The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dollar-pinned-down-after-poor-us-manufacturing-data-pound-slips-253220">US&nbsp;dollar</a> edged higher on Wednesday after disappointing manufacturing data had whacked the greenback off two-year&nbsp;highs, while the euro clung to levels above $1.09.

The US&nbsp;manufacturing contracted at the fastest pace in more than a decade in September, making the United States the latest country to suffer a manufacturing downturn amid a trade war between Washington and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-marks-70th-national-day-with-military-parade-253164">Beijing</a>.

Many analysts, however, say the setback for the dollar will likely prove temporary given its higher yield versus peers and the relative strength of the US&nbsp;economy,&nbsp;non-farm payrolls data due on Friday should give some more insight into the health of the US&nbsp;economy.

"Yes US&nbsp;manufacturing is disappointing but it's no more disappointing than the eurozone PMIs (Purchasing Managers' Index surveys) we saw," said Michael Hewson, an analyst at CMC Markets, referring to weak surveys in the euro area released this week.

Hewson said weakness in US&nbsp;manufacturing would have to spill over into the services sector before it had a significant impact on monetary policy and the outlook for the dollar.

Others differed. The manufacturing reading was a bad omen for September US&nbsp;labour figures due on Friday, BNY Mellon analysts said in a note since moves are often correlated.

"This reinforces our view that while the Fed is still stubbornly clinging to its view that rates are currently appropriate. It will ultimately have to accept that the pillars of support - the labour market and the consumer - are weakening," the bank said.

Even with more rate cuts, the dollar is still the highest-yielding currency among its developed market peers.

The dollar index inched 0.1 per cent&nbsp;higher to 99.242&nbsp;in early trade after hitting as high as 99.667 on Tuesday, a 29-month peak, before the manufacturing data was released.

The euro fell 0.1 per cent&nbsp;to $1.0921&nbsp;but was above its two-year low of $1.0879 touched on Tuesday.

The Japanese yen strengthened 0.2 per cent&nbsp;to 107.57, reflecting investor demand for safer assets after the US&nbsp;data heightened concerns about the health of the global economy.

The Swiss franc, another safe-haven currency, fell, however, by 0.3 per cent&nbsp;against the euro&nbsp;and 0.4 per cent&nbsp;against the dollar.

Elsewhere, the Australian dollar struggled around the $0.67&nbsp;mark but remained above its decade-low of $0.6672 hit on Tuesday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-central-bank-cuts-rates-to-new-record-low-252964">Reserve Bank of Australia</a> cut rates to an all-time low.

The pound sank 0.3 per cent&nbsp;against the dollar to $1.2271&nbsp; and was headed back toward an almost one-month low plumbed overnight. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil his final <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-to-unveil-final-brexit-offer-to-european-union-253189">Brexit </a>offer to the European Union on Wednesday and make clear that Britain intends to leave the EU on October&nbsp;31, no matter what.

The US dollar edged higher on Wednesday after disappointing manufacturing data had whacked the greenback off two-year highs, while the euro clung to levels above $1.

The US dollar edged higher on Wednesday after disappointing manufacturing data had whacked the greenback off two-year highs, while the euro clung to levels above $1.09. The US manufacturing contracted at the fastest pace in more than a decade in September, making the United States the latest country to suffer a manufacturing downturn amid a trade war between Washington and Beijing. Many analysts, however, say the setback for the dollar will likely prove temporary given its higher yield versus peers and the relative strength of the US economy, non-farm payrolls data due on Friday should give some more insight into the health of the US economy. "Yes US manufacturing is disappointing but it's no more disappointing than the eurozone PMIs (Purchasing Managers' Index surveys) we saw," said Michael Hewson, an analyst at CMC Markets, referring to weak surveys in the euro area released this week. Hewson said weakness in US manufacturing would have to spill over into the services sector before it had a significant impact on monetary policy and the outlook for the dollar. Others differed. The manufacturing reading was a bad omen for September US labour figures due on Friday, BNY Mellon analysts said in a note since moves are often correlated. "This reinforces our view that while the Fed is still stubbornly clinging to its view that rates are currently appropriate. It will ultimately have to accept that the pillars of support - the labour market and the consumer - are weakening," the bank said. Even with more rate cuts, the dollar is still the highest-yielding currency among its developed market peers. The dollar index inched 0.1 per cent higher to 99.242 in early trade after hitting as high as 99.667 on Tuesday, a 29-month peak, before the manufacturing data was released. The euro fell 0.1 per cent to $1.0921 but was above its two-year low of $1.0879 touched on Tuesday. The Japanese yen strengthened 0.2 per cent to 107.57, reflecting investor demand for safer assets after the US data heightened concerns about the health of the global economy. The Swiss franc, another safe-haven currency, fell, however, by 0.3 per cent against the euro and 0.4 per cent against the dollar. Elsewhere, the Australian dollar struggled around the $0.67 mark but remained above its decade-low of $0.6672 hit on Tuesday after the Reserve Bank of Australia cut rates to an all-time low. The pound sank 0.3 per cent against the dollar to $1.2271 and was headed back toward an almost one-month low plumbed overnight. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil his final Brexit offer to the European Union on Wednesday and make clear that Britain intends to leave the EU on October 31, no matter what.

