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South China Morning Post
21 minutes ago
- South China Morning Post
Africa looks to China as ‘beneficial partner' while US imposes tariffs, aid and visa cuts
The United States is losing ground to China for influence in Africa , according to analysts, as Beijing's expansive trade policies and economic engagement outpace Washington's increasingly restrictive approach. Advertisement The assessment came after China announced last month it would expand duty-free access for all taxable products for 53 African countries – all except Eswatini. Beijing's move stands in stark contrast to Washington's levying of trade tariffs, aid cuts and restrictive visa measures. The policy comes amid US threats to cut foreign aid by closing down USAID and imposing visa restrictions on countries including Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria and Somalia. From August 1, the US also plans to impose higher reciprocal tariffs on imports from nations such as Algeria, Libya, South Africa and Tunisia. Observers said the duty-free plan was a major narrative win for China. The move is likely to further endear Beijing to African nations, which are increasingly viewing China as a more reliable and beneficial partner. Cameron Hudson, a former US official and senior associate with the Africa programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said what was more troubling was that Washington had long believed its aid and humanitarian help to Africa would buy it the goodwill to be able to pursue whatever policies it wanted, no matter the consequences. Advertisement But this had not been the case for a long time, he noted.
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Should Hong Kong's baked pork chop rice be listed as an intangible heritage dish?
At 7am every day, chef Aman Kwok arrives at his cha chaan teng Kam Shing Restaurant in Shau Kei Wan to start preparing a wide variety of dishes ahead of the busy lunch hour – in particular, to make baked pork chop rice, a classic Hong Kong favourite. His 35-year-old recipe contains egg fried rice with bits of pineapple, a tomato sauce and, of course, a pork chop topped with melted cheese. Kwok, second-generation owner of the 50-seat eatery, said that the HK$70 (US$8.90) dish was a bestseller at his restaurant, accounting for about half of all orders every day. 'The tomato sauce is very appetising especially when it's sweet and tart in the summer heat,' Kwok said. 'With the large piece of pork chop and fried rice, it's like satisfying several cravings in one go. It's value for money and it's efficient.' The classic dish affectionately known as 'guk zyu' – baked pork in Cantonese – is sold across the city, including some of the most well-known fast food chains. It has remained a reliable staple for locals for decades, with Kwok arguing it could be a unique selling point to tourists in showcasing the city's culture.
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
China's next-generation nuclear plans take step forward with fast gigawatt reactor design
China's state-owned nuclear power firm has unveiled the design for an advanced nuclear reactor that could mark a 'crucial step' in the country's plans to develop next-generation nuclear energy Named the CFR-1000, it will be China's first commercial fourth-generation gigawatt-level fast neutron reactor. The facility is now awaiting approval and expected to become operational after 2030. Other major nuclear powers, including Russia and the United States, are also working on advanced reactors with the aim of developing a more fuel-efficient source of power. The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) told a symposium on advanced nuclear energy held on Tuesday in Fuzhou that the preliminary design of the reactor – which has a maximum output capacity of up to 1.2 gigawatts of electricity – had been completed. The event in the capital of southeastern Fujian province – where China has built a demonstration reactor – was attended by representatives from the China Atomic Energy Authority and National Energy Administration.
