Accuse, evict, repeat: How it has become a commonly used tactic by US

A Chinese giant panda at&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea’s Everland amusement park has given birth to a cub, the zoo said on Wednesday, the first baby panda born in the country and a rare event for an endangered species.

The seven-year-old female panda named Ai Bao mated with eight-year-old male panda Le Bao, in late March and gave birth to a healthy cub at 21:49 local time on Monday night in Yongin, the zoo said.

The panda couple’s first cub was confirmed to be a female measuring 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) and weighing 197 grams (7 oz), the zoo said, adding that both baby and mother pandas appear healthy.

In footage released by Everland, Ai Bao was seen crawling along the ground before giving birth and licking the wriggling cub.

The zoo made a special shelter for the baby panda, who will make her public debut in about five or six months' time, once she can walk and eat bamboo. Before that both she and her mother will stay behind the scenes for health reasons.

Giant pandas are one of the world’s most endangered species. Female pandas are able to conceive only once a year for one to three days in March to April, which makes reproduction difficult, the zoo said in a statement.

The pair arrived in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;from Sichuan Province of China on a 15-year loan in 2016, as agreed by the two countries during a summit in 2014.

China has been sending its black and white ambassadors abroad in a sign of goodwill since the 1950s as part of what is known as 'panda diplomacy'.

The pandas are the first to arrive in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;from China since 1994. The cub is expected to return to China in three or four years' time, the zoo said.

A Chinese giant panda at South Korea’s Everland amusement park has given birth to a cub, the zoo said on Wednesday, the first baby panda born in the country and a rare event for an endangered species.

A Chinese giant panda at South Korea’s Everland amusement park has given birth to a cub, the zoo said on Wednesday, the first baby panda born in the country and a rare event for an endangered species. The seven-year-old female panda named Ai Bao mated with eight-year-old male panda Le Bao, in late March and gave birth to a healthy cub at 21:49 local time on Monday night in Yongin, the zoo said. The panda couple’s first cub was confirmed to be a female measuring 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) and weighing 197 grams (7 oz), the zoo said, adding that both baby and mother pandas appear healthy. In footage released by Everland, Ai Bao was seen crawling along the ground before giving birth and licking the wriggling cub. The zoo made a special shelter for the baby panda, who will make her public debut in about five or six months' time, once she can walk and eat bamboo. Before that both she and her mother will stay behind the scenes for health reasons. Giant pandas are one of the world’s most endangered species. Female pandas are able to conceive only once a year for one to three days in March to April, which makes reproduction difficult, the zoo said in a statement. The pair arrived in South Korea from Sichuan Province of China on a 15-year loan in 2016, as agreed by the two countries during a summit in 2014. China has been sending its black and white ambassadors abroad in a sign of goodwill since the 1950s as part of what is known as 'panda diplomacy'. The pandas are the first to arrive in South Korea from China since 1994. The cub is expected to return to China in three or four years' time, the zoo said.

First-ever giant panda cub born in South Korean zoo

US Secretary of State Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;told lawmakers during a trip to London that&nbsp;World Health Organization's(WHO) director&nbsp;Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has been "bought" by China.

Pompeo&nbsp;told a private meeting of MPs that the WHO had become a "political" body, alleging that its decisions were influenced by a deal struck between chief Tedros and China that helped him become its head. He reportedly added that body's actions during the coronavirus pandemic led to "dead Britons".

When push came to shove, when it really mattered most", people died "because of the deal that was made", he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-harbouring-military-linked-fugitive-scientist-at-san-francisco-consulate-says-fbi-315374" hreflang="en">China harbouring fugitive scientist at San Francisco consulate, says FBI</a>

Pompeo&nbsp;was in Britain for meetings with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab focused on China, and met some Conservative party MPs during a private morning event.

The WHO said it rejected "ad hominem attacks and unfounded allegations". "WHO urges countries to remain focused on tackling the pandemic that is causing tragic loss of life and suffering," a spokesperson for the organisation said.

The US announced earlier this month that it would be withdrawing from the WHO, accusing it of being controlled by China.

US President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that the coronavirus crisis in the US is likely to "get worse before it gets better".

"Some areas of our country are doing very well," Trump said at his first formal White House virus briefing since the end of April.

