Shortly after the high-level meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French Counterpart Emmanuel Macron, the two leaders made a joint declaration. The leaders called for Russia-Ukraine peace talks "as soon as possible."

Chinese President Xi Jinping and France's Emmanuel Macron make joint declaration from Beijing

French President Emmanuel Macron held a meeting with China's newly-appointed Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing. Macron is in China for a three-day trip with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a show of European unity in dealings with Beijing.

French President Macron meets Chinese Premier Li in Beijing

France President Emmanuel Macron met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing. The French President is on a three-day visit to China. He met the Chinese Premier Li Qiang and with the National Assembly chairperson Li Zhanshu at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing.

France's President Emmanuel Macron meets Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing | WION

The Foreign Ministers of Iran & Saudi met in Beijing, paving the way for normalised ties under a surprise china-brokered deal. last month, Tehran & Riyadh agreed to re-establish relations after years of hostility. The absence of ties between the two nations threatened stability & security in the region & helped fuel conflicts in West Asia, from Yemen to Syria. Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iran in 2016. Back then, its embassy in Tehran was stormed during a dispute over Riyadh's execution of a Shi'ite Muslim cleric.

In China, Saudi & Iran foreign ministers discuss reopening embassies and consulates | Details

Despite dire warnings from China, Taiwanese President Tsai met with US House Speaker McCarthy in California. With this, McCarthy has become one of the most senior US officials to meet a Taiwanese leader on US soil in decades.

US urges China to show restraint after Tsai-McCarthy meet | World News | WION

The US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has will meet Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in California in California on Wednesday despite Beijing's warnings.

US House speaker McCarthy to meet Taiwan President Tsai in California

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in China on shortly ahead of EU chief Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping with the objective to repair ties with Beijing. They are also set to encourage Xi Jinping to press for peace in Ukraine.

Macron arrives in China to meet Xi Jinping; EU Chief to land soon

China's People Liberation Army aims to becoming world-class military power by the year 2049 in the line with the ambitious goal. Beijing has been boosting up its defence capabilities.

China ramps up to modernise its army, Beijing alters physical limits for army recruits

Taiwan's Defence Ministry has stated that ten Chinese planes breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait, normally an unofficial barrier between the two sides. The Ministry claimed that nine Chinese fighter jets and one military drone crossed the median line.

China-Taiwan tensions continue; Beijing continues its military activities close to Taiwan

Did China successfully pressure Bhutan into ceding land to Beijing? In a recent interview, Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said there has been no Chinese intrusion into Bhutan- which is far from the truth. Molly Gambhir tells you how this affects India.

Gravitas: Did China's Xi Jinping pressure Bhutan into ceding land to Beijing?

Amid heightened tensions between US-China, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Beijing last week and praised the country for its innovation and long ties with the US. This was Cook's first visit to China since 2019.

Amid heightened tensions between US-China, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Beijing last week and praised the country for its innovation and long ties with the US. This was Cook's first visit to China since 2019. However, given the frosty relations between US and China, the visit's timing has raised a few eyebrows. The Apple boss was in the country to register his presence at the government-organised China Development Forum. "Innovation is developing rapidly in China and I believe it will further accelerate," Cook was quoted as saying by Chinese state media. “We have a very large supply chain in China. We also have a thriving App Store,” he added. Prior to attending the forum, Cook posted a picture of himself with the customers and staff at the Apple store in the shopping district of Sanlitun on Weibo - China's Twitter-like social media platform. With China Unicom, the country's third-largest wireless network operator announcing it expects to launch 6G technology by 2025, some experts are of the view that Apple is aiming to appease Beijing through Cook's visit and his words of appreciation. China is home to the world's largest internet user population and has been the biggest smartphone market for ages. Thus, despite the bitterness in US-China relations, Cook & Co. cannot afford to lose favour from Xi Jinping's authoritarian regime. ALSO WATCH | TikTok denies transferring data to China, CEO says 'never shared users' data' Moreover, Cook's visit came a day after TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was grilled before a Congressional committee in Washington. The US lawmakers have been staunchly against the short-video platform, accusing it of being associated closely with the CHinese Communist Party (CCP). Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED | Who is Shou Zi Chew? TikTok CEO attempting to save its US operations The ByteDance-owned platform has been approached by Committee on Foreign Investment in the US or CFIUS and asked for divestment over national security concerns. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Appeasement much? Apple CEO Tim Cook visits Beijing amid heightened US-China tensions

US corporate due diligence firm Mintz Group said on Thursday (March 16) that its office in Beijing was raided by Chinese authorities and that five company employees were detained. This has put foreign companies in China on alert in the run up to international economic forum due to take place in the country.

