World - China Daily

International - US opens virtual embassy to Iran

Agencies and China Daily — 08 Dec 2011 08:34:51 +0800

The United States opened a virtual online embassy on Tuesday to reach out to Iranians despite the absence of official ties, vowing to break through the country's "electronic curtain".

International - China,US hold defense talks despite frictions

By Li Xiaokun and Zhao Shengnan — 08 Dec 2011 08:29:37 +0800

High-ranking officials from China and the United States held their annual defense consultative talks (DCT) as planned on Wednesday in Beijing, despite recent frictions including US arms sales to Taiwan.

International - Bill Gates envisions nuclear future for nation

By Cheng Yingqi and Liu Yiyu — 08 Dec 2011 08:18:38 +0800

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates confirmed on Wednesday that a company he helped found is cooperating on the development of a new type of nuclear reactor in China.

International - Blueprint sets out control of emissions

By Li Jing and Lan Lan — 07 Dec 2011 08:40:22 +0800

Country to cut carbon intensity; each province tied to a target.

Africa/Middle East - 59 dead in Afghan shrine blasts on Shiite holy day

Agencies — 07 Dec 2011 08:33:37 +0800

Twin blasts at Afghan shrines on the Shiite holy day of Ashura left at least 59 people dead on Tuesday, with one massive suicide attack in Kabul ripping through a crowd of worshippers including children.

International - Astronomers confirm 'Earth twin'

Agencies — 07 Dec 2011 08:11:12 +0800

A newly discovered planet is eerily similar to Earth and is sitting outside our solar system in what seems to be the ideal place for life, except for one hitch. It's a bit too big.

International - Li: Europe can get out of crisis

By Wu Jiao and Zheng Yangpeng — 06 Dec 2011 09:05:15 +0800

China reaffirmed its confidence in Europe's "wisdom and ability" to resolve the eurozone debt crisis, Vice-Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday while meeting Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond.

International - UK opens arms for Chinese deals

By Zhang Haizhou, Cecily Liu and Li Xiang — 06 Dec 2011 08:57:29 +0800

The United Kingdom is welcoming Chinese investment in its infrastructure sector.

International - Flexibility at Durban gives hope

By Lan Lan and Li Jing — 06 Dec 2011 08:37:05 +0800

Nation to aid island countries vulnerable to climate change

Asia Pacific - Chinese panda pair arrive at Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo

By Zhang Chunyan — 05 Dec 2011 08:52:15 +0800

Two Chinese pandas arrived to a traditional Scottish welcome of bagpipes as they arrived at Edinburgh Zoo on Sunday.

Asia Pacific - Experts urge Europe to look toward Asia-Pacific

By Zhang Haizhou and Hu Yinan — 05 Dec 2011 08:50:36 +0800

As the world's center of gravity shifts toward the Asia-Pacific region, concerns are growing in Europe that the former center of global geopolitics may be sidelined.

Asia Pacific - Confident in the face of conflict

By Li Jing — 05 Dec 2011 08:46:18 +0800

China's top climate negotiator said he is upbeat about the possibility of progress as talks enter a second week, despite differences among countries on issues such as the extension of the Kyoto Protocol and the creation of a Green Climate Fund.

Asia Pacific - Beijing, Tokyo vow closer ties

By Zhang Yunbi — 03 Dec 2011 09:32:39 +0800

The 12th China-Japan Strategic Dialogue was held in Beijing on Friday, with both countries vowing to enhance strategic mutual trust and bilateral ties.

Africa/Middle East - Pakistan response slowed by confusion

Agencies — 03 Dec 2011 09:04:13 +0800

Communication breakdown kept air force from engaging NATO aircraft.

Asia Pacific - Thailand to issue passport for former prime minister Thaksin

Agencies — 03 Dec 2011 08:58:39 +0800

Thailand will issue a passport for its fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra "very soon", his sister's government said on Friday, angering the controversial ex-leader's opponents.

International - BRICS to boost grain yield

By Qiu Quanlin — 03 Dec 2011 08:45:42 +0800

Joint effort will ensure adequate food supplies, official says.