Dollar steadies after data knocks it off two-year highs

Rescuers in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-bodies-found-two-still-missing-after-taiwan-bridge-collapse-253187">Taiwan</a> searched on Wednesday for the last fisherman believed to have been crushed in his boat when a bridge collapsed into a harbour, killing at least five people, as questions were raised about construction standards.

Divers joined hundreds of rescuers in the search effort, using cranes and excavators to raise the wreckage of two fishing boats after Tuesday's accident injured ten&nbsp;people, most of them fishermen from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-arrested-after-fresh-indonesia-legal-reforms-protests-253022">Indonesia</a> and the Philippines.

"Rescuers found the body of a foreign fisherman, while the search for one missing foreign fisherman continues", the National Fire Agency said in a statement in the early afternoon.

Dramatic video images released by Taiwan's Coast Patrol Corps showed the arched bridge in the northeastern town of Suao collapsing just as an oil tanker was crossing. Plumes of black smoke went up when the cargo of fuel burst into flames.

It was not immediately known what caused the collapse, which crushed three boats and set the tanker ablaze.

The bridge, dubbed the "lovers' bridge", was built in 1998 and was a tourist attraction.

The incident shocked many in Taiwan, which is regularly hit by earthquakes and typhoons and has high building standards, prompting authorities to launch a review of bridges.

The government has set up a task force to investigate, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">President Tsai Ing-wen </a>vowing not to "evade responsibilities".

Suao's mayor, Lee Ming-Che, told Reuters residents had raised a concern about the bridge's load limit, saying trucks carrying blocks of concrete for a construction project near the harbour had caused "shakings" when crossing the bridge.

Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), which managed the bridge's maintenance and oversees nearby the project, said it had completed a safety review before allowing the trucks to use the bridge.

"The project was evaluated and proven to be fine," said Wang Chin-Jung, associate general manager of TIPC, referring to the bridge's load limit.

"We will check if there's any problem with the bridge's design, construction and maintenance... We will not evade responsibilities if we have any," Wang said.

TIPC said the bridge was regularly checked and maintained, and that the company had observed safety regulations.

The bridge was last reinforced in 2018 and another security check was due next year, the company said. Problems such as rusty steel and cracks in concrete had been fixed during a check last October, it said.

Rescuers in Taiwan searched on Wednesday for the last fisherman believed to have been crushed in his boat when a bridge collapsed into a harbour, killing at least five people, as questions were raised about construction standards.

