Author: HeraldStar

China’s Premier Li Qiang reiterated Beijing’s support for Myanmar’s political reconciliation and transition efforts during a meeting with Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Kunming, China, on Wednesday. This marks the first visit by Min Aung Hlaing to China since his 2021 coup, which plunged Myanmar into chaos. The meeting took place in Yunnan province, a region that shares a border with Myanmar, a strategic area affected by the ongoing unrest in Myanmar, particularly along the border. Li emphasized China’s willingness to strengthen ties with Myanmar, including enhancing cooperation in the multilateral arena and further promoting the China-Myanmar economic…

South Korea’s presidential office announced plans on Wednesday to strengthen its security alliance with the incoming U.S. administration. President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to speak with President-elect Donald Trump in the coming days to discuss future cooperation. With approximately 28,500 American troops stationed in South Korea, this partnership remains critical for regional stability, particularly in deterring North Korea’s nuclear threat. Under President Yoon’s leadership, Seoul has worked closely with Washington to maintain the alliance, recently agreeing to a five-year cost-sharing plan for U.S. troop presence. Additionally, in response to growing geopolitical tensions, a South Korean official revealed plans to…

Ghana’s cocoa production is projected to rebound in the 2024/25 season, thanks to favorable weather and enhanced crop management, according to Ghana’s Cocobod, farmers, and buyers. After a historic low last season—output dropping to just 55% of the typical yield due to poor weather and other challenges—Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, now anticipates a recovery to 650,000 tons. However, the International Cocoa Organization remains cautious, projecting a more modest 500,000 tons. Improved conditions this year have contributed to healthier cocoa pods and more productive trees. Abdul-Majid Mumuni, who leads Cocobod’s cocoa health and extension division, noted a remarkable yield…

South Africa has closed the Lebombo border crossing with Mozambique as violent protests over Mozambique’s disputed election continue to escalate. Supporters of Venancio Mondlane, who placed second in the October 9 election, allege that the ruling Frelimo party, in power since 1975, engaged in electoral fraud. In response to protests, security forces in Mozambique have deployed tear gas and live ammunition, leading to at least 18 confirmed deaths according to Human Rights Watch, while local rights groups report as many as 24 casualties. The protests began with widespread demonstrations across Mozambique, and with heightened tensions, South Africa’s border authority decided…

Prince William underscored the vital role of young people in tackling climate change as he promoted his Earthshot Prize in South Africa, stressing that the future looks “pretty bleak” without their involvement. The prince is in Cape Town for the annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, which awards £1 million ($1.3 million) each to five innovators pioneering solutions to environmental challenges. Inspired by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s “moonshot” vision, the Earthshot Prize was established in 2020 to support transformative green solutions and promote optimism among climate advocates. William acknowledged the complex political climate for environmental causes but expressed hope…

In a surprising political comeback, former President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House four years after his initial defeat, marking a shift in U.S. leadership with potentially far-reaching effects on both domestic and foreign policies. At 78, Trump surpassed the 270 Electoral College votes required for victory, reaching 279 against Vice President Kamala Harris’ 223, with some states still counting. Wisconsin’s pivotal swing state win pushed him over the threshold, and he led Harris by roughly 5 million votes in the popular count. In a fiery speech to supporters in Florida, Trump declared a renewed mandate to “restore America.” Trump’s…

By Zhao Xiaopeng The Chinese economy is intricate, yet one of the most straightforward ways to assess it is through agricultural and industrial output,” stated Yao Jingyuan, former Chief Economist of the National Bureau of Statistics of China, during the 2024 annual meeting of Harvard Business Review in Beijing. “In 2024, China has recorded a significant grain harvest and substantial growth in industrial output, underscoring its stable and robust production capacity.” With almost four decades of experience in economic analysis, Yao is well-versed in China’s economic indicators. He began by highlighting the impressive performance of the agricultural sector, projecting that…

Halloween 2024 in Shibuya is expected to be more captivating than ever, as the district introduces new, specially curated activities to elevate the Halloween spirit. Following pandemic-related restrictions in recent years, this Halloween promises to be a unique celebration with even more impressive costumes, extended hours for festivities, and increased cooperation from local businesses, which will offer exclusive Halloween-themed items, limited-edition menus, and dedicated photo spots for capturing the night’s best moments. One of the main highlights this year will be Shibuya’s official “Halloween Safe Zones” to help manage the crowd more effectively. In 2024, Shibuya’s Halloween event will also…

By Qaiser Nawab As the electric vehicle (EV) market reshapes global economies and influences geopolitical alliances, the EU-China trade talks on EVs represent a critical moment for Europe’s future as an industrial and environmental powerhouse. Unlike the U.S., which has tightened its stance on Chinese technology imports, the European Union holds the potential to forge a more balanced approach. This strategy would not only avoid restrictive U.S.-style policies but also provide European consumers and businesses access to competitive and innovative EV options—especially from China’s rapidly advancing EV sector. The U.S. ICTS (Information and Communications Technology and Services) Rule, which prohibits…

By Qaiser Nawab In recent years, China has emerged as a dominant force in the global race for green and low-carbon technology patents. This achievement, highlighted by a July 2024 research report from China’s top intellectual property regulator, marks a significant shift in the landscape of sustainable innovation. With a staggering 101,000 green and low-carbon patent applications published in 2023, China has not only outpaced traditional innovation powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Germany but has also positioned itself as a global leader in the pursuit of sustainable development. The rapid rise of China’s green patent portfolio…