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DC5m United States china in english 23 articles, created at 2016-10-19 04:33

1 Hong Kong leader in court battle with pro-independence lawmakers

(1.10/2) Hong Kong's leader sparked fury Tuesday after he launched a court bid against two pro-independence lawmakers which could block them from taking up their parl... 2016-10-18 14:53 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

2 Typhoon Sarika makes landfall; Haima close behind Half a million people have "evacuated parts of China as typhoon Sarika batters

(1.02/2) Hainan," according to AccuWeather. 2016-10-18 14:21 1KB abc7news.com

3 Filipinos trust US more than China, says survey President Duterte’s visit to China points toward a restoration of trust between Manila and following recent tensions over their South China Sea territorial dispute, China’s official news agency said on Tuesday. 2016-10-19 00:00 3KB (1.02/2) newsinfo.inquirer.net

4 Foreign holdings of US Treasury securities fell in August WASHINGTON (AP) — Foreign holdings of U. S. Treasury securities fell again in August as China, the biggest foreign owner of Treasury debt, trimmed its holding... 2016-10-18 16:03 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

5 Police release CCTV of man ‘suspected of stealing a venetian blind’ in hilarious image The hapless crook appears to have the 7ft long blind clearly sticking out from the top of his coat (pictured) as he tries to make a getaway from a Northampton Dunelm Mill store. 2016-10-18 15:52 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

6 Japan coast guard says Chinese vessels seen near Senkaku Islands Japan's coast guard said Chinese vessels trespassed into territorial waters for the 30th time in 2016. 2016-10-18 15:24 1KB www.upi.com

7 University of Michigan to get $27M for robotics research The University of Michigan is set to receive $27 million from a Chinese investment firm. 2016-10-18 14:36 1KB rssfeeds.freep.com

8 PH, China approve tourism deal The Philippines is set to sign with China an agreement on tourism cooperation, which is expected to usher in more Chinese tourists visiting the country, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). 2016-10-19 00:00 1KB globalnation.inquirer.net 9 £330million town styled after the German city is unveiled in China A new district, inspired by Hannover's old town, has been built in the city of Changde, southern China's Hunan Province. The new town, constructed by a German architecture firm, and is unveiled today. 2016-10-18 13:55 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

10 Ikea Shanghai bans elderly lonely hearts group which met for weekly meetings in canteen The group reportedly met twice a week in the furniture giant's Shanghai store (pictured) to look for love. But, this week Ikea management put a stop to the club after reports of 'uncivilised behaviour'. 2016-10-18 13:51 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

11 Section of Big Branch refuge to close for aerial spraying of tallow trees Spraying will take place Wednesday (Oct. 19) through Friday to rid the area of Chinese tallow trees. 2016-10-18 13:43 1KB www.nola.com

12 Report: Twitter Now Worth Less Than Chinese Clone Twitter is now worth less than it's Chinese clone "Weibo," according to a report by TechInAsia. 2016-10-18 13:16 1KB feedproxy.google.com

13 Philippines open to China, Russia 'war games' Ahead of his visit to Beijing, Filipino leader also says he will no longer allow joint military exercises with US. 2016-10-18 13:15 3KB mwcnews.net

14 Mutant piglet born in China has two snouts and three eyes Video footage shows a piglet in China born with two snouts and three eyes. Footage uploaded on October 17 shows the piglet interacting with its mother in their enclosure. 2016-10-18 13:14 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

15 Indonesia President Navigates Cautious Course in Tense South China Sea President Joko Widodo says he wants to keep this sprawling archipelago out of an intensifying great-power conflict while he tries to revitalize ambitious economic plans that have so far fallen short. 2016-10-18 13:12 1KB www.wsj.com

16 China to World: We Don’t Need Your Factories Anymore Chinese manufacturers once bought high-tech materials from overseas firms. Rising expertise means they now shop locally, altering global trade 2016-10-18 12:35 2KB www.wsj.com

17 China officials confess to corruption in new TV series A new documentary series showing corrupt Communist Party officials making confessions is proving a hit in China. 2016-10-18 20:56 2KB www.bbc.co.uk 18 Czech ministers, parliamentarians meet Dalai Lama in contrast to pro-China policy PRAGUE, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Czech ministers and senior parliamentarians held a private meeting with exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Tuesday,... 2016-10-18 12:18 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

19 Red Star Chinese Restaurant in Carrollton area robbed at gunpoint: NOPD Police say a gunman wearing a hoodie, hat and gloves robbed the owner of the restaurant after 9 a.m. Monday (Oct. 17) in the Carrollton area. 2016-10-18 12:13 1KB www.nola.com

20 Has Chinese firm Xiaomi made a BENDABLE smartphone? A clip posted on Chinese video-sharing site Youku shows a person scrolling through apps on the flexible screen. The display is a prototype and appears to be using Xiaomo's latest MIUI 8 software. 2016-10-18 11:56 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

21 18 common herbs and how they could cure everything from ulcers to flatulence Herbalism is an ancient form of medicine - particularly rife in China. Here, in a piece for The Hippocratic Post, some of the most common herbs and their medical benefits are revealed. 2016-10-18 11:17 7KB www.dailymail.co.uk

22 U. S. says China ends tax exemption for domestic small aircraft

WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - China has ended a 2016-10-18 11:08 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

