2024-12-27: News Headlines

Felix Abt (2024-12-27). China's Economy is Developing Tremendous Strategic Strength Instead of Collapsing as the Western Media Falsely Claim. covertactionmagazine.com [The article can be watched as a video here] In their reporting on China, the Western mainstream media conjure up a massive real estate crisis, enormous youth unemployment and a severe economic crisis. But the collective West is harming itself with illusions about China's economy, as you will see below. "China is in the midst …

Rogé Karma, Portside. (2024-12-27). The Walmart Effect. popularresistance.org No corporation looms as large over the American economy as Walmart. It is both the country's biggest private employer, known for low pay, and its biggest retailer, known for low prices. In that sense, its dominance represents the triumph of an idea that has guided much of American policy making over the past half century: that cheap consumer prices are the paramount metric of economic health, more important even than low unemployment and high wages. Indeed, Walmart's many defenders argue that the company is a boon to poor and middle-class families, who save thousands of dollars every year shopping there.

Michael Roberts (2024-12-27). US economy: an exceptional boom or a bubble to burst? cadtm.org

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). CCPIT firmly opposes U.S. 301 investigation against China's semiconductor industry. ecns.cn The USTR's announcement of a so-called Section 301 investigation into the Chinese semiconductor industry has drawn firm opposition from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). China launches safeguard investigation into imported beef: MOFCOM. ecns.cn China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Friday to launch a safeguard investigation into imported beef, starting from December 27, 2024.

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). China 2024 in the eyes of foreign friends. ecns.cn What does China look like in the eyes of foreign friends this year? Visa-free policy, low-altitude economy, rural rejuvenation, colorful culture… They shared various views on China 2024.

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). Localities get more say with special bonds. ecns.cn China is allowing local governments to invest in more areas with their special-purpose bonds while also simplifying the approval process, which analysts said will help boost domestic demand and support the country's overall growth in the face of persistent global headwinds.

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). BRI trade boosts exporters' profits. ecns.cn China's trade with other countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative will keep growing in 2025, fueled by many emerging economies' surging demand for products to meet their need for green transformation, consumption upgrade and industrialization.

infobrics (2024-12-27). International Trade Solutions Offered by the BRICS Summit. infobrics.org The fast-paced development of digital trade and support at the level of micro, small and medium enterprises in creating and integrating them into joint global value chains and global production networks with the help of appropriate innovative digital infrastructure and inclusive institutional architecture, offers significant opportunities for the Russian economy and Russia's foreign trade. In this sense, the decisions adopted at the BRICS Kazan Summit can serve as a strong foundation for carrying out the corresponding transformation with a focus on regional and local readiness to implement this transformation eff…

WSWS (2024-12-27). New Zealand economy in deepening slump. wsws.org Amid the historic decline in the position of New Zealand capitalism, the ruling elite is intensifying its assault on the working class.

Julius Businge (2024-12-27). Uganda's economy exhibited resilience amidst global challenges in 2024. independent.co.ug Strategic efforts in inflation management, interest rate stabilization, and infrastructure investment formed the backbone of the country's economic resilience Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Uganda's economic performance in 2024 highlighted its ability to navigate global and domestic challenges while leveraging opportunities to bolster growth. Strategic efforts in inflation management, interest rate stabilization, and infrastructure investment …

Richard C. Cook (2024-12-27). Syria: Chaos in the Process of Development. Richard C. Cook. globalresearch.ca I have received the following New Year's update from my confidential on-the-ground correspondent in Syria: | The catastrophic economic conditions resulting from theft of Syrian oil, gas, wheat and cotton fields, and Western sanctions, led Al-Assad's Syrian government to seek rapprochement …

aljazeera (2024-12-27). India announces seven days of mourning for ex-PM Manmohan Singh. aljazeera.com Singh, one of the architects of India's economic liberalisation in the early 1990s, held office from 2004 to 2014.