International - US vows to speed up visa process

By Todd Balazovic — 02 Dec 2011 08:45:51 +0800

Chinese citizens applying for US visas will face shorter wait times in the future as the US embassy vowed to speed up the visa application process.

Europe - 'Little Mole' cartoonist Zdenek Miler dies at 90

Agencies — 02 Dec 2011 08:43:06 +0800

Cute creation joined US astronaut on NASA's final space shuttle mission.

International - Asia to crack top university ranks

By Karl Wilson — 02 Dec 2011 08:26:18 +0800

Educational institutes climb ladder quickly although they have a long way to go, Karl Wilson reports from Sydney.

International - DPRK building new nuke reactor

China Daily — 01 Dec 2011 09:04:51 +0800

US: Pyongyang should take 'concrete steps' toward peace.

Europe - Workers' strike largest in decades

By Zhang Chunyan — 01 Dec 2011 09:03:32 +0800

British public sector workers staged the biggest strike in a generation on Wednesday to protest against austerity measures.

Asia Pacific - Project Bicycle for Beijing wins green award

China Daily — 30 Nov 2011 12:09:01 +0800

A project designed to be a catalyst to promote a new bicycle culture in Beijing bagged the first prize in the Next Generation category of an international green competition.

Americas - Autistic boys have larger brains: Study

Agencies — 30 Nov 2011 08:38:19 +0800

Abnormal brain growth starting at four months of age occurs in a type of autism in which toddlers lose language and social skills they once had, according to a US study published on Monday.

Europe - Potter star tops under-30 rich list

Agencies — 30 Nov 2011 08:35:22 +0800

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe on Tuesday topped a Heat Magazine list of the richest, young British entertainers, retaining his No 1 position in the ranking of people under 30-years-old.

Africa/Middle East - Iran protesters storm British embassy

Agencies — 30 Nov 2011 08:25:34 +0800

Iranian protesters stormed the British embassy in Teheran on Tuesday, but police secured the release of six employees of an embassy compound in northern Teheran who had been under temporary control of protesters earlier in the day.

Africa/Middle East - Talks open as clock ticks on Kyoto deal

Agencies — 29 Nov 2011 09:22:25 +0800

Almost 200 nations began global climate talks on Monday with time running out to save the Kyoto Protocol aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions that scientists blame for rising sea levels, intense storms, drought and crop failures.

International - NATO 'ignored' Pakistani plea to cease airstrikes

Agencies - Xinhua — 29 Nov 2011 08:43:46 +0800

The NATO airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers went on for nearly two hours and continued even after local commanders had told the coalition forces to cease the attacks, Pakistan said on Monday.

Africa/Middle East - Voters queue in Egypt's election

Agencies - Xinhua — 29 Nov 2011 08:41:03 +0800

Egyptians flocked to polling stations on Monday as part of a transition born in revolutionary euphoria but now tinged by distrust of the generals who replaced former president Hosni Mubarak.

Americas - NASA launches massive rover on journey to Mars

Agencies — 28 Nov 2011 08:44:09 +0800

A super-size rover zoomed toward Mars on an 8-month, 570 million-kilometer journey on Saturday, the biggest and best equipped robot ever sent to explore another planet.

International - NATO attack kills 24 troops

Agencies — 28 Nov 2011 08:39:20 +0800

Pakistan on Sunday buried 24 troops killed in a NATO cross-border air attack that has pushed a crisis in relations between the United States and an ally it needs to fight militancy toward rupture.

Europe - Greeks suffer the wounds of austerity cuts

By Fu Jing — 28 Nov 2011 08:21:01 +0800

Anger on the streets as crime, unemployment and suicide rates continue to climb. Fu Jing reports from Athens.

Asia Pacific - Prehistoric man mastered art of deep-sea fishing

Agencies — 26 Nov 2011 08:47:49 +0800

Australian archaeologists revealed on Friday that they have uncovered evidence suggesting prehistoric humans living 42,000 years ago mastered the art of deep-sea fishing.

