Chinese planners promise 12 million jobs, economic rebound
BEIJING — (AP) — Chinese economic officials expressed confidence Monday they can meet this year’s growth target of “around 5%” by generating 12 million new jobs and encouraging consumer spending following the end of anti-virus controls that kept millions of people at home. Efforts to revive the Chinese economy have global implications after weak retail, auto and housing sales depressed demand for imports. This year's job creation target is 12 million, up from last year’s goal of 11 million and below the 12.1 million that was achieved, according to Li. That will add to pressure on Chinese export industries that support millions of jobs, increasing the importance of self-sustaining business activity at home. The growth target is the lowest on record except for 2020, when the government dropped its goal at the start of the COVID pandemic.
wftv.comChina Premier Li Keqiang bows out as Xi loyalists take reins
For most of his career, Li was known as a cautious, capable, and highly intelligent bureaucrat who rose through, and was bound by, a consensus-oriented Communist Party that reflexively stifles dissent. Among the largely faceless ranks of Chinese bureaucrats, Li managed to show an unusually candid streak. Though no populist, in his speeches and public appearances, Li was practically typhonic compared to the typically languorous Xi. But the need to balance party factions prompted the leadership to choose Xi, the son of a former vice premier and party elder, as the consensus candidate. “Li may be the last premier of his type, at least for a while,” Mitter said.
wftv.comChina Premier Li Keqiang bows out as Xi loyalists take reins
After a decade in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s shadow, Li Keqiang is taking his final bow as the country's premier, marking a shift away from the skilled technocrats who have helped steer the world’s second-biggest economy in favor of officials known mainly for their unquestioned loyalty to China’s most powerful leader in recent history. After exiting the ruling Communist Party’s all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee in October — despite being below retirement age — Li’s last major task was delivering the state of the nation address to the rubber-stamp parliament on Monday. Once seen as a potential top leader, Li was increasingly sidelined as Xi accumulated ever-greater powers and elevated the military and security services in aid of the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."
news.yahoo.comChina sets this year's economic growth target at 'around 5%'
Premier Li Keqiang, the top economic official, set this year's official growth target at “around 5%” following the end of anti-virus controls that kept millions of people at home and triggered protests. They complain China steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over technology and improperly subsidizes and shields its fledgling competitors in violation of its market-opening commitments. If achieved, the official growth target would be an improvement over last year but down sharply from 2021’s 8.1%. Foreign business groups said last year global companies were shifting investment plans away from China because travel curbs blocked executives from visiting the country. “China is sure to provide even greater business opportunities for foreign companies,” he said.
wftv.comChina sets this year's economic growth target at 'around 5%'
BEIJING — (AP) — China’s government on Sunday set this year's economic growth target at “around 5%” as it tries to rebuild business activity following the end of anti-virus controls that kept millions of people at home. Premier Li Keqiang, the top economic official, announced the target in a report on government work to the ceremonial legislature, the National People’s Congress. Chinese leader Xi Jinping said earlier this year’s official priority is an economic revival based on consumer spending after growth sank to 3% last year, its second-lowest level since at least the 1970s. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
wftv.comHow China’s Parliament Aims to Rejig Economy After Covid Zero
China’s parliament — the National People’s Congress — is meeting for the first time since the end of Covid Zero to hear how the country’s top leaders plan to restart the country’s growth engine. Then the roughly 3,000 deputies will give their ceremonial seal of approval — no surprise — to everything proposed. Still, the annual session is worth watching in that it provides a chance to see China’s future leaders in action. Li Qiang, who’s poised to become the premier and is already the Communist P
washingtonpost.comCambodian PM tests positive for COVID after hosting summit
NUSA DUA, Indonesia — (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday he has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Group of 20 meetings in Bali, just days after hosting many world leaders, including President Joe Biden, for a summit in Phnom Penh. In a posting on his Facebook page, the Cambodian leader said that he had tested positive Monday night and that the test had been confirmed by an Indonesian physician. He said he was returning to Cambodia and was canceling his meetings at the G-20 as well as the following APEC economic forum in Bangkok. Cambodia was the host of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation summit that ended on Sunday, and Hun Sen met with many leaders who attended one-on-one. In addition to Biden, guests included Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and many others.
