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16/11/2019

China’s PLA soldiers help clean up Hong Kong streets as protesters leave campuses

HONG KONG (Reuters) – China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers in shorts and t-shirts made a surprising appearance in some Hong Kong streets on Saturday, briefly helping residents clean up debris after anti-government protests blocked roads, witnesses said.

The presence of PLA troops on the streets, even to help clean up roads near their base, could stoke further controversy over the Chinese-ruled territory’s autonomous status.

Hong Kong has been rocked by more than five months of demonstrations by protesters angry at perceived Communist Party meddling in the former British colony, which was guaranteed its freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Beijing denies interfering and has blamed the unrest on foreign influences.

Clashes between protesters and police have become increasingly violent. China has warned that any attempt at independence for Hong Kong will be crushed, but troops have remained inside their base.

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China’s PLA soldiers seen helping clean up streets after Hong Kong protests – RTHK

Saturday’s clean up followed some of the worst violence seen this year, after a police operation against protesters at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Tuesday.

The authorities have since largely stayed away from at least five university campuses that had been barricaded by thousands of students and activists who stockpiled petrol bombs, catapults, bows and arrows and other weapons.

Many protesters appeared to have left the campuses by late Saturday, though some remained behind to man makeshift barricades. Hong Kong’s Cross-Harbour Tunnel was still blocked by protesters occupying Polytechnic University.

Earlier, hundreds of pro-China demonstrators gathered by the city’s legislature and police headquarters, waving Chinese and Hong Kong flags. Some held up posters reading “Police we stand with you”, while others chanted “Support the police”.

Pro-China protests have so far attracted much smaller numbers than those angry at Beijing.

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By late afternoon, the PLA soldiers had left the streets outside Baptist University, beside their barracks in leafy Kowloon Tong.

Chinese troops have appeared on local streets only once since the 1997 handover, to help with cleanup operations after a typhoon in late 2018. It was not immediately clear how many were involved on Saturday.

Calls to the PLA Hong Kong garrison office and a media liaison officer went unanswered.

Demosistō, a pro-democracy organisation, said Saturday’s cleanup operation could set a “grave precedent” if the city’s government invites the military to deal with internal problems.

In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in what state news agency Xinhua described as a routine “rotation”.

Foreign envoys and security analysts estimate up to 12,000 troops are now based across Hong Kong — more than double the usual garrison number.

Standing beside a black flag with the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our Times,” James Wong, 23, was among a handful of protesters still manning a bridge at Baptist University.

“We didn’t want to confront the people and the PLA troops directly,” he told Reuters. “We are not directly against the PLA, but rather the government. But the PLA should not leave their base because this is Hong Kong territory.”

Wong said even after the campus fortifications have been dismantled “Hong Kong will keep resisting until the government responds to our demands”.

Hundreds of residents moved in to help clear barricaded roads near several universities.

Clashes on Saturday saw at least one petrol bomb thrown before anti-government protesters at the campuses retreated. No soldiers appeared to have been involved in the confrontations.

“We just want our lives to continue,” said one resident who was helping clear streets near HKU. “There are many elderly who need to go the hospital and children who need to go to school. I am very sad to see what is happening in my community.”

PRO-POLICE DEMONSTRATION

Saturday’s rally to denounce the anti-government violence drew a mix of young and elderly.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we believe it is the correct thing to support the police in fighting the rioters for Hong Kong citizens,” said a 49-year-old housewife surnamed Kong.

“A lot of people keep silent, afraid of the rioters. It’s time for all the people who are silent to step up and say that’s enough.”

A 70-year-old street cleaner died on Thursday after being hit on the head by one of several bricks police said had been thrown by “masked rioters”. On Monday, police blamed a “rioter” for dousing a man in petrol and setting him on fire. The victim is in critical condition.

On the same day, police shot a protester in the abdomen. He was in a stable condition.

Many pro-police protesters laid white flowers outside the government office to pay their respects to the cleaner. Others applauded and cheered the police, some bowing and giving thumbs up as they walked past riot police on duty.