Americas - US shoppers greet 'Black Friday' sales

Agencies — 26 Nov 2011 08:44:04 +0800

Bargain hunters flocked to US stores late on Thursday and overnight Friday, searching for deals while fretting about their own shaky economic well-being.

International - Probe to look into US solar projects

By Diao Ying and Du Juan — 26 Nov 2011 08:36:26 +0800

Chinese firms say subsidies create unfair barriers for clean energy.

Africa/Middle East - Truce quiets Cairo, vote to go ahead

Xinhua and Agencies — 25 Nov 2011 09:07:29 +0800

Thousands of protesters vow not to leave Tahrir Square.

Americas - Rats sniff out landmines in Colombia

Agencies — 25 Nov 2011 09:03:43 +0800

Govt trains rodents to detect metals used in explosives.

International - Contractors look to developed economies

By Bao Chang — 25 Nov 2011 08:25:22 +0800

Political turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa means that China's offshore construction contractors are shifting their focus from developing countries to developed economies, industry insiders said.

Americas - NASA set to launch Mars 'dream machine'

Agencies — 24 Nov 2011 08:50:01 +0800

As big as a car and as well-equipped as a laboratory, NASA's newest Mars rover blows away its predecessors in size and skill.

International - US build-up in Asia-Pacific 'not a threat' toward Beijing

By Cheng Guangjin and Zheng Yangpeng — 24 Nov 2011 08:49:10 +0800

The United States' increasing presence in the Asia-Pacific region is not meant to threaten China, a US national security official said on Tuesday, after US President Barack Obama's nine-day trip to the region.

Asia Pacific - Gemba's visit animates China-Japan ties

By Ma Liyao and Hu Yinan — 24 Nov 2011 08:44:32 +0800

Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba vowed to boost relations as he met Chinese leaders in Beijing on Wednesday.

Asia Pacific - Key gas agreement signed

By Wu Jiao and Cui Haipei — 24 Nov 2011 08:34:36 +0800

Strategic energy partnership formed as Turkmenistan set to boost supplies.

Asia Pacific - Japan FM to discuss sea safety measures

By Guo Ji — 23 Nov 2011 08:42:08 +0800

Japan Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba will pay an official visit to China on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said on Tuesday.

Europe - Greece, Italy PMs reassure leaders

By Fu Jing — 23 Nov 2011 08:41:07 +0800

After days of political turbulence, newly appointed prime ministers of Greece and Italy have begun to mobilize external resources and support from Brussels and Washington to implement the strict reform and austerity decisions imposed by the EU.

Africa/Middle East - Egyptians swarm for rally

Agencies — 23 Nov 2011 08:38:45 +0800

Thousands of protesters swarmed Cairo's Tahrir Square on Tuesday to demand an end to military rule, heightening tension after days of deadly clashes that threaten to derail next week's legislative polls.

Asia Pacific - 'Ping-pong diplomacy' brings DPRK, ROK closer

By Guo Ji — 22 Nov 2011 08:56:48 +0800

Pyongyang, Seoul's players to pair up at table tennis contest.

International - 22 dead as clashes continue to rock Cairo before polls

Agencies and Xinhua — 22 Nov 2011 08:51:11 +0800

Fresh clashes erupted on Monday in Cairo's Tahrir Square between police and protesters demanding the end of military rule, as the death toll climbed to 22 and the spiralling unrest threatened to overshadow polls scheduled for next week.

International - Russia accuses West of Syria 'provocation'

Agencies — 22 Nov 2011 08:48:44 +0800

Western powers tell opposition to 'forget dialogue' with Assad govt.

International - Key meeting focuses on trade issues

By Ding Qingfen — 22 Nov 2011 08:30:28 +0800

Commitments given by Beijing not reciprocated, experts say.

Asia Pacific - Brunei energy deals inked

By Li Xiaokun — 22 Nov 2011 08:14:15 +0800

Premier oversees signing of crucial documents during landmark trip.

Africa/Middle East - Two killed in Egypt protest clashes

Agencies — 21 Nov 2011 09:12:47 +0800

Protesters demanding an end to army rule and angered by rough police tactics battled with police on Sunday, presenting Egypt's ruling generals with their biggest security challenge yet, a week before parliamentary elections.

