Now, Turkey stages military exercises in eastern Mediterranean amid tensions with Greece

President Xi told senior leaders on Saturday that China must build an “impregnable fortress” to maintain stability in Tibet, Chinese state media Xinhua reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-asks-china-to-reveal-whereabouts-of-tibets-panchen-lama-who-has-been-missing-for-25-years-299564">Also Read:&nbsp;US asks China to reveal whereabouts of Tibet's Panchen Lama</a>

The Chinese president reportedly said that political and ideological education needs to be strengthened in Tibet’s schools to “plant the seeds of loving China in the depths of the hearts of every youth," in order to build a "united, prosperous, civilised, harmonious and beautiful new, modern, socialist Tibet."

The Chinese leader reportedly said that role of the Communist Party needs to be "strengthened" to "integrate" the Tibet's&nbsp;local ethnic group.&nbsp;

China had taken control of Tibet in 1951 in what it called "peacefully liberated", however, critics say China has repressed Tibetan culture even as exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama,85, continues to stay in India with China not allowing him any access to the region.

China had earlier imposed visa restrictions on US citizens who have engaged in what it called egregious behaviour over Tibet as Beijing asserted that it would allow not allow foreign interference in Tibetan affairs.

The US had restricted visas to Chinese officials who it said were "substantially involved" in the "exclusion" of foreigners from Tibet. The US had passed a law two years ago aimed at pressuring China over its tight restrictions in Tibet.

According to Xinhua news agency, Xi said Tibetan Buddhism needs to "adapt" to "socialism and to Chinese conditions".&nbsp;Xi reportedly said that China should protect national unity and educate the masses in the struggle against “splittism”

President Xi told senior leaders on Saturday that China must build an “impregnable fortress” to maintain stability in Tibet, Chinese state media Xinhua reported.

President Xi told senior leaders on Saturday that China must build an “impregnable fortress” to maintain stability in Tibet, Chinese state media Xinhua reported. Also Read: US asks China to reveal whereabouts of Tibet's Panchen Lama The Chinese president reportedly said that political and ideological education needs to be strengthened in Tibet’s schools to “plant the seeds of loving China in the depths of the hearts of every youth," in order to build a "united, prosperous, civilised, harmonious and beautiful new, modern, socialist Tibet." The Chinese leader reportedly said that role of the Communist Party needs to be "strengthened" to "integrate" the Tibet's local ethnic group. China had taken control of Tibet in 1951 in what it called "peacefully liberated", however, critics say China has repressed Tibetan culture even as exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama,85, continues to stay in India with China not allowing him any access to the region. China had earlier imposed visa restrictions on US citizens who have engaged in what it called egregious behaviour over Tibet as Beijing asserted that it would allow not allow foreign interference in Tibetan affairs. The US had restricted visas to Chinese officials who it said were "substantially involved" in the "exclusion" of foreigners from Tibet. The US had passed a law two years ago aimed at pressuring China over its tight restrictions in Tibet. According to Xinhua news agency, Xi said Tibetan Buddhism needs to "adapt" to "socialism and to Chinese conditions". Xi reportedly said that China should protect national unity and educate the masses in the struggle against “splittism”

China must build an 'impregnable fortress' to maintain stability in Tibet: Xi to party leaders

Days after the explosive Congress Working Committee(CWC) meeting, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that "a person who becomes party president might not even have one per cent support."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-hold-elections-for-the-post-of-president-ahmed-patel-323064">Also Read:&nbsp;Congress to hold elections for the post of president: Ahmed Patel</a>

Azad was one of the 23 leaders who had demanded an "active, full-time and visible" party president which was described as a "letter not dissent" and criticised by party leader Rahul Gandhi who had questioned the timing the of the letter to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Gulam Nabi pitched for elections to be held within the party, adding that it would be better if an elected body represents the party otherwise the "Congress will continue to sit in the Opposition for the next 50 years."

"When you contest the election at least 51 per cent is with you and you contest the election against only 2 to 3 people within the party. A person who will get 51 per cent of votes will be elected. Others will get 10 or 15 per cent votes. The person who wins and get charge of the post of party president, it means that 51 per cent people are with him. The election has the benefit that when you fight elections, at least your party is 51 per cent behind you. Right now, the person who becomes president might not even have one per cent support. If members are elected then they cannot be removed. So what is the problem," Azad told ANI.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal who had hit out against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly questioning his loyalty backed Azad saying that the party needs 24x7 leadership since the Congress was at a historic low.

