International

Tuesday, May 19th 2020 - 08:53 UTC
WHO admits an independent probe into the coronavirus management; China pledges US$ 2 Billion

The World Health Organization bowed to calls on Monday from most of its member states to launch an independent probe into how it managed the international response to the coronavirus, which has been clouded by finger-pointing between the U.S. and China over a pandemic that has killed over 300,000 people and leveled the global economy.
Tuesday, May 19th 2020 - 08:03 UTC
France and Germany confirm alliance and propose 500 bn Euro recovery fund for Europe

France and Germany proposed on Monday a 500-billion-euro (US$545-billion) fund to finance the recovery of the European Union's economy from the devastation wrought by the coronavirus crisis.
Tuesday, May 19th 2020 - 08:02 UTC
China slaps 80% tariff on Australian barley alleging subsidies and dumping

Australia is “disappointed” China has imposed massive tariffs on its barley and will consider taking the dispute to the World Trade Organization, the country's agriculture minister said on Tuesday.
Tuesday, May 19th 2020 - 07:58 UTC
Brazilian agribusiness exports to China booming

In the first four months of this year, Brazilian agribusiness exports totaled US$31.40 billion, marking a 5.9% increase year-on-year. The growth of agribusiness exports resulted in an increase in volumes 11.1%, while the index price suffered a drop of 4.7%.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 08:58 UTC
The failed operation to oust Maduro by a Canadian mercenary ex Green Beret

By Gwynne Dyer – It's hard being born Canadian if your ambition is to be a real-life version of movie tough guy Jean-Claude Van Damme (Blood Sport, Death Warrant, Universal Soldier, Last Action Hero). The same goes for being Belgian, of course, but Van Damme just wanted to be in the movies.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 07:22 UTC
Critical World Health Organization assembly: US-China clash anticipated

At the first meeting of the World Health Organization's (WHO) governing body since Covid-19 stormed the globe, China is set to be challenged on two of its most sensitive issues: The Communist Party's initial handling of the virus and the status of Taiwan's participation.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 06:52 UTC
Virus makes UK super-rich US$ 65 billion poorer and alters Super Rich List 2020

Britain's wealthiest people have lost tens of billions of pounds in the coronavirus pandemic as their combined annual wealth fell for the first time in a decade, the Sunday Times reported in its Rich List 2020.
Monday, May 18th 2020 - 06:40 UTC
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern has brunch at a cafe but must comply with virus timing

Hailed for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her partner were turned away from a cafe on Saturday because it was too full under the physical distancing guidelines.
Saturday, May 16th 2020 - 07:57 UTC
IMF calls on digital companies' responsible behavior as the “big winners from the pandemic”

The technology companies that are reaping gains as a result of increased reliance on online systems during coronavirus quarantines and lockdowns should work to increase access to the digital economy for all, the head of the IMF said on Friday.
Saturday, May 16th 2020 - 07:54 UTC
Trump set to restore partial funding for WHO, to similar level of China's contribution

US President Donald Trump's administration is set to restore partial funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), Fox News reported late on Friday, citing a draft letter.