The Independent (2024-12-27). Let us support Dr Musenero's push to make science speak to economics. independent.co.ug Leveraging the Power of Partnerships in Science, Technology and Innovation to foster Socio-Economic Transformation: The Road Ahead COMMENT | ANDREW BESI | "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." — Sir Arthur C Clarke The name Dr. Monica Musenero evokes mixed emotions amongst many Ugandans. For some, she is, in an often ignoramus manner, scolded …

John W. Whitehead (2024-12-27). The Child that Christmas Forgot: How Would Jesus Fare in the American Police State? globalresearch.ca The modern-day church has largely shied away from applying Jesus' teachings to modern problems such as war, poverty, immigration, etc., but thankfully there have been individuals throughout history who ask themselves and the world: what would Jesus do?

Luis Linares Petrov (2024-12-27). Colombia announces new cycle of aid program for vulnerable people. plenglish.com Bogotá, Dec 27 (Prensa Latina) The Department of Social Prosperity of Colombia reported that more than 500 thousand Colombian households, classified as low-income, will receive a monetary transfer starting today as part of the sixth payment cycle for banked households of the Renta Ciudadana program.

Luis Linares Petrov (2024-12-27). Chilean government debates pension reform. plenglish.com According to the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Jeannette Jara, it is important to reach an agreement that allows progress toward a more fair and supportive system. "Chile cannot permit itself to leave so many people behind. The pension system has to change," she said. | In statements to the local press, Jara pointed directly to the Pension Fund Administrators (AFP), which make millions in profits and offer miserable retirements, and warned that the AFPs have profits of more than 400 million dollars to date, while pensions continue to fall. | The interim government spokesperson, Aisén Etcheverry, also jo…

Orlando González Cruz (2024-12-27). Nuevo laboratorio en Centro de Investigaciones del Deporte. radiohc.cu La Habana, 27 dic (RHC) El primer laboratorio del país para la evaluación del sistema nervioso autónomo fue inaugurado este jueves en el Centro de Investigaciones del Deporte Cubano (CIDC).

Staff (2024-12-27). Cuba y Panamá reinician su colaboración en el programa de alfabetización. cubadebate.cu Cuba y Panamá suscribieron este viernes un convenio que da continuidad en 2025 al programa de alfabetización basado en el método pedagógico de la nación caribeña "Yo sí puedo". El documento que sienta las bases del programa conocido como "Muévete por Panamá" fue suscrito en el Ministerio de Desarrollo Social (Mides).

John White (2024-12-27). The End Days? World War, Tech Takeover, and Global Warming. counterpunch.org One can be excused for worrying over what tomorrow might bring as expanded battle lines are redrawn across the globe, the world's wealthiest nation ever consumes itself in a cataclysm of partisan hate amid a growing digital reformation, and unchecked carbon emissions continue to cause more environmental disaster by the day. Will nuclear conflict, machine control, or climate breakdown ultimately destroy our pale blue dot of a planet or is it all just more apocalyptic blather that never comes to pass?

Mike Ludwig (2024-12-27). Gas Exports and AI Boom Poised to Spike Energy Prices for Consumers Under Trump. truthout.org As the Biden administration scrambles to shield President Joe Biden's climate legacy from Donald Trump in its waning days, the president-elect is staring down serious political dilemmas over the future of energy. Two remarkable trends — a rush to lock-in major fracked gas exports for decades to come, and Big Tech's growing thirst for energy to run supercomputers at artificial intelligence… |

The Independent (2024-12-27). Karamoja women trained in financial literacy. independent.co.ug Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Straight Talk Foundation, with support from Welt Hunger under the Grow Together project, has trained 152 women in financial literacy across Napak and Moroto districts.The nine-month training focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and the production of reusable pads. The project targeted vulnerable women to equip them with business management …

WSWS (2024-12-27). Macy's, Big Lots join other US retailers in shutdown of thousands of stores. wsws.org The store closures are driven by cautious consumer spending due to inflation, higher interest rates and crushing levels of household debt.

