Controversies surrounding the face mask - the benevolent preventer of coronavirus transmission!

Taiwan is pitching democracy to its investors amid political turmoil in Hong Kong&nbsp;to draw more foreign money and talent.

The country's top financial regulator emphasized the high quality of life and rule of law in the nation to lure more investors and take advantage of the situation.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eye-on-taiwan-now-china-puts-stealth-fighter-jet-j-20b-in-mass-production-313033">Eye on Taiwan: Now, China puts stealth fighter jet J-20B in mass production</a>

Taiwan has been in discussion with foreign financial institutions about increasing the investment in the country according to Financial Supervisory Chairman Huang Tien-mu.

This has been ongoing. It's not only aimed at Hong Kong," Huang said in his first interview with foreign media since being appointed to the post in late May.

The commission has been pushing financial reform to attract money and talent from around the region, and to bring Taiwan's financial system in line with international standards, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-620-million-missile-upgrade-package-for-taiwan-312188">US approves $620 million missile upgrade package for Taiwan</a>

"Our main aim is not to replace any particular region or city," Huang added, when asked if China's new national security law for Hong Kong was an opportunity for Taiwan to supplant the city as Asia's financial centre.

"We hope to attract not only people or funds from one place. We hope to make Taiwan's market even more competitive, so it becomes a financial market that gets more attention in Asia."

Chinese-claimed and democratic Taiwan has condemned the new law, and anti-government protesters in the former British colony have won widespread and cross-party support on the island.

Taiwan opened an office this month to help people fleeing Hong Kong after China imposed the security law on the city, with a senior minister saying at the time Taiwan hoped to seize the opportunity to attract professionals and capital from the city.

But Huang, 61, said problems include Taiwan's more complex tax system, lower salaries, lack of wide usage of English and financial regulations that may be relatively liberal but are not as free as other parts of the world.

"In the short term, this is perhaps not something we can be like others with," added Huang, who started his career in Taiwan's Finance Ministry and has a doctorate from the University of Southern California.

"But Taiwan has its attractions. Our democratic system, rule of law that is transparent," Huang said, pointing to its freedom of speech, ability to elect its own leaders and even legalising of same-sex marriage.

"I've been to many international meetings, and I feel that everyone likes Taiwan - they feel very relaxed when they come here."

&nbsp;

Taiwan is pitching democracy to its investors amid political turmoil in Hong Kong to draw more foreign money and talent. The country's top financial regulator emphasized the high quality of life and rule of law in the nation to lure more investors and take advantage of the situation.

Taiwan is pitching democracy to its investors amid political turmoil in Hong Kong to draw more foreign money and talent. The country's top financial regulator emphasized the high quality of life and rule of law in the nation to lure more investors and take advantage of the situation. Also read| Eye on Taiwan: Now, China puts stealth fighter jet J-20B in mass production Taiwan has been in discussion with foreign financial institutions about increasing the investment in the country according to Financial Supervisory Chairman Huang Tien-mu. This has been ongoing. It's not only aimed at Hong Kong," Huang said in his first interview with foreign media since being appointed to the post in late May. The commission has been pushing financial reform to attract money and talent from around the region, and to bring Taiwan's financial system in line with international standards, he said. Also read: US approves $620 million missile upgrade package for Taiwan "Our main aim is not to replace any particular region or city," Huang added, when asked if China's new national security law for Hong Kong was an opportunity for Taiwan to supplant the city as Asia's financial centre. "We hope to attract not only people or funds from one place. We hope to make Taiwan's market even more competitive, so it becomes a financial market that gets more attention in Asia." Chinese-claimed and democratic Taiwan has condemned the new law, and anti-government protesters in the former British colony have won widespread and cross-party support on the island. Taiwan opened an office this month to help people fleeing Hong Kong after China imposed the security law on the city, with a senior minister saying at the time Taiwan hoped to seize the opportunity to attract professionals and capital from the city. But Huang, 61, said problems include Taiwan's more complex tax system, lower salaries, lack of wide usage of English and financial regulations that may be relatively liberal but are not as free as other parts of the world. "In the short term, this is perhaps not something we can be like others with," added Huang, who started his career in Taiwan's Finance Ministry and has a doctorate from the University of Southern California. "But Taiwan has its attractions. Our democratic system, rule of law that is transparent," Huang said, pointing to its freedom of speech, ability to elect its own leaders and even legalising of same-sex marriage. "I've been to many international meetings, and I feel that everyone likes Taiwan - they feel very relaxed when they come here."