Authorities said on Saturday that a highway blocked by anti-government protesters on Friday had reopened after being cleared of debris and petrol bombs.

Train services suspended earlier in the week were gradually resuming, metro operator MTR Corp (0066.HK) said.

Source: Reuters

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15/11/2019

China signs 197 B&R cooperation documents with 137 countries, 30 int’l organizations

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) — China has signed 197 Belt and Road (B&R) cooperation documents with 137 countries and 30 international organizations by the end of October, the country’s top economic planner said Friday.

Apart from developing and developed economies, a number of companies and financial institutions from developed countries have collaborated with China to expand the third-party market as well, Meng Wei, a spokesperson for the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), told a news conference.

The construction of the China-Laos railway, China-Thailand railway, Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and Hungary-Serbia railway are making solid headway while projects including the Gwadar Port, Hambantota Port, Piraeus Port and Khalifa Port have gone smoothly, the NDRC said.

Meanwhile, the building of the China-Belarus industrial park, China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone and China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone is also forging ahead.

From January to September, China’s trade with B&R countries totaled about 950 billion U.S. dollars, and its non-financial direct investment in these countries topped 10 billion dollars, Meng said.

She noted that China has made bilateral currency swap arrangements with 20 B&R countries and established RMB clearing arrangements with seven countries.

In addition, the country has also made achievements with B&R countries in other sectors including technology exchange, education cooperation, culture and tourism, green development and foreign aid.

Source: Xinhua

Posted in Belt and Road (B&R) cooperation, China alert, China-Belarus industrial park, China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, China-Laos railway, China-Thailand railway, China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone, Construction, Culture, education cooperation, foreign aid, green development, Hambantota Port, Hungary-Serbia railway, Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, Khalifa Port, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Piraeus port, technology exchange, Tourism, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

15/11/2019

Xi urges BRICS countries to champion multilateralism

BRAZIL-BRASILIA-CHINA-XI JINPING-BRICS-SUMMIT

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech entitled “Together for a New Chapter in BRICS Cooperation” at the 11th summit of BRICS in Brasilia, Brazil, Nov. 14, 2019. The 11th summit of BRICS, an emerging-market bloc that groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa was held on Thursday in Brasilia. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro presided over the summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also attended the summit. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BRASILIA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the BRICS countries to undertake their due obligations in championing and practicing multilateralism.

Xi made the appeal in a speech entitled “Together for a New Chapter in BRICS Cooperation” at the 11th summit of BRICS, an emerging-market bloc that groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Noting that the summit was held at a time when crucial developments are taking place in the world economy and international landscape, Xi pointed out that a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is in the ascendant, and the unstoppable rise of emerging markets and developing countries has injected strong impetus to the reform of the global economic governance system.

Nevertheless, there are also causes for concern, Xi said, referring to rising protectionism and unilateralism; greater deficit of governance, development and trust; and growing uncertainties and destabilizing factors in the world economy.

Faced with profound changes rarely seen in a century, Xi said, the BRICS countries should grasp the trend of the times, respond to the call of the people, and shoulder their responsibilities.

“We must remain true to our unwavering commitment to development and strengthen solidarity and cooperation for the well-being of our people and for the development of our world,” he said, before laying out a three-pronged proposal.

First, the BRICS countries should work to foster a security environment of peace and stability, he said, urging the five members to safeguard peace and development for all, uphold fairness and justice, and promote win-win results.

“It is important that we uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the UN-centered international system, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and take a constructive part in settling geopolitical flash points,” he said.

The BRICS countries should also maintain close strategic communication and coordination and speak in one voice for a more just and equitable international order, he added.

Second, the BRICS countries should pursue greater development prospects through openness and innovation, said the Chinese president.

The five-member bloc should deepen the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution, and strive for more productive cooperation in such fields as trade and investment, digital economy and connectivity, so as to achieve high-quality development, Xi said.