23 Drug mule who collapsed at Miami airport had 53 cocaine pellets removed from his stomach Waldemar Wojtczack, 45, collapsed at Miami International Airport on his way from Trinidad to Finland before he had 53 rubber pellets filled with cocaine removed from his stomach. 2016-10-18 11:02 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk Articles

DC5m United States china in english 23 articles, created at 2016-10-19 04:33

1 /23 Hong Kong leader in court battle with pro-independence lawmakers (1.10/2) Hong Kong's leader sparked fury Tuesday after he launched a court bid against two pro- independence lawmakers which could block them from taking up their parliamentary seats. Chief executive Leung Chun-ying is seen by critics as a pro-Beijing stooge and his move comes as fears grow that China is tightening its grip on the semi-autonomous city. Hong Kong was handed back by Britain to China in 1997 under an agreement protecting its freedoms for 50 years, but there are concerns those liberties are being eroded. Rising tensions have sparked calls for Hong Kong to break completely from Beijing and a new wave of legislators who were voted in last month support independence and self-determination. Leung's late-night court bid came after new pro-independence lawmakers Yau Wai-ching and Baggio Leung draped themselves with "Hong Kong is not China" banners while taking their oath of office last week in the Legislative Council (Legco) -- Hong Kong's lawmaking body. The oath specifies Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. The pair's pledges were rejected after both refused to pronounce China properly. Yau was heard to replace the words "the People's Republic of China" with "the People's refucking of Zeena". Newly-elected Legco president Andrew Leung -- a pro-Beijing lawmaker -- had indicated he was prepared to give them a second chance and both were expected to take the oath again Wednesday morning, which if approved would allow them to officially take up their seats. But at the eleventh-hour the justice department, acting for the chief executive and the justice secretary, sought a review of that decision, arguing they should be disqualified based on their first oath. The Legco president opposed the application. In a hearing Tuesday night at the High Court, Baggio's lawyer Hectar Poon said his client "does not accept that the chief executive has any standing to mount any legal proceedings". But department of justice counsel Johnny Mok said the lawmakers had brought the trouble upon themselves. Judge Thomas Au refused to grant an application for an interim injunction against the oaths being retaken Wednesday. But he agreed to allow the requested judicial review into the decision to give them a second chance, which will go ahead on November 3. It is unclear how the judicial review will affect their future as lawmakers if they are successfully sworn in on Wednesday. Baggio described the legal bid as a "political decision", and accused the chief executive of ambush. Pro-democracy lawmaker Dennis Kwok accused the chief executive of putting political pressure on the court. "(He) pays no respect to the dignity and the independence of our legislature," Kwok told the South China Morning Post. Hong Kong fails to delay Hong Kong tries to block Hong Kong government fails pro-independence lawmakers who insulted in court bid to block pro- lawmakers from taking China independence lawmakers office rss.cnn.com from taking office dailymail.co.uk dailymail.co.uk

2016-10-18 14:53 Afp www.dailymail.co.uk

2 /23 Typhoon Sarika makes landfall; Haima close behind

(1.02/2) Typhoon Sarika has been battering China's Hainan province, with torrential rain causing flooding and evacuations. The typhoon has cased the displacement of more than 500,000 people as they evacuated from the path of the storm. "The typhoon made landfall Tuesday morning with sustained winds of 80 miles per hour and gusts as nearly high as 100 miles per hour," according to AccuWeather. The typhoon has also caused widespread damage to the Philippines, leaving two people dead and thousands homeless. Another storm, known as typhoon Haima, is following right behind Sarika and could bring winds of over 130 miles per hour when it makes landfall in the Philippines later this week, AccuWeather said.

Typhoon Sarika batters China's Hainan mwcnews.net

2016-10-18 14:21 abc7news.com

3 /23 Filipinos trust US more than China, says survey (1.02/2) President Duterte’s visit to China points toward a restoration of trust between Manila and Beijing following recent tensions over their South China Sea territorial dispute, China’s official news agency said on Tuesday. But Filipinos still trust the United States far more than China, an opinion poll showed on Tuesday, despite Mr. Duterte’s recent outburst of anti-American rhetoric and his sudden overtures toward old rival Beijing.

The visit by Mr. Duterte, who was due to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday night, will be a step toward ending years of estrangement between the countries, according to state-run .

“Should he demonstrate his good faith, the trip will present a long overdue opportunity for the two nations, which enjoy longstanding friendship, to heal the wounds of the past few years and steer their relationship back to the right course,” Xinhua said in a commentary.

A Social Weather Stations poll from Sept. 24 to 27 showed 55 percent of Filipinos had “little trust” in China, versus 11 percent who had doubts about the United States.

Just over three-quarters, or 76 percent, of the 1,200 respondents had “much trust” in the United States, compared with 22 percent who felt the same about China. The poll did not ask respondents to explain their views.

Mr. Duterte’s visit will help define how far he wants to shift allegiance from the United States to an Asian superpower locked in a territorial standoff with his small, impoverished country, and the Philippines’ 65-year alliance with the United States, a key pillar of US President Barack Obama’s rebalance to Asia, could hang in the balance.

The Xinhua editorial signals how China hopes to use the visit to regain lost ground in a Southeast Asian nation that won a major arbitration lawsuit against Beijing’s massive territorial claims in the South China Sea just three months ago.