After the Congress meeting, Congress had said that Sonia Gandhi will continue in the post till a "proper procedure" is implemented in "not too distant future" to elect a party chief.

Sonia Gandhi had reportedly offered to quit but was requested by the CWC members to stay on.

Days after the explosive Congress Working Committee(CWC) meeting, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that "a person who becomes party president might not even have one per cent support.

Days after the explosive Congress Working Committee(CWC) meeting, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that "a person who becomes party president might not even have one per cent support." Also Read: Congress to hold elections for the post of president: Ahmed Patel Azad was one of the 23 leaders who had demanded an "active, full-time and visible" party president which was described as a "letter not dissent" and criticised by party leader Rahul Gandhi who had questioned the timing the of the letter to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Gulam Nabi pitched for elections to be held within the party, adding that it would be better if an elected body represents the party otherwise the "Congress will continue to sit in the Opposition for the next 50 years." "When you contest the election at least 51 per cent is with you and you contest the election against only 2 to 3 people within the party. A person who will get 51 per cent of votes will be elected. Others will get 10 or 15 per cent votes. The person who wins and get charge of the post of party president, it means that 51 per cent people are with him. The election has the benefit that when you fight elections, at least your party is 51 per cent behind you. Right now, the person who becomes president might not even have one per cent support. If members are elected then they cannot be removed. So what is the problem," Azad told ANI. Congress leader Kapil Sibal who had hit out against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly questioning his loyalty backed Azad saying that the party needs 24x7 leadership since the Congress was at a historic low. After the Congress meeting, Congress had said that Sonia Gandhi will continue in the post till a "proper procedure" is implemented in "not too distant future" to elect a party chief. Sonia Gandhi had reportedly offered to quit but was requested by the CWC members to stay on.

Person who becomes Congress president might not even have 1% support: Ghulam Nabi Azad

A short video of the United States First Lady Melania Trump giving her stepdaughter Ivanka Trump a "disdainful" look at the end of the speech given by US President Donald Trump has gone viral.

The three-second clip shows a grimace on Melania's face after Ivanka passes her without acknowleding her presence despite her nod. It has sparked fresh rumours of a tiff between the two.

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This was so weird. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RNC2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RNC2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/YHReTl0bfT">pic.twitter.com/YHReTl0bfT</a>
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The omnipresent first daughter who may harbour White House ambitions of her own, has remained her president father's loyal senior advisor, seeking to humanisee him Thursday as she introduced the "warrior" standing for re-election in November.

Of Donald Trump's five children, Ivanka was the only one invited to address the final night of the Republican National Convention, interpreted as a sign of the president's closeness to her.

The video comes amid&nbsp;an excerpt from&nbsp;Melania's former adviser&nbsp;Stephanie Winston Wolkoff's upcoming memoir 'Melania and Me'&nbsp;detailed&nbsp;the ongoing rivalry between the FLOTUS and Ivanka. It is&nbsp;close&nbsp;to its publishing date on&nbsp;September 1.

Stephanie&nbsp;Winston Wolkoff describes her "petty" attempt with Melania to keep Ivanka, whom she nicknamed "Princess", out of the best photo ops during Inauguration Day in 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="M" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e9cb152-ca15-426e-bc8c-c46ca47193e0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2819%29_11.jpg" />

In picture: Melania Trump with President Trump taking the oath of office on Inauguration Day/AFP

Stephanie&nbsp;Wolkoff, a former producer of the Met Gala was brought on to help organise the inaugural events. In an excerpt of her book she reveals how she, on Melania's instruction, deliberately arranged&nbsp;the seating and standing spot of each member of Trump’s family so that Ivanka cannot be seen&nbsp;on television.

She alleges Melania was frustrated that Ivanka planned to join the inaugural parade on Pennsylvania Avenue along with her children.&nbsp;

Ivanka texted Winston Wolkoff an image of former President Barack Obama on his swearing-in day, surrounded by family, and wrote, "It is nice to have family with him for this special moment." That's when Wolkoff and Melania launched "Operation Block Ivanka''.