He called for the five countries to advocate extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits in global governance, and push for reform of the global economic governance system.

The BRICS countries should stand firm against protectionism, uphold the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and increase the voice and influence of emerging markets and developing countries in international affairs, Xi said.

The Chinese president also urged the BRICS member states to prioritize development in the global macro policy framework, follow through the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change, and promote coordinated progress in the economic, social and environmental spheres.

Third, the BRICS countries should promote mutual learning through people-to-people exchanges and take their people-to-people exchanges to greater breadth and depth, said Xi.

Xi proposed to leverage “BRICS Plus” cooperation as a platform to increase dialogue with other countries and civilizations to win BRICS more friends and partners.

In his speech, the president also stressed that China will open up still wider. “We will import more goods and services, ease market access for foreign investments, and step up intellectual property protection. With these efforts, we will break new ground in pursuing all-dimensional, multi-tiered and all-sectoral opening-up in China,” he said.

China will continue to act in the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and pursue open, green and clean cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi said.

“We will continue to follow a high-standard, people-centered, and sustainable approach to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with partner countries,” he said.

China, added the president, will stay committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and to the path of peaceful development, and continue to enhance friendship and cooperation with all other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

China is committed to working with Africa for an even stronger China-Africa community with a shared future, Xi said, adding that China will pursue closer cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in various areas and build a China-LAC community with a shared future and common progress.

Meanwhile, China strives for an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future that features openness and inclusiveness, innovation-driven growth, greater connectivity, and mutually beneficial cooperation, Xi said.

“All in all, China will work with the rest of the international community toward the goal of building a new type of international relationship and of building a community with a shared future for mankind,” he said.

Source: Xinhua

Posted in "Together for a New Chapter in BRICS Cooperation", 11th summit of BRICS, Belt and Road Cooperation, Brazil, Brics countries, China alert, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, India alert, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), multilateralism, Russia, South Africa, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

15/11/2019

Xi’s remarks point way to stabilizing Hong Kong situation: spokesperson

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) — President Xi Jinping’s latest remarks on the Hong Kong situation are the strongest voice from the central government on the work of ending violence and chaos in Hong Kong, a spokesperson said Friday.

Xi’s remarks on Thursday in Brazil have pointed the way to stabilizing the situation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), said Yang Guang, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

The president’s words came as the disturbances in Hong Kong have lasted more than five months and radical violent crimes have been escalating recently, the spokesperson said.

His remarks are a strong support to the Hong Kong SAR government led by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, a great inspiration to Hong Kong residents, and a stern warning to the rioters and their backroom supporting forces, Yang said.

The office will work with resolve to implement the president’s requirements to firmly support the chief executive in leading the SAR government to govern in accordance with the law, firmly support the Hong Kong police in strictly enforcing the law, and firmly support the Hong Kong judicial bodies in severely punishing the violent criminals in accordance with the law, Yang said.

The spokesperson pledged various means of supporting and encouraging the Hong Kong people from all walks of life to build up “overwhelming positive energy” in countering violence and safeguarding rule of law, for the end of chaos and the restoration of social stability in Hong Kong as soon as possible.

“The central government and 1.4 billion people of China will always be the strongest backing for Hong Kong to overcome any challenges and risks,” he said.

Source: Xinhua

Posted in Brazil, Central government, Chaos, Chief Executive Carrie Lam,, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), President Xi Jinping, State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Uncategorized, Violence | Leave a Comment »

15/11/2019

Hong Kong in first recession for a decade amid protests

Protesters in Hong Kong — Image caption Anti-government protests in Hong Kong started five months ago

Hong Kong has confirmed it has entered its first recession for a decade as it continues to be gripped by protests.

Its economy shrank 3.2% in the July-to-September period compared with the prior quarter, figures showed, confirming earlier preliminary data.

It means the economy has contracted for two quarters in a row, which is the usual definition of a recession.

Tourists are staying away and shops are suffering amid battles between anti-government protesters and police.

