insert_link Science & Technology Chinese crew to conduct experiments in space for six months A Chinese spacecraft with a three-person crew, including the country's first female space engineer, has docked after a journey of more than six hours. The crew will use the homegrown space station as a base for six months to conduct experiments and carry out spacewalks. Laura Westbrook reports from Hong Kong. today30 October, 2024
insert_link Africa SA’s government denies Chinese pressure on Taiwan office relocation in Pretoria South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has denied claims that the government has been pressured by China to order the relocation of Taiwan’s office from Pretoria to Johannesburg. Taiwan’s Foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, has accused South Africa of violating a 1997 agreement between the two countries. Dirco’s spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, spoke to Newzroom Afrika. today23 October, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics IMF Adjusts Growth Forecasts, Cautions on Global Risks The International Monetary Fund has raised its growth forecast for the United States but lowered its outlook for China, citing concerns over conflicts, trade tensions, and high interest rates. In its World Economic Outlook released on Tuesday, the IMF predicts global GDP will remain steady at 3.2% for this year and next. Finance leaders are convening in Washington DC this week for the IMF and World Bank annual meetings. From […] today23 October, 2024
insert_link Africa SA’s Referendum Party calls for support of Taiwan’s self-determination The Referendum Party is urging South Africa's government of national unity to publicly affirm Taiwan's right to self-determination. This follows South Africa's decision to ask Taiwan to relocate its embassy from Pretoria, reportedly influenced by China. The party's president, Phil Craig. today21 October, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics China’s Q3 GDP hits weakest pace since early 2023 China's economy grew at the slowest pace since early 2023 in the three months to September, according to data released on Friday. The property sector remains a big challenge for Beijing as it tries to boost growth. Laura Westbrook has more from Hong Kong. today18 October, 2024
insert_link World Blinken condemns China’s ‘increasingly dangerous’ sea moves US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has condemned Beijing's "increasingly dangerous" actions in the South China Sea and voiced support for freedom of navigation. He met Asian leaders on Friday, where he will represent the United States at the annual Southeast Asian-led meetings, which President Joe Biden is skipping for the second straight year. Laura Westbrook has more. today11 October, 2024
insert_link World Chinese and Russian disinformation flourishes in some African countries – anti-US sentiment helps it take hold By Dani Madrid-Morales, University of Sheffield; Herman Wasserman, Stellenbosch University, and Saifuddin Ahmed, Nanyang Technological University The spread of disinformation is one of the biggest risks to societies. Recent examples have been conspiracy narratives about COVID-19 vaccinations and false claims about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The trend is linked partly to competition among world powers, which is being played out in Africa too. Across the continent, multiple foreign […] today5 September, 2024
insert_link Africa DRC is the world’s largest producer of cobalt – how control by local elites can shape the global battery industry By Raphael Deberdt, Colorado School of Mines and Jessica DiCarlo, University of Utah The mineral-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is often portrayed as a victim of exploitation by China, the US and Europe in their competition for its minerals, which are critical for the energy transition. But our research has found that the DRC can influence the shape of the cobalt market, in which it is […] today5 September, 2024
Africa China’s investments in Africa aren’t working as well as they as they should for cities: this needs to change By Astrid R.N. Haas, University of Toronto Over the past two decades African leaders have become increasingly drawn to Chinese financing and investment. These investments are made rapidly and with reportedly less stringent conditions than traditional financing sources. Some also suggest that China’s approach aligns more closely with African priorities. This sentiment was summarised by the former president of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, in 2008: China’s approach to […] today4 September, 2024
