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China Opposes US Moves To Sabotage Belt, Road Cooperation
Published
4 months agoon
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The Chinese government on Friday opposed the U.S. alleged sabotage of Belt and Road cooperation through the means of force.
It also expressed regret over Panama’s decision not to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Lin Jian, disclosed this at the regular virtual news conference by the ministry in Beijing, China.
He spoke against the backdrop of recent announcement by Panama’s President José Mulino, reportedly saying he instructed a 90-day notice for withdrawal from Belt and Road cooperation agreement with China to be submitted to Beijing.
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Lin said, “China firmly opposes the U.S. smear and sabotage of Belt and Road cooperation through the means of pressuring and coercion, and deeply regrets Panama’s decision to not renew the MoU on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“The BRI is an economic cooperation initiative with the participation of more than 150 countries, including over 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries, and its outcomes have benefited people of many countries, including Panama.
“In recent years, China and Panama’s cooperation under the BRI has produced fruitful outcomes and continued to deliver tangibly for the two peoples.
“We hope that Panama will bear in mind the overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples, steer clear of external interference and make the right decision.”
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He explained the Panama President’s decision to exit the Belt and Road agreement with Beijing before the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, saying China had made a response.
According to him, since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Panama, the two countries have seen comprehensive and rapid growth of bilateral relations.
He also said that both parties have achieved fruitful outcomes in the cooperation under the framework of the BRI, which delivered tangibly for the two peoples.
Fielding questions on China’s commitment to achieve global regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), he disclosed that Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing would attend the AI Action Summit global governance scheduled to hold in France.
READ ALSO: China Restricts Key Chipmaking Material Exports To US
Zhang, a Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, would travel to France at the invitation of the host country from Feb. 9 to 12 to attend the summit.
“China is an active advocate and practitioner of AI global governance. In October 2023, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Initiative for AI governance, which proposed China’s solution and contributed China’s wisdom on this profound topic of our times.
“During Xi’s visit to France in May last year, China and France released a joint declaration on AI and global governance, which stated that China is willing to participate in the AI Action Summit to be held by France in 2025.
“Zhang attending the Summit as Xi’s special representative is a step to implement the common understandings between the two presidents and demonstrate China’s responsible attitude as a major country in the field of AI and its commitment to advancing development and security of AI.
“Through this Summit, China looks forward to enhancing communication and exchanges with all sides, pooling consensus for cooperation and actively advancing the implementation of the U.N. Global Digital Compact.
“We also welcome countries around the world to participate in the 2025 World AI Conference in China, shape an AI global governance framework based on broad consensus and promote AI for good and for all,” he stated.
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The Imaratus Sanan Hotel on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah, which accommodates about 484 Nigerian pilgrims, was today gutted by fire while the pilgrims and others from around the world were at Mina performing their Hajj rites.
Nigerian pilgrims, like others globally, had departed Makkah for Mina — also known as Tent City — on Wednesday for the five-day Hajj observance. At the time of the fire, the pilgrims were on the second day of the stoning ritual at Jamarat.
The fire guts hotel in Makkah incident, according to a statement made available to Sunday Tribune by the Assistant Director, Information and Publication, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Fatima Sanda Usara, occurred around 12 noon Saudi Arabian time (10 a.m. Nigerian time) on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Usara disclosed that the affected pilgrims were from six Nigerian private tour operator companies and confirmed that no lives were lost in the fire.
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“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) regrets to inform the public of a fire incident that occurred earlier today, Saturday, 7th June 2025, around 12:00 noon (KSA time), at one of the hotels accommodating Nigerian pilgrims on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah,” she said.
“The affected hotel, Imaratus Sanan, was hosting about 484 pilgrims from six Nigerian private tour operator companies. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and all pilgrims are safely in Mina. Immediate emergency response by Saudi authorities and the hotel management helped to contain the fire swiftly and prevent it from spreading throughout the building,” she added.
NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, led a delegation to the site of the incident to assess the extent of the damage and ensure the welfare of the pilgrims.
“Following the incident, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, alongside Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak, and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti, promptly visited the location to evaluate the situation and ensure that the welfare of the affected pilgrims is prioritized,” the statement read.
