Taiwan's top diplomat in India has said that China continues to "intimidate" it amidst COVID pandemic and "dispatch military aircraft and vessels to circle Taiwan" Speaking exclusively to our&nbsp;Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Taiwan's&nbsp;Acting Ambassador Jack CH&nbsp;Chen said,"While countries are focusing on combating pandemic...China has used the opportunity to expand its military presence in the South and East China Seas". Speaking on India, Taiwan ties, the diplomat expressed his optimism that "through a joint effort following the pandemic, Taiwan and India will become staunch partners in the Indo-Pacific region." On its WHO membership, Chen said, "We hope that India, as the new Chair of WHO’s Executive Board, will help ensure the WHO Secretariat maintains a professional, neutral stance when considering issues related to Taiwan’s participation". 
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WION: China has shown an ambition to change the status quo amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, sending military aircraft and vessels into Taiwan’s airspace and territorial waters. How do you view this situation?

Jack CH&nbsp;Chen: China’s attempts to intimidate Taiwan militarily have never ceased. It continues to dispatch military aircraft and vessels to circle Taiwan and provoke us. China continues to state that it will not abandon the use of force against Taiwan. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the situation has grown more serious, and Chinese military aircraft and vessels have frequently circled Taiwan. In addition, while countries including the United States have been focusing on combating the pandemic, China has used the opportunity to expand its military presence in the South and East China Seas. It has bolstered its deployment on South China Sea islets and continues to dispatch military aircraft and vessels and Coast Guard vessels to the area. These actions have escalated tension in the region. China’s actions are not only detrimental to the positive development of cross-strait relations, they also seriously undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region at large.

In consideration of the global pandemic, China should be more transparent; allow for an independent, international investigation; and work more closely with the international community to discern the origins of the virus and what went wrong with disease containment measures so as to better contribute to the global healthcare system.

Taiwan strives to defend such values as democracy and freedom and spares no effort to support regional peace and stability. These efforts have earned high praise from the international community. Taiwan will never succumb to pressure. Rather, we will strive harder to defend our sovereignty, ensure our national interests, and reach out to the international community. We will seek to deepen substantive cooperation with like-minded nations and participate in related international organizations so as to make more concrete contributions to the international community.

 

WION: Is there a possibility for increased cooperation between Taiwan and India amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Jack CH&nbsp;Chen:&nbsp;The global pandemic has shown the perils that come with reliance on a single or just a few sources of critical components. In the post-pandemic era, we will likely see a restructuring of the global supply chain. Apart from focusing on capacity building, Taiwan and India should carefully appraise our respective positions in the post-pandemic global supply chain and make plans to forge a partnership. Taiwan and India are natural tradings and industrial partners. Taiwan excels at hardware manufacturing, while India’s prowess lies in software development. India is now enjoying a demographic dividend and it is in an advantageous location with respect to market access in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. There has long been a great potential for cooperation between India and Taiwan. Responding to the effects of the pandemic, India has doubled down on its Make in India initiative to reform the economy and attract foreign investment. Under this scheme, India has made a major effort to attract Taiwanese businesses. We are glad to see that India is continuing to improve its investment environment, as this benefits Taiwanese businesses looking to expand investment in India. Taiwan and India are both democratic countries and share such values as freedom, democracy, rule of law, and protection of human rights. Over the past few years, our nations have taken great strides toward cooperation in such areas as trade and investment. The pandemic, meanwhile, has helped us identify new areas for further cooperation, including e-commerce, online interaction, and biochemical technology. We hope that through a joint effort following the pandemic, Taiwan and India will become staunch partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

&nbsp;

WION: India will now chair WHO’s Executive Board. Does Taiwan have any expectations for India’s new role?

Jack CH&nbsp;Chen: Taiwan sincerely congratulates India on its new role as chair of WHO’s Executive Board. As the most important international organization guiding the development of global public health and defending the right to health, WHO should welcome participation by all stakeholders, including Taiwan. We hope that India, as the new Chair of WHO’s Executive Board, will help ensure the WHO Secretariat maintains a professional, neutral stance when considering issues related to Taiwan’s participation, such as granting Taiwan observer status at the World Health Assembly and including Taiwan in all WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities. This would help ensure the health and welfare of people in Taiwan and around the world.

 

WION: Are you confident that Taiwan will one day become a WHO member?

Jack CH&nbsp;Chen: Taiwan did not receive an invitation to the 2020 WHA held in May due to interference from China and WHO’s failure to maintain a professional, impartial stance. Other countries have noticed China’s unreasonable influence on international organizations and have publicly expressed support for Taiwan. There was an overwhelming outpouring of support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA this year, which shows that the world recognizes the urgency and importance of Taiwan’s participation in WHO. This has been encouraging for Taiwan and we believe that the more international support we obtain, the closer we grow to our goal. Taiwan’s bids to participate in international organizations, including WHO, has always been based on the principles of being professional, pragmatic, and constructive. Our goal at the present time is to be invited to attend the WHA as an observer and to participate fully in WHO meetings, activities, and mechanisms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taiwan Model of successful containment measures has been praised around the world. Once we were able to supply our domestic needs, Taiwan selflessly began donating anti-pandemic medical supplies to more than 80 countries. We have shown the world that Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping.

 

WION: Do you think that China mishandled the COVID-19 crisis?