“Domestic demand worsened significantly in the third quarter, as the local social incidents took a heavy toll on consumption-related activities and subdued economic prospects weighed on consumption and investment sentiment,” the government said in a statement.

It now expects the economy to shrink 1.3% for the full year.

“Ending violence and restoring calm are pivotal to the recovery of the economy. The government will continue to closely monitor the situation and introduce measures as necessary to support enterprises and safeguard,” the government added.

Why are there protests in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong – a British colony until 1997 – is part of China under a model known as “one country, two systems”.

Under this model, Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy and people have freedoms unseen in mainland China.

The protests started in June after the government planned to pass a bill that would allow suspects to be extradited to mainland China.

Many feared this bill would undermine the city’s freedoms and judicial independence.

The bill was eventually withdrawn but the protests continued, having evolved into a broader revolt against the police, and the way Hong Kong is administered by Beijing.

Protests have taken place every weekend over the past few months, causing widespread disruption and a number of deaths.

On Thursday, a 70-year-old cleaner died after he was hit in the head during a protest in the Hong Kong border town of Sheung Shui.

Video purported to be of the incident shows two groups throwing bricks at each other before the man falls to the ground after being struck on the head.

Hong Kong protestors outside a Burberry store — Image caption Burberry says it has seen a “double digit” percentage decline in sales in Hong Kong

Dramatic scenes such as these have kept tourists away. In August, arrivals to the city – a popular travel destination and transit hub – hit their worst level since the SARS crisis of 2003.

Some hotels have slashed prices as they struggle to fill their rooms.

On Thursday, two companies with major operations in Hong Kong revealed the financial impact of the protests.

Luxury fashion house Burberry said its sales in Hong Kong had fallen by more than 10% and would “remain under pressure”.

Airline Cathay Pacific cut its profit guidance and said the civil unrest had “been exceptionally challenging, severely impacting demand and operations of the business”.

Why the spike in anger?

This week has seen a marked escalation in violence with intense street battles, violent clashes at universities and lunchtime protests in the financial heart of Hong Kong.

It is the first time in weeks that protests have taken place during weekdays.

Media caption Hong Kong Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng is jostled by protesters in London

Monday’s protests followed a weekend of vigils and demonstrations after a 22-year-old student protester died last week.

Alex Chow had been in hospital since he fell from the ledge of a car park during a police operation a week ago.

Later on Monday, violence escalated further when a police officer shot an activist in the torso with a live bullet and a pro-government supporter was set on fire by protesters.

In London, Hong Kong’s Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng was hurt after being jostled by anti-government protesters, the Chinese embassy said.

Ms Cheng is seen as having played a key role in promoting the unpopular extradition bill that triggered the protests. China strongly condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation.

Source: The BBC

Posted in amid, decade, first, Hong Kong, protests, Recession, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

14/11/2019

China ready to achieve common prosperity with Brazil: Xi

BRAZIL-BRASILIA-XI JINPING-BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT-TALKS

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia, Brazil, Nov. 13, 2019. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BRASILIA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday China is fully confident in China-Brazil cooperation and stands ready to achieve common prosperity with Brazil.

Xi made the remarks when meeting here with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Noting that Bolsonaro paid a successful state visit to China in October, Xi said the consensus reached by the two sides is being actively implemented.

At the recently concluded second China International Import Expo (CIIE), the transaction volume of Brazilian businesses grew 3.6 times compared with that at the first CIIE last year, Xi said, calling the results gratifying.

As the largest emerging-market country in the eastern and western hemispheres, respectively, Xi said, China and Brazil share broad common interests.

China is optimistic about Brazil’s development prospects and fully confident in bilateral cooperation, Xi said, adding that China stands ready to share development experience and gains with Brazil, so as to achieve common prosperity.

Xi expressed willingness to work with Bolsonaro to properly grasp and guide the direction of the development of China-Brazil relations.

China and Brazil are both major countries and the two sides should maintain strategic focus, adhere to mutual respect, treat each other as equals, strengthen exchanges and cement mutual trust, Xi stressed.