Rescuers in Taiwan searched on Wednesday for the last fisherman believed to have been crushed in his boat when a bridge collapsed into a harbour, killing at least five people, as questions were raised about construction standards. Divers joined hundreds of rescuers in the search effort, using cranes and excavators to raise the wreckage of two fishing boats after Tuesday's accident injured ten people, most of them fishermen from Indonesia and the Philippines. "Rescuers found the body of a foreign fisherman, while the search for one missing foreign fisherman continues", the National Fire Agency said in a statement in the early afternoon. Dramatic video images released by Taiwan's Coast Patrol Corps showed the arched bridge in the northeastern town of Suao collapsing just as an oil tanker was crossing. Plumes of black smoke went up when the cargo of fuel burst into flames. It was not immediately known what caused the collapse, which crushed three boats and set the tanker ablaze. The bridge, dubbed the "lovers' bridge", was built in 1998 and was a tourist attraction. The incident shocked many in Taiwan, which is regularly hit by earthquakes and typhoons and has high building standards, prompting authorities to launch a review of bridges. The government has set up a task force to investigate, with President Tsai Ing-wen vowing not to "evade responsibilities". Suao's mayor, Lee Ming-Che, told Reuters residents had raised a concern about the bridge's load limit, saying trucks carrying blocks of concrete for a construction project near the harbour had caused "shakings" when crossing the bridge. Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), which managed the bridge's maintenance and oversees nearby the project, said it had completed a safety review before allowing the trucks to use the bridge. "The project was evaluated and proven to be fine," said Wang Chin-Jung, associate general manager of TIPC, referring to the bridge's load limit. "We will check if there's any problem with the bridge's design, construction and maintenance... We will not evade responsibilities if we have any," Wang said. TIPC said the bridge was regularly checked and maintained, and that the company had observed safety regulations. The bridge was last reinforced in 2018 and another security check was due next year, the company said. Problems such as rusty steel and cracks in concrete had been fixed during a check last October, it said.

Taiwan divers search for trapped fisherman after bridge collapse kills five

A human rights lawyer who fought to end the "ghost" status of stateless people in Kyrgyzstan, was on Wednesday named the winner of the U.N. refugee agency's prestigious Nansen award.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hailed Azizbek Ashurov for helping Kyrgyzstan to become the world's first country to end statelessness, working through his organisation Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders (FVLWB).

He has helped more than 10,000 people gain Kyrgyz nationality after they became stateless following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the agency said in a statement.

"I cannot stand still when I see an injustice," Ashurov said in the statement. "Statelessness is injustice".

"A stateless person is not recognised by any state," he said. "They are like ghosts. They exist physically, but they don't exist on paper."

Ashurov will receive his award at a ceremony in Geneva next Monday.

Thanks to his work, around 2,000 children have been handed a right to education, and a future in which they will be free to travel, marry and work, UNHCR said.

"Azizbek Ashurov's story is one of great personal resolve and tenacity," UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said in the statement.&nbsp;

"His commitment to the cause of eradicating statelessness in Kyrgyzstan ... is a compelling example of the power of an individual to inspire and mobilise collective action," he added.&nbsp;

Ashurov was motivated by his own family's struggle to achieve Kyrgyz citizenship after arriving from Uzbekistan.

'Stranded'

During the Soviet era, there were no internal borders, and people moved across Central Asia with only internal documentation.

But after the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991, "many people became stranded across newly established borders, often with now-invalid Soviet passports or no means to prove where they were born," the UNHCR noted.

This left hundreds of thousands of people stateless throughout the region, including in Kyrgyzstan.

Statelessness, which affects millions worldwide, leaves people politically and economically marginalised, often discriminated against and particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, according to UNHCR.

In the former Soviet Union, women were disproportionately affected by the problem, since they had been more likely to move to marry. And due to hereditary citizenship laws, their statelessness was passed on to their children, UNHCR said.

Ashurov helped found Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders (FVLWB) in 2003 to provide free legal advice and assistance to stateless and undocumented people in the southern part of the country.

He and FVLWB formed mobile legal teams which travelled to remote areas of the south of the country, sometimes on horseback, to find vulnerable and socially marginalised groups.

The Nansen prize, awarded annually, is named for Norwegian polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen, who served as the first High Commissioner for refugees during the failed League of Nations.

Last year's winner was&nbsp;South Sudanese doctor Evan Atar Adaha, who runs an overcrowded hospital to service refugees from Blue Nile State.

A human rights lawyer who fought to end the "ghost" status of stateless people in Kyrgyzstan, was on Wednesday named the winner of the U.N. refugee agency's prestigious Nansen award.