Taiwan pitching democracy to its investors amid Hong Kong convulsion

China said Wednesday it will take necessary measures to safeguard its own interests following Britains decision to purge all Huawei 5G network equipment from the country.

Chinese ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters that China strongly opposes Britain's decision because it was driven by commercial politicization of technological issues rather than national security.

US officials hailed Britain's decision, saying it showed a "growing international consensus" that Huawei and other companies allegedly linked to the Chinese state pose a threat to national security.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-bans-huawei-from-its-5g-network-as-uk-chairman-john-browne-resigns-313239">Britain bans Huawei from its 5G network as UK chairman John Browne resigns</a>

Hua claimed London "(acted) in coordination with the&nbsp;US to discriminate against, suppress and eliminate" Huawei, and accused Britain of becoming "America's dupe".&nbsp;

Earlier, UK's Huawei chairman John Browne&nbsp;resigned after the country approved the decision citing national security.

The UK government said it would work on a timeline to remove the company from its 5G network.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had chaired a meeting of Britain’s National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday to discuss the Huawei issue.

The UK had&nbsp;said earlier that the US sanctions on-chip technology will likely impact the company and will affect its supply.

The United States had banned Huawei from its 5G network and had disallowed US companies from trading with the Chinese telecom company.

The US has alleged that Huawei helps the Chinese government in spying activities, an allegation it has consistently denied. Britain had put the Chinese company on review after US sanctions blocked Huawei's access to US chips and semi-conductors which is needed for 5G networks.

China had earlier warned Britain it could face repercussions as a trading nation if it backed down from the Huawei deal.

China said Wednesday it will take necessary measures to safeguard its own interests following Britains decision to purge all Huawei 5G network equipment from the country.

China said Wednesday it will take necessary measures to safeguard its own interests following Britains decision to purge all Huawei 5G network equipment from the country. Chinese ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters that China strongly opposes Britain's decision because it was driven by commercial politicization of technological issues rather than national security. US officials hailed Britain's decision, saying it showed a "growing international consensus" that Huawei and other companies allegedly linked to the Chinese state pose a threat to national security. Also read: Britain bans Huawei from its 5G network as UK chairman John Browne resigns Hua claimed London "(acted) in coordination with the US to discriminate against, suppress and eliminate" Huawei, and accused Britain of becoming "America's dupe". Earlier, UK's Huawei chairman John Browne resigned after the country approved the decision citing national security. The UK government said it would work on a timeline to remove the company from its 5G network. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had chaired a meeting of Britain’s National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday to discuss the Huawei issue. The UK had said earlier that the US sanctions on-chip technology will likely impact the company and will affect its supply. The United States had banned Huawei from its 5G network and had disallowed US companies from trading with the Chinese telecom company. The US has alleged that Huawei helps the Chinese government in spying activities, an allegation it has consistently denied. Britain had put the Chinese company on review after US sanctions blocked Huawei's access to US chips and semi-conductors which is needed for 5G networks. China had earlier warned Britain it could face repercussions as a trading nation if it backed down from the Huawei deal.

China strongly opposes UK's Huawei ban; will act to protect its interests

Pakistan's National Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution against the alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.

The resolution, moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, also expressed the resolve to extend diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiris.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-denies-unfreezing-of-hafiz-saeed-five-other-terrorists-bank-accounts-313103" hreflang="en">Pak denies unfreezing of Hafiz Saeed, five other terrorists' bank account</a>

India has told Pakistan that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and shall continue to be an integral part of India. Issues related to Jammu and Kashmir are internal matter to India.

The House called upon the United Nations and the international community to play their role in resolving the Kashmir issue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-reopens-2-more-trade-routes-with-afghan-after-months-long-closure-of-border-due-to-covid-19-312719" hreflang="en">Pak reopens more trade routes with Afghan after months-long closure of border</a>

Prime Minister Imran Khan also took to Twitter to express his solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

Separately, the Foreign Office in a statement said Pakistan would continue to support the Kashmiri people.

Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 last year and bifurcating it into two union territories.

India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.&nbsp;

Pakistan's National Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution against the alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. The resolution, moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, also expressed the resolve to extend diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiris.

Pakistan's National Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution against the alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. The resolution, moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, also expressed the resolve to extend diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiris. Also read: Pak denies unfreezing of Hafiz Saeed, five other terrorists' bank account India has told Pakistan that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and shall continue to be an integral part of India. Issues related to Jammu and Kashmir are internal matter to India. The House called upon the United Nations and the international community to play their role in resolving the Kashmir issue. Also read: Pak reopens more trade routes with Afghan after months-long closure of border Prime Minister Imran Khan also took to Twitter to express his solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Separately, the Foreign Office in a statement said Pakistan would continue to support the Kashmiri people. Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 last year and bifurcating it into two union territories. India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

Pak National Assembly passes resolution condemning alleged human rights in Jammu and Kashmir

Queen Elizabeth II&nbsp;was not informed in advance about the 1975 dismissal of Australia's prime minister by her representative in country, letters kept secret for decades and released Tuesday revealed.

The British monarch's representative in Australia, governor-general John Kerr, sparked a constitutional crisis when he abruptly fired Gough Whitlam, the democratically elected leader of the centre-left Labor party.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queens-letters-on-australian-pms-sacking-to-be-released-in-full-311829">Queen's letters on Australian PM's sacking to be released in full</a>

In May the High Court ruled more than 200 letters between the&nbsp;queen's private secretary and Kerr, including many addressing the controversial affair, should be made public.

On a November&nbsp;11, 1975 dispatch, Governor-General John Kerr told the Queen’s private secretary he took the unprecedented step to sack Prime Minister Gough Whitlam as Whitlam prepared to end a months-long budget standoff by calling a partial Senate election.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-court-orders-release-of-queens-letters-over-former-pm-whitlams-sacking-301879">Australian court orders release of Queen's letters over former PM Whitlam's sacking</a>

''I decided to take this step ... without informing the Palace in advance,''&nbsp;Kerr wrote to former private secretary Martin Charteris on the day of Whitlam’s dismissal.

''It was better for Her Majesty not to know in advance, though it is ... my duty to tell her immediately,''&nbsp;Kerr added, according to the documents.

Suspicion the palace played a direct role in Whitlam's ouster has long been cited by Australian Republicans arguing the country should break with the monarchy.

The decision capped a protracted political stalemate after the opposition-controlled Senate refused to pass the government's budget, severely weakening Whitlam's position.

The release of 211 so-called ''palace letters''&nbsp;pulls the veil from one of the great mysteries of Australian politics, and may reignite a conversation about whether the country should cut ties with Britain and become a republic.

The letters confirm the palace knew Kerr had been considering the options available to him under his Constitutional "reserve powers", which included dismissing Australia's leader, an action no other governor-general has taken before or since.

Whitlam’s firing remains one of the country’s most polarising political events because it represented an unprecedented level of intervention by the Commonwealth.

Historians say the country was never told the full story, and in 2016 a historian sued the National Archives of Australia for access to letters between Kerr and the queen. The lawsuit failed on grounds that the letters were private, but the High Court overturned the ruling in May.

The letters show Kerr and Buckingham Palace discussed the political crisis gripping the country, and Kerr’s role in it, for two months before Whitlam’s sacking as the prime minister tried to get parliament to approve his Budget.

Queen Elizabeth II was not informed in advance about the 1975 dismissal of Australia's prime minister by her representative in country, letters kept secret for decades and released Tuesday revealed.

