HANOI, VIETNAM — Vietnam's President To Lam has taken over the duties of Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, who is focusing on an unspecified treatment for his health, the party said on Thursday. The extraordinary move comes after months of speculation that Trong's health was weakening. The party did not clarify what treatment he is receiving. Lam, a former head of internal security, has been widely seen as a top candidate to replace Trong when his term ends in 2026. The party's powerful... Читать дальше...
CARACAS, Venezuela — Victoria Estevez finally met someone who saw past her shyness. They spent two months learning about their likes and dislikes, texting about their families and friends, and walking around their hometowns on Venezuela's Caribbean coast. On a trip to the capital in December, they held each other for the first time. I-like-yous followed, and by February, they were calling it a relationship. And then came heartbreak. “Remember I had told you that I have a brother in the Dominican Republic? Читать дальше...
Beijing — China’s ruling Communist Party is wrapping up a top-level meeting on Thursday that is expected to endorse policies aimed at building the country’s technological prowess and fortifying its national security. The plenary meeting of the party’s Central Committee was held behind closed doors. But analysts expect a major focus to be on strategies for self-sufficient economic growth at a time when China faces tightening restrictions on access to Western advanced technology, such as leading-edge computer chips and artificial intelligence. Читать дальше...
Jakarta, Indonesia — Indonesia's Ministry of Trade is set to spearhead a new task force this week to crack down on illegal imports and dumping practices, officials announced. The effort to protect certain sectors of domestic industries comes as Indonesia is considering increasing import duties for seven imported goods by up to 200%. Initially announced as an import tariff on Chinese goods, the ministry said earlier this month the duties will apply to all countries. Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan... Читать дальше...
Republican Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance took center stage at the third night of the Republican National Convention Wednesday. Donald Trump’s running mate embraced an “America First” approach to foreign policy and security. VOA's Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson has more from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Abuja, Nigeria — Members of a U.S. presidential advisory council have approved a student exchange deal between an American college and a Nigerian university as part of the council's effort to strengthen collaboration on education, health, entrepreneurship and development between Africa and Africans living abroad. The council also visited a health facility supported by the United States Agency for International Development in the capital. Nigerian authorities and visitors chatter with members... Читать дальше...
Donald Trump ’s running mate, J.D. Vance introduced himself to a national audience Wednesday night when he addressed the Republican National Convention. The Ohio senator’s headlining address was his first speech as the Republican vice-presidential nominee. Nearly two-thirds of Democrats say President Joe Biden should withdraw from the presidential race and let his party select a different candidate, according to a new poll. And Nelson Mandela International Day is observed annually on his birthday... Читать дальше...
LOS ANGELES — A former Syrian military official who oversaw a prison where human rights officials say torture and abuse routinely took place has been arrested, authorities said Wednesday. U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents took Samir Ousman al-Sheikh into custody last week at Los Angeles International Airport, said agency spokesperson Greg Hoegner. The 72-year-old has been charged with immigration fraud, specifically that he denied on his U.S. visa and citizenship applications that he had ever persecuted anyone in Syria... Читать дальше...
caracas, venezuela — The security chief of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was arrested early Wednesday, her Vente Venezuela political movement said. The arrest came less than two weeks before the July 28 vote, where the opposition coalition's candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, is polling significantly ahead of President Nicolas Maduro, who is seeking a third term. Machado, who resoundingly won the opposition's October primary, was barred by a court from running in the election over alleged fraud, which she denies. Читать дальше...
Beijing — A fire at a shopping mall killed 16 people in the southwestern Chinese city of Zigong, state media reported early Thursday. Firefighters and rescuers responded to a fire call shortly after 6 p.m. at the 14-story commercial building, and pulled 75 people to safety, according to the official news agency Xinhua. Rescue efforts were ongoing. It was not immediately known what caused the fire or how many people were in the building when the fire broke out. The building houses a department store, offices, restaurants and a movie theater.
An investigative media outlet in Peru uncovered high-level government corruption. Now their journalists are confronted with threats and legal action. For VOA News, Monica Várgas in Lima and Cristina Caicedo Smit in Washington have the story.
washington — American businessman and former diplomat Stephen Biegun says that while China is carefully and quietly watching the U.S. presidential election to avoid the appearance of taking sides, most of the Chinese counterparts that he speaks with say they want former President Donald Trump to be re-elected. “There is a certain fascination about him in China and a sense that unpredictability can also deliver outcomes that the Chinese want,” Biegun said in remarks at an Aspen Security Forum discussion Tuesday. Читать дальше...
Washington — Russia and China are edging ever closer to unleashing space-based weapons, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for America’s ability to defend itself, U.S. military and intelligence agencies warn. Adding to the concern, they say, is what appears to be a growing willingness by both countries to set aside long-running suspicions and animosity in order to gain an edge over the United States. “I would highlight ... the increasing amount in intent to use counterspace... Читать дальше...
Pentagon — The U.S. military is dismantling the temporary pier it built to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza via the sea but will continue to help transfer aid for Gaza from Cyprus to the Israeli port of Ashdod, U.S. officials said Wednesday. “The maritime surge mission involving the pier is complete, so there's no more need to use the pier,” Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, deputy commander for U.S. Central Command, told reporters on Wednesday. At least 5 million pounds of aid remains in Cyprus... Читать дальше...
Washington — U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday formally appealed a federal judge's decision to throw out the criminal case brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith accusing Donald Trump of illegally holding on to classified documents following the end of his presidency. Smith's office filed a notice indicating it would ask the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to revive the case and reverse Florida-based U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon's ruling on Monday that Smith had been unlawfully appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland. Читать дальше...
Washington — President Joe Biden on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19, the White House said in a statement, shortly after he abruptly canceled a Las Vegas speech where he planned to appeal to Latino voters. The 81-year-old president tested positive before his first event in Las Vegas Wednesday and is experiencing “mild symptoms,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in the statement. She added that he is vaccinated and boosted against the virus and will return to his home in Rehoboth, Delaware, where he will self-isolate. Читать дальше...
Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, the media are working to verify details of the attack and to combat fast-spreading mis- and disinformation. Ethics experts are looking at how the attack is being framed. With Liam Scott, Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story for VOA News.