&nbsp;China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Tokyo on Tuesday (November 24), marking the first such high-level trip since Japan picked a new leader in September and amid mounting concerns over Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region.

At the beginning of a meeting with Wang, the Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the relations between Japan and&nbsp;China&nbsp;are extremely important for the region and the world, and called for cooperation to tackle global challenges together.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-japan-australia-align-to-counter-chinas-growing-regional-influence-344175">Quad: Japan, Australia align to counter China's growing regional influence</a>

Wang stressed the need for continuous communication. "Under our combined leadership, today we had a first face-to-face meeting against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, which is timely and meaningful," he said.

Before the meeting, Motegi said he would have a "frank exchange" of views on bilateral relations with Wang, including on how to resume traffic between the two countries during the pandemic. Japanese media reported that Motegi would also raise concerns about&nbsp;China's beefed-up activity in the East&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea.

While Japanese Prime Minister Suga has steered clear of the harsh anti-China rhetoric used by Japan's ally the United States, he has moved to counter its influence by deepening ties with Australia and making his first overseas trip to Vietnam and Indonesia.

Relations between the two countries have been strained over territorial disputes and wartime history. But ties have improved in recent years while china’s trade dispute with the US&nbsp;has escalated. Japan, a key US&nbsp;ally, sees China as a crucial trading partner and faces the challenge of balancing its relations with both nations.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Tokyo on Tuesday (November 24), marking the first such high-level trip since Japan picked a new leader in September and amid mounting concerns over Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Tokyo on Tuesday (November 24), marking the first such high-level trip since Japan picked a new leader in September and amid mounting concerns over Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region. At the beginning of a meeting with Wang, the Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the relations between Japan and China are extremely important for the region and the world, and called for cooperation to tackle global challenges together. Also read| Quad: Japan, Australia align to counter China's growing regional influence Wang stressed the need for continuous communication. "Under our combined leadership, today we had a first face-to-face meeting against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, which is timely and meaningful," he said. Before the meeting, Motegi said he would have a "frank exchange" of views on bilateral relations with Wang, including on how to resume traffic between the two countries during the pandemic. Japanese media reported that Motegi would also raise concerns about China's beefed-up activity in the East China Sea. While Japanese Prime Minister Suga has steered clear of the harsh anti-China rhetoric used by Japan's ally the United States, he has moved to counter its influence by deepening ties with Australia and making his first overseas trip to Vietnam and Indonesia. Relations between the two countries have been strained over territorial disputes and wartime history. But ties have improved in recent years while china’s trade dispute with the US has escalated. Japan, a key US ally, sees China as a crucial trading partner and faces the challenge of balancing its relations with both nations.

China's foreign minister visits Japan to seek cooperation amid regional tensions

The race for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;has stoked a debate on how much the jabs will&nbsp;cost&nbsp;and who will pay for them, as&nbsp;prices&nbsp;range from $10 to $40&nbsp;per person.

An affordable price for the coronavirus vaccine can&nbsp;very well act as the deciding factor in the purchase and sale of a particular brand and its profit.

From Moderna, Pfizer to Oxford and Bharat Biotech coronavirus vaccine candidates, here's all you need to know about Covid-19 shots&nbsp;and what their cost may be.

Moderna&nbsp;coronavirus vaccine

Moderna is a private company, which has clearly stated its interest in making profits. In August, Moderna was pitching for $37 (£28) a dose. The UN Covax programme will subsidise rollouts of coronavirus vaccines to poorer countries, but at the price Moderna wants to charge, that may prove too costly.

How many shots&nbsp;will be required?

Moderna vaccine consists of two injections four weeks apart.

Pfizer coronavirus vaccine

Pfizer and BioNTech said last week that an analysis of their vaccine candidate showed it was over 95% effective in preventing coronavirus infections.

How much will Pfizer coronavirus vaccine cost?

Pfizer and BioNTech are reportedly charging $20 per dose for their vaccine, significantly lower than Moderna.

Oxford coronavirus vaccine

British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca is developing a Covid-19 vaccine with the University of Oxford. Data from late-stage trials will be available next month.

How much will Oxford coronavirus vaccine cost?

Oxford coronavirus vaccine has been priced at approximately $3 to $4. India’s Serum Institute has, meanwhile, said Oxford coronavirus vaccine will be priced at a maximum of Rs 1,000 for two doses.

Russia coronavirus vaccine

Early results from trials of a Covid vaccine Sputnik V developed in Russia suggest it could be 92% effective.

How much will Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine cost?

According to Russia's TASS agency, the coronavirus vaccine will be available free of cost in the country.&nbsp;The state-run&nbsp;Gamaleya research centre&nbsp;and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said the vaccine will be available in the international markets for less than $10 per dose and it can be stored between two and eight degrees Celsius (between 35.6 and 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

Johnson &amp; Johnson Covid-19 vaccine

Johnson &amp; Johnson expects to have all data needed to file for authorisation for its single-shot coronavirus vaccine candidate by February, according to a report.

How much will Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine cost?

J&amp;J shots are likely to cost around $10 a dose. Johnson &amp; Johnson had earlier stated it was committed to bringing an affordable vaccine to the public on a not-for-profit basis for emergency pandemic use.

India coronavirus vaccine

India is likely to be amongst the front-runners with the development of its indigenous Covid vaccine Covaxin in the near future.

What will be the cost of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin vaccine?

The cost of Covaxin will be less than that of a water, according to Bharat Biotech MD, Dr Krishna Ella

The remark implies that Covaxin will be supplied at a price well below Rs 100, which will be significant given that most of India's population falls in the low-to-middle income category.

The race for a coronavirus vaccine has stoked a debate on how much the jabs will cost and who will pay for them, as prices range from $10 to $40 per person. An affordable price for the coronavirus vaccine can very well act as the deciding factor in the purchase and sale of a particular brand and its profit.

