to Japan Coast Guard patrol boats defending the disputed East China Sea islands. Emanuel emphasized the importance of increased deterrence and U.S. commitment to Japan as tensions with China rise. Japan has been shifting its defense posture southwest and accelerating its military buildup. Emanuel's visit aimed to show U.S. support for the local fishing community affected by China's assertive actions. He highlighted the need for robust deterrence to ensure peace, security, and economic prosperity. The ambassador's trip was welcomed by Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, but some residents expressed concerns about being affected in a possible U.S.-China conflict. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki supports the Japan-U.S. security alliance but calls for a reduction in the number of American troops on the island.
#UsAmbassador #Japan #SouthernIslands #ChinaTension #Yonaguni #Ishigaki #DefensePosture #Deterrence #FishingCommunity #SecurityAlliance #AmericanTroops
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-ambassador-to-japan-visits-southern-islands-focus-of-china-tension/7617393.html

2024-05-15 12:28:00

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#note1zwm…q8uk

2024-05-15 12:27:49

YouTube agrees to remove videos of banned Hong Kong protest song
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YouTube has agreed to block access in Hong Kong to videos of performances of the banned protest song 'Glory to Hong Kong.' The Hong Kong Court of Appeal ruled that the song is illegal to sing or play in the city, stating that the song's composer intended for it to be used as a 'weapon.' The ban covers anyone who promotes Hong Kong's independence or misrepresents the song as the city's official anthem. YouTube will block access to 32 videos of the song in Hong Kong. The ban is the latest action taken by the government to silence dissenting voices since the implementation of the sweeping security law in 2020. The law has led to the arrest and imprisonment of pro-democracy advocates and stifled civil society in Hong Kong.
#Youtube #HongKong #ProtestSong #Banned #CourtOfAppeal #FreeSpeech #SecurityLaw #Dissent #Censorship
https://www.voanews.com/a/youtube-agrees-to-remove-videos-of-banned-hong-kong-protest-song/7612904.html

2024-05-15 02:06:51

Defiance, grief after detained Thai royal reform protester dies on hunger strike
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Netiporn Sanesangkhom, a 28-year-old democracy activist, died from heart failure after a two-month hunger strike while in pretrial detention for allegedly defaming Thailand's monarchy. She was a prominent youth leader of pro-democracy group Thaluwang and was detained in January on charges of royal defamation. Sanesangkhom spent nearly four months in detention awaiting trial, entering a hunger strike for the last two months. Her death has sparked candlelit memorials and expressions of condolences from Western envoys and human rights advocates. The royal defamation law, which carries up to 15 years in jail for each conviction, has been used against 270 pro-democracy activists. The reform of this law has become a dividing line between young Thais and older conservatives. The ruling coalition, led by the Pheu Thai party, has vowed not to touch the law, while the progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) has campaigned for its reform. MFP faces a court ruling that may see it dissolved. The issue is likely to be awkward for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's government as it seeks to drive through economic plans and distance itself from political troubles.
#Thailand #Protests #RoyalReform #HungerStrike #Democracy #Activist
https://www.voanews.com/a/defiance-grief-after-detained-thai-royal-reform-protester-dies-on-hunger-strike/7611628.html

2024-05-12 05:25:14

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#note1ulp…sxpr

2024-05-12 05:25:03

One-of-a-kind Black American quilting tradition collides with retailer Target
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Gee's Bend quilts, a unique Black American quilting tradition, have become popularized and collides with corporate America through a limited-edition collection launched by Target. The collection, inspired by the quilts' designs, sold out in many stores. However, the five Gee's Bend quilters who contributed to the collection received a flat rate for their work instead of pay proportionate to Target's sales. This one-off partnership with Target benefits only a small number of people and raises questions about meaningful change for the marginalized community as a whole. The commodification of Gee's Bend quilts has a history of problematic financial arrangements, disrupting the Quilting Bee's price-sharing structure. The Target collection was mass-produced from new fabrics in factories overseas, contrasting with the community's quilting practice of repurposing fabric. While the collection brings visibility, it hasn't necessarily translated into economic gains for the Gee's Bend community, which still faces economic challenges and needs revitalization. The collaboration with Target is seen as a way to make the designs accessible to a wider audience, but it also raises the challenge of preserving authenticity while reaching a broader market.
#Quilting #BlackAmerican #Gee'sBend #Target #LimitededitionCollection #CorporateAmerica #Commodification #FinancialArrangements #EconomicRevitalization
https://www.voanews.com/a/7607771.html

2024-05-10 22:17:30

Online abuse silences women in Ethiopia, study finds
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A recent study conducted by the Center for Information Resilience (CIR) reveals that women in Ethiopia face gender-targeted online abuse and hate speech across Facebook, Telegram, and X. The study found over 2,000 inflammatory keywords in three Ethiopian languages and English, making it the most comprehensive inflammatory word lexicon in Ethiopia. Facebook was cited as the worst platform for abuse. Over 78% of the women interviewed reported feelings of fear or anxiety after experiencing online abuse. The report's authors state that online abuse has become so normalized in Ethiopia that it is invisible. Women also face compounded attacks based on their ethnicity and religion. Organizations like Setaset Power and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center are working to address the issue and call for more government initiatives in education and policymaking to protect women from online abuse.
#OnlineAbuse #HateSpeech #Ethiopia #GendertargetedAttacks #SocialMedia #Facebook #Telegram #X #InflammatoryKeywords #Normalized #Ethnicity #Religion #HumanRights #Advocacy #GovernmentInitiatives
https://www.voanews.com/a/online-abuse-silences-women-in-ethiopia-study-finds/7606615.html