Relations between the US and China have spiralled downwards after months of diplomatic tension over many issues including that of US military downing a suspected Chinese spy balloon.

"We can confirm that Chinese authorities have detained the five staff in Mintz Group's Beijing office, all of them Chinese nationals, and have closed our operations there," the company said in an emailed statement to Reuters late on Thursday.

It said it was ready to work with the Chinese authorities to "resolve any misunderstanding that may have led to these events", and that its top concern was the safety and wellbeing of colleagues in China.

"Mintz Group has not received any official legal notice regarding a case against the company and has requested that the authorities release its employees," the company said.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday she was not aware of this case.

Reuters said citing sources that the raid had taken place on the afternoon of March 20 and that the employees were being held somewhere outside Beijing.

As per Mintz Group's website, the Beijing office is its only one in mainland China. The website says the company specialises in background checking, fact gathering and internal investigations. Its wide-ranging clients include the National Football League, New York City and The Beatles, according to media reports.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

US corporate due diligence firm Mintz Group said on Thursday (March 16) that its office in Beijing was raided by Chinese authorities and that five company employees were detained.

US corporate due diligence firm Mintz Group said on Thursday (March 16) that its office in Beijing was raided by Chinese authorities and that five company employees were detained. This has put foreign companies in China on alert in the run up to international economic forum due to take place in the country. Relations between the US and China have spiralled downwards after months of diplomatic tension over many issues including that of US military downing a suspected Chinese spy balloon. "We can confirm that Chinese authorities have detained the five staff in Mintz Group's Beijing office, all of them Chinese nationals, and have closed our operations there," the company said in an emailed statement to Reuters late on Thursday. It said it was ready to work with the Chinese authorities to "resolve any misunderstanding that may have led to these events", and that its top concern was the safety and wellbeing of colleagues in China. "Mintz Group has not received any official legal notice regarding a case against the company and has requested that the authorities release its employees," the company said. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday she was not aware of this case. Reuters said citing sources that the raid had taken place on the afternoon of March 20 and that the employees were being held somewhere outside Beijing. As per Mintz Group's website, the Beijing office is its only one in mainland China. The website says the company specialises in background checking, fact gathering and internal investigations. Its wide-ranging clients include the National Football League, New York City and The Beatles, according to media reports. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US corporate due diligence firm Mintz Group’s office raided in Beijing

The Solomon Islands has awarded a Chinese state company a multi-million-dollar contract to upgrade an international port in Honiara. The decision comes as the US & allies work to counter growing Chinese political, economic & security influence in the South Pacific. The Solomon Islands struck a security pact with Beijing last year. The pact prompted concern from the US & its allies, including Australia, New Zealand and Japan, over China's ambitions to build a naval base. The Solomon Islands & China have denied the security pact would allow a naval base.

US & allies working to COUNTER China's influence; Beijing to redevelop Solomon Islands port

To help narrow its wide trade access with Beijing, Nepal's Prime Minister has asked China to provide easy and more generous market access to products from the Himalayan country. While addressing the Nepal-China Business Forum 2023, Prachanda said that Nepal has been established as an investment-friendly country.

Growing ties between Nepal and China; former seeks easier trade access to China

Xi Jinping has been appointed for an unprecedented third term as China's President. It maybe a ceremonial position but the man who holds it is by far the most powerful person in china after he was re-affirmed as the head of the Communist Party and the military last year. However he faces multiple challenges back home in Beijing and abroad.

China's Xi starts unprecedented third term

In a rare rebuke of US policy, Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday accused Washington of leading “containment, encirclement and suppression” efforts against the communist power.

Beijing says U.S' China policy is 'irrational', says stop suppressing, or risk conflict

China, the world's largest polluter granted permits for 106 gigawatts of coal-powered projects across 82 locations in 2022 alone, according to a new research. It is the highest number in the last seven years and shows the excessive reliance of the world's largest emitter on fossil fuels.