The race for a coronavirus vaccine has stoked a debate on how much the jabs will cost and who will pay for them, as prices range from $10 to $40 per person. An affordable price for the coronavirus vaccine can very well act as the deciding factor in the purchase and sale of a particular brand and its profit. From Moderna, Pfizer to Oxford and Bharat Biotech coronavirus vaccine candidates, here's all you need to know about Covid-19 shots and what their cost may be. Moderna coronavirus vaccine Moderna is a private company, which has clearly stated its interest in making profits. In August, Moderna was pitching for $37 (£28) a dose. The UN Covax programme will subsidise rollouts of coronavirus vaccines to poorer countries, but at the price Moderna wants to charge, that may prove too costly. How many shots will be required? Moderna vaccine consists of two injections four weeks apart. Pfizer coronavirus vaccine Pfizer and BioNTech said last week that an analysis of their vaccine candidate showed it was over 95% effective in preventing coronavirus infections. How much will Pfizer coronavirus vaccine cost? Pfizer and BioNTech are reportedly charging $20 per dose for their vaccine, significantly lower than Moderna. Oxford coronavirus vaccine British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca is developing a Covid-19 vaccine with the University of Oxford. Data from late-stage trials will be available next month. How much will Oxford coronavirus vaccine cost? Oxford coronavirus vaccine has been priced at approximately $3 to $4. India’s Serum Institute has, meanwhile, said Oxford coronavirus vaccine will be priced at a maximum of Rs 1,000 for two doses. Russia coronavirus vaccine Early results from trials of a Covid vaccine Sputnik V developed in Russia suggest it could be 92% effective. How much will Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine cost? According to Russia's TASS agency, the coronavirus vaccine will be available free of cost in the country. The state-run Gamaleya research centre and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said the vaccine will be available in the international markets for less than $10 per dose and it can be stored between two and eight degrees Celsius (between 35.6 and 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine Johnson & Johnson expects to have all data needed to file for authorisation for its single-shot coronavirus vaccine candidate by February, according to a report. How much will Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine cost? J&J shots are likely to cost around $10 a dose. Johnson & Johnson had earlier stated it was committed to bringing an affordable vaccine to the public on a not-for-profit basis for emergency pandemic use. India coronavirus vaccine India is likely to be amongst the front-runners with the development of its indigenous Covid vaccine Covaxin in the near future. What will be the cost of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin vaccine? The cost of Covaxin will be less than that of a water, according to Bharat Biotech MD, Dr Krishna Ella The remark implies that Covaxin will be supplied at a price well below Rs 100, which will be significant given that most of India's population falls in the low-to-middle income category.

Coronavirus vaccine: How price plays an extremely crucial role

After muzzling free speech at home, and forcing foreign correspondents into leaving China, Beijing is now going after journalists abroad.

An Australian journalist called Bang Xiao who works in ABC news channel has received&nbsp;rape threats against his family after his content enraged Chinese nationalists in Australia.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Hi <a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Twitter</a> and friends, I have seen horrible tweets about me and my family members since this morning. I'd encourage you to say no to abuse, troll and harassment. Please help me report the posts and don't interact with them. Thanks a lot!<a href="https://t.co/oW2KQxLC9Z">https://t.co/oW2KQxLC9Z</a> <a href="https://t.co/w8B3VID87k">pic.twitter.com/w8B3VID87k</a>
— Bang Xiao 肖邦 (@BangXiao_) <a href="https://twitter.com/BangXiao_/status/1331110061960167424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The&nbsp;incident is another example of the increasing influence of Chinese nationalists in Australia after some violent incident in Australian universities where such elements denied Australian students to stage a protest against China and its Communist Party.

Bang Xiao's post on the social networking platform Twitter had sparked controversy.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A skit aiming to teach kids about what was eaten by royalty more than 1,000 years ago in ancient China is causing controversy in Australia's Chinese community, and some fear the outrage could be used by Beijing as propaganda against Australia.<a href="https://t.co/MHXlzk4ieb">https://t.co/MHXlzk4ieb</a>
— Bang Xiao 肖邦 (@BangXiao_) <a href="https://twitter.com/BangXiao_/status/1330971022841970693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A skit on an award-winning program on the ABC's television channel for school-aged children has sparked widespread controversy in the Australian Chinese community.

More than 1,200 people have signed a petition calling for the boycotting of the horrible histories program, over a segment from a 2015 episode of the children's comedy series that was aired on ABC&nbsp;last Friday evening.

In the show, which was produced by the BBC, a British actress of Asian descent appeared in traditional Chinese costume and ate rats, cockroaches, and jellyfish among other things.

It was part of a section that was explaining the eating culture from China's Tang dynasty, which ended over 1,000 years ago.

Many Chinese Australians believe the sketch would not have been intended as offensive to the community. But they are concerned it may result in further misrepresentations of their culture, beliefs, practices and could lead to their kids being questioned or bullied at their schools.

Along with moves to create a broad boycott of the tv programme, some members of the Chinese-Australian community have asked the ABC to publicly apologise for the content.

After muzzling free speech at home, and forcing foreign correspondents into leaving China, Beijing is now going after journalists abroad. An Australian journalist called Bang Xiao who works in ABC news channel has received rape threats against his family after his content enraged Chinese nationalists in Australia.

After muzzling free speech at home, and forcing foreign correspondents into leaving China, Beijing is now going after journalists abroad. An Australian journalist called Bang Xiao who works in ABC news channel has received rape threats against his family after his content enraged Chinese nationalists in Australia. Hi @Twitter and friends, I have seen horrible tweets about me and my family members since this morning. I'd encourage you to say no to abuse, troll and harassment. Please help me report the posts and don't interact with them. Thanks a lot!https://t.co/oW2KQxLC9Z pic.twitter.com/w8B3VID87k — Bang Xiao 肖邦 (@BangXiao_) November 24, 2020 × The incident is another example of the increasing influence of Chinese nationalists in Australia after some violent incident in Australian universities where such elements denied Australian students to stage a protest against China and its Communist Party. Bang Xiao's post on the social networking platform Twitter had sparked controversy. A skit aiming to teach kids about what was eaten by royalty more than 1,000 years ago in ancient China is causing controversy in Australia's Chinese community, and some fear the outrage could be used by Beijing as propaganda against Australia.https://t.co/MHXlzk4ieb — Bang Xiao 肖邦 (@BangXiao_) November 23, 2020 × A skit on an award-winning program on the ABC's television channel for school-aged children has sparked widespread controversy in the Australian Chinese community. More than 1,200 people have signed a petition calling for the boycotting of the horrible histories program, over a segment from a 2015 episode of the children's comedy series that was aired on ABC last Friday evening. In the show, which was produced by the BBC, a British actress of Asian descent appeared in traditional Chinese costume and ate rats, cockroaches, and jellyfish among other things. It was part of a section that was explaining the eating culture from China's Tang dynasty, which ended over 1,000 years ago. Many Chinese Australians believe the sketch would not have been intended as offensive to the community. But they are concerned it may result in further misrepresentations of their culture, beliefs, practices and could lead to their kids being questioned or bullied at their schools. Along with moves to create a broad boycott of the tv programme, some members of the Chinese-Australian community have asked the ABC to publicly apologise for the content.

