Trump administration takes final swipes at China and its companies

26 Sept 08:31 Key points summarised by AI

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Chinese officials and the state-owned oil giant CNOOC for alleged coercion in the South China Sea.
Nine more Chinese firms, including planemaker Comac and phone maker Xiaomi, were added to a Pentagon list for alleged ties to the Chinese military, triggering an investment ban.
U.S. investors must divest holdings in these newly blacklisted companies by November 11, 2021, further escalating tensions with China days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

19 Oct 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.