Winnie the Pooh horror movie cancelled in Hong Kong
A British horror film, "Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey", which features the famous children's character, has had its Hong Kong screening cancelled.
The film was due to be released on 23 March, but its distributor says it was postponed due to "technical reasons.
" Some spectators speculate that the reason behind the cancellation may be due to a 2013 meme where people compared the character to the Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Local cinema chains have removed references to the film or its screening from their websites.
VII Pillars Entertainment, the film's distributor, did not respond to requests for comment.
Putin to Xi: We will discuss your plan to end the war in Ukraine
China's leader, whose Ukraine plan has been criticised in the West, gets a warm welcome in Moscow.
Gunmen kill nine Chinese in attack in Central African Republic
Gunmen attacked a gold mine in the Central African Republic, killing nine Chinese nationals and injuring two others.
The Chinese embassy in the Central African Republic has urged its citizens to avoid travelling outside the capital, Bangui.
The exact details of the incident are unclear, as state officials and local media have provided differing accounts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has condemned the killings and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
China’s Foreign Minister urges political solution to Ukraine-Russia war
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang made a rare phone call to his Ukrainian counterpart to express concerns about the ongoing conflict with Russia, urging for talks on a political solution.
This comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia as a show of support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While China has sought to remain neutral in the conflict, it declared a "no-limits" friendship with Russia in 2022 and has refused to condemn Moscow's invasion.
The visit is expected to focus on discussions related to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
China's Jinping visits Russia as the nations deepen their "no-limits friendship"
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has arrived in Russia for a three-day visit, aiming to strengthen ties with Russia amid clashes with the West.
The two nations have referred to their relationship as a "no limits friendship" as they seek to deepen economic and diplomatic relations.
Putin, who was recently indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Ukraine, has sought to showcase China's support as evidence that Russia still has strong allies.
Western leaders have criticised China for providing Moscow with "diplomatic cover".
Putin Accuses UK of Spreading Misinformation over Ammunition Supplies to Ukraine
The UK's Ministry of Defence has been forced to deny inaccuracies in how it described the ammunition being sent to Ukraine after Putin accused the country of supplying "weapons with a nuclear component.
" The UK will supply 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine and include depleted uranium within armour-piercing rounds.
The material has been used by the British army for decades and is in no way comparable to nuclear weapons.
Putin said that Russia would have to respond accordingly.
The Ministry of Defence has said that Putin is spreading misinformation deliberately.
Putin welcomes China’s willingness to play ‘constructive role’ in solving ‘Ukraine crisis’
Russian president says he has high hopes for ‘good old friend’ Xi Jinping’s impending visit to Moscow
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida visits Ukraine amidst Chinese leader's visit to Russia
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a surprise visit to Kyiv while Chinese President Xi Jinping was visiting Moscow.
Kishida voiced "solidarity and unwavering support for Ukraine" during talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aiming to display "respect for courage and perseverance of the Ukrainian people standing up to defend their homeland.
" Additionally, he stated his "absolute rejection to Russia's one-sided change to the status quo" and commitment to uphold the rules-based international order.
Kishida, who is also the head of Japan and chairman of G-7, visited Ukraine as the only G-7 leader who had not yet done so.
The visit, carefully arranged secretly due to Japan's constitutions limitations, concluded with a meeting with his Polish counterpart.
Your Wednesday Briefing
Closer ties between Russia and China.
UK to ‘consider’ backing tribunal to look into potential war crimes in Ukraine
The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrest.
Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Russia to discuss Ukraine war's resolution
Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin to discuss the resolution of the long-standing Ukraine war.
China's 12-point plan for resolving the conflict has received criticism from NATO and the United States for not condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed concern ahead of Xi's visit, saying a China-brokered peace deal would benefit Russia at Ukraine's expense.
China's Xi Jinping set to test peace-broker credentials on visit to Russia
Chinese President Xi Jinping is arriving in Moscow for a three-day state visit to Russia, aimed towards fostering peace amid the war in Ukraine.
Even though China's state media reports have downplayed the chances of any significant breakthroughs emerging from Xi's talks with Putin and his call with the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, China remains willing to act as a peace broker for Ukraine.
Putin Absent From Xi's Arrival in Russia
The leaders of Russia and China held talks in Moscow, with Chinese president Xi Jinping visiting for a high-profile visit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was absent from greeting Xi upon his arrival, with standard protocol dictating that lower-level officials should greet visiting dignitaries at the airport.
This was not seen as a snub by observers, who note that the two nations have a standardised method for welcoming visits.
Putin and Xi reportedly discussed the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, with Putin welcoming China's interest in settling the conflict.
