Beijing house churches investigated, shut down
Two house churches in Beijing reported that authorities in the past week have investigated churches and pressured landlords to cancel the leases on houses of worship.
China
U.S., China still ‘very far apart’ on trade: U.S. ambassador
The United States wants China to give a timetable on how it will open up its markets to U.S. exports as the two countries are still ‘very far apart’ on resolving trade frictions, U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad said on Tuesday.
House church pastor tried for leaking state secrets in China
A pastor of a now-closed house church in the capital of China’s inland Guizhou province was found guilty of ‘intentionally disclosing state secrets’ at a trial on April 26, but the announcement of the verdict was delayed.
Ex-CIA officer charged with intending to pass secrets to China
A former Central Intelligence Agency officer has been charged with gathering classified information he allegedly intended to pass to the Chinese government, the U.S. Justice Department said on Tuesday.
China’s trade surplus with US grows
China’s surplus with the United States widened in April, underlining an imbalance between the economic titans as they struggle to reach an agreement on averting a potentially damaging trade war.
Russia eyes closer Iran ties, more trade if Trump nixes nuclear deal
A top Russian official said bilateral relations and trade with Iran could actually be enhanced if President Trump follows through on a threat to take the United States out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran next week.
Trump delays metal tariffs on Canada, EU, Mexico, exempts some others
U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed the imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached agreements for permanent exemptions for Argentina, Australia and Brazil, the White House said on Monday.
China’s One Belt One Road economic investment also expands military footprint
China is using its $1 trillion-plus investment initiative in infrastructure projects as a way to expand its military footprint, projecting power and influence around the globe from the Horn of Africa into the Middle East and South Asia, says a report released this week.
China and Iran reportedly set to cooperate on building of nuclear reactors
China has expressed its intention, amid ongoing talks, to assist Iran in building several small nuclear power plants for civilian use, an Iranian lawmaker stated on Sunday according to Fars news agency.
Jailed Chinese pastor’s US family seeks mercy
The Rev. John Sanqiang Cao paid no more than three dollars for the trip that would end up costing him his freedom.
A massive, ‘semi-infinite’ trove of rare-earth metals has been found in Japan
Researchers have found hundreds of years’ worth of critical rare-earth metals beneath Japanese waters — enough to supply to the world on a ‘semi-infinite basis,’ according to a study published on Tuesday.
Trump orders aides to pursue reopening of Trans-Pacific Partnership
President Trump directed U.S. trade officials Thursday to explore rejoining the Obama administration’s free-trade deal with Pacific Rim nations, an agreement that Mr. Trump withdrew from last year, as he sought to ease farmers’ concerns about a tariff feud with China.
UN chief says Security Council must prevent Syria ‘spiraling out of control’
The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday voiced concern to the Security Council’s five permanent members over the ‘impasse’ on Syria, stressing ‘the need to avoid the situation spiraling out of control.’
China says it will fight back if U.S. escalates trade spat
China’s commerce ministry said on Thursday trade negotiations with the United States would be impossible as Washington’s attempts at dialog were not sincere, and vowed to retaliate should US President Donald Trump escalate current tensions.
Russia vetoes US resolution on Syrian chemical weapons investigation
Russia on Tuesday vetoed a U.S.-led resolution to establish a process for investigating the apparent chemical weapons attack in Syria, during the second consecutive day of debate on the incident at the United Nations Security Council.
China to reduce auto tariffs after Trump criticism
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that his country will reduce tariffs on automobiles imported into the country.
Communist China Bans Online Bible Sales — Crosses Removed From Churches
The Communist Chinese government banned the sale of Bibles online this week and released a new document dictating its ‘Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief.’
Bible Ban: God’s Word Disappears from Online Stores in China
Bibles are being pulled from online retailers in China as the government cracks down on how its citizens practice religion. Christians fear a new wave of widespread persecution may be underway.
Trump orders review of $100 billion more in tariffs on China
Escalating his trade feud with China, President Trump ordered his administration Thursday night to consider adding another $100 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese products.
Missionaries at border spread Christianity to North Korea
Missionaries in northeastern China are engaged in a dangerous work: spreading Christianity across the border to North Korea.