Jack CH&nbsp;Chen:&nbsp;China covered up and delayed notifying the world of the SARS outbreak in 2003. When the COVID-19 outbreak erupted in Wuhan in December 2019, other countries remained unaware of the situation. Even within China, information was not shared in a transparent manner. As a result, countries around the world were unable to respond quickly during the critical beginning stage of the outbreak. The golden opportunity to contain the outbreak was lost and it grew into a global pandemic. This highlights the terrible consequences of China’s lack of transparency.At the end of December 2019, Taiwan began noting information about related cases being shared on the internet and immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. Our officials notified WHO’s IHR focal point on December 31, asking them to pay special attention to the fact that patients with symptoms of atypical pneumonia had been isolated for treatment in Wuhan City. If China and WHO had responded quickly and alerted governments around the world to the situation, the outbreak could have been contained and the effect on humankind would have been significantly reduced.&nbsp;As a result of China’s mishandling of the outbreak, other countries have lost faith in China and have remained on alert. At the same time, the world sees Taiwan as a force for good even more than previously. We alerted WHO immediately after discovering a questionable situation, and have handled the outbreak in Taiwan transparently, showing that democratic countries are able to combat the virus in an open, honest, and transparent manner.

Taiwan's top diplomat in India has said that China continues to "intimidate" it amidst COVID pandemic and "dispatch military aircraft and vessels to circle Taiwan" Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Taiwan's Acting Ambassador Jack CH Chen said,"While countries are focusing on combating pandemic.

Taiwan's top diplomat in India has said that China continues to "intimidate" it amidst COVID pandemic and "dispatch military aircraft and vessels to circle Taiwan" Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Taiwan's Acting Ambassador Jack CH Chen said,"While countries are focusing on combating pandemic...China has used the opportunity to expand its military presence in the South and East China Seas". Speaking on India, Taiwan ties, the diplomat expressed his optimism that "through a joint effort following the pandemic, Taiwan and India will become staunch partners in the Indo-Pacific region." On its WHO membership, Chen said, "We hope that India, as the new Chair of WHO’s Executive Board, will help ensure the WHO Secretariat maintains a professional, neutral stance when considering issues related to Taiwan’s participation". WION: China has shown an ambition to change the status quo amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, sending military aircraft and vessels into Taiwan’s airspace and territorial waters. How do you view this situation? Jack CH Chen: China’s attempts to intimidate Taiwan militarily have never ceased. It continues to dispatch military aircraft and vessels to circle Taiwan and provoke us. China continues to state that it will not abandon the use of force against Taiwan. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the situation has grown more serious, and Chinese military aircraft and vessels have frequently circled Taiwan. In addition, while countries including the United States have been focusing on combating the pandemic, China has used the opportunity to expand its military presence in the South and East China Seas. It has bolstered its deployment on South China Sea islets and continues to dispatch military aircraft and vessels and Coast Guard vessels to the area. These actions have escalated tension in the region. China’s actions are not only detrimental to the positive development of cross-strait relations, they also seriously undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region at large. In consideration of the global pandemic, China should be more transparent; allow for an independent, international investigation; and work more closely with the international community to discern the origins of the virus and what went wrong with disease containment measures so as to better contribute to the global healthcare system. Taiwan strives to defend such values as democracy and freedom and spares no effort to support regional peace and stability. These efforts have earned high praise from the international community. Taiwan will never succumb to pressure. Rather, we will strive harder to defend our sovereignty, ensure our national interests, and reach out to the international community. We will seek to deepen substantive cooperation with like-minded nations and participate in related international organizations so as to make more concrete contributions to the international community.   WION: Is there a possibility for increased cooperation between Taiwan and India amidst the COVID-19 crisis? Jack CH Chen: The global pandemic has shown the perils that come with reliance on a single or just a few sources of critical components. In the post-pandemic era, we will likely see a restructuring of the global supply chain. Apart from focusing on capacity building, Taiwan and India should carefully appraise our respective positions in the post-pandemic global supply chain and make plans to forge a partnership. Taiwan and India are natural tradings and industrial partners. Taiwan excels at hardware manufacturing, while India’s prowess lies in software development. India is now enjoying a demographic dividend and it is in an advantageous location with respect to market access in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. There has long been a great potential for cooperation between India and Taiwan. Responding to the effects of the pandemic, India has doubled down on its Make in India initiative to reform the economy and attract foreign investment. Under this scheme, India has made a major effort to attract Taiwanese businesses. We are glad to see that India is continuing to improve its investment environment, as this benefits Taiwanese businesses looking to expand investment in India. Taiwan and India are both democratic countries and share such values as freedom, democracy, rule of law, and protection of human rights. Over the past few years, our nations have taken great strides toward cooperation in such areas as trade and investment. The pandemic, meanwhile, has helped us identify new areas for further cooperation, including e-commerce, online interaction, and biochemical technology. We hope that through a joint effort following the pandemic, Taiwan and India will become staunch partners in the Indo-Pacific region. WION: India will now chair WHO’s Executive Board. Does Taiwan have any expectations for India’s new role? Jack CH Chen: Taiwan sincerely congratulates India on its new role as chair of WHO’s Executive Board. As the most important international organization guiding the development of global public health and defending the right to health, WHO should welcome participation by all stakeholders, including Taiwan. We hope that India, as the new Chair of WHO’s Executive Board, will help ensure the WHO Secretariat maintains a professional, neutral stance when considering issues related to Taiwan’s participation, such as granting Taiwan observer status at the World Health Assembly and including Taiwan in all WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities. This would help ensure the health and welfare of people in Taiwan and around the world.   WION: Are you confident that Taiwan will one day become a WHO member? Jack CH Chen: Taiwan did not receive an invitation to the 2020 WHA held in May due to interference from China and WHO’s failure to maintain a professional, impartial stance. Other countries have noticed China’s unreasonable influence on international organizations and have publicly expressed support for Taiwan. There was an overwhelming outpouring of support for Taiwan’s participation in the WHA this year, which shows that the world recognizes the urgency and importance of Taiwan’s participation in WHO. This has been encouraging for Taiwan and we believe that the more international support we obtain, the closer we grow to our goal. Taiwan’s bids to participate in international organizations, including WHO, has always been based on the principles of being professional, pragmatic, and constructive. Our goal at the present time is to be invited to attend the WHA as an observer and to participate fully in WHO meetings, activities, and mechanisms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taiwan Model of successful containment measures has been praised around the world. Once we were able to supply our domestic needs, Taiwan selflessly began donating anti-pandemic medical supplies to more than 80 countries. We have shown the world that Taiwan can help, and Taiwan is helping.   WION: Do you think that China mishandled the COVID-19 crisis? Jack CH Chen: China covered up and delayed notifying the world of the SARS outbreak in 2003. When the COVID-19 outbreak erupted in Wuhan in December 2019, other countries remained unaware of the situation. Even within China, information was not shared in a transparent manner. As a result, countries around the world were unable to respond quickly during the critical beginning stage of the outbreak. The golden opportunity to contain the outbreak was lost and it grew into a global pandemic. This highlights the terrible consequences of China’s lack of transparency.At the end of December 2019, Taiwan began noting information about related cases being shared on the internet and immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. Our officials notified WHO’s IHR focal point on December 31, asking them to pay special attention to the fact that patients with symptoms of atypical pneumonia had been isolated for treatment in Wuhan City. If China and WHO had responded quickly and alerted governments around the world to the situation, the outbreak could have been contained and the effect on humankind would have been significantly reduced. As a result of China’s mishandling of the outbreak, other countries have lost faith in China and have remained on alert. At the same time, the world sees Taiwan as a force for good even more than previously. We alerted WHO immediately after discovering a questionable situation, and have handled the outbreak in Taiwan transparently, showing that democratic countries are able to combat the virus in an open, honest, and transparent manner.