wftv.comSoutheast Asian leaders call for unity amid global tensions
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — (AP) — Cambodian leader Hun Sen called for unity Sunday, telling a gathering including Russia, China and the United States that current global tensions have been taking a toll on everyone. The prime minister, whose country holds the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said at the opening of the East Asia Summit that it was in the world's common interest to cooperate to solve differences peacefully. The comments come as regional tensions remain high between the United States and China over Taiwan and Beijing's growing regional aspirations, and while the Russia invasion of Ukraine has disrupted global supply chains, causing rising energy and food prices far beyond Europe. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was also taking part in the meetings, which also included the leaders of Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan and others. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
wftv.comQuestions swirl after China's former leader Hu leaves event
BEIJING — (AP) — The twice-a-decade congress of China's ruling Communist Party is a tightly choreographed event. So when former Chinese President Hu Jintao was guided off stage without explanation Saturday — as the world’s media looked on — questions spilled forth. Xi has previously gone after retired officials on corruption charges, though never one as high-ranking as Hu. The idea that it may have been more than a health issue stemmed from Hu's somewhat ambiguous relationship with Xi, who succeeded him as party leader in 2012. It was Deng who put Hu on the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee — from which China's leaders come — at the relatively tender age of 49.
wftv.comQuestions swirl after China's former leader Hu leaves event
The twice-a-decade congress of China's ruling Communist Party is a tightly choreographed event. The speculation ran from a health crisis to an attempted protest by the 79-year-old former leader, or a political purge by current President Xi Jinping. China's tightly controlled state media didn't report the incident, but the official Xinhua News Agency tweeted in English several hours later — as speculation raged overseas — that Hu was in poor health and needed to rest.
news.yahoo.comChina reaffirms Xi's dominance, removes No. 2 Li Keqiang
A party congress held every five years effectively removed four of the seven members of senior leadership — including Premier Li Keqiang, the nation's No. The congress was being watched for signs of any weakening of or challenge to Xi's position, but none was apparent. Only 11 women were among the 205 people named to the Central Committee, or about 5% of the total. Those percentages were roughly the same as in the last Central Committee. “The Communist Party of China is once again embarking on a new journey on which it will face new tests,” he said.
wftv.comChina's Premier Li Keqiang dropped in leadership shuffle
BEIJING — (AP) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, the nation's No. They were not on the list released Saturday of the ruling Communist Party's new 205-member Central Committee, which means they cannot serve on the Standing Committee. BEIJING (AP) — China’s ruling Communist Party approved an amendment of the party constitution Saturday that could further enhance Xi Jinping’s stature as China's leader. The expected move came at the closing session of a weeklong party congress that set the national agenda for the coming five years. Xi is expected to retain the top spot when the new leadership of the party is unveiled Sunday.
wftv.comChina's Xi gets chance to tighten hold on economy at meeting
The congress will name a new Standing Committee, China's inner circle of power, and other party leaders, not economic regulators. Xi has called for a “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by reviving the party’s “original mission” as economic and social leader. Xi is expected to try to break with tradition and award himself a third five-year term as party leader. 2 or 3 party leader, declared his allegiance by publishing a newspaper article in July that invoked Xi's name 48 times. Potential dark horse candidates include party secretaries Li Qiang of Shanghai or Chen Min'er of the populous city of Chongqing in the southwest.
wftv.comChina's Xi gets chance to tighten hold on economy at meeting
The congress will name a new Standing Committee, China's inner circle of power, and other party leaders, not economic regulators. Xi has called for a “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by reviving the party’s “original mission” as economic and social leader. Xi is expected to try to break with tradition and award himself a third five-year term as party leader. 2 or 3 party leader, declared his allegiance by publishing a newspaper article in July that invoked Xi's name 48 times. Potential dark horse candidates include party secretaries Li Qiang of Shanghai or Chen Min'er of the populous city of Chongqing in the southwest.