China refused to take part in the litigation or accept the ruling, which said China’s historical claim to virtually the entire strategic water body wasn’t supported by international law.

“The verdict issued by a law-abusing tribunal has no place in the negotiations at all,” Xinhua said.

Mr. Duterte is scheduled to meet with Chinese President and other officials on Thursday.

A Philippine draft of a proposed joint statement touches on the restoration of permits for Filipino agricultural exports, China’s support for Mr. Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, boosting tourism and enhancing Coast Guard cooperation to avoid misunderstandings at sea.

Details are still being worked out, officials say, and it remains unclear whether the thorny issue of the South China Sea territorial disputes will be reflected in the statement.

China was to offer “assistance in personnel training and donation of equipment to aid in the fight against illegal drugs,” said the Philippine draft seen by The Associated Press (AP). Mr. Duterte’s deadly battle against drug dealers and abusers has been a defining issue of his political career, prompting him to lash out at Obama and other foreign critics and further propelling him toward rapprochement with an uncritical Beijing. — REPORTS FROM THE WIRES

Duterte Pivots To China, But Filipinos Aren't On Board dailycaller.com

2016-10-19 00:00 INQUIRER.net newsinfo.inquirer.net

4 /23 Foreign holdings of US Treasury securities fell in August WASHINGTON (AP) — Foreign holdings of U. S. Treasury securities fell again in August as China, the biggest foreign owner of Treasury debt, trimmed its holdings for the third straight month. The Treasury Department reported Tuesday that total foreign holdings dropped 0.8 percent to $6.20 trillion in August following a 0.5 percent decline in July. China reduced its holdings 2.7 percent to $1.19 trillion after declines of 1.8 percent in July and 0.3 percent in June. Japan, the second largest foreign holder of Treasury debt, reduced its holdings by 0.9 percent to $1.14 trillion in August. The Congressional Budget Office forecasts the national debt, now at $19.7 trillion, will increase by $8.6 trillion over the next decade, underscoring America's need to maintain high foreign demand for the rising levels of Treasury debt. Last week, the government reported that the deficit for the 2016 budget year ended Sept. 30 totaled $587 billion, up 34 percent over the previous year. Under President Barack Obama, the government ran deficits topping $1 trillion annually for his first four years in office. But deficits had been declining since then. China's holdings of Treasury debt have declined in nine of the past 12 months and now stand 6.7 percent below where they were in August 2015. Total foreign holdings of Treasury securities are 1.5 percent higher than in August 2015. After China and Japan, the country with the third largest holdings of Treasury securities in August was Ireland at $266.4 billion followed by the Cayman Islands, a foreign banking center, with $264.2 billion in Treasury securities.

2016-10-18 16:03 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk

5 /23 5 /23 Police release CCTV of man ‘suspected of stealing a venetian blind’ in hilarious image This is the moment a bungling thief allegedly tried to steal a Venetian blind from a furniture store - by stuffing it down his jacket. The hapless crook appears to have the 7ft long blind clearly sticking out from the top of his coat as he tries to make a getaway from a Northampton Dunelm Mill store. Police say the suspect entered the shop at around 2pm on Sunday before concealing the Venetian blind down one trouser leg and up the back of a jacket. He then left the premises based at the Nene Valley Retail Park, in Northampton, without paying for the item in front of baffled workers. After staff noticed his suspicious bulge they followed him up a nearby canal path, where he dropped the blind before escaping empty handed. Yesterday Northamptonshire Police released two CCTV images of the suspect in a lift, showing the blind appearing to protrude from his green jacket above his head. A force spokesman said: 'Officers would like to speak with the man pictured or anyone with information can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. 'Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.' Web users took to Facebook to comment on the police appeal with one writing: 'This has got to be Britain's dumbest crook.' Another added: 'How on earth was he thinking he could get away with that? What a moron.'

2016-10-18 15:52 Rachael Burford www.dailymail.co.uk

6 /23 Japan coast guard says Chinese vessels seen near Senkaku Islands TOKYO, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Japan's coast guard said Chinese vessels trespassed into territorial waters for the 30th time in 2016.

Tokyo stated four Chinese coast guard ships approached the disputed Senkaku Islands on Tuesday between 3 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., near the islands of Uotsuri and Kuba.

The boats were seen again at around 10 a.m. near the island of Minako, where they lingered for about an hour-and-a-half, according to Tokyo. Japan's coast guard is monitoring the seas in response to the presence of the boats near the islands that are also claimed by China and Taiwan.

Japan's foreign ministry protested the latest movements, and told Chinese diplomats in Tokyo that the Senkaku Islands are Japanese territory.

In August, Chinese coast guard and fishing boats approached the Senkakus, maneuvers that were captured on video taken by Japan's coast guard.

The presence of Chinese fishing boats in South Korean waters has also sparked a diplomatic dispute between Seoul and Beijing.

But on Tuesday, Beijing's foreign ministry told reporters the Chinese government is in discussions with South Korea over the recent sinking of a South Korean patrol boat by a Chinese boat that was engaging in illegal fishing.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said order should be maintained among fishing vessels and maintained "bilaterally" after China canceled a joint crackdown on illegal fishing boats last Friday.

2016-10-18 15:24 Elizabeth Shim www.upi.com

7 /23 University of Michigan to get $27M for robotics research The University of Michigan is set to receive $27 million from a Chinese investment firm to aid in the institution's driverless vehicle and robotics research.

