As Winter Olympics looks all set to commence from 4th February in Beijing, A Human Rights watch body has condemned China.

Winter Olympics to commence from 4th February in Beijing amid Human Rights abuse accusations

Watch how noodles, rice and burgers and other foods items are prepared and delivered by robots at the Beijing Olympics Village. Journalists are among the early attendees having this futuristic experience.

Early Beijing Winter Olympic attendees eat noodles served from ceiling

Journalists arriving early for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing have been among the first to have their food served up to them remotely.

Winter Olympics: Food served up robotically at Beijing Olympics venue

Thirteen million inhabitants of central China's Xi'an were thrown into even more hardship this week when the city's COVID-19 tracking app crashed amid food and other necessary goods shortages as the country's most draconian pandemic measures since Wuhan's lockdown in 2020.

According to Bloomberg, the COVID-19 health code app, which shows individuals' current infection or risk status, collapsed in Xi'an this week, hindering the city's contact tracing operations and preventing people from accessing crucial services.

After a round of mass testing, the city's citizens were unable to obtain their COVID-19 infection status due to a system crash, preventing some of them from attending hospitals.&nbsp;

Following reports of food shortages across the city, many residents were forced to share supplies or even barter for food.

A negative COVID test is required for admission into hospitals, and the app crash has reportedly blocked several people from receiving crucial medical care.

The most high-profile incident allegedly involved a pregnant woman in the city who miscarried after being denied access to a hospital.

Chinese officials, on the other hand, have defended the draconian curfews, claiming that free food packages will be sent to locals.&nbsp;

According to data supplied by the Chinese National Health Commission, that's the number of new COVID-19 cases registered in Xi'an on Wednesday.

This is a significant decrease from the number of new illnesses recorded in the previous few days.

Since the beginning of the current outbreak in Xi'an, the city has reported over 1,600 new cases.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Thirteen million inhabitants of central China's Xi'an were thrown into even more hardship this week when the city's COVID-19 tracking app crashed amid food and other necessary goods shortages as the country's most draconian pandemic measures since Wuhan's lockdown in 2020.

Thirteen million inhabitants of central China's Xi'an were thrown into even more hardship this week when the city's COVID-19 tracking app crashed amid food and other necessary goods shortages as the country's most draconian pandemic measures since Wuhan's lockdown in 2020. According to Bloomberg, the COVID-19 health code app, which shows individuals' current infection or risk status, collapsed in Xi'an this week, hindering the city's contact tracing operations and preventing people from accessing crucial services. After a round of mass testing, the city's citizens were unable to obtain their COVID-19 infection status due to a system crash, preventing some of them from attending hospitals. Following reports of food shortages across the city, many residents were forced to share supplies or even barter for food. A negative COVID test is required for admission into hospitals, and the app crash has reportedly blocked several people from receiving crucial medical care. The most high-profile incident allegedly involved a pregnant woman in the city who miscarried after being denied access to a hospital. Chinese officials, on the other hand, have defended the draconian curfews, claiming that free food packages will be sent to locals. According to data supplied by the Chinese National Health Commission, that's the number of new COVID-19 cases registered in Xi'an on Wednesday. This is a significant decrease from the number of new illnesses recorded in the previous few days. Since the beginning of the current outbreak in Xi'an, the city has reported over 1,600 new cases. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID app crash and hunger challenge China's biggest lockdown since Wuhan

After boycotting the Beijing winter Olympics diplomatically, Canada is now showing concerns over sending its athletes to the games because of the Omicron threat.

Canada is 'worried' over Beijing Winter Olympics as it cites concern over Omicron variant

The calendar might be changing but Beijing's tactics will not. India hit out at China for giving invented names to several places in Arunachal Pradesh an Indian state. India's reaction came in response to Beijing announcing Chinese names for 15 more places in Arunachal Pradesh

India slams China as Beijing renames 15 places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh | WION

Islamabad & Beijing have agreed to bolster their ties further. It's through CPEC. This belt and road project ends at the Gwadar port in Balochistan. The two nations have decided to start work on the phase-2 of this project. However, the locals are up in arms against this project.

