Russia-China Trade in Rubles and Yuan

The Russian Finance Minister highlighted on Tuesday that his country and China have essentially eliminated the use of Western currencies in trade, with almost all payments now carried out in rubles and yuan. 

According to Anton Siluanov, 99.1% of settlements between the two countries now take place in their own currencies. He added that this enables Russia and China to avoid “unfriendly foreign infrastructure” linked to the dollar- and euro-based banking systems.

Yesterday, Martin O'Neill (right) was handed a reality check in the Europa League when Celtic were beaten 3-1 by FC Midtjylland. 

The latter had run riot in the first half with an eight-minute three-goal blitz doing the damage. 

Admittedly, the Danish side, who made it four wins from four in the Europa League were superior to Celtic as they racked up a total of 23 shots. In fact, the latter faced 15 shots in the first half – the most they have conceded in the opening 45 minutes of a major European game since November 2012. 

Celtic did, manage to score a consolation goal when Callum Osmand was brought down inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot, with Reo Hatate stepping up to convert the penalty in the 81st minute. 

The defeat sees the Scottish champions fall out of the top 24 of the Europa League table to leave them in danger of failing to qualify for the knockout stages, as O'Neill's side sit 27th with four games remaining.