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). Chinese table tennis star Fan Zhendong announces to quit world ranking over new rules. ecns.cn Chinese table tennis star and Olympic champion Fan Zhendong announced his decision to withdraw from the world rankings on Friday, citing new regulations introduced by World Table Tennis (WTT) that impose fines for non-participation.

Robert Hunziker (2024-12-27). The Leading Edge of Global Heat — Arabian Peninsula. counterpunch.org Major portions of the Arabian Peninsula are already exceeding 2 ∞C above pre-industrial and likely headed for a staggering temperature rise over coming decades. This disturbing news comes via a major new study by Saudi Arabia's most prestigious university. The epicenter of world oil & gas production is in direct line of fire of unnerving acceleration

Staff (2024-12-27). Primer ministro de Cuba, Manuel Marrero Cruz, inauguró empresa agroindustrial en Mayabeque. cubadebate.cu El miembro del Buró Político y primer ministro, Manuel Marrero Cruz, inauguró este jueves la empresa agroindustrial 13 de Agosto, ubicada en la provincia de Mayabeque, cuya misión principal es la producción de alimentos desde un enfoque más integral y sostenible, teniendo al municipio como instancia fundamental de la vida económica y social del país.

WSWS (2024-12-27). Syracuse Opera files for bankruptcy, one of numerous smaller companies in the US in trouble or simply closing down. wsws.org Classical music ensembles and opera companies face immense difficulties, aside from a handful of prestigious, well-endowed institutions.

Kari Polanyi Levitt (2024-12-27). June 14, 2024, Kari's 101th Birthday: The Importance of Karl Polanyi's Analysis to Understanding Current Neoliberalism. globalresearch.ca First published on May 20th, 2016 | Laissez faire was planned, explained Karl Polanyi in The Great Transformation: The origins of the market system go back to the intentional project of institutional transformation initiated in England in the 19th century, establishing …

Roger D. Harris, John Perry, Popular Resistance. (2024-12-27). What's Left In Latin American And The Caribbean: Year 2024 In Review. popularresistance.org The progressive regional current, the "Pink Tide," could be better called "troubled waters" in 2024. The tide had already slackened by 2023 compared to its rise in 2022, when it was buoyed by big wins in Colombia and Brazil. Then, progressive alternatives had sailed into power replacing failed neoliberal policies. Since, they have had to govern under circumstances that they inherited but were not their own making. | Brazil's "suicidal veto" in August, which excluded Venezuela and Nicaragua from the BRICS trade alliance, was indicative of triangulating between the US and regional allegiances.

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). Amazon forces Temu merchants to choose side. ecns.cn According to foreign media reports, the American e-commerce giant is adjusting its business strategy to address growing competition from Chinese platforms.

Ben Norton, Geopolitical Economy. (2024-12-26). BRICS Expands With Nine New Partner Countries. popularresistance.org With its nine members and nine partners, BRICS now makes up roughly half of the global population and more than 41% of world GDP (PPP). | The group is an economic powerhouse, including top producers of key commodities like oil, gas, grains, meat, and minerals. | At the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia in October 2024, 13 countries were invited to become BRICS partners, meaning they are on the path to full membership in the near future. | Nine of these 13 nations accepted the invitation. The remaining four did not give a formal response as of the end of 2024. These were Algeria, Nigeria, Türkiye, Vietnam.

aljazeera (2024-12-26). Japan Airlines hit by cyber attack, delaying some flights. aljazeera.com JAL says it has suspended ticket sales for all services on Thursday following incident.

ecns.cn (2024-12-26). Negative impacts from U.S. tariff move stressed. ecns.cn As the United States prepares for a new administration, business leaders and trade experts are sounding the alarm about the potential consequences of President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs, particularly on China.