A human rights lawyer who fought to end the "ghost" status of stateless people in Kyrgyzstan, was on Wednesday named the winner of the U.N. refugee agency's prestigious Nansen award. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hailed Azizbek Ashurov for helping Kyrgyzstan to become the world's first country to end statelessness, working through his organisation Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders (FVLWB). He has helped more than 10,000 people gain Kyrgyz nationality after they became stateless following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the agency said in a statement. "I cannot stand still when I see an injustice," Ashurov said in the statement. "Statelessness is injustice". "A stateless person is not recognised by any state," he said. "They are like ghosts. They exist physically, but they don't exist on paper." Ashurov will receive his award at a ceremony in Geneva next Monday. Thanks to his work, around 2,000 children have been handed a right to education, and a future in which they will be free to travel, marry and work, UNHCR said. "Azizbek Ashurov's story is one of great personal resolve and tenacity," UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said in the statement. "His commitment to the cause of eradicating statelessness in Kyrgyzstan ... is a compelling example of the power of an individual to inspire and mobilise collective action," he added. Ashurov was motivated by his own family's struggle to achieve Kyrgyz citizenship after arriving from Uzbekistan. 'Stranded' During the Soviet era, there were no internal borders, and people moved across Central Asia with only internal documentation. But after the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991, "many people became stranded across newly established borders, often with now-invalid Soviet passports or no means to prove where they were born," the UNHCR noted. This left hundreds of thousands of people stateless throughout the region, including in Kyrgyzstan. Statelessness, which affects millions worldwide, leaves people politically and economically marginalised, often discriminated against and particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, according to UNHCR. In the former Soviet Union, women were disproportionately affected by the problem, since they had been more likely to move to marry. And due to hereditary citizenship laws, their statelessness was passed on to their children, UNHCR said. Ashurov helped found Ferghana Valley Lawyers Without Borders (FVLWB) in 2003 to provide free legal advice and assistance to stateless and undocumented people in the southern part of the country. He and FVLWB formed mobile legal teams which travelled to remote areas of the south of the country, sometimes on horseback, to find vulnerable and socially marginalised groups. The Nansen prize, awarded annually, is named for Norwegian polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen, who served as the first High Commissioner for refugees during the failed League of Nations. Last year's winner was South Sudanese doctor Evan Atar Adaha, who runs an overcrowded hospital to service refugees from Blue Nile State.

Kyrgyz lawyer wins United Nations prize for battling statelessness

Hong Kong authorities start arrests after violent clashes

At least six people were killed in a mine explosion in the northeastern Afghan province of Kapisa, local media reported on Wednesday.

According to Afghanistan's TOLOnews agency, citing local law enforcement, four women and two children, most likely related, were killed when a roadside mine went off in a village in the Nijrab district of Kapisa province on Tuesday.

At the same time, the nation's Ariana News TV channel said, citing the Afghan Interior Ministry, that the explosion took the lives of two men and four women and injured two others.

At least six people were killed in a mine explosion in the northeastern Afghan province of Kapisa, local media reported on Wednesday. According to Afghanistan's TOLOnews agency, citing local law enforcement, four women and two children, most likely related, were killed when a roadside mine went off in a village in the Nijrab district of Kapisa province on Tuesday.

At least six people were killed in a mine explosion in the northeastern Afghan province of Kapisa, local media reported on Wednesday. According to Afghanistan's TOLOnews agency, citing local law enforcement, four women and two children, most likely related, were killed when a roadside mine went off in a village in the Nijrab district of Kapisa province on Tuesday. At the same time, the nation's Ariana News TV channel said, citing the Afghan Interior Ministry, that the explosion took the lives of two men and four women and injured two others.

Six killed in mine explosion in Afghanistan's Kapisa

Australia's Alyssa Healy smashed an unbeaten 148 off 61 balls to set a new world record for the highest individual score in women's Twenty20 internationals at the North Sydney Oval on Wednesday.

Healy reached her century in just 46 balls, the second-fastest in history, as Australia piled up 226 for two in the final game of the three-match series against Sri Lanka.

The 29-year-old opener reached the world record with a six in the penultimate over, eclipsing teammate Meg Lanning's previous mark of 133 not out set against England in July.

This time Lanning was cast in a supporting role as she admired the innings from the non-striker's end.

Having celebrated her 100th T20I two days ago, Healy knocked the stuffing out of Sri Lanka's bowling attack and finished with 19 fours and seven sixes.

"It was just one of those days where everything seemed to come out of the middle, so I'll take that," Healy told Fox Cricket.