Now, China attacks journalists abroad, targets Australian journalist Bang Xiao

Hopes over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1">Covid-19&nbsp;vaccines</a>&nbsp;have given a boost to virus-weary citizens across the globe in recent days, but the disease remains rampant and world leaders are urging people to be patient.

Even once a&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;becomes available, any return to normality for a global economy ravaged by the pandemic seems a long way off.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vaccine-to-lowest-levels-pm-modi-speaks-on-covid-19-vaccine-cost-distribution-strategy-during-chief-ministers-meeting-345108" hreflang="en">'Vaccine to lowest levels': PM Modi on COVID-19 vaccine cost, distribution</a>

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the coronavirus vaccine:

What do we know about the vaccines?

Since this pandemic began more than 100 vaccines are undergoing trials and&nbsp;as many as 54 vaccines&nbsp;are being tested on humans. At least 87 candidates are in the pre-clinical trial stage.

There is no vaccine that is approved for full use and that can be widely administered across the world

Some vaccine candidates have either completed their trials or are close to completing them.

While 37 candidates are in phase one of trials,&nbsp;17 in are phase two, that is,&nbsp;the safety trials.&nbsp;13 candidates are being tested among large groups of people and six have been approved but for limited use.

So,&nbsp;out of the vaccines being tested on humans some candidates have managed to get ahead.

In the tests conducted so far, these vaccines are showing positive results. However, they are not quite ready for a global rollout but we could have multiple vaccines&nbsp;that work and that is extremely encouraging.

Who are these candidates?

The candidates for the coronavirus vaccine include&nbsp;AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Pfizer and Moderna.

AstraZeneca said on Monday its&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;on average prevented 70% of COVID-19 cases in late-stage trials. This rose to 90% in a group of participants who accidentally received a half dose followed by a full dose.

New clinical trial data based on 39 confirmed cases and 18,794 patients who had both shots had shown that Sputnik V was 91.4% effective on day 28 and over 95% effective on day 42.

Pfizer&nbsp;and German partner BioNTech reported final trial results that showed the vaccine was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 with no major safety concerns.

Moderna said its experimental&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;was 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19, based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial.

Nearly a million people have taken an experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by Chinese company&nbsp;Sinopharm, the firm said, although it has not yet provided any clear clinical evidence of efficacy.

China has been giving experimental Covid-19 vaccines to people including state employees, international students, and essential workers heading abroad since July.

Are these vaccines safe?

It is difficult to guarantee the safety of these vaccines because the efficacy rates have been reported by companies themselves.

However, experts of the scientific community need to cross-check this data to&nbsp;verify it.

Companies like Pfizer and the makers of the Oxford vaccine say their vaccine works across age groups.&nbsp;

Are there any long term side effects?

The vaccine makers are moving for emergency authorization regulators will clear those candidates that can be safely administered to people, paving the way for the inoculation of the masses.

When can you get it?

It depends on where does a person lives. Pfizer has said it will roll out its vaccine before Christmas.

The Serum Institute of India, the world's largest manufacturer of&nbsp;vaccines by volume, will first focus on supplying AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;to Indians before distributing it to other countries, Serum's Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla said on Monday.

Serum is hoping the data released earlier on Monday, along with preliminary data from the ongoing trial of the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;in India, will allow it to seek emergency use authorisation for the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;by year-end, before gaining approval for a full rollout by February or March next year, said Poonawalla.

How will it be distributed?

In India, the rollout could happen in two ways, either the government could procure the vaccines and distribute them themselves or they could be directly made available in pharmacies for people to buy.

&nbsp;Considering India is such a large country both of these mediums could be used, just like how the prices of tests for Wuhan virus were capped.

The prices of these vaccines could be capped for the open market while the government could buy its own supplies and distribute it for free or subsidized rates. The government of India is yet to announce its plans but reportedly, it plans to inoculate one out of every five Indians by July. That would mean 25 crore citizens.

&nbsp;

Hopes over Covid-19 vaccines have given a boost to virus-weary citizens across the globe in recent days, but the disease remains rampant and world leaders are urging people to be patient.

Hopes over Covid-19 vaccines have given a boost to virus-weary citizens across the globe in recent days, but the disease remains rampant and world leaders are urging people to be patient. Even once a vaccine becomes available, any return to normality for a global economy ravaged by the pandemic seems a long way off. Also read: 'Vaccine to lowest levels': PM Modi on COVID-19 vaccine cost, distribution Here are the most frequently asked questions about the coronavirus vaccine: What do we know about the vaccines? Since this pandemic began more than 100 vaccines are undergoing trials and as many as 54 vaccines are being tested on humans. At least 87 candidates are in the pre-clinical trial stage. There is no vaccine that is approved for full use and that can be widely administered across the world Some vaccine candidates have either completed their trials or are close to completing them. While 37 candidates are in phase one of trials, 17 in are phase two, that is, the safety trials. 13 candidates are being tested among large groups of people and six have been approved but for limited use. So, out of the vaccines being tested on humans some candidates have managed to get ahead. In the tests conducted so far, these vaccines are showing positive results. However, they are not quite ready for a global rollout but we could have multiple vaccines that work and that is extremely encouraging. Who are these candidates? The candidates for the coronavirus vaccine include AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Pfizer and Moderna. AstraZeneca said on Monday its vaccine on average prevented 70% of COVID-19 cases in late-stage trials. This rose to 90% in a group of participants who accidentally received a half dose followed by a full dose. New clinical trial data based on 39 confirmed cases and 18,794 patients who had both shots had shown that Sputnik V was 91.4% effective on day 28 and over 95% effective on day 42. Pfizer and German partner BioNTech reported final trial results that showed the vaccine was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 with no major safety concerns. Moderna said its experimental vaccine was 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19, based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial. Nearly a million people have taken an experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by Chinese company Sinopharm, the firm said, although it has not yet provided any clear clinical evidence of efficacy. China has been giving experimental Covid-19 vaccines to people including state employees, international students, and essential workers heading abroad since July. Are these vaccines safe? It is difficult to guarantee the safety of these vaccines because the efficacy rates have been reported by companies themselves. However, experts of the scientific community need to cross-check this data to verify it. Companies like Pfizer and the makers of the Oxford vaccine say their vaccine works across age groups. Are there any long term side effects? The vaccine makers are moving for emergency authorization regulators will clear those candidates that can be safely administered to people, paving the way for the inoculation of the masses. When can you get it? It depends on where does a person lives. Pfizer has said it will roll out its vaccine before Christmas. The Serum Institute of India, the world's largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume, will first focus on supplying AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine to Indians before distributing it to other countries, Serum's Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla said on Monday. Serum is hoping the data released earlier on Monday, along with preliminary data from the ongoing trial of the vaccine in India, will allow it to seek emergency use authorisation for the vaccine by year-end, before gaining approval for a full rollout by February or March next year, said Poonawalla. How will it be distributed? In India, the rollout could happen in two ways, either the government could procure the vaccines and distribute them themselves or they could be directly made available in pharmacies for people to buy. Considering India is such a large country both of these mediums could be used, just like how the prices of tests for Wuhan virus were capped. The prices of these vaccines could be capped for the open market while the government could buy its own supplies and distribute it for free or subsidized rates. The government of India is yet to announce its plans but reportedly, it plans to inoculate one out of every five Indians by July. That would mean 25 crore citizens.

