BEIJING: Beijing on Thursday (Oct 25) dismissed a New York Times report that alleged Chinese intelligence eavesdropped on Donald Trump's cellphone calls as "fake news" and joked the US president should switch to a Chinese phone. The New York Times cited anonymous officials who said China and Russia had listened in to President Donald Trump's frequent calls with friends and allies made over his iPhone. (Photo: AFP/NICHOLAS KAMM) The newspaper cited anonymous officials who said China and Russia had listened in to Trump's frequent phone calls with friends and allies made over his iPhone, using the information gleaned to shape interactions with the US. When asked about the report at a regular news briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said "certain people in the US are sparing no efforts to win the best screenplay award at the Oscars". Hua offered three recommendations to the US daily and the Trump administration. "First The New York Times should know if … [Read more...] about China blasts Trump phone hack report as ‘fake news’
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Government News 29/8
Permanent gov’t members discuss socio-economic performance Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the event Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired a meeting of permanent government members in Hanoi on August 28 to discuss the recent socio-economic performance, State budget, and public investment. Participants listened to a 2018 report on socio-economic performance and State budget, as well as a socio-economic development plan and State budget estimate for 2019. In light of the past achievements, all 12 targets for 2018 are expected to be met. They gave opinions on the mid-term report on socio-economic development and State budget, a public investment plan for 2016-2020, and the national finance-budget plan for 2019-2021. Concluding the meeting, the PM asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, and the Government Office to acquire suggestions and refine reports to submit to the government at the upcoming monthly meeting. He … [Read more...] about Government News 29/8
World News in Brief: August 28
* After new US sanctions on Russia over a poisoned ex-spy took effect on August 27, the Russian embassy to the United States blasted the move and said Moscow will "withstand" Washington's "brute pressure." * Peru's comprehensive strategic partnership with China is a priority of its foreign policy, Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Nestor Popolizio said. * The Russian Defense Ministry had received a new regiment set of the advanced S-400 Triumph air defense missile systems ahead of schedule, Russia's Almaz-Antey arms manufacturer said Monday, August 27. * Tanzanian Vice-President Samia Suluhu Hassan on August 27 urged member states of the African Union (AU) to remit their statutory contributions on time to enable the continental body to fulfill its operations. * German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on August 27 called for forging an "alliance for multilateralism" as a counterweight thinking to "America First". * Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila on August 27 called on heads of … [Read more...] about World News in Brief: August 28
BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF 28/8
Conference seeks ways for investment promotion in Quang Binh An investment promotion conference in the central province of Quang Binh was convened on August 28, focusing on presentations of the province’s potential and investment opportunities. Present at the conference were Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and more than 800 delegates from among the leaders of ministries and departments, along with representatives of embassies, Lao provinces, commercial banks, associations, international organizations and businesses. Participating domestic and foreign organizations and businesses, through the conference, discussed investment and trade opportunities with local authorities. The event is expected to serve as a platform for the handing over of investment registration certificates and cooperation deals to 66 projects with a combined registered capital of US$7.34 billion. Earlier, the provincial People’s Committee held a series of sideline activities, including investment … [Read more...] about BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF 28/8
World News in Brief: August 27
* The Republic of Korea's presidential Blue House said Monday (August 27) that the cancellation of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will influence the opening date of the inter-Korean liaison office. * British Prime Minister Theresa May will fly to sub-Saharan Africa late Monday (August 27) for the first time in order to forge new trade links for post-Brexit Britain. * On the opening day of court hearings in The Hague, Iran requested that judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order the immediate lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States. * French Budget Minister Gerald Darmanin expressed uncertainties on August 27 about honoring economic commitments next year, expecting weaker than expected growth that may weigh on the budget deficit. * A state of emergency has been declared on the Greek island of Hydra due to electricity and water outages which started on Sunday (August 26) morning, Greek … [Read more...] about World News in Brief: August 27