2024-05-10 16:01:45

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#note18vs…sl7m

2024-05-10 16:01:34

Economy is top issue for US voters
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The U.S. economy is one of the biggest issues for voters in the 2024 presidential contest between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Biden campaigned this week on new tech investments. Trump says he will roll back Biden infrastructure spending and increase oil drilling.
#UsEconomy #UsVoters #PresidentialContest #JoeBiden #DonaldTrump #TechInvestments #InfrastructureSpending #OilDrilling
https://www.voanews.com/a/economy-is-top-issue-for-us-voters/7606028.html

2024-05-07 20:41:30

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#note1azs…63py

2024-05-07 20:41:18

US-Iran sanctions swap deemed symbolic, ineffective by some analysts
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Iran sanctioned five U.S. companies and seven individuals in retaliation against U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian cybersecurity and drone industries. The U.S. accuses Iran of supporting terrorist groups in the region. Sanctions from Iran have little to no weight compared to the U.S. due to the global influence of the U.S. dollar. While sanctions have harmed Iran's economy, their effectiveness in achieving U.S. strategic objectives is debated. Some analysts argue that sanctions imposed on Iran have largely failed to achieve their goals. The U.S. has imposed numerous sanctions on Iran since 1979, targeting Iran's Supreme Leader and public sectors. The Biden administration has stated that Iran must come into compliance with the sanctions regime before considering lifting sanctions. Some U.S. officials believe that further tightening sanctions would yield desired outcomes. U.S. sanctions on Iran's oil exports affect global energy markets and inadvertently benefit China. Iran's oil revenue remains crucial for its economy. Despite the mixed results of sanctions, some U.S. officials maintain that tightening them further would be effective. The article does not provide specific names, numbers, dates, or the timing of events.
#UsiranRelations #Sanctions #Terrorism #MiddleEast #IranNuclearProgram
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-iran-sanctions-swap-deemed-symbolic-ineffective-by-some-analysts/7601779.html

2024-05-04 23:53:53

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#note1e6q…pnfv

2024-05-04 23:53:42

Japan, India reject Biden's comments describing countries as 'xenophobic'
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Japan and India have rejected comments made by U.S. President Joe Biden during a campaign fundraising event, where he described them as 'xenophobic' countries that do not welcome immigrants. Japan stated that Biden's judgment was not based on an accurate understanding of its policy, while India defended itself as the world's most open society. Biden grouped Japan and India with Russia and China as struggling economies, contrasting them with the strength of the U.S. as a nation of immigrants. Both Japan and India are key allies of the U.S. and part of the Quad, a U.S.-led informal partnership to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. The White House clarified that Biden meant no offense and was emphasizing the presence of immigrants as America's strength. Japan has recently eased its immigration policies to mitigate its declining birth rate and shrinking population. India enacted a new citizenship law that fast-tracks naturalization for certain religious groups while excluding Muslims.
#Japan #India #JoeBiden #Xenophobic #Immigration #Quad #China #Russia
https://www.voanews.com/a/japan-india-reject-biden-s-comments-describing-countries-as-xenophobic-/7598177.html

2024-05-03 03:09:04

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#note1u3g…rxh6

2024-05-03 03:08:53

UN human rights chief urges Georgia to withdraw 'foreign agents' bill
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The U.N. human rights chief, Volker Türk, has urged Georgia to withdraw a controversial draft 'foreign agents' bill that has sparked large protests in Tbilisi. The bill would target organizations that receive foreign funding, requiring them to register as foreign agents if they obtain more than 20% of their funding from abroad. The U.S. government and the European Union have also expressed concern about the bill, with the EU warning that it would threaten Georgia's efforts to join the bloc. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has said she will veto the law if it is formally adopted in the third reading. Critics have compared the bill to a similar law in Russia used to target and silence opposition voices.
#Georgia #ForeignAgentsBill #Protests #HumanRights #CivilSociety #Journalists #LawEnforcement #UsGovernment #EuropeanUnion #GeorgianDreamParty #PressFreedom
https://www.voanews.com/a/un-human-rights-chief-urges-georgia-to-withdraw-foreign-agents-bill/7596194.html

2024-05-03 01:29:30

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#note1j2l…arcu

2024-05-03 01:29:19

US journalist held in Russian prison for 400 days
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American journalist Evan Gershkovich has been held in a Russian prison for 400 days after being accused of espionage. The charges have been denied by both The Wall Street Journal, the newspaper Gershkovich was working for, and the U.S. government. Gershkovich was arrested a day after publishing a report on Russia's illegal war in Ukraine. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated that the Biden administration will continue to work for Gershkovich's release. Mariana Katzarova, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Russia, expressed concern about Gershkovich's prolonged detention without trial or evidence. Another journalist, Alsu Kurmasheva, who works for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was also arrested in Russia and remains jailed on charges of failing to self-register as a foreign agent and spreading false information about the Russian military. The high conviction rates in Russian courts raise concerns about the fairness and independence of the judiciary. The Biden administration has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to release both journalists.
#Journalist #Russia #Prison #Espionage #Ukraine #Detention
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-journalist-held-in-russian-prison-for-400-days-/7596124.html

2024-05-01 18:18:20

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#note1q9a…6dnr

2024-05-01 18:18:09

Negative views of China persist in US, report finds
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For the fifth year in a row, about eight out of 10 Americans have unfavorable views of China, with many saying limiting Beijing’s power is a top priority, according to a public opinion survey released by the Washington-based Pew Research Center. 81% of Americans have an unfavorable view of China, including 43% who hold a very unfavorable view of the country. Republicans are far more likely to hold negative views of China than Democrats are. Conservative Republicans are more likely than moderate or liberal Republicans to hold negative views of China and view Beijing as an enemy. Older people are also more likely to be wary of China, with Americans over the age of 65 tending to hold more unfavorable views of Beijing. More than 80% of Americans think China has at least a fair amount of influence on U.S. economic conditions, and of those, 79% think that influence is negative. About six out of 10 Americans, or 61%, say they are at least somewhat concerned about territorial disputes between China and its neighbors.
#China #PublicOpinion #Survey #Republicans #Democrats #EconomicInfluence #TerritorialDisputes
https://www.voanews.com/a/negative-views-of-china-persist-report-finds/7593827.html

