Xi Story: From Roadside Stalls to “World’s Supermarket,” Yiwu Charts China’s Path of County-Level Development

HANGZHOU, June 13 (Xinhua) — Before the opening whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on Thursday, Yiwu has already made its move.

In this inland city, known as the “world’s supermarket” in east China’s Zhejiang Province, factories and traders have done their homework. They designed fan jerseys, filed patent applications, locked in production capacity and took orders for horns, flags and other football merchandise well in advance.

To many outside China, Yiwu isREAD MORE

FUZHOU, June 13 (Xinhua) — In the late 1980s, waves of development swept Chinese cities into the throes of a property boom, and the fate of a crumbling compound in the heart of Fuzhou, capital of east China’s Fujian Province, seemed all but sealed.

A glaring Chinese character meaning “demolish” had been painted on the front wall of the historic residence at Fuzhou’s Sanfangqixiang, meaning “Three Lanes and Seven Alleys,” a neighbourhood steeped in over 1,000 years ofREAD MORE

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has been refused entry to Canada ahead of Ghana’s World Cup opener with Panama.

The Black Stars have been training in Boston, USA. According to world football governing body FIFA, Partey was unable to travel from Ghana’s US base to Toronto with the rest of his teammates as his visa application “has been refused by the Canadian government”.

As previously reported, the former ArsenalREAD MORE

BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) — China on Thursday released a national action plan to enhance human rights over the next five years at the ongoing 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance, where attendees from home and abroad hailed China’s progress in this field.

The National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2026-2030) aims to ensure that the principal position of the people is respected and the people’s fundamental interests are safeguarded.

It will also promote socialREAD MORE

South Africa’s senior national football team, Bafana Bafana, will have to contend with big fines from FIFA after a disastrous match against Mexico on Thursday.

Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca in the opening match of this year’s World Cup.

To make matters worse, Bafana Bafana midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane received their marching orders from Brazilian referee, Wilton Sampaio.

According to the FIFA Disciplinary Code, thereREAD MORE

South African coach Fadlu Davids has been let go by Moroccan side Raja Casablanca after nine months at the helm.

Davids was in charge since September last year, but Raja Casablanca have taken a decision to relieve him of his duties after falling to fifth on the Morocco Botola log standings.

Davids was in charge of 22 matches, winning 13, drawing five and losing four.

Raja CasablancaREAD MORE

The inquiry into the fitness of South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke has delivered a stinging rebuke of former National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi, accusing her of disregarding due process and displaying what the panel described as a potentially “disdainful attitude” towards the proceedings.

In a strongly worded ruling released on Friday, the Nkabinde Inquiry dismissed Batohi’s application to submit written representations explaining why she abandoned her testimony while under cross-examination andREAD MORE

For decades, South Africans have lived with the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, a disease that has claimed millions of lives, torn families apart and left communities grappling with stigma and loss. Now, health authorities believe a groundbreaking new prevention tool could help turn the tide in the fight against the epidemic.

The City of Ekurhuleni has welcomed the rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection that is now available at selected public healthcare facilities across the metro.READ MORE

When we speak about apartheid history, we often turn to legislation, political speeches, court records, and the biographies of prominent leaders. Yet some of the most revealing histories and herstories exist elsewhere, in memory, in lived experience, and in the observations of ordinary people who stood at the intersections of power and everyday life. Oftentimes, we do not even speak of the cultural workers who helped in liberating this country from the clutches of the most brutal regime, apartheid.READ MORE

The South African government has rallied behind the senior national football team, Bafana Bafana, following their 2-0 defeat to Mexico.

Bafana Bafana were outplayed at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday.

The government, however, is confident Bafana Bafana can put the loss behind them and has urged the nation to keep supporting the team.

“Government commends Bafana Bafana for their spirited performance in their openingREAD MORE