The university's President Mark Schlissel and Vice President for Research S. Jack Hu signed a memorandum of understanding on Saturday in Shenzhen, China, with Frontt Capital Management Ltd.

The funding will establish a joint research center at the university and assist the construction of a previously announced robotics laboratory and garage. It'll also provide engineering service and consulting fees for university researchers to advise the firm on design of an autonomous vehicle test facility in Shenzhen.

Schlissel said in a statement that the firm's investment will help advance mobility across the world.

Officials say they expect the investments to be made over five years, but a starting time hasn't been finalized.

2016-10-18 14:36 Associated Press rssfeeds.freep.com

8 /23 PH, China approve tourism deal The Philippines is set to sign with China an agreement on tourism cooperation, which is expected to usher in more Chinese tourists visiting the country, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and Li Jinzao, chair of China National Tourism Administration, are scheduled to sign a memorandum of agreement on Oct. 20 in the presence of the heads of states of the two countries.

“China’s invitation to President Duterte for state visit in Beijing bodes well for Philippine tourism, as the Chinese comprise the country’s second biggest visitor group,” Teo said in a statement.

Teo will also meet with investors and Chinese tour operators to promote the Philippines as a visitor’s haven.

“We’d like them to rediscover the Philippines, the bountiful trade and industrial hub where Chinese traders came to long before Spanish colonization,” Teo said. — ERIKA SAULER

2016-10-19 00:00 Philippine Daily globalnation.inquirer.net

9 /23 £330million town styled after the German city is unveiled in China From a mini Eiffel Tower to a fake English town, China has seen a craze of copying European landmarks in the past two decades or so. And the trend doesn't seem to be slowing down. Changde, a city of five million people in southern China, has just unveiled its latest tourist attraction: a German district styled after the old town of Hannover. The 'Little Hannover', reportedly costing €370 million (£330 million) to build, opened to the public today. RhineScheme GmbH, a Germany architecture and urban planning firm, was hired to construct the town, which occupies 46,800 square metres (11.6 acres). The main part of the town is a 450-metre-long (1,476 feet) shopping avenue, Hannoversche Strassem, which is due to have restaurants, bars and fashion stores. Pictures of the area, taken today, show various commercial outlets lining up the streets, including a fast-food store called 'Gourmetfreunde', a wine shop called 'Weinkeller', a bar called 'Full house' and a pizzeria called 'Yummy'. Although most of the 138 shops are yet to open, the German town has already become a popular destination for Changde residents. Locals were seen visiting the new area with their families and friends. Wang Qun, the mayor of Changde, expected 'Little Hannover' to act as a link between China and Germany, reported the state-run Chinese news website rednet.cn. According to Mr Wang, stores on the Hannoversche Strassem will be managed by German people and will present real German culture. The mayor said visitors could expect to taste real Hannover coffee, drink real German beer and see top-notch German art in the district. Stefan Schostok, Lord Mayor of Hannover, was invited to attend the opening ceremony of 'Little Hannover' in Changde. In a statement to MailOnline, Lord Mayor Stefan Schostok said: 'The construction of Hannoversche Strasse demonstrates the great interest shown in China for Germany and of course in particular for Hannover.' Three establishments from the Hannover city have already opened branches in the 'Little Hannover' in China: coffee brand Hannoversche Kaffeemanufaktur, a Hannover Centre and a German restaurant. A grand Hannover House has also been constructed. Lord Mayor Stefan Schostok said: 'In the Hannover House, we are promoting our city and our region as a destination for tourists, but also for other commercial contacts. 'Our economic development company, hannoverimpuls, is already very active [in China] - and is also involved in the opening of the German quarter.' Changde, in southern China's Hunan Province, and Hannover, in northern Germany's Lower Saxony, became sister cities in 2006, according to the website of Changde Government. According to a statement released by the Changde government last September, the area, situated by the river of Chuanzi, is expected to be a platform for the city to showcase its economy as well as to host foreign affairs. It's also set to be a major tourist attraction of Changde. Construction of the German town began in February, 2016. After seven months, the majority of the 'Little Hannover' were completed, and the area soft opened in September. The German town was unveiled during a grand opening ceremony on October 18, as a part of the Changde Tourism Festival. Fake European-style towns have popped up all around China since the late 1990s. The most famous ones are the Thames Town, a surreal English-style community in the suburbs of Shanghai; Tianducheng, a fake Paris in the suburbs of Hangzhou with a replica of the Eiffel Tower; and Hallstatt in , a £766 million Chinese clone of one of Austria's most picturesque villages. These communities are usually built by the local government who hope to showcase their Western taste. Many of these fake towns are built on speculation on the outskirts of cities, and are left empty by their buyers who prefer to live in city centre.

