More than 100 million people in China face new lockdown as 2nd wave of COVID-19 cases emerge
JILIN, China -- Nearly 108 million people in China's Jilin province could be forced back into lockdown after a growing group of new coronavirus infections triggered a backslide in the nation's push to return to normal.The abrupt reversal in China's northeast region has once again cut off public transportation, closed schools and led to another round of quarantine.Fan Pai, who works at a trading company in the nearby province of Liaoning, told Bloomberg News that people are starting to feel "more cautious" again."Children playing outside are wearing masks again," she said. "It's frustrating because you don't know when it will end."The new clusters of coronavirus cases have also ignited everyone's worst fear that a second wave of the deadly disease could be on the horizon.Wuhan, the Chinese city where the novel coronavirus was first reported in 2019, also saw new cases emerge last week, though neither the cases in Jilin or Wuhan have been as severe as the original outbreak.Over the weekend, Jilin reported 120 new cases.Chinese officials initially pinned the contagion's re-entry on Russia, but admitted local transmission also occurred.How China handles its second wave of coronavirus likely will serve as a template for other countries.The problem, some say, is that China's record of being less than truthful makes it almost impossible to believe its reported figures and response.China has been at the center of controversy after being repeatedly accused of sitting on vital, lifesaving information about the severity of the coronavirus.In recent weeks, the country hasn't done much to improve its image, aggressively going after its own trading partners who have called for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus.
JILIN, China -- Nearly 108 million people in China's Jilin province could be forced back into lockdown after a growing group of new coronavirus infections triggered a backslide in the nation's push to return to normal.The abrupt reversal in China's northeast region has once again cut off public transportation, closed schools and led to another round of quarantine.Fan Pai, who works at a trading company in the nearby province of Liaoning, told Bloomberg News that people are starting to feel "more cautious" again."Children playing outside are wearing masks again," she said. "It's frustrating because you don't know when it will end."The new clusters of coronavirus cases have also ignited everyone's worst fear that a second wave of the deadly disease could be on the horizon.Wuhan, the Chinese city where the novel coronavirus was first reported in 2019, also saw new cases emerge last week, though neither the cases in Jilin or Wuhan have been as severe as the original outbreak.Over the weekend, Jilin reported 120 new cases.Chinese officials initially pinned the contagion's re-entry on Russia, but admitted local transmission also occurred.How China handles its second wave of coronavirus likely will serve as a template for other countries.The problem, some say, is that China's record of being less than truthful makes it almost impossible to believe its reported figures and response.China has been at the center of controversy after being repeatedly accused of sitting on vital, lifesaving information about the severity of the coronavirus.In recent weeks, the country hasn't done much to improve its image, aggressively going after its own trading partners who have called for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus.
ST.
US officials: China 'intentionally concealed' coronavirus' severity to stock up on medical supplies
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials believe China covered up the extent of the coronavirus outbreak — and how contagious the disease is — to stock up on medical supplies needed to respond to it, intelligence documents show.Chinese leaders “intentionally concealed the severity” of the pandemic from the world in early January, according to a four-page Department of Homeland Security report dated May 1 and obtained by The Associated Press.
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials believe China covered up the extent of the coronavirus outbreak — and how contagious the disease is — to stock up on medical supplies needed to respond to it, intelligence documents show.Chinese leaders “intentionally concealed the severity” of the pandemic from the world in early January, according to a four-page Department of Homeland Security report dated May 1 and obtained by The Associated Press.
North and South Korean troops exchange fire along border
SEOUL, South Korea — North and South Korean troops exchanged fire along their tense border on Sunday, the South’s military said, the first such incident since the rivals took unprecedented steps to lower front-line animosities in late 2018.Violent confrontations have occasionally occurred along the border, the world’s most heavily fortified.
SEOUL, South Korea — North and South Korean troops exchanged fire along their tense border on Sunday, the South’s military said, the first such incident since the rivals took unprecedented steps to lower front-line animosities in late 2018.Violent confrontations have occasionally occurred along the border, the world’s most heavily fortified.
Vladimir Putin extends Russia's coronavirus shutdown to May 11
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended the nation’s partial economic shutdown through May 11, saying the coronavirus outbreak is yet to reach a peak.Speaking in a conference call with top officials Tuesday, Putin says the shutdown that began at the end of March and was to expire on April 30 has slowed contagion.
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended the nation’s partial economic shutdown through May 11, saying the coronavirus outbreak is yet to reach a peak.Speaking in a conference call with top officials Tuesday, Putin says the shutdown that began at the end of March and was to expire on April 30 has slowed contagion.