A short video of the United States First Lady Melania Trump giving her stepdaughter Ivanka Trump a "disdainful" look at the end of the speech given by US President Donald Trump has gone viral.

A short video of the United States First Lady Melania Trump giving her stepdaughter Ivanka Trump a "disdainful" look at the end of the speech given by US President Donald Trump has gone viral. The three-second clip shows a grimace on Melania's face after Ivanka passes her without acknowleding her presence despite her nod. It has sparked fresh rumours of a tiff between the two. This was so weird. #RNC2020 pic.twitter.com/YHReTl0bfT — Dana Goldberg (@DGComedy) August 28, 2020 × The omnipresent first daughter who may harbour White House ambitions of her own, has remained her president father's loyal senior advisor, seeking to humanisee him Thursday as she introduced the "warrior" standing for re-election in November. Of Donald Trump's five children, Ivanka was the only one invited to address the final night of the Republican National Convention, interpreted as a sign of the president's closeness to her. The video comes amid an excerpt from Melania's former adviser Stephanie Winston Wolkoff's upcoming memoir 'Melania and Me' detailed the ongoing rivalry between the FLOTUS and Ivanka. It is close to its publishing date on September 1. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff describes her "petty" attempt with Melania to keep Ivanka, whom she nicknamed "Princess", out of the best photo ops during Inauguration Day in 2016. In picture: Melania Trump with President Trump taking the oath of office on Inauguration Day/AFP Stephanie Wolkoff, a former producer of the Met Gala was brought on to help organise the inaugural events. In an excerpt of her book she reveals how she, on Melania's instruction, deliberately arranged the seating and standing spot of each member of Trump’s family so that Ivanka cannot be seen on television. She alleges Melania was frustrated that Ivanka planned to join the inaugural parade on Pennsylvania Avenue along with her children. Ivanka texted Winston Wolkoff an image of former President Barack Obama on his swearing-in day, surrounded by family, and wrote, "It is nice to have family with him for this special moment." That's when Wolkoff and Melania launched "Operation Block Ivanka''.

Watch: Melania Trump's 'disdainful' look towards Ivanka during Republican National Convention goes viral

Noor Inayat Khan, the Indian origin British secret agent executed by the Nazis will be honoured with a "blue plaque" in the United Kingdom.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-british-spy-noor-inayat-khan-to-appear-on-coins-in-uk-317094">Also Read:&nbsp;Indian-origin British spy Noor Inayat Khan to appear on coins in UK</a>

Noor was killed by the Nazis at the Dachau concentration camp in 1944. The honour will be given by the English Heritage which manages historical monuments in the UK.

The blue plaque was launched in 1866 in London and commemorates the link between locations and famous people as a historical marker. The British secret agent was earlier awarded the George Cross and the French Croix de Guerre posthumously.

Her bust was unveiled at London's Gordon Square Gardens in 2012, she was born in Moscow in 1914 to an Indian father and an American mother and was a direct descendant of Tipu Sultan. She served in Special Operations Executive set up by Britain's wartime prime minister Winston Churchill in 1940.

She was executed at the concentration camp aged just 30, Noor ran a spy ring in Paris during World War-II after she was dropped by the UK behind enemy lines in France.&nbsp;

She was captured by the Gestapo and taken to prison but had managed to escape earlier but was again recaptured and sent to the concentration camp.

Noor will be awarded with the plaque at a ceremony on Friday on English Heritage's Facebook channel.&nbsp;

Noor Inayat Khan, the Indian origin British secret agent executed by the Nazis will be honoured with a "blue plaque" in the United Kingdom. Also Read: Indian-origin British spy Noor Inayat Khan to appear on coins in UK Noor was killed by the Nazis at the Dachau concentration camp in 1944.