Islamabad & Beijing to start work on phase-2 of CPEC project

Amid the ongoing conflict between China and Taiwan, Taiwan President warned Beijing not to misjudge the situation before military action.

Taiwan President warns China: Beijing authorities should not misjudge the situation

As the city of Xian in northwest China, with a population of 13 million, enters its eighth day of lockdown in an effort to manage the current cluster of COVID-19 infections, many residents are running out of food.

According to the National Health Commission, 156 new locally transmitted cases were registered nationally on Wednesday, up from 151 the day before.

155 of them were in Xian, while one was in Guangxi's southern region.

On Wednesday, 51 imported cases were discovered in addition to the local transmissions.

Since December 9, 1,117 cases have been reported in Xian, which has a population of 13 million people.

A new round of mass testing began at 10 a.m. on Thursday, and all public activities in the city, which is famous for its Terracotta Warriors, have been prohibited.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | China records biggest COVID-19 infection surge in 21 months, Xian emerges as hot spot

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-records-biggest-covid-19-infection-surge-in-21-months-xian-emerges-as-hot-spot-440249/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At a news conference on Wednesday, Zhang Fenghu, a city government official, said, "Xian has reached a live-or-die stage in its fight against the virus,"

Despite the low case count in Xian compared with many clusters overseas, officials have imposed tough curbs on travel within and out of the city since Dec. 23, as Beijing demands each outbreak be contained quickly.

Many residents have been prohibited from leaving their homes unless they are taking COVID-19 tests or attending to essential matters as determined by local authorities.

These restrictions have limited access to basic necessities, leaving many people reliant on deliveries rather than going out to shop.

According to a Xian government official on Wednesday, the limits have resulted in a staffing shortage at organisations responsible for assuring the supply of basic essentials, and the government is working to resolve the problem.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the city of Xian in northwest China, with a population of 13 million, enters its eighth day of lockdown in an effort to manage the current cluster of COVID-19 infections, many residents are running out of food.

As the city of Xian in northwest China, with a population of 13 million, enters its eighth day of lockdown in an effort to manage the current cluster of COVID-19 infections, many residents are running out of food. According to the National Health Commission, 156 new locally transmitted cases were registered nationally on Wednesday, up from 151 the day before. 155 of them were in Xian, while one was in Guangxi's southern region. On Wednesday, 51 imported cases were discovered in addition to the local transmissions. Since December 9, 1,117 cases have been reported in Xian, which has a population of 13 million people. A new round of mass testing began at 10 a.m. on Thursday, and all public activities in the city, which is famous for its Terracotta Warriors, have been prohibited. Watch | China records biggest COVID-19 infection surge in 21 months, Xian emerges as hot spot At a news conference on Wednesday, Zhang Fenghu, a city government official, said, "Xian has reached a live-or-die stage in its fight against the virus," Despite the low case count in Xian compared with many clusters overseas, officials have imposed tough curbs on travel within and out of the city since Dec. 23, as Beijing demands each outbreak be contained quickly. Many residents have been prohibited from leaving their homes unless they are taking COVID-19 tests or attending to essential matters as determined by local authorities. These restrictions have limited access to basic necessities, leaving many people reliant on deliveries rather than going out to shop. According to a Xian government official on Wednesday, the limits have resulted in a staffing shortage at organisations responsible for assuring the supply of basic essentials, and the government is working to resolve the problem. (With inputs from agencies)

No food after 8 days of lockdown: Locals in this Chinese city are miserable

The number of symptomatic coronavirus cases in China surged for the fourth day in a row, with Xian city reporting additional infections in a flare-up that has put 13 million people on lockdown.

Official data revealed on Tuesday that Xian reported 175 symptomatic cases, up from 150 the day before.

From December 9 through Monday, there were 810 confirmed cases in Xian, but no Omicron infections have been reported. Only a few cases of Omicron infection have been reported in China, mostly among international travellers and in the country's south.

Mainland, nationwide According to a statement from the National Health Commission, China detected 182 local symptomatic cases on Monday, up from 162 the day before and marking the fourth straight day of growth.