'This is tremendous:' China didn't warn public of likely pandemic for 6 key days
WUHAN, China -- In the six days after top Chinese officials secretly determined they likely were facing a pandemic from a new coronavirus, the city of Wuhan at the epicenter of the disease hosted a mass banquet for tens of thousands of people; millions began traveling through for Lunar New Year celebrations.President Xi Jinping warned the public on the seventh day, Jan. 20.
WUHAN, China -- In the six days after top Chinese officials secretly determined they likely were facing a pandemic from a new coronavirus, the city of Wuhan at the epicenter of the disease hosted a mass banquet for tens of thousands of people; millions began traveling through for Lunar New Year celebrations.President Xi Jinping warned the public on the seventh day, Jan. 20.
Israeli leader announces lockdown over Passover holiday
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday a complete lockdown over the upcoming Passover holiday to control the country's coronavirus outbreak, but offered citizens some hope by saying he expects to lift widespread restrictions after the week-long festival.Netanyahu's announcement came as leaders of the Coptic Orthodox Church in neighboring Egypt said they were suspending Easter celebrations because of the coronavirus.Israel has already greatly restricted movement to help slow the outbreak, allowing people to leave their homes to buy food or other essential activities.In a nationally televised address, Netanyahu said the government was further restricting movement for Passover, which begins Wednesday evening with a festive meal known as the “Seder.”“Every family will sit down for Seder night on its own.
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday a complete lockdown over the upcoming Passover holiday to control the country's coronavirus outbreak, but offered citizens some hope by saying he expects to lift widespread restrictions after the week-long festival.Netanyahu's announcement came as leaders of the Coptic Orthodox Church in neighboring Egypt said they were suspending Easter celebrations because of the coronavirus.Israel has already greatly restricted movement to help slow the outbreak, allowing people to leave their homes to buy food or other essential activities.In a nationally televised address, Netanyahu said the government was further restricting movement for Passover, which begins Wednesday evening with a festive meal known as the “Seder.”“Every family will sit down for Seder night on its own.
President Trump fires watchdog who handled Ukraine complaint
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump abruptly fired the inspector general of the intelligence community, sidelining an independent watchdog who played a pivotal role in his impeachment even as his White House struggles with the deepening coronavirus pandemic.President Trump informed the House and Senate intelligence committees late Friday of his decision to fire Michael Atkinson, according to letters obtained by The Associated Press.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump abruptly fired the inspector general of the intelligence community, sidelining an independent watchdog who played a pivotal role in his impeachment even as his White House struggles with the deepening coronavirus pandemic.President Trump informed the House and Senate intelligence committees late Friday of his decision to fire Michael Atkinson, according to letters obtained by The Associated Press.
Coronavirus epicenter of Wuhan, China reports no new 'homegrown' cases
WUHAN, China -- China's health ministry said the virus epicenter of Wuhan and its surrounding Hubei province had reported no new virus cases on Thursday.The ministry said that results over the past 24 hours showed 34 new cases, all detected in people arriving from abroad.Eight new deaths were reported, all in Wuhan.Wuhan at the peak reported thousands of new cases of coronavirus infection daily, overwhelming its healthcare system.Medical teams deployed to Wuhan from across China have started their homeward journeys and as of Wednesday, a total of 2,364 medical staff have left Wuhan, China's Central Television reported.China has now recorded a total of 80,928 confirmed virus cases with 3,245 deaths.
WUHAN, China -- China's health ministry said the virus epicenter of Wuhan and its surrounding Hubei province had reported no new virus cases on Thursday.The ministry said that results over the past 24 hours showed 34 new cases, all detected in people arriving from abroad.Eight new deaths were reported, all in Wuhan.Wuhan at the peak reported thousands of new cases of coronavirus infection daily, overwhelming its healthcare system.Medical teams deployed to Wuhan from across China have started their homeward journeys and as of Wednesday, a total of 2,364 medical staff have left Wuhan, China's Central Television reported.China has now recorded a total of 80,928 confirmed virus cases with 3,245 deaths.
Russia passes bill allowing Putin to stay in power past 2024
MOSCOW — The Russian parliament approved a sweeping constitutional reform in the third and final reading Wednesday, a move that will allow President Vladimir Putin to stay in power for another 12 years after his current term ends in 2024.The Kremlin-controlled lower house, the State Duma, endorsed a set of amendments to the constitution and a provision resetting the term count for Putin after the revised constitution goes into force.
MOSCOW — The Russian parliament approved a sweeping constitutional reform in the third and final reading Wednesday, a move that will allow President Vladimir Putin to stay in power for another 12 years after his current term ends in 2024.The Kremlin-controlled lower house, the State Duma, endorsed a set of amendments to the constitution and a provision resetting the term count for Putin after the revised constitution goes into force.
