‘Cold War mindset’: China hits out at US after Washington ends exchange programs and curbs visas for officials

Beijing has slammed Washington after it terminated cultural exchange programs, put visa restrictions on officials and plans to delete shares of Chinese companies blacklisted by the US, as hostility between the states continues. … Read More >‘Cold War mindset’: China hits out at US after Washington ends exchange programs and curbs visas for officials

Macron and Sisi at odds over free speech & Prophet Mohammed cartoons during Egyptian leader’s French trip

Egypt’s president has spoken of his belief in the “sacred” nature of religion during a discussion about free speech and the publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed at a media event with France’s Emmanuel Macron. … Read More >Macron and Sisi at odds over free speech & Prophet Mohammed cartoons during Egyptian leader’s French trip

Chinese retail giant JD.com becomes first big online shop to accept digital yuan in $3mn ‘lottery’ trial

China is set to hold one of the biggest trials of its sovereign digital currency, making it available for payments at one of its biggest e-commerce platforms, JD.com, after yet another massive giveaway. … Read More >Chinese retail giant JD.com becomes first big online shop to accept digital yuan in $3mn ‘lottery’ trial

US makes last-ditch effort to freeze Nord Stream 2 as massive gas project nears completion

The US wants Germany and its European partners to halt construction on Nord Stream 2, a top American diplomat has said. Russian ships have increased activity in the area where the last stretch of the unfinished pipeline lies. … Read More >US makes last-ditch effort to freeze Nord Stream 2 as massive gas project nears completion

Russian authorities to investigate after forged negative Covid-19 test certificates found on sale for just $33 each

A criminal case has been opened in Russia after mass forgeries of negative Covid-19 test certificates were discovered. The documents were found to be on sale online for 2,500 rubles ($33) each. … Read More >Russian authorities to investigate after forged negative Covid-19 test certificates found on sale for just $33 each