The national local symptomatic case load on Monday was also the largest daily total since the official daily bulletin began classifying asymptomatic carriers separately at the end of March last year.

Although the number of cases in Xian and China is tiny in comparison to many other nations, officials have imposed strict restrictions on travel both within and beyond the city, in accordance with a national guideline to quickly limit outbreaks. 
 
Watch | China records biggest COVID-19 infection surge in 21 months, Xian emerges as hot spot

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-records-biggest-covid-19-infection-surge-in-21-months-xian-emerges-as-hot-spot-440249/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Residents of Xian have been prohibited from leaving the city without permission from their employer or the government since last week.

During a new round of mass testing that began on Monday, officials limited people's ability to go out for vital shopping and prohibited non-essential vehicles from entering the roadways.

On Monday, there were no additional deaths, bringing the total number of people killed in the country to 4,636. As of the end of December, mainland China reported 101,486 confirmed symptomatic cases, including both local and international cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of symptomatic coronavirus cases in China surged for the fourth day in a row, with Xian city reporting additional infections in a flare-up that has put 13 million people on lockdown.

The number of symptomatic coronavirus cases in China surged for the fourth day in a row, with Xian city reporting additional infections in a flare-up that has put 13 million people on lockdown. Official data revealed on Tuesday that Xian reported 175 symptomatic cases, up from 150 the day before. From December 9 through Monday, there were 810 confirmed cases in Xian, but no Omicron infections have been reported. Only a few cases of Omicron infection have been reported in China, mostly among international travellers and in the country's south. Mainland, nationwide According to a statement from the National Health Commission, China detected 182 local symptomatic cases on Monday, up from 162 the day before and marking the fourth straight day of growth. The national local symptomatic case load on Monday was also the largest daily total since the official daily bulletin began classifying asymptomatic carriers separately at the end of March last year. Although the number of cases in Xian and China is tiny in comparison to many other nations, officials have imposed strict restrictions on travel both within and beyond the city, in accordance with a national guideline to quickly limit outbreaks. Watch | China records biggest COVID-19 infection surge in 21 months, Xian emerges as hot spot Residents of Xian have been prohibited from leaving the city without permission from their employer or the government since last week. During a new round of mass testing that began on Monday, officials limited people's ability to go out for vital shopping and prohibited non-essential vehicles from entering the roadways. On Monday, there were no additional deaths, bringing the total number of people killed in the country to 4,636. As of the end of December, mainland China reported 101,486 confirmed symptomatic cases, including both local and international cases. (With inputs from agencies)

China local symptomatic COVID cases rises for a 4th day as Xian outbreak expands

After space satellites launched by tech mogul Elon Musk's aerospace business SpaceX almost crashed into its space station twice in the past year, Beijing has asked the United Nations to remind the US to abide by the treaty governing outer space.

Chinese residents also took to social media to criticise billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk's space ambitions.

In a recent report presented to the UN's Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space earlier this month, China stated its space station employed preventative collision avoidance control procedures in July and October to avoid colliding with Starlink satellites.

According to a statement provided by China earlier this month to the United Nations' space agency, satellites from Starlink Internet Services, a part of Musk's SpaceX aerospace business, had two "close encounters" with the Chinese space station on July 1 and October 21.

Scientists have urged governments to exchange data to lessen the possibility of catastrophic space collisions, with roughly 30,000 satellites and other junk believed to be orbiting the Earth.

SpaceX alone has roughly 1,900 satellites in orbit to operate its Starlink internet network, with more on the way.

NASA, the United States' space agency, was forced to cancel a spacewalk at the end of November due to threats posed by space debris. In response, Musk tweeted that the orbits of several Starlink satellites had been altered to lessen the risk of collisions.

With the launch of Tianhe, the largest of the space station's three modules, China began construction in April. After four crewed trips, the station is projected to be finished by the end of 2022.

At the Shanghai auto show in April, Musk has become a well-known figure in China, despite the fact that Tesla's electric-vehicle company has come under increasing scrutiny from regulators, particularly after a client protested bad customer service by climbing on top of a Tesla car.

