6 years of persecution - and at least 2 million detained Uighurs later, the world has finally broken its silence on the crisis in Xinjiang, China. What explains the sudden sanctions and calls to punish Beijing? WION's Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: The world finally wakes up to the plight of the Uighurs

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck the northern Chinese city of Tangshan on Sunday, according to the Global Times, reviving memories of a devastating 1976 quake there that was the deadliest in modern times.

Sunday's tremor occurred at 6:38 am (2238 GMT), the USGS said, with the epicentre in a suburban residential district just outside downtown Tangshan, about 200 kilometres east of Beijing.

China's seismological authority put the magnitude at 5.1 and said it struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles).

There were no immediate reports of damage from Sunday's tremor, which also caused slight shaking in Beijing.

State-run Xinhua news agency said passenger trains through the quake area were suspended pending an inspection of rail infrastructure for any damage.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> A magnitude 5.1 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> struck <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tangshan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tangshan</a>, Hebei, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers. The quake was felt in Beijing and Tianjin <a href="https://t.co/zRqR9Tu5A1">pic.twitter.com/zRqR9Tu5A1</a>
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews/status/1282089636563611649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Video posted on Twitter by Chinese state media showed items toppling off store shelves in Tangshan.

On July 28, 1976, Tangshan, then a coal mining city of about one million people, was obliterated by a 7.8-magnitude quake and subsequent 7.1 aftershock about 15 hours later. China says about 2,40,000 people were killed. 
&nbsp;

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck the northern Chinese city of Tangshan on Sunday, according to the Global Times, reviving memories of a devastating 1976 quake there that was the deadliest in modern times.

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck the northern Chinese city of Tangshan on Sunday, according to the Global Times, reviving memories of a devastating 1976 quake there that was the deadliest in modern times. Sunday's tremor occurred at 6:38 am (2238 GMT), the USGS said, with the epicentre in a suburban residential district just outside downtown Tangshan, about 200 kilometres east of Beijing. China's seismological authority put the magnitude at 5.1 and said it struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles). There were no immediate reports of damage from Sunday's tremor, which also caused slight shaking in Beijing. State-run Xinhua news agency said passenger trains through the quake area were suspended pending an inspection of rail infrastructure for any damage. #BREAKING A magnitude 5.1 #earthquake struck #Tangshan, Hebei, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers. The quake was felt in Beijing and Tianjin pic.twitter.com/zRqR9Tu5A1 — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) July 11, 2020 × Video posted on Twitter by Chinese state media showed items toppling off store shelves in Tangshan. On July 28, 1976, Tangshan, then a coal mining city of about one million people, was obliterated by a 7.8-magnitude quake and subsequent 7.1 aftershock about 15 hours later. China says about 2,40,000 people were killed.

5.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Chinese city of Tangshan

China, the originator of coronavirus, would make you believe that they've put the pandemic behind them, however, there is a deep, systemic infection that is ailing the Chinese economy and it stems from the banks.

China has imposed limits on businesses and individuals in the Hebei province for withdrawing large amounts of cash without prior approval.

According to the new restrictions, lenders will have to give one-day notice fot withdrawals of more than 100,000 yuan. Similarly, businesses will have to report transactions of over 500,000 yuan. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-debt-trap-increases-amid-budget-deficit-bri-roadblock-312031">Also Read:&nbsp;China's debt trap increases amid budget deficit, BRI roadblock</a>

Depositors will be required to share the source of funds, and for withdrawals&nbsp;account holders will be asked about the reason for taking out the money.

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This two-year programme will be expanded to the provinces of Zhejiang and Shenzhen later this year. According to another report, 586 banks and financing firms were classified as “highly risky” by the authorities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-offers-rare-glimpse-of-wuhan-lab-centre-of-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories-311975">Also Read: China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories</a>

China’s banks are failing because the country has been fueling its growth with debt and years of borrowing has made the banks hollow.&nbsp;

As of March, 2020, China’s total domestic debt was 317 per cent of the country’s GDP. Some reports say that there are many loans which are off the books as well.

China's banking system is controlled by 4 big state-run banks which control the financial system and 50 per cent of all loans, so effectively, the government controls the system.

This has given rise to an enormous shadow banking industry, riddled with corruption and expensive loans. 
&nbsp; 
The scale of the debt is so large, that China has allowed some players to publicly fail. In 2019, Chinese corporate borrowers defaulted on nearly $20 billion in loans.&nbsp;&nbsp;

China’s banking system is a ticking time bomb and if it were to explode, it will take the Chinese economy along with it.&nbsp;

China, the originator of coronavirus, would make you believe that they've put the pandemic behind them, however, there is a deep, systemic infection that is ailing the Chinese economy and it stems from the banks.

China, the originator of coronavirus, would make you believe that they've put the pandemic behind them, however, there is a deep, systemic infection that is ailing the Chinese economy and it stems from the banks. China has imposed limits on businesses and individuals in the Hebei province for withdrawing large amounts of cash without prior approval. According to the new restrictions, lenders will have to give one-day notice fot withdrawals of more than 100,000 yuan. Similarly, businesses will have to report transactions of over 500,000 yuan. Also Read: China's debt trap increases amid budget deficit, BRI roadblock Depositors will be required to share the source of funds, and for withdrawals account holders will be asked about the reason for taking out the money. × This two-year programme will be expanded to the provinces of Zhejiang and Shenzhen later this year. According to another report, 586 banks and financing firms were classified as “highly risky” by the authorities. Also Read: China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories China’s banks are failing because the country has been fueling its growth with debt and years of borrowing has made the banks hollow. As of March, 2020, China’s total domestic debt was 317 per cent of the country’s GDP. Some reports say that there are many loans which are off the books as well. China's banking system is controlled by 4 big state-run banks which control the financial system and 50 per cent of all loans, so effectively, the government controls the system. This has given rise to an enormous shadow banking industry, riddled with corruption and expensive loans. The scale of the debt is so large, that China has allowed some players to publicly fail. In 2019, Chinese corporate borrowers defaulted on nearly $20 billion in loans. China’s banking system is a ticking time bomb and if it were to explode, it will take the Chinese economy along with it.

Will China's bad loan crisis lead to the collapse of its economy?

The controversial Hong Kong security law has been adopted in China. Beijing's move could now trigger a fresh wave of protests in the region. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how China's decision to impose the new security law will end Hong Kong's "One Country, Two Systems".

Gravitas: How China plans to choke Hong Kong

As the coronavirus continues to spread across the world, China has unleashed a wave of propaganda to counter the criticism. But, Beijing's multiple attempts to launch crafty disinformation campaigns have backfired.

Gravitas: Why propaganda is China's favorite tool

From trade war to media war, the US and China are fighting on many fronts and the latest flashpoint is media.

China's use of state media to push propaganda is unmatched and the US government wants none of it on American soil.

According to the US, Beijing has full editorial control over the content, and hence, they will be treated as embassies. As part of this move, the companies will have to report details of their staff, and also reveal the properties they hold in the US. Currently, at least nine Chinese outlets are under scrutiny.

China has retaliated, imposing similar sanctions on US media outlets in China including the Associated Press, the National Public Radio, CBS News, and the United Press International News Agency. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-blocks-access-to-wion-website-after-india-bans-59-chinese-apps-310271">Also Read: China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps</a>

China runs a worldwide propaganda machine to control the narrative. Beijing conducts a media outreach campaign in almost every continent, under which journalists are called to China on fully-sponsored trips.&nbsp;

Furthermore, Chinese state media content, such as Xinhua and CGTN offer stories and videos for free. They also run paid content in foreign outlets. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-global-media-spending-suggests-us-concerns-about-a-media-war-are-not-unfounded-310006">Also Read: China's global media spending suggests US concerns about a 'media war' are not unfounded</a> 
&nbsp; 
In an effort to control the content, China is buying legacy companies or setting up digital joint ventures overseas. Chinese media presence is higher in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, compared to Latin America and Europe. China's Star Times in Africa has become a dominating satellite television player.

In Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post is owned by the Alibaba group.

China's reputation has taken a beating during the pandemic and its dependent on its media agencies now more than ever. The dragon needs the propaganda machinery to clear the blot on its name.

 
&nbsp;

From trade war to media war, the US and China are fighting on many fronts and the latest flashpoint is media. China's use of state media to push propaganda is unmatched and the US government wants none of it on American soil.

From trade war to media war, the US and China are fighting on many fronts and the latest flashpoint is media. China's use of state media to push propaganda is unmatched and the US government wants none of it on American soil. According to the US, Beijing has full editorial control over the content, and hence, they will be treated as embassies. As part of this move, the companies will have to report details of their staff, and also reveal the properties they hold in the US. Currently, at least nine Chinese outlets are under scrutiny. China has retaliated, imposing similar sanctions on US media outlets in China including the Associated Press, the National Public Radio, CBS News, and the United Press International News Agency. Also Read: China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps China runs a worldwide propaganda machine to control the narrative. Beijing conducts a media outreach campaign in almost every continent, under which journalists are called to China on fully-sponsored trips. Furthermore, Chinese state media content, such as Xinhua and CGTN offer stories and videos for free. They also run paid content in foreign outlets. Also Read: China's global media spending suggests US concerns about a 'media war' are not unfounded In an effort to control the content, China is buying legacy companies or setting up digital joint ventures overseas. Chinese media presence is higher in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, compared to Latin America and Europe. China's Star Times in Africa has become a dominating satellite television player. In Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post is owned by the Alibaba group. China's reputation has taken a beating during the pandemic and its dependent on its media agencies now more than ever. The dragon needs the propaganda machinery to clear the blot on its name.

Here's how China controls the media narrative in foreign countries

Three days ago, the Indian government blocked 59 Chinese apps to ensure safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace.

