Latest news with #Xinhua
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
BRICS representatives expect media think tank cooperation to promote Global South momentum
Fu welcomes representatives from various countries to attend the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum, noting that China has a profound traditional friendship and a good foundation for cooperation with Russia, Vietnam, Cuba and other countries. – Xinhua photo RIO DE JANEIRO (July 16): President of Xinhua News Agency, Fu Hua, on Tuesday met with representatives of media think tanks in Russia, Vietnam, Cuba and other countries here. All parties had in-depth exchanges on issues such as deepening the cooperation of media think tanks in the Global South and strengthening the momentum of the Global South to reach a consensus on promoting the greater BRICS cooperation and the development of the Global South. Fu welcomed representatives from various countries to attend the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum, noting that China has a profound traditional friendship and a good foundation for cooperation with Russia, Vietnam, Cuba and other countries. In the future, Xinhua is willing to work with partners from various countries to further expand cooperation areas, innovate cooperation models, coordinate closely and cooperate under the framework of multilateral mechanisms, said Fu. Xinhua will also join hands with its partners to present a vivid narrative of international development and cooperation so as to make greater contributions to amplifying the voice of the Global South and building a more just and diverse global communication order, he said. Mikhail Gusman, first deputy director-general of TASS Russian News Agency, said that Tass is willing to strengthen cooperation with Xinhua under the framework of multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Media and Think Tank Forum and the BRICS Media and Think Tank Forum, to jointly build a narrative system from the Global South perspective and enhance the representation and voice of developing countries in international affairs. Alexey Nikolov, managing editor of the Russia Today (RT) TV network, said that the RT cherishes its friendly relations with Xinhua and looks forward to implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state at the height of strategic cooperation. The RT will continue to deepen exchanges and expand cooperation with Xinhua and make positive contributions to promoting the steady development of multilateral media mechanisms and enhancing international influence, he said. Ta Minh Tuan, vice president of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, said he was very glad to establish contact with Xinhua, and will take the forum as an opportunity to institutionalise and regularise cooperation between the two sides, make the collective voice of the Global South more resounding on the international stage, and provide enduring momentum for the steady development of the 'greater BRICS cooperation'. Maryde Fernandez Lopez, deputy head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, along with the personnel in charge of several other Cuban media outlets, expressed gratitude to Xinhua for upholding the principle of objective and fair news and making an indelible contribution to spreading the true voices of Latin America. They voiced their willingness to learn from Xinhua's experience in the application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data. The Cuban representatives also agreed that the renewal and updating of the relevant news cooperation agreements between the two countries will make new contributions to promoting media exchanges between Latin America and China and enhancing mutual understanding among the people. – Xinhua brazil brics China Fu Hua Xinhua
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Syria vows accountability over human rights abuses in Sweida
Damascus: The Syrian interim authorities on Wednesday strongly condemned recent human rights violations reportedly committed in the southern province of Sweida, pledging to hold those responsible accountable. In a statement, the interim government expressed "deep concern" over "distressing violations" reported in some areas of Sweida in recent days, describing such acts as "criminal and unlawful." The statement followed a report from the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), which accused defence and interior forces of committing serious abuses during recent clashes that have been raging since Sunday in Sweida. Syria's interim government said it is "fully committed" to investigating all such incidents and will ensure that those responsible are held to account under national law. The statement also reaffirmed the government's "respect for the Druze community," calling its members "an integral part of Syria's national identity who have long exemplified patriotism, courage, and sacrifice." The interim government has faced mounting criticism over the military's conduct in Sweida, where on Tuesday, tanks and armoured vehicles were withdrawn under a ceasefire agreement with local Druze leaders, Xinhua news agency reported. Despite the agreement, tensions remain high. Israeli airstrikes and further ground clashes erupted Tuesday and Wednesday, forcing thousands of residents to flee. According to the SOHR, the death toll from ongoing violence in Syria's southern province of Sweida has climbed to 248. The recent escalation in Sweida, a predominantly Druze province in southern Syria, was triggered by an earlier incident in which a young Druze man was assaulted and robbed by armed Bedouins. In retaliation, local Druze fighters detained several Bedouin members, escalating the situation. Recurring incidents of kidnapping and armed assault have plagued the vital road linking Sweida to Damascus in recent months. Locals blame the deteriorating security situation and the absence of state control over armed factions for the violence.
