Fiscal, monetary tools to boost consumption Central, local authorities roll out comprehensive policy package to lower financing costs By ZHANG CHENXU in Hangzhou,SHI RUIPENG and ZHANG LI in Nanning | CHINA DAILY | Updated: 2026-05-18 08:55

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202605/18/WS6a0a6397a310d6866eb49197.html China is ramping up coordination between fiscal and monetary tools to further unleash consumption potential and energize private investment, in a bid to fuel a broad expansion in domestic demand, officials and business executives said.

China's value-added industrial output up 5.6% in first four months chinadaily.com.cn/Xinhua | Updated: 2026-05-18 10:00

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202605/18/WS6a0a72cea310d6866eb4929a.html China's value-added industrial output, a key economic indicator, increased 5.6 percent year-on-year in the first four months, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Monday.

Should EU countries grant fewer visas to Russians? Teri Schultz © 2026 Deutsche Welle

Should EU countries grant fewer visas to Russians? Teri Schultz 4 hours ago4 hours ago A number of European countries bordering Russia are pushing for more EU-wide restrictions on visas granted to Russian nationals. They worry that potential saboteurs are entering Europe on tourist visas. https://www.dw.com/en/should-eu-countries-grant-fewer-visas-to-russians/video-77138843 2026 Deutsche Welle

Ukraine: Russian strikes target Dnipro and Odesa Kieran Burke with dpa, Reuters +++ © 2026 Deutsche Welle

Ukraine: Russian strikes target Dnipro and Odesa Kieran Burke with dpa, Reuters 7 hours ago7 hours ago At least a dozen were injured in central and southern Ukraine overnight, local authorities said. The latest strikes come a day after Kyiv launched hundreds of drone strikes on Russian territory over the weekend. https://www.dw.com/en/ukraines-dnipro-and-odesa-targeted-in-russian-strikes/a-77192579 © 2026 Deutsche Welle Massive drone attack on Russia ups pressure on Moscow Jared Reed 24 hours ago24 hours ago At least four people were killed in the Moscow region when Ukraine attacked Russia with hundreds of drones overnight, local authorities said. We spoke with Jenny Mathers, Russia expert at Aberystwyth University in Wales. https://www.dw.com/en/massive-drone-attack-on-russia-ups-pressure-on-moscow/video-77189067 © 2026 Deutsche Welle Ukraine: European countries sign up to special tribunal plan Mark Hallam with AFP, open source material 05/15/2026May 15, 2026 At talks in Moldova, more than 30 countries have said they will join a future special tribunal for Ukraine prosecuting Russia over its invasion. How the body will force Russians to stand trial is not clear. https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-dozens-of-european-countries-sign-up-to-special-tribunal-plan-to-prosecute-russia/a-77174512 © 2026 Deutsche Welle

Africa’s Golden Future By Kristalina Georgieva Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service.

Africa’s Golden Future By Kristalina Georgieva NAIROBI, Kenya, May 18 2026 (IPS) - It is very appropriate that this Africa Forward Summit is being held in Kenya. Two weeks ago, a Kenyan marathon runner, Sabastian Sawe, did what had been considered impossible: by running a marathon in under two hours! What we have set ourselves here is also a marathon—and we must show the same resilience and perseverance that Mr. Sawe did. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/05/africas-golden-future/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service.

Media As Bedrock for Developing Russian-African Relations By Kester Kenn Klomegah Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service.

Media As Bedrock for Developing Russian-African Relations By Kester Kenn Klomegah https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/05/media-as-bedrock-for-developing-russian-african-relations/ MOSCOW, May 18 2026 (IPS) - Under the auspices of the Faculty of Journalism of Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Russian-African Club, in late April, held its IV International Forum of Journalists from Russia and Africa, which marked another historical milestone. According to an established annual tradition, discussions were focused on aspects of the media, its structure, current performance, information contents, and challenges as well as future perspectives. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service.

DIGITAL RIGHTS: ‘The Priority Should Be Holding Tech Companies Accountable, Not Banning Children from the Digital World’ By CIVICUS Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service.

DIGITAL RIGHTS: ‘The Priority Should Be Holding Tech Companies Accountable, Not Banning Children from the Digital World’ By CIVICUS https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/05/digital-rights-the-priority-should-be-holding-tech-companies-accountable-not-banning-children-from-the-digital-world/ May 15 2026 (IPS) - CIVICUS discusses the rising trend of social media bans for children with Marie-Ève Nadeau, Head of International Affairs of the 5Rights Foundation, an organisation that promotes children’s rights in the digital environment. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service.