Trump urged Americans to wear facemasks to help prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus which has left more than 141,000 people dead in the US.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told lawmakers during a trip to London that World Health Organization's(WHO) director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has been "bought" by China.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told lawmakers during a trip to London that World Health Organization's(WHO) director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has been "bought" by China. Pompeo told a private meeting of MPs that the WHO had become a "political" body, alleging that its decisions were influenced by a deal struck between chief Tedros and China that helped him become its head. He reportedly added that body's actions during the coronavirus pandemic led to "dead Britons". When push came to shove, when it really mattered most", people died "because of the deal that was made", he said. Also read: China harbouring fugitive scientist at San Francisco consulate, says FBI Pompeo was in Britain for meetings with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab focused on China, and met some Conservative party MPs during a private morning event. The WHO said it rejected "ad hominem attacks and unfounded allegations". "WHO urges countries to remain focused on tackling the pandemic that is causing tragic loss of life and suffering," a spokesperson for the organisation said. The US announced earlier this month that it would be withdrawing from the WHO, accusing it of being controlled by China. US President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that the coronavirus crisis in the US is likely to "get worse before it gets better". "Some areas of our country are doing very well," Trump said at his first formal White House virus briefing since the end of April. Trump urged Americans to wear facemasks to help prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus which has left more than 141,000 people dead in the US.

'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams World Health Organization; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China

Malaysia on Thursday said a licence would be required to make any video in the country, even those posted on social media platforms like TikTok, sparking a storm of criticism.

Earlier, Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah told parliament that licenses were needed "regardless of whether they are mainstream media agencies or personal media that broadcast films on social media or traditional channels."

Critics slammed it as the latest move by authorities to silence dissent and independent media, while others jokingly posted clips of cats, asking if they needed official permission.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tourists-visiting-malaysia-to-pay-for-mandatory-quarantine-minister-300083">Tourists visiting Malaysia to pay for mandatory quarantine: Minister</a>

Opposition lawmakers accused the government of trying to cast a wide regulatory net on social media content using a 1981 National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) Act, which predates the internet.

The current law regulating video making in Malaysia dates back to 1981, and is a broad piece of legislation that officially requires anyone producing a video to get a licence from a government agency.

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said the minister's interpretation would have a ''chilling effect on free speech''.

"It is clear the government wants all parties, be it politicians, or social media users to face action for content that may not fit the government's view," Anwar said in a statement.

Saifuddin did not elaborate on his remarks and his office did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.

Over 80% of Malaysia's 32 million population are active social media users, according to the Digital 2020 report by We Are Social and Hootsuite.Opposition lawmaker Wong Shu Qi said that according to the minister's interpretation, any privately uploaded video would be deemed illegal.

Individuals convicted under the Act face penalties of up to $11,748.12, a maximum of two years in jail, or both.

"Will the government take action against all TikTok users? Will the government request every Youtuber to apply for license?" Wong said, referring to two popular social media platforms.

Rights groups say the government is trying to stifle dissent after a contempt case against a local news portal and a separate investigation into broadcaster Al Jazeera.

On Sunday, news wire Bernama reported Saifuddin as saying that Al Jazeera was being investigated for making an unlicensed documentary about the arrest of migrants, which authorities said was inaccurate, misleading and unfair.

&nbsp;

Malaysia on Thursday said a licence would be required to make any video in the country, even those posted on social media platforms like TikTok, sparking a storm of criticism.

Malaysia on Thursday said a licence would be required to make any video in the country, even those posted on social media platforms like TikTok, sparking a storm of criticism. Earlier, Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah told parliament that licenses were needed "regardless of whether they are mainstream media agencies or personal media that broadcast films on social media or traditional channels." Critics slammed it as the latest move by authorities to silence dissent and independent media, while others jokingly posted clips of cats, asking if they needed official permission. Also read: Tourists visiting Malaysia to pay for mandatory quarantine: Minister Opposition lawmakers accused the government of trying to cast a wide regulatory net on social media content using a 1981 National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) Act, which predates the internet. The current law regulating video making in Malaysia dates back to 1981, and is a broad piece of legislation that officially requires anyone producing a video to get a licence from a government agency. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said the minister's interpretation would have a ''chilling effect on free speech''. "It is clear the government wants all parties, be it politicians, or social media users to face action for content that may not fit the government's view," Anwar said in a statement. Saifuddin did not elaborate on his remarks and his office did not immediately respond to a request for clarification. Over 80% of Malaysia's 32 million population are active social media users, according to the Digital 2020 report by We Are Social and Hootsuite.Opposition lawmaker Wong Shu Qi said that according to the minister's interpretation, any privately uploaded video would be deemed illegal. Individuals convicted under the Act face penalties of up to $11,748.12, a maximum of two years in jail, or both. "Will the government take action against all TikTok users? Will the government request every Youtuber to apply for license?" Wong said, referring to two popular social media platforms. Rights groups say the government is trying to stifle dissent after a contempt case against a local news portal and a separate investigation into broadcaster Al Jazeera. On Sunday, news wire Bernama reported Saifuddin as saying that Al Jazeera was being investigated for making an unlicensed documentary about the arrest of migrants, which authorities said was inaccurate, misleading and unfair.