The decision was taken in the wake of a 'violent faceoff' between the Indian Army and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. 
&nbsp; 
In retaliation, Beijing has blocked access to&nbsp;the WION&nbsp;website - www.wionews.com - in mainland China.&nbsp;

GreatFire.org, which is a Chinese internet monitoring watchdog, has confirmed that WION has been completely blocked in China. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-state-backed-global-times-calls-on-wion-to-think-independently-we-respond-303036">Also Read: Chinese state-backed Global Times calls on WION to 'think independently'; We respond!</a>

GreatFire.org has emerged as a database for internet censorship in China and international news outlets and researchers use it to track digital censorship there.

Since the beginning of coronavirus pandemic, WION has reported extensively on China's cover-up, and hence, Beijing expressed its displeasure over this in more ways than one. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-is-exposed-thanks-to-global-times-editor-308876">Also Read: China is exposed. Thanks to Global Times editor</a>

In March, the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry,- Zhao Lijian, blocked WION on the social networking site Twitter. Chinese diplomats in India too criticised WION's coverage of the pandemic.

In June, a piece in the Global Times named WION, asking the channel to "think independently." The publication is perceived as the lifeline of Beijing’s propaganda machinery.

It's no secret that China doesn't like the idea of a free press and the ban on WION is part of the same strategy of press censorship.

&nbsp;

Three days ago, the Indian government blocked 59 Chinese apps to ensure safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace. The decision was taken in the wake of a 'violent faceoff' between the Indian Army and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh.

Three days ago, the Indian government blocked 59 Chinese apps to ensure safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace. The decision was taken in the wake of a 'violent faceoff' between the Indian Army and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. In retaliation, Beijing has blocked access to the WION website - www.wionews.com - in mainland China. GreatFire.org, which is a Chinese internet monitoring watchdog, has confirmed that WION has been completely blocked in China. Also Read: Chinese state-backed Global Times calls on WION to 'think independently'; We respond! GreatFire.org has emerged as a database for internet censorship in China and international news outlets and researchers use it to track digital censorship there. Since the beginning of coronavirus pandemic, WION has reported extensively on China's cover-up, and hence, Beijing expressed its displeasure over this in more ways than one. Also Read: China is exposed. Thanks to Global Times editor In March, the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry,- Zhao Lijian, blocked WION on the social networking site Twitter. Chinese diplomats in India too criticised WION's coverage of the pandemic. In June, a piece in the Global Times named WION, asking the channel to "think independently." The publication is perceived as the lifeline of Beijing’s propaganda machinery. It's no secret that China doesn't like the idea of a free press and the ban on WION is part of the same strategy of press censorship.

China blocks access to WION website after India bans 59 Chinese apps

Hong Kong dropped two places and is now the world's sixth-most expensive city for expats, according to a survey released on Wednesday. However, Singapore continues to maintain&nbsp;its position as the second-costliest place in Asia.

"Despite political and social unrest last year, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 making some people more reluctant to move to the SAR, Hong Kong has only seen a small drop in the global rankings," said Lee Quane, regional director for Asia, ECA International's list, which released the survey, reported SCMP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-consulate-worker-simon-cheng-granted-political-asylum-in-uk-310193">Hong Kong consulate worker Simon Cheng granted political asylum in UK</a>

Ashgabat in Turkmenistan is the world's most expensive city, followed by Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern. Tokyo remained in seventh spot and Singapore fell two places to 14th.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-govt-enters-into-ps5m-contract-with-pr-firm-to-improve-global-image-310171">Hong Kong govt enters into £5m contract with PR firm to improve global image</a>

The survey, that is conducted in March and September each year since 2005, compares the cost of a number of consumer goods and services in over 480 places across the world.

Some of these products and services include: clothing, electrical goods, groceries, meat and fish, household goods, among others.

The research also found that all places in mainland China saw a fall in rankings due to the weakening economy and coronavirus crisis, with both Bejing and Shanghai falling nine places to 24th and 19th position respectively.&nbsp;

"One of the key factors was undoubtedly the coronavirus outbreak, but it should also be noted that the yuan was performing poorly before this period too, with the COVID-19 outbreak exacerbating the relative weakness of the Chinese currency against other major currencies," Quane said.

Most US cities moved up in the rankings as the US dollar continued to do well against other major currencies. New York and Honolulu entered the list of the top 20 most expensive cities.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong dropped two places and is now the world's sixth-most expensive city for expats, according to a survey released on Wednesday. However, Singapore continues to maintain its position as the second-costliest place in Asia.

Hong Kong dropped two places and is now the world's sixth-most expensive city for expats, according to a survey released on Wednesday. However, Singapore continues to maintain its position as the second-costliest place in Asia. "Despite political and social unrest last year, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 making some people more reluctant to move to the SAR, Hong Kong has only seen a small drop in the global rankings," said Lee Quane, regional director for Asia, ECA International's list, which released the survey, reported SCMP. Also read | Hong Kong consulate worker Simon Cheng granted political asylum in UK Ashgabat in Turkmenistan is the world's most expensive city, followed by Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern. Tokyo remained in seventh spot and Singapore fell two places to 14th. Also read | Hong Kong govt enters into £5m contract with PR firm to improve global image The survey, that is conducted in March and September each year since 2005, compares the cost of a number of consumer goods and services in over 480 places across the world. Some of these products and services include: clothing, electrical goods, groceries, meat and fish, household goods, among others. The research also found that all places in mainland China saw a fall in rankings due to the weakening economy and coronavirus crisis, with both Bejing and Shanghai falling nine places to 24th and 19th position respectively. "One of the key factors was undoubtedly the coronavirus outbreak, but it should also be noted that the yuan was performing poorly before this period too, with the COVID-19 outbreak exacerbating the relative weakness of the Chinese currency against other major currencies," Quane said. Most US cities moved up in the rankings as the US dollar continued to do well against other major currencies. New York and Honolulu entered the list of the top 20 most expensive cities.

Hong Kong loses two spots to become world's sixth-costliest city

A new coronavirus outbreak&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;that has infected more than 300 people since early June could&nbsp;have&nbsp;originated in South or Southeast&nbsp;Asia, according to a&nbsp;study&nbsp;by&nbsp;Harvard&nbsp;University researchers.

According to the China Centre for Disease&nbsp;Control and Prevention, the study is based the genetic sequencing of three virus strains and it shows that the&nbsp;virus found in&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;cases is an imported&nbsp;strain&nbsp;of&nbsp;COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swine-flu-strain-with-human-pandemic-potential-found-increasingly-in-china-309525">Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China</a>

7,643 samples from across the world were compared with these genes by&nbsp;Georg Hahn, a research associate with the Biostatistics Department of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and his team.

The&nbsp;Harvard&nbsp;study was&nbsp;published on the preprint website medRxiv.org on Wednesday and still has to be peer-reviewed.

The three genomes showed the greatest resemblance to cases in Europe&nbsp;from&nbsp;February to&nbsp;May, and to cases in South and Southeast&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;from&nbsp;May&nbsp;to June.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijings-xinfadi-market-in-focus-after-virus-reportedly-detected-on-salmon-chopping-boards-306196">Beijing's Xinfadi market in focus after virus reportedly detected on salmon chopping boards</a>

They were also similar to a small number of infections&nbsp;seen in China in March, suggesting the&nbsp;strain&nbsp;could&nbsp;have&nbsp;appeared first in China and then returned to the country three months later, the authors said.

"As the most recent cases in these&nbsp;branches are almost exclusively&nbsp;from&nbsp;South(east)&nbsp;Asia, this could suggest that the new cases in&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;were re-introduced by transmissions&nbsp;from&nbsp;South(east)&nbsp;Asia," they wrote.

The&nbsp;outbreak&nbsp;traced to&nbsp;Beijing's huge Xinfadi wholesale market on June 11 had infected 329 people by the end of Wednesday.

Quarantine restrictions and large-scale testing of residents began soon after the first cases were identified, and China also required all shipments of imported meat to be tested for&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;before they could leave its ports.

The study comes amid the emergence of a swine flu strain with ''human pandemic potential'' found increasingly in Chinese slaughterhouses and&nbsp;can grow and multiply in the cells lining human airways.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus was believed to&nbsp;have&nbsp;originated in a market in the central Chinese&nbsp;city of Wuhan in December last year and has now infected more than 10 million people and killed more than 500,000 worldwide.

However, some studies suggest it could&nbsp;have&nbsp;been circulating much earlier after crossing the species barrier&nbsp;from&nbsp;horseshoe bats native not only to southwest China, but also Laos and Myanmar.

A new coronavirus outbreak Beijing that has infected more than 300 people since early June could have originated in South or Southeast Asia, according to a study by Harvard University researchers.

A new coronavirus outbreak Beijing that has infected more than 300 people since early June could have originated in South or Southeast Asia, according to a study by Harvard University researchers. According to the China Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the study is based the genetic sequencing of three virus strains and it shows that the virus found in Beijing cases is an imported strain of COVID-19. Also read: Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China 7,643 samples from across the world were compared with these genes by Georg Hahn, a research associate with the Biostatistics Department of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and his team. The Harvard study was published on the preprint website medRxiv.org on Wednesday and still has to be peer-reviewed. The three genomes showed the greatest resemblance to cases in Europe from February to May, and to cases in South and Southeast Asia from May to June. Also read: Beijing's Xinfadi market in focus after virus reportedly detected on salmon chopping boards They were also similar to a small number of infections seen in China in March, suggesting the strain could have appeared first in China and then returned to the country three months later, the authors said. "As the most recent cases in these branches are almost exclusively from South(east) Asia, this could suggest that the new cases in Beijing were re-introduced by transmissions from South(east) Asia," they wrote. The outbreak traced to Beijing's huge Xinfadi wholesale market on June 11 had infected 329 people by the end of Wednesday. Quarantine restrictions and large-scale testing of residents began soon after the first cases were identified, and China also required all shipments of imported meat to be tested for COVID-19 before they could leave its ports. The study comes amid the emergence of a swine flu strain with ''human pandemic potential'' found increasingly in Chinese slaughterhouses and can grow and multiply in the cells lining human airways. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was believed to have originated in a market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year and has now infected more than 10 million people and killed more than 500,000 worldwide. However, some studies suggest it could have been circulating much earlier after crossing the species barrier from horseshoe bats native not only to southwest China, but also Laos and Myanmar.