WION exclusive | China continues to intimidate us amidst COVID, says Taiwan's top diplomat in India

Units of US Navy -- Nimitz Carrier Strike Group -- and Indian Navy undertook Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Indian Ocean on Monday. WION broke the story about the drill on Sunday evening.

Units of US Navy -- Nimitz Carrier Strike Group -- and Indian Navy undertook Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Indian Ocean on Monday. WION broke the story about the drill on Sunday evening. Four US navy ships and as many Indian ships were part of the drill. The Indian fleet included one Rajput-class destroyer, two Shivalik class frigates and one Kamorta-class anti-submarine warfare corvette. US Navy's USS Nimitz is one of the world's largest warship Passage Exercise is transiting exercise in which a transiting unit joins other. India had a similar exercise with the Japanese at the end of June. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is transiting through IOR. During the passage, #IndianNavy units undertook Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with #USNavy. Indian Navy had also conducted similar PASSEXs with #JMSDF and #FrenchNavy in recent past.@USNavy@SpokespersonMoD @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/ntj5gFFNqC — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) July 20, 2020 × Meanwhile, even as India, American navy forces conducted exercise in the Indian Ocean, the American navy also conducted exercise with Japanese forces in northern Japan. Also read | WION exclusive: America's largest warship likely to exercise with Indian Navy amid Chinese aggression The development comes days after a violent face-off between India and China after "Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties" according to Ministry of external affairs. Nimitz aircraft carrier came from the South China Sea and was part of wargames along with USS Theodore Roosevelt. The development is also significant given the increased Chinese presence in the Indian ocean. China has its only overseas military base in Djibouti in the horn of Africa, located strategically at the mouth of crucial sea lanes connecting Suez canal, the Gulf of Aden and wider Indian ocean.

US-Indian navies conduct joint drill in Indian Ocean in a strong message to China

Amid reports that Islamabad gave Rs 30 lakh to British parliamentary panel for Pakistan visit, Former Indian Envoy to UK Ruchi Ghanashyam has said it "establishes" the links between the Pakistan government and the British parliament panel.

Amid reports that Islamabad gave Rs 30 lakh to British parliamentary panel for Pakistan visit, Former Indian Envoy to UK Ruchi Ghanashyam has said it "establishes" the links between the Pakistan government and the British parliament panel. The British Parliamentary panel-- all-party parliamentary group(APPG )on Kashmir led by Labour MP Debbie Abrahams had visited Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir in February this year. Before the visit, MP Debbie Abraham had landed in Delhi and was asked to leave since she did not have a valid visa. Ruchi Ghanashyam who was the Indian envoy to the UK till May said, "I have always seen the APPG Kashmir as being partisan and motivated in their approach. Their links to the establishment in Islamabad, as brought out by your story, would seem to explain their uncritical acceptance of the Pakistani narrative of the situation in POK." Adding, "The very existence of an APPG on Kashmir is questionable. MP Debbie Abrahams had arrived in India without a visa and had been turned back as there is no visa on arrival agreement with the UK. Unfortunately, it was used to create a false controversy." The register of all-party parliamentary groups showed that the APPG on Kashmir received 31,501- 33,000 pounds for Pakistan visit from 18 to 22nd February 2020. India had issued Debbie e-business visa on October 7, 2019 but was revoked on February 14 2020 on account of her "activities which went against India's national interest". The rejection of e-business visa was intimated to her on that day itself but she still went ahead with her India visit a few days later leading to her deportation.

Link established between Pak government and British parliamentary panel on Kashmir: Ex-Indian envoy to UK Ruchi Ghanashyam 

US Navy's USS Nimitz, the world's largest warship, is likely to conduct a drill with Indian Navy's off the coast of Andaman &amp; Nicobar island. Nimitz is already present in the Indian ocean and came into the ocean via Malacca Strait.&nbsp;

The strait, a narrow stretch between Malaysia and Indonesia is a crucial global choke point from which considerable global oil flows to the rest of Asia including China.

The likely India-US drill could happen on the lines of exercise India had with the Japanese Naval forces at the end of June month. The India-Japan Naval exercise was termed "Passex" or passing exercise.