South China Morning Post
4 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
‘Actionable results', new ideas needed to boost China's consumption, No 4 official says
The Communist Party's chief theoretician has urged groups outside the party – including China's eight minor political parties , industry and commerce representatives, and public figures without party affiliation – to contribute to the discussion on how to boost domestic demand, as Beijing steps up efforts to entice the public to spend more. Improving domestic demand is a strategic priority and a necessary step towards ensuring the long-term and healthy development of China's economy, said Wang Huning, head of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and China's No 4 official, at a meeting of the political advisory body on Wednesday that was specifically dedicated to boosting demand. 'Efforts should focus on key issues related to expanding domestic demand, delivering more in-depth, detailed and practical research outcomes, and ensuring that these findings are effectively translated into actionable results,' he said. Wang also called for improvements in the quality of field research and the overall standard of policy proposals and political consultation, according to a statement published by party mouthpiece Xinhua after the meeting. The fresh comments make Wang the latest high-ranking Chinese official to join the chorus championing the need to expand domestic demand, led by President Xi Jinping Wang's remarks came just a couple of weeks before a meeting of China's cabinet, the 24-member Politburo, scheduled for the end of the month, and with analysts expecting further demand-side stimulus policies as China struggles to lift domestic consumption.
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
From hills to hope, water project drives development in Lesotho
This aerial drone photo taken on July 7, 2025, shows the construction site of the Tunnel Boring Machine Access Adit for Polihali Transfer Tunnel in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang As night falls over the northern highlands of Lesotho in early July, winter's chill sets in. Yet the Polihali Transfer Tunnel construction site remains a hive of activity. "We have deployed round-the-clock operations with three rotating shifts," said Julius Topo, site manager for the tunnel excavation. A worker monitors the operation of a rock drilling rig at the Tunnel Boring Machine(TBM) Access Adit construction site, in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho, on July 6, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Polihali Transfer Tunnel is the second phase of the multi-phased Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Designed to supply water from Lesotho to the Gauteng region and surrounding areas in South Africa, the project marks a flagship for this landlocked country and its neighbour. The 38-km tunnel will be excavated using two hard-rock shielded tunnel boring machines (TBM), operating simultaneously from Polihali and Katse. Guests cut the ribbon during the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Arrival Ceremony at the Caledonspoort Border Post in Butha-Buthe District, northern Lesotho, on July 5, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang The first TBM began boring from the Katse site earlier this year. On July 5, a launch ceremony was held for the second TBM at the Caledonspoort Border Post in Butha-Buthe, Lesotho. This China-manufactured machine was shipped to Durban Port and will be assembled at the Polihali site. It is expected to significantly speed up the excavation process to meet the slated 2028 completion date. Speaking at the ceremony, South Africa's High Commissioner to Lesotho Constance Seoposengwe said she believed the new machine would give further impetus to the already ongoing work on the project. "The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is more than just a water project," she said. "Local jobs have been created, and new roads have been built in the Kingdom." Lesotho children watch a convoy of trucks transporting components of a China-manufactured hard-rock shielded tunnel boring machine (TBM) on a hillside near Pitseng, in Leribe District, northern Lesotho, on July 6, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang Constructed by Kopano Ke Matla (KKM), a joint venture between China's Yellow River Company, Sinohydro Bureau 3, and South Africa's Unik Civil Engineering, the tunnel is the largest ongoing infrastructure project between the two countries. Its very name, KKM, meaning "unity is strength" in the Sesotho language, one of the official languages of Lesotho, reflects the diversity and inclusiveness of the workforce. Topo, a veteran of the LHWP's first phase in the 1990s, underpinned the importance of passing on experience. "TBMs were used in Phase I, but 30 years have passed. Now it is time for me to share my knowledge with local colleagues to enhance site organisation," he said. "Managing a multicultural team has many challenges, but I am learning from the Chinese and sharing what I know. We are getting along," he added. Liu Xiaolan (2nd R), a civil engineer of the Kopano Ke Matla Joint Venture, speaks with workers at the Segment Factory of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel Project, in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho, on July 7, 2025. Polihali Transfer Tunnel is part of Phase II of the