Noor Inayat Khan, the Indian origin British secret agent executed by the Nazis will be honoured with a "blue plaque" in the United Kingdom. Also Read: Indian-origin British spy Noor Inayat Khan to appear on coins in UK Noor was killed by the Nazis at the Dachau concentration camp in 1944. The honour will be given by the English Heritage which manages historical monuments in the UK. The blue plaque was launched in 1866 in London and commemorates the link between locations and famous people as a historical marker. The British secret agent was earlier awarded the George Cross and the French Croix de Guerre posthumously. Her bust was unveiled at London's Gordon Square Gardens in 2012, she was born in Moscow in 1914 to an Indian father and an American mother and was a direct descendant of Tipu Sultan. She served in Special Operations Executive set up by Britain's wartime prime minister Winston Churchill in 1940. She was executed at the concentration camp aged just 30, Noor ran a spy ring in Paris during World War-II after she was dropped by the UK behind enemy lines in France. She was captured by the Gestapo and taken to prison but had managed to escape earlier but was again recaptured and sent to the concentration camp. Noor will be awarded with the plaque at a ceremony on Friday on English Heritage's Facebook channel.

Noor Inayat Khan, British spy executed by the Nazis to be honoured with first blue plaque for Indian-origin woman

US President Donald Trump speaking at the Republican National Convention from the White House said that "America is not a land cloaked in darkness, America is a torch that enlightens the entire world."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/history-records-biden-opposed-operation-against-osama-bin-laden-says-us-vice-president-mike-pence-at-republican-national-convention-323319">Also Read:&nbsp;History records Biden opposed operation against Bin Laden, says Pence at RNC</a>

Trump who accepted the Republican party nomination for reelection earlier, said,"the party of Abraham Lincoln goes forward, united, determined and ready to welcome millions of Democrats and Independents and anyone who believes in the greatness of America."

"America is not a land cloaked in darkness, America is a torch that enlightens the entire world," the US president said.&nbsp;

"If we don't win, your second amendment doesn't have a chance," he said.&nbsp;The president promised to "race to 5G" and "build missile and "cyber defence".&nbsp;

Trump said the election to&nbsp;"decide whether we save the American dream or whether we allow a socialist agenda to demolish our cherished destiny".

"This election will decide clear choice between two parties, two visions, two philosophies or two agendas."

"Joe Biden is not a savior of America's soul. He's the destroyer of America's jobs and given the chance, he'll be the destroyer of American greatness," Trump said. The US president said Biden's record is a roll call of "betrayals" and "blunders".&nbsp;

The US president said that "instead of following science, Joe Biden wants to inflict a painful shutdown on the entire country".

"We also recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. We achieved the first Middle East peace deal in 25 years," he said while promising to keep America "out of costly foreign wars".

Trump asserted that the US will "crush" COVID-19 with a vaccine "this year", while promising to create&nbsp;10 million jobs in the next 10 months.

"We are marshalling America's scientific genius to produce a vaccine in record time, we will have a safe and effective vaccine this year," he said.

"Over the next four years, we will make America into a manufacturing superpower of the world. We will expand 'Opportunity Zones' and bring home medical supply chains and end our reliance on China once and for all."

"And on November 3, we will make America safer, stronger and prouder. We will make America greater than ever before. I am very proud to be the nominee of the Republican party. I love you. God bless you and God bless America."

US President Donald Trump speaking at the Republican National Convention from the White House said that "America is not a land cloaked in darkness, America is a torch that enlightens the entire world.

US President Donald Trump speaking at the Republican National Convention from the White House said that "America is not a land cloaked in darkness, America is a torch that enlightens the entire world." Also Read: History records Biden opposed operation against Bin Laden, says Pence at RNC Trump who accepted the Republican party nomination for reelection earlier, said,"the party of Abraham Lincoln goes forward, united, determined and ready to welcome millions of Democrats and Independents and anyone who believes in the greatness of America." "America is not a land cloaked in darkness, America is a torch that enlightens the entire world," the US president said. "If we don't win, your second amendment doesn't have a chance," he said. The president promised to "race to 5G" and "build missile and "cyber defence". Trump said the election to "decide whether we save the American dream or whether we allow a socialist agenda to demolish our cherished destiny". "This election will decide clear choice between two parties, two visions, two philosophies or two agendas." "Joe Biden is not a savior of America's soul. He's the destroyer of America's jobs and given the chance, he'll be the destroyer of American greatness," Trump said. The US president said Biden's record is a roll call of "betrayals" and "blunders". The US president said that "instead of following science, Joe Biden wants to inflict a painful shutdown on the entire country". "We also recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. We achieved the first Middle East peace deal in 25 years," he said while promising to keep America "out of costly foreign wars". Trump asserted that the US will "crush" COVID-19 with a vaccine "this year", while promising to create 10 million jobs in the next 10 months. "We are marshalling America's scientific genius to produce a vaccine in record time, we will have a safe and effective vaccine this year," he said. "Over the next four years, we will make America into a manufacturing superpower of the world. We will expand 'Opportunity Zones' and bring home medical supply chains and end our reliance on China once and for all." "And on November 3, we will make America safer, stronger and prouder. We will make America greater than ever before. I am very proud to be the nominee of the Republican party. I love you. God bless you and God bless America."