The development comes amidst India-China border standoff. Last month India and China were involved in a violent face-off after "Chinese side took a premeditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties" according to Ministry of external affairs.

Nimitz aircraft carrier is coming from South China sea and was part of wargames along with USS Theodore Roosevelt.

Both conducted dual-carrier operations in the Philippine Sea which according to US Navy was to "demonstrate our commitment to regional allies, our ability to rapidly mass combat power in the Indo-Pacific, and our readiness to confront all those who challenge international norms that support regional stability.”

The development is also significant given the increased Chinese presence in the Indian ocean. China has its only overseas military base in Djibouti in the horn of Africa, located strategically at the mouth of crucial sea lanes connecting the Suez Canal, the Gulf of Aden and wider Indian ocean.

Meanwhile, it looks a significant possibility that Australia may join India, US &amp; Japan for Malabar exercise expected to happen later this year. All 4 countries already have a working arrangement called Quad whose foreign ministers met last year. 
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US Navy's USS Nimitz, the world's largest warship, is likely to conduct a drill with Indian Navy's off the coast of Andaman & Nicobar island. Nimitz is already present in the Indian ocean and came into the ocean via Malacca Strait.

US Navy's USS Nimitz, the world's largest warship, is likely to conduct a drill with Indian Navy's off the coast of Andaman & Nicobar island. Nimitz is already present in the Indian ocean and came into the ocean via Malacca Strait. The strait, a narrow stretch between Malaysia and Indonesia is a crucial global choke point from which considerable global oil flows to the rest of Asia including China. The likely India-US drill could happen on the lines of exercise India had with the Japanese Naval forces at the end of June month. The India-Japan Naval exercise was termed "Passex" or passing exercise. The development comes amidst India-China border standoff. Last month India and China were involved in a violent face-off after "Chinese side took a premeditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties" according to Ministry of external affairs. Nimitz aircraft carrier is coming from South China sea and was part of wargames along with USS Theodore Roosevelt. Both conducted dual-carrier operations in the Philippine Sea which according to US Navy was to "demonstrate our commitment to regional allies, our ability to rapidly mass combat power in the Indo-Pacific, and our readiness to confront all those who challenge international norms that support regional stability.” The development is also significant given the increased Chinese presence in the Indian ocean. China has its only overseas military base in Djibouti in the horn of Africa, located strategically at the mouth of crucial sea lanes connecting the Suez Canal, the Gulf of Aden and wider Indian ocean. Meanwhile, it looks a significant possibility that Australia may join India, US & Japan for Malabar exercise expected to happen later this year. All 4 countries already have a working arrangement called Quad whose foreign ministers met last year.

WION exclusive:  America's largest warship likely to exercise with Indian Navy amid Chinese aggression

The recent border skirmishes between India and China have been widely reported across the globe with assumptions, analysis and implications of various hues. These range from word of cautions by mature sections of the media to exaggerated assumptions of Chinese dominance by state-controlled Chinese media.

The recent border skirmishes between India and China have been widely reported across the globe with assumptions, analysis and implications of various hues. These range from word of cautions by mature sections of the media to exaggerated assumptions of Chinese dominance by state-controlled Chinese media. Although the Galwan incident has many historic undercurrents and may result in long-term strategic implications, one aspect which has been largely ignored is the manner in which the assault was conducted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). India termed the incident as "premeditated", one that was orchestrated by Beijing to project India as the aggressor who had breached the agreement and interfered in peaceful disengagement. The CCP is however still hiding the exact details of its casualties, while the Prime Minister of India has already visited his soldiers in Ladakh. No honourable army fails to recognize the sacrifice of its soldiers. But the People’s Liberation Army or PLA has to worry about the impact of the casualties it has suffered on the political future of the CCP. It is dishonourable to carry out a premeditated ambush after an agreement to disengage has been reached. The disengagement consensus was agreed on 6th June, at the first India-China military talks. And it looks like such tactics have however become CCP’s standard procedure for its expansionist agenda. CCP has also been increasingly using similar modus operandi in the South China Sea to assert its misplaced maritime boundary claims. CCP assumes that provocative tactics based on its convenient and one-sided interpretation of history and fuelled by its focussed propaganda would enable it to achieve its expansionist aims. However, the CCP and its Army miscalculated this time around by provoking the professional and battle-hardened Indian Armed Forces. Despite Indian forces being outnumbered, Chinese forces suffered casualty for the first time in decades. 20 Indian soldiers were martyred, something New Delhi will never forget. For minor gains, China looks to have lost India forever, and ties have gone back decades. By normal standards of recognised attributes of professional armed forces of a modern Westphalian nation-state, CCP’s PLA doesn't fits the bill for "professional army" term. The epithet of ‘People’, ‘Liberation’ and ‘Army’ do not suit PLA, but are rather oxymoronic. PLA seems to represent the will of CCP and not the Chinese people. PLA has also never been involved in any "liberation" but has on the contrary been employed for the ethnic cleansing of Uighurs in Xinjiang and Tibetans in their homeland, according to reports from dissenters & many locals who fled the area. PLA’s conduct in conflict over the years including the recent Galwan incident also does not befit a modern army. Rather, at best, PLA can be described as a uniformed cabal which serves the interest of rulling CCP. PLA relies heavily on sneakiness, propaganda, deniability and provocation for achieving the expansionist plans of the CCP. Despite propagandistic media coverage, recent conflicts over land as well as sea have exposed PLA’s unprofessional attitude, character and tactical flaws. PLA’s lack of professionalism was on display in a widely reported incident in South Sudan in 2016. PLA soldiers guarding a UN camp fled, leaving behind even their weapons and equipment, when armed militias and soldiers of the South Sudan army attacked them. As a result, many female aid workers were molested and civilians were also killed. The incident tarnished the image of UN peacekeeping forces. PLA barely managed to save face during conflicts in the Korean peninsula or with Russia and Vietnam. Lacking operational and strategic-level maturity that comes from combat experience, PLA is hawkish even at the tactical level. It is precisely this lack of military experience that makes it dangerous to its neighbours. To make up for its lack of professionalism and experience, PLA invests heavily in unconventional and asymmetric warfare and weapons such as those seen during the Galwan incident. PLA is also heavily dependent on propaganda through likes of WeChat and Global Times, to create a false narrative of being one of the most professional armed forces in the world. There is also substantial political interference in the PLA. The Chairman of the Military Commission is also the leader of CPC.All important decisions in the PLA are made by Communist Party committees that are dominated by politically aligned officers rather than merit-based military officers. Since CCP is unopposed in the political landscape, it enjoys control over the PLA unlike a mature democracy such as India where the armed forces are free from political interference. All career officers in the PLA are also members of the CCP and even a local commissar holds a much stronger position than the military commander. Such an arrangement ensures that interests of CCP leaders and military officers are merged, for mutual benefit. A Chinese soldier being enrolled into the PLA swears allegiance to the CCP and not to the PRC’s constitution. A recent article published in the PLA Daily by the General Political Department of PLA states that the PLA would step up vigilance whilst deciding on promotions and placement of personnel. The General Political Department, which is responsible for disciplinary affairs and human resources, added that the officers would be evaluated based on their “Implementation of Xi Jinping’s directives”, “stances on major issues of principles” and “attitude towards wealth and fame”. It is sufficiently evident that PLA is not a professional fighting force. Rather, it would be more appropriate to define PLA as the armed wing of the CCP. There is substantial historical lineage associated with PLA to earn that title and its conduct in recent years have only reaffirmed this epithet. This recognition and understanding of the nature of PLA would enable its aggrieved neighbours to evolve successful strategies to counter CCP’s aggression on land and in the maritime domain. The PLA or Party Leaning Accomplices, therefore, need to renamed to reflect their true nature as CCP’s Army, CCP’s Navy and CCP’s Air Force.