Africa/Middle East - ICC urges Libya to hand over Gadhafi son

Agencies — 21 Nov 2011 09:09:47 +0800

Saif al-Islam wanted over deaths during uprising.

Asia Pacific - Sino-ASEAN trade likely to reach $400b

By Li Xiaokun — 21 Nov 2011 09:04:38 +0800

China's trade volume with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is likely to reach $400 billion this year, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Sunday.

Europe - Russia warns of civil war as new wave of protests hit Syria

Xinhua — 19 Nov 2011 08:29:18 +0800

Buoyed by the escalation of international pressure against the government of President Bashar al-Assad, a new wave of anti-government protests swept across some Syrian cities, as Russia warned of impending civil war in the country.

Africa/Middle East - UN watchdog passes resolution on Iran nuke issue

Xinhua - Agencies — 19 Nov 2011 08:28:23 +0800

The UN atomic watchdog's board passed on Friday a resolution of "deep and increasing concern" about Iran's nuclear program tabled by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Asia Pacific - Probe seen as deflecting US voter attention

By Chen Limin, Ding Qingfen and Shen Jingting — 19 Nov 2011 08:23:52 +0800

Chinese government officials and company leaders have accused the United States of politicizing trade issues to distract public attention from its own economic woes as the US presidential election draws near.

Asia Pacific - China is a 'good neighbor'

By Li Xiaokun and Hu Yinan — 19 Nov 2011 08:21:47 +0800

Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday assured Southeast Asian nations that Beijing has no aggressive intentions as it launches several measures to press ahead with regional cooperation despite territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

International - US 'here to stay' in Asia-Pacific

By Hu Yinan and Cheng Guangjin — 18 Nov 2011 09:14:35 +0800

US President Barack Obama on Thursday said he would not allow defense cuts to affect his country's activities in the Asia-Pacific, which he said is a top-priority region for Washington.

Americas - Hundreds march in NYC against economic inequality

Agencies — 18 Nov 2011 09:12:28 +0800

Hundreds of Occupy Wall Street protesters marched through New York's financial district toward the stock exchange on Thursday to protest economic inequality at the heart of American capitalism.

Asia Pacific - Bali summit to focus on regional development

By Li Xiaokun and Zheng Yangpeng — 18 Nov 2011 08:59:28 +0800

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) does not want specific political and security issues to become topics of discussion at the approaching East Asia Summit, the Indonesian president told Premier Wen Jiabao on this Indonesian resort island on Thursday.

Europe - Italian PM Monti unveils his cabinet

Agencies — 17 Nov 2011 09:20:03 +0800

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti unveiled his cabinet on Wednesday as he sets to work to restore market confidence in the country's finances and stop its debt crisis from spiralling out of control.

International - US, Australia military relations get closer

By Hu Yinan and Zheng Yangpeng — 17 Nov 2011 09:18:19 +0800

Visiting US President Barack Obama on Wednesday said his administration will boost US military activities in Australia from 2012, as Washington "steps up its commitment" in the Asia-Pacific region.

Americas - New York police evict protesters from park

Agencies — 16 Nov 2011 09:04:44 +0800

Police wearing helmets and carrying shields evicted protesters with the Occupy Wall Street movement early on Tuesday from the park in New York City's financial district where they have camped since September, dismantling their tent city and arresting about 70 people.

International - China seeks framework to resolve sea disputes

By Li Xiaokun and Zheng Yangpeng — 16 Nov 2011 09:00:59 +0800

China has long sought a regional code of conduct for the South China Sea, which some Southeast Asian nations are calling for, to help properly settle territorial disputes there, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Tuesday.

International - IMF gives 'healthy' report

By Chen Jia — 16 Nov 2011 08:44:34 +0800

Challenges must also be addressed and reforms carried out, study says.

International - China begins military drill with Pakistan

By Hu Yinan — 15 Nov 2011 09:05:11 +0800

China kicked off a two-week joint anti-terrorism drill on Monday with its western neighbor Pakistan near Islamabad.