David Rosen (2024-12-26). The FCC Under Trump. counterpunch.org President-elect Donald Trump announced that he will replace the current FCC Chair, Jessica Rosenworcel, with Commissioned Brendan Carr as the next agency Chair. "Commissioner Carr is a warrior for Free Speech, and has fought against the regulatory Lawfare that has stifled Americans' Freedoms, and held back our Economy," Trump noted. "He will end the regulatory

ecns.cn (2024-12-26). MLF rate no longer carries policy intention, say sources. ecns.cn The interest rate of the medium-term lending facility (MLF) operations — a central bank tool to manage liquidity — is no longer indicative of policy intentions, as policymakers gradually shift to new liquidity tools.

ecns.cn (2024-12-26). Property sector showing signs of bottoming out. ecns.cn The property market has exhibited clear signs of bottoming out and stabilizing due to a recent forceful policy package aimed at easing access for and reducing the financial burden on homebuyers.

Owen Fairclough (2024-12-26). Navigating 2024's economic landscape. america.cgtn.com The saying that elections are ultimately about the economy has never been more fitting for the U.S. in 2024. Economic growth largely outperformed expectations, and the forecast for 2025 remains robust. However, recession risks are still elevated heading into 2025, according to analysts who cite inflation and tariffs as the biggest threats to economic stability. CGTN's Owen Fairclough reports.

Steven Ganot (2024-12-26). Bethlehem's Christians Struggle To Survive Economic Crisis and Conflict. themedialine.org

english.almanar.com.lb (2024-12-26). Hezbollah Reaffirms Full Solidarity with Yemeni People against Israeli Aggression. english.almanar.com.lb Hezbollah strongly condemned on Thursday the large-scale Israeli aggression on Dear Yemen with American-British involvement, which targeted civilian, economic and vital facilities. In a statement, Hezbollah considered that the Zionist campaign is a blatant violation of international and humanitarian laws, an attempt to pursue its arrogance as well brutality, and persistence on its open wars …

Michael Roberts (2024-12-26). Ireland election: its economic model under threat? cadtm.org

ecns.cn (2024-12-26). (W.E. Talk) How China leads regional development against global economic headwind. ecns.cn In the latest W.E. Talk, Zhang Yansheng, researcher of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, pointed out that China's strategy to boost domestic demand, promote high-level opening-up, and accelerate the development of new quality productive forces will profoundly reshape its role and position in the world and the Asia-Pacific region.

ecns.cn (2024-12-26). Innovation drives transformation of Zhejiang economic development zones. ecns.cn

infobrics (2024-12-26). India in BRICS: Eyeing New Alliances and Global Influence. infobrics.org As BRICS gets ready to welcome its new members, India is expected to strengthen its position within the bloc. With the inclusion of Argentina, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the group is evolving from a coalition focused on development and trade to an organisation with potential geopolitical clout. In this shifting landscape, India's strategic positioning and economic significance make it a key player in steering the future direction of BRICS…

Bernie Sanders (2024-12-26). Making America Healthy Again. counterpunch.org Yes. In the wealthiest country on Earth let us Make America Healthy Again. We should be leading the world in terms of life-expectancy, happiness, and productivity. This is some of what we have to do. Medicare for All. Every American, regardless of age or income, must be entitled to health care as a human right. It

Pablo Rafael Fuentes (2024-12-26). Apta planta de asfalto para seguir produciendo. radiohc.cu La Habana, 26 dic (RHC) Si rápida y efectiva fue la inserción de fuerzas especializadas para sofocar en breve tiempo el incendio causado por la explosión de un tanque de almacenamiento en la planta de asfalto ubicada en las afueras de la ciudad espirituana, en la noche del martes, no menos ágil fue la participación de ese colectivo, temprano este miércoles, en labores para resarcir daños…

Adriaan Alsema (2024-12-26). Minimum wage in Colombia up 9.5% in 2025. colombiareports.com Colombia's government decreed a 9.5% minimum wage hike after employers and labor unions failed to reach agreement. The wage hike that will take force in January is significantly higher than…

Staff (2024-12-26). Entregarán viviendas a damnificados por desastres naturales en Guantánamo. cubadebate.cu El próximo año continuarán con la labor, Epmalco construirá siete viviendas más y Epcons cinco, para completar las 30 propuestas; no obstante, según indican, prevén un aumento en los esfuerzos constructivos para trasladar a las personas que habitan cerca del río y evitar futuras incidencias.