COVID-19 strain in Beijing outbreak may have come from Southeast Asia: Study

Boris Johnson has raises the stakes in a brewing confrontation with China on July 1 promising to allow nearly 3 million people from Hong Kong to live and work in Britain if Beijing moves forward with the new National Security Law. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: UK extends Hong Kong immigration rights, National Security Law

China has launched a birth control campaign, under which it's taking draconian measures to slash birth rates among Uighurs and other minorities.

China is carrying out a 'genocide' through forced sterilisations, abortions and insertion of intrauterine devices without consent.

"We lost a part of our body, we lost our identity as women. we will never be able to have children again. they've cut one of our organs. it's gone," said Uighur Muslim woman Zumret Dawut. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighur-children-forcibly-put-in-boarding-schools-report-271139">Also Read: Uighur children forcibly put in 'boarding schools': Report</a>

Uighurs' birth rates have dropped by more than 60 per cent from 2015 to 2018. Across the Xinjiang region, birth rates fell 24 per cent last year as compared to just 4 per cent in the rest of the country.

China has dumped the one-child policy, but&nbsp;it has unleashed a repressive birth control campaign for Uighurs.

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"We now, for the first time, have clear and uncompromising evidence that the government is fulfilling one of the criteria of the united nations convention for the prevention and punishment of genocide - namely the draconian suppression of minority births," said a human rights activist. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-in-the-life-of-uighurs-251734#protestor-stomps-on-xi-jinpings-poster-251713">In pictures: A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community</a>

A group of 50 independent UN human rights experts have called out the lack of fundamental freedoms in China. The UN wants china to let its human rights teams carry out investigations, but Beijing is unlikely to give access. It wants to make the Uighurs fewer and fewer in number until they disappear.&nbsp;

China has stridently maintained that Xinjiang affairs are its internal matter. Beijing has maintained that vocational training being carried is meant to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach locals new skills.

China has launched a birth control campaign, under which it's taking draconian measures to slash birth rates among Uighurs and other minorities. China is carrying out a 'genocide' through forced sterilisations, abortions and insertion of intrauterine devices without consent.

China has launched a birth control campaign, under which it's taking draconian measures to slash birth rates among Uighurs and other minorities. China is carrying out a 'genocide' through forced sterilisations, abortions and insertion of intrauterine devices without consent. "We lost a part of our body, we lost our identity as women. we will never be able to have children again. they've cut one of our organs. it's gone," said Uighur Muslim woman Zumret Dawut. Also Read: Uighur children forcibly put in 'boarding schools': Report Uighurs' birth rates have dropped by more than 60 per cent from 2015 to 2018. Across the Xinjiang region, birth rates fell 24 per cent last year as compared to just 4 per cent in the rest of the country. China has dumped the one-child policy, but it has unleashed a repressive birth control campaign for Uighurs. "We now, for the first time, have clear and uncompromising evidence that the government is fulfilling one of the criteria of the united nations convention for the prevention and punishment of genocide - namely the draconian suppression of minority births," said a human rights activist. In pictures: A day in the life of China’s persecuted Uighur community A group of 50 independent UN human rights experts have called out the lack of fundamental freedoms in China. The UN wants china to let its human rights teams carry out investigations, but Beijing is unlikely to give access. It wants to make the Uighurs fewer and fewer in number until they disappear. China has stridently maintained that Xinjiang affairs are its internal matter. Beijing has maintained that vocational training being carried is meant to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach locals new skills.

China forces birth control on Uighurs to suppress population

China's capital Beijing is dealing with the second wave of COVID-19 infections. New cases of COVID-19 cluster have put half a million people under lockdown. Watch report.

Nearly 7.7 million people tested in Beijing: New COVID-19 cluster China

China has not concealed its aim and determination to become a superpower in the world. It has not left anyone in doubt about its self-centred schemes to dominate the world and expand its territories. China gives an impression that it would combine different types of strategies on the trade front, propaganda campaign and military warfare to achieve its objectives, depending upon the circumstances.

Obviously, most countries in the world are concerned about China’s methodologies and practices.&nbsp;

These strategies of China are largely similar to that of Hitler and many dictatorial regimes in the past across the world, that have adopted such methods in different measures. Ultimately, history has shown that such ill-conceived, unethical plans do not provide the intended end results and the initiator of the schemes suffer and fall out in the process. 
 
Obviously, China seeks to implement its schemes to dominate the world in several stages over the coming years. Its One Belt One Road scheme is part of the grand plan to make the economically weak and developing countries firmly fall under China’s control. As India has refused to enter the OBOR trap, China considers India as a stumbling block.

As part of this scheme to weaken India and also as part of its global domination plans, China is trying to encircle India, by bringing all India’s neighbours - &nbsp;Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, as well as the nearby Maldives, under its influence. It is adopting a combination of methods for this purpose.

China is participating in infrastructure projects in various countries and enabling such projects by extending financial assistance and sending Chinese equipment and technicians to these countries. In the process Beijing is making these countries debt-ridden and dependant on China.

It has already succeeded to some extent in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan and enough evidence are there to prove this.

However, China seems to have ignored the ground reality that while it can buy the politicians and sectarian groups in India’s neighbouring countries, but it cannot overpower the people in these countries. Overpowering the territories is totally different from overpowering the people living in these territories.

The protests are happening in several countries against China's policies and they are bound to intensify as people would realize the extent of dependence on Beijing.

India’s neighbouring countries are already burdened due to the debt that they owe to China. In the course of time, these countries may fail to repay the debt, terming the terms of debt as unreasonable and exploitative. China will not be able to handle such a situation, particularly when it would happen in several debt-ridden Asian and African countries. Public protest on large scale would become inevitable against China. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China has not concealed its aim and determination to become a superpower in the world. It has not left anyone in doubt about its self-centred schemes to dominate the world and expand its territories.

China has not concealed its aim and determination to become a superpower in the world. It has not left anyone in doubt about its self-centred schemes to dominate the world and expand its territories. China gives an impression that it would combine different types of strategies on the trade front, propaganda campaign and military warfare to achieve its objectives, depending upon the circumstances. Obviously, most countries in the world are concerned about China’s methodologies and practices. These strategies of China are largely similar to that of Hitler and many dictatorial regimes in the past across the world, that have adopted such methods in different measures. Ultimately, history has shown that such ill-conceived, unethical plans do not provide the intended end results and the initiator of the schemes suffer and fall out in the process. Obviously, China seeks to implement its schemes to dominate the world in several stages over the coming years. Its One Belt One Road scheme is part of the grand plan to make the economically weak and developing countries firmly fall under China’s control. As India has refused to enter the OBOR trap, China considers India as a stumbling block. As part of this scheme to weaken India and also as part of its global domination plans, China is trying to encircle India, by bringing all India’s neighbours - Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, as well as the nearby Maldives, under its influence. It is adopting a combination of methods for this purpose. China is participating in infrastructure projects in various countries and enabling such projects by extending financial assistance and sending Chinese equipment and technicians to these countries. In the process Beijing is making these countries debt-ridden and dependant on China. It has already succeeded to some extent in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan and enough evidence are there to prove this. However, China seems to have ignored the ground reality that while it can buy the politicians and sectarian groups in India’s neighbouring countries, but it cannot overpower the people in these countries. Overpowering the territories is totally different from overpowering the people living in these territories. The protests are happening in several countries against China's policies and they are bound to intensify as people would realize the extent of dependence on Beijing. India’s neighbouring countries are already burdened due to the debt that they owe to China. In the course of time, these countries may fail to repay the debt, terming the terms of debt as unreasonable and exploitative. China will not be able to handle such a situation, particularly when it would happen in several debt-ridden Asian and African countries. Public protest on large scale would become inevitable against China. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is China biting more than it can chew?

Beijing city reported seven new COVID-19 cases for June 28, down from 14 a day earlier as the Chinese capital seeks to contain an outbreak.

Beijing reports 7 news confirmed cases of COVID-19

China imposed a strict lockdown to contain a fresh coronavirus cluster in a province surrounding the capital city of Beijing on Sunday.

COVID-19: China puts half a million people under lockdown In Beijing

China was quick to aid coronavirus-stricken Sri Lanka. Chinese magnanimity and speed in responding to the Indian Ocean island’s request contrasted starkly with Beijing’s more measured response to Africa’s needs, widely expected to be the pandemic’s next hotspot.

Geography was, but, one reason why China favoured the strategic island that straddles one of the Indian Ocean’s busiest shipping routes.

China was rewarding Sri Lanka for stalling military-related talks with the United States two years after the People’s Republic was accused of pursuing predatory debt-trap diplomacy. Sri Lanka granted China in 2018 a far greater stake in its port of Hambantota at a moment that it was unable to service its debt to Beijing.

Sri Lanka has so far dragged its feet on signing a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the United States that would regulate the rights and privileges of visiting US military personnel.

The hold-up was prompted by Sri Lanka’s rejection of the terms of an associated $480 million Millennium Challenge Compact (MCC) development aid package on the grounds that it impinged on the country’s national security.