2024-04-27 04:32:31

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#note14a3…aqz5

2024-04-27 04:32:20

Bipartisan group of US senators warns Georgia over foreign agent law
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A bipartisan group of 14 U.S. senators has sent a letter to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressing concern over the government's decision to reintroduce and advance a "Russian-style foreign agents' law". The senators fear that the decision is undermining Georgia's European future and its relations with the U.S. They warned that if the legislation becomes law, they would be compelled to encourage a shift in U.S. policy toward Georgia. The law would require any organization in Georgia receiving more than 20% of its funding from foreign sources to register as an organization representing a foreign interest. Opposition and civil society groups argue that the proposed law is designed to silence freedom of speech and demonize organizations as foreign agents. The U.S. and the EU have been strong supporters of Georgia's democratic development for more than 30 years, and if the bill is approved, it would cast Georgia's strongest partners as malign actors and derail the country's path to Europe.
#Georgia #ForeignAgentLaw #UsSenators #UsgeorgiaRelations
https://www.voanews.com/a/bipartisan-group-of-us-senators-warns-georgia-over-foreign-agent-law-/7587352.html

2024-04-23 07:20:13

Ukraine reports downing Russian drones as White House pledges quick aid delivery
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Ukraine's military reported destroying 15 of 16 Russian drones in the latest wave of aerial attacks. The attack also included two ballistic missiles. Ukrainian air defenses shot down the Russian drones over the Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions. The drone attack damaged several residential buildings and injured at least nine people. Falling drone debris injured one person and damaged a trade pavilion. Russia's defense ministry said its air defenses destroyed four Ukrainian missiles over the Belgorod region. The White House pledged to provide significant new security assistance packages to Ukraine's urgent battlefield and air defense needs. The aid package will include strengthening Ukraine's air defense, long-range, and artillery capabilities. Experts and lawmakers believe the assistance will change the military outlook for Ukraine. However, uncertainties remain as to whether Ukraine can keep its defenses strong beyond 2024. CIA Director William Burns stated that with military assistance, Ukraine is entirely capable of holding its own through 2024. Ukraine needs to use 2024 to rebuild its force for the long war. The boost from military assistance will puncture Putin's arrogant view that time is on his side. The aid may take weeks to reach troops. The article does not mention any specific dates or timing of events.
#Ukraine #Russia #Drones #AerialAttacks #SecurityAssistance #WhiteHouse #AidPackage
https://www.voanews.com/a/ukraine-reports-downing-russian-drones-as-white-house-pledges-quick-aid-delivery/7581131.html

2024-04-20 22:40:18

US ponders trade status upgrade for Vietnam despite some opposition
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U.S. officials are considering a request from Vietnam to be removed from a list of “nonmarket” economies, a step that would foster improved diplomatic relations with a potential ally in Asia but would anger some U.S. lawmakers and manufacturing firms. Vietnam has engaged a lobbying firm in Washington to help it win congressional support for a status upgrade. The U.S. is Vietnam's most important export market with two-way trade totaling more than $125 billion in 2023. Both Abuza and Hiebert believe that Vietnam is pushing hard to secure the upgrade before the November U.S. election that could bring Trump back into office. More than 30 U.S. lawmakers in January sent joint letters to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo urging the Biden administration not to grant market economy status to Vietnam. U.S. manufacturing groups have expressed opposition to Vietnam's request, arguing that Vietnam continues to operate as a nonmarket economy.
#Us #Vietnam #Trade #NonmarketEconomies #DiplomaticRelations #Lobbying #ManufacturingFirms
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-ponders-trade-status-upgrade-for-vietnam-despite-some-opposition/7578314.html

2024-04-20 02:40:31

US to withdraw its troops from Niger, source says
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The United States will withdraw its troops from Niger, according to a source familiar with the matter. An agreement was reached between U.S Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Niger's leadership. As of last year, there were a little more than 1,000 U.S. troops in Niger, operating out of two bases. The U.S. military used Air Base 201 near Agadez in central Niger, a drone base costing over $100 million, to target Islamic State militants and an al-Qaida affiliate. Last year, Niger's army seized power in a coup, leading to the new authorities in Niger ending military deals with the United States and France and fostering closer ties with Russia. The drawdown of troops will be discussed in the coming days. Despite the withdrawal, diplomatic and economic relationships between the U.S. and Niger will continue.
#UsTroops #Withdrawal #Niger #Agreement #Bases #IslamicState #Alqaida #Coup #Russia #DiplomaticRelationships #EconomicRelationships
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-to-withdraw-military-personnel-from-niger-source-says-/7577865.html

2024-04-14 23:04:24

As landmark United Methodist gathering approaches, African churches weigh their future
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The United Methodist Church is facing the possibility of a schism as its first major legislative gathering approaches. The church lost one-fourth of its U.S. churches in a recent schism over disputes on sexuality and theology. The question of whether the church can avert a similar outcome in other parts of the world, particularly in Africa, where most of its members live, is being debated. At the upcoming General Conference, delegates will discuss proposals ranging from repealing the ban on same-sex marriage and ordaining LGBTQ people to creating more autonomy for regional conferences and making it easier for international churches to leave the denomination. African churches are divided on the issue, with some favoring disaffiliation and others advocating for regional conferences to set their own rules. The United Methodist Church is the most international of the major U.S. Protestant denominations, with members from four continents participating in legislative gatherings and sharing the same rules. The church has experienced a significant loss of membership due to the schism, with more than 7,600 U.S. congregations departing. The General Conference will also consider approving a provision that would allow churches in other countries to disaffiliate under more favorable legal terms. The fate of proposals to repeal the bans on LGBTQ ordination and marriage and to regionalize the church is uncertain.
#UnitedMethodistChurch #Schism #AfricanChurches #GeneralConference #SamesexMarriage #LgbtqOrdination #RegionalConferences
https://www.voanews.com/a/as-landmark-united-methodist-gathering-approaches-african-churches-weigh-their-future/7569806.html

