China

Beijing, Jan 5 (APP): A China-Pakistan free trade agreement (FTA) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can play an important part in leading Pakistan’s economy to prosperity.

The tariff arrangement documented in the second phase of the China-Pakistan FTA, which was signed by leaders of the two countries in April, came into force on the first day of 2020, Global Times, a daily Chinese tabloid newspaper commenting on international issues, reported.

BEIJING, Jan 4 (APP): The second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative has started with the establishment of special economic zones in various parts of the country, Pakistan Ambassador to China, Naghmana Alamgir Hashmi said on Saturday.

“The second phase of CPEC has now started, which is actually the establishment of special economic zones in various parts of the country,”she said in an interview with China Economic Net.

BEIJING, Jan 4 (NNN-XINHUA) – Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, will head to Africa next week, with official visits planned in Egypt, Eritrea and Djibouti, as well as Burundi and Zimbabwe.

The diplomatic schedule was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which noted China’s tradition of beginning each new year on the African continent.

BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Differences should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee said on Friday in a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

During the talks, the U.S. side reported its position on the current situation in the Middle East.

Yang, who is also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said that China is highly concerned about the current situation in the Middle East.

BEIJING, Jan 3 (APP): Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Friday urged the relevant sides to avoid further escalation of tension in the Middle East while commenting on killing of Iranian Commander by US airstrike in Iraq.

“China is closely following the developments. We consistently oppose the use force in the international relations,” Geng Shuang said during his routine briefing.

He said the Chinese side believed that all parties should earnestly abide by UN Charter, purposes and principles and basic norms, governing the international relations.

BEIJING (AP) — Asian stocks were mixed Friday and oil prices surged after an Iranian general was killed by U.S. forces in Iraq.

Benchmarks in Shanghai and Hong Kong declined. Australia and some Southeast Asian markets advanced. Japanese markets were closed.

News that Gen. Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, was killed in an air attack at the Baghdad international airport prompted expectations of Iranian retaliation against U.S. and Israeli targets.

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong police arrested about 400 people in New Year’s Day protests after what started as a peaceful pro-democracy march of tens of thousands spiraled into chaotic scenes with police firing tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The arrests take the total to about 7,000 since protests in the city escalated in June over a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extradition to mainland China, and will highlight the apparent absence of any progress towards ending the unrest.

BEIJING, Jan 1 (APP): China lowers tariff rates in accordance with the free trade agreements it has separately signed with Pakistan, New Zealand, Peru, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Iceland, Singapore, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Chile and Georgia, as well as the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement, starting Wednesday (today).

The second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) allows the Pakistani manufacturers and traders to export around 313new products on zero duty to the Chinese market, according to official sources here.

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong police used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannons against anti-government protesters over New Year’s Eve and into the early hours of Wednesday, extending the months-long movement into a new year.

BEIJING, Dec 30 (APP): Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi held meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif here on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said.

“At noon today, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif in Beijing,” Geng Shuang said during his regular briefing.

Wang Yi welcomed the Iranian Foreign Minister and discussed China-Iran relations, he added.