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Military spending pushes Russian economic growth up
Military spending pushes Russian economic growth up
Economy
by  AFP

Russia's economy grew 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2024, official statistics published Friday showed, as President Vladimir Putin denied military spending on his Ukraine offensive was reaching unsustainable levels. On a state visit to China, Putin denied that Russia's vast military spending -- which he said had passed eight percent of GDP -- had hit unsustainable levels.

For Taiwan shoppers, China's malls only a ferry ride away
For Taiwan shoppers, China's malls only a ferry ride away
Economy
by  AFP

With suitcases and packages stuffed with food, alcohol and construction materials, Taiwanese shoppers make their way towards a ferry in the Chinese city of Xiamen bound for the Taipei-administered island of Kinmen. People push airport-style trolleys loaded with suitcases and large packages up a ramp and onto the ferry before taking their seats.