China, the world's largest polluter granted permits for 106 gigawatts of coal-powered projects across 82 locations in 2022 alone, according to a new research. It is the highest number in the last seven years and shows the excessive reliance of the world's largest emitter on fossil fuels. The research was conducted by Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Finland-based NGO, and the Global Energy Monitor, another NGO that tracks fossil fuel infrastructure. The study showed that everything from project approval to obtaining finance to breaking ground to starting the construction - each step of the process was expedited at a remarkable pace by the Politburo in Beijing. Compared to 2021, coal power capacity across China went up by more than half to 50 gigawatts. The main aim of the new plants is to provide stability to the power grid and minimise the chances of a complete blackout. Read more: Amid energy crisis, China's coal production reached record levels last year The drastic increase in coal-powered projects was necessitated after Chinese cities suffered blackouts in September 2021. The problems were compounded last year when severe droughts dried up water bodies, leading to a dramatic drop in hydropower generation. With the economy still crawling and yet to roar back to life, the Chinese government is attempting to kickstart demand. The foundation of a thriving economy is 'power generation' and last year's climactic conditions threw a major spanner in the works. Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2020 pledged to peak the country's carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. However, experts say that China will continue to increase its coal-powered energy generation capabilities in the coming three-four years. Also Read: Despite global calls for cuts, China starts a massive coal-fired power plant Thus, if China continues its fossil fuel-dependent expansion at the current pace, it will have difficulty in sticking to the environmental commitments it has made on global platforms. It is already responsible for about half the world's coal production and consumption. The new facilities to be installed in China are already six times the amount of total capacity added by the rest of the world combined. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China, world's largest polluter, approved record coal power plants in 2022: Report

Early in April, French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to China in an effort to persuade Beijing to put pressure on Russia to halt the conflict in Ukraine.

Macron has urged Beijing to pressure Russia to end the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has given qualified support to the peace plan proposed by China and he said that he plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. This came after Beijing at the United Nations General Assembly reiterated its support for diplomatic negotiations and offered solutions to end the war.

Ukraine cautiously welcomes China's proposal, Zelensky says 'Interest to broker peace not bad'

China on Thursday (February 23) slammed the United States intelligence saying that the claims or reports of weapons transfer by Beijing to Moscow for the ongoing Ukraine war were just "speculations".&nbsp;

Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a regular briefing that the so-called intelligence from the US side is nothing but an attempt to smear Beijing.&nbsp;

The remark was a reaction to a report by the Wall Street Journal, which noted that the US government is considering releasing intelligence on China considering supplying weapons to Russia.&nbsp;

Wang said, "Since the outbreak of the crisis in Ukraine, China has been firmly on the side of dialogue and peace, and has played a responsible and constructive role in easing the situation and resolving the crisis by persuading and promoting peace talks in its own way."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/janet-yellen-calls-for-fresh-sanctions-on-russia-as-g20-finance-chiefs-gather-in-india-565184">Janet Yellen calls for fresh sanctions on Russia as G20 finance chiefs gather in India</a>&nbsp;

The spokesperson slammed America, stating that the "largest arms provider on the battlefield of Ukraine" keeps smearing the Chinese side for possibly supplying arms to Russia.&nbsp;

He said that such accusations will interfere with the process of a political settlement on the Ukrainian crisis, and will also damage Sino-US relations.&nbsp;

He said, "We urge the US side to stop smearing, relegating responsibilities and adding fuel to the fire irresponsibly, and to work with China and the international community to promote diplomatic negotiations to resolve the crisis."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Where is the war headed in Ukraine?&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/where-is-the-war-headed-in-ukraine-565232/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>'Normal trade exchanges with Russia'&nbsp;</h2>

The spokesperson also mentioned that China is maintaining normal exchanges in trade and cooperation with Russia, amid rising concerns by the West over greater alignment between Beijing and Moscow.&nbsp;

Wang told reporters: "China and Russia maintain close communication at multiple levels to promote the development of bilateral relations and contribute to the maintenance of world peace and development."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-paks-economic-challenges-jaishankars-basic-industry-is-terror-remark-565178">On Pak's economic challenges, Jaishankar's 'basic industry is terror' remark</a>&nbsp;

China has been branding itself as a peacemaker in the Ukraine war, but some diplomats and analysts claimed that it is an attempt to burnish its image rather than a change of stance.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Li Mingjiang, associate professor of international relations at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said: "At the moment, China’s peace effort will stay at the rhetorical level."&nbsp;

"It's difficult to imagine China taking actual action to mediate between Russia and Ukraine any time soon...this is China’s small posture change, not any substantive policy adjustment on the war," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

China on Thursday (February 23) slammed the United States intelligence saying that the claims or reports of weapons transfer by Beijing to Moscow for the ongoing Ukraine war were just "speculations".