Australia's Alyssa Healy smashed an unbeaten 148 off 61 balls to set a new world record for the highest individual score in women's Twenty20 internationals at the North Sydney Oval on Wednesday.

Australia's Alyssa Healy smashed an unbeaten 148 off 61 balls to set a new world record for the highest individual score in women's Twenty20 internationals at the North Sydney Oval on Wednesday. Healy reached her century in just 46 balls, the second-fastest in history, as Australia piled up 226 for two in the final game of the three-match series against Sri Lanka. The 29-year-old opener reached the world record with a six in the penultimate over, eclipsing teammate Meg Lanning's previous mark of 133 not out set against England in July. This time Lanning was cast in a supporting role as she admired the innings from the non-striker's end. Having celebrated her 100th T20I two days ago, Healy knocked the stuffing out of Sri Lanka's bowling attack and finished with 19 fours and seven sixes. "It was just one of those days where everything seemed to come out of the middle, so I'll take that," Healy told Fox Cricket.

Alyssa Healy smashes record T20I score

30 years in: Tracing the history of gay marriage

In a first in the northern part of the country, a park designed for differently-abled&nbsp;children has been opened in Panchkula's Town Park.

The park has been built by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in an area of six-acre at a total cost of 65 lanks.

The funding has been provided by Reliance Foundation under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The swings installed in the park have been designed especially for divyangs. In addition, speech therapists, physiotherapists and vocational trainers would also be present in the state-of-the-art park to assist differently-abled&nbsp;children.

"The park has been built keeping in mind safety of differently-abled children," said Rommel Rajain, the head of Security and Corporate Social Responsibility in Reliance Foundation.

"There is a wheelchair accessible trampoline and a merry-go-round. Five&nbsp;types of swings with baskets, a wobbly basket, slides and musical instruments also installed", Rajain added.

The other recreational facilities include trampolines, roller beds, basket spinner, xylophones, drums, wobbly baskets, slides with various tunnels and mounds.

"I believe this is a great initiative," said Mamta Sharma, the Principal at ASHA School.

"The children are very happy and would definitely want to come back here", she added.

In a first in the northern part of the country, a park designed for differently-abled children has been opened in Panchkula's Town Park. The park has been built by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in an area of six-acre at a total cost of 65 lanks.

In a first in the northern part of the country, a park designed for differently-abled children has been opened in Panchkula's Town Park. The park has been built by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in an area of six-acre at a total cost of 65 lanks. The funding has been provided by Reliance Foundation under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The swings installed in the park have been designed especially for divyangs. In addition, speech therapists, physiotherapists and vocational trainers would also be present in the state-of-the-art park to assist differently-abled children. "The park has been built keeping in mind safety of differently-abled children," said Rommel Rajain, the head of Security and Corporate Social Responsibility in Reliance Foundation. "There is a wheelchair accessible trampoline and a merry-go-round. Five types of swings with baskets, a wobbly basket, slides and musical instruments also installed", Rajain added. The other recreational facilities include trampolines, roller beds, basket spinner, xylophones, drums, wobbly baskets, slides with various tunnels and mounds. "I believe this is a great initiative," said Mamta Sharma, the Principal at ASHA School. "The children are very happy and would definitely want to come back here", she added.

Haryana: Park designed for differently-abled children opens in Panchkula

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned&nbsp;China's&nbsp;"dictatorship" on the&nbsp;70th&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion.

Defeated Nationalist forces fled to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-shuts-its-schools-and-markets-as-typhoon-mitag-approaches-252761">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;in 1949 after losing a civil war to the&nbsp;Communists. China claims now democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-anniversary-no-force-can-shake-the-chinese-nation-says-president-xi-jinping-252931">President Xi Jinping</a>, addressing a massive military parade in Beijing to mark seven decades of&nbsp;Communist&nbsp;Party&nbsp;rule, said China would promote the peaceful development of relations with&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification".

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, responding to the parade and Xi's comments, said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;would never accept "one country, two systems", the model of supposedly high autonomy Hong Kong and Macau have, which Beijing sees as eventually being the best way to win&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over.

"The Chinese&nbsp;Communist&nbsp;Party has persisted with its one-party dictatorship for 70 years, a concept of governance that violates the values ​​of democracy, freedom and human rights, causing risks and challenges for the development of mainland China," it said.