(With inputs from agencies)

After space satellites launched by tech mogul Elon Musk's aerospace business SpaceX almost crashed into its space station twice in the past year, Beijing has asked the United Nations to remind the US to abide by the treaty governing outer space.

After space satellites launched by tech mogul Elon Musk's aerospace business SpaceX almost crashed into its space station twice in the past year, Beijing has asked the United Nations to remind the US to abide by the treaty governing outer space. Chinese residents also took to social media to criticise billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk's space ambitions. In a recent report presented to the UN's Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space earlier this month, China stated its space station employed preventative collision avoidance control procedures in July and October to avoid colliding with Starlink satellites. According to a statement provided by China earlier this month to the United Nations' space agency, satellites from Starlink Internet Services, a part of Musk's SpaceX aerospace business, had two "close encounters" with the Chinese space station on July 1 and October 21. Scientists have urged governments to exchange data to lessen the possibility of catastrophic space collisions, with roughly 30,000 satellites and other junk believed to be orbiting the Earth. SpaceX alone has roughly 1,900 satellites in orbit to operate its Starlink internet network, with more on the way. NASA, the United States' space agency, was forced to cancel a spacewalk at the end of November due to threats posed by space debris. In response, Musk tweeted that the orbits of several Starlink satellites had been altered to lessen the risk of collisions. With the launch of Tianhe, the largest of the space station's three modules, China began construction in April. After four crewed trips, the station is projected to be finished by the end of 2022. At the Shanghai auto show in April, Musk has become a well-known figure in China, despite the fact that Tesla's electric-vehicle company has come under increasing scrutiny from regulators, particularly after a client protested bad customer service by climbing on top of a Tesla car. (With inputs from agencies)

Near-crash in space: Musk faces backlash after China complains to UN

Well apart from the virus China is also fighting climate change ahead of the Winter Olympics in February and smog brome capital Beijing is still preparing for the worst as the opening ceremony looms.

China: Smog-prone Beijing prepares for worst, fighting climate change ahead of Winter Olympics

A day after removing the statue of shame from Hong Kong's oldest university, Two more public monuments commemorating the Tiananmen protests in Hong Kong have been dismantled.

Two more public monuments commemorating the Tiananmen protests in Hong Kong have been dismantled

Amid the ongoing diplomatic bandwagon, Japan says it won't send a government delegation to China for Beijing Winter Olympics

Japan snubs Beijing Winter Olympic as it won't send a government delegation to China

Japan says it won't send a government delegation to China for Beijing Winter Olympics

Tightening noose around online influencers and entertainers, the Chinese authorities have set a 10-day deadline to pay undue taxes, in its latest attempt to clamp down&nbsp;on internet celebrities.

The latest order comes days after the officials fined the country’s “livestreaming queen” Huang Wei, known by her popular username Viya, for alleged tax evasion of $200 million.

Tax departments in several entertainment hubs across the country - including Beijing and Shanghai— have warned that celebrities who have under-reported earnings could face severe penalties if they do not refile by year-end, according to government notices issued on Wednesday.

“If the self-inspection and self-correction are still refused or... not thorough, the taxation department will seriously deal with it,” AFP quoted a statement from the Guangdong tax office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-chinese-online-influencer-fined-210-million-for-tax-evasion-438694">Top Chinese online influencer fined $210 million for tax evasion</a>

The tax authorities are working under a broader “common prosperity” programme initiated by President Xi Jinping which is aimed at reducing economic inequality and reducing excessive incomes in entertainment and technology, according to an AFP report.

Last month, two other live stream influencers were fined $14 million by tax authorities and Viya had been fined $83,000 in June for violating advertisement laws for allegedly selling counterfeit products, according to the report.

There have been other celebrities who had to bear the brunt for evasion and underpaying taxes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-tv-shows-china-goes-after-comics-and-animation-in-latest-clampdown-on-entertainment-industry-416454">After TV shows, China goes after comics and animation in latest clampdown on entertainment industry</a>

In August, Chinese actress Zheng Shuang was also hit with a $46 million fine for tax evasion.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China had also banned its celebrities from showing off their wealth on social media last month.