At the same time, however, Sri Lanka has done nothing to challenge its Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) with the United States that governs the transfer of US logistics supplies as well as support and refuelling services for US military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The discrepancy in China’s approach towards Sri Lanka as opposed to Africa could revive charges that predatory debt diplomacy is a feature of China’s multi-billion dollar infrastructure, telecommunications and energy-driven Belt and Road Initiative that seeks to connect the Eurasian landmass to the People’s Republic.

To be fair, only a handful of renegotiations of Chinese debt would suggest that China is using liability as a diplomatic tool.

Nonetheless, China’s willingness to grant Sri Lanka a 10-year $500 million concessionary loan to deal with the economic fallout of the pandemic in addition to donations of medical supplies offered by China to countries across the globe is likely to raise eyebrows.

The risk is that countries in Africa, as well as the Middle East like war-torn Syria and financially bankrupt Lebanon that no longer can count on assistance from Gulf countries struggling with economic woes of their own, may feel that they have little alternative but to follow in Sri Lanka’s footsteps.

It is a risk that not only capitalizes on the United States’ already tarnished image but also China’s ability to maintain close ties to Middle Eastern nations without being sucked into the region’s myriad conflicts.

To be sure, there are stark differences between Indian Ocean nations and Middle Eastern states that are in some respects far more dependent on a US defence umbrella designed to protect them against Iran.

Like Sri Lanka, Middle Eastern states benefitted from close healthcare and pandemic-related cooperation with China and unlike the Indian Ocean nation, Gulf states face a financial crisis but not an immediate cash shortage.

Nonetheless, the risk for China of some countries feeling that their security and economic wellbeing is better ensured by a greater balancing of their relations with China and the US is that they will want to see China engaged in regional security arrangements to a degree that Beijing has so far been unwilling to entertain.

The risk is enhanced by US aspirations to reduce America’s commitment to the Middle East and focus attention on Asia and its rivalry with China.

The risk for Gulf states in the implications of China’s policy towards Sri Lanka is that China rather than being sucked into the Middle East and North Africa’s myriad conflicts could opt to reduce its engagement in the Middle East.

Countering Western perceptions of ever-greater Chinese economic involvement, Xinchun Niu, director of Middle East studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), widely viewed as China’s most influential think tank, argues that Chinese-Middle Eastern economic relations have passed their heyday. Niu also suggested that the Middle East ranked low on the Chinese priority totem pole.

“China-Middle East countries is not a political-strategic logic, it’s an economic logic. For China, the Middle East is always on the very distant back burner of China’s strategic global strategies… Covid-19 combined with the oil price crisis will dramatically change the Middle East. (This) will change China’s investment model in the Middle East… The good times of China and the Middle East are already gone… Both China and the Middle Eastern economies have been slowing down… In the future, the pandemic combined with the oil price problem will make the Middle East situation worse. So, the China economic relationship with the Middle East will be affected very deeply,” Niu said.

As a result, Gulf states, among the world’s foremost arms buyers and confronted with a need for far more incisive economic reform in the wake of the pandemic than many other nations, are likely to find a rebalancing of their big power relationships more difficult than Sri Lanka.

The success of Chinese policy towards Sri Lanka is nevertheless more than an isolated incident. It offers insights into what a more assertive Chinese policy could mean for the shaping of new world order.

"When India or the West get involved in Sri Lankan affairs, there is suspicion as to what the motive is. Is it to divide the country? Is it (to) exploit, subjugate us?" said Jehan Perera of Sri Lanka’s National Peace Council. By contrast, he added, Sri Lankans view Chinese investment as "essentially benign (because) China has never been a historical enemy of this country."

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China was quick to aid coronavirus-stricken Sri Lanka. Chinese magnanimity and speed in responding to the Indian Ocean island’s request contrasted starkly with Beijing’s more measured response to Africa’s needs, widely expected to be the pandemic’s next hotspot.

China was quick to aid coronavirus-stricken Sri Lanka. Chinese magnanimity and speed in responding to the Indian Ocean island’s request contrasted starkly with Beijing’s more measured response to Africa’s needs, widely expected to be the pandemic’s next hotspot. Geography was, but, one reason why China favoured the strategic island that straddles one of the Indian Ocean’s busiest shipping routes. China was rewarding Sri Lanka for stalling military-related talks with the United States two years after the People’s Republic was accused of pursuing predatory debt-trap diplomacy. Sri Lanka granted China in 2018 a far greater stake in its port of Hambantota at a moment that it was unable to service its debt to Beijing. Sri Lanka has so far dragged its feet on signing a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the United States that would regulate the rights and privileges of visiting US military personnel. The hold-up was prompted by Sri Lanka’s rejection of the terms of an associated $480 million Millennium Challenge Compact (MCC) development aid package on the grounds that it impinged on the country’s national security. At the same time, however, Sri Lanka has done nothing to challenge its Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) with the United States that governs the transfer of US logistics supplies as well as support and refuelling services for US military operations in the Indo-Pacific region. The discrepancy in China’s approach towards Sri Lanka as opposed to Africa could revive charges that predatory debt diplomacy is a feature of China’s multi-billion dollar infrastructure, telecommunications and energy-driven Belt and Road Initiative that seeks to connect the Eurasian landmass to the People’s Republic. To be fair, only a handful of renegotiations of Chinese debt would suggest that China is using liability as a diplomatic tool. Nonetheless, China’s willingness to grant Sri Lanka a 10-year $500 million concessionary loan to deal with the economic fallout of the pandemic in addition to donations of medical supplies offered by China to countries across the globe is likely to raise eyebrows. The risk is that countries in Africa, as well as the Middle East like war-torn Syria and financially bankrupt Lebanon that no longer can count on assistance from Gulf countries struggling with economic woes of their own, may feel that they have little alternative but to follow in Sri Lanka’s footsteps. It is a risk that not only capitalizes on the United States’ already tarnished image but also China’s ability to maintain close ties to Middle Eastern nations without being sucked into the region’s myriad conflicts. To be sure, there are stark differences between Indian Ocean nations and Middle Eastern states that are in some respects far more dependent on a US defence umbrella designed to protect them against Iran. Like Sri Lanka, Middle Eastern states benefitted from close healthcare and pandemic-related cooperation with China and unlike the Indian Ocean nation, Gulf states face a financial crisis but not an immediate cash shortage. Nonetheless, the risk for China of some countries feeling that their security and economic wellbeing is better ensured by a greater balancing of their relations with China and the US is that they will want to see China engaged in regional security arrangements to a degree that Beijing has so far been unwilling to entertain. The risk is enhanced by US aspirations to reduce America’s commitment to the Middle East and focus attention on Asia and its rivalry with China. The risk for Gulf states in the implications of China’s policy towards Sri Lanka is that China rather than being sucked into the Middle East and North Africa’s myriad conflicts could opt to reduce its engagement in the Middle East. Countering Western perceptions of ever-greater Chinese economic involvement, Xinchun Niu, director of Middle East studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), widely viewed as China’s most influential think tank, argues that Chinese-Middle Eastern economic relations have passed their heyday. Niu also suggested that the Middle East ranked low on the Chinese priority totem pole. “China-Middle East countries is not a political-strategic logic, it’s an economic logic. For China, the Middle East is always on the very distant back burner of China’s strategic global strategies… Covid-19 combined with the oil price crisis will dramatically change the Middle East. (This) will change China’s investment model in the Middle East… The good times of China and the Middle East are already gone… Both China and the Middle Eastern economies have been slowing down… In the future, the pandemic combined with the oil price problem will make the Middle East situation worse. So, the China economic relationship with the Middle East will be affected very deeply,” Niu said. As a result, Gulf states, among the world’s foremost arms buyers and confronted with a need for far more incisive economic reform in the wake of the pandemic than many other nations, are likely to find a rebalancing of their big power relationships more difficult than Sri Lanka. The success of Chinese policy towards Sri Lanka is nevertheless more than an isolated incident. It offers insights into what a more assertive Chinese policy could mean for the shaping of new world order. "When India or the West get involved in Sri Lankan affairs, there is suspicion as to what the motive is. Is it to divide the country? Is it (to) exploit, subjugate us?" said Jehan Perera of Sri Lanka’s National Peace Council. By contrast, he added, Sri Lankans view Chinese investment as "essentially benign (because) China has never been a historical enemy of this country." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Chinese policy towards Sri Lanka tells a cautionary tale

Driven by a COVID-19 resurgence in the Chinese capital of Beijing, Mainland China reported the highest number of new coronavirus cases in four days on Saturday. The National Health Commission reported 21 new confirmed infections in mainland China on Friday, up from 13 a day earlier and the highest since Monday, according to Reuters.

Driven by a COVID-19 resurgence in the Chinese capital of Beijing, Mainland China reported the highest number of new coronavirus cases in four days on Saturday. The National Health Commission reported 21 new confirmed infections in mainland China on Friday, up from 13 a day earlier and the highest since Monday, according to Reuters. Also read: Beijing wholesale market temporarily shut after new coronavirus infections In Beijing, 17 new confirmed cases were reported, up from 11 a day earlier and the most since June 20, the report added. Since June 11 when Beijing reported its first case in the current outbreak, stemming from a sprawling wholesale food centre in the southwest of the capital, 297 people in the city of more than 20 million have contracted the virus. Mainland China reported four new so-called imported cases on Friday, infections linked to travellers arriving from abroad. That compares with two cases a day earlier. That took the cumulative number of confirmed cases in mainland China to 83,483. Also see: Beijing airports cancel 1,255 flights over coronavirus fears: Report Mainland China reported 12 new asymptomatic patients, who tested positive for COVID-19 but showed no clinical symptoms such as a fever, up from five a day earlier. The national health authority does not include asymptomatic patients in its tally of confirmed cases. The death toll stood at 4,634, unchanged since mid-May. (With inputs from Reuters)

China sees spike in new COVID-19 cases, including 17 in Beijing

China has reported 13 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24-hours down from 19 a day ago. 11 of the 13 new infections were reported in capital Beijing. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: China reports 13 new cases in last 24-hours

An expert committee on Thursday suggested Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to not accept aid from the United States.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation, which is an American program of foreign assistance to counter China's debt-trap, had offered assistance to Sri Lanka. And hence, Colombo had set-up an expert committee to study the offer.

