The China Mail - Politics

German tank slow-pedalling may hit Kyiv's fightback: analysts

German hesitation over sending tanks to Ukraine was likely driven by reluctance to take a leading military role rather than practical considerations, but may damage Kyiv's fightback against Moscow, analysts warned.

Progress on POW visits 'urgent', Red Cross says after Moscow visit

The International Committee of the Red Cross urgently needs more access to prisoners of war on both sides in the Ukraine conflict, the organisation said Friday after its president visited Moscow.

Racism, polarization and poverty at heart of Peru protests

The explosion of unrest that has left at least 44 dead in Peru began high up in the Andes and spread to the capital Lima as Indigenous people vented their fury over racism, polarization and growing poverty.

Yellen contrasts US-Africa relations with China, Russia on Senegal visit

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Friday touted the fruits of a new "mutually beneficial" economic strategy towards Africa, contrasting the damage caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's practices.

Leopard: Mighty German tank long sought by Ukraine

Germany's Leopard, the powerful tank sought by Kyiv to push forward against Moscow, could have a "significant" impact in the conflict.

Germany says no decision on tanks despite Ukraine pleas

Germany on Friday said no decision has been made yet on tanks sought by Kyiv at a crucial US-led meeting on boosting military aid to Ukraine, despite an emotional plea from President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Western weapons surge to Ukraine underlines new resolve

Western countries are stepping up their weapons deliveries to Ukraine despite hesitations in Germany about supplying heavy tanks, underlining their growing confidence in Kyiv's chances of victory.

France to boost defence spending by a third

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday announced plans to increase France's defence budget by a third for the next seven years, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year rattled Europe.

French government flags softer pensions stance after protests

Taken aback by the size of mass protests against its pension reform, the French government on Friday signalled readiness for compromise on the unpopular plan but vowed that its core measures would remain intact.

Al-Shabaab attack kills seven Somali soldiers

An Al-Shabaab attack killed seven soldiers Friday at a military camp in a Somali town retaken by the army this week in a major offensive against the jihadist group, the government said.

Thunberg, protesters demand 'climate justice' in Davos

Greta Thunberg and other young climate activists held a small protest on Friday accusing the global elite at the World Economic Forum in Davos of doing little to save the planet.

Stocks rebound, yen slides tracking inflation fallout

Stock markets rebounded Friday after a rocky week dominated by uncertainty over whether the global economy will suffer recession this year as inflation remains stubbornly high.

Under-fire London police face 'rotten apple' protest

Campaigners on Friday dumped a basket of 1,071 rotten apples outside the headquarters of Britain's biggest police force, in protest at officers accused of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

Ukraine pleads for tanks to 'stop evil' at US-led donor meeting

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday urged Western allies to deliver tanks to Ukraine at a key defence conference in Germany, although the Kremlin denied the weapons would change anything on the battlefield.

UN's Mali mission 'unsustainable' without troop surge, says draft report

The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali is "unsustainable" without more personnel, according to a draft UN report obtained by AFP, which suggests a possible withdrawal of troops if key conditions are not met.

Race on to replace Ardern as New Zealand prime minister

Jacinda Ardern's shock resignation sparked a push on Friday for New Zealand to choose its first Maori prime minister, as a small pack of candidates emerged for the top job.

Western allies to meet on Ukraine after fresh arms pledges

Representatives from 50 countries are set to gather in Germany Friday to discuss support for the next stage of Ukraine's war against Russia, one day after the United States and European allies announced substantial new arms shipments.

Shakespeare in Yemen: tragedy offers respite from war

"To be, or not to be": on a stage in Yemen, William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" rings out in Arabic, a tragedy that resonates with an audience suffering from years of civil war.

Clashes, fire in Lima as thousands rally against Peru government

Thousands marched through Peru's capital Thursday in a large anti-government rally punctuated by clashes with police, while the death toll from over a month of violent protests climbed in the country's southern regions.

Race on to replace Ardern as New Zealand PM

Jacinda Ardern's shock resignation sparked a push on Friday for New Zealand to choose its first Maori prime minister, as a small pack of candidates emerged for the top job.

Scuffles in Lima as thousands rally against Peruvian government

Thousands marched through Peru's capital Thursday in a large anti-government rally punctuated by clashes with police, while the death toll from over a month of violent protests climbed in the country's southern regions.

Thousands march in Peru capital to demand president step down

Thousands of protesters began marching through Peru's capital Thursday to demand the president's resignation and fresh elections, following weeks of violent unrest that have left 44 people dead.

Brazil's Lula vows to defeat 'fanatical far right'

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke on Thursday of his desire to defeat the "new monster" that is the "fanatical far right," not just in his country but throughout the whole world.

US strengthens organic food protocols to counter fraud

The US Department of Agriculture on Thursday unveiled new rules to strengthen oversight of the "organic" label on food, after some significant fraud cases.

EU parliament slams declining press freedom in Morocco

The European Parliament on Thursday condemned what it described as a decline in press freedom in Morocco, saying it was "concerned" by corruption allegations against Rabat.

Biden invites Americans to sponsor refugees as admissions languish

President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday launched a program to encourage ordinary Americans to sponsor refugees as admissions languish despite record displacement around the world.

Orthodox Epiphany tradition marked by conflict near Ukraine front lines

Oleksandr used to come every year with his loved ones to the Holy Dormition Lavra monastery in Svyatogirsk in Ukraine's Donetsk region to submerge himself in the freezing river to mark Orthodox Epiphany on January 19.

Macron, Sanchez agree joint approach to US trade dispute

French President Emmanuel Macron and Spain's Pedro Sanchez on Thursday joined forces to call for a "proactive" European response to a brewing trade dispute with Washington over alleged protectionism.

Western allies pledge fresh weapons for Ukraine

A trio of European allies pledged missiles and artillery for Ukraine on Thursday as Kyiv urged partners to scale-up support "considerably" ahead of a major donor meeting.

Mali gets more warplanes, helicopters from Russia

Mali's military rulers received more warplanes and helicopters from Russia Thursday, an AFP correspondent noted, the latest in a series of deliveries from its new top military and political ally.

US poised for 'extraordinary measures' as debt limit looms

The US Treasury could start taking "extraordinary measures" Thursday to prevent a default on government debt, as Congress heads towards a high-stakes clash between Democrats and Republicans over raising the borrowing limit.

Iran impasse spells agony for families of 'hostages'

The scaling back of contacts between Iran and the West over the crackdown on the protest movement has intensified the anxiety and uncertainty of the families whose loved ones are held by the Islamic republic.

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