Top Chinese diplomat says relations with US at ‘new crossroads’
Ties between two nations have been strained amid disputes over trade, human rights and origin of COVID-19 pandemic.
Category Archives: News
Mass New Year party breaks up in France amid coronavirus fears
Police shut down huge party in northwestern France that had been underway since New Year's Eve in defiance of a curfew.
US judge rejects lawsuit against Pence over electoral count
Republican's lawsuit sought to allow Pence to reject Electoral College votes for Biden when Congress meets on January 6.
Australia’s NSW told to mask up, as cluster of COVID cases grows
New South Wales government also moves to close clubs and restrict size of gatherings.
‘Cheap trick’: China rebuffs Taiwan’s latest offer for talks
Beijing maintains tough stance despite olive branch from Taiwan's president in New Year speech.
Peru farmworkers lift roadblock as gov’t talks begin
Three people in Peru were killed this week in clashes with police at workers' protests demanding higher wages.
US appeals court reverses order to delay woman’s execution
Decision allows for future hearings to decide the fate of the only woman on US federal death row, Lisa Montgomery.
Trump administration adds Cuban bank to US restricted list
Cuban foreign minister rejects the move as a 'punitive measure' that aims to tighten the US blockade against Cuba.
Iran tells IAEA it plans to enrich uranium to up to 20 percent
IAEA says Iran informed the agency of the move that will take place at the Fordow plant.
Yellen earned millions in speaking fees from Wall St, tech firms
Yellen earned more than $7m in speaking fees from firms including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Google.
In blow to Trump, US Congress overrides defence bill veto
Senate vote on Friday enacts into law $740bn defence spending legislation that President Donald Trump had objected to.
US surpasses 20 million COVID cases on first day of 2021
US passes another grim milestone as it fails to meet year-end goal of administering 20 million COVID-19 vaccines.
Biden’s inauguration will not be the ‘largest ever’ – by design
US President-elect Joe Biden says goal is 'to keep America safe' amid COVID-19, 'but still allow people to celebrate'.
Deaths reported worldwide during New Year’s Eve celebrations
At least 11 people were killed and several injured during New Year's Eve celebrations across the world on Thursday.
After months of COVID delays, African free trade bloc launches
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to unite 1.3 billion people in a $3.4 trillion economic bloc.
Mine found on hull of oil tanker off the coast of Iraq
Attacks on vessels in the Gulf and the Red Sea have been rife as tensions flare between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Oman looks to borrow $4.2bn in 2021 to cover budget shortfall
Its economy battered by low oil prices and COVID, Oman is looking to borrow $4.2bn to plug its fiscal gap.
Afghan radio journalist shot dead in car ambush
Aimaq, editor-in-chief of Voice of Ghor radio, is the fifth media worker to be killed in Afghanistan in two months.
What will Cuba’s new single currency mean for the island?
Cuba is devaluing its peso for the first time since the 1959 revolution with profound consequences for its people.
Dozens of farmers ‘killed by ADF rebels’ in DR Congo
Farmers had gone to the fields in eastern Beni when they were attacked on New Year's Eve, an official says.