China on Thursday (February 23) slammed the United States intelligence saying that the claims or reports of weapons transfer by Beijing to Moscow for the ongoing Ukraine war were just "speculations". Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a regular briefing that the so-called intelligence from the US side is nothing but an attempt to smear Beijing. The remark was a reaction to a report by the Wall Street Journal, which noted that the US government is considering releasing intelligence on China considering supplying weapons to Russia. Wang said, "Since the outbreak of the crisis in Ukraine, China has been firmly on the side of dialogue and peace, and has played a responsible and constructive role in easing the situation and resolving the crisis by persuading and promoting peace talks in its own way." ALSO READ | Janet Yellen calls for fresh sanctions on Russia as G20 finance chiefs gather in India The spokesperson slammed America, stating that the "largest arms provider on the battlefield of Ukraine" keeps smearing the Chinese side for possibly supplying arms to Russia. He said that such accusations will interfere with the process of a political settlement on the Ukrainian crisis, and will also damage Sino-US relations. He said, "We urge the US side to stop smearing, relegating responsibilities and adding fuel to the fire irresponsibly, and to work with China and the international community to promote diplomatic negotiations to resolve the crisis." WATCH | Where is the war headed in Ukraine? × 'Normal trade exchanges with Russia' The spokesperson also mentioned that China is maintaining normal exchanges in trade and cooperation with Russia, amid rising concerns by the West over greater alignment between Beijing and Moscow. Wang told reporters: "China and Russia maintain close communication at multiple levels to promote the development of bilateral relations and contribute to the maintenance of world peace and development." ALSO READ | On Pak's economic challenges, Jaishankar's 'basic industry is terror' remark China has been branding itself as a peacemaker in the Ukraine war, but some diplomats and analysts claimed that it is an attempt to burnish its image rather than a change of stance. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Li Mingjiang, associate professor of international relations at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said: "At the moment, China’s peace effort will stay at the rhetorical level." "It's difficult to imagine China taking actual action to mediate between Russia and Ukraine any time soon...this is China’s small posture change, not any substantive policy adjustment on the war," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China slams US ‘intelligence’, says claims of Beijing giving weapons to Russia mere ‘speculation’

China on Monday lashed out at the United States saying that &nbsp;Washington made "false" claims about Beijing being on the brink of supplying arms and ammunition to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.&nbsp;

"It is the United States and not China that is endlessly shipping weapons to the battlefield," said China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, while speaking about the US claims.

"We urge the United States to earnestly reflect on its own actions, and do more to alleviate the situation, promote peace and dialogue, and stop shifting blame and spreading false information," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-claims-plans-to-send-lethal-support-to-russia-for-the-ukraine-war-563737">China planning to send 'lethal support' to Russia for the Ukraine war, claims Blinken</a>

The statement of the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson came after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in an interview with CBS, said that China was "considering providing lethal support" to Moscow ranging "from ammunition to the weapons themselves".

Similar comments were made by him in a series of interviews from Germany, where he took part in the Munich Security Conference on Saturday and met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

The accusations of Blinken came in the wake of the straining relationship between the two nations after Washington shot down what it claimed to be a Chinese spy balloon.

Concerns have been raised about China's deepening ties with Russia even after the conflict but Wang Yi maintained that Beijing was only playing a constructive role, and firmly supported the idea of dialogue to resolve conflict.

"We do not accept the United States' finger-pointing on China-Russia relations, let alone coercion and pressure. China's direction on the Ukraine issue can be summed up in one phrase, which is urging peace and promoting dialogue," said spokesman Wang Wenbin.&nbsp;

WATCH | US Secretary of State Blinken postpones China trip as China claims responsibility of 'spy balloon'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretary-of-state-blinken-postpones-china-trip-as-china-claims-responsibility-of-spy-balloon-558685/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Borrell says China supplying arms to Russia would be a 'red line' for the EU

The foreign policy chief of the European Union on Monday warned China against supplying weapons to Russia and supporting its war on Ukraine after Beijing slammed the United States for making such claims.