2024-04-11 22:54:56

Turkey-Israel disagreement over Gaza hits trade relations
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Turkey has announced new restrictions on exporting 54 product groups, including aluminum, steel, construction products, jet fuel, and chemical fertilizers, to Israel. This comes after Turkey's Foreign Minister accused Israel of preventing aid to Gaza and vowed to take measures against Israel until there was a cease-fire and a permanent flow of aid into the territory. Some experts believe that Turkey's export restrictions are a response to domestic politics, particularly the success of the Islamist New Welfare Party in recent local elections. Trade between Israel and Turkey has become increasingly unbalanced in Turkey's favor, with Turkey's exports to Israel worth $5.4 billion in 2023, while Israel's exports to Turkey were worth $1.6 billion the same year. The restrictions are expected to broadly affect Israel's construction sector, as Israel is highly dependent on imports from Turkey for materials such as cement and steel. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has threatened to prevent Turkey from exporting additional products in response. Some analysts believe that Turkey's actions may violate the World Trade Organization's agreements, but it is unlikely that the U.S. will take measures against Turkey due to other priorities. Thirty-eight U.S. states have laws prohibiting contracting or investing in entities that boycott Israel.
#Turkey #Israel #Gaza #TradeRelations #ExportRestrictions #DomesticPolitics #ConstructionSector #WorldTradeOrganization #UsCongress #BoycottLaws
https://www.voanews.com/a/turkey-israel-disagreement-over-gaza-hits-trade-relations/7566520.html

2024-04-11 14:39:35

‘Robust' US has helped improve global economic outlook, IMF chief says
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Strong growth in the United States has helped to lift the outlook for the world economy, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The US economy grew by 2.5 percent last year, outstripping most other advanced economies. Georgieva stated that robust household consumption, business investment, and an easing of supply chain problems contributed to the growth. She also mentioned rising geopolitical tension and the challenges of growing public debt and a broad-based slowdown in productivity. The IMF expects global growth to rise by 3.1 percent in 2024 and 3.2 percent in 2025. Georgieva called for steps to bring global inflation and public debt back down to sustainable levels and boost productivity.
#UsEconomy #GlobalEconomy #Imf #EconomicGrowth #Productivity #Inflation #PublicDebt #GeopoliticalTension
https://www.voanews.com/a/robust-us-has-helped-improve-global-economic-outlook-imf-chief-says-/7565802.html

2024-04-07 23:27:16

Ukraine denies Russian claim it struck Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
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Ukraine denies Russian claim that it struck the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is under Russian military control. The spokesperson for Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence stated that Ukraine is not involved in any armed provocations at the plant. Russia accused Ukraine of striking various sites at the plant, injuring three staff members. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was informed of the attack, and while nuclear safety was not compromised, the IAEA Director General warned that striking the plant could jeopardize nuclear safety. Both Ukraine and Russia have blamed each other for attacking the plant in the past. In a separate incident, three people were killed in Russian shelling in the Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for more air defense systems to protect against Russian airstrikes. Zelenskyy also expressed hopes for a world peace summit on the war in Ukraine, but Russia has stated that it must be invited to the negotiating table. Fighting around the front-line city of Chasiv Yar was described as difficult and tense, but Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks and the Russian troops are now in retreat. If Russian forces take the town of Chasiv Yar, they will be able to advance to other Ukrainian towns in the Donetsk region. The article includes information from Reuters, The Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse.
#Ukraine #Russia #ZaporizhzhiaNuclearPlant #Conflict #Iaea #NuclearSafety #VolodymyrZelenskyy #ChasivYar
https://www.voanews.com/a/ukraine-denies-russian-claim-it-struck-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant/7560428.html

2024-04-06 15:28:23

US, China discuss economic issues on Yellen’s China tour
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The United States and China have agreed to hold talks and create two economic groups focused on a wide range of issues. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has urged Chinese leaders to change their domestic manufacturing policies. The two sides are set to hold “intensive exchanges” on cultivating more balanced economic growth and combating money laundering. Yellen said the efforts would establish a structure for Beijing and Washington to exchange views and address Chinese industrial overcapacity. Yellen was en route to Beijing after beginning her five-day visit in the southern city of Guangzhou. Some analysts say the announcement reflects Yellen’s effort to push forward on collaboration in areas the U.S. and China agreed on during U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s San Francisco summit last November. While he called the announcement a positive development, Roberts said he does not think Beijing and Washington will reach agreement on contentious trade issues during Yellen’s trip. While Washington highlighted threats posed by China’s industrial overcapacity, Beijing focused on its concerns about U.S. export controls on Chinese companies during the meeting between Yellen and He. Despite persistent differences over contentious trade issues, Yellen and He underscored the importance for China and the U.S. to “properly respond to key concerns of the other side” to build a more cooperative economic relationship. Yellen is scheduled to have meetings with other senior officials Sunday and Monday in Beijing.
#Us #China #EconomicIssues #Yellen #Trade #IndustrialOvercapacity
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-china-discuss-economic-issues-on-yellen-s-china-tour/7559460.html