wftv.comMeeting gives China's Xi a chance to tighten hold on economy
Xi has called for a “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by reviving the party’s “original mission” as economic and social leader. Xi is expected to try to break with tradition and award himself a third five-year term as party leader. 2 or 3 party leader, declared his allegiance by publishing a newspaper article in July that invoked Xi's name 48 times. Potential dark horse candidates include party secretaries Li Qiang of Shanghai or Chen Min'er of the populous city of Chongqing in the southwest. That suggests Xi will tighten party control, “further narrowing the space for liberal approaches to economic policy,” Neil Thomas of Eurasia Group said in a report.
wftv.comChina's Xi gets chance to tighten hold on economy at meeting
President Xi Jinping, China’s most influential figure in decades, gets a chance to stack the ranks with allies who share his vision of intensifying pervasive control over entrepreneurs and technology development at a meeting of the ruling Communist Party that starts this weekend.
China's Xi reappears on state TV amid rumors over absence
BEIJING — (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping reappeared on state television Tuesday after a several-day absence from public view that sparked rumors about the 69-year-old leader’s political fortunes. The visit was Xi’s first appearance on television since he returned from a regional summit in Uzbekistan last weekend. China’s opaque system frequently gives rise to rumors of political infighting or attempted coups, despite the stable nature of the authoritarian surveillance state that cracks down relentlessly on any sign of dissent. However, the timing of Xi's absence just weeks before the convening of a key party congress held once every five years provided grist to the rumor mill. China politics expert Kerry Brown said he was highly skeptical that there was anything more to be read into Xi's brief absence.
wftv.comChina envoy says Australia fired first shot with Huawei ban
Australia had fired the “first shot” in its deteriorating relations with China four years ago when the then-government banned Chinese-owned telecommunications giant Huawei from rolling out the country’s 5G network due to security concerns, a Chinese ambassador said on Friday. Xiao Qian, China’s ambassador to Australia since January, gave a rare public address at University Technology Sydney that was repeatedly interrupted by human rights protesters. The address comes as China shows signs of thawing a diplomatic deepfreeze of Australian ministers following the election of a new government last month.
news.yahoo.comHong Kong's next leader receives official appointment letter
Hong Kong's next leader, John Lee, has received an official letter of appointment from Beijing a month before he is to take over the leadership of the semi-autonomous city. (Yao Dawei/Xinhua via AP) (Yao Dawei)HONG KONG — (AP) — Hong Kong’s next leader, John Lee, received an official letter of appointment from Beijing on Monday, a month before he is to take over the leadership of the semi-autonomous city. Lee received his letter of appointment from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who congratulated him on his selection as Hong Kong's next chief executive. Premier Li also expressed full support for Lee and urged him to develop Hong Kong's economy and improve the livelihoods of its people. Lee is expected to be sworn in as Hong Kong’s new chief executive on July 1, the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China.
wftv.comSolomon Islands leader defends new security pact with China
Solomon Islands China FILE - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, left, and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare review an honor guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. But in his address to parliament, Manasseh Sogavare defended the security agreement as being directed entirely to “our internal security situation." “Despite the Solomon Islands government’s comments, the broad nature of the security agreement leaves open the door for the deployment of P.R.C. (People’s Republic of China) military forces to the Solomon Islands,” Price said. Micronesia and other Pacific Island nations have also expressed concerns about the deal, as has the Solomon Islands’ main opposition party.
wftv.comSolomon Islands leader defends new security pact with China
The Solomon Islands prime minister has confirmed that his government has signed a new security agreement with China, but told lawmakers it would not undermine the peace and harmony of the region, as has been feared by the opposition and countries including the United States and Australia.
