INTERNACIONAL
China spending ‘drastically more’ on military than declared, US admiral says
The increase in China’s defense spending is concerning given its economy is «failing», the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Admiral John Aquilino said China’s economy had been battered by turmoil in its real estate sector and asserted that its official growth rates were «not real».
He also said China was spending «drastically more» on its military than the 7.2% increase it declared last month.
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«Despite a failing economy, there’s a conscious decision to fund military capability. That’s concerning to me,» said Aquilino, who is due to leave his post next month.
He also criticized China’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric and actions in the South and East China Seas, specifically around the disputed Second Thomas Shoal and Taiwan.
Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command speaks at the IISS Special Lecture in Singapore on March 16, 2023. (Reuters/Caroline Chia/File Photo)
«As it applies specifically to Taiwan, I am watching an increasingly aggressive campaign plan of coercion and pressure,» he said.
The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
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A top Chinese military leader told a gathering of senior foreign naval officials this week that China remains committed to resolving maritime disputes with other countries through dialogue but will not allow itself to be «abused».
Aquilino also labeled North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s regime «disgusting» for spending on its military even as the country has grappled with food shortages.
«This is another regime where every bit of economic advance that they may have despite the sanctions are going towards military capability and not to feeding the North Korean people. That’s disgusting,» he said.
INTERNACIONAL
Pope Francis suffering from early-stage kidney failure, though condition remains ‘under control’: Vatican
Pope Francis remained in critical condition in an Italian hospital on Sunday, as officials shared that he is suffering from early-stage kidney failure amid his treatment for bilateral pneumonia.
Francis, who is currently staying at the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, remains alert and attended Mass on Sunday, according to the Vatican. The pope has been fighting pneumonia and a complex lung infection since being hospitalized on Feb. 14.
The Holy See Press Office published a detailed statement about the 88-year-old pope’s health on Sunday, noting that his condition «remains critical, but since [Saturday] evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises.»
«He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with benefit, and his hemoglobin levels have risen,» the report noted.
POPE FRANCIS’ MEDICAL CONDITION: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BILATERAL PNEUMONIA
Pope Francis holds his homily during the weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall on February 12, 2025, in Vatican City, Vatican. (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
«The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency [kidney failure], which is currently under control.»
The Holy See also noted that Pope Francis is receiving oxygen and «remains alert and well-oriented.»
«The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain reserved,» the statement concluded. «This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization.»
POPE FRANCIS IS ‘FINE,’ CONDITION NOT LIFE-THREATENING, DOCTORS SAY
Deacons take part in a mass for their jubilee in St. Peter’s Basilica at The Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, that was supposed to be presided over by Pope Francis who was admitted over a week ago at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic and is in critical condition. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
The statement came after Pope Francis published a message of his own on X, thanking the international Catholic community for their prayers. He had suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday, a condition worsened by the fact that he had part of one of his lungs removed when he was younger.
«I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,» Pope Francis posted on X Sunday. «Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!»
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Pope Francis holds his homily during the weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall on February 12, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. (REUTERS/Ciro De Luca/File Photo)
«I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, as the #GospelOfTheDay suggests,» another post of his read. «May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!»
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Pope Francis suffering from early-stage kidney failure, though condition remains ‘under control’: Vatican
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