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During the visit, Professor Usman expressed concern and ordered the immediate relocation of the affected pilgrims to a new hotel. He assured them that the commission would provide every possible support to cushion the impact of the incident.
“He thanked Almighty Allah that no life was lost in this unfortunate incident and promised that NAHCON would collaborate with the affected tour operators to ensure the smooth resettlement of the pilgrims,” Usara stated.
The Chairman and his team have since inspected the new accommodation, and arrangements for the pilgrims’ resettlement have been finalized.
She further noted that both Professor Usman and Commissioner Abdulrazak commended the prompt response of Saudi emergency services and the cooperation of the hotel staff in controlling the situation.
Reports reaching Sunday Tribune indicate that the fire guts hotel in Makkah caused considerable structural damage, but NAHCON has secured alternative accommodation where the pilgrims will be housed upon their return to Makkah on Sunday.
Headline
Elon Musk Deletes Post Claiming Trump Was ‘In The Epstein Files’
Published
16 hours agoon
June 7, 2025By
Editor
Elon Musk has deleted a controversial tweet in which he claimed—without offering evidence—that US President Donald Trump appeared in documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Tesla and SpaceX founder’s post, made on Thursday, alleged that Trump was named in the Epstein files. The accusation, unsubstantiated at the time, quickly ignited a political firestorm.
Responding to the claims in an interview with ABC News, Trump lashed out at the billionaire, saying Musk had “lost his mind.”
The clash marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two once-close allies.
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It follows Musk’s suggestion of launching a new political faction in the United States, tentatively dubbed the “American Party.”
The idea was floated in a poll to his 220 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), where 80 per cent of respondents supported the proposal.
“This is fate,” Musk commented.
Musk’s shift comes as he fiercely criticised the president’s flagship economic proposal, which he labelled the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
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He warned the policy could explode the national debt by $2.4 trillion (£1.8 trillion), undermining his own reform work while leading the now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk has even called for Trump’s impeachment, suggesting he be replaced by Vice President JD Vance—a bold move just days after stepping down from DOGE.
Trump dismissed the criticism, claiming Musk’s opposition stemmed from cuts to electric vehicle incentives included in the bill.
He added that a full review of Musk’s substantial federal contracts, including $22 billion (£16.2 billion) in agreements with SpaceX, may now be necessary.
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In a symbolic jab, sources say the president is considering selling a Tesla vehicle he previously purchased.
The public feud has already had financial consequences.
Tesla shares tumbled 14.3 per cent on Thursday, wiping out approximately $150 billion (£111 billion) in market value.
The high-profile rift continues to develop amid rising tensions in US politics and speculation about third-party movements ahead of the next presidential election.
(THE STANDARD)
Headline
US: Over 100 Dogs Rescued From Suspected ‘Puppy Mill’ In North Carolina
Published
16 hours agoon
June 7, 2025By
Editor
Over 100 dogs have been rescued from what appears to be a puppy mill operating out of a home in North Carolina, according to the SPCA of Wake County.
The shelter said the dogs were kept in “egregious conditions,” and many are now receiving treatment for severe health issues.
“Many of the dogs are being treated for skin and dental issues,” the SPCA reported in a social media post on Friday. They also described dogs with “matted dirty fur” coming off in “heaps.”
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“This is the biggest moment in these dogs’ lives, and we are feeling so grateful to be a part of their healing,” the shelter added.
The rescue operation took place on Thursday in coordination with Raleigh Animal Control.
“They were housed in egregious conditions, surrounded by their own waste, packed 5 or 6 to a cage and stacked floor to ceiling, or free roaming in cramped quarters and filth,” the SPCA stated.
Following their removal, the dogs were given immediate care and a much-needed break from the conditions they were trapped in.
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“They’ve been getting the spa day of their lives — and their first taste of fresh air, possibly ever,” the organization said.
Among the rescued animals were numerous mother dogs nursing their puppies.
Nineteen of the dogs are not currently in the shelter’s direct care, but assessments and treatment are ongoing.
To support the massive rescue and rehabilitation effort, Care First Animal Hospital has pledged to match donations up to $150,000 in veterinary services.
Photos shared by the SPCA on Facebook show the rescued dogs and puppies beginning their journey toward recovery, marking a hopeful turn after enduring horrific neglect.
(ABC News)
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