Josep Borrell said that he warned China's top diplomat Wang Yi that "for us, it would be a red line in our relationship. He told me that they are not going to do it, that they don't plan to do it. But we will remain vigilant".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

China on Monday lashed out at the United States saying that Washington made "false" claims about Beijing being on the brink of supplying arms and ammunition to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.

China on Monday lashed out at the United States saying that Washington made "false" claims about Beijing being on the brink of supplying arms and ammunition to Russia to support its war against Ukraine. "It is the United States and not China that is endlessly shipping weapons to the battlefield," said China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, while speaking about the US claims. "We urge the United States to earnestly reflect on its own actions, and do more to alleviate the situation, promote peace and dialogue, and stop shifting blame and spreading false information," he added. ALSO READ | China planning to send 'lethal support' to Russia for the Ukraine war, claims Blinken The statement of the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson came after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in an interview with CBS, said that China was "considering providing lethal support" to Moscow ranging "from ammunition to the weapons themselves". Similar comments were made by him in a series of interviews from Germany, where he took part in the Munich Security Conference on Saturday and met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The accusations of Blinken came in the wake of the straining relationship between the two nations after Washington shot down what it claimed to be a Chinese spy balloon. Concerns have been raised about China's deepening ties with Russia even after the conflict but Wang Yi maintained that Beijing was only playing a constructive role, and firmly supported the idea of dialogue to resolve conflict. "We do not accept the United States' finger-pointing on China-Russia relations, let alone coercion and pressure. China's direction on the Ukraine issue can be summed up in one phrase, which is urging peace and promoting dialogue," said spokesman Wang Wenbin. WATCH | US Secretary of State Blinken postpones China trip as China claims responsibility of 'spy balloon' Borrell says China supplying arms to Russia would be a 'red line' for the EU The foreign policy chief of the European Union on Monday warned China against supplying weapons to Russia and supporting its war on Ukraine after Beijing slammed the United States for making such claims. Josep Borrell said that he warned China's top diplomat Wang Yi that "for us, it would be a red line in our relationship. He told me that they are not going to do it, that they don't plan to do it. But we will remain vigilant". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Beijing says US claims of China on brink of supplying arms to Russia 'false'

Beijing claimed on Monday (February 13), that Washington has sent spy balloons into its airspace more than 10 times since January 2022, after&nbsp;an alleged Chinese surveillance craft was shot down over the United States recently.&nbsp;The decision by Washington to shoot down the alleged spy balloon&nbsp;in early February, which Beijing has maintained was carrying out a civilian mission, has further&nbsp;strained ties between the US and China in recent weeks. Since then, a&nbsp;number of other such devices have&nbsp;been shot down over the United States and Canada, though Beijing has only admitted that the first was one of its own. In reaction,&nbsp;China on Monday&nbsp;accused the US of sending over 10 balloons into its airspace since January 2022.

"It's not uncommon as well for the US to illegally enter the airspace of other countries," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a briefing, and&nbsp;as reported by the AFP.&nbsp;

"Since last year alone, US balloons have illegally flown above China more than 10 times without any approval from Chinese authorities," he added.

When asked how China responded to those alleged incursions, Wang said Beijing's "handling (of these incidents) was responsible and professional".

Also watch |&nbsp;Mystery object flies over Yukon, Canada

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-defence-minister-object-posed-a-risk-to-civilians-561047/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If you want to know more about US high-altitude balloons illegally entering China's airspace, I suggest you refer to the US side," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-a-fourth-unidentified-object-as-a-senior-official-doesnt-rule-out-aliens-561293">US shoots down another UFO as a senior official doesn't rule out 'aliens'</a>

The US shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon over the Atlantic Ocean last week (February 5),&nbsp;days after it was spotted crossing the US and adding fuel to the&nbsp;&nbsp;already high tensions between Washington and Beijing.

On Sunday afternoon (February 12), the US shot down a fourth unidentified object close to the Canadian border. President Joe Biden gave the order to shoot it down because the Pentagon said that the object, which was moving at 20,000 feet (6,100 metres), could have interfered with commercial air traffic.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Beijing claimed on Monday (February 13), that Washington has sent spy balloons into its airspace more than 10 times since January 2022, after an alleged Chinese surveillance craft was shot down over the United States recently.