International - EU extends sanctions against Syria

Agencies — 15 Nov 2011 09:02:06 +0800

European Union governments agreed on Monday to extend sanctions against Syria to 18 more individuals associated with its crackdown on protest, but signalled that Western military action against the government was unlikely for now.

Asia Pacific - Leaders call for open trade in region

By Zhang Yuwei and Tan Yingzi — 15 Nov 2011 08:55:34 +0800

As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit drew to a close on Sunday in Hawaii, leaders from the region pledged to promote "trade liberalization" and support clean energy.

International - Economies 'must adjust'

By Wu Jiao and Wei Tian — 15 Nov 2011 08:40:57 +0800

President tells APEC leaders that growth models have to change.

Asia Pacific - Millions of Syrians protest Arab League suspension

Agencies — 14 Nov 2011 09:10:34 +0800

Crowds attack Qatari, Saudi embassies in Damascus.

Asia Pacific - ASEAN pact introduces new era of cooperation

By Bao Chang — 14 Nov 2011 08:55:11 +0800

Agreement on trade yielding benefits for all parties in Asia.

International - US woes not yuan-related: Hu

By Wu Jiao, Lan Lan and Ma Liyao — 14 Nov 2011 08:39:40 +0800

Beijing pursuing 'a responsible policy', president tells Obama.

Europe - Papademos: Greek technocrat with safe pair of hands

Agencies — 12 Nov 2011 09:58:50 +0800

Lucas Papademos, sworn in on Friday to lead an emergency government, is regarded by many as the safe pair of hands needed to steer Greece through its crippling debt crisis, and even its last hope.

Europe - Italy passes economic reform bill

Agencies — 12 Nov 2011 09:56:45 +0800

Italy's Senate approved crucial economic reforms demanded by the European Union on Friday, the first step in paving the way for Premier Silvio Berlusconi to resign as early as this weekend and a transitional government to be formed.

Americas - Radiant flowers blanket Chile's Atacama desert

Agencies — 11 Nov 2011 09:26:58 +0800

Wettest winter in decades has turned arid landscape into floral phenomenon.

Asia Pacific - India, Pakistan 'to open new chapter' in relationship, say PMs

Agencies — 11 Nov 2011 09:23:29 +0800

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday that India and Pakistan needed to stop wasting time trading barbs and open a new chapter in their relationship.

Asia Pacific - Leaders to seek Asia-Pacific cooperation

By Wu Jiao — 11 Nov 2011 09:05:02 +0800

President Hu Jintao left for Hawaii on Thursday to meet with fellow leaders in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss ways to ensure regional prosperity in the midst of world stagnation.

Asia Pacific - India sees China as 'de facto competitor'

By Hu Yinan — 10 Nov 2011 09:12:56 +0800

Recent bold moves regarding India‘s armed forces have political rather than military objectives, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily said.

International - US to keep pressure on yuan at APEC

By Zhang Yuwei — 10 Nov 2011 09:11:41 +0800

China's currency will continue to be a topic during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Hawaii later this week.

Europe - Berlusconi pledges to resign

Agencies — 10 Nov 2011 09:09:17 +0800

Italy looks set for lengthy political uncertainty after Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's pledge to resign, with his center-right party calling for elections and the main opposition for a national unity government.

Europe - Greek PM asks cabinet to resign

Agencies - Xinhua — 09 Nov 2011 08:56:45 +0800

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou asked his cabinet ministers on Tuesday to submit their resignations, paving the way for a new interim coalition government that is being formed and is expected to be announced soon, local media reported.

International - Liu: China, EU can offer world good example of relationship

By Fu Jing — 09 Nov 2011 08:53:31 +0800

A senior Chinese official sent an encouraging message to crisis-hit Europe on Monday by pledging to strengthen economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Americas - MJ doctor convicted in star's drug death

Agencies — 09 Nov 2011 08:48:34 +0800

Michael Jackson's personal doctor was found guilty on Monday of involuntary manslaughter in the pop star's drug-related death in 2009 but may not spend much time in jail.