China's leader Xi in Moscow for meeting with Putin
Xi will present China as peacemaker intent on brokering an end to Ukraine war
Chinese President to visit Russia
China's President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia for three days next week upon the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.
The visit will focus on strategic cooperation between the two countries, with discussions surrounding the development of comprehensive partnerships and the signing of important bilateral documents.
This visit marks Xi's first visit to Moscow since Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
China's leader Xi in Moscow for meeting with Putin
MOSCOW (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday on a three-day visit that offers a strong political boost for Russian President Vladimir Putin as fighting in Ukraine grinds on. China and Russia have described Xi’s trip as part of e
China's Diplomatic Push Seeks to Recast Global Image
China has taken a historically nonpartisan approach to international diplomacy, but recently its government has taken a dramatic turn towards recasting China as a global peacemaker.
Last week, Beijing was influential in brokering peace between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which has the world doing metaphorical double-takes.
The achievement, which could well transform the Middle East, puts China into a new league diplomatically, and it has been seen by some as a significant accomplishment.
China's Diplomatic Clout Grows with Saudi-Iran Relations
China's increasing diplomatic influence is highlighted as Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to restore diplomatic relations with Chinese involvement.
This is indicative of China's growing diplomatic power to match its economic presence.
The move sees China taking on a leading role in Middle Eastern politics, previously dominated by global powers such as the US and Russia.
Xi Jinping calls for modernisation of China's military
President Xi Jinping has called on China to modernise its military to make it a "great wall of steel" and step up its ability to safeguard national security and manage public security.
This comes amid increasing tensions with the US. The ruling Communist Party is expected to tighten its oversight over security matters, as Xi replaces top security officials with his trusted allies.
Xi Jinping to Visit Russia for Strategic Cooperation Talks
Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia next week for a three-day visit to hold "strategic cooperation" talks with his Russian counterpart President Vladimir Putin.
Several bilateral agreements will be signed during the trip, neither country confirmed the speculation that the two leaders will call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
While China initially supported Russia with a "no-limit partnership," it has since presented itself as a peace broker by issuing a 12-point peace plan.
China's new Premier seeks to boost confidence in the economy
China's new Premier, Li Qiang, has promised to treat private-sector companies equally and protect the property rights of entrepreneurs in a bid to restore confidence in the country's faltering economy.
He faces several challenges in this role, including weak confidence among consumers and private businesses, declining population and job losses.
While Li insisted that China is open for business, there have been recent crackdowns on private enterprise by the Chinese Government affecting some companies, such as the tech and tutoring industries.
Xi Jinping's Third Term and Reshuffle of China's Top Officials
China's parliament, the National People's Congress, has concluded after almost nine days, where the country's president, Xi Jinping, was confirmed for a precedent-breaking third term.
Many prominent government positions were reshuffled, with Xi's allies, including Premier Li Qiang and Vice President Han Zheng, taking on key roles.
Xi stressed the importance of opposing pro-independence reforms in Taiwan and called for greater economic self-reliance during his closing speech.
China Maintains Key Economic Officials Amidst Government Reshuffle
China's rubber-stamp parliament has approved the reappointment of Yi Gang as Governor of the People's Bank of China, defying previous speculations that he would retire amidst a government reshuffle.
The move has been seen to reassure financial markets amidst rising concerns over China's economic stability.
While other positions have changed, including the promotion of a longtime ally of President Xi Jinping to the position of premier, comparatively fewer changes were made within China's cabinet.
Xi Jinping Secures Third Term as China's President; China Parliament Approves Plan to Reorganize Institutions
China's parliament has approved a plan to reorganize institutions under the State Council as China's President, Xi Jinping secures his unprecedented third five-year term.
The National People's Congress unanimously voted for Xi, who also received unanimous votes for a third term as chairman of the country's Central Military Commission.
In addition, the parliament elected Zhao Leji as the new parliament chair and Han Zheng as the new vice president.
Earlier this week, China announced plans for sweeping reforms of its central government institutions, including the formation of a financial regulatory body and a national data bureau as well as a revamp of its science and technology ministry.
China's president Xi Jinping awarded unprecedented third term
China's rubber-stamp parliament has awarded President Xi Jinping an unprecedented third term, making him modern China's longest-serving president.
Xi has already been the head of the Chinese Communist Party and the military for the last five years.
Despite facing widespread protests against his zero-Covid policy and its abandonment, he remains the most powerful Chinese leader in generations.
Xi has also been appointed commander of China's two million-strong People's Liberation Army.
His leadership faces several challenges such as containment by foreign powers, tackling the effects of a changing global order, and managing domestic discontent.