The experts said that the MCC agreement contains clauses that are not in agreement with the Constitution of Sri Lanka and are detrimental to the sovereignty of the country. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-is-exposed-thanks-to-global-times-editor-308876">&nbsp;Also Read: China is exposed. Thanks to Global Times editor</a>

However, it seems Colombo has no problem accepting aid from Beijing. Sri Lanka has set up a Joint Consultation Mechanism comprising the Chinese Communist Party and Sri Lanka's main political parties to support Belt and Road cooperation.&nbsp;

Furthermore, Pakistan is negotiating terms for repayment of the loan it has taken from China. According to a report, Islamabad wants to delay repayment of the loan for up to 10 years and Beijing might just agree to this.

China has paused debt repayment for 77 countries and 40 of them are in Africa alone to improve its global image. In 2019, China's outstanding debt claims stood at well over $5 trillion. 
 
China seems to be caught in its own trap. Its reputation has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak&nbsp;and its Belt and Road project is corroded by a pile of debt.

An expert committee on Thursday suggested Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to not accept aid from the United States. The Millennium Challenge Corporation, which is an American program of foreign assistance to counter China's debt-trap, had offered assistance to Sri Lanka.

An expert committee on Thursday suggested Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to not accept aid from the United States. The Millennium Challenge Corporation, which is an American program of foreign assistance to counter China's debt-trap, had offered assistance to Sri Lanka. And hence, Colombo had set-up an expert committee to study the offer. The experts said that the MCC agreement contains clauses that are not in agreement with the Constitution of Sri Lanka and are detrimental to the sovereignty of the country. Also Read: China is exposed. Thanks to Global Times editor However, it seems Colombo has no problem accepting aid from Beijing. Sri Lanka has set up a Joint Consultation Mechanism comprising the Chinese Communist Party and Sri Lanka's main political parties to support Belt and Road cooperation. Furthermore, Pakistan is negotiating terms for repayment of the loan it has taken from China. According to a report, Islamabad wants to delay repayment of the loan for up to 10 years and Beijing might just agree to this. China has paused debt repayment for 77 countries and 40 of them are in Africa alone to improve its global image. In 2019, China's outstanding debt claims stood at well over $5 trillion. China seems to be caught in its own trap. Its reputation has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak and its Belt and Road project is corroded by a pile of debt.

China caught in its own debt-trap

When President Xi Jinping was sworn-in for a second term, he declared that China has now stood up, grown rich, become strong, and is moving towards the centre stage.

Xi announced&nbsp;that China wants a greater role on the world stage.&nbsp;However, growing disputes, debt-trap diplomacy and lapses during the Covid-19 pandemic are hurting China on the world stage. 
 
Let's measure where china stands in the world and how its expansionist agenda has upended the international rules-based order.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-could-hit-drug-markets-as-in-2008-crisis-united-nations-308473">Also Read: Pandemic could hit drug markets as in 2008 crisis: United Nations</a>

As of today, at least 10 countries have a dispute with China. These disputes range from diplomatic tussles to territorial claims. The United States and Australia are fighting a trade war with China. India is engaged in a border standoff and there are multiple flashpoints on the high seas - the South China Sea and the East China Sea.

The list of disputes is much longer, but China buys the silence of many countries. It repossesses smaller countries when they can't keep up with debt payments. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-who-warns-possible-lack-of-oxygen-as-cases-near-10-million-308449">Also Read: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million</a>

Furthermore, China has been blamed for concealing the early spread of the virus. Initially, more than 60 countries initially pushed for a probe into the Wuhan virus outbreak and its origins. And now, the list includes over 100 countries.

Chinese propaganda claims it's already a superpower, ready to takeover global institutions and reshape the world. But, the growing disputes, the debt traps and demands to make China pay clearly indicate that Beijing can't impose its rule on the world.

When President Xi Jinping was sworn-in for a second term, he declared that China has now stood up, grown rich, become strong, and is moving towards the centre stage.

When President Xi Jinping was sworn-in for a second term, he declared that China has now stood up, grown rich, become strong, and is moving towards the centre stage. Xi announced that China wants a greater role on the world stage. However, growing disputes, debt-trap diplomacy and lapses during the Covid-19 pandemic are hurting China on the world stage. Let's measure where china stands in the world and how its expansionist agenda has upended the international rules-based order. × Also Read: Pandemic could hit drug markets as in 2008 crisis: United Nations As of today, at least 10 countries have a dispute with China. These disputes range from diplomatic tussles to territorial claims. The United States and Australia are fighting a trade war with China. India is engaged in a border standoff and there are multiple flashpoints on the high seas - the South China Sea and the East China Sea. The list of disputes is much longer, but China buys the silence of many countries. It repossesses smaller countries when they can't keep up with debt payments. Also Read: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million Furthermore, China has been blamed for concealing the early spread of the virus. Initially, more than 60 countries initially pushed for a probe into the Wuhan virus outbreak and its origins. And now, the list includes over 100 countries. Chinese propaganda claims it's already a superpower, ready to takeover global institutions and reshape the world. But, the growing disputes, the debt traps and demands to make China pay clearly indicate that Beijing can't impose its rule on the world.

Where does China stand on the world stage?

India and China have begun disengagement at the three flashpoints along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).&nbsp;

Chinese and Indian military commanders arrived at a consensus on the “outstanding issues” and agreed to take necessary measures to “cool down” the situation at their borders after 11 hours of marathon talks&nbsp;

However, Reuters has published satellite images which claim that China has built new and extensive structures near the site where the forces on both sides clashed.

China's military aggression is alarming and world leaders have expressed concern about it.&nbsp;

British prime minister Boris Johnson has called on India and China to engage in dialogue to sort out their border issues as he described the escalation in eastern Ladakh as “a very serious and worrying situation” which the UK is closely monitoring. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-does-china-stand-on-the-world-stage-308612">Also Read: Where does China stand on the world stage?</a>

Last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticised the Chinese Army for "escalating" the border tension with India.&nbsp;

China's expansionism is a matter of global concern, the Japanese defence minister Taro Kono raised concern about China''s increasingly assertive activity in regional seas and skies.

“China is trying to change the status quo unilaterally in East China Sea, South China Sea and with Indian border and Hong Kong as well,” Kono said.&nbsp;

The Indian and Chinese armies are engaged in the standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;

20 Indian Army personnel died in action during a violent face-off between the troops of both the countries in Galwan Valley on June 15.&nbsp;

India and China have begun disengagement at the three flashpoints along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Chinese and Indian military commanders arrived at a consensus on the “outstanding issues” and agreed to take necessary measures to “cool down” the situation at their borders after 11 hours of marathon talks However, Reuters has published satellite images which claim that China has built new and extensive structures near the site where the forces on both sides clashed.

India and China have begun disengagement at the three flashpoints along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Chinese and Indian military commanders arrived at a consensus on the “outstanding issues” and agreed to take necessary measures to “cool down” the situation at their borders after 11 hours of marathon talks However, Reuters has published satellite images which claim that China has built new and extensive structures near the site where the forces on both sides clashed. China's military aggression is alarming and world leaders have expressed concern about it. British prime minister Boris Johnson has called on India and China to engage in dialogue to sort out their border issues as he described the escalation in eastern Ladakh as “a very serious and worrying situation” which the UK is closely monitoring. Also Read: Where does China stand on the world stage? Last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticised the Chinese Army for "escalating" the border tension with India. China's expansionism is a matter of global concern, the Japanese defence minister Taro Kono raised concern about China''s increasingly assertive activity in regional seas and skies. “China is trying to change the status quo unilaterally in East China Sea, South China Sea and with Indian border and Hong Kong as well,” Kono said. The Indian and Chinese armies are engaged in the standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. 20 Indian Army personnel died in action during a violent face-off between the troops of both the countries in Galwan Valley on June 15.

India-China standoff: Beijing's expansionism a matter of global concern

Ever since the clash on June 15 at the Galwan Valley between the Indian and Chinese troops, Beijing has consistently declined to reveal the details of the casualties on its side, while various reports suggest that China suffered more casualties.

China covered-up about the Wuhan virus death toll as well. Coronavirus cases in China stand at 3869 at the moment, however,&nbsp;estimates say tens of thousands of people have died.

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&nbsp;

In 2012, China underreported deaths during a flood. The real figures came out in 2017 when two municipal governments in northeastern China admitted that they hid dozens of deaths. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-targets-foreign-workers-places-restrictions-on-vande-bharat-mission-308035">Also Read: Trump administration targets foreign workers, places restrictions on Vande Bharat Mission</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;A similar story played out during the SARS outbreak. In April 2003, China's health minister initially said there were only 22 cases of SARS. Ten days later, his deputy said there were more than 300 confirmed cases and more than 400 suspected cases. The health minister was fired following the revelation.

A month later China reported more than 5000 cases and 275 deaths while&nbsp;a doctor who exposed the government's SARS coverup was&nbsp;put under house arrest.

