China reopens its borders as lunar new year travel rush begins

Published

3 years ago

January 9, 2023

China has lifted one of its final Covid-19 quarantine measures, as international travellers arrive onshore

After almost three years of strict Covid-19 measures, China has opened its border.

On Sunday, mainland China opened to Hong Kong travellers as part of the last Covid-zero strategy, which has been a hallmark of Beijing’s response to the pandemic.

The policy, which had been described as “draconian” by Human Rights Watch, had largely kept China’s 1.4 billion people safe from the virus.

However, it had also cut Beijing off from the rest of the world and led to nationwide protests at some of the nation’s largest univerisities.

One woman told the AFP news agency she was pleased with the easing of restrictions, while waiting at Shanghai’s Pudong international airport.

“I think it’s really good that the policy has changed now, it’s really humane.”

“It’s a necessary step, I think. Covid has become normalised now and after this hurdle everything will be smooth,” she said.

As the Covid measures were loosened, many rushed to plan travel abroad.

However, some European countries imposed mandatory pre-departure Covid-19 tests on Chinese travellers.

The European Union said tests should be taken not more than 48 hours prior to departure from China.

It follows a rise in locally-acquired Covid-19 infection across China, making it the nation’s worst-ever outbreak.

Travel freedom as lunar new year looms

Millions of Chinese travellers are expected to take to the skies as China enters its busy lunar new year holiday period.

On Saturday, China marked the start of the 40-day travel period.

China’s Ministry of Transport said more than 2 billion passengers will travel in the 40-day holiday period.

Beijing officials believe it would mark 70 per cent of the holiday traffic seen on pre-pandemic figures.

Epstein hearing explodes over redactions and hidden names

Lawmakers accuse AG Pam Bondi of hiding Epstein-linked names amid congressional hearing, questioning redactions related to billionaire Wexner.

Published

16 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Lawmakers accuse AG Pam Bondi of hiding Epstein-linked names amid congressional hearing, questioning redactions related to billionaire Wexner.

US lawmakers have accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of withholding key names linked to Jeffrey Epstein during a fiery congressional hearing. The confrontation centred on redactions within investigative files that critics argue should have been fully disclosed under federal law.

Representative Thomas Massie pressed the Justice Department over blacked-out sections, specifically questioning references to billionaire Leslie Wexner. Bondi maintained that Wexner’s name was released promptly once flagged, defending the department’s handling of the documents.

Frustration boiled over as lawmakers challenged the extent of the redactions, leading to an extraordinary moment in the hearing as Bondi pushed back and praised President Donald Trump while standing by the department’s review process.

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#EpsteinFiles #PamBondi #USPolitics #Congress #JeffreyEpstein #BreakingNews #PoliticalDrama #TickerNews

News

Angus Taylor moves to challenge Sussan Ley for party leadership

Angus Taylor resigns from Coalition frontbench to challenge Sussan Ley amid Liberal Party divisions and declining poll support.

Published

16 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Angus Taylor resigns from Coalition frontbench to challenge Sussan Ley amid Liberal Party divisions and declining poll support.

Angus Taylor has resigned from the Coalition frontbench to launch a leadership challenge against Sussan Ley, declaring he lacks confidence in her ability to rebuild support for the Liberal Party. His move sets up a high-stakes internal contest that could reshape the party’s direction.

Supporters of Mr Taylor are expected to push for a meeting by Friday to trigger a potential leadership spill, intensifying pressure on Ms Ley. Moderate MPs are calling on her to demand clear proof of numbers before any ballot takes place.

With the Liberals trailing in the polls and facing mounting questions over strategy, both camps are outlining starkly different visions for the party’s future as tensions rise in Canberra.

#AustralianPolitics #LiberalParty #AngusTaylor #SussanLey #LeadershipSpill #Canberra #AusPol #PoliticalNews

News

Iran buries nuclear site entrances amid rising tensions with the U.S.

Published

1 day ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Satellite images reveal that Iran has buried all three tunnel entrances at its Isfahan nuclear complex. Analysts say the move mirrors defensive preparations taken before U.S. airstrikes devastated the facility last year, with no vehicle or personnel activity visible around the entrances.

The burial appears aimed at limiting damage from potential airstrikes and complicating any ground raid targeting enriched uranium stored in the underground facility. Experts suggest equipment or materials may have been moved into the tunnels for protection, though this remains unconfirmed.

The fortification comes amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions. President Trump has demanded Iran curb its nuclear program, warning of military action, while Tehran insists halting uranium enrichment is unacceptable. Recent indirect talks in Oman showed little progress toward a new deal.