Malaysia government mocked over crackdown on video making

Australian warships were reportedly 'confronted' by Chinese Navy in contested South China Sea&nbsp;amid heightened tensions between the two nations.

The incident took place when the Australia's Defence Force joint task group consisting of five ships was travelling through the area on the way to Hawaii for joint military war games with the US and Japan in the Philippine Sea.

While the Australian ships did not come near 12 nautical miles of the disputed islands,&nbsp;they spotted the Chinese Navy near the Spratly Islands, which China claims as its own.

Upon being caught, members of the Chinese Navy allegedly ''confronted'' the Australian ships, according to a report first by news network ABC.

The report was confirmed by a defence spokesperson who said that five Australian warships, HMAS Canberra, Hobart, Stuart, Arunta and Sirius, “transited the South China Sea independently” from 14-18 July, including near the Spratly Islands. They were bound for Hawaii to join a US-led military exercise known as Rimpac.

“As we would expect in response to vessels operating in international waters in accordance with international law, all interactions with foreign warships were handled safely and professionally''.

There were “routine and professional naval communications” and “no confrontation”, the spokesperson added. 
The Australian government downplayed the incident by saying ''all interactions with foreign warships throughout the deployment were conducted in a safe and professional manner''.

The report comes after Trump administration toughened its stance on Beijing's maritime claims regarding the South China Sea.

Australian warships were reportedly 'confronted' by Chinese Navy in contested South China Sea amid heightened tensions between the two nations. The incident took place when the Australia's Defence Force joint task group consisting of five ships was travelling through the area on the way to Hawaii for joint military war games with the US and Japan in the Philippine Sea.

Australian warships were reportedly 'confronted' by Chinese Navy in contested South China Sea amid heightened tensions between the two nations. The incident took place when the Australia's Defence Force joint task group consisting of five ships was travelling through the area on the way to Hawaii for joint military war games with the US and Japan in the Philippine Sea. While the Australian ships did not come near 12 nautical miles of the disputed islands, they spotted the Chinese Navy near the Spratly Islands, which China claims as its own. Upon being caught, members of the Chinese Navy allegedly ''confronted'' the Australian ships, according to a report first by news network ABC. The report was confirmed by a defence spokesperson who said that five Australian warships, HMAS Canberra, Hobart, Stuart, Arunta and Sirius, “transited the South China Sea independently” from 14-18 July, including near the Spratly Islands. They were bound for Hawaii to join a US-led military exercise known as Rimpac. “As we would expect in response to vessels operating in international waters in accordance with international law, all interactions with foreign warships were handled safely and professionally''. There were “routine and professional naval communications” and “no confrontation”, the spokesperson added. The Australian government downplayed the incident by saying ''all interactions with foreign warships throughout the deployment were conducted in a safe and professional manner''. The report comes after Trump administration toughened its stance on Beijing's maritime claims regarding the South China Sea.

Australian warships 'confronted' by Chinese Navy in disputed South China Sea

&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said on Tuesday that he wished alleged sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell well, noting that he had met her multiple times in the past, but he had little else to say on the case involving the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump, speaking at his first coronavirus briefing in weeks, was asked if he thinks Maxwell will "turn in powerful men" following her arrest, given that she was the longtime associate of Epstein and was his alleged co-conspirator.

"I don't know, I haven't really been following it too much,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said of the case.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-ghislaine-maxwell-deserves-no-special-treatment-urges-detention-313081">US says Ghislaine Maxwell deserves no 'special treatment,' urges detention</a>

Maxwell was arrested early this month in New Hampshire, where authorities said she had been hiding at a sprawling property she bought while shielding her identity.

