3/29/2021

White House News (白宮消息) | Mar. 29, 2021

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March 28, 2021

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on U.S.-China Relations
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken was asked about the U.S.-China relationship.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on China to end its human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
US-China relations: Blinken condemns China’s ‘baseless sanctions’
Beijing’s efforts ‘contribute to the growing international scrutiny of the ongoing genocide’ in Xinjiang, US secretary of state says
US stands ‘in solidarity with Canada, the UK, the EU, and other partners and allies around the world’, he says

Mar. 28 - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
 said on Saturday that China’s tit-for-tat sanctions against two Americans in the growing dispute over Beijing’s treatment of Uygurs were “baseless” and would only shine a spotlight on the “genocide” in Xinjiang.

“Beijing’s attempts to intimidate and silence those speaking out for human rights and fundamental freedoms only contribute to the growing international scrutiny of the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang,” he said.

Blinken spoke out after China announced sanctions against two Americans, a Canadian and a rights advocacy body
 in response to sanctions imposed this week by the two countries over Beijing’s treatment of people from the Uygur ethnic minority group.     quoted from

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China has unveiled sanctions against US and Canadian figures in response to sanctions over Beijing’s treatment of uighurs.
US and Canada hit back at China's 'baseless' sanctions as Xinjiang row deepens

Washington says Beijing’s tit-for-tat sanctions will only focus attention on its ‘genocide’ against Uighurs

Mar. 29 - The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has warned that China’s tit-for-tat sanctions against two Americans in the growing dispute over Beijing’s treatment of Uighurs were “baseless” and would only shine a harsh spotlight on the “genocide” in Xinjiang.

“Beijing’s attempts to intimidate and silence those speaking out for human rights and fundamental freedoms only contribute to the growing international scrutiny of the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang,” Blinken said in a statement on Saturday.

He spoke out after China announced sanctions against two Americans, a Canadian and a rights advocacy body, in response to sanctions imposed this week by the two countries over Beijing’s treatment of the Uighur minority.

Blinken called the sanctions on the two members of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom “baseless”.
At least one million Uighurs and people from other mostly Muslim groups have been held in camps in China’s Xinjiang region, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labor.     more to read

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The Truths We Hold: An American Journey

From Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, one of America's most inspiring political leaders, a book about the core truths that unite us, and the long struggle to discern what those truths are and how best to act upon them, in her own life and across the life of our country

Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris's commitment to speaking truth is informed by her upbringing. The daughter of immigrants, she was raised in an Oakland, California community that cared deeply about social justice; her parents--an esteemed economist from Jamaica and an admired cancer researcher from India--met as activists in the civil rights movement when they were graduate students at Berkeley. Growing up, Harris herself never hid her passion for justice, and when she became a prosecutor out of law school, a deputy district attorney, she quickly established herself as one of the most innovative change agents in American law enforcement. She progressed rapidly to become the elected District Attorney for San Francisco, and then the chief law enforcement officer of the state of California as a whole. Known for bringing a voice to the voiceless, she took on the big banks during the foreclosure crisis, winning a historic settlement for California's working families. Her hallmarks were applying a holistic, data-driven approach to many of California's thorniest issues, always eschewing stale "tough on crime" rhetoric as presenting a series of false choices. Neither "tough" nor "soft" but smart on crime became her mantra. Being smart means learning the truths that can make us better as a community, and supporting those truths with all our might. That has been the pole star that guided Harris to a transformational career as California’s attorney general, as a United States senator, and now as vice president-elect, grappling in every role with an array of complex issues, from health care and the new economy to immigration, national security, the opioid crisis, and accelerating inequality.

By reckoning with the big challenges we face together, drawing on the hard-won wisdom and insight from her own career and the work of those who have most inspired her, Kamala Harris offers in THE TRUTHS WE HOLD a master class in problem solving, in crisis management, and leadership in challenging times. Through the arc of her own life, on into the great work of our day, she communicates a vision of shared struggle, shared purpose, and shared values. In a book rich in many home truths, not least is that a relatively small number of people work very hard to convince a great many of us that we have less in common than we actually do, but it falls to us to look past them and get on with the good work of living our common truth. When we do, our shared effort will continue to sustain us and this great nation, now and in the years to come.     source from
加拿大博主发视频讲透涉疆谎言 让人看清“涉疆谎言制造者”的嘴脸 |《中国新闻》CCTV中文国际
Mar 28, 2021
March 28, 2021
Senator Pat Toomey on Gun Legislation

During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) talked about the possibility of bipartisanship on gun control legislation.