Queen Elizabeth II was not informed in advance about the 1975 dismissal of Australia's prime minister by her representative in country, letters kept secret for decades and released Tuesday revealed. The British monarch's representative in Australia, governor-general John Kerr, sparked a constitutional crisis when he abruptly fired Gough Whitlam, the democratically elected leader of the centre-left Labor party. Also read: Queen's letters on Australian PM's sacking to be released in full In May the High Court ruled more than 200 letters between the queen's private secretary and Kerr, including many addressing the controversial affair, should be made public. On a November 11, 1975 dispatch, Governor-General John Kerr told the Queen’s private secretary he took the unprecedented step to sack Prime Minister Gough Whitlam as Whitlam prepared to end a months-long budget standoff by calling a partial Senate election. Also read: Australian court orders release of Queen's letters over former PM Whitlam's sacking ''I decided to take this step ... without informing the Palace in advance,'' Kerr wrote to former private secretary Martin Charteris on the day of Whitlam’s dismissal. ''It was better for Her Majesty not to know in advance, though it is ... my duty to tell her immediately,'' Kerr added, according to the documents. Suspicion the palace played a direct role in Whitlam's ouster has long been cited by Australian Republicans arguing the country should break with the monarchy. The decision capped a protracted political stalemate after the opposition-controlled Senate refused to pass the government's budget, severely weakening Whitlam's position. The release of 211 so-called ''palace letters'' pulls the veil from one of the great mysteries of Australian politics, and may reignite a conversation about whether the country should cut ties with Britain and become a republic. The letters confirm the palace knew Kerr had been considering the options available to him under his Constitutional "reserve powers", which included dismissing Australia's leader, an action no other governor-general has taken before or since. Whitlam’s firing remains one of the country’s most polarising political events because it represented an unprecedented level of intervention by the Commonwealth. Historians say the country was never told the full story, and in 2016 a historian sued the National Archives of Australia for access to letters between Kerr and the queen. The lawsuit failed on grounds that the letters were private, but the High Court overturned the ruling in May. The letters show Kerr and Buckingham Palace discussed the political crisis gripping the country, and Kerr’s role in it, for two months before Whitlam’s sacking as the prime minister tried to get parliament to approve his Budget.

Queen Elizabeth II was not informed about Australian PM Whitlam's historic sacking

Brazilian President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;ventured out of his official residence on Monday&nbsp;to feed birds while he is recovering&nbsp;from coronavirus.

He was seen stepping out onto the grounds of Alvorada Palace and threw feed to the Greater Rhea birds that wander around the property. The birds are South America's large flightless bird.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-says-death-was-everyones-destiny-as-country-registers-1349-deaths-305715">Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths</a>

Bolsonaro, who has been in quarantine nearly a week after testing positive for the new coronavirus, announced Monday he plans to take another test as he "can't stand" being in isolation.Bolsonaro&nbsp;has said he was "doing very well" after contracting the coronavirus, and credited an unproven drug for his mild symptoms.

The result of the test, which is scheduled for Tuesday, "should be out in a few hours, and I will wait quite anxiously because I can't stand this routine of staying at home. It's horrible,"&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said in an interview.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-bolsonaro-rides-jet-ski-amid-coronavirus-chaos-in-the-country-netizens-lash-out-297889">Brazilian President Bolsonaro rides jet ski amid coronavirus chaos in the country, netizens lash out</a>

The diagnosis looks to have done little to alter the 65-year-old former army captain's view of the illness, which he has dismissed in the past as just "a little flu". But since his quarantine in the Alvorada Palace, he has warned the elderly to protect themselves from the virus.

Bolsonaro's handling of the crisis has drawn criticism from public health experts as he fought state and city efforts to impose social distancing, arguing that the economic damage would be worse than the disease itself.

With more than 1.8 million confirmed cases, Brazil has the worst coronavirus outbreak outside the United States. The virus has killed over 72,000 people in Latin America's largest country.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ventured out of his official residence on Monday to feed birds while he is recovering from coronavirus. He was seen stepping out onto the grounds of Alvorada Palace and threw feed to the Greater Rhea birds that wander around the property.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ventured out of his official residence on Monday to feed birds while he is recovering from coronavirus. He was seen stepping out onto the grounds of Alvorada Palace and threw feed to the Greater Rhea birds that wander around the property. The birds are South America's large flightless bird. Also read: Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths Bolsonaro, who has been in quarantine nearly a week after testing positive for the new coronavirus, announced Monday he plans to take another test as he "can't stand" being in isolation.Bolsonaro has said he was "doing very well" after contracting the coronavirus, and credited an unproven drug for his mild symptoms. The result of the test, which is scheduled for Tuesday, "should be out in a few hours, and I will wait quite anxiously because I can't stand this routine of staying at home. It's horrible," Bolsonaro said in an interview. Also read: Brazilian President Bolsonaro rides jet ski amid coronavirus chaos in the country, netizens lash out The diagnosis looks to have done little to alter the 65-year-old former army captain's view of the illness, which he has dismissed in the past as just "a little flu". But since his quarantine in the Alvorada Palace, he has warned the elderly to protect themselves from the virus. Bolsonaro's handling of the crisis has drawn criticism from public health experts as he fought state and city efforts to impose social distancing, arguing that the economic damage would be worse than the disease itself. With more than 1.8 million confirmed cases, Brazil has the worst coronavirus outbreak outside the United States. The virus has killed over 72,000 people in Latin America's largest country.