He urged both sides to open markets to each other and explore ways to establish long-term, stable and direct supply channels for basic products, including agricultural products, iron ore and crude oil.

China supports its enterprises to actively participate in Brazil’s infrastructure construction to promote connectivity, Xi said.

Xi called on both sides to advance cooperation in areas such as digital economy, next-generation communications, material science and biotechnology, wishing another successful launch of the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite in the near future, and urging the two sides to jointly promote the follow-up cooperation.

Xi also urged both sides to expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges and facilitate personnel exchanges.

China supports the Brazilian government’s efforts to combat the disaster in the Amazon rainforest and believes that Brazil is capable of overcoming the disaster, Xi said.

Both sides should work together to promote all-round exchanges and cooperation between China and Latin American countries, uphold multilateralism, build an open world economy, and safeguard the legitimate development rights and interests of emerging markets, Xi said.

The Chinese president added that China supports Brazil in hosting the upcoming BRICS summit and stands ready to work with all parties to make the summitry a success.

For his part, Bolsonaro said he has instructed relevant government departments to implement as soon as possible the consensus reached during his state visit to China, calling that visit a success.

Noting that China is a significant major country and Brazil’s largest trading partner, Bolsonaro said the Brazilian people hold admiration, respect and friendly feelings toward the Chinese people, and Brazil-China cooperation boasts increasing significance to Brazil’s future development.

Economies of Brazil and China are highly complementary and the areas of cooperation continue to expand, Bolsonaro said, adding that his country welcomes Chinese investment to Brazil and stronger cooperation in infrastructure construction, iron ore, and the energy sector, including oil and gas.

The Brazilian side values the important opportunities brought about by China’s opening-up of its market, he said, expressing the hope to expand bilateral trade and promote export of more Brazilian agricultural products to China.

His country is also willing to offer favorable conditions for Chinese enterprises and products to enter Brazil, he said, adding that Brazil stands ready to facilitate personnel exchanges and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Bolsonaro thanked China for supporting Brazil’s sovereignty over the Amazon rainforest issue and expressed his willingness to cooperate with China on biodiversity conservation.

He also thanked China for supporting Brazil in hosting the BRICS summit, adding that Brazil is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with other parties for a summit that produces positive outcomes.

Brazil is grateful for China’s trust and friendship, said Bolsonaro, adding that from a long-term perspective, Brazil attaches importance to strengthening cooperation with China in a wide range of areas, so as to deepen their traditional friendship and benefit the two peoples.

After the meeting, the two heads of state jointly met the press and witnessed the exchange of a number of documents on bilateral cooperation.

Source: Xinhua

Posted in Brasilia, Brazil, Brazilian agricultural products, Brazilian President, BRICS summit, China-Brazil cooperation, China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Jair Bolsonaro, multilateralism, second China International Import Expo (CIIE), Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

14/11/2019

China’s top political advisor visits Egypt to enhance bilateral cooperation, boost ties

Wang Yang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in Egypt, Nov. 11, 2019. Invited by Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal of the Egyptian Parliament, Wang paid an official visit to Egypt from Nov. 10 to 13. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

CAIRO, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) — China and Egypt agreed to enhance cooperation and further promote bilateral ties as China’s top political advisor Wang Yang visited the North African country from Nov. 10 to 13.

During his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), hailed the robust development of bilateral ties.

Wang conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings and best wishes to Sisi, noting that, under the guidance of the two heads of state, Sino-Egyptian relations have achieved historical development.

He said China stands ready to work with Egypt to increase high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, actively promote practical cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), enhance coordination over regional and global affairs, strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation, and push the Sino-Egyptian comprehensive strategic partnership for greater development.

Wang said that the just-concluded fourth plenary session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee has constructed a reliable mechanism for the modernization of China’s national governance system and capacity, as well as realization of national rejuvenation, which also provides Chinese wisdom and solutions to the institutional civilization of humanity.