From production to distribution: Comprehensive guide to coronavirus vaccine

Bangladesh is accelerating efforts to bring human traffickers to justice, the law minister said on Tuesday, after a special court set up to clear a backlog of cases secured its first conviction.

Bangladesh had&nbsp;established seven tribunals nationwide in March to deal with thousands of trafficking cases,&nbsp;some of which have been pending for years, and improve its low conviction rate.

In the first verdict delivered by the tribunal in Dhaka, a woman was found guilty last week of kidnapping her neighbour's baby and selling the girl to a trafficking syndicate. Sathi Akter, 27, was jailed for 10 years and fined 20,000 taka ($230).

"By establishing these anti-trafficking tribunals, we have let people know of our intention, that this is one of our priority issues ... we have expedited the cases," Law Minister Anisul Huq told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by telephone.

"We want to quickly dispose them and set an example to the world," he added. "The trial of the first case and judgement shows our eagerness to deal with these problems quickly."

At least 4,000 cases are pending investigation or prosecution under a 2012 law that criminalised trafficking, government data shows. The conviction rate under the law stands at 1.7%, found the annual U.S. flagship report on trafficking.

This is due to the absence of specialist anti-trafficking courts until this year, and a lack of guidance on evidence collection for police in cross-border cases, activists said.

The Dhaka tribunal's public prosecutor, who represented the trafficked child's mother Golapy Akter, said the case was heard in six working days - marking a relatively quick turnaround.

Sazzadul Haque said Akter's determination to secure justice rather than accept an out-of-court settlement and the testimony of several witnesses were key factors behind the conviction.

"It's true that there are trafficking cases which are difficult to win," Haque said. "In this case, both of those aspects were on our side."

Bangladesh has ramped up anti-trafficking efforts in recent years amid concerns about its large migrant workforce overseas and under growing pressure on the issue from the United States.

In what police called the "strongest operation" against human traffickers in recent times, at least 50 people were arrested in Dhaka in June after 24 Bangladeshi migrants had been abducted and killed in Libya the previous month. [L8N2DW2AB]

The nation is one of the world's top exporters of labour and depends on money sent home from about 700,000 people who go abroad to work each year. Yet high recruitment fees charged by unofficial brokers fuels abuses and trafficking, activists say.

Anti-trafficking activists hailed the tribunal's quick handling of the case and its verdict, but said more work needed to be done to clear the country's backlog of trafficking cases.

"Coordination between the police and the prosecution team is the key to efficient trials," said Mohammad Tariqul Islam, country director for anti-trafficking charity Justice and Care.

Bangladesh is accelerating efforts to bring human traffickers to justice, the law minister said on Tuesday, after a special court set up to clear a backlog of cases secured its first conviction.

Bangladesh is accelerating efforts to bring human traffickers to justice, the law minister said on Tuesday, after a special court set up to clear a backlog of cases secured its first conviction. Bangladesh had established seven tribunals nationwide in March to deal with thousands of trafficking cases, some of which have been pending for years, and improve its low conviction rate. In the first verdict delivered by the tribunal in Dhaka, a woman was found guilty last week of kidnapping her neighbour's baby and selling the girl to a trafficking syndicate. Sathi Akter, 27, was jailed for 10 years and fined 20,000 taka ($230). "By establishing these anti-trafficking tribunals, we have let people know of our intention, that this is one of our priority issues ... we have expedited the cases," Law Minister Anisul Huq told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by telephone. "We want to quickly dispose them and set an example to the world," he added. "The trial of the first case and judgement shows our eagerness to deal with these problems quickly." At least 4,000 cases are pending investigation or prosecution under a 2012 law that criminalised trafficking, government data shows. The conviction rate under the law stands at 1.7%, found the annual U.S. flagship report on trafficking. This is due to the absence of specialist anti-trafficking courts until this year, and a lack of guidance on evidence collection for police in cross-border cases, activists said. The Dhaka tribunal's public prosecutor, who represented the trafficked child's mother Golapy Akter, said the case was heard in six working days - marking a relatively quick turnaround. Sazzadul Haque said Akter's determination to secure justice rather than accept an out-of-court settlement and the testimony of several witnesses were key factors behind the conviction. "It's true that there are trafficking cases which are difficult to win," Haque said. "In this case, both of those aspects were on our side." Bangladesh has ramped up anti-trafficking efforts in recent years amid concerns about its large migrant workforce overseas and under growing pressure on the issue from the United States. In what police called the "strongest operation" against human traffickers in recent times, at least 50 people were arrested in Dhaka in June after 24 Bangladeshi migrants had been abducted and killed in Libya the previous month. [L8N2DW2AB] The nation is one of the world's top exporters of labour and depends on money sent home from about 700,000 people who go abroad to work each year. Yet high recruitment fees charged by unofficial brokers fuels abuses and trafficking, activists say. Anti-trafficking activists hailed the tribunal's quick handling of the case and its verdict, but said more work needed to be done to clear the country's backlog of trafficking cases. "Coordination between the police and the prosecution team is the key to efficient trials," said Mohammad Tariqul Islam, country director for anti-trafficking charity Justice and Care.