The list of cover-ups is a long one. There's a tendency to hide the damage because local governments and officials are judged on the basis of how much good press they generate. Large numbers of casualties in natural disasters or accidents hurt the career prospects of local officials, so they tend to under-report or hide figures which breeds a culture of cover-ups.

Ever since the clash on June 15 at the Galwan Valley between the Indian and Chinese troops, Beijing has consistently declined to reveal the details of the casualties on its side, while various reports suggest that China suffered more casualties.

Ever since the clash on June 15 at the Galwan Valley between the Indian and Chinese troops, Beijing has consistently declined to reveal the details of the casualties on its side, while various reports suggest that China suffered more casualties. China covered-up about the Wuhan virus death toll as well. Coronavirus cases in China stand at 3869 at the moment, however, estimates say tens of thousands of people have died. × In 2012, China underreported deaths during a flood. The real figures came out in 2017 when two municipal governments in northeastern China admitted that they hid dozens of deaths. Also Read: Trump administration targets foreign workers, places restrictions on Vande Bharat Mission A similar story played out during the SARS outbreak. In April 2003, China's health minister initially said there were only 22 cases of SARS. Ten days later, his deputy said there were more than 300 confirmed cases and more than 400 suspected cases. The health minister was fired following the revelation. A month later China reported more than 5000 cases and 275 deaths while a doctor who exposed the government's SARS coverup was put under house arrest. The list of cover-ups is a long one. There's a tendency to hide the damage because local governments and officials are judged on the basis of how much good press they generate. Large numbers of casualties in natural disasters or accidents hurt the career prospects of local officials, so they tend to under-report or hide figures which breeds a culture of cover-ups.

What breeds the culture of cover-ups in China?

China’s notorious dog meat festival has opened in defiance of a government campaign to improve animal welfare and reduce risks to health highlighted by the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The annual 10-day festival in the southwestern city of Yulin usually attracts thousands of visitors. The dogs are crammed into wire cages and driven for days without food to slaughterhouses and their carcasses are hooked up at meat market. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-joins-pact-to-regulate-weapons-after-trump-decides-to-quit-307708">Also Read: China joins pact to regulate weapons after Trump decides to quit</a> 
 
The law in China says, " Dogs are classified as companions, not livestock." The government is drawing up new laws to prohibit the wildlife trade and protect pets, however, Yulin dog festival is being held despite new guidelines&nbsp;over 10,000 dogs will be slaughtered this year as well.

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Many of these dogs are often sick or injured, many die on the transport trucks because of dehydration, shock, suffocation, and heatstroke and the ones that survive the journey often suffer from low immunity.

The coronavirus is believed to have originated in horseshoe bats before crossing into humans in a market in the city of Wuhan and&nbsp;there is a hypothesis that Beijing's second wave of cases emerged from a salmon stall.

Allowing mass gatherings to consume dog meat in crowded markets is a public health risk. In February, following a global backlash China put a temporary ban on exotic meat markets, but the Yulin festival is proof that there's no real reform.

(With inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

China’s notorious dog meat festival has opened in defiance of a government campaign to improve animal welfare and reduce risks to health highlighted by the novel coronavirus outbreak.

China’s notorious dog meat festival has opened in defiance of a government campaign to improve animal welfare and reduce risks to health highlighted by the novel coronavirus outbreak. The annual 10-day festival in the southwestern city of Yulin usually attracts thousands of visitors. The dogs are crammed into wire cages and driven for days without food to slaughterhouses and their carcasses are hooked up at meat market. Also Read: China joins pact to regulate weapons after Trump decides to quit The law in China says, " Dogs are classified as companions, not livestock." The government is drawing up new laws to prohibit the wildlife trade and protect pets, however, Yulin dog festival is being held despite new guidelines over 10,000 dogs will be slaughtered this year as well. × Many of these dogs are often sick or injured, many die on the transport trucks because of dehydration, shock, suffocation, and heatstroke and the ones that survive the journey often suffer from low immunity. The coronavirus is believed to have originated in horseshoe bats before crossing into humans in a market in the city of Wuhan and there is a hypothesis that Beijing's second wave of cases emerged from a salmon stall. Allowing mass gatherings to consume dog meat in crowded markets is a public health risk. In February, following a global backlash China put a temporary ban on exotic meat markets, but the Yulin festival is proof that there's no real reform. (With inputs from Reuters)

China's annual dog-meat festival opens despite new guidelines

The Tibetan government in exile has warned that the region faces bleak future under Chinese expansionist policy.

Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal, President of the Tibetan government in exile Lobsang Sangay said Beijing has been following a policy of co-optation which means buying of elites especially in countries like Nepal.

He said, “The way Tibet was occupied, first they said they will build a road from china to Tibet this will bring prosperity to Tibetans. Once they build the road, they brought in trucks, tanks, guns and soon they occupied us."

On Hong Kong's security law, he said, Tibet was the first victim of the Chinese security law and if India plans to resolve its border issue with China, Tibet should be resolved first.

WION: China has been increasingly combative amidst COVID, why so? 
Lobsang Sangay: China is facing a lot of pressure, especially external pressure because WHO members have passed a resolution to investigate the COVID crisis which originated in China and then they get blamed they tried to hide the spread of COVID initially from 3 weeks to 6 weeks. The whole world lost that time. Time to prepare to deal with COVID pandemic, so they getting blamed. COVID has impacted the global economy. All the countries in the world, are negatively impacted and they lost so much because of COVID. China is coming under pressure and trying to distract the international community --with specific countries from the South China Sea to the East China Sea to border with India. China is trying to distract it by with all this incursions and tragedy. So our condolences to all those family members to all those Jawans who died. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
WION: Increased tension between India and China. How do you see the development? 
Lobsang Sangay: For the last 60 years, we have been repeating this as a mantra and it’s a fact that, if you look at the map of China, the Han Chinese populated territory is only 40% of the area, rest 60% include Tibet--which is one-fifth of Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Manchuria and all that. If you look at the Chinese empire it has expanded because of invasion and encroachment. After the occupation of Tibet, in the 60s, Chinese leaders have said Tibet is the Palm, now they have to go for 5 fingers--Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. So in 2017, you have Doklam incident that borders Sikkim and Bhutan and then now you have in Ladakh. This is all part of the grand, long term expansionist strategy which they had and implementing now. It has turned violent in a recent case in Ladakh.

WION: Suggest to Nepal you would like to give? 
Lobsang Sangay: To Nepal and all the neighbouring countries, we have been saying the same thing. The way Tibet was occupied, first they said they will build a road from china to Tibet this will bring prosperity to Tibetans. Once they build the road, they brought in trucks, tanks, guns and soon they occupied us. In the process, they have a very shrewd strategy, which is called elite co-optation--which is to buy off all the elites. Go after your political leaders, your business leaders, intellectuals, your journalist, and your Dharmic leaders. They buy of each of the sectors of the community which are elite at the top. So when the actual occupation happens, you realise that elite in the country is divided, one supporting china and one supporting own country. In all the neighbouring countries, this is the process, the strategy which they implement. They implemented in Tibet 60 years ago, they implementing it now in Nepal and all the countries around the world. Blueprint they use in Tibet, they used around the world including in Nepal. This is taking place in Nepal. What happened to Tibet, can happen to India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Learn from us, be careful.&nbsp;

WION: You saying China buying Nepal's elite? 
Lobsang Sangay: They do it everywhere. They do it in Europe, they do it Australia. The former FM of Austalia is the biggest consultant in support of the Chinese govt. You go to Europe, so many European countries--where former ministers are the best spokespersons defending china, being an advocate for Chinese investment, relationship with china. When you see this happening, in rich countries around the world, in Nepal, you won't be surprised they making efforts even in India. They do it all the time.&nbsp;

WION: Option in front of New Delhi to deal with China? Is a military option available? 
Lobsang Sangay: The military option should be the last option and should be the last option. We believe and advocate in Ahimsa, non-violence. We advocate dialogue is the best way to solve any issue. We have to defend, your own country internally. Elite co-optation is taking place, with less success perhaps in India, but they do it. They try to influence and give propaganda. This is how they encroach within though the co-optation process. So India has to be very careful if these things are taking place or not.

WION: What is the future of Tibet? 
Lobsang Sangay: Chinese are very powerful, economically, militarily we are weaker in that sense. They have destroyed 98% of monasteries and nunneries. They banned the practice of Buddhism in Tibetan plateau. 60 years have passed, Tibetan Buddhism has spread across the world. We have to rebuild major monasteries in exile, mainly in India. Now Buddism is back in Tibet in private social space, govt policy is still to destroy Buddhism. But if look as whole Buddhism is back in Tibet. This shows despite the efforts to wipe out Tibetan civilization we are back practising Tibetan Buddhism, wearing our own dress, eating our own food and Tibetan sense of identity is very strong in Tibet.60 Years later, we are still strong internally and externally because we have support across the world. Support is getting strong, from the European Parliament to the US. Chinese govt manipulated us into occupation and we have been the best spokesperson. Our future is hopeful.&nbsp;

WION: How will support New Delhi, do you see your role? 
Lobsang Sangay: Our role has been clear. We have been saying the same thing, China says Tibet is its core issue, very important issue. India should say, Tibet, is a core issue for them, for the geopolitical issue. There was never border between India and China, it was a border between India and Tibet. Let us go back to 1940-50 you did not need policemen now you need battalions, regiments. India is spending billions of dollars, which was not necessary. Tibet acted as a buffer zone, it was the demilitarized border. If you solve the issue of Tibet, you can address the border issue. Awareness about Tibet is very minimal in India. If you go to America or Europe, there are Tibetan studies programme but in India how many major Indian universities have such a programme. Like 2017, Doklam incident, it’s a Tibetian word. Not many expertises know that. You have to create awareness among the general population, at least students and intellectuals should know what happened to Tibet so that you are better prepared. You must have such a programme at the university level.