Last week, the Cyberspace Administration of China announced on December 19 that celebrities in the country will not be allowed to “show off wealth” or “extravagant pleasure” on social media.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tightening noose around online influencers and entertainers, the Chinese authorities have set a 10-day deadline to pay undue taxes, in its latest attempt to clamp down on internet celebrities.

Tightening noose around online influencers and entertainers, the Chinese authorities have set a 10-day deadline to pay undue taxes, in its latest attempt to clamp down on internet celebrities. The latest order comes days after the officials fined the country’s “livestreaming queen” Huang Wei, known by her popular username Viya, for alleged tax evasion of $200 million. Tax departments in several entertainment hubs across the country - including Beijing and Shanghai— have warned that celebrities who have under-reported earnings could face severe penalties if they do not refile by year-end, according to government notices issued on Wednesday. “If the self-inspection and self-correction are still refused or... not thorough, the taxation department will seriously deal with it,” AFP quoted a statement from the Guangdong tax office. Also read | Top Chinese online influencer fined $210 million for tax evasion The tax authorities are working under a broader “common prosperity” programme initiated by President Xi Jinping which is aimed at reducing economic inequality and reducing excessive incomes in entertainment and technology, according to an AFP report. Last month, two other live stream influencers were fined $14 million by tax authorities and Viya had been fined $83,000 in June for violating advertisement laws for allegedly selling counterfeit products, according to the report. There have been other celebrities who had to bear the brunt for evasion and underpaying taxes. Also read | After TV shows, China goes after comics and animation in latest clampdown on entertainment industry In August, Chinese actress Zheng Shuang was also hit with a $46 million fine for tax evasion. Meanwhile, China had also banned its celebrities from showing off their wealth on social media last month. Last week, the Cyberspace Administration of China announced on December 19 that celebrities in the country will not be allowed to “show off wealth” or “extravagant pleasure” on social media. (With inputs from agencies)

China issues 10-day ultimatum for online celebrities to settle unpaid taxes

Voting has ended for Hong Kong's first 'Patriots only' elections, where only the candidates that are approved by Beijing are allowed to vote. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's pro-democracy party shuns it.

Hong Kong's legislative polls under patriots-only rule witness lowest turnout in 3 decades

Low voter turnout witnessed for Hong Kong's first 'patriots only' election

In a first, voting is underway in Hong Kong's first 'Patriots only' elections, where only the candidates that are approved by Beijing are allowed to vote. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's pro-democracy party shuns it.

Pro-Democracy candidates largely absent as voting begins in Hong Kong's first elections

Voting underway in Hong Kong's first 'Patriots only' elections

Voting is underway in Hong Kong's first 'Patriots only' elections, where only the candidates that are approved by Beijing are allowed to vote. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's pro-democracy party shuns it.

Hong Kong's 'Patriots Only' elections underway, all candidates approved by Beijing

As China's property crisis worsens, and the economy takes a downturn in November, The Government rises to action. Beijing has shifted policy direction this month.

China's property crisis worsens as the economy takes a downturn in November

Pakistan has decided to skip Joe Biden's democracy summit without offering a reason. Did China order Imran Khan to reject Biden's invite? Has Pakistan surrendered its foreign policy & sovereignty to Beijing? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Did China order Pakistan to skip Biden's summit?

Nicaragua broke its longstanding diplomatic ties with Taiwan, switching allegiance to Beijing in a recognition of the Chinese Communist party's "one China policy".

Nicaragua cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing

Winter Olympics have become the hotbed of political controversies. In the latest, Canada has joined Australia, Britain, United States and New Zealand in the diplomatic boycott of games to be held in Beijing.

Canada joins diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Games

Beijing is making moves to challenge the dominance of the American military. Reports claim that China wants to establish its first permanent military presence on the Atlantic Ocean in Equatorial Guinea. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese military mounts a challenge in America's backyard

The Biden administration has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing winter Olympics, the White House has said that no official delegation will be send to games amid China's record of human rights.

United States announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing winter Olympics

The US announces diplomatic boycott of 2022 Beijing winter Olympics in a protest against China's Human Rights abuses. There will be no diplomatic or official representation by the United States in the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics in a bid to raise voice against China's tainted human rights record in Xinjiang province. Beijing is also planning countermeasures against the US. However, US athletes will continue to participate in the games.

