CHINA: China’s development of science, finance and technology targets no-one and poses no threat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday.

Ms Mao made the remarks following comments by Jeremy Fleming, head of Britain’s GCHQ intelligence agency, that China’s manipulation of technology poses a threat to global security.

“His statement has no factual basis,” Ms Mao said. “China’s development of finance, science and technology is aimed at providing a better life for the Chinese people. It targets no-one, still less poses a threat.”

Adhering to the China threat theory and stirring up confrontation would harm both sides, she said.

FRANCE: Striking French oil workers have voted to continue their industrial action, which has led to shortages at fuel stations across the country.

Workers responded angrily after the government said it would force some of them to go back to work.

The strike has shut six of France’s seven oil refineries, creating severe fuel shortages.

Unions want pay increases which take account of the huge profits being made by the oil companies and the soaring cost of living.

A spokesperson for the CGT union said it would challenge in court any attempt to force their members back to work.

US: A former manager of several Starbucks stores in Buffalo, New York, told the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) that corporate representatives ordered him to retaliate against workers who supported unionisation efforts.

David Almond reported to the NLRB that the company had provided him with a list of pro-union employees and told him to find reasons to reprimand or penalise them.

Maggie Carter, an organiser for Starbucks Workers United, said: “Corporate is hoping that store managers will relinquish all agency to wage war with their partners, but David decided to be brave and stand up for partners everywhere.”

A spokesperson for the company denied the allegations. 

DR CONGO: The UN Refugee Agency said today it was alarmed by a surge of deadly violence which has displaced thousands since July in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s western locality of Kwamouth.

Clashes reportedly started over customary taxes on agricultural land use between the Teke and Yaka communities. More than 142 people have been killed, including some who were beheaded.

The UNHCR is calling on the international community to support efforts to ease tensions in Kwamouth and alleviate the suffering of those affected by the violence.