"I just wish her well, frankly,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said. "I've met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach, and I guess they lived in Palm Beach, but I wish her well, whatever it is."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ghislaine-maxwell-denied-bail-in-epstein-sex-abuse-case-313478/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Maxwell, 58, has denied charges she lured underage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse and has pleaded not guilty. A US&nbsp;District Court judge in Manhattan denied bail at her hearing last week, saying the wealthy socialite posed a flight risk.

Prosecutors have accused Maxwell, 58, of helping Epstein recruit and eventually abuse girls as young as 14 from 1994 to 1997 and lying about her role in depositions in 2016. Her trial is set to start on July 12, 2021.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he wished alleged sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell well, noting that he had met her multiple times in the past, but he had little else to say on the case involving the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he wished alleged sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell well, noting that he had met her multiple times in the past, but he had little else to say on the case involving the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Trump, speaking at his first coronavirus briefing in weeks, was asked if he thinks Maxwell will "turn in powerful men" following her arrest, given that she was the longtime associate of Epstein and was his alleged co-conspirator. "I don't know, I haven't really been following it too much," Trump said of the case. Also read: US says Ghislaine Maxwell deserves no 'special treatment,' urges detention Maxwell was arrested early this month in New Hampshire, where authorities said she had been hiding at a sprawling property she bought while shielding her identity. "I just wish her well, frankly," Trump said. "I've met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach, and I guess they lived in Palm Beach, but I wish her well, whatever it is." Maxwell, 58, has denied charges she lured underage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse and has pleaded not guilty. A US District Court judge in Manhattan denied bail at her hearing last week, saying the wealthy socialite posed a flight risk. Prosecutors have accused Maxwell, 58, of helping Epstein recruit and eventually abuse girls as young as 14 from 1994 to 1997 and lying about her role in depositions in 2016. Her trial is set to start on July 12, 2021.

'I wish her well': Trump comments on arrest of Epstein aide, alleged sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has fired her cabinet's Immigration Minister&nbsp;Iain Lees-Galloway over 'sustained lack of judgement' after his office affair was exposed.

Ardern took the step after receiving a tip from the opposition leader Judith Collins that&nbsp;Galloway was having an affair with his staffer. She was worried about abuse of power taking place and wished Galloway had informed her about it.

Galloway accepted the situation was&nbsp;untenable and admitted that he had a 12-month relationship with a staffer that ended a few months back.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-opposition-chooses-crusher-to-challenge-ardern-313352">New Zealand opposition chooses 'Crusher' to challenge Ardern</a>

In statement issued after Galloway's dismissal, Ardern said&nbsp;“showed a sustained lack of judgment over a long period of time”.

''The minister has shown a lack of judgment over a period of 12 months. In undertaking this relationship he has opened himself up to accusations of improperly using his office.''

''He has not modelled the behaviour I expect as a minister that is in charge of setting a standard and culture in workplaces. His actions have led me to lose my confidence in him as a minister.''

The news comes after&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's opposition leader Todd Muller abruptly quit for health reasons just weeks after taking the job&nbsp;saying "I am not the best person" for the position.

"It is more important than ever that the&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;National&nbsp;Party&nbsp;has a leader who is comfortable in the role," he said.

The centre-right&nbsp;National&nbsp;Party then installed Judith Collins, a conservative veteran nicknamed "Crusher" as leader as it regroups for the daunting task of trying to oust Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a September general election.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has fired her cabinet's Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over 'sustained lack of judgement' after his office affair was exposed.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has fired her cabinet's Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over 'sustained lack of judgement' after his office affair was exposed. Ardern took the step after receiving a tip from the opposition leader Judith Collins that Galloway was having an affair with his staffer. She was worried about abuse of power taking place and wished Galloway had informed her about it. Galloway accepted the situation was untenable and admitted that he had a 12-month relationship with a staffer that ended a few months back. Also read: New Zealand opposition chooses 'Crusher' to challenge Ardern In statement issued after Galloway's dismissal, Ardern said “showed a sustained lack of judgment over a long period of time”. ''The minister has shown a lack of judgment over a period of 12 months. In undertaking this relationship he has opened himself up to accusations of improperly using his office.'' ''He has not modelled the behaviour I expect as a minister that is in charge of setting a standard and culture in workplaces. His actions have led me to lose my confidence in him as a minister.'' The news comes after New Zealand's opposition leader Todd Muller abruptly quit for health reasons just weeks after taking the job saying "I am not the best person" for the position. "It is more important than ever that the New Zealand National Party has a leader who is comfortable in the role," he said. The centre-right National Party then installed Judith Collins, a conservative veteran nicknamed "Crusher" as leader as it regroups for the daunting task of trying to oust Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a September general election.