US starts troop pullout, seeks end to Afghan leaders' feud
KABUL, Afghanistan — The United States began withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, the U.S. military said Tuesday, taking a step forward on its peace deal with the Taliban while also praising Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's promise to start releasing Taliban prisoners after he had delayed for over a week.The U.S.-Taliban deal signed Feb. 29 was touted as Washington's effort to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan.
KABUL, Afghanistan — The United States began withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, the U.S. military said Tuesday, taking a step forward on its peace deal with the Taliban while also praising Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's promise to start releasing Taliban prisoners after he had delayed for over a week.The U.S.-Taliban deal signed Feb. 29 was touted as Washington's effort to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan.
Israel announces 2-week quarantine for all arrivals
JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said his government has decided to place anyone arriving from overseas into quarantine in a move to contain a growing coronavirus outbreak.Netanyahu announced the 14-day quarantine after consultations with Cabinet ministers and senior health officials."This is a difficult decision, but it's necessary to protect public health.
JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said his government has decided to place anyone arriving from overseas into quarantine in a move to contain a growing coronavirus outbreak.Netanyahu announced the 14-day quarantine after consultations with Cabinet ministers and senior health officials."This is a difficult decision, but it's necessary to protect public health.
US, Taliban sign deal aimed at ending war in Afghanistan
DOHA, Qatar -- The United States signed a peace agreement with Taliban militants on Saturday aimed at bringing an end to 18 years of bloodshed in Afghanistan that began after 9/11 and allowing U.S. troops to return home from America's longest war.This historic deal, signed by chief negotiators from the two sides and witnessed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the Qatari capital of Doha, could see the withdrawal of all American and allied forces in the next 14 months and allow President Donald Trump to fulfill a key campaign pledge to extract the U.S. from “endless wars.” It sets the stage for intra-Afghan peace talks to begin by March 10 during which a permanent ceasefire will be negotiated and the Taliban agree to meet with all factions.Under the agreement, the U.S. would draw its forces down to 8,600 from 13,000 in the next 3-4 months, with the remaining U.S. forces withdrawing in 14 months.
DOHA, Qatar -- The United States signed a peace agreement with Taliban militants on Saturday aimed at bringing an end to 18 years of bloodshed in Afghanistan that began after 9/11 and allowing U.S. troops to return home from America's longest war.This historic deal, signed by chief negotiators from the two sides and witnessed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the Qatari capital of Doha, could see the withdrawal of all American and allied forces in the next 14 months and allow President Donald Trump to fulfill a key campaign pledge to extract the U.S. from “endless wars.” It sets the stage for intra-Afghan peace talks to begin by March 10 during which a permanent ceasefire will be negotiated and the Taliban agree to meet with all factions.Under the agreement, the U.S. would draw its forces down to 8,600 from 13,000 in the next 3-4 months, with the remaining U.S. forces withdrawing in 14 months.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper says Taliban deal is promising but not without risk
MUNICH — U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Saturday that a truce agreement between the United States and the Taliban that could lead to the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan is not without risk but “looks very promising."Ahead of a formal announcement of the seven-day "reduction in violence" deal, Esper said it was time to give peace a chance in Afghanistan through political negotiation.
MUNICH — U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Saturday that a truce agreement between the United States and the Taliban that could lead to the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan is not without risk but “looks very promising."Ahead of a formal announcement of the seven-day "reduction in violence" deal, Esper said it was time to give peace a chance in Afghanistan through political negotiation.
China sees big drop in new virus cases; France reports death
BEIJING — China reported 143 virus deaths and a dip in new cases Saturday while the government announced new anti-disease measures as businesses reopen following sweeping controls that idled much of the economy.France, meanwhile, reported Europe's first death from the new virus, a Chinese tourist from Hubei province, where the disease emerged in December.
BEIJING — China reported 143 virus deaths and a dip in new cases Saturday while the government announced new anti-disease measures as businesses reopen following sweeping controls that idled much of the economy.France, meanwhile, reported Europe's first death from the new virus, a Chinese tourist from Hubei province, where the disease emerged in December.
Official says US, Taliban reach Afghanistan truce agreement
MUNICH — The United States and the Taliban have reached agreement on a temporary truce that will take effect in the coming days and, if successfully completed, will lead to a formal cease-fire, the start of peace negotiations between all Afghan sides next month and the ultimate withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, a senior U.S. official said Friday.The official said the agreement for a seven-day “reduction in violence” is “very specific” and covers the entire country, including Afghan government forces.
MUNICH — The United States and the Taliban have reached agreement on a temporary truce that will take effect in the coming days and, if successfully completed, will lead to a formal cease-fire, the start of peace negotiations between all Afghan sides next month and the ultimate withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, a senior U.S. official said Friday.The official said the agreement for a seven-day “reduction in violence” is “very specific” and covers the entire country, including Afghan government forces.