US to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics diplomatically in protest against China's Human Rights abuses

China tried to control rain and pollution in Beijing with the help of cloud-seeding technology ahead of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) centenary celebrations, a study by a Beijing university has revealed.

On July 1, the CCP marked its centenary with major celebrations, where tens of thousands of people attended the “tightly choreographed” ceremony in Tiananmen Square.

On Monday, the South China Morning Post reported that a recent research paper by the Tsinghua University found clear signs of a cloud-seeding operation on the eve of the centenary to improve air quality.

According to the study, the centenary celebration faced “unprecedented” challenges, including an unexpected increase in air pollutants and an overcast sky during one of the wettest summers on record.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cpcb-mulling-using-artificial-rain-in-delhi-to-tackle-pollution-after-diwali-175908">CPCB mulling using artificial rain in Delhi to tackle pollution after Diwali</a>

Factories and other polluting activities had been halted in the days ahead of the event but low airflow meant the pollution hadn’t dissipated, it said.

The researchers, led by Wang Can, an environmental science professor, said the artificial rain reduced the level of PM2.5 air pollutants by more than two-thirds, and shifted the air quality index reading, based on World Health Organization standards, from “moderate” to “good”.

The team concluded that it was unlikely that this drop in pollution had a natural cause since “artificial rain was the only disruptive event in this period”.

Their research was published in Environmental Science, a peer-reviewed Chinese journal, on November 26.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-first-airborne-fight-against-chinese-pollution-fails-193330">South Korea makes first attempt at fighting 'Chinese' pollution, fails</a>

Cloud-seeding is a weather-modification technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by artificially adding small particles of silver iodide into clouds, causing water droplets to cluster around them and increasing the chance of precipitation.

China has long sought to control the weather to protect farming areas and to ensure clear skies for key events, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, to reduce smog and avoid rain ahead of the competition.

Key political meetings held in the Chinese capital are notorious for enjoying beautiful clear skies,&nbsp;thanks both to weather modification and the shutting down of nearby factories.

(With inputs from agencies)

China tried to control rain and pollution in Beijing with the help of cloud-seeding technology ahead of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) centenary celebrations, a study by a Beijing university has revealed.

China tried to control rain and pollution in Beijing with the help of cloud-seeding technology ahead of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) centenary celebrations, a study by a Beijing university has revealed. On July 1, the CCP marked its centenary with major celebrations, where tens of thousands of people attended the “tightly choreographed” ceremony in Tiananmen Square. On Monday, the South China Morning Post reported that a recent research paper by the Tsinghua University found clear signs of a cloud-seeding operation on the eve of the centenary to improve air quality. According to the study, the centenary celebration faced “unprecedented” challenges, including an unexpected increase in air pollutants and an overcast sky during one of the wettest summers on record. Also read | CPCB mulling using artificial rain in Delhi to tackle pollution after Diwali Factories and other polluting activities had been halted in the days ahead of the event but low airflow meant the pollution hadn’t dissipated, it said. The researchers, led by Wang Can, an environmental science professor, said the artificial rain reduced the level of PM2.5 air pollutants by more than two-thirds, and shifted the air quality index reading, based on World Health Organization standards, from “moderate” to “good”. The team concluded that it was unlikely that this drop in pollution had a natural cause since “artificial rain was the only disruptive event in this period”. Their research was published in Environmental Science, a peer-reviewed Chinese journal, on November 26. Also read | South Korea makes first attempt at fighting 'Chinese' pollution, fails Cloud-seeding is a weather-modification technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by artificially adding small particles of silver iodide into clouds, causing water droplets to cluster around them and increasing the chance of precipitation. China has long sought to control the weather to protect farming areas and to ensure clear skies for key events, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, to reduce smog and avoid rain ahead of the competition. Key political meetings held in the Chinese capital are notorious for enjoying beautiful clear skies, thanks both to weather modification and the shutting down of nearby factories. (With inputs from agencies)

China ‘modified’ weather to create clear skies ahead of CCP’s centenary celebrations: Study

China has been accused of laying a debt trap, where it lends money to underdeveloped nations and then moves to seize its assets. In many ways, Beijing's intent echoes that of the European colonial powers.