2016-10-18 13:55 Tracy You www.dailymail.co.uk

10 /23 Ikea Shanghai bans elderly lonely hearts group which met for weekly meetings in canteen Ikea has closed down a lonely hearts club for the elderly after other customers reportedly complained about the group 'spitting' and 'fighting' in the store. The club was said to meet twice a week in the Swedish furniture giant's Shanghai store restaurant to look for love. Local media reported the group, who were mostly all over 80 years old, would buy a hot drink and some bread and then chat all day in the cafe. The seniors are believed to be part of a matchmaking group who meet in the cafe to make the most their Ikea membership cards. But, this week Ikea put a stop to their socialising by imposing a strict 'no food, no seating' rule aimed at stopping the senior citizens from nursing a coffee for hours while attempting to find love. The store posted a notice by the restaurant door blaming an 'illegal blind-dating group' and their 'uncivilised behaviour' for the new policy, the BBC reported. The store added the situation had 'adversely affected the dining experience and security of most of our customers,' and that it had received customer complaints about 'spitting' and 'quarrels' and 'fights'. An 86-year-old group member told the the club had tried 'McDonald's and KFC' but there were 'barely anyone' their age there. He added: 'We feel like aliens there - surrounded by youngsters. If there is another place in Shanghai where elderly people can gather, we are more than ready to pay twice as much and travel farther.' Some of the world’s biggest Ikea stores are in China as the company seeks to capitalise on the increased spending power of the middle classes in the country. This is not the first time the huge stores have reportedly been used unconventionally. Store management have previously reportedly cracked down on people coming in during the summer for the air conditioning and others visiting just for a nap in the bed section.

2016-10-18 13:51 Rachael Burford www.dailymail.co.uk

11 /23 Section of Big Branch refuge to close for aerial spraying of tallow trees Nearly 200 acres of the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in southern St. Tammany Parish will be closed Wednesday through Friday (Oct. 19-21) to allow spraying to rid the area of Chinese tallow trees, the refuge has announced. The section of refuge, south of Slidell and just west of U. S. 11, will be sprayed with a herbicide from the air, the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service said.

Access to this part of the refuge is difficult and treatment options are limited, the agency said in a news release.

Chinese tallow trees are an invasive exotic plant that has the potential to transform native habitats into single species tallow forests in the absence of land management practices, the release said. They alter light availability for other plant species and fallen tallow leaves contain toxins that create unfavorable soil conditions for native plant growth and regeneration, it said.

Chinese tallow will out-compete native plant species, reducing habitat for wildlife, according to Fish & Wildlife.

For more information, contact the refuge office at 985-882-2000.

2016-10-18 13:43 Robert Rhoden www.nola.com

12 /23 Report: Twitter Now Worth Less Than Chinese Clone Weibo’s market cap is reportedly now at $11.32 billion, whereas Twitter currently stands at just $11.23 billion.

Weibo is also reported to have brought in 70 million new users within the past year, as opposed to Twitter, which has lost around 5 million active users within twelve months. Twitter’s current userbase number is 313 million– just 31 million more than Weibo’s.

Twitter’s stock crashed this month after all of the social network’s expected bidders pulled out of a potential purchase, including Disney, Salesforce, and Google .

The social network’s stock value fell even lower after a “teen survey” also found no interest in the platform .

Twitter has been heavily criticized over the past year for its increasing censorship and political bias, which has led to Breitbart Senior Editor Milo Yiannopoulos being permanently banned from the platform , with sanctions for others including James O’Keefe , game developer Mark Kern , and YouTube star PewDiePie .

Meanwhile, Twitter has repeatedly failed to sanction Islamic extremists , violent Black Lives Matter activists , and sexual harassers , while even going as far as to block journalists who are critical of Turkish president Erdogan at the country’s request .

Last week, a leaked memo showed that Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey described the social network as the “people’s news network,” despite users hemorrhaging from the platform to more free speech friendly networks such as Gab .

Charlie Nash is a reporter for Breitbart Tech. You can follow him on Twitter @MrNashington or like his page at Facebook.

2016-10-18 13:16 by feedproxy.google.com

13 /23 Philippines open to China, Russia 'war games' | Print | E-mail

Tuesday, 18 October 2016 09:15 Ahead of his visit to Beijing, Filipino leader also says he will no longer allow joint military exercises with US.

President Rodrigo Duterte has said the Philippines is willing to hold joint military exercises with China and Russia, while reiterating that he will no longer allow war games with longtime ally the United States.

Duterte made the remarks in a TV interview broadcast on Monday, ahead of a four-day visit to Beijing aimed at improving ties that soured over competing claims in the resource-rich South China Sea. Asked if he would consider joint military drills with China or Russia, Duterte told Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television: "Yes, I will. I have given enough time for the Americans to play with the Filipino soldiers. "

Duterte also repeated he would no longer allow joint exercises with the US, the Philippines' main defence ally and supplier of military hardware.

"This will be the last. It has been programmed," Duterte said.

Duterte has sought to dramatically reshape his nation's foreign relations since taking office on June 30, by pivoting towards China and Russia while moving away from the US.

The Philippine president has been angered by US criticism of his war on drugs, which has claimed more than 3,700 lives, and praised China and Russia for showing him "respect".

But Duterte, signalling his shift is for pragmatic reasons, has also repeatedly ridiculed the US for what he sees as its weakening economic and military influence around the world.

He has also stirred controversy after cursing US President Barack Obama ahead of a bilateral meeting, which was later cancelled. Later, he was quoted as telling the US leader to " go to hell ".

Business entourage

Duterte is bringing an entourage of hundreds of businessmen with him to Beijing on Tuesday, and Philippine media have said deals worth billions of dollars are expected to be announced during the trip.

Asked if he would seek to buy military equipment from China during his visit, Duterte told Phoenix Television: "Yes, but not really in (large) numbers. "

Duterte said he would also need small, fast-attack boats from China to fight "terrorism".