"It's shouting about the struggle for unity, great rejuvenation and unification is only an excuse for military expansion, seriously threatening regional peace and world democracy and civilisation."

Taiwan&nbsp;has been democratic for more than 30 years, and China should use this moment to reflect and push for democracy, it added.

"The lifeline of the survival and development of mainland China is not tied to one person and one party," the council said.

Taiwan&nbsp;will not be bullied into accepting&nbsp;China's&nbsp;position, it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-marks-70-years-of-communism-with-massive-show-of-force-252955">China</a> has heaped pressure on&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen, who faces re-election in January, believing she wishes to push for the island's formal independence, a red line for Beijing.

China has also been angered for expressions of support from&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;for anti-government protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-under-lockdown-on-chinas-70th-national-day-252958">Hong Kong</a>, which are expected again on Tuesday.

"We are a country of democracy and freedom and will show support for anyone in the world who pursues democracy and freedom," Tsai told reporters on Tuesday.

"Likewise, any&nbsp;ruler should carefully listen to the people's pursuit of freedom and democracy and respect the people's will", Tsai added.

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned China's "dictatorship" on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion.

Taiwan's government on Tuesday condemned China's "dictatorship" on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion. Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists. China claims now democratic Taiwan as its sacred territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control. President Xi Jinping, addressing a massive military parade in Beijing to mark seven decades of Communist Party rule, said China would promote the peaceful development of relations with Taiwan and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification". Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, responding to the parade and Xi's comments, said Taiwan would never accept "one country, two systems", the model of supposedly high autonomy Hong Kong and Macau have, which Beijing sees as eventually being the best way to win Taiwan over. "The Chinese Communist Party has persisted with its one-party dictatorship for 70 years, a concept of governance that violates the values of democracy, freedom and human rights, causing risks and challenges for the development of mainland China," it said. "It's shouting about the struggle for unity, great rejuvenation and unification is only an excuse for military expansion, seriously threatening regional peace and world democracy and civilisation." Taiwan has been democratic for more than 30 years, and China should use this moment to reflect and push for democracy, it added. "The lifeline of the survival and development of mainland China is not tied to one person and one party," the council said. Taiwan will not be bullied into accepting China's position, it added. China has heaped pressure on Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who faces re-election in January, believing she wishes to push for the island's formal independence, a red line for Beijing. China has also been angered for expressions of support from Taiwan for anti-government protests in Hong Kong, which are expected again on Tuesday. "We are a country of democracy and freedom and will show support for anyone in the world who pursues democracy and freedom," Tsai told reporters on Tuesday. "Likewise, any ruler should carefully listen to the people's pursuit of freedom and democracy and respect the people's will", Tsai added.

Taiwan condemns China's 'dictatorship' on 70th anniversary of Communist rule

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-marks-70-years-of-communism-with-massive-show-of-force-252955">China</a> celebrated its growing power and confidence with a massive display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing on Tuesday, overseen by President&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;Jinping who pledged&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;development&nbsp;on the 70th birthday of Communist China.

The event is the&nbsp;country's most important of the year as China looks to project its assurance in the face of mounting challenges, including nearly four months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong and an economy-sapping trade war with the United States.

Xi, dressed in a slate grey "Mao" suit and accompanied by his predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, said China will pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up.

The&nbsp;country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-70th-anniversary-national-day-parade-china-unveils-dongfeng-41-nuke-missile-that-can-strike-us-in-30-minutes-252957">military</a> should resolutely safeguard&nbsp;China's&nbsp;sovereignty, security, and&nbsp;development&nbsp;interests, and firmly uphold world peace,&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;told a handpicked crowd at Tiananmen Square, in comments carried live on state television.

"We must adhere to the&nbsp;path&nbsp;of&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;development, pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, and continue to push forward to create a community of shared future for mankind together with people of all the other countries,"&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;said from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China on this day in 1949.

China must maintain lasting prosperity and stability in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/street-fires-burn-in-hong-kong-amid-running-battles-between-protesters-and-police-252690">Hong Kong</a> and Macao, promote the&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;development&nbsp;of relations with self-ruled Taiwan and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification", he added.