Noa Shpigel (2024-12-26). Knesset advances bill barring Palestinian university graduates from teaching in schools. haaretz.com A new law would enable the Education Ministry to block graduates from receiving teaching licenses and employment certificates. 'Courses at these institutions include antisemitic content … and serious incitement,' says an explanatory note…

ecns.cn (2024-12-26). Changes urged on documents for ex-convicts. ecns.cn China's top legislature has urged improvements or optimizations of some normative documents that restrict employment opportunities for people with criminal records, so as to uphold the Constitution and ensure its implementation.

Nick Cleveland-Stout (2024-12-26). At Least 37 US Lawmakers Traded Up to $113 Million in Arms Stocks This Year. truthout.org At least 37 members of Congress and their families traded defense stocks in 2024, using a list of the top 100 Pentagon contractors compiled annually by Defense Security Monitor. A Responsible Statecraft analysis of data from investment research platform Quiver Quantitative shows that these lawmakers traded between $24 million and $113 million worth of Pentagon contractor stocks this year… |

Kia Hamadanchy (2024-12-26). Who is Pete Hegseth? aclu.org President-elect Donald Trump has nominated the Fox News Channel host Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense (DOD). If confirmed, the military veteran will lead the nation's armed forces in what will be his first appointment to a political office. | Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard and he served in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11. Prior to his stint as a talk show host on Fox News, he led the nonprofits Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. | The ACLU has spent more than 100 years holding power accountable. While as a matter of policy the ACLU doe…

DikelediM (2024-12-26). No. 1 Hair is number one in haircare. sanews.gov.za No. 1 Hair is number one in haircare | By: Bongani Lukhele | | In 1993 Andrew Lebitsa, a Free State Black Industrialist, participated in an empowerment and capacity building project that he said was initiated by South Africa's first Black President, Nelson Mandela, and New York's first Black Mayor, David Dinkins. | | The objective of the programme was to develop a pool of black corporate bank managers to equip them with skills, knowledge and information that would empower them to play a critical role in the transformation of the banking industry after the country had transitioned to democracy. | | Lebitsa spent six…

John Terrett (2024-12-26). United States stock market in 2024. america.cgtn.com The U.S. stock market was dominated by three things in 2024. The return of Donald Trump to the political stage, the rise of artificial intelligence and the resurrection of crypto values, particularly Bitcoin. CGTN's John Terrett reports from New York.

Pablo Meriguet (2024-12-26). Los ecos del Argentinazo: a 23 años de las masivas protestas antineoliberales en Argentina. peoplesdispatch.org El 19 y 20 de diciembre del 2001 miles de argentinos se tomaron las calles para exigir un cambio de rumbo en cuanto a las políticas neoliberales auspiciadas por el FMI que habían reinado en el país durante los años noventa.

A A (2024-12-26). Quella Siria che non ci hanno raccontato. strategic-culture.su Questa è la testimonianza di un siriano che ha combattuto per il suo paese e il suo popolo e che ora subisce la sconfitta più terribile della sua vita. | Segue nostro Questo articolo nasce da una conversazione che ho avuto con un vecchio amico che è stato un comandante delle Forze Armate siriane, il cui coraggio è stato apprezzato e riconosciuto in tutto il Medio Oriente. Un vero socialista di altri tempi, che mai ha avuto paura di dire…

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