3/27/2021

White House News (白宮消息) | Mar. 27, 2021

 2 - White House News in Chinese (weebly.com)

Suez Canal Blockade: How the giant ship is blocking the Suez? | Latest English News | WION
Mar 26, 2021


British businesses are getting worried as Egypt's Suez Canal continues to be blocked by a Taiwanese mega-container ship for the fourth day in a row.
'Our customers are worried about the Suez Canal blockage'

Mar. 27 - Seaport Freight Services, a shipping and freight-forwarding company based at the Port of Felixstowe, has 20 containers of goods stranded on the Ever Given.

"We're waiting on food goods like coconut milk and syrups, some spare parts for motors, we've got some fork lift trucks, some Amazon goods on there, all sorts," Steve Parks, director of Seaport Freight Services, tells the BBC.
"All our customers are hearing about it, and they're phoning us to ask when it will be resolved."

The 400m-long (1,312ft) ship Ever Given, operated by Taiwanese transport company Evergreen Marine, is one of the world's largest biggest container vessels.

It weighs 200,000 tonnes, with a maximum capacity of 20,000 containers.

The ship ran aground and became lodged sideways across the waterway on Tuesday after a gust of wind blew it off course.

It is blocking one of the world's busiest trade routes, causing a huge tailback of other ships trying to pass through the Suez Canal, which separates Africa from the Middle East and Asia.

There are more than 160 vessels waiting at either end of the canal, according to tracking data from Lloyd's List.

At the moment, Mr Park says there is only one way to get goods through - go round the Horn of Africa, which will add another seven days to the journey.

"We've had supply problems from the Far East, we've had Covid, we've had the Brexit changes. You couldn't really make it up," he says.

"Things were just starting to get better. We were just starting to get over the shortage of containers, the shortage of vessels, and then this happens."     more details

Related Articles:

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US Amb. to Vietnam Tapped as Assistant State Secretary for East Asia

Mar. 27 - The White House said Friday that President Joe Biden has nominated the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam to become assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs.

Daniel Kritenbrink, a veteran diplomat, is considered an Asia expert with considerable knowledge on Chinese affairs.

His nomination is believed to reflect the policy direction of the Biden administration, which has labeled China a greatest threat.

Kritenbrink has been Washington's envoy in Hanoi since 2017 and previously served at the National Security Council and the U.S. embassy in China.

If confirmed, he will replace David Stilwell, who stepped down as assistant secretary of state when Biden took office.     source from
美欲拉盟友制裁俄罗斯 俄外长访韩博弈棋局如何变?20210325 |《今日关注》CCTV中文国际
Mar 26, 2021
What do the Suez Canal, Hillary Clinton and a Taiwanese shipping company have in common?
The Evergreen ship blocking the Suez Canal is not linked to Hillary Clinton
 
Conspiracy theorists on Facebook insist they’re all part of an international human trafficking scheme. 

Egyptian authorities are working to remove a 1,300-foot cargo ship that got stuck March 23 in the Suez Canal, a critical shipping route that connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. The boat is operated by the Evergreen Group, a Taiwan shipping conglomerate.

Some Facebook users took that as a signal of Clinton’s involvement.


Our Sources
Associated Press, "Shipping losses mount from cargo vessel stuck in Suez Canal," March 25, 2021
CBS, "While Campaigning in Montana, Clinton Reveals Secret Service Codename," May 27, 2008
Evergreen Line, "What is Evergreen Line"
Facebook post, March 24, 2021
JOC Group, EVERGREEN LINE
Newsweek, "QAnon Claims Stuck Suez Canal Ship Used by Hillary Clinton to Traffic Children," March 24, 2021
PolitiFact, "How Pizzagate went from fake news to a real problem for a D.C. business," Dec. 5, 2016
PolitiFact, "Pizzagate conspiracy theorists spread false claims about Beirut explosion, human trafficking," Aug. 7, 2020
PolitiFact, "What is QAnon, the baseless conspiracy spilling into US politics?" Aug. 27, 2020
Telegram, accessed March 25, 2021
Vesseltracker.com, EVER GIVEN
The Wall Street Journal, "Suez Canal Backlog Grows as Efforts Resume to Free Trapped Ship," March 25, 2021
The Wall Street Journal, "Suez Canal Is Blocked by Container Ship Causing Huge Traffic Jam," March 24, 2021

3/26/2021

White House News (白宮消息) | Mar. 26, 2021

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U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to reporters as he holds his first formal news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, U.S., March 25, 2021
Biden: American Rescue Plan is sowing signs of hope for U.S. economy

Mar. 26, Reuters - U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday said the economic outlook is brightening thanks to the recent passage of his $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package, and a majority of economists now expect growth this year to exceed six percent.

