Russia-UK diplomatic tensions; US-China trade war reaches its peak
(Baonghean.vn) - Mr. Putin was re-elected as President of Russia; Former President Sarkozy was prosecuted in a case of suspected election funding with Libyan money; President Donald Trump's cabinet continued to be in turmoil; Russia-UK diplomatic tensions;... are the outstanding international news of the past week.
1. Mr. Putin re-elected President of Russia
 |
| Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Reuters. |
Russia announced the final results of the presidential election with Mr Putin as the winner, far surpassing the remaining seven candidates.
Mr. Vladimir Putin won 76.69% of the vote and was re-elected as President of Russia.RTquoted Ella Pamfilova, head of the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) on March 23. This result means that Mr. Putin received support from 56.43 million voters.
President Putin has previously outlined his main priorities for the next six years. He wants to focus on domestic rather than international issues, seeking to raise the living standards of Russians by increasing investment in education, infrastructure, and healthcare, while reducing defense spending.Regarding changes in the Russian government, Mr. Putin said he would announce them after taking office.
2. Former President Sarkozy was prosecuted in a case of election funding with Libyan money.
 |
| Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy leaves the headquarters of the anti-corruption investigation agency in Nanterre. Photo on March 21, 2018. |
On the evening of March 21, 2018, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was prosecuted as part of an investigation into suspected Libyan funding for his 2007 presidential election.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, 63, was indicted on charges of "receiving bribes","illegal campaign financing" and "possession of embezzled Libyan public funds".
The former French president was charged after being held for questioning for two days at the anti-corruption agency in Nanterre, outside Paris, over allegations that he received money from the Gaddafi regime to finance Mr Sarkozy's 2007 presidential campaign.
3. The first session of the 13th National People's Congress of China |
| Mr. Wang Qishan (left) shakes hands with Mr. Xi Jinping after being elected Vice President. Photo: AFP. |
On the morning of March 20, the first session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) of China held its closing session.
At the closing session, delegates voted to pass 7 important draft resolutions, including the Government Work Report; the Law on Supervision of the People's Republic of China; the Resolution on the implementation of the 2017 Socio-Economic Development Plan and the 2018 Socio-Economic Development Plan; the Resolution on the implementation of the 2017 Central and Local Budgets and the 2018 Budget Estimates...
Speaking at the closing session, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his gratitude for the delegates' trust in re-electing him to the position of President, and pledged to do his utmost to fulfill his assigned responsibilities and strive for the goal of successfully building a modern socialist power.
4. President Donald Trump's cabinet continues to be in turmoil
 |
| President Donald Trump decides to replace National Security Advisor HRMcMaster. Photo: Politico |
US President Donald Trump has just shared information about replacing national security advisor HR McMaster with Mr. John Bolton - former US ambassador to the United Nations.
This announcement appeared on President Trump's Twitter, following a series of shares about cabinet changes in recent times.
The White House also announced that General Mc Master will retire this summer after 34 years of service in the US military.
5. Russia-UK diplomatic tensions
 |
| Russian diplomatic staff carrying luggage and belongings stand outside the gate of the Russian Embassy in London. Photo: Reuters |
Last week, the diplomatic tensions between Russia and the UK continued. 23 Russian diplomats left the Russian embassy in London. A private Russian plane was in charge of transporting the diplomats and their families back home.
This is considered the largest expulsion of foreign diplomats by the UK in decades.
In response to Britain, Russia announced the closure of the British consulate in St Petersburg, the suspension of the British Council and the unwelcome of 23 British diplomats in Moscow.
6. PresidentTrump imposes $60 billion in sanctions on China
 |
| President Trump announced the decision to impose punitive tariffs on China on March 22 at the White House. Photo: New York Times. |
According toNew York TimesThe White House described the tough move on March 22 as a punishment for China's theft of technology, trade secrets, jobs and billions of dollars in revenue from American businesses.
The specific tariffs will be announced within 15 days and will target 1,300 Chinese product lines. A US official said the sanctions would target everything from footwear and clothing to electronics.
7. China declares it will "retaliate fiercely" against the US
 |
| Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying |
A Chinese Foreign Ministry representative affirmed that Beijing will fight to the end if the United States initiates a trade war, noting that the United States will also lose many benefits if that happens.
On March 21, speaking to the press, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying affirmed that China does not want to engage in a trade war, but is ready to defend its interests in the confrontation with the United States.
Hua Chunying said that the topic of trade disputes between the United States and some countries has recently attracted a lot of attention. She reiterated that Beijing has repeatedly expressed its "clear position on this issue."