Beijing claimed on Monday (February 13), that Washington has sent spy balloons into its airspace more than 10 times since January 2022, after an alleged Chinese surveillance craft was shot down over the United States recently. The decision by Washington to shoot down the alleged spy balloon in early February, which Beijing has maintained was carrying out a civilian mission, has further strained ties between the US and China in recent weeks. Since then, a number of other such devices have been shot down over the United States and Canada, though Beijing has only admitted that the first was one of its own. In reaction, China on Monday accused the US of sending over 10 balloons into its airspace since January 2022. "It's not uncommon as well for the US to illegally enter the airspace of other countries," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a briefing, and as reported by the AFP. "Since last year alone, US balloons have illegally flown above China more than 10 times without any approval from Chinese authorities," he added. When asked how China responded to those alleged incursions, Wang said Beijing's "handling (of these incidents) was responsible and professional". Also watch | Mystery object flies over Yukon, Canada "If you want to know more about US high-altitude balloons illegally entering China's airspace, I suggest you refer to the US side," he added. Also read | US shoots down another UFO as a senior official doesn't rule out 'aliens' The US shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon over the Atlantic Ocean last week (February 5), days after it was spotted crossing the US and adding fuel to the already high tensions between Washington and Beijing. On Sunday afternoon (February 12), the US shot down a fourth unidentified object close to the Canadian border. President Joe Biden gave the order to shoot it down because the Pentagon said that the object, which was moving at 20,000 feet (6,100 metres), could have interfered with commercial air traffic. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China says US spy balloons entered airspace more than 10 times since January 2022

In the backdrop of Taiwan tension, China is mulling tripling its nuclear warheads arsenal to 900 by 2035, according to Japan's Kyodo News. Citing Chinese sources, the publication stated that the plans formulated by the People's Liberation Army had been approved by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In the backdrop of Taiwan tension, China is mulling tripling its nuclear warheads arsenal to 900 by 2035, according to Japan's Kyodo News. Citing Chinese sources, the publication stated that the plans formulated by the People's Liberation Army had been approved by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The current plan is to raise the number of nuclear warheads to 550 by 2027, the centenary of the foundation of the armed forces, and later take it to 900 by 2035. Beijing has closely monitored the ongoing situation in Russia and reflected that Moscow's strong nuclear deterrence policy had prevented the likes of the US or NATO to open up a war front. Politburo understands that the lethal capabilities of nuclear weapons can be a good bargaining chip, if and when it goes for a Taiwan invasion. Notably, this is not the first instance when reports of China attempting to expand its nuclear arsenal have swirled around. Last year, a Pentagon report suggested that China was planning to take its nuclear warhead stockpile to 1,500. WATCH | World at War | Episode 32: Why is China building 1500 nuclear warheads by 2035? × The report stated that "the Department of Defense estimates that (China's) operational nuclear warheads stockpile has surpassed 400." By 2035, China "will likely field a stockpile of about 1,500 warheads" if its nuclear development pace is maintained. "They've got a rapid buildup that is kind of too substantial to keep under wraps. It does raise questions about whether they are kind of shifting away from a strategy that was premised on what they referred to as a lean and effective deterrent," a US military official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Read more: China's nukes to more than triple to 1,500 warheads by 2035: Pentagon Notably, Russia currently leads the chart in the number of nuclear warheads in possession. It has 5,977 warheads while the US comes behind at second with 5,428 warheads, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China to triple its nuclear warheads by 2035: Report

The vice chairman of Taiwan's Opposition Nationalist Party is on a visit to China, there are a host of meetings scheduled with officials and the business community. The meeting comes at a time when China is renewing its attack on Taiwan.

Taiwan's Opposition leaders reach Beijing, say 'ruling party is pushing Taiwan to dangerous stage'

China seems to have avoided the much dreaded Lunar New Year spike in terms of the Covid cases. In December, Beijing's top epidemiologists had said that China will see at least about three Covid cases, two of which would happen pre-imposed New Year holidays.

China avoids dreaded New Year Covid spike, top epidemiologists warn of fresh wave post New Year

The Chinese officials on Monday confirmed that a ballon spotted by Bogota and Washington flying in the sky of Latin America is Chinese after the United States shot down a similar device over the weekend.

The Pentagon on Friday stated that they have spotted a second balloon, suspected to be a Chinese spying object, flying across the sky of Latin America.