"If China does not help us in this endeavour, we will have a hard time fighting terrorism," he said without elaborating. Relations between the Philippines and China worsened under Duterte's predecessor Benigno Aquino, who tried to challenge Beijing's expansionism in the South China Sea. To counter China, Aquino allowed a much greater US military presence in the Philippines. He also filed a legal case at a UN-backed tribunal, which ruled in July that China's claims to most of the sea had no legal basis. Beijing refused to accept the ruling. Duterte has said he does not want to use the verdict to pressure China.

But on Sunday, he told local reporters he will raise the tribunal ruling with leaders in Beijing, adding that he "will not bargain anywhere".

"We will continue to insist on what is ours," he said.

2016-10-18 13:15 Agencies mwcnews.net

14 /23 Mutant piglet born in China has two snouts and three eyes Video footage shows a piglet in China born with two snouts and three eyes. The video uploaded online to Youtube on October 17 show the animal at home on its farm in a rural area of south west China. According to its owner, she has been hand rearing the animal since birth. Its owner named He Ruxian told reporters from New China that initially she was scared of the animal. However now she thinks it is 'quite cute'. As the piglet has difficulty feeding itself, He hand rears the animal. In the video , the animal can be seen with the other piglets. At one point, its mother tries to pick it up. This isn't the first case this year of a piglet born with two snouts. In June, a farmer in China began showing off his prized piglet which had two heads containing three eyes, two noses and two mouths. Locals began flocking to the owner's farm to get a glimpse of the 'mutant' animal. Some people even offered cash for the piglet.

2016-10-18 13:14 Sophie Williams www.dailymail.co.uk

15 /23 Indonesia President Navigates Cautious Course in Tense South China Sea SOLO, Indonesia—President Joko Widodo says he wants to keep this sprawling archipelago out of an intensifying great-power conflict in the South China Sea while he tries to revitalize ambitious economic plans that so far have fallen short.

The leader of the world’s fourth most- populous nation, in office now for two years, told The Wall Street Journal that he wasn’t worried about the rising tensions between Washington and Beijing,...

2016-10-18 13:12 Ben Otto www.wsj.com

16 /23 China to World: We Don’t Need Your Factories Anymore ZHUHAI, China—Judah Huang works deep in the global supply chain at a Chinese company that makes nonstick coatings for cookie sheets, frying pans and grills sold in stores such as Wal-Mart.

Until a few years ago, the pans and griddles were made in China, but most of the materials that went into them were not. Mr. Huang imported most of the resins, pigments and pastes for his coatings from multinational suppliers such as Dow Chemical...

2016-10-18 12:35 Anjani Trivedi www.wsj.com

17 /23 China officials confess to corruption in new TV series A new television series showing corrupt Chinese officials making confessions has proved a hit, officials say.

More than 10 disgraced figures will appear over eight episodes of Always on the Road - a reference to the government's wide-ranging crackdown on corruption in the Communist Party.

The first episode featured weeping, repentant men and the controversial burial of a tortoise.

It has picked up millions of viewers online since it aired on Monday.

"People everywhere are talking about Always on the Road," the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, which investigates corruption and made the film with , said in a statement.

The documentary comes almost four years after President Xi Jinping promised to get tough on corruption in his party, vowing to go after powerful "tigers" as well as lowly "flies".

However, critics say a lack of transparency around the purge means it has been an opportunity for Mr Xi to eliminate political enemies.

Three of the so-called "tigers" accused of taking bribes and abusing power appear in the first episode of the documentary: , a former party boss who received a life sentence, Zhou Benshun, an ex-party chief awaiting trial, and , a former deputy party boss sentenced to 13 years in jail.

The story of Zhou went beyond simple corruption, revealing the former official had buried his tortoise with religious scrolls - despite this being against the law for party officials.

All three confessed on air, but Reuters news agency was unable to reach family members or lawyers for comment on whether this was done willingly.

2016-10-18 20:56 www.bbc.co.uk

18 /23 Czech ministers, parliamentarians meet Dalai Lama in contrast to pro-China policy PRAGUE, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Czech ministers and senior parliamentarians held a private meeting with exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Tuesday, risking upsetting China just as the government is trying to boost ties with Beijing. The Dalai Lama met Culture Minister Daniel Herman, Deputy Prime Minister Pavel Belobradek, and deputy speakers of both houses of parliament while on a trip to an annual conference set up by the late Vaclav Havel, the country's first president, who had close personal links with the 80-year old monk and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The ministers as well as lower house Deputy Speaker Jan Bartosek and Senate Deputy Speaker Miluse Horska are all affiliated to the Christian Democrats, the junior partner in the centre-left ruling coalition, and the meetings were labelled as private. The foreign ministry said in a statement that the government followed a policy of respecting China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supported opening a dialogue between the authorities and the Tibetan community. The Chinese embassy in Prague did not respond to a request for comment. China usually scolds countries for giving any recognition to the Dalai Lama, whom it accuses of promoting independence for the Himalayan region. China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday, for example, that it would retaliate after Slovak President Andrej Kiska met the Dalai Lama The Czech government, and especially President Milos Zeman, has been warm to boosting ties with China. China was grateful for Zeman's attendance as the only western leader at a military parade in Beijing in 2015 marking the end of World War Two. Chinese president Xi Jinping visited Prague in March to forge a "strategic partnership" with the Czech Republic. (Reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt and Hugh Lawson)

2016-10-18 12:18 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

19 /23 Red Star Chinese Restaurant in Carrollton area robbed at gunpoint: NOPD The owner of Red Star Chinese Restaurant in the Carrollton area was counting money behind the counter Monday night (Oct. 17) when a a man in a hoodie, hat and gloves robbed the restaurant at gunpoint, New Orleans police said. Police said around 9:23 a.m., the armed robbery suspect entered the restaurant in the 8300 block of Earhart Boulevard. A preliminary NOPD report said the suspect was wearing a black hat, gray hoodie, black jeans and black gloves.

