The increase was due to the US dollar’s decline against other major currencies held in the reserves, along with rises in global asset prices, China’s central bank said in a statement on Friday. The Chinese yuan appreciated 1.2% against the dollar in April, while the greenback dropped 2.1% against a …
Read More »Russia’s gold & foreign currency reserves break through $590 BILLION
“International reserves stood at $590.5 billion as of April 30… as a result of foreign exchange purchases under the fiscal rule, as well as a positive revaluation,” the regulator said. Russia’s international reserves are highly liquid foreign assets comprising stocks of monetary gold, foreign currencies, and Special Drawing Rights (SDR) …
Read More »Brussels says EU states should reopen to foreign travel… but only for those who have been jabbed
The bloc’s executive leadership recommended on Monday that member states lift restrictions on “non-essential” travel for foreigners who have received all necessary doses of a jab authorized for use within the EU, at least 14 days before arrival. Brussels added that states could choose to extend the guideline to include …
Read More »‘GET THE F**K OUT’: Philippines foreign secretary issues not-so-diplomatic request to China amid maritime dispute
On Monday, the Philippines issued a protest against the “belligerent” actions of Chinese vessels in waters claimed by Manila. But it appears that the country’s top diplomat felt the need to reiterate his government’s position – without the typical formalities. “China, my friend, how politely can I put it? Let …
Read More »Russia’s foreign exchange reserves continue to rise despite sanctions & pandemic
The regulator said that the growth seen from April 16 to 23 was supported by positive revaluation as well as foreign currency purchases within the budget rule that requires extra revenues from energy exports to be used for boosting the national reserves. Russia’s foreign exchange reserves have been rising for …
Read More »Karin Kneissl: Are sanctions the sharp sword of a strong foreign policy, or a sign of weakness?
Now, there seems to be a demand for talks, as suggested by Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of Austria is of the same opinion. But further delays in the construction of Nord Stream 2 could result in a new round of sanctions. Some see sanctions as a foreign …
Read More »‘Foreign adversary’ in US skies? Ex-Pentagon ‘UFO investigator’ warns odd sightings could mark ‘intel failure on level of 9/11’
“There is something in our skies, we don’t know what it is, we don’t know how it works, we don’t know fully what it can do, we don’t know who is behind the wheel, we don’t know its intentions, and there isn’t a damn thing we can do about it,” …
Read More »US’ new Foreign Malign Influence Center is just official cover for American intelligence interference in domestic politics
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) announced in a statement on Monday that it was creating a new intelligence “center” focused on tracking so-called “foreign malign influence,” reported Politico. This new entity, known as the Foreign Malign Influence Center, was mandated in the recent intelligence and defense …
Read More »China will support Russia over new American sanctions, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry announces, insisting US should ‘respect’ Moscow
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said his government was “strongly opposed to the use of unilateral sanctions” and would work with its allies to reduce their impact. “China and Russia maintain a comprehensive partnership with each other,” the official said. ”In matters of protecting …
Read More »Austrian Chancellor & German Foreign Minister warn new EU sanctions against Russia won’t work, as both call for dialogue instead
Speaking to Swiss daily newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz spoke out against the idea of new restrictive measures aimed against Moscow. While, according to him, “the sanctions already imposed by the EU were the right thing to do,” it is now “important to focus on dialogue. Peace on …
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