“Since we passed the American Rescue Plan, we’re starting to see new signs of hope in our economy,” Biden said during his first press conference since taking office in January. “Since it was passed, a majority ... of economic forecasters have significantly increased their projections on the economic growth that’s going to take place this year. They’re now projecting it will exceed 6% growth in GDP (gross domestic product).”


Indeed, that may understate how quickly the economy may grow this year as COVID-19 vaccine rollouts gather pace, allowing greater freedom of movement and activity, and as the stimulus bill boosts consumer spending.

Just last week, Federal Reserve officials signaled they expect growth of 6.5% this year, which if achieved would mark the fastest expansion since the 1980s, and some private forecasters have predicted the economy will grow in excess of 7% this year. That would mark a dramatic upward swing following the 3.5% contraction suffered in 2020, the steepest annual downturn in more than seven decades.

The first-term Democrat also pointed to signs of a recovering job market. The number of Americans filing first-time claims for jobless benefits fell below 700,000 for the first time since the pandemic triggered a deep recession roughly one year ago.      continue to read

MARCH 25, 2021
President Biden Holds News Conference
President Biden held his first official news conference in the White House East Room, announcing at the top of his remarks a new goal of 200 million vaccination shots in his first 100 days. The president’s original goal was 100 shots, which was surpassed around March 19. He answered a range of questions on immigration policy, the filibuster rule, relations with China, and voting rights. President Biden called the Republican attempts to limit voting rights in the U.S. “un-American” and “sick” and later told reporters that it was his expectation to run for reelection in 2024.

President Joe Biden speaks during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Washington.
Biden reveals 2024 plans and doubles vaccine goals in first press conference


Mar. 26, Washington -- President Biden on Thursday revealed he plans to seek a second term in the White House in 2024 and he said he expects Vice President Kamala Harris would again be his running mate. Mr. Biden talked about his plans in 2024 in a roughly hourlong press conference, the first of his presidency, where he also announced he would doubling his vaccine goals to 200 million doses in his first 100 days and would be detailing an infrastructure plan on Friday.

Mr. Biden has not yet filed for reelection, while former President Trump had already done so at this point in his presidency. But the president told CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes it is his "plan" to run again.

"That is my expectation," Mr. Biden said, although he added that he doesn't normally plan that far in advance.

The president fielded questions from reporters for roughly an hour on a range of topics, including the ongoing crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, the legislative filibuster and foreign policy challenges his administration is confronting.

At the start of his remarks, Mr. Biden said he is increasing his goal for vaccine doses administered in his first 100 days in office to 200 million. The nation surpassed his initial target of 100 million shot last week, on the 58th day of his presidency.

With Mr. Biden's sweeping $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress and signed into law, the president revealed the details of his next major initiative, infrastructure, will be announced Friday during a trip to Pittsburgh.

The proposal will address both physical and technological infrastructure, the president said, "so that we can compete and create significant numbers of really good paying jobs." Mr. Biden said "the future rests" on whether the U.S. has the best airports, ports, railroads and roadways to facilitate business. 


Mr. Biden was repeatedly pressed on his administration's plan to address the flood of unaccompanied minors crossing the southern border into the U.S. and whether he favors changes to the legislative filibuster, a rule under which 60 votes are needed to end debate on a measure and move to a final vote. He was not, however, asked about the coronavirus pandemic or the economy.     quoted from


Xinjiang: China's Muslim Borderland (Studies of Central Asia and the Caucasus)

Eastern Turkestan, now known as Xinjiang or the New Territory, makes up a sixth of China's land mass. Absorbed by the Qing in the 1880s and reconquered by Mao in 1949, this Turkic-Muslim region of China's remote northwest borders on formerly Soviet Central Asia, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Mongolia, and Tibet, Will Xinjiang participate in twenty-first century ascendancy, or will nascent Islamic radicalism in Xinjiang expand the orbit of instability in a dangerous part of the world? This comprehensive survey of contemporary Xinjiang is the result of a major collaborative research project begun in 1998. The authors have combined their fieldwork experience, linguistic skills, and disciplinary expertise to assemble the first multifaceted introduction to Xinjiang. The volume surveys the region's geography; its history of military and political subjugation to China; economic, social, and commercial conditions; demography, public health, and ecology; and patterns of adaption, resistance, opposition, and evolving identities.     source from

On the campaign trail Oct. 28, 2020, in Wilmington, Delaware, Joe Biden talks about the need to build up the Affordable Care Act
What the American Rescue Plan says about President Biden’s health care priorities – and what they mean for you

Mar. 25 - As millions of Americans receive COVID-19 vaccines, the Affordable Care Act just got a booster shot of its own.