Election will decide whether we save the American dream, says Trump at Republican National Convention

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-erupts-in-chemical-plant-in-louisiana-after-hurricane-laura-strikes-several-homes-left-without-power-323545">Fire erupts in chemical plant in Louisiana after Hurricane Laura strikes; several homes left without power</a>

<img alt="Fire in Chemical plant" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f19d6c28-ad79-4f96-9d0d-a20ac1888fb5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Chemicalplant.jpg" />

Reports said at least 867,000 homes in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas were left without power.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/election-will-decide-whether-we-save-the-american-dream-says-trump-at-republican-national-convention-323556">Election will decide whether we save the American dream, says Trump at Republican National Convention</a>

<img alt="Trump at RNC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d4e86cf-1a8f-42f5-9496-b45bfb45547b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DOO.jpg" /> 
&nbsp;

The US president said Biden's record is a roll call of "betrayals" and "blunders".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-missile-tests-further-destabilizes-situation-in-south-china-sea-pentagon-323547">China's missile tests further destabilizes situation in South China Sea: Pentagon</a>

<img alt="South China Sea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="caa7b48e-8071-4f82-b8f5-0afe3400cd08" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/South%20China1.jpg" />

The Pentagon said the United States had urged China last month to reduce 'militarization and coercion' in the region

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/torrential-rains-claim-27-lives-in-pakistans-financial-capital-shatter-records-323549">Torrential rains claim 27 lives in Pakistan's financial capital</a>

<img alt="Pak floods" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff9e7f20-0207-4af2-85b0-36df69f5e43c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pak%20floods_0.jpg" />

Videos posted on social media and footage on television channels painted a grim picture of a major collapse of the civic structure in Karachi

Watch:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-psychological-warfare-against-india-on-social-media-323538">Gravitas: China's psychological warfare against India on social media</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-psychological-warfare-against-india-on-social-media-323538/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Fire erupts in chemical plant in Louisiana after Hurricane Laura strikes; several homes left without power Reports said at least 867,000 homes in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas were left without power.

Fire erupts in chemical plant in Louisiana after Hurricane Laura strikes; several homes left without power Reports said at least 867,000 homes in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas were left without power. Election will decide whether we save the American dream, says Trump at Republican National Convention The US president said Biden's record is a roll call of "betrayals" and "blunders". China's missile tests further destabilizes situation in South China Sea: Pentagon The Pentagon said the United States had urged China last month to reduce 'militarization and coercion' in the region Torrential rains claim 27 lives in Pakistan's financial capital Videos posted on social media and footage on television channels painted a grim picture of a major collapse of the civic structure in Karachi Watch: Gravitas: China's psychological warfare against India on social media

Morning news brief: Fire erupts in chemical plant in Louisiana after Hurricane Laura, Trump slams NBA & more

At least four people were killed after Hurricane Laura stuck Louisiana early on Thursday as a Category 4 storm.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tracking-hurricane-laura-fire-erupts-at-hurricane-hit-louisiana-chemical-plant-323535/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The storm, however, did less damage than forecast as Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said: "It is clear that we did not sustain and suffer the absolute catastrophic damage that we thought was likely based on the forecast we had last night."

"We have a lot to be thankful for," Edwards added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extremely-dangerous-hurricane-laura-makes-landfall-in-louisiana-323367">Also Read:&nbsp;'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Laura makes landfall in Louisiana</a>

A chemical plant fire caught fire in Westlake, Louisiana sending plumes of smoke after the hurricane made landfall. Governor Edwards confirmed that chlorine gas chemical fire was burning at the facility as police stopped traffic on Interstate 10 near Westlake due to the smoke.&nbsp;

Reports said at least 867,000 homes in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas were left without power after the hurricane Laura with winds speed of 241 kph. The NHC said Hurricane Laura had crossed into southern Arkansas and was heading northeast.