Jacinda Ardern sacks Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway over office affair with ex-staffer

July 22 in history: First motor race, India's Constituent Assembly adopts national flag and more

Beijing is trying&nbsp;to change facts on the ground in the South China Sea&nbsp;to gradually change the world's mind regarding its claims in the region, according to a Washington-based think tank.

In a report published in Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Nguyen Thuy Anh, who is a research fellow at the East Sea Institute of Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, has said that ''the nine-dash line is a representation of China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. The line itself is a collection of arbitrary dashes or dots without specific coordinates. China has not given any official explanations regarding its precise delimitation or legal origin.''

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-china-relationship-took-a-turn-for-the-worse-314882" hreflang="en">How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse</a>

"China's claim has been openly rejected by Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the United States, and has been criticized by numerous international scholars. More importantly, the claim to historic waters within the line was rejected by the arbitral award of the South China Sea tribunal in July 2016. But China has disregarded the ruling and insists on the nine-dash line claim,"&nbsp;Anh said in the report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-exploiting-covid-situation-to-further-its-own-interest-mike-pompeo-315008" hreflang="en">'China exploiting Covid situation to further its own interest': Mike Pompeo</a>

As per the report, China has aimed to create "a narrative in the popular consciousness" that the nine-dash line is part of China's administrative territory.''

In pursuit of this goal, China uses any means it can to promote the visibility of the nine-dash line, displaying it on passports, maps, exported globes, movies, books, online games, clothing, tourist leaflets, booklets, television shows, and more.

In October 2019, a nine-dash map was visible in "Abominable," an animated family movie jointly produced by China-based Pearl Studio and America's DreamWorks Animation.

In 2018, a group of Chinese tourists wearing T-shirts with a nine-dash line drawing arrived in Vietnam. Earlier, in 2015, China watchers unveiled Google Maps images that highlighted the nine-dash line.

Before 2009, the nine-dash line appeared in scientific articles only rarely. However, the number of articles illustrated with the line has drastically and steadily increased since 2010.

A similar trend continues int 2020, covering a wide range of hard-science disciplines including climate change, hydrography, archaeology, agriculture, bio-energy, environment, waste management, and public health, the report said.

The insertion of the nine-dash line in scientific prints is not accidental. The majority of articles having the nine-dash line appear to have been authored or co-authored by Chinese scholars, it said further.

"Most of the articles presented the research outcomes of projects funded by Chinese government agencies. And Chinese scholars themselves are not able to explain the relation between the nine-dash line illustrations and the arguments in the articles," Anh said.

When asked, one Chinese author admitted that the insertion of the nine-dash line was a Chinese government requirement, she added.

One of the reasons why such irrelevant figures have been so worthy for China may be that it has leveraged its market power to force publishers, educational institutions, and think-tanks to self-censor and accommodate Beijing's rules on publication. The Asian giant has also been able to force publication firms to remove content which it regarded as harmful to Chinese interests.

Though having no impact on the legal nature of the claim, the widespread publication of such maps could prompt misperceptions among scientists, researchers, or students who are readers of these journals but are not familiar with the issue, as per the report.

"More dangerously, at some point policymakers in Beijing may mistake such publications as some form of popular recognition of its erroneous claim. Such a misconception could lead to a serious miscalculation," Anh added.

Beijing is trying to change facts on the ground in the South China Sea to gradually change the world's mind regarding its claims in the region, according to a Washington-based think tank.