China's economy grows still-weak 4.8% in January-March
China’s economic growth edged up to a still-weak 4.8% over a year earlier in the first three months of 2022 as spreading coronavirus outbreaks prompted shutdowns of major industrial cities. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File) (Andy Wong)BEIJING — (AP) — China’s economic growth edged up to a still-weak 4.8% over a year earlier in the first three months of 2022 as a wave of coronavirus outbreaks led to shutdowns of industrial cities. That is "likely to have a significant impact on global supply chains.”First quarter economic growth was below the ruling Communist Party’s annual target of 5.5%. Retail spending, factory output and investment in factories, real estate and other fixed assets rose. Factory output rose 6.5% and investment in factories, real estate and other fixed assets increased 9.3%, possibly reflecting official orders to banks to lend more readily.
wftv.comChina rejects sanctions as Ukraine war tops summit agenda
China EU FILE - EU and Chinese flags are seen at the Europa building in Brussels, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019. The European Union will seek China's assurances that it won't assist Russia in circumventing economic sanctions leveled over the invasion of Ukraine at an annual summit Friday, April 1, 2022. Zhao said when it comes to Ukraine, Beijing would not be forced to “choose a side or adopt a simplistic friend-or-foe approach. Prior to the summit, EU officials said they would look for signs that Beijing is willing to cooperate on ending the war. ___Follow all AP stories about developments in Russia's war on Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
wftv.comUkraine war tops agenda at EU-China summit
China EU FILE - EU and Chinese flags are seen at the Europa building in Brussels, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019. The European Union will seek China's assurances that it won't assist Russia in circumventing economic sanctions leveled over the invasion of Ukraine at an annual summit Friday, April 1, 2022. Prior to the annual meeting, EU officials said they would also look for signs Beijing is willing to cooperate on bringing an end to the war in Ukraine. The summit takes place amid sharply rising negative sentiment toward China within the bloc, fueled by China's increasingly aggressive foreign policies and trade practices. Beijing has dismissed European criticisms as biased and driven by an anti-China agenda being pursued by its chief global rival, the United States.
wftv.comSolomon Islands says China deal won't include military base
Solomon Islands China Security FILE - Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, left, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on Oct. 9, 2019. (Thomas Peter/Pool Photo via AP, File) (Thomas Peter)WELLINGTON, New Zealand — (AP) — Seeking to counter international fears over its new security alliance with China, the Solomon Islands said Friday it won't allow China to build a military base there. In a statement Friday, the Solomon Islands government said that “contrary to the misinformation promoted by anti-government commentators” the agreement did not invite China to establish a military base. Micronesia President David Panuelo wrote a letter to Sogavare saying Micronesia had “grave security concerns” about the "novel and unprecedented" arrangement. “China-Solomon Islands cooperation does not target any third party and is not in conflict with Solomon Islands’ cooperation with other countries.
wftv.comVideo of China plane carrying 132 passengers shows nosedive before mountain crash
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a rescue operation and investigation into a China Eastern Airlines jet that crashed into a mountain during a domestic flight on Monday. Flight MU5735, which carried nine crew members and 123 passengers, reportedly went down near Wuzhou in the Guangxi autonomous region just before 2:30 p.m., Beijing time. VariFlight, a China-based civil aviation data provider, said the plane was up at about 8,900 meters (approximately 29,200 feet) when it started to slow down and descend at 2:19 p.m. Minutes later, it dropped to 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) and lost radar contact.
news.yahoo.comChina's premier promises 13 million jobs to reverse slump
China's government hopes to generate as many as 13 million new jobs this year to help reverse a painful economic slowdown, the country's No. (Ding Haitao/Xinhua via AP) (Ding Haitao)BEIJING — (AP) — China's government hopes to generate as many as 13 million new jobs this year to help reverse a painful economic slump but faces “many difficulties and challenges," the country’s No. Forecasters say the ruling Communist Party is likely to struggle to meet its official target of 5.5% annual economic growth, its lowest since the 1990s. “China aims to create 11 million — or preferably 13 million — urban jobs in 2022,” Li said at a nationally televised news conference after the closing of the annual meeting of China’s ceremonial legislature. The world’s second-largest economy created 12.7 million jobs last year, up from 2021′s 11.9 million, according to government data reported earlier.