2024-04-06 03:05:13

US official urges China to address 'industrial overcapacity'
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called on China to address its industrial overcapacity, reform its trade practices, and create a "healthy economic relationship" with the United States. Yellen expressed concerns about China's industrial overcapacity, particularly in green energy sectors, which threaten American production of electric vehicles and solar panel parts. China's production capacity in these sectors has exceeded domestic demand and is being exported globally. Yellen also urged China to reform its unfair economic practices, including barriers to access for foreign firms and coercive actions against American companies. Yellen's visit to China marks the first visit by a senior U.S. official since November meetings between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
#UsOfficial #China #IndustrialOvercapacity #TradePractices #EconomicRelationship #GreenEnergy #ElectricVehicles #SolarPanels #ForeignFirms #CoerciveActions
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-official-urges-china-to-address-its-industrial-overcapacity-/7559237.html

2024-03-30 01:26:06

Why Biden Won't Put Conditions on Military Aid to Israel
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President Joe Biden has refrained from putting conditions on military aid to Israel despite increasing pressure to do so. Biden has criticized Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip and called for more humanitarian aid, but has not used his strongest leverage of conditioning aid. Lawmakers from his own party have demanded that Biden comply with the Foreign Assistance Act and cut off military aid if Israel continues to block U.S. humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, Biden's support for Israel is rooted in his long-standing and deeply held views on the security of the state of Israel. He has a personal relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and believes he can moderate Israel's behavior as a friend from the inside. Biden fears that conditioning aid to Israel could widen the war beyond Gaza and benefit Hezbollah, Iran, and other proxies. The U.S. provides Israel with weapons systems and munitions for deterrence and warfighting, and conditioning aid on defensive systems like the Iron Dome missile defense system carries serious risks. However, conditioning aid on specific types of offensive weapons systems may be less risky. The Biden administration has mandated relevant U.S. government agencies to obtain credible and reliable assurances from foreign governments that U.S. weapons are used in accordance with international and humanitarian law. Israel has provided its assurances, and the State Department will assess them by early May. Whether Biden conditions aid may also depend on Israeli plans for a ground invasion in Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah. As long as Israel does not cross clear American red lines, the likelihood of conditioning aid seems low.
#JoeBiden #Israel #BenjaminNetanyahu #MilitaryAid #GazaStrip
https://www.voanews.com/a/why-biden-won-t-put-conditions-on-military-aid-to-israel-/7549438.html

2024-03-30 00:45:52

New US Inflation Data 'Along the Lines' of What Fed Wants, Powell Says
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The latest U.S. inflation data are "along the lines of what we would like to see," Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said. The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index data for February were released and showed less of a slowdown than last year. Powell stated that the data were "not as low as most of the good readings we got in the second half of last year, but it's definitely more along the lines of what we want to see." The PCE price index increased at a 2.5% annual rate in February, up from 2.4% in the prior month. The number excluding volatile food and energy prices rose 0.3% on a month-to-month basis. Powell indicated that the latest PCE report did not undermine the central bank's baseline outlook but said with the economy on a "strong" footing, "that means we don't need to be in a hurry to cut."
#UsInflation #FederalReserve #JeromePowell
https://www.voanews.com/a/new-us-inflation-data-along-the-lines-of-what-fed-wants-powell-says/7549462.html

2024-03-29 21:25:40

US Denounces Severe Sentences for Civil Activists in Iran
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The U.S. Department of State strongly condemns the Iranian government's imposition of harsh sentences on 11 women's rights activists in Gilan province. The activists were sentenced to a combined 60-year prison term by Iran's Third Branch of the Revolutionary Court. The State Department spokesperson criticized the legal proceedings as 'fabricated' and lacking credibility and legitimacy. The rulings were based on charges of 'gathering and collusion, forming a group with the intent to undermine national security,' and 'membership in a group.' The Department of State reaffirmed the Biden administration's commitment to supporting the Iranian people and pursuing accountability for Iran's human rights abuses. Iranian rights activist Gohar Eshghi criticized the government's treatment of women and highlighted the prevalence of torture, coerced confessions, and restrictions on legal counsel. The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights reported that in 2023, 22 women were executed, 325 women activists were detained, and 147 women activists were sentenced to imprisonment, flogging, and execution in Iran.
#Iran #CivilActivists #HumanRights #Women'sRights #UsDepartmentOfState
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-denounces-severe-sentences-for-civil-activists-in-iran-/7549340.html

2024-03-28 01:40:55

Yellen Warns She’ll Confront China on Its Energy Subsidies
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen plans to confront China on its energy subsidies during her upcoming visit to China. Yellen believes that Chinese subsidies for clean energy industries create unfair competition and hurt American firms and workers. She intends to discuss the issue of overcapacity in industries such as solar panels, electric vehicle parts, and lithium-ion batteries, which she believes will distort production in other economies and global prices. Yellen will also emphasize that excess capacity poses risks to the global economy and productivity and growth in the Chinese economy. She hopes to have a constructive dialogue with Chinese officials about subsidies and oversupply issues. Yellen's visit to China is scheduled for April, although the Treasury has not yet confirmed her itinerary. In response to the U.S.'s requirements for electric vehicle subsidies, China has filed a complaint against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization, arguing that the requirements are discriminatory.
#JanetYellen #China #EnergySubsidies #CleanEnergy #Overcapacity #SolarPanels #ElectricVehicleParts #LithiumionBatteries #GlobalEconomy #WorldTradeOrganization
https://www.voanews.com/a/yellen-warns-she-ll-confront-china-on-its-energy-subsidies-/7546754.html

