The China Mail - Politics

Asian markets mixed as strong US tech earnings offset poor data

Markets were mixed on Friday after forecast-topping earnings from Microsoft and Alphabet helped soothe worries that a tech-fuelled rally may have been overdone, while the yen hit a fresh 34-year low after the Bank of Japan stood pat on interest rates.

China warns Blinken against US pressure in top-level talks

China's foreign minister warned Antony Blinken on Friday that US pressure could trigger a "downward spiral", as the visiting secretary of state raised concerns on issues including support for Russia.

Russian women face violence from Ukraine veterans

Olga drew her index finger abruptly across her neck as she recounted the threats her husband levelled at her after he returned to Russia, wounded from fighting in Ukraine.

The Indian villagers who lost their homes to the sea

The gentle roar of the ocean lulled Indian mother-of-two Banita Behra to sleep each night, until one day the encroaching tide reached her doorstep.

China warns Blinken over deteriorating ties in talks

China on Friday urged US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to address rising disagreements or risk a "downward spiral" between the two powers as talks opened in Beijing.

Haiti transitional council sworn in as gunshots ring out

A long-awaited transitional ruling council was sworn in Thursday in Haiti, marking a critical step forward in restoring functional government in a country rocked by months of gang violence.

Further Trump trial delay looms as Supreme Court weighs immunity claim

The US Supreme Court appeared skeptical on Thursday of Donald Trump's claim that a former president is "absolutely immune" from criminal prosecution but looked set to issue a ruling that could further delay his election subversion trial.

DR Congo accuses Apple of using 'blood minerals' from war-torn east

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo is accusing Apple of using "illegally exploited" minerals extracted from the country's embattled east in its products, lawyers representing the African country said Thursday.

US Supreme Court weighs Trump claim of 'absolute immunity'

The US Supreme Court heard arguments on Thursday on whether a former president is immune from criminal prosecution and appeared poised to issue a ruling that could further delay Donald Trump's trial on charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election.

Ceremony held for World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in Gaza

A ceremony for seven aid workers of the World Central Kitchen killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza was held in Washington on Thursday.

UK slaps fresh sanctions on Iran after Israel attack

The UK on Thursday joined the United States and Canada in announcing a fresh set of sanctions against Iran's drone and missile industries after its recent attack on Israel.

Putin says plans to visit China in May

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he plans to visit China in May, his first planned trip abroad since re-election as Moscow seeks deeper ties with Beijing.

#SaveToomaj: Iran urged to spare rapper after 'grotesque' verdict

Iranian authorities on Thursday faced pressure to release and clear a prominent rapper sentenced to death in a verdict supporters say is merely revenge for his music backing anti-government protests.

Ukrainian village battles mines year after Russia forced out

Every metre that farmer Igor Kniazev ploughs in an east Ukrainian village holds the danger of mines, booby-traps and unexploded shells -- the remains of a nearly three-month Russian occupation that ended over a year ago.

Haiti transitional council sworn in after months of violence

A long-awaited transitional ruling council was sworn in Thursday in violence-wracked Haiti, while the Caribbean nation's embattled prime minister Ariel Henry submitted his formal resignation.

French students protest again after police break up pro-Palestinian demo

Students in Paris protested again Thursday after police broke up a pro-Palestinian solidarity demonstration the night before at one of France's most prestigious universities.

Scottish leader scraps coalition deal with Greens

The leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party on Thursday ended a coalition deal with the Greens, leaving him facing fresh pressure as the head of a minority government in Edinburgh.

US economic growth slows significantly in first quarter

The US economy cooled markedly in the first three months this year, expanding less than anticipated as consumer spending and exports decelerated, according to government data released on Thursday.

In east Ukraine, exhausted troops eagerly await new US weapons

Exhausted Ukrainian soldiers near the front line were eagerly awaiting the arrival of desperately needed US weapons Thursday, with some bitter at how much the long wait has cost them.

Macron warns 'mortal' Europe needs stronger defence

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday warned that Europe faced an existential threat from Russian aggression, calling on the continent to adopt a "credible" defence strategy less dependent on the United States.

Ahead of feared Rafah invasion, Palestinians mourn bombardment dead

Palestinians on Thursday mourned over people killed in Israeli bombardment of Rafah, the southern Gaza city where Israel says it is advancing plans for a ground invasion.

Macron warns 'mortal' Europe needs credible defence

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday warned that Europe faced an existential threat from Russian aggression, calling on the continent to adopt a "credible" defence strategy less dependent on the United States.

London stocks hit new record on blockbuster mining takeover bid

The London stock market smashed another record peak Thursday after British mining titan Anglo American received a gargantuan $38.8-billion takeover bid from rival BHP, with sentiment also buoyed by earnings.

French police break up pro-Palestinian university protest

French police broke up a pro-Palestinian protest by dozens of university students in Paris, officials said Thursday, as Israel's bombardment of Gaza sparks a wave of anger across college campuses in the United States.

Blinken calls for US, China to manage differences ahead of talks

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Thursday on the United States and China to manage their differences "responsibly" as he landed in Beijing for tough talks with the rival power's leaders.

Taiwan president-elect names cabinet ahead of inauguration

Taiwanese president-elect Lai Ching-te named his cabinet and security team appointees on Thursday as he prepares to take office next month.

Blinken calls for US, China to manage differences

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Thursday on the United States and China to manage their differences "responsibly" as he went on a charm offensive ahead of expected tough talks.

North Koreans in China vanish as border reopens

After fleeing famine in North Korea, Kim Cheol Ok laid low in China for decades -- until a doomed run for freedom got her sent back to her repressive homeland, her family says.

Blinken calls for US, China to manage differences on charm offensive