PLA : People's Liberation Army or party leaning accomplices?

Chinese global giants like Huawei, Alibaba having a direct or indirect link with the Chinese Army and based in India could soon face action. These companies are among seven Chinese firms which the Indian government sources have highlighted are having deep links with People's Liberation Army (PLA) The Chinese companies are Xindia Steels, Xinxing Cathay international, China electronic technology group, Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, SAIC motor corporation.

Chinese global giants like Huawei, Alibaba having a direct or indirect link with the Chinese Army and based in India could soon face action. These companies are among seven Chinese firms which the Indian government sources have highlighted are having deep links with People's Liberation Army (PLA) The Chinese companies are Xindia Steels, Xinxing Cathay international, China electronic technology group, Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, SAIC motor corporation. Also read: Chinese apps have been banned in India; Is Huawei next? Indian government sources highlighted that "these companies are under watch and could face potential action". Chinese telecom company Huawei reported a revenue of Rs 12800 crore in FY 2018-19 from its Indian operators. The company founded by Ren Zhengfei who was former deputy director at the PLA's engineering corps has been banned by US, Japan, UK and Australia from their 5G networks. Alibaba, Baidu, Tencent, sources highlighted, are part of China's military-civil fusion and artificial intelligence projects. Sources pointing to the 2019 report of US-China economic and security review commission report which said under China's military-civil fusion policy "government-supported mechanisms, including venture capital (VC) funds...(are used for) leveraging the fruits of civilian innovation for China’s defence sector.” Alibaba has invested in Indian startups including popular ones like PayTM, Zomato, Big basket, Snapdeal, Xpressbees. Tencent has made mega investments in Indian tech space including $400 million in Ola cabs, $700 million in Flipkart. Also read | Ready to replace Huawei in UK at scale and speed: Nokia But it is just not only tech or mobile sector where Chinese companies with links with the Chinese army are present. SAIC Motor Corporation, a Chinese state-owned automobile company headquartered in Shanghai in Shanghai sells Sports utility vehicle, MG Hector, in India. One of the company's subsidiary is Nanjing Automobile, which was previously a vehicle servicing unit of PLA. Xinxing Cathay International Group a metal products manufacturing country is present in India in various forms including a Joint Venture Xindia Steels Ltd. Employees of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) have been convicted of military espionage and it provides technology which is believed to be used for human rights abuses in the restive western province of Xinjiang in China. The company has invested Rs 320 crores in a manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh in 2018. This comes even as India last month banned 59 Chinese apps including popular TikTok after a violent face-off at Line Of Actual Contol in Eastern Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers died. Chinese refused to acknowledge casualties on its side

Huawei, Alibaba among 7 Chinese companies with links to Chinese Army could face the music

Government of the state of Uttar Pradesh have assured Nepal envoy Nilamber Acharya on the safety of Nepali Nationals in the country.

This came after Nepali man's head was tonsured and he was forced to chant anti-Nepal slogans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-ruling-partys-meeting-to-decide-pm-olis-future-postponed-for-fifth-time-until-sunday-313965">Also read:&nbsp;Nepal ruling party's meeting to decide PM Oli's future postponed for fifth time until Sunday</a>

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Nepal envoy Acharya had spoken to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, during which both sides agreed India-Nepal ties should not be impacted along with highest possible assurance given by the latter on the safety of Nepali nationals in the state.

The authorities in the state are fully seized of the matter with an FIR being lodged and culprits being traced. One arrest has already been made.&nbsp;

UP and Nepal share a long and open border with free flow of people.

Government of the state of Uttar Pradesh have assured Nepal envoy Nilamber Acharya on the safety of Nepali Nationals in the country. This came after Nepali man's head was tonsured and he was forced to chant anti-Nepal slogans.