2024-03-19 21:19:40

UN Rights Chief Warns Israel's Restriction of Aid Could Be War Crime
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The United Nations human rights commissioner, Volker Türk, stated that Israel's restriction on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip could amount to a war crime. A U.N.-backed report revealed that 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger, with an estimated 210,000 people in northern Gaza facing the most danger. Türk emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, has the obligation to ensure the provision of food and medical care to the population and facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations. Israel claims to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid but blames the U.N. and its partner agencies for not distributing it fast enough. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that it is experiencing access constraints in delivering aid, with Israel facilitating less than half of planned aid missions to northern Gaza in the first two weeks of March. The International Court of Justice previously ordered Israel to take immediate measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza, including ensuring adequate humanitarian assistance and basic services.
#Un #HumanRights #Israel #GazaStrip #Aid #WarCrime
https://www.voanews.com/a/un-rights-chief-warns-israel-s-restriction-of-aid-could-be-war-crime/7534352.html

2024-03-19 15:56:00

Hong Kong Passes Own National Security Law, Bowing to Beijing
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Hong Kong's legislature approved its own national security law, further bolstering the government's power to silence dissent. The new law covers treason, insurrection, espionage, theft of state secrets, foreign influence and interference, and sabotage. It will take effect on March 23, and anyone convicted under the law could face anywhere from several years in jail to life imprisonment. China imposed its own national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 in response to pro-democracy demonstrations. Since then, hundreds of pro-democracy advocates have been arrested, tried, and jailed.
#HongKong #NationalSecurityLaw #Beijing #Pro-democracyProtests
https://www.voanews.com/a/hong-kong-passes-own-national-security-law-bowing-to-beijing-/7533836.html

2024-03-14 18:39:42

The Inside Story - USA VOTES 2024 | Episode 135 TRANSCRIPT
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The Inside Story discusses the Super Tuesday and State of the Union Speech by President Biden, the crisis in Gaza, and international women's month. President Biden gave a State of the Union speech outlining his vision for a second term, addressing concerns over his age and calling for more humanitarian aid into Gaza. He also urged Congress to pass a bill on immigration and border security. Arab-Americans are closely watching President Biden's handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict, and thousands of Arab-Americans voted 'uncommitted' in protest against the administration. The conflict in Gaza is affecting the start of Ramadan, with tensions high at the al-Aqsa mosque. Migrants face dangers in crossing the Darien Gap, a dense stretch of jungle connecting Colombia and Panama, with over 100,000 children passing through last year. The International Women of Courage Awards honored women advocating for human rights and fighting against corruption and discrimination.
#SuperTuesday #StateOfTheUnion #JoeBiden #DonaldTrump #Gaza #Israel #Ukraine #Immigration #BorderSecurity #Arab-americans #DarienGap #Ramadan #InternationalWomen'sMonth #HumanRights
https://www.voanews.com/a/7527974.html

2024-03-09 18:12:13

Chinese Officials Acknowledge Economic Challenges
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Chinese officials acknowledge the need to boost employment and stabilize the property market as China's economy faces challenges. Youth unemployment reached 21.3% in mid-2023, and home prices have been falling for months. Wang Xiaoping, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, stated that overall employment pressure has not lessened and more effort is needed to stabilize employment. Housing Minister Ni Hong acknowledged the difficulty of stabilizing the property market and emphasized the need to address systemic risks. Premier Li Qiang set an ambitious growth target of around 5% for 2024, despite the challenges facing the Chinese economy.
#China #Employment #PropertyMarket #YouthUnemployment #EconomicChallenges
https://www.voanews.com/a/chinese-officials-acknowledge-economic-challenges/7520902.html

2024-03-09 17:48:07

2024-03-08 20:00:09

US Economy Adds 275,000 Jobs in February
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the U.S. economy added 275,000 jobs in February, exceeding economists' expectations. Unemployment rose by 0.2% to 3.9%. President Joe Biden stated that the total number of jobs created since he took office in 2021 is nearly 15 million, and unemployment has remained under 4% for the longest period in over 50 years. Job gains were seen in health care, government, food services, social assistance, and transportation and warehousing. The bureau revised downward the job gains reported in December and January. The revisions were due to additional reports received from businesses and government agencies and the recalculation of seasonal factors.
#UsEconomy #Jobs #Unemployment #JoeBiden
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-economy-adds-275-000-jobs-in-february/7519793.html

2024-03-08 19:22:06

2024-03-06 17:14:42

Could AI Make a Disease-Free World?
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the medical landscape and holds the potential to defeat diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, believes that AI-designed drugs for major diseases could be just a couple of years away. Tech giants like Google are already using AI and artificial general intelligence (AGI) for drug discovery. However, experts caution that a completely disease-free world may be elusive due to the ever-evolving nature of diseases and potential global pandemics. AI is already making a profound impact on healthcare by enhancing diagnosis and treatment. It can expedite diagnoses, suggest treatments, and predict patient responses to therapies. However, there are challenges such as the risk of widening healthcare disparities and regulatory hurdles. AI is a critical tool, but not a panacea.
#ArtificialIntelligence #Healthcare #Medicine #DrugDevelopment #Cancer #Alzheimer's #Diagnosis #Treatment #HealthcareDisparities #Regulation
https://www.voanews.com/a/could-ai-make-a-disease-free-world-/7516160.html

2024-03-02 02:14:31

US Lawmaker Flags Surge in Tax-Free Imports From China
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A key U.S. lawmaker highlighted the "shocking" rise in tax-free imports from China under a trade exemption for small packages. In 2023, 1.05 billion shipments entered tax-free under the de minimis exemption, a 53 percent increase from 2022. More than 485 million de minimis shipments have already entered the United States in this fiscal year. The exemptions could allow companies to evade scrutiny over forced labor concerns. Shein and Temu, Chinese-founded online retailers known for selling items at low prices, have been accused of exploiting unpaid labor and encouraging overconsumption. The rise of Shein and Temu came as leading U.S. fashion companies grew increasingly wary of exposure to China. The Select Committee urged Congress to take urgent action on this matter.
#China #Imports #Tax-free #DeMinimisExemption #Shein #Temu
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-lawmaker-flags-surge-in-tax-free-imports-from-china-/7510891.html