Wang said China is ready to work with Egypt to strengthen exchanges of experience on governance and support Egypt’s choice of a development path that suits its own national conditions.

For his part, Sisi asked Wang to convey his cordial greetings to Xi, while expressing his heartfelt congratulations to China on its great achievements made in the past 70 years.

Applauding the unprecedented level and depth of Sino-Egyptian relations, Sisi said Egypt supports the BRI and welcomes Chinese enterprises to increase investment in Egypt.

The Egyptian leader also expressed the hope that China will give full play to its influence to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

Egypt is willing to enhance exchanges and mutual learning on de-radicalization, he added.

At his meeting with Egyptian Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal, Wang said that political mutual trust is the foundation of Sino-Egyptian relations and the BRI has become the new focus of cooperation between the two countries.

Wang appreciated Egypt’s firm support on the issues concerning China’s core interests, adding that China is ready to work with Egypt to enhance coordination on development strategies, implement major cooperation projects, and boost cooperation in tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

He said that the CPPCC is willing to increase exchanges with Egyptian parliament at all levels, with an aim to increase each other’s capabilities of fulfilling own duties.

Abdel-Aal expressed his country’s firm support for the one-China principle and the measures adopted by China to safeguard its territorial and sovereign integrity and national stability.

He said Egypt supports the two sides to enhance friendly exchanges between legislative and consultative bodies.

Abdel-Aal hoped that more Egyptian agricultural products will enter China’s market, while pledging to offer convenience for Chinese enterprises to expand investment in Egypt.

When meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Wang said that Egypt, which boasts huge market potential and demographic dividend at a crucial stage of industrialization and urbanization, is China’s natural partner in BRI development.

Wang said China is willing to positively participate in Egypt’s strategic planning including the Suez Canal Corridor development, encourage competitive Chinese enterprises to invest in Egypt, explore conducting Africa-oriented tripartite cooperation, and facilitate the access to China’s market by high-quality Egyptian agricultural products.

Madbouly said China has become Egypt’s largest trading partner and the Sino-Egyptian ties are taking a leap forward.

He said that Egypt is willing to learn from China’s advanced experience in technological innovation, and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and mutual support on cyber security and anti-terrorism.

Egypt also looks forward to working with China to jointly promote the interconnection and intercommunication between China and Africa, Madbouly added.

During his stay in Egypt, Wang also had in-depth exchanges with Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb and Governor of Luxor Moustafa Mohamed Alham Khaled, inspected Chinese telecom company Huawei’s innovation exhibition center in North Africa, and attended the inauguration ceremony of Luxor University’s Confucius classroom.

Source: Xinhua

Posted in 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee, Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, anti-terrorism, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), best wishes, bilateral cooperation, boost, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese telecom company, Chinese wisdom, cordial greetings, Egypt, Egyptian agricultural products, Egyptian Parliament Speaker, Egyptian President, Egyptian Prime Minister, enhance, Huawei's innovation exhibition center, Luxor University's Confucius classroom, Middle East, Mostafa Madbouly, North African country, Political advisor, Sino-Egyptian comprehensive strategic partnership for greater development, Suez Canal Corridor development, ties, top, Uncategorized, visits, wang yang | Leave a Comment »

14/11/2019

Sabarimala temple: India court to review ruling on women’s entry

Devotees inside the Sabarimala temple — Image caption Sabarimala is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in the country

India’s Supreme Court has agreed to review its landmark judgement allowing women of menstruating age to enter a controversial Hindu shrine.

A five-judge bench last year ruled that keeping women out of the Sabarimala shrine in the southern state of Kerala was discriminatory.

The verdict led to massive protests in the state.

Women who tried to enter the shrine were either sent back or, in some cases, even assaulted.

The move is likely to anger women who fought hard to win the right to enter the temple.

Hinduism regards menstruating women as unclean and bars them from participating in religious rituals.

Many temples bar women during their periods and many devout women voluntarily stay away, but Sabarimala had a blanket ban on all women between the ages of 10 and 50.