The National Guard swung into action clearing the debris as power lines went down amid&nbsp;clean up operations.

The NHC warned that high water levels would continue along the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Laura moved north and northeast.

At least four people were killed after Hurricane Laura stuck Louisiana early on Thursday as a Category 4 storm. Watch: The storm, however, did less damage than forecast as Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said: "It is clear that we did not sustain and suffer the absolute catastrophic damage that we thought was likely based on the forecast we had last night.

At least four people were killed after Hurricane Laura stuck Louisiana early on Thursday as a Category 4 storm. Watch: The storm, however, did less damage than forecast as Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said: "It is clear that we did not sustain and suffer the absolute catastrophic damage that we thought was likely based on the forecast we had last night." "We have a lot to be thankful for," Edwards added. Also Read: 'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Laura makes landfall in Louisiana A chemical plant fire caught fire in Westlake, Louisiana sending plumes of smoke after the hurricane made landfall. Governor Edwards confirmed that chlorine gas chemical fire was burning at the facility as police stopped traffic on Interstate 10 near Westlake due to the smoke. Reports said at least 867,000 homes in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas were left without power after the hurricane Laura with winds speed of 241 kph. The NHC said Hurricane Laura had crossed into southern Arkansas and was heading northeast. The National Guard swung into action clearing the debris as power lines went down amid clean up operations. The NHC warned that high water levels would continue along the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Laura moved north and northeast.

Fire erupts in chemical plant in Louisiana after Hurricane Laura strikes; several homes left without power

The Pentagon on Thursday hit out against China's reported ballistic test missiles launch in the South China Sea.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-transgressions-continue-in-south-china-sea-323278/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"China's actions, including missile tests, further destabilize the situation in the South China Sea," the Pentagon said in a statement.

"Such exercises also violate PRC commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to avoid activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability," it said.

The Pentagon said the United States had urged China last month to reduce its "militarization and coercion" in the region, however, it said that "the PRC chose to escalate its exercise activities by firing ballistic missiles."

The defence department confirmed that China conducted military exercises near the Paracels in South China Sea which it said was "the latest in a long string of PRC actions to assert unlawful maritime claims and disadvantage its Southeast Asian neighbours."

The United States last month had declared China's pursuit of territory in the South China Sea as "illegal" amid tensions between the two countries in the region.

The US had earlier blacklisted 24 Chinese companies and individuals for taking part in building artificial islands in the South China Sea, a move which was criticised by China.

China's foreign ministry said it was "tyrannical logic" while saying that the US's words "grossly interfere in China's internal affairs". "China will take firm measures to uphold the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals," it said. 
&nbsp;

The Pentagon on Thursday hit out against China's reported ballistic test missiles launch in the South China Sea. Watch: "China's actions, including missile tests, further destabilize the situation in the South China Sea," the Pentagon said in a statement.

The Pentagon on Thursday hit out against China's reported ballistic test missiles launch in the South China Sea. Watch: "China's actions, including missile tests, further destabilize the situation in the South China Sea," the Pentagon said in a statement. "Such exercises also violate PRC commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to avoid activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability," it said. The Pentagon said the United States had urged China last month to reduce its "militarization and coercion" in the region, however, it said that "the PRC chose to escalate its exercise activities by firing ballistic missiles." The defence department confirmed that China conducted military exercises near the Paracels in South China Sea which it said was "the latest in a long string of PRC actions to assert unlawful maritime claims and disadvantage its Southeast Asian neighbours." The United States last month had declared China's pursuit of territory in the South China Sea as "illegal" amid tensions between the two countries in the region. The US had earlier blacklisted 24 Chinese companies and individuals for taking part in building artificial islands in the South China Sea, a move which was criticised by China. China's foreign ministry said it was "tyrannical logic" while saying that the US's words "grossly interfere in China's internal affairs". "China will take firm measures to uphold the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals," it said.

China's missile tests further destabilizes situation in South China Sea: Pentagon

US President Donald Trump said the NBA has "become like a political organization" as he hit out against protests in police action by top basketball teams.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacob-blake-shooting-trump-to-send-troops-as-protests-rage-in-wisconsin-323303">Also Read:&nbsp;Jacob Blake shooting: Trump to send troops as protests rage in Wisconsin</a>

"I don't know much about the NBA protest. I know their ratings have been very bad because I think people are a little tired of the NBA," Trump said.

Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday had pulled out of their game in protest against police shooting of African-American Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Sunday throwing the basketball season in chaos.

The NBA was forced to postpone all three playoff games on Wednesday after the Milwaukee Buck refused to play.

Basketball star LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers voted to abandon the season. However, after the NBA board of governors meeting, the league said games could resume from Friday.

"NBA playoff games for today (Thursday) will not be played as scheduled," Mike Bass, NBA's executive vice-president said, adding, "We are hopeful to resume games either Friday or Saturday."

Several NFL teams also halted training camps on Thursday&nbsp;in their buildup towards the start of the new season.

US President Donald Trump said the NBA has "become like a political organization" as he hit out against protests in police action by top basketball teams. Also Read: Jacob Blake shooting: Trump to send troops as protests rage in Wisconsin "I don't know much about the NBA protest.

US President Donald Trump said the NBA has "become like a political organization" as he hit out against protests in police action by top basketball teams. Also Read: Jacob Blake shooting: Trump to send troops as protests rage in Wisconsin "I don't know much about the NBA protest. I know their ratings have been very bad because I think people are a little tired of the NBA," Trump said. Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday had pulled out of their game in protest against police shooting of African-American Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Sunday throwing the basketball season in chaos. The NBA was forced to postpone all three playoff games on Wednesday after the Milwaukee Buck refused to play. Basketball star LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers voted to abandon the season. However, after the NBA board of governors meeting, the league said games could resume from Friday. "NBA playoff games for today (Thursday) will not be played as scheduled," Mike Bass, NBA's executive vice-president said, adding, "We are hopeful to resume games either Friday or Saturday." Several NFL teams also halted training camps on Thursday in their buildup towards the start of the new season.

NBA has become like a political organization, says Trump amid protests over Jacob Blake's shooting

When Indian Army gallantly won Haji Pir Pass but was returned to Pakistan during the Tashkent agreement

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 66, resigned today over health concerns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/possible-successors-stack-up-as-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-323622">In Pics:&nbsp;Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns</a>

Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health.

"For eight years I controlled my disease, now the disease has surfaced again. I need to have continuous drug administered now, and I can't lose focus," he said during a television address.

"I need to fight against the disease and concentrate. I have to make a political decision."

"I can't make any mistake in decision-making, and have decided to step down as PM," Abe declared.

"13 years ago my chronic disease appeared, then we had a new drug and then I was ready to come back to politics, I focussed on my job for the next eight years," he said, adding,"this year in my medical tests doctors said the signs of disease had emerged again."

"I am taking a new drug, the efficacy of drugs was confirmed, but needed to be regular in my drug regimen. I was not in perfect health condition," Abe added.

"I have one year to my tenure, I would like to send my apologies to the people of Japan, before the next PM is appointed, the onus will be on me."

"We are going to have new policies and measures, before he or she is appointed, I would take the onus," Abe declared.

Abe reportedly suffers from an inflammatory bowel condition.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index closed down more than 1.4 per cent on Friday after reports said Shizo Abe was to resign over health reasons.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 66, resigned today over health concerns. In Pics: Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 66, resigned today over health concerns. In Pics: Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health. "For eight years I controlled my disease, now the disease has surfaced again. I need to have continuous drug administered now, and I can't lose focus," he said during a television address. "I need to fight against the disease and concentrate. I have to make a political decision." "I can't make any mistake in decision-making, and have decided to step down as PM," Abe declared. "13 years ago my chronic disease appeared, then we had a new drug and then I was ready to come back to politics, I focussed on my job for the next eight years," he said, adding,"this year in my medical tests doctors said the signs of disease had emerged again." "I am taking a new drug, the efficacy of drugs was confirmed, but needed to be regular in my drug regimen. I was not in perfect health condition," Abe added. "I have one year to my tenure, I would like to send my apologies to the people of Japan, before the next PM is appointed, the onus will be on me." "We are going to have new policies and measures, before he or she is appointed, I would take the onus," Abe declared. Abe reportedly suffers from an inflammatory bowel condition. Meanwhile, Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index closed down more than 1.4 per cent on Friday after reports said Shizo Abe was to resign over health reasons.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns

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