Beijing is trying to change facts on the ground in the South China Sea to gradually change the world's mind regarding its claims in the region, according to a Washington-based think tank. In a report published in Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Nguyen Thuy Anh, who is a research fellow at the East Sea Institute of Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, has said that ''the nine-dash line is a representation of China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. The line itself is a collection of arbitrary dashes or dots without specific coordinates. China has not given any official explanations regarding its precise delimitation or legal origin.'' Also see: How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse "China's claim has been openly rejected by Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the United States, and has been criticized by numerous international scholars. More importantly, the claim to historic waters within the line was rejected by the arbitral award of the South China Sea tribunal in July 2016. But China has disregarded the ruling and insists on the nine-dash line claim," Anh said in the report. Also read: 'China exploiting Covid situation to further its own interest': Mike Pompeo As per the report, China has aimed to create "a narrative in the popular consciousness" that the nine-dash line is part of China's administrative territory.'' In pursuit of this goal, China uses any means it can to promote the visibility of the nine-dash line, displaying it on passports, maps, exported globes, movies, books, online games, clothing, tourist leaflets, booklets, television shows, and more. In October 2019, a nine-dash map was visible in "Abominable," an animated family movie jointly produced by China-based Pearl Studio and America's DreamWorks Animation. In 2018, a group of Chinese tourists wearing T-shirts with a nine-dash line drawing arrived in Vietnam. Earlier, in 2015, China watchers unveiled Google Maps images that highlighted the nine-dash line. Before 2009, the nine-dash line appeared in scientific articles only rarely. However, the number of articles illustrated with the line has drastically and steadily increased since 2010. A similar trend continues int 2020, covering a wide range of hard-science disciplines including climate change, hydrography, archaeology, agriculture, bio-energy, environment, waste management, and public health, the report said. The insertion of the nine-dash line in scientific prints is not accidental. The majority of articles having the nine-dash line appear to have been authored or co-authored by Chinese scholars, it said further. "Most of the articles presented the research outcomes of projects funded by Chinese government agencies. And Chinese scholars themselves are not able to explain the relation between the nine-dash line illustrations and the arguments in the articles," Anh said. When asked, one Chinese author admitted that the insertion of the nine-dash line was a Chinese government requirement, she added. One of the reasons why such irrelevant figures have been so worthy for China may be that it has leveraged its market power to force publishers, educational institutions, and think-tanks to self-censor and accommodate Beijing's rules on publication. The Asian giant has also been able to force publication firms to remove content which it regarded as harmful to Chinese interests. Though having no impact on the legal nature of the claim, the widespread publication of such maps could prompt misperceptions among scientists, researchers, or students who are readers of these journals but are not familiar with the issue, as per the report. "More dangerously, at some point policymakers in Beijing may mistake such publications as some form of popular recognition of its erroneous claim. Such a misconception could lead to a serious miscalculation," Anh added.

China trying to change international perception on South China Sea: Report

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration&nbsp;of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country.

In his first public comments on the Portland unrest,&nbsp;Biden said in a statement that Homeland Security agents in Portland, some without any identifying markings, had been "brutally attacking peaceful protesters" and ranging far from federal property to detain people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-virus-crisis-to-get-worse-before-it-gets-better-warns-donald-trump-315005">US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump</a>

"We have a president who is determined to sow chaos and division. To make matters worse instead of better,"&nbsp;he added.

Trump and Department of Homeland Security officials have defended the efforts of officers in Portland as the city has faced prolonged demonstrations against racial injustice, saying they were trying to protect federal property.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-portland-trump-will-send-unknown-forces-to-liberal-democrat-cities-to-muzzle-protests-314802">After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests</a>

Portland's mayor has protested the federal presence and Oregon's attorney general has filed a lawsuit, saying federal agents had seized and detained people without probable cause.

Congressional Democrats have demanded an internal investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general.

On Monday, Trump suggested he would send federal law enforcement agents into other cities, saying without presenting evidence that Democratic mayors in those places had failed to control crime.

Biden said officers had the right to protect federal property but could do it without "resorting to these egregious tactics, and without trying to stoke the fires of division in this country."

Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh&nbsp;said Biden's statement showed the former vice president was "siding with the criminals."

"That Biden would accuse law enforcement of 'stoking the fires of division' while the mob is literally setting fires to police buildings is unconscionable. Biden has clearly lost his moral bearings and failed the leadership test."