The air force of Colombia then reported an object seen with "characteristics similar to those of a balloon" had been detected and "monitored until it left the national air space".

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seriously-impacted-relations-chinas-rebuke-to-us-shooting-down-suspected-spy-balloon-559092">‘Seriously impacted relations’: China’s rebuke to US shooting down suspected spy balloon</a>

The air force stated that investigations are being conducted in co-ordination with other institutions and nations "to establish the origins of the object".

The foreign ministry of Beijing on Monday claimed that the balloon was "from China" and that it was of "a civilian nature and used for flight tests".

"Affected by weather forces in addition to its maneuverability being limited, the airship deviated greatly from its expected course, and accidentally entered Latin American and Caribbean airspace," said spokesperson Mao Ning, while speaking at a press briefing.

"China is a responsible country and has always strictly abided by international law. We have communicated with the relevant parties and are handling appropriately, and will not cause any threat to any country,” she added.

WATCH | U.S. shoots down Chinese balloon over the Atlantic

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-shoots-down-chinese-balloon-over-the-atlantic-559055/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The detection of China's other balloon flying over the United States led to the cancellation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned visit to China, who was due to land in Beijing on Sunday.

After the earlier balloon was shot down, China expressed its anger on Sunday and continued to claim that it was an unmanned weather surveillance aircraft, which had veered off course.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Chinese officials on Monday confirmed that a ballon spotted by Bogota and Washington flying in the sky of Latin America is Chinese after the United States shot down a similar device over the weekend.

The Chinese officials on Monday confirmed that a ballon spotted by Bogota and Washington flying in the sky of Latin America is Chinese after the United States shot down a similar device over the weekend. The Pentagon on Friday stated that they have spotted a second balloon, suspected to be a Chinese spying object, flying across the sky of Latin America. The air force of Colombia then reported an object seen with "characteristics similar to those of a balloon" had been detected and "monitored until it left the national air space". ALSO READ | ‘Seriously impacted relations’: China’s rebuke to US shooting down suspected spy balloon The air force stated that investigations are being conducted in co-ordination with other institutions and nations "to establish the origins of the object". The foreign ministry of Beijing on Monday claimed that the balloon was "from China" and that it was of "a civilian nature and used for flight tests". "Affected by weather forces in addition to its maneuverability being limited, the airship deviated greatly from its expected course, and accidentally entered Latin American and Caribbean airspace," said spokesperson Mao Ning, while speaking at a press briefing. "China is a responsible country and has always strictly abided by international law. We have communicated with the relevant parties and are handling appropriately, and will not cause any threat to any country,” she added. WATCH | U.S. shoots down Chinese balloon over the Atlantic The detection of China's other balloon flying over the United States led to the cancellation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned visit to China, who was due to land in Beijing on Sunday. After the earlier balloon was shot down, China expressed its anger on Sunday and continued to claim that it was an unmanned weather surveillance aircraft, which had veered off course. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Beijing confirms balloon flying in Latin America's sky is Chinese

Amidst the West's continued calls to impose heavier sanctions on Russia, China has emerged as one of Russia's biggest trade allies. There is a bigger alliance game afoot with Beijing backing Moscow's war offensive against Ukraine.

China abetting Russian invasion of Ukraine as it sends military aid to Moscow

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is set to meet his counterpart in Beijing next month. The two superpowers have unraveled over the past few years, the two officials are expected to discuss Taiwan, semiconductor chips and trade relations between US and China.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit China, aims to steady US-China relationship

Beijing's COVID-19 epidemic has reached "temporary herd immunity" and is almost over, according to a local health official on Tuesday, another indication that China's viral wave is diminishing. Since the ruling Communist Party abruptly discontinued its zero-COVID policy last month, a flood of cases have spread throughout the country with the largest population in the world.

China: Beijing says city has achieved 'temporary herd immunity'

Supported by tensions in the West Asia following a drone attack in Iran and Beijing’s pledge over the weekend to promote a consumption recovery, all prices climbed in early.

World Business Watch: Middle East tensions back oil price increase

The Wuhan Virus continues to wreak havoc in China. A new study says that 92% of Beijing's population could get infected by the end of this month.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: China's nightmare gets worse

beijing

Beijing, News on Beijing, stories on Beijing, articles on Beijing, Beijing stories at Wion, Beijing news, Beijing latest news