China’s state-run Global Times on Thursday declared the “partisan infighting drama” over the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s residence was proof the United States has degenerated into a “banana republic.” As usual, the Chinese propagandists were merely riffing on verbiage they skimmed from American social media — they even dropped scare quotes around “banana republic” every time it was used, without mentioning whom they were quoting. Some critics of the FBI raid have said it reminds them of politicized investigations and abuses of power from a “Third World” dictatorship or “banana republic.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) was among the most prominent voices to use the “banana republic” comparison, and because DeSantis is a constant focus of unfriendly media attention himself, banana-flavored flame wars are raging across social media. The Global Times professed itself suspicious of the FBI action, which “makes external observers on U.S. … [Read more...] about Chinese Media: ‘Partisan Infighting’ Turned U.S. into ‘Banana Republic’
Asia
Biden and Xi Jinping plan first in-person meet up amid rocky relations
close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for August 12 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are planning their first in-person meeting since Biden took office in Southeast Asia come November, the Wall Street Journal first reported Friday. The trip will be Xi’s first foreign trip in three years and comes as tension between Washington and Beijing mounts following increased Chinese aggression toward Taiwan. Geopolitical relations between the two superpowers have been strained for years following the COVID-19 pandemic, a trade war and increased pressure from the West placed on Beijing to address gross human rights abuses. TAIWAN REJECTS CHINA'S 'ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS' PLAN FOR THE ISLAND President Joe Biden meets virtually with Chinese President Xi Jinping from the Roosevelt … [Read more...] about Biden and Xi Jinping plan first in-person meet up amid rocky relations
Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Found in Oakland County; What To Do If You See One
(CBS DETROIT) – The spotted lanternfly was detected last week in Oakland County, making it the first detection of this invasive bug in Michigan. Spotted lanternflies are more likely to be seen with wings folded. Look for grey to brown wings with black spots, and black-striped wing tips. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org. READ MORE: 'A Blessing': Expungement Fair Held In Detroit As Attendees Hope For A Fresh Start On Aug. 10, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that a small population of spotted lanternfly was detected in Pontiac. “Although not unexpected, this is certainly tough news to share due to its potential for it to negatively impact Michigan’s grape industry,” said McDowell. “Spotted lanternfly has been moving closer to the state over the last few years. MDARD, along with our state, local and federal partners, has been working tirelessly to inform and educate growers and the … [Read more...] about Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Found in Oakland County; What To Do If You See One
Chinese Solar Power Mogul Doubles Wealth Despite U.S. Labor Sanctions
Chinese solar power company Hoshine Silicon Industry was targeted by U.S. sanctions in June 2021 for allegedly using forced labor to create its products. A little over a year later, Hoshine stock is up 111 percent, the personal fortune of founder Luo Liguo has doubled, and the Luo family is spending a billion dollars to expand the company’s presence in Xinjiang province, home of the enslaved Uyghur Muslims. Bloomberg News on Thursday argued the “continued success” of Hoshine illustrates the limits of sanctions and casts doubt on the effectiveness of the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act (UFLPA), which sets tougher standards for importers to prove goods from Xinjiang are not tainted by slavery. The evidence against Hohsine was particularly disturbing although, of course, it wasn’t good enough for the Chinese government, which denies the Uyghur genocide and insists there is no slavery whatsoever in Xinjiang, which its residents call East Turkistan. Uyghur … [Read more...] about Chinese Solar Power Mogul Doubles Wealth Despite U.S. Labor Sanctions