After 11 years of existential threat and months after an argument before the Supreme Court, the ACA has been strengthened under President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the US$1.9 trillion economic relief package. This means greater access to health insurance at lower costs for millions of Americans.

The ARP is the most noteworthy expansion of health insurance benefits since the passage of the landmark legislation in 2010. Specifically, it contains an important extension of financial assistance to Americans who purchase health insurance on the ACA’s private insurance exchanges.

As a health law professor who focuses on health care finance and delivery, I see this as a key moment to gain insight into President Biden’s preferred policy choices as he seeks to improve health care access and financing in the United States.     more to read

3/25/2021

White House News (白宮消息) | Mar. 25, 2021

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 MARCH 24, 2021

President Biden Meets with Immigration Officials
President Biden held a meeting with Cabinet members and immigration officials to discuss the rise in unaccompanied minors at the U.S.-Mexico border. At the start, the president announced that Vice President Harris will lead the White House diplomatic effort on addressing the migration challenges. “This new surge we’re dealing with now started with the last administration but it’s our responsibility to deal with it humanely and to stop what’s happening,” said the president. Following his announcement, Vice President Harris delivered brief remarks on the situation at the U.S. southern border. Other officials at the meeting included Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. 
Biden: I Told Kamala Harris She'd Be The Last Person In The Room, "That Means She Gets Every Assignment"

Mar. 25 - President Biden announced Wednesday that he has asked Vice President Kamala Harris "to lead our efforts with Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries that are going to need help in stemming" the flow of refugees and the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.


"I can think of nobody who is better qualified to do this,” Biden said about Harris, the former attorney general of California.

Biden quipped that when he offered her the job, he told Harris she would always be "the last person in the room, but that means she gets every assignment."      source from

MARCH 24, 2021
White House Daily Briefing
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki held a briefing with economic advisers. The advisers spoke about steps the administration is taking to close the gender pay gap and helping women return to the workforce. The press secretary said the administration is weighing options on how to approach gun control legislation. She said they would prefer Congress to pass bills but realize there is stiff opposition, adding President Biden is considering issuing executive orders. She spoke about the White House creating an Asian American and Pacific Islander liaison in response to criticism for the lack of representation at the cabinet level.

Biden eyes executive actions and legislation on gun control: White House

Mar. 25 - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden sees it as vital to take steps via executive actions and legislation to promote gun control, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Wednesday, in the wake of two deadly shootings in Colorado and Georgia.      source from

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US President Joe Biden turns to Vice President Kamala Harris as he meets with immigration advisers in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, US, March 24, 2021. 
Biden names Harris to lead efforts with Mexico, Central America, to stem migrant flow

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday named Vice President Kamala Harris to lead US efforts with Mexico and Central America's Northern Triangle countries to try to stem the flow of migration to the United States.

Mar. 25 - Biden's decision gives a high-profile assignment to his vice president, a daughter of immigrants who has forged a reputation as an ally of immigration advocates. As California attorney general, Harris had to deal with a major influx of unaccompanied minors at the state's border with Mexico in 2014.

It is a task that carries political risks for Harris, a potential future presidential candidate. Border woes have been an intractable problem for multiple presidents.

Biden served in a similar role for then-President Barack Obama when he was vice president. By assigning her to handling diplomatic efforts with Central America, Biden is elevating the migration issue as a top priority.     continue to read

MARCH 24, 2021
President Biden and U.S. Women's Soccer Team Mark Equal Pay Day
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden met with U.S. Soccer Women’s National Team members Margaret Purce and Megan Rapinoe to mark Equal Pay Day. After delivering remarks in support of equal pay for equal work and closing the gender pay gap, the president signed a proclamation commemorating National Equal Pay Day.


US women's team member Megan Rapinoe speaks as President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden look on during an event to mark Equal Pay Day.
US women's football stars Megan Rapinoe, Margaret Purce join President Joe Biden to promote closing pay gap
Biden and his wife, Jill, hosted a roundtable with Margaret Purce and Megan Rapinoe of the US women's national football team, and other members of the squad who attended virtually. The president then signed a proclamation honouring the day.

Mar. 25 - ​Washington: President Joe Biden made the case Wednesday that the pay disparity between men and women has hurt the economy, bringing members of the US women's national football team to the White House to help set new goals for equality.