Government of the state of Uttar Pradesh have assured Nepal envoy Nilamber Acharya on the safety of Nepali Nationals in the country. This came after Nepali man's head was tonsured and he was forced to chant anti-Nepal slogans. Also read: Nepal ruling party's meeting to decide PM Oli's future postponed for fifth time until Sunday Nepal envoy Acharya had spoken to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, during which both sides agreed India-Nepal ties should not be impacted along with highest possible assurance given by the latter on the safety of Nepali nationals in the state. The authorities in the state are fully seized of the matter with an FIR being lodged and culprits being traced. One arrest has already been made. UP and Nepal share a long and open border with free flow of people.

UP government assures Nepal on safety of its citizens

India is working fast on regional connectivity projects in SouthAsian countries of Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh with the focus of generating employment and faster movement of people and goods.

The Maldives will see the expansion of Hanimaadhoo airport under the Indian line of credit. The line of credit was announced during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's state visit to India in December 2018 which was the first foreign visit of the leader after the election victory that year.&nbsp;

Airports Authority of India (AAI) will do the detailed project report for the project. As soon as connectivity is established, the Indian mission in the Maldives will get a team from AAI to visit the site.

The project will include an extension of the runway from 1200 to 2200 MTS and a new terminal building. The project will be key for the economic development of the northern Maldives with increased connectivity and further boosting tourism.

When it comes to Bhutan, earlier this week a new trade route was opened from West Bengal's Jaigaon to Ahlay, Pasakha in Bhutan.

The new land route for movement of industrial raw materials and goods destined for Pasakha Industrial Estate in Bhutan is expected to not only boost bilateral trade and&nbsp;commerce but also lead to decongestion of vehicular traffic along the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing route.

Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj speaking at the opening of the Land Customs station said, “We are very pleased to provide temporary access through Ahllay for the movement of heavy vehicles and trucks from India into Bhutan."

Meanwhile, on Thursday, minister of state for shipping Mansukh Mandaviya digitally flagged off the first trial container ship from Kolkata to Agartala through Chattogram Port of Bangladesh. The new route will reduce time and logistics cost for cargo movement and connect north-east India to Bangladeshi ports.

Speaking at the virtual flagging ceremony, Mansukh Mandaviya said, "it is a historic move to utilise Bangladeshi ports of Chattogram and Mongla Port for movement of India’s transit cargo" and "will be a new chapter in India-Bangladesh maritime relations".

The consignment of the trial containers includes two TEUs carrying TMT steel bars destined for West Tripura district and two TEUs carrying pulses destined for Karimganj, Assam. The consignment after reaching Chattogram will move to Agartala on Bangladeshi trucks.

During the visit of Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina in October 2019, both sides had reached an understanding on Standard Operating Procedures(SOP)&nbsp;for the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for movement of goods to and from India

India is already working on several other projects in the region. Last year saw Jaffna international airport being opened that connected it to Southern Indian metropolis of Chennai.

 
&nbsp;

India is working fast on regional connectivity projects in SouthAsian countries of Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh with the focus of generating employment and faster movement of people and goods.

India is working fast on regional connectivity projects in SouthAsian countries of Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh with the focus of generating employment and faster movement of people and goods. The Maldives will see the expansion of Hanimaadhoo airport under the Indian line of credit. The line of credit was announced during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's state visit to India in December 2018 which was the first foreign visit of the leader after the election victory that year. Airports Authority of India (AAI) will do the detailed project report for the project. As soon as connectivity is established, the Indian mission in the Maldives will get a team from AAI to visit the site. The project will include an extension of the runway from 1200 to 2200 MTS and a new terminal building. The project will be key for the economic development of the northern Maldives with increased connectivity and further boosting tourism. When it comes to Bhutan, earlier this week a new trade route was opened from West Bengal's Jaigaon to Ahlay, Pasakha in Bhutan. The new land route for movement of industrial raw materials and goods destined for Pasakha Industrial Estate in Bhutan is expected to not only boost bilateral trade and commerce but also lead to decongestion of vehicular traffic along the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing route. Indian envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj speaking at the opening of the Land Customs station said, “We are very pleased to provide temporary access through Ahllay for the movement of heavy vehicles and trucks from India into Bhutan." Meanwhile, on Thursday, minister of state for shipping Mansukh Mandaviya digitally flagged off the first trial container ship from Kolkata to Agartala through Chattogram Port of Bangladesh. The new route will reduce time and logistics cost for cargo movement and connect north-east India to Bangladeshi ports. Speaking at the virtual flagging ceremony, Mansukh Mandaviya said, "it is a historic move to utilise Bangladeshi ports of Chattogram and Mongla Port for movement of India’s transit cargo" and "will be a new chapter in India-Bangladesh maritime relations". The consignment of the trial containers includes two TEUs carrying TMT steel bars destined for West Tripura district and two TEUs carrying pulses destined for Karimganj, Assam. The consignment after reaching Chattogram will move to Agartala on Bangladeshi trucks. During the visit of Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina in October 2019, both sides had reached an understanding on Standard Operating Procedures(SOP) for the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for movement of goods to and from India India is already working on several other projects in the region. Last year saw Jaffna international airport being opened that connected it to Southern Indian metropolis of Chennai.

India speeds up connectivity projects with Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh

With an aim to increase trade and connectivity, India and Bhutan on Wednesday opened a new land trade route. The trade route will link West Bengal's Jaigaon with Ahlay, Pasakha in Bhutan.

Calling it a "step forward", Indian Envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj said," it will facilitate connectivities between our two countries in these COVID 19 times, further strengthening our special relationship."

Land Customs station has been opened at Ahllay, Pasakha by the Indian govt at the request of Bhutanese government as part of the new land route.