Brazil President Bolsonaro ventures out to feed birds during COVID-19 recovery

Deaths from HIV,&nbsp;tuberculosis&nbsp;and malaria could surge in poor and middle-income countries as already weak health systems grapple with severe disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a predictive study published on Monday.

Over the next five years, deaths from the three diseases could rise by as much as 10 per cent, 20 per cent&nbsp;and 36 per cent&nbsp;respectively, putting the mortality impact on a scale similar to the direct impact of the coronavirus pandemic itself, the modelling study found.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/over-63-million-predicted-to-develop-tuberculosis-by-2025-297360/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In countries with a high malaria burden and large HIV and TB epidemics, even short-term disruptions could have devastating consequences for the millions of people who depend on programmes to control and treat these diseases," said Timothy Hallett, a professor at Imperial College London who co-led the work.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-using-tuberculosis-vaccine-may-be-reducing-coronavirus-deaths-us-study-312304">Countries using tuberculosis vaccine may be reducing coronavirus deaths: US study</a>

He said the knock-on impact of COVID-19 could undo some of the significant progress against these diseases made over the past two decades, "compounding the burden caused by the pandemic directly". But the risks could be mitigated, Hallett said, if countries strive to maintain core health services and deploy preventative measures against infections.

Published in the Lancet Global Health journal, the study - which used disease-modelling projections to map out possible COVID-19 pandemic scenarios - found that the greatest impact on HIV would be from interruption to supplies of the antiretroviral AIDS drugs taken by many patients to keep the disease in check.

The United Nations AIDS agency and the World Health Organization warned last week of such stock shortages, with more than a third of the world's countries already saying they are at risk of running out of antiretrovirals.

With malaria, the study found the largest impact would be due to disrupted distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, which protect millions of people from becoming infected by malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

Deaths from HIV, tuberculosis and malaria could surge in poor and middle-income countries as already weak health systems grapple with severe disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a predictive study published on Monday.

Deaths from HIV, tuberculosis and malaria could surge in poor and middle-income countries as already weak health systems grapple with severe disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a predictive study published on Monday. Over the next five years, deaths from the three diseases could rise by as much as 10 per cent, 20 per cent and 36 per cent respectively, putting the mortality impact on a scale similar to the direct impact of the coronavirus pandemic itself, the modelling study found. "In countries with a high malaria burden and large HIV and TB epidemics, even short-term disruptions could have devastating consequences for the millions of people who depend on programmes to control and treat these diseases," said Timothy Hallett, a professor at Imperial College London who co-led the work. Also read| Countries using tuberculosis vaccine may be reducing coronavirus deaths: US study He said the knock-on impact of COVID-19 could undo some of the significant progress against these diseases made over the past two decades, "compounding the burden caused by the pandemic directly". But the risks could be mitigated, Hallett said, if countries strive to maintain core health services and deploy preventative measures against infections. Published in the Lancet Global Health journal, the study - which used disease-modelling projections to map out possible COVID-19 pandemic scenarios - found that the greatest impact on HIV would be from interruption to supplies of the antiretroviral AIDS drugs taken by many patients to keep the disease in check. The United Nations AIDS agency and the World Health Organization warned last week of such stock shortages, with more than a third of the world's countries already saying they are at risk of running out of antiretrovirals. With malaria, the study found the largest impact would be due to disrupted distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, which protect millions of people from becoming infected by malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

Surge in deaths due to HIV, tuberculosis and malaria amid coronavirus pandemic: Study

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist&nbsp;Nathan&nbsp;Law&nbsp;said he had arrived in London after fleeing the former British colony where China has imposed a security&nbsp;law.