Wednesday marked "Equal Pay Day" — which is how far into the year women must work on average to make up the pay disparity between what men and women earned the prior year. The Census Bureau estimates that a woman working full-time would earn about 82 cents for each dollar paid to a man.

Biden and his wife, Jill, hosted a roundtable with Margaret Purce and Megan Rapinoe of the US women's national football team, and other members of the squad who attended virtually. The president then signed a proclamation honouring the day.
"Doesn't matter if you're an electrician, an accountant or part of the best damn soccer team in the world," Biden said. "The pay gap is real. And this team is living proof that you can be the very best at what you do and still have to fight for equal pay."     more details

3/24/2021

White House News (白宮消息) | Mar. 24, 2021

 White House News in Chinese - About (weebly.com)

March 23, 2021
President Biden on Mass Shooting in Boulder, Colorado
President Biden spoke about the 10 victims of the Boulder, Colorado, mass shooting from the White House. He offered his condolences to the families and spoke about the lasting impact of gun violence. He also thanked the police response and said Officer Eric Talley, who was killed in the shooting, is an “American hero.” He then called on Congress to pass gun reform legislation, including closing background check loopholes, and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.


Here's what we know about the Boulder, Colorado, mass shooting suspect

Mar. 24 - (CNN)Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa was identified by authorities Tuesday as the gunman who opened fire at a King Soopers grocery store in Colorado, killing 10 people, including a Boulder police officer.


The name of the 21-year-old suspect, who is in custody, was released at a news conference by Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold, who did not disclose a possible motive for Monday's bloodshed.

A search of the suspect's suburban Denver home turned up other weapons, a senior law enforcement source said Tuesday. The weapon used in the attack was an AR-15-style pistol modified with an arm brace, according to the source.
Authorities believe Alissa was the only person involved and that there was no additional threat to the community.     continue to read

March 23, 2021
News Conference on Mass Shooting in Boulder, Colorado
Governor Jared Polis (D-CO), along with state and federal officials, held a news conference on the mass shooting that killed ten people at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado. “Not only did we lose ten lives but this is real horror and terror for all of us, the simple act of shopping in a grocery store,” said Governor Polis. In addition, he told reporters the killer would be held responsible to the full extent of the law. At the start of the news conference, Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold read the names of the shooting victims. Other speakers included Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Mayor of Boulder Sam Weaver (D).


In this Friday March 19, 2021, photo a District of Columbia Fire Boat checks buoys in the waterway next to Fort McNair, seen in background in Washington.
Sources: Iran Threatens Army Base in Washington, Top US General


Mar. 21 - Iran has made threats against Fort McNair, an Army base in Washington D.C., and against the Army’s vice chief of staff, two senior US intelligence officials said.

They said communications intercepted by the National Security Agency in January showed that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard discussed mounting “USS Cole-style attacks” against the base, referring to the October 2000 suicide attack in which a small boat pulled up alongside the Navy destroyer in the Yemeni port of Aden and exploded, killing 17 sailors.

The intelligence also revealed threats to kill Gen. Joseph M. Martin and plans to infiltrate and surveil the base, according to the officials, who were not authorized to publicly discuss national security matters and spoke on condition of anonymity. The base, one of the oldest in the country, is Martin's official residence.

The threats are one reason the Army has been pushing for more security around Fort McNair, which sits alongside Washington's bustling newly developed Waterfront District, The Associated Press reported.     continue to read
The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the US, and Iran’s Global Ambitions

‘An excellent contribution to our knowledge of Iran and Soleimani.’ Kim Ghattas, author of Black Wave

When the US assassinated Qassem Soleimani in January 2020, he was one of the most powerful men in Iran. The military spearhead for Iranian foreign policy, he enacted the wishes of the country’s Supreme Leader, establishing the Islamic Republic as a major force in the Middle East. He masterminded interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, supporting Iran’s allies and campaigning against the Taliban, US forces, Israel and ISIS. But all this was a long way from where he began – on the margins of a country whose ruler was regarded as a friend of the West.


In this gripping account, Arash Azizi examines Soleimani’s life, regional influence and future ambitions. He breaks new ground through interviews with Iranians, Afghans, Iraqis and Syrians who knew Soleimani for years, including his personal driver, the aides who accompanied him to his Moscow meeting with Vladimir Putin, and his brother. Through Soleimani, Azizi reveals the true nature of Iran’s global ambitions, providing a rare insight into a country whose actions are much talked about but seldom understood.     source from