Indian envoy said,"Bhutan is India’s closest partner and friend and given the excellent bilateral relationship between our two countries and keeping in view as well the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation, this access to Ahllay should further facilitate trade and commerce between our two countries.”

The new route for Pasakha Industrial Estate in Bhutan will decongest vehicular traffic along the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing route and boost bilateral trade &amp; commerce. It is especially beneficial for movement of heavy vehicles like trucks and industrial raw materials from India into Bhutan.

India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. The bilateral trade stood at Rs 9227 crores in 2018. Bhutan imports mineral products, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipments, base metals, vehicles, vegetable products, plastics and articles from India. The country exports to India electricity, portland cement, dolomite, timber and wood products, potatoes, cardamom and fruit products.

With an aim to increase trade and connectivity, India and Bhutan on Wednesday opened a new land trade route. The trade route will link West Bengal's Jaigaon with Ahlay, Pasakha in Bhutan.

With an aim to increase trade and connectivity, India and Bhutan on Wednesday opened a new land trade route. The trade route will link West Bengal's Jaigaon with Ahlay, Pasakha in Bhutan. Calling it a "step forward", Indian Envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj said," it will facilitate connectivities between our two countries in these COVID 19 times, further strengthening our special relationship." Land Customs station has been opened at Ahllay, Pasakha by the Indian govt at the request of Bhutanese government as part of the new land route. Indian envoy said,"Bhutan is India’s closest partner and friend and given the excellent bilateral relationship between our two countries and keeping in view as well the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation, this access to Ahllay should further facilitate trade and commerce between our two countries.” The new route for Pasakha Industrial Estate in Bhutan will decongest vehicular traffic along the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing route and boost bilateral trade & commerce. It is especially beneficial for movement of heavy vehicles like trucks and industrial raw materials from India into Bhutan. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. The bilateral trade stood at Rs 9227 crores in 2018. Bhutan imports mineral products, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipments, base metals, vehicles, vegetable products, plastics and articles from India. The country exports to India electricity, portland cement, dolomite, timber and wood products, potatoes, cardamom and fruit products.

India and Bhutan open new trade route to boost trade

India has got consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav, for the second time in one year. New Delhi had called for "unimpeded and unconditional" access, unlike what happened last time. Islamabad earlier this month announced that it will give 2nd consular access for Jadhav, inviting his father and wife to meet him.&nbsp;

New Delhi in September of 2019 got first consular access for Kulbhushan Jhadav in 3 years with Indian deputy high commissioner (DHC) Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad meeting him for 2 hours. The Indian diplomat found Jhadav under "extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims", according to release issued by India's Ministry of external affairs.&nbsp;

Pakistan earlier this month had also said that Kulbhushan Jadhav has refused review petition that offered to him by the government and instead he will go for mercy petition.

Pakistan's Addl Attorney General Ahmed Irfan said, "Kulbhushan Jadhav was invited to file a petition for review &amp; reconsideration of his sentence &amp; conviction. Exercising his legal right he refused to file a petition for review &amp; reconsideration of his sentence &amp; conviction"

On 20th May Pakistan had enacted an ordinance to implement the international court of justice's order under which appeal can be made to Islamabad high court withing 2 months. Jadhav was given a chance to file a review petition on 17th June.

Pakistan even claimed that it has "repeatedly" written to Indian High Commission inviting them to file a review at Islamabad High Court and initiate the review and reconsideration process.

India maintains that Jadhav was abducted by Pakistani agencies from Iran and New Delhi was first informed about his custody by Pakistani authorities on 25th March 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that military has awarded death sentence to him.

India has got consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav, for the second time in one year. New Delhi had called for "unimpeded and unconditional" access, unlike what happened last time.

India has got consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav, for the second time in one year. New Delhi had called for "unimpeded and unconditional" access, unlike what happened last time. Islamabad earlier this month announced that it will give 2nd consular access for Jadhav, inviting his father and wife to meet him. New Delhi in September of 2019 got first consular access for Kulbhushan Jhadav in 3 years with Indian deputy high commissioner (DHC) Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad meeting him for 2 hours. The Indian diplomat found Jhadav under "extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims", according to release issued by India's Ministry of external affairs. Pakistan earlier this month had also said that Kulbhushan Jadhav has refused review petition that offered to him by the government and instead he will go for mercy petition. Pakistan's Addl Attorney General Ahmed Irfan said, "Kulbhushan Jadhav was invited to file a petition for review & reconsideration of his sentence & conviction. Exercising his legal right he refused to file a petition for review & reconsideration of his sentence & conviction" On 20th May Pakistan had enacted an ordinance to implement the international court of justice's order under which appeal can be made to Islamabad high court withing 2 months. Jadhav was given a chance to file a review petition on 17th June. Pakistan even claimed that it has "repeatedly" written to Indian High Commission inviting them to file a review at Islamabad High Court and initiate the review and reconsideration process. India maintains that Jadhav was abducted by Pakistani agencies from Iran and New Delhi was first informed about his custody by Pakistani authorities on 25th March 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that military has awarded death sentence to him.

India gets consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan

India and China have been engaged in discussions through established military and diplomatic channels to address the prevailing situation along the LAC.

Commanders from PLA and&nbsp;Indian Army held a meeting at Chushul, on Indian side, for the fourth round of talks, on 14 July to discuss&nbsp;further steps to ensure complete disengagement, according to an official statement give by the Indian Army.

''Senior Commanders had reviewed the&nbsp;progress on implementation of the first phase of disengagement during the India China Military talks of 14th July.''

''The two sides remain committed to the objective of complete disengagement. This process is intricate and requires constant verification. They are taking it forward through regular meetings at diplomatic and military level.''it added.