Biden&nbsp;served as Democratic President Barack Obama's vice president and leads Republican President Donald Trump in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Tuesday accused the Trump administration of "egregious tactics" in cracking down on protests in Portland, Oregon, saying the response by federal agents was stoking divisions in the country. In his first public comments on the Portland unrest, Biden said in a statement that Homeland Security agents in Portland, some without any identifying markings, had been "brutally attacking peaceful protesters" and ranging far from federal property to detain people. Also read: US virus crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’, warns Donald Trump "We have a president who is determined to sow chaos and division. To make matters worse instead of better," he added. Trump and Department of Homeland Security officials have defended the efforts of officers in Portland as the city has faced prolonged demonstrations against racial injustice, saying they were trying to protect federal property. Also read: After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests Portland's mayor has protested the federal presence and Oregon's attorney general has filed a lawsuit, saying federal agents had seized and detained people without probable cause. Congressional Democrats have demanded an internal investigation by the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general. On Monday, Trump suggested he would send federal law enforcement agents into other cities, saying without presenting evidence that Democratic mayors in those places had failed to control crime. Biden said officers had the right to protect federal property but could do it without "resorting to these egregious tactics, and without trying to stoke the fires of division in this country." Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said Biden's statement showed the former vice president was "siding with the criminals." "That Biden would accuse law enforcement of 'stoking the fires of division' while the mob is literally setting fires to police buildings is unconscionable. Biden has clearly lost his moral bearings and failed the leadership test." Biden served as Democratic President Barack Obama's vice president and leads Republican President Donald Trump in opinion polls ahead of the November 3 election.

Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics'

Twitter Inc said on Tuesday it would permanently suspend accounts that violate its policies while tweeting about&nbsp;QAnon, a fringe group that claims "deep-state" traitors are plotting against President Donald Trump.

Twitter, which announced the change on its Twitter Safety page, said it would not serve content and accounts associated with&nbsp;QAnon&nbsp;in trends and recommendations, and would block URLs associated with the group from being shared on the platform.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-properties-have-imported-over-8-tonnes-of-goods-from-china-since-sep-report-315020" hreflang="en">Trump properties have imported tonnes of goods from China since Sep: Report</a>

The suspension, which will be rolled out this week, is expected to impact about 150,000 accounts globally, Twitter said. More than 7,000 accounts have been removed in the last several weeks for violating the company's rules against spam, platform manipulation and ban evasion.

The suspensions will be applied to accounts "engaged in violations of our multi-account policy, coordinating abuse around individual victims, or are attempting to evade a previous suspension,&nbsp;something we’ve seen more of in recent weeks," Twitter said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/trump-campaign-runs-facebook-advertisements-asking-if-he-should-ban-tiktok-314800" hreflang="en">Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok</a>

In online conspiracies, the term "deep-state" is used to refer to a combination of elites from the intelligence, political, business and entertainment fields, with&nbsp;QAnon's theories claiming that the "deep-state" is at a secret war with Trump.

QAnon&nbsp;has also claimed that Democratic Party members are behind international crime rings. The group's content has spread widely on mainstream social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Earlier this year, Facebook removed a US&nbsp;network of fake accounts linked to&nbsp;QAnon.

Last year, the FBI issued a warning about "conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists" and designated&nbsp;QAnon&nbsp;as a potential domestic extremist threat.

Earlier,&nbsp;Anti-Defamation League (ADL)&nbsp;chief executive Jonathan Greenblatt had pointed out&nbsp;the social media giant's "haphazard" placement of advertising, pointing to an example in which a Verizon ad appeared next to "a video from the conspiracy group&nbsp;QAnon&nbsp;drawing on hateful and anti-Semitic rhetoric."

Facebook is under increasing pressure for its hands-off approach to misinformation and inflammatory posts, particularly by US President Donald Trump.

The social media company made an estimated $70 billion annually from ads, the coalition -- which includes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) -- behind #StopHateForProfit claimed in a statement on the ADL website.

Twitter Inc said on Tuesday it would permanently suspend accounts that violate its policies while tweeting about QAnon, a fringe group that claims "deep-state" traitors are plotting against President Donald Trump.