Bangladesh vows to speed up efforts to convict human traffickers

Antony Blinken trusted aide of US&nbsp;President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday said&nbsp;India has to be a key partner in engaging China from a position of strength.

Blinken said, ''We have a common challenge which is to deal with an increasingly assertive China across the board, including its aggression toward India at the Line of Actual Control.''

Blinken's statement comes as India is embroiled in a deadly border showdown with China in Eastern Ladakh since May and&nbsp;has sought closer military ties with other countries.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eye-on-china-india-led-quad-displays-military-prowess-in-malabar-naval-exercise-344391" hreflang="en">Eye on China: India-led Quad displays military prowess in Malabar naval exercise</a>

Deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops over a disputed border region have given the Pentagon fresh fuel to draw Delhi closer, as it seeks a coalition to counter what the US sees as the rapid expansion of China's military presence across the Indo-Pacific region.

Responding to a question from Richard Verma, the former US Ambassador to India, who was moderating the panel discussion, Blinken said that Biden as President would be investing in ourselves renewing our democracy, working with our close partners like India, asserting our values, and so engaging China from a position of strength.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indian-air-forces-apache-chinook-will-take-on-chinas-attack-helicopters-along-lac-342634" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: How Indian Air Force's Apache, Chinook will take on China's attack helicopters along LAC</a>

''During the Obama-Biden administration, we worked very hard to establish India as a key contributing member of the Indo-Pacific strategy. And that includes India's role in working with like minded partners to strengthen and uphold a rules-based order in the Indo Pacific, in which no country, including China, can threaten its neighbours with impunity,''&nbsp;Blinken said.

''That role needs to extend even beyond the region as vast as it is to the world at large. In a Biden administration, we would be an advocate for India to play a leading role in international institutions and that includes helping India get a seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council,''&nbsp;he said.

''We would work together to strengthen India's defence, and also add its capabilities as a counterterrorism partner,''&nbsp;he added.

Asserting that Biden is a champion of the US-India relations, Blinken had said that the former vice president had a vision for the US-India relations.

Referring to a 2006 statement by Biden that by 2020, US and India should be closest friends, Blinken said that that has not happened yet, but Biden will make it a reality.

Antony Blinken trusted aide of US President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday said India has to be a key partner in engaging China from a position of strength. Blinken said, ''We have a common challenge which is to deal with an increasingly assertive China across the board, including its aggression toward India at the Line of Actual Control.

Antony Blinken trusted aide of US President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday said India has to be a key partner in engaging China from a position of strength. Blinken said, ''We have a common challenge which is to deal with an increasingly assertive China across the board, including its aggression toward India at the Line of Actual Control.'' Blinken's statement comes as India is embroiled in a deadly border showdown with China in Eastern Ladakh since May and has sought closer military ties with other countries. Also see: Eye on China: India-led Quad displays military prowess in Malabar naval exercise Deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops over a disputed border region have given the Pentagon fresh fuel to draw Delhi closer, as it seeks a coalition to counter what the US sees as the rapid expansion of China's military presence across the Indo-Pacific region. Responding to a question from Richard Verma, the former US Ambassador to India, who was moderating the panel discussion, Blinken said that Biden as President would be investing in ourselves renewing our democracy, working with our close partners like India, asserting our values, and so engaging China from a position of strength. Also see: India-China standoff: How Indian Air Force's Apache, Chinook will take on China's attack helicopters along LAC ''During the Obama-Biden administration, we worked very hard to establish India as a key contributing member of the Indo-Pacific strategy. And that includes India's role in working with like minded partners to strengthen and uphold a rules-based order in the Indo Pacific, in which no country, including China, can threaten its neighbours with impunity,'' Blinken said. ''That role needs to extend even beyond the region as vast as it is to the world at large. In a Biden administration, we would be an advocate for India to play a leading role in international institutions and that includes helping India get a seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council,'' he said. ''We would work together to strengthen India's defence, and also add its capabilities as a counterterrorism partner,'' he added. Asserting that Biden is a champion of the US-India relations, Blinken had said that the former vice president had a vision for the US-India relations. Referring to a 2006 statement by Biden that by 2020, US and India should be closest friends, Blinken said that that has not happened yet, but Biden will make it a reality.

Biden's secretary of state pick Blinken says India needs to be key partner in combating China

Major US&nbsp;companies, reportedly including Apple, are lobbying against a new piece of legislation that seeks to prevent forced labor in China.

The move by Apple lobbyists&nbsp;highlights&nbsp;the clash between its business imperatives and its official stance on human rights.

The bill, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, levies sanctions on human rights violators and prevents imports of goods manufactured in the predominantly Muslim region of Xinjiang unless companies can guarantee they weren't produced by imprisoned or coerced workers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/batterygate-scandal-apple-to-pay-113-million-settlement-on-iphone-throttling-344089" hreflang="en">Batterygate scandal: Apple to pay $113 million settlement on iPhone throttling</a>

Apple is heavily dependent on Chinese manufacturing, and human rights reports have identified instances in which alleged forced Uighur labor has been used in Apple’s supply chain.

Earlier in 2020, select Apple suppliers were accused of using forced Uighur labor to manufacture components for the Cupertino tech giant.

In July, Apple said it was continuing to carry out investigations of the alleged forced labor. Results from the probe turned up no evidence of wrongdoing among its suppliers, Apple said.

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"Forced labor is abhorrent," Apple CEO Tim Cook told Congress in July. "We would not tolerate it in Apple" and would "terminate a supplier relationship if it were found.

Apple has repeatedly faced heat&nbsp;over its production facilities in China.&nbsp;The latest allegation came in March&nbsp;when a think tank published a&nbsp;report&nbsp;finding&nbsp;four instances of&nbsp;forced labour being used in Apple's supply chain.

The report says that in 2017&nbsp;the Chinese government transferred 1,000 to 2,000 Uighurs in a factory owned by o-film, a&nbsp;company that makes selfie cameras for the Apple iPhone.

Major US companies, reportedly including Apple, are lobbying against a new piece of legislation that seeks to prevent forced labor in China. The move by Apple lobbyists highlights the clash between its business imperatives and its official stance on human rights.

