The China Mail - Politics

Le Pen ally denies planned rally a 'power play' against conviction

Marine Le Pen's party chief Jordan Bardella denied Wednesday any intent to strong-arm the French judiciary with a rally in support of the veteran far-right leader, after her conviction of embezzlement and a ban from standing for office.

Israel says expanding Gaza offensive to seize 'large areas'

Israel said Wednesday it would expand its military operations and seize "large areas" of the Gaza Strip where rescuers said 34 people were killed in Israeli strikes, including on a UN building.

China says ends two-day Taiwan drills with simulated strikes on key ports, energy sites

China's military on Wednesday said it had completed two days of exercises that included "live-fire" drills and simulated strikes on key ports and energy sites aimed at Taiwan, the democratic island it claims as its own.

Greece to spend 25 bn euros in 'drastic' defence overhaul: PM

Greece will spend 25 billion euros ($27 billion) through to 2036 in the "most drastic" defence overhaul in its modern history, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday.

WHO facing $2.5-bn gap even after slashing budget: report

The World Health Organization is facing a gaping deficit this year and through 2027 following the US decision to withdraw, even after dramatically slashing its budget, a media report indicated Wednesday.

Chinese tourists pine for Taiwan's return as Beijing jets surround island

Chinese tourists visiting the country's closest point to Taiwan wished for the democratic island's return to Beijing's rule, as their leadership called its president a "parasite" and unleashed ships and jets in drills to encircle it.

Hunger returns to Gaza as Israeli blockade forces bakeries shut

At an industrial bakery in war-ravaged Gaza City, a conveyor belt that once churned out thousands of pitta breads every day has come to a standstill.

Rubio heads to Europe as transatlantic tensions soar

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads Wednesday to a NATO meeting in Europe as transatlantic tensions soar, with President Donald Trump slapping tariffs on Europeans and challenging Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland.

'Give me a break': Trump tariffs threaten Japan auto sector

Business was already tough for auto parts maker Asahi Tekko, but with US car tariffs due to bite this week its president has a simple message for Donald Trump: "Give me a break."

US approves $5.58 bn fighter jet sale to Philippines

The United States said Tuesday it has approved the possible sale of $5.58 billion in F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, as Washington backs its ally in rising tensions over China.

El Salvador's Bukele flaunts 'iron fist' alliance with Trump

El Salvador's pugilistic president has become a key partner for US President Donald Trump's in-your-face campaign to deport migrants, with both men hoping to reap the political benefits.

China probes for key target weak spots with 'paralysing' Taiwan drills

China's military drills around Taiwan this week aim to send a clear message to the island's leadership, analysts say -- in the event of war, Beijing can cut them off from the outside world and grind them into submission.

US lawmakers seek to rename street for Hong Kong's jailed Jimmy Lai

US lawmakers moved Tuesday to rename the street next to Hong Kong's Washington office after Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy activist and media mogul jailed as China clamps down on the financial hub.

Greece to spend big on 'historic' military shake up

NATO member Greece is set to unveil a massive modernisation of its armed forces on Wednesday, following the lead of several of its European allies.

Israel says expands Gaza offensive to seize 'large areas'

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced Wednesday a major expansion of a military operation in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, saying the army would seize "large areas" of the Palestinian territory.

South Korea mobilising 'all resources' for violence-free Yoon verdict

South Korean police will mobilise "all available resources" to prevent violence when a court rules Friday on the fate of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, with top tourist sites to close and embassies warning citizens to stay away.

Real Madrid coach Ancelotti tax fraud trial set to begin

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will go on trial on Wednesday for allegedly failing to declare income to Spain's tax office, the latest in a string of such cases targeting sports figures in the country.

China practises hitting key ports, energy sites in Taiwan drills

China's military said it practised hitting key ports and energy sites during "live-fire" drills Wednesday as part of exercises aimed at Taiwan, the democratic island it claims as its own.

'Image whisperers' bring vision to the blind at Red Cross museum

"They are our eyes," said Karin happily after releasing the arm of one of the specialised "image whisperers" guiding her and other blind people around Geneva's Red Cross museum.

Meme politics: White House embraces aggressive alt-right online culture

Posting for provocation's sake has long been the province of internet antagonists and the alt-right, but these days, even the official White House X account is embracing the communications strategy that often celebrates others' suffering.

China launches military drills in Taiwan Strait

The Chinese military announced new exercises Wednesday in sensitive waters near Taiwan, in a second consecutive day of drills around the self-ruled island it claims as its own.

US senator smashes record with 25-hour anti-Trump speech

A Democratic US lawmaker shattered a record for the longest speech in Senate history, staying on his feet for more than 25 hours to deliver a fiery protest against President Donald Trump's "unconstitutional" actions.

US senator smashes record with marathon anti-Trump speech

A Democratic US lawmaker shattered a record for the longest speech in Senate history, staying on his feet for more than 25 hours to deliver a fiery protest against President Donald Trump's "unconstitutional" actions.

Trump advisor Waltz faces new pressure over Gmail usage

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who has faced calls to resign over his role in the recent Yemen chat group scandal, saw renewed scrutiny Tuesday after the Washington Post reported on his usage of Gmail for official work.

Niger junta frees ministers of overthrown government

Niger's junta said Tuesday it had freed around 50 people, including ministers from the government it toppled in July 2023, in line with recommendations of a "national conference" in February.

Stock markets mostly advance ahead of Trump tariffs deadline

Global stock markets mostly rose Tuesday on a quiet day of trading ahead of US President Donald Trump's widely-touted announcement on reciprocal tariffs.

Thousands of Hungarians protest against Pride ban law

Thousands of people took to the streets in Budapest on Tuesday night to protest against a recently adopted bill aimed at banning the annual Pride march.

Tesla sales tumble in Europe in the first quarter

Tesla sales kept falling in March in many European markets as it suffered from a double blow of boycotts against the policies of its founder Elon Musk and an ageing model line-up.

Trump nominee says to press UK on Israel arms

Donald Trump's nominee to be ambassador to London said Tuesday he would ask Britain to reverse a partial suspension of arms exports to Israel, a decision taken over rights concerns.

The battle to control assets behind Bosnia crisis

At the heart of the deepening crisis in Bosnia -- where Serb leader Milorad Dodik has been pushing the weak central government to the brink with threats of secession -- is a battle over who owns what.

Turkish fans, artists urge Muse to cancel Istanbul gig

British rock band Muse was facing pressure on Tuesday from fans and artists to cancel an upcoming Istanbul gig after the Turkish concert promoter lashed out at those involved in recent anti-government protests.

Swedish journalist jailed in Turkey kept 'isolated': employer

A Swedish journalist arrested on arrival in Turkey and detained on terrorism charges is being kept away from other prisoners but is otherwise in "good spirits", his employer said Tuesday.

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