"With my backpack and small luggage in hand, I boarded my night flight. I had no idea what future awaited me. Only one thing seemed certain. My destination: London,"&nbsp;Law&nbsp;said on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activists-joshua-wong-nathan-law-quit-democracy-group-demosisto-309544">Hong Kong activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law quit democracy group Demosisto</a>

"There's always one message I have: Hong Kongers will never give up. We aren't fractured. On the contrary, we're well-equipped to face the next difficult battle."

Law&nbsp;was a founding member of Demosisto, a pro-democracy party that disbanded the same day Beijing imposed its new security&nbsp;law&nbsp;on the semi-autonomous business hub.&nbsp;

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-bade-my-city-farewell-hong-kong-activist-nathan-law-flees-to-undisclosed-location-310357">I bade my city farewell: Hong Kong activist Nathan Law flees to undisclosed location</a>

The party campaigned for democracy and for Hong Kongers to have a greater say in how the city is run but they did not advocate independence.

Nevertheless,&nbsp;Law&nbsp;and other prominent party members such as former student leader Joshua Wong were vilified by Beijing, often described as "black hands" and separatists who conspired with foreigners to undermine China.

Law&nbsp;and Wong both became household names as student leaders during democracy protests in 2014.

Two days after Beijing's new security&nbsp;law&nbsp;was imposed on the city,&nbsp;Law&nbsp;announced he had left for good but kept his destination secret.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law said he had arrived in London after fleeing the former British colony where China has imposed a security law. "With my backpack and small luggage in hand, I boarded my night flight.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law said he had arrived in London after fleeing the former British colony where China has imposed a security law. "With my backpack and small luggage in hand, I boarded my night flight. I had no idea what future awaited me. Only one thing seemed certain. My destination: London," Law said on Twitter. Also read: Hong Kong activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law quit democracy group Demosisto "There's always one message I have: Hong Kongers will never give up. We aren't fractured. On the contrary, we're well-equipped to face the next difficult battle." Law was a founding member of Demosisto, a pro-democracy party that disbanded the same day Beijing imposed its new security law on the semi-autonomous business hub. Also read| I bade my city farewell: Hong Kong activist Nathan Law flees to undisclosed location The party campaigned for democracy and for Hong Kongers to have a greater say in how the city is run but they did not advocate independence. Nevertheless, Law and other prominent party members such as former student leader Joshua Wong were vilified by Beijing, often described as "black hands" and separatists who conspired with foreigners to undermine China. Law and Wong both became household names as student leaders during democracy protests in 2014. Two days after Beijing's new security law was imposed on the city, Law announced he had left for good but kept his destination secret.

Hong Kong activist Nathan Law moves to UK; vows fight will continue

July 14 in history: French Revolution begins, Arab world elects it first woman parliamentarian and more

Beijing hit back Tuesday at the US branding of Chinese pursuits in the South China Sea as illegal, saying the accusation was "unjustified' and a bid to sabotage regional peace.

"We advise the US side to earnestly honor its commitment of not taking sides on the issue of territorial sovereignty, respect regional countries’ efforts for a peaceful and stable South China Sea and stop its attempts to disrupt and sabotage regional peace and stability," the Chinese embassy in Washington said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-warship-again-challenges-beijings-south-china-sea-claims-301746">US Navy warship again challenges Beijing's South China Sea claims</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that ''China has offered no coherent legal basis for its ambitions in the South China Sea and for years has been using intimidation against other Southeast Asian coastal states.''

"We are making clear: Beijing’s claims to offshore resources across most of the South China Sea are completely unlawful, as is its campaign of bullying to control them," said Pompeo, a prominent China hawk within the Trump administration.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-military-exercises-in-south-china-sea-will-further-destabilise-the-situation-pentagon-310335">China military exercises in South China Sea will 'further destabilise' the situation: Pentagon</a>

The US&nbsp;has long opposed China's expansive territorial claims on the South China Sea, sending warships regularly through the strategic waterway to demonstrate freedom of navigation there. Monday's comments reflect a harsher tone.