What did the court say?

On Thursday the five-judge bench, responding to dozens of review petitions challenging the court’s landmark judgement last year, said that the matter would now be heard by a larger bench.

In doing so, however, it did not stay its earlier order. This means women can still legally enter the temple.

But it’s not going to be easy for them.

Two women trying to enter the temple in full riot gear — Image caption Some women tried to enter the temple last year

A temple official welcomed the ruling and appealed to women to stay away.

Women trying to enter the temple after the verdict last year were attacked by mobs blocking the way.

Many checked vehicles heading towards the temple to see if any women of a “menstruating age” – deemed to be those aged between 10 and 50 years – were trying to enter.

Following Thursday’s verdict, police in Kerala have appealed for calm, saying that action will be taken “against those who take the law into their own hands”. They added that social media accounts would be under surveillance and those stoking religious tensions online would be arrested.

‘One step forward, two steps back’

Geeta Pandey, BBC News, Delhi

Today’s verdict will come as a massive disappointment to women’s rights campaigners. It’s a case of one step forward, two steps back.

In 2018, while lifting the ban on women’s entry into the shrine, the Supreme Court had said that everyone had the right to practice religion and that the ban was a form of “untouchability”.

It was seen as a hugely progressive ruling and had given hope to women that they were equal before the law and could now claim equality before the gods too. What happened in court today has taken that sense away.

The Supreme Court has not put its earlier order on hold, but with the ambiguity over women’s entry continuing, it’s very likely they could be kept out in the name of keeping peace.

With the case now to be reopened by a larger seven-judge bench, the fight will have to be fought all over again.

Why is the temple so controversial?

Part of the violent opposition to the Supreme Court order to reverse the temple’s historical ban on women was because protesters felt the ruling goes against the wishes of the deity, Lord Ayappa, himself.

While most Hindu temples allow women to enter as long as they are not menstruating, the Sabarimala temple is unusual in that it was one of the few that did not allow women in a broad age group to enter at all.

Hindu devotees say that the ban on women entering Sabarimala is not about menstruation alone – it is also in keeping with the wish of the deity who is believed to have laid down clear rules about the pilgrimage to seek his blessings.

Indian Police patrol during clashes between Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in front of the Kerala Government Secretariat in Thiruvnanthapuram on January 02, 2019 — Image caption The entry of women into the Sabarimala temple sparked angry scenes

Every year, millions of male devotees trek up a steep hill, often barefoot, to visit the shrine. They also undertake a rigorous 41-day fast, abstaining from smoking, alcohol, meat, sex and contact with menstruating women before they begin the journey.

Women’s rights campaigners who appealed to the Supreme Court to lift the ban said that this custom violated equality guaranteed under India’s constitution. They added that it was prejudiced against women and their right to worship.

Supporters of the ban argued that the practice had been in effect for centuries, and there was no need to change it now.

So, were any women able to enter last year?

In January, two women defied protesters and entered the shrine.

Kanakadurga, 39, and Bindu Ammini, 40, made history when they entered the Sabarimala shrine – but they had to do so under heavy police protection and were also met with massive protests after.

Right-wing groups, supported by India’s ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), demanded a state-wide shutdown after, and businesses and transportation became paralysed.

Across the state hundreds were arrested, and at least one person was killed in clashes.

In an interview with the BBC, the women said they felt it necessary to uphold women’s rights and they weren’t afraid of mobs “enraged” by their actions.

Media caption One of the women who defied protesters to enter the Sabarimala temple says she has ‘no fear’

“I am not afraid. But every time women make any progress, society has always made a lot of noise,” Ms Kanakadurga told the BBC in January.

But their decision to enter the temple also came at heavy personal cost.

She alleged that she had been beaten by her mother-in-law and abandoned. She has since filed for divorce.

