Chinese

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan authorities have arrested a Chinese national at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on suspicion of attempting to smuggle more than 2,000 queen garden ants out of the country, in a case underscoring the growing global trade in exotic insects. Airport security intercepted the traveler, identified in court as Zhang Kequn, during screening as he prepared to fly to China. Prosecutors said Zhang is linked to an ant-trafficking network that was disrupted in Kenya last year; he has not responded…

Chinese fishing vessel and crew freed after seizure off Puntland State following China–Somalia coordination MOGADISHU — A Chinese fishing vessel seized by armed men off the coast of Puntland State was released along with all crew members after coordinated efforts by China, Somalia’s federal government and Puntland State authorities, officials said Tuesday. The vessel was freed on March 2 in what the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu described as a peaceful resolution reached through close consultations between Somalia’s federal…

Japan seized a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its captain off southern Japan in an incident that risks further straining already frayed ties between Asia’s two largest economies. Japan’s Fisheries Agency said an inspector had ordered the vessel to stop for a routine check, but “the vessel failed to comply and fled.” The agency added: “Consequently, the vessel’s captain was arrested on the same day.” It was the first seizure of a Chinese fishing boat by Japan’s fisheries authorities since 2022. The episode comes three…

LONDON — The British government has approved plans for a new Chinese embassy in London, concluding that security risks can be managed even as lawmakers, campaigners and some former officials warn the site could become a hub for intelligence-gathering and transnational repression. Communities Secretary Steve Reed approved the proposal for a large embassy complex at Royal Mint Court, adjacent to the Tower of London. Security Minister Dan Jarvis told Parliament he was “assured that the UK national security is protected” and…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali pirates hijacked a Chinese fishing vessel off Puntland State on New Year’s Day, seizing the Liao Dong Yu 578 near the coastal town of Bandarbeyla in what authorities say appears to be a ransom-driven attack. The European Union Naval Force, which monitors shipping in the region, confirmed the incident as Puntland State security forces launched an operation to track the ship and secure the crew’s release. The crew’s number and condition were not immediately known, and local officials provided no…

MANDERA, Kenya — Kenyan police on Tuesday said they thwarted a night raid by al-Shabaab militants on a Chinese workers’ residence in Elwak, Mandera County, securing all 10 occupants and repelling the attackers after a prolonged exchange of gunfire. The assault began around 1 a.m. when heavily armed men forced their way into the compound, located roughly one kilometer from the Elwak Police Station, according to a police statement. Officers guarding the site engaged the assailants in sustained fire, preventing them from…

In Mogadishu, Saturday saw a noteworthy tête-à-tête at Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi welcomed Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu. They focused on nurturing the diplomatic bonds between their two nations. Ambassador Wang Yu launched into a round of applause for Minister Fiqi's stalwart defense of Somali sovereignty. He pledged China's unwavering backing for Somalia's independence and unity. The ambassador also spotlighted the decade-long presence of China's embassy in Somalia,…

 Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative at the UN (Photo: Foreign Ministry official website)On Thursday, a Chinese delegate appealed for Somali factions to maintain the progress by fostering dialogue and unity. They should remain dedicated to resolving their disputes through amicable discussion.During a UN Security Council meeting concerning Somalia, Dai Bing, China’s deputy envoy to the United Nations, acknowledged Somalia’s significant achievements in national rebuilding and peace initiatives. He pointed out…

MOGADISHU (Xinhua) — The heart of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, bustled with activity on Tuesday as the Chinese Embassy rolled out the red carpet to celebrate 75 years since the birth of the People's Republic of China.

Egypt Acquires Chinese J-10C Fighter Jets Amid Rising Tensions with Ethiopia Egypt’s recent decision to procure Chinese J-10C fighter jets signals a notable shift in military partnerships within the region. As neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, increasingly turn to China for sophisticated military hardware—like drones, missiles, and anti-drone defenses—this trend underscores a growing affinity for Chinese technology. Nations aim to diversify their defense options, reducing dependency…