2024-02-29 15:31:31

Federal Reserve's Preferred Inflation Gauge Picked Up Last Month in Sign of Still-Elevated Prices
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The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge increased by 0.3% from December to January, indicating that the slowdown in U.S. consumer price increases is occurring unevenly. Prices were up 2.4% from a year earlier, down from a 2.6% annual pace in December. Inflation, as measured by the Fed's preferred gauge, fell steadily last year after peaking at 7.1% in the summer of 2022. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, core prices rose 0.4% from December to January and 2.8% compared to a year earlier. The government's more widely followed consumer price index also rose faster in January. Some Fed officials are optimistic that inflation will continue to fall back toward the Fed's target level, while others remain uncertain.
#FederalReserve #Inflation #ConsumerPriceIndex #U.s.Economy
https://www.voanews.com/a/federal-reserve-s-preferred-inflation-gauge-picked-up-last-month-in-sign-of-still-elevated-prices/7508220.html

2024-02-12 22:57:59

Iran Sentences Man to Death for Killing Prominent Filmmaker
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An Iranian court has sentenced a man to death for the killing of renowned filmmaker Dariush Mehrjui and his wife at their home near Tehran. Mehrjui, an 83-year-old director, was stabbed to death in October. The convicted killer, a former employee of Mehrjui, had a grudge against him due to financial issues. Three others were charged in the case for planning and assisting the murder. The court sentenced the killer to death in accordance with the Islamic law of retribution. The other defendants received sentences ranging from eight to 36 years in prison. The verdicts can be appealed before the Supreme Court.
#Iran #Filmmaker #DeathSentence #Murder #IslamicLaw
https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-sentences-man-to-death-for-killing-prominent-filmmaker/7484664.html

2024-02-11 11:15:04

Trump: I Told NATO, Pay Bills or Russia Can 'Do Whatever The Hell They Want'
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Republican front-runner Donald Trump said that as president, he warned NATO allies that he would encourage Russia to do whatever they want to countries that are delinquent in meeting defense spending targets. Trump recounted a story about an unidentified NATO member who confronted him over his threat not to defend members who fail to meet the alliance's defense spending targets. Trump's comments come as Ukraine remains mired in its efforts to stave off Russia's 2022 invasion and as Republicans in Congress have become increasingly skeptical of providing additional aid money to the country. Trump also called for the end of foreign aid without strings attached and argued that the US should dramatically curtail the way it provides money. During his 2016 campaign, Trump warned that the US might abandon its NATO treaty commitments and only come to the defense of countries that meet the alliance's guidelines by committing 2 percent of their GDP to military spending. As of 2022, seven out of 31 NATO member countries were meeting that obligation. Trump often depicted NATO allies as leeches on the US military and questioned the value of the military alliance.
#DonaldTrump #Nato #Russia #DefenseSpending #ForeignAid #Ukraine
https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-i-told-nato-pay-bills-or-russia-can-do-whatever-the-hell-they-want-/7482870.html

2024-02-10 09:28:28

Red Sea Tensions Threaten Saudi Mega-Project
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The Red Sea warfare between a U.S.-led alliance and the Yemen-based Houthis poses a risk to Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Central Project, a $19.9 billion development aimed at transforming Jeddah into a world-class tourist destination. The project, initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, includes an opera house, museum, sports stadium, oceanarium, marina, beach resorts, dining options, and residential areas. It is projected to offer 8,000 rooms across 50 hotels, create around 70,000 jobs, and contribute $5.3 billion annually to the Saudi economy from 2030 onward. The Jeddah Islamic Port, which handled a record amount of freight in October, is also threatened by the Houthi attacks. The United States has highlighted the impact of the attacks on the regional economy and called for a long-term solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Saudi Arabia has reiterated its call for the recognition of the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
#RedSea #SaudiArabia #JeddahCentralProject #HouthiAttacks #JeddahIslamicPort #Arab-israeliConflict #PalestinianState
https://www.voanews.com/a/red-sea-tensions-threaten-saudi-mega-project/7482033.html

2024-02-10 09:22:34

Chinese Bank Cuts Ties to Russian Importers
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Chouzhou Commercial Bank, a major Chinese bank for Russian importers, has ceased operations with Russian and Belarusian companies. Other Chinese and Hong Kong banks are also tightening regulations around transactions with Russia to comply with Western sanctions. The decision is related to U.S. President Joe Biden's December 22 executive order that strengthened sanctions on financial institutions aiding the Russian military. Russian analysts predict short-term logistical delays and potential shortages or inflation for Russian consumers. Despite the increased costs, the decision is not expected to paralyze Russia's economy. Chinese Sinologist Aleksei Chigadaev suggests that China prioritizes its relationship with the U.S. over Russia, but others argue that China and Russia are drawing closer. The Chinese government is working with Russia to resolve the commercial problems between the two nations.
#China #Russia #Banking #Sanctions #Trade
https://www.voanews.com/a/chinese-bank-cuts-ties-to-russian-importers-/7482048.html