wftv.comChina's No. 2 leader promises more jobs to support recovery
Job losses spiked after economic growth slid to 4% over a year earlier in the final quarter of 2021, down from the full year's 8.1% expansion. Economic growth tumbled last year after Beijing tightened control on surging debt in the real estate industry, which Chinese leaders say is dangerously high. The ruling party earlier announced an annual economic growth target of 5.5%. Russia's attack on Ukraine echoes Beijing's tensions with Taiwan, the self-ruled island democracy the ruling party claims as part of its territory and has threatened to invade. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Wednesday said China “urges the U.S. to disclose details on U.S.-financed biological labs in Ukraine, including types of viruses stored and research has been conducted."
wftv.comChinese leader promises more jobs to support recovery
Job losses spiked after economic growth slid to 4% over a year earlier in the final quarter of 2021, down from the full year's 8.1% expansion. Li said Chinese business leaders he talked with support tax cuts as the quickest way to generate jobs instead of government-led investment or handing out vouchers to households to boost consumer spending. Economic growth tumbled last year after Beijing tightened control on surging debt in the real estate industry, which Chinese leaders say is dangerously high. The ruling party earlier announced an annual economic growth target of 5.5%. Li earlier announced plans to inject money into the economy through higher spending on public works but said Beijing wants to restrain its budget deficit.
wftv.comPremier Li offers China's help for 'grave' Ukraine situation
BEIJING — (AP) — China’s premier on Friday called the situation in Ukraine “grave” and offered Beijing’s help in playing a “positive role” for peace while continuing to refuse to criticize Russia. Li Keqiang told reporters at an annual news conference that “we support and encourage all efforts that are conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis.”“The pressing task now is to prevent tension from escalating or even getting out of control," Li said. China has largely sided with Russia in the conflict, which it has refused to refer to as a war or invasion. The U.S. accuses Beijing of helping spread false news and disinformation coming out of Moscow. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
wftv.comPremier Li offers China's help for 'grave' Ukraine situation
China’s Premier Li Keqiang on Friday called the situation in Ukraine “grave” and offered Beijing’s help in playing a “positive role” for peace while continuing to refuse to criticize Russia. China has largely sided with Russia in the conflict, which it has refused to refer to as a war or invasion. The U.S. accuses Beijing of helping spread false news and disinformation coming out of Moscow.
news.yahoo.comChina calls Russia its chief 'strategic partner' despite war
China’s Foreign Minister on Monday called Russia Beijing’s “most important strategic partner,” amid its continued refusal to condemn the invasion of Ukraine. Wang Yi said ties with Moscow constituted “one of the most crucial bilateral relationships in the world." China has broken with the U.S., Europe and others that have imposed sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
news.yahoo.comChina cuts economic growth goal as it tries to reverse slump
2 leader, Premier Li Keqiang, said in a report to an annual meeting of its ceremonial legislature. No growth target was announced in 2020 after much of the economy was shut down to fight the virus. The ruling party has promised tax cuts for entrepreneurs who generate jobs and wealth. The ruling party is promising to build more solar, wind and other renewable power resources. Beijing will “advance peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Strait and the reunification of China,” Li said.
wftv.comChinese leaders promise more economic support after slowdown
Chinese leaders have promised tax cuts and support for entrepreneurs to shore up slumping economic growth as the country grapples with a wave of bankruptcies and defaults among real estate developers caused by a campaign to rein in surging debt.
UK fraud agency probing Liberty Steel's Greensill links
Britain’s Serious Fraud Office says it is investigating suspected fraud, fraudulent trading and money laundering within the business empire of Liberty Steel owner Sanjeev Gupta, including its financing arrangements with bankrupt Greensill Capital U.K.