The latest in a series of this aggressive Chinese game plan is the fear that it may wrest control of Uganda's only international airport. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-debt-trap-strategy-uganda-set-to-lose-its-only-international-airport-to-beijing-432465">The East African nation is failing to pay back the $200 million loan it had borrowed from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2015.</a> Both <a href="https://twitter.com/GovUganda/status/1465220614646636545?s=20">Kampala</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ChineseEmb_Uga/status/1464902592681725954?s=20">Beijing</a> are trying to allay fears of a Chinese takeover of Entebbe International Airport.&nbsp;

But many questions still remain. A parliamentary probe last month concluded that China had imposed difficult conditions on the loan, including potential forfeiture of the airport in case of default. Ugandan lawmaker Joel Ssenyonyi, who chairs the committee that conducted the parliamentary probe, said the loan agreement gives Export-Import Bank of China (also known as Exim Bank) approval powers over the airport's annual budgets. Ssenyonyi cautioned that the loan terms allow China to grab the airport in case of default. In a <a href="https://twitter.com/JoelSsenyonyi/status/1453747224048021507?s=20">social media post</a> the journalist-turned-politician said that Uganda's Finance Minister Matia Kasaija admitted that the loan terms were unfair. Kasaija had also apologised to parliament last week for the mishandling of the loan from EXIM Bank.

According to reports, as per the agreement, China's Exim Bank is authorised to inspect both Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and government Books of Accounts. The clause clearly erodes the sovereignty of the State. Uganda secured the loan in 2015 from China's Exim Bank, one of the many credit lines the nation has acquired from China over the last 15 years to fund infrastructure projects including roads and power plants.

CHINA'S GROWING INFLUENCE IN AFRICA

Uganda is not alone. China is present in 39 African countries. It has rolled out billions of dollars in loans as part of its &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-can-china-still-afford-the-belt-and-road-initiative-275019">Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)</a> which analysts say has many suspicious clauses. Critics have often accused the communist regime of 'seizing' assets of the countries that are unable to clear their debts.

Like Uganda, neighbouring Kenya is feeling the heat of hostile Chinese actions. There are concerns that China may take over the Port of Mombasa if the country defaults on a $3.2 billion loan. Interestingly it’s the same bank i.e. Exim Bank, which has provided the loan. Here too the Kenyan government has allayed fears that there is no risk of Beijing seizing the national assets if the country defaults on loans procured to finance the loss-making Standard Gauge Railway.

Djibouti, a country of 1 million people in the Horn of Africa, is another classic example of Xi Jinping's debt diplomacy. &nbsp;In 2017, Djibouti's debt was projected at 88 percent of its GDP. And China was responsible for the bulk of this debt. This gave China the opportunity to build its first overseas military base there.

HOW CHINA GOT SRI LANKA'S HAMBANTOTA PORT

In 2017, Sri Lanka handed control of the newly-built port of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/with-colombo-port-city-china-sees-a-potential-overseas-colony-in-sri-lanka-386108">Hambantota to a Chinese operator. </a>Here also Colombo could not pay back the debt fully to its Chinese lenders. Madagascar, Maldives and Tajikistan are other examples of nations which are reeling under Chinese debts. The plot is simple: promise to build infrastructure, use predatory lending practices and when the debtor country fails to pay back, force it to either hand over its national assets or give strategic leverage to China.

CHINA'S DEBT TRAP IN PAKISTAN

Another case in point is Pakistan. According to the International Monetary Fund, till April 2021, Pakistan owes 27.4 percent of its external debt amounting to $24.7 billion to China. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-china-and-pakistan-are-not-true-allies-432477">China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project</a>, which aims to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of China's ambitious multi-billion-dollar BRI. According to the United States Institute of Peace, with mounting debt, Islamabad is allowing China to use 'debt-trap diplomacy' to gain access to its strategic assets.