Xi, whose military modernisation programme has rattled nerves around the region, then descended to the street and inspected row upon row of military hardware and immaculately presented troops.

Riding past in a black limousine,&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;bellowed; "Hello comrades, hard-working comrades!"

The massed ranks of soldiers shouted back: "Follow the Party! Fight to win! Forge exemplary conduct!"

Xi&nbsp;remains broadly popular in China for his aggressive campaign against corruption and for propelling what is now the world's second-biggest economy to the forefront of global politics.

But the Communist Party remains nervous about its grip on power and international standing.

The capital has been locked down for the parade.

China celebrated its growing power and confidence with a massive display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing on Tuesday, overseen by President Xi Jinping who pledged peaceful development on the 70th birthday of Communist China.

China celebrated its growing power and confidence with a massive display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing on Tuesday, overseen by President Xi Jinping who pledged peaceful development on the 70th birthday of Communist China. The event is the country's most important of the year as China looks to project its assurance in the face of mounting challenges, including nearly four months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong and an economy-sapping trade war with the United States. Xi, dressed in a slate grey "Mao" suit and accompanied by his predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, said China will pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up. The country's military should resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and firmly uphold world peace, Xi told a handpicked crowd at Tiananmen Square, in comments carried live on state television. "We must adhere to the path of peaceful development, pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, and continue to push forward to create a community of shared future for mankind together with people of all the other countries," Xi said from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China on this day in 1949. China must maintain lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, promote the peaceful development of relations with self-ruled Taiwan and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification", he added. Xi, whose military modernisation programme has rattled nerves around the region, then descended to the street and inspected row upon row of military hardware and immaculately presented troops. Riding past in a black limousine, Xi bellowed; "Hello comrades, hard-working comrades!" The massed ranks of soldiers shouted back: "Follow the Party! Fight to win! Forge exemplary conduct!" Xi remains broadly popular in China for his aggressive campaign against corruption and for propelling what is now the world's second-biggest economy to the forefront of global politics. But the Communist Party remains nervous about its grip on power and international standing. The capital has been locked down for the parade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping says country will stay on path of peaceful development

A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained minor injuries in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-jammu-kashmirs-poonch-indian-army-retaliating-252949">ceasefire violation</a> by Pakistan at Manyari post of Hiranagar in Kathua district, last night.

Constable Abhishek Roy, who received splinter injuries, is undergoing treatment at JMC hospital.

His condition is reported to be normal.

The Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire by firing 54 HE bombs, and 33 RDS&nbsp;with small weapons.

The BSF troops strongly retaliated to the firing.

A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained minor injuries in ceasefire violation by Pakistan at Manyari post of Hiranagar in Kathua district, last night. Constable Abhishek Roy, who received splinter injuries, is undergoing treatment at JMC hospital.

A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained minor injuries in ceasefire violation by Pakistan at Manyari post of Hiranagar in Kathua district, last night. Constable Abhishek Roy, who received splinter injuries, is undergoing treatment at JMC hospital. His condition is reported to be normal. The Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire by firing 54 HE bombs, and 33 RDS with small weapons. The BSF troops strongly retaliated to the firing.

Border Security Force jawan sustains injuries in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-on-oil-tankers-at-south-korean-port-injures-ten-252596">A South Korean fighter jet</a> conducted a patrol flight on Tuesday over islands at the centre of a bitter dispute with Japan, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said at an event marking the founding of the South Korean military.

South Korea showcased newly acquired F-35 stealth fighter jets to mark Armed Forces Day as Moon tried to allay concerns that his policy of engagement with North Korea would weaken the South's commitment to defence.

He said a South Korean F-15K jet patrolled over the disputed islets called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan, which are controlled by Seoul and claimed by both countries, a move that could inflame already strained ties between the two.

"Just a moment ago, the F-15K, the most powerful fighter-bomber in Northeast Asia, has returned from completing a patrol mission over our land Dokdo... without any problems," Moon said in an address to the military.

On Friday, South Korean government officials had protested against Tokyo's annual defence review which made a reference to Japan owning the islands. South Korea's foreign ministry summoned a military official at the Japanese embassy in Seoul to demand an immediate retraction.

South Korea and Japan have been locked in a worsening diplomatic and trade row rooted in wartime history and disagreements over compensation for forced labourers during Japan’s 1910-1945 occupation of Korea.