"The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire," Pompeo said.

The relationship between the United States and China has grown increasingly tense over the past six months over Beijing's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, its tightened grip on Hong Kong and its crackdown on China's Uighur Muslim community.

China claims 90% of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claim to parts of it, through which about $3 trillion of trade passes each year. Beijing has built bases atop atolls in the region but says its intentions are peaceful.

Beijing routinely outlines the scope of its claims with reference to the so-called nine-dashed line that encompasses about nine-tenths of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer South China Sea on Chinese maps.

"This is basically the first time we have called it illegitimate," said Chris Johnson, an analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "It's "fine to put out a statement, but what you going to do about it?"

Beijing hit back Tuesday at the US branding of Chinese pursuits in the South China Sea as illegal, saying the accusation was "unjustified' and a bid to sabotage regional peace.

Beijing hit back Tuesday at the US branding of Chinese pursuits in the South China Sea as illegal, saying the accusation was "unjustified' and a bid to sabotage regional peace. "We advise the US side to earnestly honor its commitment of not taking sides on the issue of territorial sovereignty, respect regional countries’ efforts for a peaceful and stable South China Sea and stop its attempts to disrupt and sabotage regional peace and stability," the Chinese embassy in Washington said in a statement. Also read: US Navy warship again challenges Beijing's South China Sea claims Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that ''China has offered no coherent legal basis for its ambitions in the South China Sea and for years has been using intimidation against other Southeast Asian coastal states.'' "We are making clear: Beijing’s claims to offshore resources across most of the South China Sea are completely unlawful, as is its campaign of bullying to control them," said Pompeo, a prominent China hawk within the Trump administration. Also read| China military exercises in South China Sea will 'further destabilise' the situation: Pentagon The US has long opposed China's expansive territorial claims on the South China Sea, sending warships regularly through the strategic waterway to demonstrate freedom of navigation there. Monday's comments reflect a harsher tone. "The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire," Pompeo said. The relationship between the United States and China has grown increasingly tense over the past six months over Beijing's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, its tightened grip on Hong Kong and its crackdown on China's Uighur Muslim community. China claims 90% of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claim to parts of it, through which about $3 trillion of trade passes each year. Beijing has built bases atop atolls in the region but says its intentions are peaceful. Beijing routinely outlines the scope of its claims with reference to the so-called nine-dashed line that encompasses about nine-tenths of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer South China Sea on Chinese maps. "This is basically the first time we have called it illegitimate," said Chris Johnson, an analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "It's "fine to put out a statement, but what you going to do about it?"

China says Pompeo's South China Sea illegal claim 'unjustified'

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized Monday for not recusing himself from discussions about a government contract to a charity that had paid his family large sums of money for speaking appearances.

"I made a mistake not recusing myself immediately from the discussions, given our family's history. And I'm sincerely sorry," Trudeau told a news conference.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-trudeau-under-political-firestorm-as-parliamentary-rivals-seize-on-charity-controversy-312544">Canada: Trudeau under political firestorm as parliamentary rivals seize on charity controversy</a>

His apology came amid opposition demands for an investigation into a USD $662 million&nbsp;contract awarded by the government to development and youth advocacy organization WE Charity.

The NGO has admitted paying nearly CAN $300,000 to Trudeau's mother, brother and wife for speaking engagements.

Trudeau himself admitted to taking part in negotiations with the charity over the contract.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-faces-third-ethics-probe-over-charity-grant-program-310616">Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces third ethics probe over charity grant program</a>

He said he knew his mother Margaret worked for WE as an advocate on mental health issues but didn't know the "details."

"I didn't know the details of how much she was getting paid by various organizations, but I should have and I deeply regret that," he said.

The Canadian prime minister is facing a third investigation for conflict of interest in a little over three years.

It is the second time in less than a year that the prime minister has apologized publicly for his actions.

“I was very aware that members of my family had worked with and contributed to the WE organization, but I was unaware of the details of their remuneration,” he said.