2024-02-04 04:00:14

New Amazon TV Series Filmed in Hong Kong but Unavailable There
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The online TV series 'The Expats,' starring Nicole Kidman, was launched globally on Amazon Prime Video but is unavailable in Hong Kong. The show, directed by Lulu Wang and based on a novel by Janice Y. K. Lee, revolves around the lives of three women in Hong Kong in 2014 and includes scenes of the 2014 Hong Kong protests. It is unclear whether the decision to block the program in Hong Kong was a business decision or due to interference from authorities. Some speculate that the reproduced scenes of the protests may be the reason. Analysts suspect it may be a sign of Beijing's crackdown on the arts. The Hong Kong government has not commented on the issue. Chinese independent film director Guo Zhenming believes self-censorship by Amazon may have prevented the show from airing in Hong Kong. Film censorship expert Kenny Ng believes it is not directly related to the Hong Kong government and suggests that Amazon may have made a business decision based on the territory's political situation and social atmosphere. Hong Kong residents are seeking alternative ways to watch the show, such as accessing movie and TV show websites in China.
#AmazonPrimeVideo #TheExpats #NicoleKidman #LuluWang #JaniceY.K.Lee #HongKongProtests #Censorship
https://www.voanews.com/a/new-amazon-tv-series-filmed-in-hong-kong-but-unavailable-there/7470113.html

2024-02-02 01:43:23

Baltic Speakers Back Supporting Ukraine Amid US Debate on Aid
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Parliamentary speakers from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia express solidarity with Ukraine amid Russian aggression. They emphasize the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine, as it holds significant implications for the Indo-Pacific region. The speakers visited Washington and held talks with U.S. lawmakers and State Department officials. The discussions took place during a U.S. congressional debate on new aid for Ukraine. The Baltic speakers highlight Russia's preparation for a prolonged conflict and stress the need for ongoing support. Estonia has contributed over $434 million in military aid to Ukraine and plans to allocate 0.25% of its GDP annually for the next four years. Lithuania's speaker notes the global significance of the conflict, particularly for the Indo-Pacific region and Taiwan. Inadequate support for Ukraine could diminish global trust in the West and embolden autocratic regimes. China's coercive measures against Lithuania after its cooperation with Taiwan are cited as an example. Ukrainian officials report a Russian aerial attack on a hospital in the Kharkiv region, injuring four people. The Russian Defense Ministry claims to have downed five Ukrainian drones. The article also mentions other related news, such as the Baltic states building new defenses on Russia and Belarus borders, Lithuania becoming a repair hub for Ukraine's tanks, and diplomats boycotting OSCE talks over the presence of the Russian foreign minister.
#BalticSpeakers #Ukraine #UsAid #RussianAggression #Indo-pacific #Estonia #Lithuania #Latvia #China #Taiwan #Kharkiv #RussianDefenseMinistry
https://www.voanews.com/a/baltic-speakers-back-supporting-ukraine-amid-us-debate-on-aid/7467285.html

2024-01-26 09:56:29

Russian Court Extends Detention of US Journalist
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A Russian court has extended the detention of US journalist Evan Gershkovich by two months on espionage charges. Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, has been held in Moscow's Lefortovo Prison for one year. The court ruling brings his detention to the end of March. The allegations against Gershkovich have been denied by both him and The Wall Street Journal, and Russia has not provided any evidence in the criminal case. US Consul General Stuart Wilson attended the hearing, and US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy has called for Gershkovich's immediate release. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the US is working on obtaining the release of Gershkovich and another American, Paul Whelan, who has been held on espionage charges since 2020.
#Russia #UsJournalist #Detention #EspionageCharges #WallStreetJournal
https://www.voanews.com/a/russian-court-extends-detention-of-us-journalist-/7458184.html

2024-01-26 04:00:03

Chinese Student Convicted of Stalking, Threatening Pro-Democracy Activist in US
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Xiaolei Wu, a Chinese music student, has been convicted of stalking and harassing a Chinese classmate at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Wu sent threatening messages to his classmate after she posted flyers in support of democracy in China. Wu threatened to chop off her hands and informed public security authorities in China about her actions. Wu's lawyers argued that his comments were not threats but an online dispute between two young people with different political views. Wu was found guilty on charges of cyberstalking and threats and will face sentencing on April 24. The case highlights China's efforts to silence its critics abroad. The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized its commitment to free speech and condemned Wu's actions. Wu has been granted bail but is barred from changing his address, entering the Berklee campus, or contacting those involved in the case. The case is reminiscent of a lone man in Beijing, Peng Lifa, who hung a protest banner with similar slogans and was quickly arrested and remains in custody. Wu's conviction comes amid growing concerns about China's attempts to silence its critics abroad.
#ChineseStudent #Stalking #Harassment #Pro-democracyActivist #BerkleeCollegeOfMusic #China #FreeSpeech #Cyberstalking #Threats
https://www.voanews.com/a/chinese-student-convicted-of-stalking-threatening-pro-democracy-activist-in-us-/7458072.html

2024-01-17 23:28:01

China's Charm Offensive in Davos to Woo Investors Falls Short, Analysts Say
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China's Premier Li Qiang led a delegation of 140 people to the World Economic Forum in Davos to reassure investors of China's economic potential and reliability. However, analysts say Li's speech lacked specific measures to address concerns and attract Western companies. China's economy has been struggling with a property market downturn, high youth unemployment, and a drop in exports. In 2023, China recorded its first quarterly foreign direct investment deficit since 1998. Despite these challenges, Li emphasized China's long-term positive trend and commitment to opening its doors wider to the world. However, trade groups report a shift away from investment in China due to tightened political controls. CEOs of multinational companies with operations in China are losing confidence, with expectations of decreased capital investments and layoffs. While Li emphasized China's openness, President Xi Jinping emphasized the primacy of the Chinese Communist Party. Economists surveyed by the World Economic Forum anticipate only moderate expansion in China's economy this year.
#China #Davos #Investors #Economy #Speech #ForeignDirectInvestment #XiJinping
https://www.voanews.com/a/china-charm-offensive-in-davos-to-woo-investors-falls-short-analysts-say/7444405.html