After Japan tightened its curbs on exports of high-tech materials vital to South Korea's chip and display industries in July, both countries have removed each other from fast-track trade status.

In July, a Russian military aircraft twice violated airspace over the disputed islands and drew hundreds of warning shots from South Korean jets, South Korean officials said, during what Russia said was a long-range joint air patrol with China.

Japan, which said it also scrambled fighter aircraft at the time, lodged a complaint with both South Korea and Russia over the incident.

The islands had 28 South Korean residents as of Tuesday, according to South Korean police.

F-35 deliveries

Moon marked Armed Forces Day at a ceremony at an airbase in the city of Daegu where four of the eight Lockheed Martin.&nbsp;F-35A jets delivered this year were displayed. Forty of the aircraft are to be delivered by 2021.

He made no direct mention of Japan, or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-between-us-north-korea-may-resume-in-2-3-weeks-251650">North Korea</a>, in his address, but said today's security climate was highly unpredictable, requiring strength as well as innovation.

"As the recent drone attack in the Middle East region demonstrated to the world, the challenges that we will face will be entirely different from those of the past," he said.

North Korea has criticised the South's weapons procurements and its joint military drills with the US&nbsp;military as undisguised preparations for war that are forcing it to develop new short-range missiles.

Moon has thrown his support behind dialogue to end the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, urging that working-level negotiations between the North and the United States be held soon. No new dates or locations have been set.

Analysts have said the F-35 stealth jets put North Korea's anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence systems in a vulnerable position.

A South Korean fighter jet conducted a patrol flight on Tuesday over islands at the centre of a bitter dispute with Japan, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said at an event marking the founding of the South Korean military.

A South Korean fighter jet conducted a patrol flight on Tuesday over islands at the centre of a bitter dispute with Japan, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said at an event marking the founding of the South Korean military. South Korea showcased newly acquired F-35 stealth fighter jets to mark Armed Forces Day as Moon tried to allay concerns that his policy of engagement with North Korea would weaken the South's commitment to defence. He said a South Korean F-15K jet patrolled over the disputed islets called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan, which are controlled by Seoul and claimed by both countries, a move that could inflame already strained ties between the two. "Just a moment ago, the F-15K, the most powerful fighter-bomber in Northeast Asia, has returned from completing a patrol mission over our land Dokdo... without any problems," Moon said in an address to the military. On Friday, South Korean government officials had protested against Tokyo's annual defence review which made a reference to Japan owning the islands. South Korea's foreign ministry summoned a military official at the Japanese embassy in Seoul to demand an immediate retraction. South Korea and Japan have been locked in a worsening diplomatic and trade row rooted in wartime history and disagreements over compensation for forced labourers during Japan’s 1910-1945 occupation of Korea. After Japan tightened its curbs on exports of high-tech materials vital to South Korea's chip and display industries in July, both countries have removed each other from fast-track trade status. In July, a Russian military aircraft twice violated airspace over the disputed islands and drew hundreds of warning shots from South Korean jets, South Korean officials said, during what Russia said was a long-range joint air patrol with China. Japan, which said it also scrambled fighter aircraft at the time, lodged a complaint with both South Korea and Russia over the incident. The islands had 28 South Korean residents as of Tuesday, according to South Korean police. F-35 deliveries Moon marked Armed Forces Day at a ceremony at an airbase in the city of Daegu where four of the eight Lockheed Martin. F-35A jets delivered this year were displayed. Forty of the aircraft are to be delivered by 2021. He made no direct mention of Japan, or North Korea, in his address, but said today's security climate was highly unpredictable, requiring strength as well as innovation. "As the recent drone attack in the Middle East region demonstrated to the world, the challenges that we will face will be entirely different from those of the past," he said. North Korea has criticised the South's weapons procurements and its joint military drills with the US military as undisguised preparations for war that are forcing it to develop new short-range missiles. Moon has thrown his support behind dialogue to end the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, urging that working-level negotiations between the North and the United States be held soon. No new dates or locations have been set. Analysts have said the F-35 stealth jets put North Korea's anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence systems in a vulnerable position.

South Korean fighter jet patrols over islands disputed by Japan

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Bharat Sharma

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