Source: The BBC

Posted in blanket ban, controversial, court, entry, Hindu shrine, Hindu temples, India alert, India's Supreme Court, Kerala, landmark judgement, menstruating age, review, ruling, Sabarimala temple, Uncategorized, unclean, women's | Leave a Comment »

13/11/2019

China sends five satellites into orbit via single rocket

CHINA-TAIYUAN-SATELLITE LAUNCH-NINGXIA-1 (CN)

The five new remote-sensing Ningxia-1 satellites are launched by a Long March-6 carrier rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province on Nov. 13, 2019. The five Ningxia-1 satellites were sent into planned orbit here on Wednesday. The satellites are part of a commercial satellite project invested by the Ningxia Jingui Information Technology Co., Ltd. and will be mainly used for remote sensing detection. (Photo by Zheng Taotao/Xinhua)

TAIYUAN, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) — Five new remote-sensing satellites were sent into planned orbit from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province Wednesday.

The five Ningxia-1 satellites were launched by a Long March-6 carrier rocket at 2:35 p.m. (Beijing Time).

The satellites are part of a commercial satellite project invested by the Ningxia Jingui Information Technology Co., Ltd. and will be mainly used for remote sensing detection.

The satellites and carrier rocket were developed by the DFH Satellite Co., Ltd. and the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology.

Wednesday’s launch was the 318th mission for the Long March series carrier rockets.

Source: Xinhua

Posted in carrier rocket, China alert, commercial satellite project, DFH Satellite Co., Ltd., Long March series, Long March series carrier rockets, Long March-6, Ningxia Jingui Information Technology Co., Ltd., Ningxia-1, orbit, remote sensing detection, Rocket, satellites, sends, Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, shanxi province, single, Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

13/11/2019

Two endangered Chinese finless porpoises found dead in Yangtze River as species struggles for survival

Remains of two of river’s estimated 1,012 porpoises found in less than a week

The finless porpoise found dead in the Yangtze River in Hubei on Monday was the second fatality in a week. Photo: 163.com

Two endangered finless porpoises have been found dead in the Yangtze River in the space of a week, according to mainland Chinese media reports.

One was found on Monday in Jiayu county, central Hubei province, four days after the remains of another were recovered from Dongting Lake, a tributary of the Yangtze in central Hunan province, news website Thepaper.cn reported.

The Dongting Lake carcass was tied with a rope and weighted with bricks, and authorities in Hunan said the creature became tangled in a fishing net. The Hubei death is under investigation.

The Yangtze’s finless porpoises are “extremely endangered”, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said in a 2016 action plan to protect the species. Last year, vice-minister Yu Kangzhen said surveys showed there were about 1,012 of the animals in the river.

The tail of a dead finless porpoise pulled from Dongting Lake in Hunan appears to have been tied to weights. Photo: Pear Video

In 2017, China raised its protection for the mammals to its highest level because of the critical dangers they faced. Experts said that as the river’s “flagship” species, the porpoise was an indicator for the Yangtze’s ecology.

The porpoise discovered in Hubei was small and it had suffered superficial wounds, investigators were quoted as saying. They estimated that it was found soon after its death.

Xiaoxiang Morning Post quoted fisheries authorities in Yueyang, near Dongting Lake, as saying the porpoise in Hunan was found with weights around its tail.

Two porpoise carcasses found on separate Hong Kong shores

Officials said the fishermen who set the net feared they would be blamed for the creature’s death and tied bricks to its tail to sink it.

Other fishermen who witnessed the incident told the authority, leading to the discovery of the body, the report said. The investigation is ongoing and the suspects are still at large.

A fishing authority spokesman told the newspaper that the porpoise’s death showed the difficulty of balancing conservation with the livelihoods of fishermen.

“It’s difficult to figure out a good model to protect the porpoises without affecting fishermen’s business,” he said.

In mainland China, finless porpoises are referred to as “giant pandas in water” because of their endangered status. Their numbers fell from 2,700 in 1991 to 1,800 in 2006, and there were 1,045 finless porpoises in 2012, according to agriculture ministry data.

Source: SCMP

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