Major US companies, reportedly including Apple, are lobbying against a new piece of legislation that seeks to prevent forced labor in China. The move by Apple lobbyists highlights the clash between its business imperatives and its official stance on human rights. The bill, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, levies sanctions on human rights violators and prevents imports of goods manufactured in the predominantly Muslim region of Xinjiang unless companies can guarantee they weren't produced by imprisoned or coerced workers. Also read: Batterygate scandal: Apple to pay $113 million settlement on iPhone throttling Apple is heavily dependent on Chinese manufacturing, and human rights reports have identified instances in which alleged forced Uighur labor has been used in Apple’s supply chain. Earlier in 2020, select Apple suppliers were accused of using forced Uighur labor to manufacture components for the Cupertino tech giant. In July, Apple said it was continuing to carry out investigations of the alleged forced labor. Results from the probe turned up no evidence of wrongdoing among its suppliers, Apple said. × "Forced labor is abhorrent," Apple CEO Tim Cook told Congress in July. "We would not tolerate it in Apple" and would "terminate a supplier relationship if it were found. Apple has repeatedly faced heat over its production facilities in China. The latest allegation came in March when a think tank published a report finding four instances of forced labour being used in Apple's supply chain. The report says that in 2017 the Chinese government transferred 1,000 to 2,000 Uighurs in a factory owned by o-film, a company that makes selfie cameras for the Apple iPhone.

Apple rallying against bill to stop forced Uighur labour

Thai police on Tuesday summoned seven leaders of anti-government protests to face charges of insulting the monarchy, a day before a planned demonstration to demand that the king give up control of the royal fortune, a police source and a rights group said.

It will be the first time such charges have been brought under so-called lese majeste laws relating to insults to the royal family in more than two years. Anyone found guilty faces up to 15 years in prison.

Protests that began in July against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha have increasingly turned to demands to curb the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, breaking a longstanding taboo on criticising the monarchy.

One of the seven, Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak, said his family had received a summons for lese majeste in addition to other charges and he was not afraid.

"The ceiling has been broken. Nothing can contain us anymore," he wrote on Twitter. He told Reuters: "This will expose the brutality of the Thai feudal system to the world."

Others named included human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa, who became the first to call for royal reforms on Aug. 3, and Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul, a student leader who set out 10 demands for royal reforms.

Neither was immediately available for comment.

SUMMONS OVER EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER

The police source, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said the protest leaders had until Nov. 30 to acknowledge the charges over comments made at protests on Sept. 19 and 20.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights told Reuters that police had notified the protest leaders' lawyers.

The summonses came a day before protesters have said they will march to the office that manages the royal fortune to demand that the king give up personal control of the assets.

Police said on Tuesday that no protesters would be allowed within 150 metres (450 feet) of the Crown Property Bureau, where royalists have also said they plan to gather in defence of a monarchy that faces its biggest challenge in decades.

"We will position ourselves at the police barriers," Bancha Panniwat, a leader of the Protect the Land of Siam royalist group, told reporters. "If there is any provocation, it will not be from us."

More than 50 people were hurt last week when police used water cannon and tear gas against thousands of protesters at parliament in the most violent day of more than four months of demonstrations.

Among protesters' demands is the reversal of changes that gave the king personal control over a royal fortune valued in the tens of billions of dollars.

The FreeYouth protest group said in a Twitter post that they would demonstrate on Wednesday to "reclaim the property that is meant to belong to the people".

The Royal Palace has made no comment since the protests began, although the king said the protesters were loved "all the same" when asked for comment on the demonstrations.

Prayuth has rejected protesters' calls to resign and said last week that all laws would be used against protesters who break them - raising the concern of activists that the royal insult laws would be among them.

Thai police on Tuesday summoned seven leaders of anti-government protests to face charges of insulting the monarchy, a day before a planned demonstration to demand that the king give up control of the royal fortune, a police source and a rights group said.

Thai police on Tuesday summoned seven leaders of anti-government protests to face charges of insulting the monarchy, a day before a planned demonstration to demand that the king give up control of the royal fortune, a police source and a rights group said. It will be the first time such charges have been brought under so-called lese majeste laws relating to insults to the royal family in more than two years. Anyone found guilty faces up to 15 years in prison. Protests that began in July against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha have increasingly turned to demands to curb the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, breaking a longstanding taboo on criticising the monarchy. One of the seven, Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak, said his family had received a summons for lese majeste in addition to other charges and he was not afraid. "The ceiling has been broken. Nothing can contain us anymore," he wrote on Twitter. He told Reuters: "This will expose the brutality of the Thai feudal system to the world." Others named included human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa, who became the first to call for royal reforms on Aug. 3, and Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul, a student leader who set out 10 demands for royal reforms. Neither was immediately available for comment. SUMMONS OVER EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER The police source, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said the protest leaders had until Nov. 30 to acknowledge the charges over comments made at protests on Sept. 19 and 20. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights told Reuters that police had notified the protest leaders' lawyers. The summonses came a day before protesters have said they will march to the office that manages the royal fortune to demand that the king give up personal control of the assets. Police said on Tuesday that no protesters would be allowed within 150 metres (450 feet) of the Crown Property Bureau, where royalists have also said they plan to gather in defence of a monarchy that faces its biggest challenge in decades. "We will position ourselves at the police barriers," Bancha Panniwat, a leader of the Protect the Land of Siam royalist group, told reporters. "If there is any provocation, it will not be from us." More than 50 people were hurt last week when police used water cannon and tear gas against thousands of protesters at parliament in the most violent day of more than four months of demonstrations. Among protesters' demands is the reversal of changes that gave the king personal control over a royal fortune valued in the tens of billions of dollars. The FreeYouth protest group said in a Twitter post that they would demonstrate on Wednesday to "reclaim the property that is meant to belong to the people". The Royal Palace has made no comment since the protests began, although the king said the protesters were loved "all the same" when asked for comment on the demonstrations. Prayuth has rejected protesters' calls to resign and said last week that all laws would be used against protesters who break them - raising the concern of activists that the royal insult laws would be among them.

Thai police to charge protest leaders with royal insult

WHO says China has given it assurance on access for COVID origins probe.&nbsp;Ethiopia says foes surrendering.&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he would visit Bahrain "soon" China&nbsp;on Tuesday dismissed Pope Francis's criticism of Muslim Uighurs in the country as a “persecuted” community, calling the charges&nbsp;groundless.

Here are some of the top stories from the world on Tuesday:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-gives-pledge-on-access-for-covid-origins-probe-who-345055" hreflang="en">China gives pledge on access for COVID origins probe: WHO</a>

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25696317-3fab-418a-a162-73ba8e3443bb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ap20170195068424-1592624790.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/transition-executive-announces-start-of-process-for-joe-biden-345001" hreflang="en">Transition Executive announces start of process for Joe Biden</a>

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55696fa7-ae74-4c8e-8946-bb8600beee41" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/800_1.jpeg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-says-foes-surrendering-tigray-forces-report-battle-win-345114" hreflang="en">Ethiopia says foes surrendering, Tigray forces report battle win</a>

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee615711-b249-4aa3-a353-1583ac288850" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GettyImages-1229652939-1320x880.jpg" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-pope-francis-remarks-on-persecuted-uighurs-groundless-345117" hreflang="en">China calls Pope Francis' remarks on 'persecuted' Uighurs 'groundless'</a>

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0951e4c4-349f-46b8-b099-95360230454c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pope-Francis-and-Xi-Jinping.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-might-pull-british-judges-out-of-hong-kongs-highest-court-344986" hreflang="en">UK might pull British judges out of Hong Kong's highest court</a>

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d6aea07-1211-4a75-8b0f-766df709ab2b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/0_borisjohnsonthreetier.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-says-he-will-visit-bahrain-soon-345125" hreflang="en">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will visit Bahrain soon</a>

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4157b1e3-bb3f-43f5-8e24-c35eb0238e76" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/merlin_180314610_86e92a61-2550-4a50-aa7c-1af5bdafb026-articleLarge.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/french-users-sue-muslim-prayer-app-over-alleged-data-sharing-to-us-army-345130" hreflang="en">French users sue Muslim prayer app over alleged data sharing to US army</a>

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f48dc010-0d56-43e5-ba40-4935970dc836" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2828%29_11.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/iata-set-to-rollout-covid-19-passport-to-support-safe-reopening-of-borders-345099" hreflang="en">IATA set to rollout 'COVID-19 passport' to support 'safe reopening of borders'</a>

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff967236-da61-4f95-b3fe-b9517417e9fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5798.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uae-opens-up-the-economy-allows-100-foreign-ownership-of-firms-report-345038" hreflang="en">UAE opens up the economy, allows 100% foreign ownership of firms: Report</a>

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28d3176b-e399-4de5-bb35-4cc0d539fbac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1538407641480374300.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-police-uses-tear-gas-rubber-bullets-on-protesters-345069" hreflang="en">Brazil: Police uses tear gas, rubber bullets on protesters</a>

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e08992fe-014d-4068-9742-f26c589e73d3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/112320brazil_960x540.jpg" />

WHO says China has given it assurance on access for COVID origins probe. Ethiopia says foes surrendering. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he would visit Bahrain "soon" China on Tuesday dismissed Pope Francis's criticism of Muslim Uighurs in the country as a “persecuted” community, calling the charges groundless.

WHO says China has given it assurance on access for COVID origins probe. Ethiopia says foes surrendering. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he would visit Bahrain "soon" China on Tuesday dismissed Pope Francis's criticism of Muslim Uighurs in the country as a “persecuted” community, calling the charges groundless. Here are some of the top stories from the world on Tuesday: China gives pledge on access for COVID origins probe: WHO Transition Executive announces start of process for Joe Biden Ethiopia says foes surrendering, Tigray forces report battle win China calls Pope Francis' remarks on 'persecuted' Uighurs 'groundless' UK might pull British judges out of Hong Kong's highest court Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will visit Bahrain soon French users sue Muslim prayer app over alleged data sharing to US army IATA set to rollout 'COVID-19 passport' to support 'safe reopening of borders' UAE opens up the economy, allows 100% foreign ownership of firms: Report Brazil: Police uses tear gas, rubber bullets on protesters

Top 10 world news today: China gives access for WHO's coronavirus probe and more

France-based users of a&nbsp;prayer app called 'Muslim Pro' has&nbsp;been accused of selling data to&nbsp;the army of the United States.

Former subscribers to the "Muslim Pro" app, which claims to have 95 million users around the world, filed a complaint on Monday after media reports accused the group of having shared its data with companies connected to the US army.

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The lawsuit, revealed by France's RTL radio, accuses the company of data protection offences, abuse of trust, endangering other people's lives and conspiracy to commit murder.

It follows a report by the Vice media group last week about how the US army bought users' geolocation data from a string of apps around the world.

It included the Muslim Pro app&nbsp;which has a geolocation option that enables users to determine the hour of prayer and the direction of Mecca.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-lies-france-asks-pakistan-to-withdraw-comments-that-compared-macron-to-nazis-344721" hreflang="en">France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis</a>

The company allegedly sold the&nbsp;data to a company called X-Mode, which reportedly sold it on to sub-contractors and by extension, the army, said Vice.

US Special Forces could then use the data on overseas missions, the report said, speculating that they could be used for the extra-judicial executions of terror suspects by means of drone strikes.

A day after the report came out, "Muslim Pro" said it was ending all sharing of its data with other companies.

The company, which was founded by a&nbsp;French&nbsp;national who is based in Singapore, also said it has launched an internal investigation.

France-based users of a prayer app called 'Muslim Pro' has been accused of selling data to the army of the United States. Former subscribers to the "Muslim Pro" app, which claims to have 95 million users around the world, filed a complaint on Monday after media reports accused the group of having shared its data with companies connected to the US army.

France-based users of a prayer app called 'Muslim Pro' has been accused of selling data to the army of the United States. Former subscribers to the "Muslim Pro" app, which claims to have 95 million users around the world, filed a complaint on Monday after media reports accused the group of having shared its data with companies connected to the US army. The lawsuit, revealed by France's RTL radio, accuses the company of data protection offences, abuse of trust, endangering other people's lives and conspiracy to commit murder. It follows a report by the Vice media group last week about how the US army bought users' geolocation data from a string of apps around the world. It included the Muslim Pro app which has a geolocation option that enables users to determine the hour of prayer and the direction of Mecca. Also read: France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis The company allegedly sold the data to a company called X-Mode, which reportedly sold it on to sub-contractors and by extension, the army, said Vice. US Special Forces could then use the data on overseas missions, the report said, speculating that they could be used for the extra-judicial executions of terror suspects by means of drone strikes. A day after the report came out, "Muslim Pro" said it was ending all sharing of its data with other companies. The company, which was founded by a French national who is based in Singapore, also said it has launched an internal investigation.