But there are naysayers too. <a href="https://www.lowyinstitute.org/publications/ocean-debt-belt-and-road-and-debt-diplomacy-pacific">According to a report by the Lowy Institute</a>, experts say that accusing China of engaging in a deliberate ‘debt trap’ diplomacy isn't right. But the same report goes on to warn that the scale of China's lending and the institutional weakness of Pacific states pose risks of small states being overwhelmed by debt.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;&nbsp;

China has been accused of laying a debt trap, where it lends money to underdeveloped nations and then moves to seize its assets. In many ways, Beijing's intent echoes that of the European colonial powers.

China has been accused of laying a debt trap, where it lends money to underdeveloped nations and then moves to seize its assets. In many ways, Beijing's intent echoes that of the European colonial powers. The latest in a series of this aggressive Chinese game plan is the fear that it may wrest control of Uganda's only international airport. The East African nation is failing to pay back the $200 million loan it had borrowed from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2015. Both Kampala and Beijing are trying to allay fears of a Chinese takeover of Entebbe International Airport. But many questions still remain. A parliamentary probe last month concluded that China had imposed difficult conditions on the loan, including potential forfeiture of the airport in case of default. Ugandan lawmaker Joel Ssenyonyi, who chairs the committee that conducted the parliamentary probe, said the loan agreement gives Export-Import Bank of China (also known as Exim Bank) approval powers over the airport's annual budgets. Ssenyonyi cautioned that the loan terms allow China to grab the airport in case of default. In a social media post the journalist-turned-politician said that Uganda's Finance Minister Matia Kasaija admitted that the loan terms were unfair. Kasaija had also apologised to parliament last week for the mishandling of the loan from EXIM Bank. According to reports, as per the agreement, China's Exim Bank is authorised to inspect both Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and government Books of Accounts. The clause clearly erodes the sovereignty of the State. Uganda secured the loan in 2015 from China's Exim Bank, one of the many credit lines the nation has acquired from China over the last 15 years to fund infrastructure projects including roads and power plants. CHINA'S GROWING INFLUENCE IN AFRICA Uganda is not alone. China is present in 39 African countries. It has rolled out billions of dollars in loans as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which analysts say has many suspicious clauses. Critics have often accused the communist regime of 'seizing' assets of the countries that are unable to clear their debts. Like Uganda, neighbouring Kenya is feeling the heat of hostile Chinese actions. There are concerns that China may take over the Port of Mombasa if the country defaults on a $3.2 billion loan. Interestingly it’s the same bank i.e. Exim Bank, which has provided the loan. Here too the Kenyan government has allayed fears that there is no risk of Beijing seizing the national assets if the country defaults on loans procured to finance the loss-making Standard Gauge Railway. Djibouti, a country of 1 million people in the Horn of Africa, is another classic example of Xi Jinping's debt diplomacy. In 2017, Djibouti's debt was projected at 88 percent of its GDP. And China was responsible for the bulk of this debt. This gave China the opportunity to build its first overseas military base there. HOW CHINA GOT SRI LANKA'S HAMBANTOTA PORT In 2017, Sri Lanka handed control of the newly-built port of Hambantota to a Chinese operator. Here also Colombo could not pay back the debt fully to its Chinese lenders. Madagascar, Maldives and Tajikistan are other examples of nations which are reeling under Chinese debts. The plot is simple: promise to build infrastructure, use predatory lending practices and when the debtor country fails to pay back, force it to either hand over its national assets or give strategic leverage to China. CHINA'S DEBT TRAP IN PAKISTAN Another case in point is Pakistan. According to the International Monetary Fund, till April 2021, Pakistan owes 27.4 percent of its external debt amounting to $24.7 billion to China. China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which aims to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of China's ambitious multi-billion-dollar BRI. According to the United States Institute of Peace, with mounting debt, Islamabad is allowing China to use 'debt-trap diplomacy' to gain access to its strategic assets. But there are naysayers too. According to a report by the Lowy Institute, experts say that accusing China of engaging in a deliberate ‘debt trap’ diplomacy isn't right. But the same report goes on to warn that the scale of China's lending and the institutional weakness of Pacific states pose risks of small states being overwhelmed by debt. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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