Trudeau publically apologised for the first time in September last year after decades-old images of&nbsp;him in blackface&nbsp;emerged.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized Monday for not recusing himself from discussions about a government contract to a charity that had paid his family large sums of money for speaking appearances.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized Monday for not recusing himself from discussions about a government contract to a charity that had paid his family large sums of money for speaking appearances. "I made a mistake not recusing myself immediately from the discussions, given our family's history. And I'm sincerely sorry," Trudeau told a news conference. Also read| Canada: Trudeau under political firestorm as parliamentary rivals seize on charity controversy His apology came amid opposition demands for an investigation into a USD $662 million contract awarded by the government to development and youth advocacy organization WE Charity. The NGO has admitted paying nearly CAN $300,000 to Trudeau's mother, brother and wife for speaking engagements. Trudeau himself admitted to taking part in negotiations with the charity over the contract. Also read: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces third ethics probe over charity grant program He said he knew his mother Margaret worked for WE as an advocate on mental health issues but didn't know the "details." "I didn't know the details of how much she was getting paid by various organizations, but I should have and I deeply regret that," he said. The Canadian prime minister is facing a third investigation for conflict of interest in a little over three years. It is the second time in less than a year that the prime minister has apologized publicly for his actions. “I was very aware that members of my family had worked with and contributed to the WE organization, but I was unaware of the details of their remuneration,” he said. Trudeau publically apologised for the first time in September last year after decades-old images of him in blackface emerged.

Canada's Trudeau admits 'mistake'; apologises over controversial charity contract

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed the situation in Afghanistan with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday, the US&nbsp;State Department said, following media reports Russia offered money to militants to kill Americans in Afghanistan.

Washington has been in uproar over reports that Russian intelligence paid bounties for Taliban-linked fighters to kill US forces in Afghanistan.

The Trump administration has downplayed the reports, saying US&nbsp;agencies have not corroborated intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill US&nbsp;troops. Russia has denied the allegations.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-bounties-top-us-general-vows-response-if-intel-confirmed-312273">Russian bounties: Top US general vows 'response' if intel confirmed</a>

After being briefed by US&nbsp;intelligence officials earlier this month, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Washington should impose sanctions on Russia's intelligence and defense sectors.

In his call with Lavrov, Pompeo also raised the issue of election security, the department said in a statement, as the United States readies for nationwide voting on November&nbsp;3.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inaccurate-white-house-rubbishes-reports-of-trumps-failed-actions-on-russian-bounties-case-309084">Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case</a>

US&nbsp;officials have raised concerns that Russia could interfere in this year's election after an investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller disclosed a campaign of hacking and propaganda by Russia during the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential race.

In a telephone call, they "discussed convening P5 leaders in the near future to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations," the State Department said.

Putin has been urging such a summit that would bring him together with US President Donald Trump, potentially just before the Republican vies for reelection in November.

The summit would also include President Xi Jinping of China, with which the United States has deteriorating relations, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed the situation in Afghanistan with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday, the US State Department said, following media reports Russia offered money to militants to kill Americans in Afghanistan.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed the situation in Afghanistan with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday, the US State Department said, following media reports Russia offered money to militants to kill Americans in Afghanistan. Washington has been in uproar over reports that Russian intelligence paid bounties for Taliban-linked fighters to kill US forces in Afghanistan. The Trump administration has downplayed the reports, saying US agencies have not corroborated intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill US troops. Russia has denied the allegations. Also read| Russian bounties: Top US general vows 'response' if intel confirmed After being briefed by US intelligence officials earlier this month, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Washington should impose sanctions on Russia's intelligence and defense sectors. In his call with Lavrov, Pompeo also raised the issue of election security, the department said in a statement, as the United States readies for nationwide voting on November 3. Also read| Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case US officials have raised concerns that Russia could interfere in this year's election after an investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller disclosed a campaign of hacking and propaganda by Russia during the 2016 US presidential race. In a telephone call, they "discussed convening P5 leaders in the near future to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations," the State Department said. Putin has been urging such a summit that would bring him together with US President Donald Trump, potentially just before the Republican vies for reelection in November. The summit would also include President Xi Jinping of China, with which the United States has deteriorating relations, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Russian bounties: Pompeo speaks with Russia's Lavrov about Afghanistan

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vyomica Berry

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.