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Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Xi Jinping

Also known as: President Xi · Chinese President Xi Jinping · President Xi Jinping · General Secretary Xi · Chinese leader Xi Jinping · Chinese counterpart

Chinese leader who held consecutive calls with Putin and Trump this week, amid purges of senior military generals from China's Central Military Commission.

2018-03-162026-06-08

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. April 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Xi Jinping covets stability

    Source

    Beijing will likely have decided to play the role of peacemaker because the war in Iran jeopardises something Xi covets: stability.

    China is trying to play peacemaker in the Iran war – will it work?
  3. March 2026
  4. New Era

    Trump suggested he would delay planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if Beijing does not help reopen the Strait of Hormuz

    Source

    Beijing said yesterday it is in talks with Washington over a visit by Trump expected this month, even after the US president suggested he would delay the planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if Beijing does not help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

    Global economic fallout from Middle East war
  5. The Namibian

    President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet with Trump in Beijing at end of March

    Source

    Those talks are expected to help lay the groundwork for Trump to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing at the end of March.

    US launches probe into trading partners including the EU, China and India
  6. New Era

    President Xi Jinping sent congratulatory message to the 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia

    Source

    This bold initiative arrived in the context of China's deepening engagement with Africa, confirmed most recently in Chinese President Xi Jinping's congratulatory message to the 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia.

    Opinion –  China's zero-tariff policy for Africa: A new catalyst for shared prosperity
  7. New Era

    President Xi Jinping has sent three letters or messages to African brothers within two months into 2026.

    Source

    We're just two months into 2026 and already President Xi has sent three letters or messages to our African brothers: a letter of congratulation on the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a reply to veterans of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle, and a congratulatory message to the African Union Summit for the 14th year running.

    Opinion –  Key takeaways:  Chinese FM Wang Yi on China-Africa relationship, Middle East and multipolarity
  8. The Namibian

    President Xi Jinping is expected to meet US President Donald Trump for first face-to-face talks this year

    Source

    Trump is expected to visit China in April and meet President Xi Jinping for their first face-to-face talks this year.

    China sets lowest economic growth target since 1991
  9. February 2026
  10. The Namibian

    Chinese president Xi Jinping confirmed that China would grant zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines to African countries

    Source

    Chinese president Xi Jinping confirmed that China would grant zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines to African countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Beijing.

    Namibia to benefit from China’s new zero-tariff policy
  11. The Namibian

    Xi Jinping held back-to-back calls with Putin and Trump

    Source

    China's leader, Xi Jinping, held back-to-back calls with Russia's Vladimir Putin and United States (US) president Donald Trump this week, timing analysts said on Thursday was rare and significant as Beijing positions itself as a stable global power.

    Why did Xi hold back-to-back calls with Putin, Trump?
  12. The Namibian

    Xi warns Washington to exercise caution in arms sales to Taiwan

    Source

    On Taiwan, however, Xi warns Washington to exercise caution in arms sales to the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims as its own territory and has vowed to retake by force if necessary.

    Why did Xi hold back-to-back calls with Putin, Trump?
  13. New Era

    President Xi Jinping announced China's bilateral relations with all African countries maintaining diplomatic ties with China elevated to strategic relations

    Source

    During the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi Jinping announced that China's bilateral relations with all African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with China had been elevated to the level of strategic relations.

    Chinese places people-to-people at centre
World & Region

China and Pakistan offer peace plan for Iran conflict

The News

China has joined Pakistan in proposing a five-point plan to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East war, motivated by concerns that prolonged conflict threatens global economic stability and supplies to its industrial base. Beijing's move marks a diplomatic shift and comes ahead of trade talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.

1 April 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 1 April

  1. China and Pakistan offer peace plan for Iran conflict

    China has joined Pakistan in proposing a five-point plan to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East war, motivated by concerns that prolonged conflict threatens global economic stability and supplies to its industrial base. Beijing's move marks a diplomatic shift and comes ahead of trade talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.

    1 April 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Middle East war drives oil prices above $100 per barrel

    Oil prices surged above US$106 a barrel as conflict in the region disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the International Energy Agency to coordinate the release of strategic oil reserves across Asia, Europe, and North America. Global energy ministers are meeting to address soaring prices and discuss measures including price caps and military operations to reopen critical shipping routes.

    17 March 2026 · New Era

Thursday 12 March

  1. US launches trade investigation into major partners

    The US has launched a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices by major trading partners including China, the EU, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, potentially leading to new tariffs by summer. The probe follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump's previous tariff policies and offers the administration a way to impose new levies on countries found to have engaged in unfair trade.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 11 March

  1. China grants zero-tariff access to 53 African countries from 2026

    China has announced zero-tariff treatment for imports from 53 African countries beginning May 1, 2026, a policy intended to enhance African exporters' competitiveness, support industrialization, and strengthen China-Africa relations through trade-led development rather than aid-dependent frameworks.

    11 March 2026 · New Era

  2. Chinese FM Wang Yi addresses Africa ties, Middle East, multipolarity

    At a Beijing press conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed China's commitment to deepening China-Africa friendship, called for a political settlement to the Middle East conflict, and outlined China's vision for a multipolar world built on equality and cooperation rather than hegemony.

    11 March 2026 · New Era

Thursday 5 March

  1. China sets lowest economic growth target since 1991

    China has announced an annual economic growth target of 4.5–5%, the lowest since 1991, as it faces domestic challenges including weak consumption, a shrinking population, and property crisis, alongside global trade tensions and energy pressures. The target, released during China's "two sessions" political gathering, signals a shift to more flexible goals while Beijing pursues investments in innovation, green energy, and efforts to boost household consumption.

    5 March 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 16 February

  1. Namibia among 53 African nations gaining China tariff-free access

    China will remove tariffs on imports from Namibia and all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, effective 1 May, according to an announcement by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson. The policy expands an existing zero-tariff arrangement that currently covers 33 African countries and forms part of broader efforts to deepen trade and economic cooperation under the China-Africa Cooperation framework.

    16 February 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 5 February

  1. China's Xi holds rare back-to-back calls with Putin, Trump

    Chinese leader Xi Jinping held consecutive calls with Russia's Putin and US president Trump this week, a rare move analysts say demonstrates China positioning itself as equidistant between the two powers while securing trade commitments. The timing is seen as significant for projecting stability and Xi's global standing, particularly as China faces domestic political pressures.

    5 February 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 2 February

  1. Chinese ambassador promotes people-to-people exchanges with Namibia

    China's ambassador to Namibia held roundtable talks with local representatives to advance the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as development, entrepreneurship, and media exchanges. Namibian visitors to China shared insights on modernisation initiatives and the tangible outcomes of Namibia–China partnership, including housing projects for police officers.

    2 February 2026 · New Era

Friday 30 January

  1. China pledges expanded support for Namibians in 2026

    China's ambassador announced that the country will increase support for Namibians during 2026 China-Africa activities under the theme "Year of People-to-People Exchanges," with 58 key activities planned including agriculture training, technology transfer, and educational exchanges. The initiative aims to strengthen economic, political, and social ties between China and African nations, with the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia welcoming the cooperation on urban planning and development.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 27 January

  1. China removes senior generals in unprecedented military leadership purge

    China's top military general Zhang Youxia and another senior officer Gen Liu Zhenli have been purged, leaving the Central Military Commission with only Xi Jinping and one other member—a historic consolidation blamed officially on corruption but possibly reflecting power consolidation. Analysts warn the purge creates a leadership void that could hamper military decision-making and escalate risks involving Taiwan.

    27 January 2026 · The Namibian

Xi Jinping — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute