Social media platform Facebook has taken down fake pages created in China aimed at influencing this year's&nbsp;US election.

In the United States, the network that operated the ''sliver&nbsp;of&nbsp;accounts'',&nbsp;posted material both in support of and against presidential candidates President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-spying-on-millions-around-the-world-by-harvesting-personal-details-from-the-dark-web-327896">China spying on millions around the world by harvesting personal details from the dark web</a>

According to Facebook,&nbsp;the people behind the network tried to conceal their identity and location via virtual private networks and other methods.

The social networking company said it suspended 155 accounts on its main platform along with six Instagram accounts.&nbsp;

Facebook cybersecurity policy chief Nathaniel Gleicher said that the takedown was the company's first of Chinese-based accounts on foreign-interference grounds with any engagement in US&nbsp;politics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-and-biden-battle-for-an-advantage-in-brewing-fight-329526" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Trump and Biden battle for an advantage in brewing fight</a>

Concerns about foreign efforts to interfere in the election were underscored by a warning Tuesday from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity agency that foreign actors and cybercriminals were likely to try to spread disinformation regarding the results of the election, including by creating fake websites or social media content aimed at discrediting the process.

US&nbsp;Intelligence officials warned last month about ongoing or potential efforts by China, Russia and Iran to interfere in November's election. In an August public assessment, the country's chief counterintelligence official, William Evanina, said officials had determined that Beijing regards Trump as unpredictable and wants to see him lose to Biden.

The statement said that China had been expanding its influence operations ahead of the election to ''shape the policy environment in the United States''&nbsp;and had been weighing the pros and cons of taking more aggressive action.

Social media platform Facebook has taken down fake pages created in China aimed at influencing this year's US election. In the United States, the network that operated the ''sliver of accounts'', posted material both in support of and against presidential candidates President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Social media platform Facebook has taken down fake pages created in China aimed at influencing this year's US election. In the United States, the network that operated the ''sliver of accounts'', posted material both in support of and against presidential candidates President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden. Also read: China spying on millions around the world by harvesting personal details from the dark web According to Facebook, the people behind the network tried to conceal their identity and location via virtual private networks and other methods. The social networking company said it suspended 155 accounts on its main platform along with six Instagram accounts. Facebook cybersecurity policy chief Nathaniel Gleicher said that the takedown was the company's first of Chinese-based accounts on foreign-interference grounds with any engagement in US politics. Also read: US election 2020: Trump and Biden battle for an advantage in brewing fight Concerns about foreign efforts to interfere in the election were underscored by a warning Tuesday from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity agency that foreign actors and cybercriminals were likely to try to spread disinformation regarding the results of the election, including by creating fake websites or social media content aimed at discrediting the process. US Intelligence officials warned last month about ongoing or potential efforts by China, Russia and Iran to interfere in November's election. In an August public assessment, the country's chief counterintelligence official, William Evanina, said officials had determined that Beijing regards Trump as unpredictable and wants to see him lose to Biden. The statement said that China had been expanding its influence operations ahead of the election to ''shape the policy environment in the United States'' and had been weighing the pros and cons of taking more aggressive action.

US election 2020: Facebook removes fake pages created in China targeting Trump, Biden

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that it will allow&nbsp;pilgrims residing inside the country to undertake the Umrah&nbsp;pilgrimage beginning on October&nbsp;4.

The&nbsp;pilgrimage had been halted for the past seven months&nbsp;due to coronavirus concerns, state news agency SPA reported.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/disinfectants-masks-online-selection-hajj-2020-begins-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-316716">Disinfectants, masks, online selection: Hajj 2020 begins amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

Umrah&nbsp;is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina undertaken any time of the year, attracting 19 million people last year. Saudi Arabia had instituted a freeze on&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;in March.

It will now allow 6,000 citizens and residents inside the kingdom to perform&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;daily, representing 30 per cent&nbsp;of a revised capacity of 20,000 that takes into account precautionary health measures, SPA added. That will expand to 75&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of capacity on Octember&nbsp;18.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/lessons-gulf-states-have-learned-from-coronavirus-pandemic-301605">Lessons Gulf states have learned from coronavirus pandemic</a>

Beginning November&nbsp;1, Saudi Arabia will allow visitors from specific countries deemed safe to perform&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;at 100&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the revised capacity, until the end of the pandemic, SPA said.

This year, Saudi Arabia conducted a limited haj, the larger pilgrimage that usually attracts around 3 million people, for a few thousand citizens and residents.

According the official data,&nbsp;haj and&nbsp;umrah&nbsp;earn the kingdom about $12 billion annually.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia reported 330,798 total cases of coronavirus and 4,542 deaths, as cases in the Gulf region topped 800,000.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that it will allow pilgrims residing inside the country to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage beginning on October 4. The pilgrimage had been halted for the past seven months due to coronavirus concerns, state news agency SPA reported.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that it will allow pilgrims residing inside the country to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage beginning on October 4. The pilgrimage had been halted for the past seven months due to coronavirus concerns, state news agency SPA reported. Also see: Disinfectants, masks, online selection: Hajj 2020 begins amid coronavirus pandemic Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina undertaken any time of the year, attracting 19 million people last year. Saudi Arabia had instituted a freeze on umrah in March. It will now allow 6,000 citizens and residents inside the kingdom to perform umrah daily, representing 30 per cent of a revised capacity of 20,000 that takes into account precautionary health measures, SPA added. That will expand to 75 per cent of capacity on Octember 18. Also read: Lessons Gulf states have learned from coronavirus pandemic Beginning November 1, Saudi Arabia will allow visitors from specific countries deemed safe to perform umrah at 100 per cent of the revised capacity, until the end of the pandemic, SPA said. This year, Saudi Arabia conducted a limited haj, the larger pilgrimage that usually attracts around 3 million people, for a few thousand citizens and residents. According the official data, haj and umrah earn the kingdom about $12 billion annually. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia reported 330,798 total cases of coronavirus and 4,542 deaths, as cases in the Gulf region topped 800,000.

Saudi Arabia to gradually resume Umrah pilgrimage from October 4

President Donald Trump will make a stop in Pennsylvania and Democratic rival Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will attend two virtual fundraisers on Tuesday as the White House contenders battle for an advantage in the brewing fight over a new US&nbsp;Supreme Court justice.

Trump said he planned to reveal his pick to succeed liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Saturday and hoped to have a Senate confirmation vote before the Nov. 3 election, sparking fierce criticism from&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and congressional Democrats.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-biden-tries-to-woo-hindu-american-community-329381">US election 2020: Biden tries to woo Hindu American community</a>

The death of Ginsburg last Friday and the prospect of a brutal political struggle to replace her as Republicans look to cement a 6-3 conservative majority on the court, injected a new air of uncertainty into a White House campaign that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;has led steadily in opinion polls.

On the campaign trail on Monday, both candidates returned to themes that dominated the race before Ginsburg's death.&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;in Wisconsin slammed Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic, and the Republican president touted his economic record and fired back with criticism of&nbsp;Biden's past support of free-trade deals, which he said cost the state jobs.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/potential-trump-supreme-court-pick-barrett-known-for-conservative-religious-views-329359" hreflang="en">Potential Trump Supreme Court pick Barrett known for conservative religious views</a>

Trump will return to the trail on Tuesday with an airport rally outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, another key battleground state, along with Wisconsin and Michigan,&nbsp;that Trump narrowly won in 2016 but&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is hoping to recapture for Democrats in the November election.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Monday showed&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;leading Trump among likely voters in Wisconsin, while the two were about even in Pennsylvania.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reutersipsos-poll-shows-biden-ahead-in-wisconsin-a-close-race-in-pennsylvania-329385" hreflang="en">Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Biden ahead in Wisconsin, a close race in Pennsylvania</a>

Biden&nbsp;is expected to participate in two fundraisers, one will feature speakers including Jim Chanos, the famed Wall Street short seller, and Robert Wolf, a former chief executive at UBS Americas and an economic adviser to former President Barack Obama.

The other fundraiser will be a conversation with Vivek Murthy, a former US&nbsp;surgeon general and one of&nbsp;Biden's top advisers on the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-biden-wins-china-wins-trump-at-election-rally-329313" hreflang="en">If Biden wins, China wins: Trump at election rally</a>

Biden&nbsp;has built a major financial advantage for the campaign's final stretch after a big fundraising haul in August. The campaign and its party allies will report having $466 million in cash at the end of August, while Trump's war chest stood at $325 million, according to officials from both sides.

That has allowed&nbsp;Biden's campaign to push into new states it had not been spending heavily in before. On Monday,&nbsp;Biden's campaign said it would add Republican-leaning Georgia and Iowa, both won easily by Trump in 2016 but also home to competitive US&nbsp;Senate races, to a list of 10 other states where it is running paid advertisements.

Voters in about a half-dozen states have already begun casting early in-person ballots, and election experts expect a surge of early and mail-in voting this year as people try to reduce their risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

President Donald Trump will make a stop in Pennsylvania and Democratic rival Joe Biden will attend two virtual fundraisers on Tuesday as the White House contenders battle for an advantage in the brewing fight over a new US Supreme Court justice.

President Donald Trump will make a stop in Pennsylvania and Democratic rival Joe Biden will attend two virtual fundraisers on Tuesday as the White House contenders battle for an advantage in the brewing fight over a new US Supreme Court justice. Trump said he planned to reveal his pick to succeed liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Saturday and hoped to have a Senate confirmation vote before the Nov. 3 election, sparking fierce criticism from Biden and congressional Democrats. Also read| US election 2020: Biden tries to woo Hindu American community The death of Ginsburg last Friday and the prospect of a brutal political struggle to replace her as Republicans look to cement a 6-3 conservative majority on the court, injected a new air of uncertainty into a White House campaign that Biden has led steadily in opinion polls. On the campaign trail on Monday, both candidates returned to themes that dominated the race before Ginsburg's death. Biden in Wisconsin slammed Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic, and the Republican president touted his economic record and fired back with criticism of Biden's past support of free-trade deals, which he said cost the state jobs. Also read| Potential Trump Supreme Court pick Barrett known for conservative religious views Trump will return to the trail on Tuesday with an airport rally outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, another key battleground state, along with Wisconsin and Michigan, that Trump narrowly won in 2016 but Biden is hoping to recapture for Democrats in the November election. A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Monday showed Biden leading Trump among likely voters in Wisconsin, while the two were about even in Pennsylvania. Also read| Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Biden ahead in Wisconsin, a close race in Pennsylvania Biden is expected to participate in two fundraisers, one will feature speakers including Jim Chanos, the famed Wall Street short seller, and Robert Wolf, a former chief executive at UBS Americas and an economic adviser to former President Barack Obama. The other fundraiser will be a conversation with Vivek Murthy, a former US surgeon general and one of Biden's top advisers on the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: If Biden wins, China wins: Trump at election rally Biden has built a major financial advantage for the campaign's final stretch after a big fundraising haul in August. The campaign and its party allies will report having $466 million in cash at the end of August, while Trump's war chest stood at $325 million, according to officials from both sides. That has allowed Biden's campaign to push into new states it had not been spending heavily in before. On Monday, Biden's campaign said it would add Republican-leaning Georgia and Iowa, both won easily by Trump in 2016 but also home to competitive US Senate races, to a list of 10 other states where it is running paid advertisements. Voters in about a half-dozen states have already begun casting early in-person ballots, and election experts expect a surge of early and mail-in voting this year as people try to reduce their risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

US election 2020: Trump and Biden battle for an advantage in brewing fight

Switzerland, which last fought a foreign war more than 200 years ago and has no discernable enemies, wants to spend billions on new fighter jets.

Many oppose the idea, saying the neutral country neither can afford nor needs cutting-edge warplanes to defend Alpine territory which a supersonic jet can cross in 10 minutes.

Ireland, Malta and Luxembourg don't have jets, they say, making the $6.6 billion&nbsp;plan a waste of money.

"Who is our enemy? Who is attacking a small, neutral country,&nbsp;surrounded by NATO?" asked Priska Seiler Graf, a member of parliament for the left-leaning Social Democrats. "It's really absurd."

Voters get their say on Sunday September&nbsp;27. Approving funding in the binding referendum would let the government decide next year among the Eurofighter from Airbus, the Rafale from France's Dassault, Boeing's&nbsp;F/A-18 Super Hornet, or the Lockheed Martin&nbsp;F35-A Lightning II.

The aircraft would replace&nbsp;Switzerland's aging fleet of 30 F/A-18 Hornets which will go out of service in 2030.

Seiler Graf said cheaper alternatives, such as a fighter version of Leonardo's M346 trainer, offered better value than the "expensive toys" under consideration. &nbsp;

"We need new aircraft, that is not disputed, but buying lighter, simpler aircraft would be enough," she said. "It would be better to have a Fiat than a Maserati."

Voters six years ago rejected the purchase of Gripen jets from Sweden. In 1989 a proposal to scrap its entire army got 35% of voter support.

Pollster Lukas Golder from GFS.Bern said voters are likely to back the plan to buy the jets. Armed neutrality is crucial to how&nbsp;Switzerland&nbsp;defines itself, he said, going back to the belief a strong army deterred invasion by Nazi Germany in World War II. The Pope's Swiss guards are also a reminder of the country's mercenary past.

Lawmaker Thomas Hurter from the right-wing Swiss People's Party, a former air force pilot, said&nbsp;Switzerland&nbsp;had to protect itself without relying on other countries.

"If we don't replace these old aircraft, that means we have no air force, there is no protection any more and we are not fulfilling our constitution," he said.

Smaller jets could not fly high enough, he said, or have the acceleration needed to react quickly to emergencies.

"We don't know what's going to happen in the next 50 years," Hurter said. "You need to have the fire brigade ready when there is a burning house, otherwise it's too late."

Switzerland, which last fought a foreign war more than 200 years ago and has no discernable enemies, wants to spend billions on new fighter jets. Many oppose the idea, saying the neutral country neither can afford nor needs cutting-edge warplanes to defend Alpine territory which a supersonic jet can cross in 10 minutes.

Switzerland, which last fought a foreign war more than 200 years ago and has no discernable enemies, wants to spend billions on new fighter jets. Many oppose the idea, saying the neutral country neither can afford nor needs cutting-edge warplanes to defend Alpine territory which a supersonic jet can cross in 10 minutes. Ireland, Malta and Luxembourg don't have jets, they say, making the $6.6 billion plan a waste of money. "Who is our enemy? Who is attacking a small, neutral country, surrounded by NATO?" asked Priska Seiler Graf, a member of parliament for the left-leaning Social Democrats. "It's really absurd." Voters get their say on Sunday September 27. Approving funding in the binding referendum would let the government decide next year among the Eurofighter from Airbus, the Rafale from France's Dassault, Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, or the Lockheed Martin F35-A Lightning II. The aircraft would replace Switzerland's aging fleet of 30 F/A-18 Hornets which will go out of service in 2030. Seiler Graf said cheaper alternatives, such as a fighter version of Leonardo's M346 trainer, offered better value than the "expensive toys" under consideration. "We need new aircraft, that is not disputed, but buying lighter, simpler aircraft would be enough," she said. "It would be better to have a Fiat than a Maserati." Voters six years ago rejected the purchase of Gripen jets from Sweden. In 1989 a proposal to scrap its entire army got 35% of voter support. Pollster Lukas Golder from GFS.Bern said voters are likely to back the plan to buy the jets. Armed neutrality is crucial to how Switzerland defines itself, he said, going back to the belief a strong army deterred invasion by Nazi Germany in World War II. The Pope's Swiss guards are also a reminder of the country's mercenary past. Lawmaker Thomas Hurter from the right-wing Swiss People's Party, a former air force pilot, said Switzerland had to protect itself without relying on other countries. "If we don't replace these old aircraft, that means we have no air force, there is no protection any more and we are not fulfilling our constitution," he said. Smaller jets could not fly high enough, he said, or have the acceleration needed to react quickly to emergencies. "We don't know what's going to happen in the next 50 years," Hurter said. "You need to have the fire brigade ready when there is a burning house, otherwise it's too late."

Why is Switzerland holding a referendum to purchase fighter jets?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is vying for the leadership of Islamic nations, brought up the Kashmir yet again at the United Nations General Assembly&nbsp;on Tuesday.

During his address, he said, "the Kashmir conflict which is also key to the stability and peace of South Asia is still a burning issue."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-strong-exception-to-turkish-president-erdogans-comments-on-kashmir-280785">India takes strong exception to Turkish President Erdogan's comments on Kashmir&nbsp;</a>

"We are in favour of solving this issue through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations resolutions, especially in line with the expectations of the people of Kashmir," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-proposed-ankara-visit-called-off-over-erdogans-kashmir-stance-256934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
The prime Security Council directive on Kashmir, Resolution 47, called for Pakistan to remove its troops and personnel from the region as the first step and a pre-condition for a referendum. 
 
Islamabad has rejected it and continued its occupation allowing for India to settle the matter through elections in Kashmir. 
 
Erdogan avoided naming India directly, while he had named countries in many of the conflicts from Azerbaijan to Armenia that he spoke about.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/news-update-breaking-Turkey-President-Erdogan-rakes-up-Kashmir-issue-in-Pakistan-Parliament">Turkey President Erdogan rakes up Kashmir issue in Pakistan Parliament</a>

At last year's high-level meeting of the General Assembly, only Erdogan and Mahatir Mohammed, the then-Prime Minister of Malaysia, joined Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to talk about Kashmir. 
 
While he condemned terrorism in other parts of the world, Erdogan was silent on the terrorism directed against India. 
 
In his attempt to challenge the Saudi leadership of the Islamic nations, he criticised attempts to bring about reconciliation with Israel, but did not directly mention the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which recently set up diplomatic resolution with Israel, with the apparent approval of Riyadh. 
 
"Participation of some countries of the region in this game does not mean anything beyond serving Israel`s efforts to erode basic international parameters," Erdogan said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-greece-turkey-are-fighting-over-hydrocarbons-in-mediterranean-sea-320304">Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea</a>

Erdogan also called for "sincere" dialogue to settle the growing row with Greece over Ankara's energy search in the eastern Mediterranean,&nbsp;rejecting "harassment".

NATO members Turkey and Greece have been at odds over rights to potential hydrocarbon resources in the eastern Mediterranean and the extent of their continental shelves.

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres&nbsp;kicked off the six-day General Debate.&nbsp;

Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN&nbsp;building.

The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations,&nbsp;started&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is vying for the leadership of Islamic nations, brought up the Kashmir yet again at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is vying for the leadership of Islamic nations, brought up the Kashmir yet again at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. During his address, he said, "the Kashmir conflict which is also key to the stability and peace of South Asia is still a burning issue." Also read: India takes strong exception to Turkish President Erdogan's comments on Kashmir "We are in favour of solving this issue through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations resolutions, especially in line with the expectations of the people of Kashmir," he added. The prime Security Council directive on Kashmir, Resolution 47, called for Pakistan to remove its troops and personnel from the region as the first step and a pre-condition for a referendum. Islamabad has rejected it and continued its occupation allowing for India to settle the matter through elections in Kashmir. Erdogan avoided naming India directly, while he had named countries in many of the conflicts from Azerbaijan to Armenia that he spoke about. Also read: Turkey President Erdogan rakes up Kashmir issue in Pakistan Parliament At last year's high-level meeting of the General Assembly, only Erdogan and Mahatir Mohammed, the then-Prime Minister of Malaysia, joined Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to talk about Kashmir. While he condemned terrorism in other parts of the world, Erdogan was silent on the terrorism directed against India. In his attempt to challenge the Saudi leadership of the Islamic nations, he criticised attempts to bring about reconciliation with Israel, but did not directly mention the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which recently set up diplomatic resolution with Israel, with the apparent approval of Riyadh. "Participation of some countries of the region in this game does not mean anything beyond serving Israel`s efforts to erode basic international parameters," Erdogan said. Also read: Why Greece, Turkey are fighting over hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Sea Erdogan also called for "sincere" dialogue to settle the growing row with Greece over Ankara's energy search in the eastern Mediterranean, rejecting "harassment". NATO members Turkey and Greece have been at odds over rights to potential hydrocarbon resources in the eastern Mediterranean and the extent of their continental shelves. Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres kicked off the six-day General Debate. Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN building. The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, started on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

UNGA 2020: Erdogan calls Kashmir conflict a 'burning issue'

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against the perils of a "clash of civilisations" in a speech defending his country's diplomatic direction delivered to the UN on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"China has no intention of entering a Cold War," he said in a speech framed by the coronavirus and tensions with the US, urging the world to avoid "falling into the trap of a clash of civilisations."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-chinese-virologist-beijing-tried-to-cover-up-wuhan-virus-and-who-is-very-much-part-of-it-chinese-virologist-dr-li-meng-yan-329467" hreflang="en">WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan</a>

Jinping also hit back at US President Donald Trump by saying that the ''world must not 'politicise' fight against coronavirus'' after Trump&nbsp;accused Beijing of allowing the COVID-19 to "infect the world."

Tensions have soared between the United States and China in recent months, with President Donald Trump blaming Beijing for the Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed some 950,000 lives around the world and cast a shadow over his re-election bid.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-must-hold-china-accountable-for-coronavirus-says-donald-trump-329472" hreflang="en">UN must 'hold China accountable' for coronavirus, says Donald Trump</a>

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres&nbsp;kicked off the six-day General Debate, and urged the world to prevent a Cold War between the United States and China and halt conflicts so it can focus on the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN&nbsp;building.

The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations,&nbsp;started&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against the perils of a "clash of civilisations" in a speech defending his country's diplomatic direction delivered to the UN on Tuesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against the perils of a "clash of civilisations" in a speech defending his country's diplomatic direction delivered to the UN on Tuesday. "China has no intention of entering a Cold War," he said in a speech framed by the coronavirus and tensions with the US, urging the world to avoid "falling into the trap of a clash of civilisations." Also read| WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan Jinping also hit back at US President Donald Trump by saying that the ''world must not 'politicise' fight against coronavirus'' after Trump accused Beijing of allowing the COVID-19 to "infect the world." Tensions have soared between the United States and China in recent months, with President Donald Trump blaming Beijing for the Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed some 950,000 lives around the world and cast a shadow over his re-election bid. Also read: UN must 'hold China accountable' for coronavirus, says Donald Trump Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres kicked off the six-day General Debate, and urged the world to prevent a Cold War between the United States and China and halt conflicts so it can focus on the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN building. The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, started on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

UNGA 2020: Xi Jinping warns against 'clash of civilisations'

Brazilian&nbsp;President Jair Bolsonaro opened the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday and downplayed&nbsp;the destruction of the Amazon rainforest,&nbsp;claiming Brazil was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign to discredit it.

During a video&nbsp;address to the annual assembly in New York,&nbsp;Bolsonaro said&nbsp;"We are victims of a most brutal disinformation campaign about the Amazon and the Brazilian wetlands. The Brazilian Amazon is known to be immensely rich. That explains the support given by international institutions to this campaign anchored on shady interests.''

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force.

Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent&nbsp;in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe.

And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber&nbsp;6,&nbsp;nearly 16 per cent&nbsp;of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-fires-burn-bolsonaro-says-brazil-should-be-congratulated-for-its-environment-work-328408">As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work'</a>

Despite this, Bolsonaro had said that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment".

Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN&nbsp;building.

The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations,&nbsp;started&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro opened the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday and downplayed the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, claiming Brazil was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign to discredit it.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro opened the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday and downplayed the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, claiming Brazil was the target of a "brutal" and "shady" international campaign to discredit it. During a video address to the annual assembly in New York, Bolsonaro said "We are victims of a most brutal disinformation campaign about the Amazon and the Brazilian wetlands. The Brazilian Amazon is known to be immensely rich. That explains the support given by international institutions to this campaign anchored on shady interests.'' Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Recent data shows fires raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands with historic force. Amazon deforestation has surged 34.5 pewr cent in the 12 months through July, compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from government space research agency Inpe. And, in the world's largest wetland, the Pantanal, a record 23,490 square kilometers have burned through Septewmber 6, nearly 16 per cent of the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a Federal University of Rio de Janeiro analysis. Also read: As fires burn, Bolsonaro says Brazil should be congratulated for its 'environment work' Despite this, Bolsonaro had said that Brazil "should be congratulated for the way it preserves its environment". Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN building. The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, started on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

UNGA 2020: Bolsonaro calls Brazil victim of 'brutal disinformation' on Amazon

US President Donald Trump&nbsp;on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that China must be held accountable by the world for its actions over the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic.

In a recorded message played to the annual meeting of the UN, Trump accused Beijing of allowing the coronavirus to "leave China and infect the world."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-china-relationship-took-a-turn-for-the-worse-314882">How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse</a>

Tensions have soared between the United States and China in recent months, with President Donald Trump blaming Beijing for the Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed some 950,000 lives around the world and cast a shadow over his re-election bid.&nbsp;

"The United Nations must hold China accountable for their actions," he said.

''In the earliest days of the virus, the Chinese government, and the World Health Organization,&nbsp;which is virtually controlled by China, falsely declared that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission,'' he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-war-of-words-escalates-over-covid-19-origin-296648">US-China war of words escalates over COVID-19 origin</a>

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres&nbsp;kicked off the six-day General Debate, and urged the world to prevent a Cold War between the United States and China and halt conflicts so it can focus on the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN&nbsp;building.

The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations,&nbsp;started&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall.

The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that China must be held accountable by the world for its actions over the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that China must be held accountable by the world for its actions over the coronavirus pandemic. In a recorded message played to the annual meeting of the UN, Trump accused Beijing of allowing the coronavirus to "leave China and infect the world." Also see: How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse Tensions have soared between the United States and China in recent months, with President Donald Trump blaming Beijing for the Covid-19 pandemic that has claimed some 950,000 lives around the world and cast a shadow over his re-election bid. "The United Nations must hold China accountable for their actions," he said. ''In the earliest days of the virus, the Chinese government, and the World Health Organization, which is virtually controlled by China, falsely declared that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission,'' he added. Also read: US-China war of words escalates over COVID-19 origin Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres kicked off the six-day General Debate, and urged the world to prevent a Cold War between the United States and China and halt conflicts so it can focus on the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this year's United Nations General Assembly General Debate being a mostly virtual event, there was a heavy presence of New York City Police officers in front of the UN building. The annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations, started on Tuesday with no presidents or prime ministers physically present in New York, because of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. All statements have been pre-recorded and will be broadcast in the General Assembly hall. The United Nations was created when countries came together after World War II to prevent conflict.

UNGA 2020: Trump urges world body to 'hold China accountable' for coronavirus

The United States and the United Arab Emirates hope to have an initial agreement on the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to the Gulf state in place by December, as the Trump administration studies how to structure a deal without running afoul of Israel.

Sources close to the negotiations said the goal is to have a letter of agreement in place in time for UAE National Day celebrated on December&nbsp;2.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-clears-way-for-new-arms-sale-to-uae-despite-evidence-it-violated-previous-deal-300634">US clears way for new arms sale to UAE despite evidence it violated previous deal</a>

Any deal must satisfy decades of agreement with Israel that states any US&nbsp;weapons sold to the region must not impair Israel's "qualitative military edge," guaranteeing US&nbsp;weapons furnished to Israel are "superior in capability" to those sold to its neighbors.

With that in mind Washington is studying ways to make the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 more visible to Israeli radar systems, two sources said. Reuters could not determine if this would be done by changing the jet or providing Israel with better radar, among other possibilities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-and-us-officials-to-fly-to-uae-to-cement-normalisation-deal-324228">Israeli and US officials to fly to UAE to cement 'normalisation' deal</a>

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz was due to meet his US&nbsp;counterpart Mark Esper in Washington on Tuesday.

The UAE embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House declined to comment.

A Pentagon spokeswoman told Reuters, "as a matter of policy, the United States does not confirm or comment on proposed defense sales or transfers until they are formally notified to Congress."

Once a letter of agreement is signed, a fine may be levied against any party that terminates the deal. Several political and regulatory hurdles must be cleared before the sale may be completed and Capitol Hill aides cautioned a deal may not be possible this year.

Ellen Lord, the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer, told reporters in August that in general, the United States aims to complete a letter of agreement for new F-35 sales in about six months.

Because of the qualitative military edge restriction, the Lockheed Martin-made F-35 has been denied to Arab states, while Israel has about 24 jets.

The United Arab Emirates, one of Washington's closest Middle East allies, has long expressed interest in acquiring the stealthy jets and was promised a chance to buy them in a side deal made when they agreed to normalize relations with Israel.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said a working idea was for Israeli air defenses to be able to detect the UAE F-35s with technology that effectively defeats the stealth capabilities of the jets.

F-35 fighter jets sold to the United Arab Emirates could also be built in a way that ensures the same planes owned by Israel outperform any others sold in the region, defense experts say.

Washington already demands that any F-35 sold to foreign governments cannot match the performance of U.S. jets, said both a congressional staffer and a source familiar with past sales.

The F-35's technical sophistication is tied to its mission systems and processing power and "it's the computing power that allows you to sell a higher tech jet to Israel than to the UAE," said Doug Birkey, executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies in Washington.

"When foreign pilots are in training in the US&nbsp;they type a code into a user interface as they board the jet, the code will pull a different jet for each pilot based on legal permissions," Birkey said.

Either way, actual delivery of new jets is years away. Poland, the most recent F-35 customer, purchased 32 of the jets in January, but will not receive its first delivery until 2024.

The United States and the United Arab Emirates hope to have an initial agreement on the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to the Gulf state in place by December, as the Trump administration studies how to structure a deal without running afoul of Israel.

The United States and the United Arab Emirates hope to have an initial agreement on the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to the Gulf state in place by December, as the Trump administration studies how to structure a deal without running afoul of Israel. Sources close to the negotiations said the goal is to have a letter of agreement in place in time for UAE National Day celebrated on December 2. Also read: US clears way for new arms sale to UAE despite evidence it violated previous deal Any deal must satisfy decades of agreement with Israel that states any US weapons sold to the region must not impair Israel's "qualitative military edge," guaranteeing US weapons furnished to Israel are "superior in capability" to those sold to its neighbors. With that in mind Washington is studying ways to make the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 more visible to Israeli radar systems, two sources said. Reuters could not determine if this would be done by changing the jet or providing Israel with better radar, among other possibilities. Also read: Israeli and US officials to fly to UAE to cement 'normalisation' deal Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz was due to meet his US counterpart Mark Esper in Washington on Tuesday. The UAE embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House declined to comment. A Pentagon spokeswoman told Reuters, "as a matter of policy, the United States does not confirm or comment on proposed defense sales or transfers until they are formally notified to Congress." Once a letter of agreement is signed, a fine may be levied against any party that terminates the deal. Several political and regulatory hurdles must be cleared before the sale may be completed and Capitol Hill aides cautioned a deal may not be possible this year. Ellen Lord, the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer, told reporters in August that in general, the United States aims to complete a letter of agreement for new F-35 sales in about six months. Because of the qualitative military edge restriction, the Lockheed Martin-made F-35 has been denied to Arab states, while Israel has about 24 jets. The United Arab Emirates, one of Washington's closest Middle East allies, has long expressed interest in acquiring the stealthy jets and was promised a chance to buy them in a side deal made when they agreed to normalize relations with Israel. Sources familiar with the negotiations said a working idea was for Israeli air defenses to be able to detect the UAE F-35s with technology that effectively defeats the stealth capabilities of the jets. F-35 fighter jets sold to the United Arab Emirates could also be built in a way that ensures the same planes owned by Israel outperform any others sold in the region, defense experts say. Washington already demands that any F-35 sold to foreign governments cannot match the performance of U.S. jets, said both a congressional staffer and a source familiar with past sales. The F-35's technical sophistication is tied to its mission systems and processing power and "it's the computing power that allows you to sell a higher tech jet to Israel than to the UAE," said Doug Birkey, executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies in Washington. "When foreign pilots are in training in the US they type a code into a user interface as they board the jet, the code will pull a different jet for each pilot based on legal permissions," Birkey said. Either way, actual delivery of new jets is years away. Poland, the most recent F-35 customer, purchased 32 of the jets in January, but will not receive its first delivery until 2024.

US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-35 deal: Sources

Taiwan President&nbsp;Tsai&nbsp;Ing-wen on Tuesday told China&nbsp;to ''back-off'' after the rise in&nbsp;airspace ''incursion'' by the Chinese jets.

Tension between China and the democratic island Beijing&nbsp;claims as sovereign Chinese territory have spiked to their highest in years, with Taiwanese fighters jets scrambling&nbsp;to intercept the Chinese aircraft last week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-scrambles-fighters-for-fourth-time-in-five-days-amid-chinese-incursion-329291" hreflang="en">Taiwan scrambles fighters for fourth time in five days amid Chinese incursion</a>

Visiting&nbsp;a major air force base on Penghu in the sensitive Taiwan Strait that divides the two sides,&nbsp;Tsai&nbsp;told pilots and engineers she was aware of their "heroic performance" when intercepting&nbsp;and driving&nbsp;away Chinese aircraft.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Taiwan’s Air Force does not give in to threats or military provocation. Our men and women in uniform have the will &amp; ability to defend <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a> &amp; are not intimidated by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PRC</a> intrusions in our airspace. We are dedicated to maintaining peace &amp; stability in the region. <a href="https://t.co/71JsvhR6YE">pic.twitter.com/71JsvhR6YE</a>
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) <a href="https://twitter.com/iingwen/status/1308349799469514753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I have a lot of confidence in you. As soldiers of the Republic of China, how could we let enemies strut around in our own airspace?" she said, using&nbsp;Taiwan's formal name.

"I'm aware that facing&nbsp;the provocative behaviour of the communist planes that have encircled the island and damaged regional peace in recent days, your duty at the front line of the airspace in Penghu must be even heavier."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/set-off-war-china-threatens-retaliation-after-us-diplomats-visit-to-taiwan-329155/amp">'Set off war': China threatens retaliation after US diplomat's visit to Taiwan</a>

<ul>
</ul>

The base, now home to F-CK-1 Ching-kuo Indigenous Defence Fighters (IDF) which first entered service in 1997, is at the front line of Taiwan's response to Chinese military intrusions.

Wang Chia-chu, one of the senior officers of the "Heavenly Colt" IDF squadron, said there is just five minutes' time to scramble fighters once Chinese aircraft are spotted.

"We will defend our airspace in real time as long as there's a threat," Wang said.

Another senior officer, speaking&nbsp;on condition of anonymity, said the Penghu-based IDFs are now scrambling&nbsp;"almost every day" as tension run high.

The air force also put on display its new Wan Chien air-to-ground cruise missiles that entered service in 2018 and can be fired from IDFs at targets about 200 km (125 miles) away, putting&nbsp;Chinese facilities or approaching&nbsp;ships in their sights.

Separately, Defence Minister Yen Teh-fa oversaw drills simulating&nbsp;a response to an air attack, involving&nbsp;all Taiwan's air bases as well as naval and surface-to-air missile units, the ministry said.

"The enemy threat grows by the day," it cited Yen as saying. "On no account allow the enemy to step out of line, and defend the country's sovereignty, democracy and freedom."

Crossing the mid line

Unusually, Chinese aircraft last week breached the mid line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial barrier for combat aircraft of both sides, though they have not flown over mainland Taiwan.

On Monday, China's foreign ministry said the line did not exist, drawing&nbsp;condemnation from Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu.

In Taipei on Tuesday, Wu called the line an important "symbol" for avoiding&nbsp;military clashes.

"We demand the international community strongly condemns China's words and actions and demand the Chinese government stops everything&nbsp;that it has been doing," he added.

China has been angered by stepped-up US&nbsp;support for democratic Taiwan, including&nbsp;a visit to Taipei last week by US&nbsp;Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach.

Taiwanese fighters have scrambled many times this year to intercept Chinese aircraft.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday told China to ''back-off'' after the rise in airspace ''incursion'' by the Chinese jets. Tension between China and the democratic island Beijing claims as sovereign Chinese territory have spiked to their highest in years, with Taiwanese fighters jets scrambling to intercept the Chinese aircraft last week.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday told China to ''back-off'' after the rise in airspace ''incursion'' by the Chinese jets. Tension between China and the democratic island Beijing claims as sovereign Chinese territory have spiked to their highest in years, with Taiwanese fighters jets scrambling to intercept the Chinese aircraft last week. Also read: Taiwan scrambles fighters for fourth time in five days amid Chinese incursion Visiting a major air force base on Penghu in the sensitive Taiwan Strait that divides the two sides, Tsai told pilots and engineers she was aware of their "heroic performance" when intercepting and driving away Chinese aircraft. Taiwan’s Air Force does not give in to threats or military provocation. Our men and women in uniform have the will & ability to defend #Taiwan & are not intimidated by #PRC intrusions in our airspace. We are dedicated to maintaining peace & stability in the region. pic.twitter.com/71JsvhR6YE — 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) September 22, 2020 × "I have a lot of confidence in you. As soldiers of the Republic of China, how could we let enemies strut around in our own airspace?" she said, using Taiwan's formal name. "I'm aware that facing the provocative behaviour of the communist planes that have encircled the island and damaged regional peace in recent days, your duty at the front line of the airspace in Penghu must be even heavier." Also read: 'Set off war': China threatens retaliation after US diplomat's visit to Taiwan The base, now home to F-CK-1 Ching-kuo Indigenous Defence Fighters (IDF) which first entered service in 1997, is at the front line of Taiwan's response to Chinese military intrusions. Wang Chia-chu, one of the senior officers of the "Heavenly Colt" IDF squadron, said there is just five minutes' time to scramble fighters once Chinese aircraft are spotted. "We will defend our airspace in real time as long as there's a threat," Wang said. Another senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Penghu-based IDFs are now scrambling "almost every day" as tension run high. The air force also put on display its new Wan Chien air-to-ground cruise missiles that entered service in 2018 and can be fired from IDFs at targets about 200 km (125 miles) away, putting Chinese facilities or approaching ships in their sights. Separately, Defence Minister Yen Teh-fa oversaw drills simulating a response to an air attack, involving all Taiwan's air bases as well as naval and surface-to-air missile units, the ministry said. "The enemy threat grows by the day," it cited Yen as saying. "On no account allow the enemy to step out of line, and defend the country's sovereignty, democracy and freedom." Crossing the mid line Unusually, Chinese aircraft last week breached the mid line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial barrier for combat aircraft of both sides, though they have not flown over mainland Taiwan. On Monday, China's foreign ministry said the line did not exist, drawing condemnation from Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. In Taipei on Tuesday, Wu called the line an important "symbol" for avoiding military clashes. "We demand the international community strongly condemns China's words and actions and demand the Chinese government stops everything that it has been doing," he added. China has been angered by stepped-up US support for democratic Taiwan, including a visit to Taipei last week by US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach. Taiwanese fighters have scrambled many times this year to intercept Chinese aircraft.

Taiwan tells China to 'back-off' as airspace 'incursions' rise

The&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;and China are preparing to renew a historic deal on the appointment of bishops that has slightly thawed icy relations, much to the displeasure of the US.

Pope Francis has been working hard to repair ties with the Communist country, but his overtures run contrary to US President Donald Trump's efforts to push a religious freedom theme against China in his campaign for a second term.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-silence-is-puzzling-as-chinese-hackers-infiltrate-vatican-316820">Pope Francis' silence is puzzling as Chinese hackers infiltrate Vatican</a>

The president's secretary of state Mike Pompeo went on the offensive last week in an article in US religious magazine First Things, slamming the "horrific" persecution of believers of all faiths in China.

He wrote that many countries had expressed "revulsion" at "accelerating violations of human rights".

"The&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;endangers its moral authority, should it renew the deal", he added on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-catholic-leader-hopes-ties-with-the-vatican-will-not-fall-foul-of-legislation-308309">Hong Kong: Catholic leader hopes ties with the Vatican will not fall foul of legislation</a>

China's roughly 12 million Catholics have for decades been split between a government-run association, whose clergy are chosen by the atheist Communist Party, and an unofficial underground church loyal to the&nbsp;Vatican.

The latter recognises the pope's authority and is often persecuted for it.

After years of snail-pace negotiations, the&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;sealed a historical "provisional" agreement with Beijing on 22 September 2018, the exact content of which has never been published.

The key novelty however was that both Beijing and the&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;now have a say in appointing Catholic bishops.

Francis immediately recognised eight Chinese bishops that had been appointed by Beijing without his approval.

Since then, two new bishops have been appointed in China, with the nod of the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.

And in a historic step earlier this year, Chinese and&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;foreign affairs ministers met publicly at an international event for the first time in seven decades.

'Very little fruit'&nbsp;

Pope Francis has just given the go-ahead for the renewal of the agreement, which is still in "experimental" mode, for another two years, a source close to the dossier told AFP.

The extension is expected to be signed next month.

Thorny issues, such as Chinese Catholic priests suddenly disappearing from their parishes for weeks "at the invitation" of the authorities, are in the meantime being raised with Beijing by&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;diplomats, the source said.

One of the Catholic Church's leading experts on Chinese affairs, Father Bernardo Cervellera, told religious news site Cruxnow.com earlier this month that the deal may have drawn much fanfare but had so far borne "very little fruit".

And he voiced his hope that the&nbsp;Vatican, in renewing the agreement, would be tougher on China.

Diplomatic relations between Beijing and the&nbsp;Holy See&nbsp;broke down in 1951, two years after the communists came to power.

Efforts to rekindle them are hampered by the&nbsp;Vatican's decision to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The island, with a population of 23 million, is considered by Beijing to be a breakaway Chinese province awaiting reunification.

The&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;is Taiwan's only diplomatic tie in Europe and Cervellera said he feared China will demand it break it off.

A spokesman for China's foreign ministry said Thursday that the interim deal with the&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;has been "implemented successfully", saying there had been an increase in "mutual trust and consensus".

Pope Francis's right-hand man, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said mid-September that the Catholic Church's "current interest with China is to normalise the life of the church as much as possible".

He admitted the results so far "have not been particularly striking".

The Vatican and China are preparing to renew a historic deal on the appointment of bishops that has slightly thawed icy relations, much to the displeasure of the US.

The Vatican and China are preparing to renew a historic deal on the appointment of bishops that has slightly thawed icy relations, much to the displeasure of the US. Pope Francis has been working hard to repair ties with the Communist country, but his overtures run contrary to US President Donald Trump's efforts to push a religious freedom theme against China in his campaign for a second term. Also read: Pope Francis' silence is puzzling as Chinese hackers infiltrate Vatican The president's secretary of state Mike Pompeo went on the offensive last week in an article in US religious magazine First Things, slamming the "horrific" persecution of believers of all faiths in China. He wrote that many countries had expressed "revulsion" at "accelerating violations of human rights". "The Vatican endangers its moral authority, should it renew the deal", he added on Twitter. Also read: Hong Kong: Catholic leader hopes ties with the Vatican will not fall foul of legislation China's roughly 12 million Catholics have for decades been split between a government-run association, whose clergy are chosen by the atheist Communist Party, and an unofficial underground church loyal to the Vatican. The latter recognises the pope's authority and is often persecuted for it. After years of snail-pace negotiations, the Vatican sealed a historical "provisional" agreement with Beijing on 22 September 2018, the exact content of which has never been published. The key novelty however was that both Beijing and the Vatican now have a say in appointing Catholic bishops. Francis immediately recognised eight Chinese bishops that had been appointed by Beijing without his approval. Since then, two new bishops have been appointed in China, with the nod of the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. And in a historic step earlier this year, Chinese and Vatican foreign affairs ministers met publicly at an international event for the first time in seven decades. 'Very little fruit' Pope Francis has just given the go-ahead for the renewal of the agreement, which is still in "experimental" mode, for another two years, a source close to the dossier told AFP. The extension is expected to be signed next month. Thorny issues, such as Chinese Catholic priests suddenly disappearing from their parishes for weeks "at the invitation" of the authorities, are in the meantime being raised with Beijing by Vatican diplomats, the source said. One of the Catholic Church's leading experts on Chinese affairs, Father Bernardo Cervellera, told religious news site Cruxnow.com earlier this month that the deal may have drawn much fanfare but had so far borne "very little fruit". And he voiced his hope that the Vatican, in renewing the agreement, would be tougher on China. Diplomatic relations between Beijing and the Holy See broke down in 1951, two years after the communists came to power. Efforts to rekindle them are hampered by the Vatican's decision to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The island, with a population of 23 million, is considered by Beijing to be a breakaway Chinese province awaiting reunification. The Vatican is Taiwan's only diplomatic tie in Europe and Cervellera said he feared China will demand it break it off. A spokesman for China's foreign ministry said Thursday that the interim deal with the Vatican has been "implemented successfully", saying there had been an increase in "mutual trust and consensus". Pope Francis's right-hand man, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said mid-September that the Catholic Church's "current interest with China is to normalise the life of the church as much as possible". He admitted the results so far "have not been particularly striking".

Vatican and China prepare to renew historic deal, angering US

Hong Kong Chief Executive&nbsp;Carrie&nbsp;Lam&nbsp;said on Monday (September 22) that the 12 Hong Kong nationals recently detained in mainland China should be first tried by mainland authorities, citing that they had "committed a crime in another jurisdiction" for which they must face legal liabilities.

The 12 were arrested on August 23 for illegal entry into mainland Chinese waters after setting off from Hong Kong in a boat bound for self-ruled Taiwan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-says-12-arrested-at-sea-by-china-should-accept-legal-liability-327631">Hong Kong leader says 12 arrested at sea by China 'should accept legal liability'</a>

Their failed bid to flee to Taiwan has highlighted the fears that many people feel in semi-autonomous Hong Kong about what they see as China's determination to end any push for greater democracy in the financial hub.

"Isn't it reasonable and fair that these twelve people should first face their legal liabilities in that other jurisdiction according to the law, and thereafter of course we will arrange for them to come back to face consequences,"&nbsp;Lam&nbsp;said at a weekly news conference.

Lam&nbsp;assured that the Hong Kong government would provide "assistance" to the detainees, but said the mainland authorities' ruling must be respected.

All 12 were suspected of committing crimes in Hong Kong related to anti-government protests that erupted last year. Ten had been charged, released on bail and not allowed to leave the former British colony, and all are now being detained in neighbouring Shenzhen.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Monday (September 22) that the 12 Hong Kong nationals recently detained in mainland China should be first tried by mainland authorities, citing that they had "committed a crime in another jurisdiction" for which they must face legal liabilities.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Monday (September 22) that the 12 Hong Kong nationals recently detained in mainland China should be first tried by mainland authorities, citing that they had "committed a crime in another jurisdiction" for which they must face legal liabilities. The 12 were arrested on August 23 for illegal entry into mainland Chinese waters after setting off from Hong Kong in a boat bound for self-ruled Taiwan. Also read: Hong Kong leader says 12 arrested at sea by China 'should accept legal liability' Their failed bid to flee to Taiwan has highlighted the fears that many people feel in semi-autonomous Hong Kong about what they see as China's determination to end any push for greater democracy in the financial hub. "Isn't it reasonable and fair that these twelve people should first face their legal liabilities in that other jurisdiction according to the law, and thereafter of course we will arrange for them to come back to face consequences," Lam said at a weekly news conference. Lam assured that the Hong Kong government would provide "assistance" to the detainees, but said the mainland authorities' ruling must be respected. All 12 were suspected of committing crimes in Hong Kong related to anti-government protests that erupted last year. Ten had been charged, released on bail and not allowed to leave the former British colony, and all are now being detained in neighbouring Shenzhen.

Hong Kong leader says 12 detained activists should first be tried by China

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