The Senior Commanders reviewed the progress on implementation of the first phase of disengagement and discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement. &nbsp;

The engagement was ''consistent'' and&nbsp;a general consensus was reached between the Special Representatives of India and China who met earlier&nbsp;on&nbsp;July 5 as well.

India and China have been engaged in discussions through established military and diplomatic channels to address the prevailing situation along the LAC. Commanders from PLA and Indian Army held a meeting at Chushul, on Indian side, for the fourth round of talks, on 14 July to discuss further steps to ensure complete disengagement, according to an official statement give by the Indian Army.

India and China have been engaged in discussions through established military and diplomatic channels to address the prevailing situation along the LAC. Commanders from PLA and Indian Army held a meeting at Chushul, on Indian side, for the fourth round of talks, on 14 July to discuss further steps to ensure complete disengagement, according to an official statement give by the Indian Army. ''Senior Commanders had reviewed the progress on implementation of the first phase of disengagement during the India China Military talks of 14th July.'' ''The two sides remain committed to the objective of complete disengagement. This process is intricate and requires constant verification. They are taking it forward through regular meetings at diplomatic and military level.''it added. The Senior Commanders reviewed the progress on implementation of the first phase of disengagement and discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement. The engagement was ''consistent'' and a general consensus was reached between the Special Representatives of India and China who met earlier on July 5 as well.

India-China standoff: Discussed further steps to ensure complete disengagement says Indian army

India has expressed its commitment to jointly develop Chabahar - Zahedan rail project and refuted reports of it being removed from the project.

Indian govt sources said, “Both sides remain committed to Chabahar-Zahedan railway project."

Adding, "We are very much in the game but progress is slow due to current political environment".&nbsp;

New Delhi sees the various connectivity projects in the West Asian country as the "paradigm driving India-Iran relations". The Chabahar - Zahedan port &amp; rail project and the International North-South Corridor (INSTC) from Mumbai to Moscow that passes via Iran are key connectivity projects both countries are working on. Chabahar port project is the better known of these connectivity projects.

Indian government sources said, "Both vectors enjoy a great deal of convergence among decision-makers in the two countries and beyond. This is therefore not merely an India-Iran initiative but one which generates considerable interest from Central Asian Republics and the Republic of Azerbaijan."

According to Iran media reports, Iran Railway on July 7 started laying track for the 628 km railway project with 150 km section to be completed by March 2021. The full length of the track is expected to be completed by March 2022.

There are two components of the massive connectivity project that will connect India to Afghanistan via Iran. First being the substructure --concrete bed on which rail tracks are mounted, bridges laid or tunnels dugout, etc. This is standard work in any railroad project and superstructure viz. signalling systems, rolling stocks/wagons, locomotive engines, etc.

Under the bilateral agreement, Iran is to lay the substructure which has seen delays due to lack of funds. Upon completion of substructure, India will supply the stock and operationalisation is to be done jointly.

Another hiccup has been that Iran was procuring steel from Indian suppliers. This has been suspended due to US sanctions as steel is a sanctioned commodity. Presidential elections next summer and domestic politics are also in play in the country and that sources believe does impact the project.

During PM Modi's 2016 visit to the West Asian country, India and Iran signed MoU on the construction of Chabahar-Zahedan railway line which forms part of transit and transportation corridor in a trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan. MoU was between India's IRCON and Construction, Development of Transport and Infrastructure Company (CDTIC) of Iran.

As regards financing, broad terms have been agreed upon and these are approximately in the range of $800 million.

India has expressed its commitment to jointly develop Chabahar - Zahedan rail project and refuted reports of it being removed from the project. Indian govt sources said, “Both sides remain committed to Chabahar-Zahedan railway project.

India has expressed its commitment to jointly develop Chabahar - Zahedan rail project and refuted reports of it being removed from the project. Indian govt sources said, “Both sides remain committed to Chabahar-Zahedan railway project." Adding, "We are very much in the game but progress is slow due to current political environment". New Delhi sees the various connectivity projects in the West Asian country as the "paradigm driving India-Iran relations". The Chabahar - Zahedan port & rail project and the International North-South Corridor (INSTC) from Mumbai to Moscow that passes via Iran are key connectivity projects both countries are working on. Chabahar port project is the better known of these connectivity projects. Indian government sources said, "Both vectors enjoy a great deal of convergence among decision-makers in the two countries and beyond. This is therefore not merely an India-Iran initiative but one which generates considerable interest from Central Asian Republics and the Republic of Azerbaijan." According to Iran media reports, Iran Railway on July 7 started laying track for the 628 km railway project with 150 km section to be completed by March 2021. The full length of the track is expected to be completed by March 2022. There are two components of the massive connectivity project that will connect India to Afghanistan via Iran. First being the substructure --concrete bed on which rail tracks are mounted, bridges laid or tunnels dugout, etc. This is standard work in any railroad project and superstructure viz. signalling systems, rolling stocks/wagons, locomotive engines, etc. Under the bilateral agreement, Iran is to lay the substructure which has seen delays due to lack of funds. Upon completion of substructure, India will supply the stock and operationalisation is to be done jointly. Another hiccup has been that Iran was procuring steel from Indian suppliers. This has been suspended due to US sanctions as steel is a sanctioned commodity. Presidential elections next summer and domestic politics are also in play in the country and that sources believe does impact the project. During PM Modi's 2016 visit to the West Asian country, India and Iran signed MoU on the construction of Chabahar-Zahedan railway line which forms part of transit and transportation corridor in a trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan. MoU was between India's IRCON and Construction, Development of Transport and Infrastructure Company (CDTIC) of Iran. As regards financing, broad terms have been agreed upon and these are approximately in the range of $800 million.

No dilution in India-Iran commitment to jointly develop Chabahar - Zahedan rail project

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

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