He demanded the victim open the cash register and give him the cash.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call NOPD at 504-821-2222 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

2016-10-18 12:13 Emily Lane www.nola.com

20 /23 Has Chinese firm Xiaomi made a BENDABLE smartphone? A number of tech firms have been working on flexible displays for some time and now a Chinese brand appears to have made a mobile phone with a bendable touchscreen. Smartphone and home appliance maker Xiaomi seems to have created an almost entirely flat phone prototype that sits in the palm of the hand. A clip posted on video-sharing site Youku shows a person scrolling through apps on the flexible screen. The screen is shown to be curved to fit into the user's hand. The display is a prototype product and appears to be using Xiaomo's latest MIUI 8 software, claims GizmoChina. However, it is not clear from the video how exactly the screen is powered and the company has so far not released any further details on the prototype or even confirmed its existence. Xiaomo has been contacted for comment. Korean firms LG and Samsung are both said to be working on phones with flexible screens. In June, it was reported that Samsung is set to introduce two phones with bendable screen next year. The firm has already shown off the folding OLED screen technology several times - but it is believed it has now finalised products that will use it. Bloomberg claims 'Samsung is considering introducing two new smartphone models that will feature bendable screens, including a version that folds in half like a cosmetic compact, people familiar with the matter said.' 'This product could be a game-changer if Samsung successfully comes up with a user interface suitable for bendable screens,' Lee Seung Woo, an analyst at IBK Securities in Seoul told Bloomberg. A recent patent reveals Samsung is planning a handset that simply folds in half when not in use. According to Patently Mobile , the device is set to be part of Samsung's Galaxy range. Previous reports have claimed it has the codename 'foldable valley' and is already being tested. It recently shows off the screen that could power the device - a 5.7inch flexible OLED screen. 2016-10-18 11:56 Libby Plummer www.dailymail.co.uk

21 /23 18 common herbs and how they could cure everything from ulcers to flatulence Herbalism is an ancient form of medicine - but it is often regarded as a wacky Chinese treatment. Herbs and plants can be used to treat a wide range of conditions ranging from burns, to ulcers, flatulence, laryngitis, insomnia and psoriasis. But experts warn to not take herbal supplements if you're on medication without checking with your doctor first. Here, in a piece for The Hippocratic Post , some of the most common herbs and their medical benefits are revealed. PEPPERMINT This is a very popular herbal remedy. Peppermint tea, made from an infusion of the leaves, aids indigestion, colic and wind. It can also relieve menstrual pain. The essential oil is distilled from the entire plant. Vaporised oil can ease wheezing, sinusitis, asthma and laryngitis. It is also a mild diuretic. ECHINACEA This purple daisy is native to America. The root is used to make the remedies which are said to support the immune system and ward off infections. Tincture of echinacea is used to treat shingles, ulcers, flu and tonsillitis. It can also be used as a mouthwash. Homeopathic echinacea is used to treat blood poisoning, chills, aches and nausea. GARLIC This is a pungent bulb that belongs to the onion family. Can be eaten daily or taken as pills. It contains the natural antiseptic, allicin, and helps to support the immune system. Taken regularly, it may help to ward off coughs and colds. It is also effective against sinusitis and intestinal worms. The fresh juice is a natural remedy for skin fungal infections. It may have a role to play in preventing some kinds of cancer, including stomach cancer. Eating fresh parsley will reduce the smell. EVENING PRIMROSE OIL Derived from the seeds of a native American wildflower, this oil contains Gamma Linelonic Acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid, which lessens joint stiffness. It is also thought to improve brainpower and concentration. ALOE VERA This is a tropical succulent plant that contains a gel which is squeezed from the leaves. The gel can ease the pain of burns and grazes. It also is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial and soothes eczema. A mouthwash is good for sore gums. Whole leaf tincture can be taken to relieve constipation, although aloe vera should not be taken internally during pregnancy. FEVERFEW This small daisy-like flower grows throughout Europe and the flowers and leaves are used in herbalism. Fresh leaves are eaten to alleviate the symptoms of migraine. Feverfew can also be used to reduce the pain of arthritis and menstrual pain, but it may cause nausea and vomiting. This herb should not be taken by pregnant women. MARIGOLD FLOWERS This popular garden flower has a wide range of uses in herbal medicine but is especially helpful for skin and eye problems. It can soothe inflamed spots and sore varicose veins. Taken as a tea, it helps to relieve menstrual pain. It can also be gargled to ease sore throats. As a lotion, often known as calendula, is fights fungal infections. The flower petals can be eaten raw on salads or rice. GINKGO This comes from the leaves of a tree native to China. The active ingredient is flavone glycosides, which helps to increase blood flow and improve circulation. It may also boost memory. It has blood thinning properties and may occasionally cause nose bleeds. GINGER The root of the plant is used to make extracts and oils. It can also be eaten fresh. Ginger helps to prevent nausea and protects the stomach against ulcers. It also contains active ingredients with pain relieving properties. Should not be used by people suffering from gallstones. ARNICA This is a yellow flower which grows on mountains. It is often used as a homeopathic remedy. It can help to relieve the shock and pain after an accident. It also helps the body to start healing itself. Arnica ointment can be applied directly to bruised area, although not to broken skin, because it could cause further inflammation. WITCH HAZEL This is extracted from the bark and leaves of small American tree. Used as tincture or a cream, witch hazel is used externally for bruises, pimples, haemorrhoids and painful varicose veins. As a compress, it can ease swollen tired eyes. It should not be used internally. FRANKINCENSE This is the gum resin that is extracted from the bark of the frankincense tree, found in North Africa and Arabia. As an oil, it is used to ease anxiety and tension. It also has anti ageing properties and helps to heal ulcers and skin wounds. In a steam infusion, it can relieve bronchitis and wheezing. It is also used to treat cystitis and menstrual problems. CHAMOMILE This is a plant with feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers, which grows wild throughout Europe. Chamomile tea is soothing and helps to ease insomnia. As an essential oil, it also has a calming effect on the nervous system. It assists with digestive problems and reduces the effect of menstrual problems such as hot flushes, fluid retention and abdominal pain. YLANG YLANG This is a small tropical tree that grows in Madagascar, Indonesia and the Philippines. The essential oil is extracted from the flowers and can be used in a bath, massage, or burned in a room. It has a soothing effect on the nervous system and helps to prevent hyperventilation and palpitations. It is also said to help sexual problems and impotence in men. It may also have an aphrodisiac effect. TEA TREE This pungent remedy is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the tea tree, which grows in Australia. It is a powerful antiseptic and can be used to clean wounds. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as repelling parasites. It can be used to treat ringworm and can ease skin problems such as acne, eczema and dermatitis. WILD YAM Wild yam, derived from the rhizome of the Mexican wild yam, is said to ease period pain, menopausal symptoms and vaginal dryness. a homeopathic remedy, it is used for abdominal pain and renal colic. It is said to work well on persistent or recurrent problems LAVENDER Lavender has antiseptic properties so it can be dabbed straight on to bites, stings, burns and wounds. It is also very soothing. A few drops of lavender oil on the pillow can promote deep sleep. Used in a vaporiser, it acts as natural insect repellent. The flowers can be drunk as a herbal tea and help to reduce stress. ST JOHN'S WORT This is a common European wild plant, used to treat depression, anxiety and nerve pains. Always check with your doctor before taking this herb because it can interfere with the action of other prescription drugs, including the anti-cancer drug, cyclophosphamide. Never use it for more than a month because it can cause withdrawal symptoms.