China still mostly closed down as virus deaths pass 1,000
BEIJING — The daily death toll in China from a new virus topped 100 for the first time, pushing the total above 1,000 Tuesday as the World Health Organization announced a new name for the disease caused by the virus.Despite the official end of the extended Lunar New Year holiday, China remained mostly closed for business as many remained at home, with some 60 million people under virtual quarantine.In Geneva, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced a new name for the disease caused by the virus — COVID-19 — saying officials wanted to avoid stigmatizing any geographic location, group of people or animal that might be linked to the disease and to make it clear it was a new coronavirus discovered in 2019.“Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing.
BEIJING — The daily death toll in China from a new virus topped 100 for the first time, pushing the total above 1,000 Tuesday as the World Health Organization announced a new name for the disease caused by the virus.Despite the official end of the extended Lunar New Year holiday, China remained mostly closed for business as many remained at home, with some 60 million people under virtual quarantine.In Geneva, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced a new name for the disease caused by the virus — COVID-19 — saying officials wanted to avoid stigmatizing any geographic location, group of people or animal that might be linked to the disease and to make it clear it was a new coronavirus discovered in 2019.“Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing.
Military confirms 2 US soldiers killed, 6 wounded in Afghanistan attack
KABUL, Afghanistan — Two U.S. soldiers were killed and six wounded in a so-called insider attack in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province late Saturday when an Afghan dressed in an Afghan army uniform opened fire, the U.S. military said.Afghanistan's defense ministry said one Afghan soldier was also killed and three injured in the assault.A member of Nangarhar's provincial council, Ajmal Omer, told The Associated Press that the gunman was killed.
KABUL, Afghanistan — Two U.S. soldiers were killed and six wounded in a so-called insider attack in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province late Saturday when an Afghan dressed in an Afghan army uniform opened fire, the U.S. military said.Afghanistan's defense ministry said one Afghan soldier was also killed and three injured in the assault.A member of Nangarhar's provincial council, Ajmal Omer, told The Associated Press that the gunman was killed.
Official: US citizen believed kidnapped in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON — An American citizen has been kidnapped in Afghanistan by a Taliban-affiliated group, a U.S. official said Thursday, and authorities are working to rescue him.U.S. officials believe Mark Frerichs of Lombard, Illinois, was kidnapped by the Haqqani network, according to an official who was not authorized to discuss the case by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.It was not immediately clear why Frerichs was in Afghanistan or where precisely he was picked up, though Newsweek — which first reported the kidnapping — said he was taken into custody last week in Khost province, in the eastern part of the country, and that he has worked as a contractor in conflict zones.The investigation is being handled by the FBI-led Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, a multi-agency effort created by the Obama administration amid criticism over the government's response to hostage-taking.The National Counterterrorism Center declined to comment.Art Frerichs, who identified himself as Frerichs' father, told an Associated Press reporter on Thursday that he believed the Newsweek report was true. “I don't want to say any more now for security reasons,” he said. "I have the utmost faith in President Trump and the FBI."The Taliban said it had no information on the kidnapping and nothing to say about it.
WASHINGTON — An American citizen has been kidnapped in Afghanistan by a Taliban-affiliated group, a U.S. official said Thursday, and authorities are working to rescue him.U.S. officials believe Mark Frerichs of Lombard, Illinois, was kidnapped by the Haqqani network, according to an official who was not authorized to discuss the case by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.It was not immediately clear why Frerichs was in Afghanistan or where precisely he was picked up, though Newsweek — which first reported the kidnapping — said he was taken into custody last week in Khost province, in the eastern part of the country, and that he has worked as a contractor in conflict zones.The investigation is being handled by the FBI-led Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, a multi-agency effort created by the Obama administration amid criticism over the government's response to hostage-taking.The National Counterterrorism Center declined to comment.Art Frerichs, who identified himself as Frerichs' father, told an Associated Press reporter on Thursday that he believed the Newsweek report was true. “I don't want to say any more now for security reasons,” he said. "I have the utmost faith in President Trump and the FBI."The Taliban said it had no information on the kidnapping and nothing to say about it.
Brawl breaks out as Ukraine's lawmakers debate land reform
MINSK, Belarus — Ukraine's parliament is debating a proposed law to allow sales of the country's rich farmland, a high-tension issue that sparked a brawl among lawmakers Thursday.Proponents say that allowing sales of farmland that are currently outlawed would significantly boost Ukraine's struggling economy.
MINSK, Belarus — Ukraine's parliament is debating a proposed law to allow sales of the country's rich farmland, a high-tension issue that sparked a brawl among lawmakers Thursday.Proponents say that allowing sales of farmland that are currently outlawed would significantly boost Ukraine's struggling economy.