Twitter Inc said on Tuesday it would permanently suspend accounts that violate its policies while tweeting about QAnon, a fringe group that claims "deep-state" traitors are plotting against President Donald Trump. Twitter, which announced the change on its Twitter Safety page, said it would not serve content and accounts associated with QAnon in trends and recommendations, and would block URLs associated with the group from being shared on the platform. Also read: Trump properties have imported tonnes of goods from China since Sep: Report The suspension, which will be rolled out this week, is expected to impact about 150,000 accounts globally, Twitter said. More than 7,000 accounts have been removed in the last several weeks for violating the company's rules against spam, platform manipulation and ban evasion. The suspensions will be applied to accounts "engaged in violations of our multi-account policy, coordinating abuse around individual victims, or are attempting to evade a previous suspension, something we’ve seen more of in recent weeks," Twitter said. Also read: Trump campaign runs Facebook advertisements asking if he should ban TikTok In online conspiracies, the term "deep-state" is used to refer to a combination of elites from the intelligence, political, business and entertainment fields, with QAnon's theories claiming that the "deep-state" is at a secret war with Trump. QAnon has also claimed that Democratic Party members are behind international crime rings. The group's content has spread widely on mainstream social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Earlier this year, Facebook removed a US network of fake accounts linked to QAnon. Last year, the FBI issued a warning about "conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists" and designated QAnon as a potential domestic extremist threat. Earlier, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) chief executive Jonathan Greenblatt had pointed out the social media giant's "haphazard" placement of advertising, pointing to an example in which a Verizon ad appeared next to "a video from the conspiracy group QAnon drawing on hateful and anti-Semitic rhetoric." Facebook is under increasing pressure for its hands-off approach to misinformation and inflammatory posts, particularly by US President Donald Trump. The social media company made an estimated $70 billion annually from ads, the coalition -- which includes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) -- behind #StopHateForProfit claimed in a statement on the ADL website.

Twitter announces broad crackdown on conspiracy theory group QAnon

All 13 people taken hostage on a bus in western&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;were freed unharmed on Tuesday (July 21) after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke by phone with the hostage-taker and agreed to his demand to endorse a 2005 film starring&nbsp;Joaquin Phoenix.

Police arrested the suspect, whom the state security service (SBU) identified as 44-year-old Maksym Kryvosh, who seized the bus in the city of Lutsk, saying he was armed with guns and explosives.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Kryvosh had served time in prison and the SBU said he had propagated "extremist views." Police said Kryvosh threatened to blow up the bus and detonate another explosive in a crowded area in the city.

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In a move to secure the hostages' release, Zelenskiy said he spoke to Kryvosh for seven to 10 minutes and agreed to one of his demands, to promote the documentary "Earthlings," narrated by Hollywood actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joaquin-phoenix">Joaquin Phoenix</a>.

Zelenskiy did so in a six-second clip posted on the presidential Facebook page, which was subsequently deleted.

The president said he had persuaded Kryvosh to first release three of the hostages, including a pregnant woman.

Zelenskiy had been given the option of launching an assault on the bus, but did not want to risk hostages dying during the attack.

Police had blocked off the city center with armed officers, cars and an armoured personnel carrier while they tried to persuade Kryvosh to free the hostages in a day-long standoff.

In posts on social media, Kryvosh had also demanded that senior Ukrainian officials publish statements saying that they were terrorists.

All 13 people taken hostage on a bus in western Ukraine were freed unharmed on Tuesday (July 21) after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke by phone with the hostage-taker and agreed to his demand to endorse a 2005 film starring Joaquin Phoenix.

All 13 people taken hostage on a bus in western Ukraine were freed unharmed on Tuesday (July 21) after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke by phone with the hostage-taker and agreed to his demand to endorse a 2005 film starring Joaquin Phoenix. Police arrested the suspect, whom the state security service (SBU) identified as 44-year-old Maksym Kryvosh, who seized the bus in the city of Lutsk, saying he was armed with guns and explosives. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Kryvosh had served time in prison and the SBU said he had propagated "extremist views." Police said Kryvosh threatened to blow up the bus and detonate another explosive in a crowded area in the city. Also read: Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara are expecting their first child together In a move to secure the hostages' release, Zelenskiy said he spoke to Kryvosh for seven to 10 minutes and agreed to one of his demands, to promote the documentary "Earthlings," narrated by Hollywood actor Joaquin Phoenix. Zelenskiy did so in a six-second clip posted on the presidential Facebook page, which was subsequently deleted. The president said he had persuaded Kryvosh to first release three of the hostages, including a pregnant woman. Zelenskiy had been given the option of launching an assault on the bus, but did not want to risk hostages dying during the attack. Police had blocked off the city center with armed officers, cars and an armoured personnel carrier while they tried to persuade Kryvosh to free the hostages in a day-long standoff. In posts on social media, Kryvosh had also demanded that senior Ukrainian officials publish statements saying that they were terrorists.

Ukraine: Hostage standoff ends after president endorses Joaquin Phoenix film

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