2016-10-18 11:17 Thea Jourdan www.dailymail.co.uk

22 /23 U. S. says China ends tax exemption for domestic small aircraft WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - China has ended a "discriminatory" tax exemption for domestically produced small aircraft that the United States had challenged before the World Trade Organization, the U. S. Trade Representative's Office said on Tuesday. China's policy had exempted small domestically produced aircraft, general aviation planes, business jets and regional aircraft from a 17 percent value-added tax, but had imposed such taxes on imported small aircraft, including those produced in the United States, U. S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said in a statement. He added that the Chinese tax exemptions were not published but were uncovered in an investigation undertaken by the Obama administration. "While we are happy to announce this discrimination has ended, we remain deeply concerned about China's lack of transparency on taxes affecting American products," Froman said. "China should not impose discriminatory taxes or conceal them. " (Reporting by David Lawder; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

2016-10-18 11:08 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

23 /23 Drug mule who collapsed at Miami airport had 53 cocaine pellets removed from his stomach A Polish man who collapsed at Miami International Airport had 53 rubber pellets filled with cocaine removed from his stomach.

Waldemar Wojtczack, 45, collapsed during his layover from Trinidad to Finland and spent several days in an intensive care unit before surgeons removed more than one pound of drugs from his body.

He pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of cocaine trafficking and using commercial transport while committing a felony.

Wojtczack collapsed inside the airport and was rushed to Hialeah Hospital, in Florida according to a police report cited by the Miami Herald.

Despite the fact that he does not speak English, Wojtczack managed to communicate to a doctor that he ingested cocaine.

He remained in the hospital for numerous days, waiting for the drugs to pass through his body while his health faltered.

When that didn't happen, doctors performed surgery on him, with narcotics detectives standing by to collect the small, rubber pellets filled with cocaine, weighing a total of half a kilogram.

Wojtczack appeared at his arraignment on Monday with a Polish interpreter before pleading not guilty.

The drug mule is believed to have taken similar trips before from Poland, according to his passport records cited in the police report.

Florida has become a huge hub for cocaine smuggled from South America into the US, making Wojtczak's trip from a Trinidadian island to Finland an unusual path. But the Scandinavian country boasts some of the highest cocaine prices in Europe.

If the drugs were intended to be sold in Finland, the street value of half a kilo of cocaine would be worth $53,000 USD based on figures from 2010 cited by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

2016-10-18 11:02 Jessica Chia www.dailymail.co.uk

Total 23 articles.

Created at 2016-10-19 04:33

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