WION: You saying India should junk one China policy? 
Lobsang Sangay: One China policy was created for Taiwan because they have one china and 2 interpretation. Under this umbrella, Tibet and Hong Kong and other issues are put in. People in Taiwan, including the ambassador of Taiwan to India has said it is time for India to review one china policy. Taiwan, the main target is saying so, Indian govt should look into it why Taiwan is saying so.

WION: What would you say about Hong Kong? 
Lobsang Sangay: People in Hong Kong advocating basic freedom, basic human right--right to freedom of speech, right to assembly, right to democracy. On national security, the law has been imposed. We are the first victims of national security law. So many security laws have been passed in Tibet, each time security law is passed, it essentially means security is more important than individual freedom, freedom of speech, unity more important than diversity. We have seen this in Tibet, people of Hong Kong should study the origin of security law in Tibet and how it is being interpreted now, explained one way and exploited. You have to issue of Tibet to understand the mindset and manipulation of the Chinese govt. Be it India, Nepal or Hong Kong. People need to pay issue. Explain Tibet is a zone of peace, demilitarized zone.&nbsp;

WION: Hopeful the grand building behind you the Potala place, you will be able to enter it one day? 
Lobsang Sangay: That is why I am sitting next to the building with the national flag. This is our symbol, our peaceful, non-violent movement led by his holiness 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. One day soon, you will see us back in Tibet and his holiness Dalai Lama in the Potala Building.

The Tibetan government in exile has warned that the region faces bleak future under Chinese expansionist policy. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal, President of the Tibetan government in exile Lobsang Sangay said Beijing has been following a policy of co-optation which means buying of elites especially in countries like Nepal.

The Tibetan government in exile has warned that the region faces bleak future under Chinese expansionist policy. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal, President of the Tibetan government in exile Lobsang Sangay said Beijing has been following a policy of co-optation which means buying of elites especially in countries like Nepal. He said, “The way Tibet was occupied, first they said they will build a road from china to Tibet this will bring prosperity to Tibetans. Once they build the road, they brought in trucks, tanks, guns and soon they occupied us." On Hong Kong's security law, he said, Tibet was the first victim of the Chinese security law and if India plans to resolve its border issue with China, Tibet should be resolved first. WION: China has been increasingly combative amidst COVID, why so? Lobsang Sangay: China is facing a lot of pressure, especially external pressure because WHO members have passed a resolution to investigate the COVID crisis which originated in China and then they get blamed they tried to hide the spread of COVID initially from 3 weeks to 6 weeks. The whole world lost that time. Time to prepare to deal with COVID pandemic, so they getting blamed. COVID has impacted the global economy. All the countries in the world, are negatively impacted and they lost so much because of COVID. China is coming under pressure and trying to distract the international community --with specific countries from the South China Sea to the East China Sea to border with India. China is trying to distract it by with all this incursions and tragedy. So our condolences to all those family members to all those Jawans who died. WION: Increased tension between India and China. How do you see the development? Lobsang Sangay: For the last 60 years, we have been repeating this as a mantra and it’s a fact that, if you look at the map of China, the Han Chinese populated territory is only 40% of the area, rest 60% include Tibet--which is one-fifth of Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Manchuria and all that. If you look at the Chinese empire it has expanded because of invasion and encroachment. After the occupation of Tibet, in the 60s, Chinese leaders have said Tibet is the Palm, now they have to go for 5 fingers--Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. So in 2017, you have Doklam incident that borders Sikkim and Bhutan and then now you have in Ladakh. This is all part of the grand, long term expansionist strategy which they had and implementing now. It has turned violent in a recent case in Ladakh. WION: Suggest to Nepal you would like to give? Lobsang Sangay: To Nepal and all the neighbouring countries, we have been saying the same thing. The way Tibet was occupied, first they said they will build a road from china to Tibet this will bring prosperity to Tibetans. Once they build the road, they brought in trucks, tanks, guns and soon they occupied us. In the process, they have a very shrewd strategy, which is called elite co-optation--which is to buy off all the elites. Go after your political leaders, your business leaders, intellectuals, your journalist, and your Dharmic leaders. They buy of each of the sectors of the community which are elite at the top. So when the actual occupation happens, you realise that elite in the country is divided, one supporting china and one supporting own country. In all the neighbouring countries, this is the process, the strategy which they implement. They implemented in Tibet 60 years ago, they implementing it now in Nepal and all the countries around the world. Blueprint they use in Tibet, they used around the world including in Nepal. This is taking place in Nepal. What happened to Tibet, can happen to India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Learn from us, be careful. WION: You saying China buying Nepal's elite? Lobsang Sangay: They do it everywhere. They do it in Europe, they do it Australia. The former FM of Austalia is the biggest consultant in support of the Chinese govt. You go to Europe, so many European countries--where former ministers are the best spokespersons defending china, being an advocate for Chinese investment, relationship with china. When you see this happening, in rich countries around the world, in Nepal, you won't be surprised they making efforts even in India. They do it all the time. WION: Option in front of New Delhi to deal with China? Is a military option available? Lobsang Sangay: The military option should be the last option and should be the last option. We believe and advocate in Ahimsa, non-violence. We advocate dialogue is the best way to solve any issue. We have to defend, your own country internally. Elite co-optation is taking place, with less success perhaps in India, but they do it. They try to influence and give propaganda. This is how they encroach within though the co-optation process. So India has to be very careful if these things are taking place or not. WION: What is the future of Tibet? Lobsang Sangay: Chinese are very powerful, economically, militarily we are weaker in that sense. They have destroyed 98% of monasteries and nunneries. They banned the practice of Buddhism in Tibetan plateau. 60 years have passed, Tibetan Buddhism has spread across the world. We have to rebuild major monasteries in exile, mainly in India. Now Buddism is back in Tibet in private social space, govt policy is still to destroy Buddhism. But if look as whole Buddhism is back in Tibet. This shows despite the efforts to wipe out Tibetan civilization we are back practising Tibetan Buddhism, wearing our own dress, eating our own food and Tibetan sense of identity is very strong in Tibet.60 Years later, we are still strong internally and externally because we have support across the world. Support is getting strong, from the European Parliament to the US. Chinese govt manipulated us into occupation and we have been the best spokesperson. Our future is hopeful. WION: How will support New Delhi, do you see your role? Lobsang Sangay: Our role has been clear. We have been saying the same thing, China says Tibet is its core issue, very important issue. India should say, Tibet, is a core issue for them, for the geopolitical issue. There was never border between India and China, it was a border between India and Tibet. Let us go back to 1940-50 you did not need policemen now you need battalions, regiments. India is spending billions of dollars, which was not necessary. Tibet acted as a buffer zone, it was the demilitarized border. If you solve the issue of Tibet, you can address the border issue. Awareness about Tibet is very minimal in India. If you go to America or Europe, there are Tibetan studies programme but in India how many major Indian universities have such a programme. Like 2017, Doklam incident, it’s a Tibetian word. Not many expertises know that. You have to create awareness among the general population, at least students and intellectuals should know what happened to Tibet so that you are better prepared. You must have such a programme at the university level. WION: You saying India should junk one China policy? Lobsang Sangay: One China policy was created for Taiwan because they have one china and 2 interpretation. Under this umbrella, Tibet and Hong Kong and other issues are put in. People in Taiwan, including the ambassador of Taiwan to India has said it is time for India to review one china policy. Taiwan, the main target is saying so, Indian govt should look into it why Taiwan is saying so. WION: What would you say about Hong Kong? Lobsang Sangay: People in Hong Kong advocating basic freedom, basic human right--right to freedom of speech, right to assembly, right to democracy. On national security, the law has been imposed. We are the first victims of national security law. So many security laws have been passed in Tibet, each time security law is passed, it essentially means security is more important than individual freedom, freedom of speech, unity more important than diversity. We have seen this in Tibet, people of Hong Kong should study the origin of security law in Tibet and how it is being interpreted now, explained one way and exploited. You have to issue of Tibet to understand the mindset and manipulation of the Chinese govt. Be it India, Nepal or Hong Kong. People need to pay issue. Explain Tibet is a zone of peace, demilitarized zone. WION: Hopeful the grand building behind you the Potala place, you will be able to enter it one day? Lobsang Sangay: That is why I am sitting next to the building with the national flag. This is our symbol, our peaceful, non-violent movement led by his holiness 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. One day soon, you will see us back in Tibet and his holiness Dalai Lama in the Potala Building.

Tibetan govt in exile warns of Chinese expansionist policy in the region; says Beijing buying elites in Nepal

Whether the government of India would admit or not, it is crystal clear that India is facing a war-like situation with China today.

The most important thing that India needs to do now is to convey a firm impression to the Chinese government that India would not buckle under pressure and military threat. Certainly, this is what many countries in the world, who understand the tactics of China and are concerned about it, expect from India today.&nbsp;

Obviously, India has to confront China on several fronts including trade and economic front. While China has created huge capacities in several industrial and commercial sectors, the fact is that China is excessively dependent on the world market for its industries to operate at the economic capacity utilisation level, &nbsp;by marketing their product internationally. This is the area where China has to be confronted. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-should-india-do-now-to-fight-chinas-provocations-306750">Also Read: What should India do now to fight China's provocations?</a>

US President Trump has understood this and that is why he initiated the trade war with China, which is getting silent approval from several countries. Very few countries criticise the US for its trade war moves, which has made the Chinese economy weaker, though not still weak at an alarming level.

It is high time that India too needs to start a trade war with China. While there is a high level of clamour amongst the cross-section of Indians to ban the import of goods and services from China, some “experts” have been stating that the ban on import of goods from China would nearly paralyze the Indian economy too. This view is certainly not based on facts and not based on a clear understanding of the ground realities in India.