French users sue Muslim prayer app over alleged data sharing to US army

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he would visit Bahrain "soon" at the invitation of the Gulf state's Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa.

Bahrain followed the United Arab Emirates in normalising ties with Israel in a deal brokered by the United States that marked a strategic Middle East alignment against Iran. The shift has enraged the Palestinians who have demanded statehood before any such regional rapprochement.

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"We are both excited to bring the fruits of peace to our people and countries in such a short time. That's why he (al-Khalifa) invited me to come soon for a formal visit in Bahrain and I will do this happily," Netanyahu said in a statement about a phone call he held with the crown prince.

The first Bahraini delegation visited Israel last Wednesday.

On Monday, an Israeli official and local media said Netanyahu had secretly traveled to Saudi Arabia on Sunday for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in what would be the first publicly confirmed visit there by an Israeli leader.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud denied such talks took place. Netanyahu did not confirm or deny the reports.

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Since September, the Trump administration has brokered agreements with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan toward normalising their relations with Israel. An Israeli delegation traveled to Sudan on Monday.

Although White House officials have said more countries are considering normalising ties with Israel, further developments appear unlikely before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20 and establishes his administration's policy on Iran.

Biden has said he would rejoin the nuclear accord that world powers signed with Iran if it first resumed strict compliance with the deal, and would work with allies to strengthen its terms.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he would visit Bahrain "soon" at the invitation of the Gulf state's Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa. Bahrain followed the United Arab Emirates in normalising ties with Israel in a deal brokered by the United States that marked a strategic Middle East alignment against Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he would visit Bahrain "soon" at the invitation of the Gulf state's Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa. Bahrain followed the United Arab Emirates in normalising ties with Israel in a deal brokered by the United States that marked a strategic Middle East alignment against Iran. The shift has enraged the Palestinians who have demanded statehood before any such regional rapprochement. "We are both excited to bring the fruits of peace to our people and countries in such a short time. That's why he (al-Khalifa) invited me to come soon for a formal visit in Bahrain and I will do this happily," Netanyahu said in a statement about a phone call he held with the crown prince. The first Bahraini delegation visited Israel last Wednesday. On Monday, an Israeli official and local media said Netanyahu had secretly traveled to Saudi Arabia on Sunday for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in what would be the first publicly confirmed visit there by an Israeli leader. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud denied such talks took place. Netanyahu did not confirm or deny the reports. Since September, the Trump administration has brokered agreements with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan toward normalising their relations with Israel. An Israeli delegation traveled to Sudan on Monday. Although White House officials have said more countries are considering normalising ties with Israel, further developments appear unlikely before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20 and establishes his administration's policy on Iran. Biden has said he would rejoin the nuclear accord that world powers signed with Iran if it first resumed strict compliance with the deal, and would work with allies to strengthen its terms.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will visit Bahrain soon

China&nbsp;on Tuesday dismissed Pope Francis's criticism of Muslim Uighurs in the country as a “persecuted” community, calling the charges&nbsp;groundless.

In a new book titled “Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future”, Francis also urged world governments to set up a universal minimum wage, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. The book includes a 150-page collaboration with Austen Ivereigh, Pope’s English language biographer.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-refers-to-uighur-muslims-as-a-persecuted-group-for-the-first-time-345000">Pope Francis refers to Uighur Muslims as 'persecuted' group for the first time</a>

It is the first time Pope Francis&nbsp;has&nbsp;called China's Uighurs a persecuted people, something human rights activists have been urging him to do for years.

China claims that the camps are education centres and are part of the country’s deradicalisation efforts. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian rejected his characterisation of the Uighurs.

"The Chinese government has always protected the legal rights of ethnic minorities equally," he told a media briefing.

''People of all ethnicities in Xinjiang enjoy the full protection of their subsistence rights, developmental rights, and religious freedom.&nbsp;The remarks by Pope Francis are groundless,"&nbsp;Zhao said.

&nbsp;While the pope has spoken out before about the Rohingya who has fled Myanmar and the killing of Yazidi by Islamic State in Iraq, it was the first time he mentioned the Uighurs.

Faith leaders, activist groups, and governments have said crimes against humanity and genocide are taking place against Uighurs in China's Xinjiang region, where more than 1 million people are held in camps.

Beijing has rejected the allegations as an attempt to discredit China, saying the camps are vocational education and training centres as part of counter-terrorism and deradicalisation measures.

Many commentators have said the Vatican was reluctant to speak out on the Uighurs earlier because it was in the process of renewing an accord with Beijing on the appointment of bishops. It was renewed in September.

China on Tuesday dismissed Pope Francis's criticism of Muslim Uighurs in the country as a “persecuted” community, calling the charges groundless. In a new book titled “Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future”, Francis also urged world governments to set up a universal minimum wage, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.

China on Tuesday dismissed Pope Francis's criticism of Muslim Uighurs in the country as a “persecuted” community, calling the charges groundless. In a new book titled “Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future”, Francis also urged world governments to set up a universal minimum wage, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. The book includes a 150-page collaboration with Austen Ivereigh, Pope’s English language biographer. Also read: Pope Francis refers to Uighur Muslims as 'persecuted' group for the first time It is the first time Pope Francis has called China's Uighurs a persecuted people, something human rights activists have been urging him to do for years. China claims that the camps are education centres and are part of the country’s deradicalisation efforts. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian rejected his characterisation of the Uighurs. "The Chinese government has always protected the legal rights of ethnic minorities equally," he told a media briefing. ''People of all ethnicities in Xinjiang enjoy the full protection of their subsistence rights, developmental rights, and religious freedom. The remarks by Pope Francis are groundless," Zhao said. While the pope has spoken out before about the Rohingya who has fled Myanmar and the killing of Yazidi by Islamic State in Iraq, it was the first time he mentioned the Uighurs. Faith leaders, activist groups, and governments have said crimes against humanity and genocide are taking place against Uighurs in China's Xinjiang region, where more than 1 million people are held in camps. Beijing has rejected the allegations as an attempt to discredit China, saying the camps are vocational education and training centres as part of counter-terrorism and deradicalisation measures. Many commentators have said the Vatican was reluctant to speak out on the Uighurs earlier because it was in the process of renewing an accord with Beijing on the appointment of bishops. It was renewed in September.

China calls Pope Francis' remarks on 'persecuted' Uighurs 'groundless'

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