Chinese FM urges Britain to avoid imposing security implications on economic, trade issues

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called on Britain to provide Chinese companies operating in the country with a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory business environment, and avoid imposing security implications on economic and trade issues.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his meeting with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in Manila, the Philippines.

China and Britain, both as major countries and permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, share a relationship that transcends the bilateral scope and carries global significance, Wang said.

China takes note of the new UK government's stated commitment to maintaining continuity and stability in its policy toward China, and hopes that Britain will adhere to the one-China principle and uphold the political foundation of bilateral relations, he noted.

Wang expressed China's expectation to work closely with the new UK government through high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

He stressed the need for China and Britain to work together to transcend differences, jointly uphold multilateralism, support efforts to revitalize the central role of the UN, oppose unilateral bullying and protectionism, and make greater contributions to the cause of world peace and development.

Miliband, for his part, said that the new UK government places great importance on relations with China and will continue to build the long-term and stable comprehensive strategic partnership with China, which serves the strategic interests of both sides.

Britain and China, as major countries with significant global influence, should continue to strengthen cooperation on global security, health and development issues, he noted.

Miliband stressed that the UK's longstanding position on the Taiwan question, adopted since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Britain and China, remains unchanged.

Britain is ready to enhance exchanges at all levels with China, broaden cooperation in areas such as climate change, and strengthen communication and coordination on multilateral platforms, so as to push for a long-term, sound and stable development of bilateral relations, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

Chinese FM urges Britain to avoid imposing security implications on economic, trade issues

A record-breaking heatwave has driven Tunisia's electricity demand to new highs, resulting in a series of power cuts that are starting to cause widespread disruption and leaving business owners sweating about the economic impact.

It comes as extreme temperatures grip much of the country, with local media reporting highs of nearly 50 degrees Celsius which are breaking historical records in multiple regions.

The intense summer heat has pushed Tunisia's power grid to its absolute limit. To prevent a total system collapse, authorities have enforced rolling blackouts during the hottest hours of the day.

These targeted outages are causing havoc for households and crippling businesses across multiple regions.

"The state is not doing its job well for the citizens. As you can see, the heat is unbearable, yet they cut the electricity at midday," said Mohamed Mkaouer, a local resident.

The economic fallout is hitting small businesses hard. In local markets, erratic supply surges are damaging commercial appliances and spoiling temperature-sensitive inventory, with many store owners lamenting the loss of produce.

"When the electricity is cut, what are we supposed to do with the food in the fridge -- throw everything away? Shop owners don't have the means to replace what they lose. Food, chocolate and other products spoil. People cannot live like this: electricity comes and goes suddenly, damaging the motors I depend on for my business," said Lazhar Hitana, a shop owner.

Energy analysts warn that the electricity deficit is a structural problem which shows that the grid is not prepared to handle such climate-induced demand surges.

"Nearly 50 percent of the electricity consumed in Tunisia during the summer is used for air conditioning. The country's electricity infrastructure was simply not designed to cope with such high demand," said Hamdi Hached, an environmental engineer.

Tunisia hit by power cuts as energy demand surges during record-breaking heatwave

Tunisia hit by power cuts as energy demand surges during record-breaking heatwave