multi-phased Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang According to Xu Xishuai, the commercial manager of KKM, more than 99 percent of the skilled workforce is locally hired, creating over 1,800 jobs since the company's involvement. "The project has improved local infrastructure, provided employment, and passed on essential vocational skills. It is more than just tunnel construction," Xu said. While the project is still underway, its benefits are already evident. Regional transport services have expanded. A significant portion of engineers, subcontractors and suppliers are local. And the use of local construction materials and catering services has kept spending within the community, reinforcing the project's positive community impact. Born in the nearby village of Bafali, tunnel engineer Montso Lebitsa has witnessed the changes firsthand. "Traveling from Mapholaneng to Katse used to take more than eight hours due to poor traffic. Now, it takes less than two, thanks to the new road built for the project," Lebitsa recalled with a smile. Health support has also improved. "The Chinese medical team comes here from time to time to provide free health services to workers and residents. We are in remote areas where clinics or health facilities are far from the communities," said Maseqhoang Sechaba, the project's community liaison officer. Masiphola Sekonyela, chief of Tloha Re Bue, one of the areas near the Polihali site, praised the project's contributions. "When I heard the Chinese would lead this project, I was excited. They work hard and know how to get the job done," he said. "Our people rely on farming and herding, but now they have jobs, better access to goods, and more options for the future." Workers of the Kopano Ke Matla Joint Venture take part in a training session at the Skills Training Center for the Polihali Transfer Tunnel Project, in Mokhotlong District, eastern Lesotho, on July 7, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang Pride Mudzingwa, chief executive officer of Tashie Training and Business Solutions, is overseeing the vocational training effort for KKM. "We have categorised participants as unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled so we can tailor classes accordingly," Mudzingwa said. Class sizes have been reduced from 20-25 people to 10-15 for better outcomes. Courses range from five-day workshops to three-year programs and cover plumbing, fixing, quality assurance, and more. With an investment of more than 44 million Lesotho lotis (2.47 million US dollars), the program aims to train more than 6,000 skilled workers over three years. So far, more than 500 have completed training and returned to work. "We issue certificates recognised across Southern African countries, which means workers can stay employed or even be promoted after the project ends," said Rethabile Letsoalo, community/client liaison officer of Tashie Training and Business Solutions. "This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, and we are grateful that our Chinese partners are giving it for free," Letsoalo said. Trucks transport components of a China-manufactured hard-rock shielded tunnel boring machine (TBM) along a mountain road in Thaba-Tseka District, eastern Lesotho, on July 8, 2025. Image: Xinhua / Yang Guang For Mpoi Elizabeth Rankhethoa, a translator at the Katse site who graduated last year from the Central University of Finance and Economics in China on a full scholarship, returning home to work on this project has been eye-opening. "We rarely have a project of this scale in Lesotho, and it truly means a lot," Rankhethoa said. "It is not the first time China and Lesotho have worked together, and it certainly won't be the last." Xinhua
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Singapore launches mental health guide to match care with patient needs
SINGAPORE, July 16 — Singapore has introduced a national guidebook to standardise the assessment and referral process for individuals seeking mental health support, as part of the country's four-tier care model, reported Xinhua. Unveiling the guide at the eighth Singapore Mental Health Conference, Senior Minister of State for Health Koh Poh Koon highlighted findings from a 2023 national survey showing that 15 per cent of residents reported experiencing poor mental health. To better match individuals with appropriate levels of care and ensure effective use of resources, Singapore's tiered model organises mental health services into four tiers, based on the severity of symptoms, complexity of needs, and intensity of interventions required. Tier one comprises foundational support such as school-based mental health curricula, digital self-help platforms, and community-based resources like parent groups and peer networks. Tier four includes psychiatric assessment and medical intervention by trained professionals. For example, if an individual experiencing moderate distress is initially supported through a tier two service and is assessed through a standardised tool to require more intensive care, they will be referred to tier three for further intervention, Koh said. The guidebook initially focuses on managing depression, anxiety, and suicidality, and may later be expanded to include less common mental health conditions. Koh also announced plans to expand acute psychiatric services across all regional healthcare clusters to improve accessibility and continuity of care across the island. — Bernama-Xinhua