In the year 2019, China’s exports to India was $68.3 billion, while India’s exports to China was much lower level at $17.1 billion, largely consisting of minerals and natural products.

Of these above exports by China to India, drugs and drug intermediates constitute around &nbsp;65 per cent of the total import of bulk drugs and intermediates by India from various countries. Most of these import of bulk drugs and drug intermediates are avoidable, as India has enough capacity. For example, the number of units in India has capacities for the production of several drugs such as Ibuprofen, paracetamol metronidazole, and still India import from China leading to underutilisation of capacity in India. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-is-learning-the-limitations-of-its-will-to-power-305595">Also Read: China is learning the limitations of its will to power</a>

In the same way, India has adequate installed capacity for several chemicals and even such chemicals are being imported from China. Several examples can be readily pointed out.

India imports around 1 lakh tonne per annum of citric acid from China and India was producing citric acid and then closed its plants due to import dumping from China.

Several Indian units such as Hindustan Antibiotics, Torrent Pharmaceuticals, and others were producing Penicillin G earlier and all of them have closed operations due to import dumping from China and now India is largely importing from China.

Why is this situation? The reason needs to be understood and tackled. 
 
India is importing several pharmaceuticals and chemicals from China, not due to lack of production capacity or technological capability but Indian buyers are tempted by low prices offered by Beijing and also because it provides liberal credit terms of as much as six months to the Indian buyers from the date of Bill of Lading, after the Indian buyer would open irrevocable Letter of Credit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The fact is that China is a nonmarket economy and several hidden subsidies and support are given by the Chinese government to help the Chinese industries export the products at a low price and there is no transparency in such matters.

What is particularly surprising is that several buyers and traders in India succumb to the temptation of buying products from China due to the low price and liberal credit terms, even if the quality and specification of the Chinese product would be less than that of the product produced in developed countries.

Curbing the import of products from China is now a national necessity to protect India’s interests. There are many non-essential items imported from China such as furniture, bedding, toys, mobile phones, televisions, etc., which India can do without supply from China.&nbsp;

In the case of chemicals, bulk drugs, auto parts etc., the capacity utilisation of Indian industries should be improved and production increased by curbing import from China. There are enough capabilities in India with regard to such products.

Even in the case of the renewable energy sector, solar cells are imported from China in large quantities, while solar cell producers in India are languishing.

The government of India should make the price of Chinese goods in India expensive by imposing safeguard duty to protect the Indian industries and national interest.&nbsp;With such protection, Indian industries will have the opportunity to expand capacities, increase production and optimise production cost, which they are unable to do now as they are unable to operate with confidence due to import dumping from China. &nbsp;

India has to learn from the strategy of US President Trump who has imposed tariffs on Chinese products heavily to curb imports from China. China has tried to retaliate by imposing tariffs on US products. In the process, both the countries have not bothered about the regulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

China is occupying Indian territory and has killed Indian soldiers. In such circumstances, India starting a trade war with China is absolutely appropriate. Even as per the WTO rules, safeguard duty can be imposed on the imported product by any country, if the domestic industry would be adversely impacted.

Certainly, a trade war with India would not destabilise the Chinese economy in a big way, but it would cause concern to China. This would make it clear to China about India’s determination to confront China and would be a trendsetter for several countries in the world who are equally concerned like India about China’s greed, ruthlessness, and territorial expansionist policies. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Whether the government of India would admit or not, it is crystal clear that India is facing a war-like situation with China today. The most important thing that India needs to do now is to convey a firm impression to the Chinese government that India would not buckle under pressure and military threat.

Whether the government of India would admit or not, it is crystal clear that India is facing a war-like situation with China today. The most important thing that India needs to do now is to convey a firm impression to the Chinese government that India would not buckle under pressure and military threat. Certainly, this is what many countries in the world, who understand the tactics of China and are concerned about it, expect from India today. Obviously, India has to confront China on several fronts including trade and economic front. While China has created huge capacities in several industrial and commercial sectors, the fact is that China is excessively dependent on the world market for its industries to operate at the economic capacity utilisation level, by marketing their product internationally. This is the area where China has to be confronted. Also Read: What should India do now to fight China's provocations? US President Trump has understood this and that is why he initiated the trade war with China, which is getting silent approval from several countries. Very few countries criticise the US for its trade war moves, which has made the Chinese economy weaker, though not still weak at an alarming level. It is high time that India too needs to start a trade war with China. While there is a high level of clamour amongst the cross-section of Indians to ban the import of goods and services from China, some “experts” have been stating that the ban on import of goods from China would nearly paralyze the Indian economy too. This view is certainly not based on facts and not based on a clear understanding of the ground realities in India. In the year 2019, China’s exports to India was $68.3 billion, while India’s exports to China was much lower level at $17.1 billion, largely consisting of minerals and natural products. Of these above exports by China to India, drugs and drug intermediates constitute around 65 per cent of the total import of bulk drugs and intermediates by India from various countries. Most of these import of bulk drugs and drug intermediates are avoidable, as India has enough capacity. For example, the number of units in India has capacities for the production of several drugs such as Ibuprofen, paracetamol metronidazole, and still India import from China leading to underutilisation of capacity in India. Also Read: China is learning the limitations of its will to power In the same way, India has adequate installed capacity for several chemicals and even such chemicals are being imported from China. Several examples can be readily pointed out. India imports around 1 lakh tonne per annum of citric acid from China and India was producing citric acid and then closed its plants due to import dumping from China. Several Indian units such as Hindustan Antibiotics, Torrent Pharmaceuticals, and others were producing Penicillin G earlier and all of them have closed operations due to import dumping from China and now India is largely importing from China. Why is this situation? The reason needs to be understood and tackled. India is importing several pharmaceuticals and chemicals from China, not due to lack of production capacity or technological capability but Indian buyers are tempted by low prices offered by Beijing and also because it provides liberal credit terms of as much as six months to the Indian buyers from the date of Bill of Lading, after the Indian buyer would open irrevocable Letter of Credit. The fact is that China is a nonmarket economy and several hidden subsidies and support are given by the Chinese government to help the Chinese industries export the products at a low price and there is no transparency in such matters. What is particularly surprising is that several buyers and traders in India succumb to the temptation of buying products from China due to the low price and liberal credit terms, even if the quality and specification of the Chinese product would be less than that of the product produced in developed countries. Curbing the import of products from China is now a national necessity to protect India’s interests. There are many non-essential items imported from China such as furniture, bedding, toys, mobile phones, televisions, etc., which India can do without supply from China. In the case of chemicals, bulk drugs, auto parts etc., the capacity utilisation of Indian industries should be improved and production increased by curbing import from China. There are enough capabilities in India with regard to such products. Even in the case of the renewable energy sector, solar cells are imported from China in large quantities, while solar cell producers in India are languishing. The government of India should make the price of Chinese goods in India expensive by imposing safeguard duty to protect the Indian industries and national interest. With such protection, Indian industries will have the opportunity to expand capacities, increase production and optimise production cost, which they are unable to do now as they are unable to operate with confidence due to import dumping from China. India has to learn from the strategy of US President Trump who has imposed tariffs on Chinese products heavily to curb imports from China. China has tried to retaliate by imposing tariffs on US products. In the process, both the countries have not bothered about the regulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). China is occupying Indian territory and has killed Indian soldiers. In such circumstances, India starting a trade war with China is absolutely appropriate. Even as per the WTO rules, safeguard duty can be imposed on the imported product by any country, if the domestic industry would be adversely impacted. Certainly, a trade war with India would not destabilise the Chinese economy in a big way, but it would cause concern to China. This would make it clear to China about India’s determination to confront China and would be a trendsetter for several countries in the world who are equally concerned like India about China’s greed, ruthlessness, and territorial expansionist policies. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India's avoidable import dependence on China

China’s recent intrusions in Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso, once again prove that after years of bending over backwards to accommodate or somewhat appease China, India has not yet learned any meaningful lessons about the Chinese strategic mindset. After annexing Tibet, Mao said, Tibet is the palm, and now they must get the five fingers- Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh. However, India's early leadership was perceptive enough to visualize this and act accordingly by warming up to the five fingers and in Sikkim’s case by integrating it with India in 1975. &nbsp;

Looking Back&nbsp;

In 1954, India and China signed the Panchsheel agreement. With it, also began, India’s implied support to the doctrine of the “One-China” policy. However, CCP’s expansionist designs continued to simmer and manifested in Chinese inroads in Tibet and later in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The betrayal and debacle of 1962 shattered Nehru, ultimately leading to his demise and sending India into a phase of what this author would prefer to call “strategic depression.” India became inward-looking, insanely skeptical of foreign powers, and obsessed with putting its own house in order. After 1962, China and India went through a long phase of uneasy silence, apart from the clashes of 1967 when the Indian army routed the Chinese in Nathula, killing hundreds of PLA soldiers and the Chinese attack on the Assam Rifles patrol party in 1975 at Tulung La in Arunachal. &nbsp;

The Long era of Appeasement&nbsp;

In 1988, Rajiv Gandhi’s China visit after the Sumdorongchu standoff (1986) ‘broke the ice’ and resumed bilateral ties after three decades. In 1993, PM Narsimha Rao visited China and signed the Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement. &nbsp;

In 1996, China agreed upon a range of CBMs with India in the military field along LAC. Following it was the border trade agreement of 2003 to promote border trade through Nathu La and develop friendly ties. In 2005, India-China signed the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the Boundary Question, in 2012, the agreement on border tri-junction (India, China, and Bhutan), and in 2013, the agreement on border defence and cooperation. &nbsp;

India continued with its policy of engaging China and accommodating Chinese concerns in the naïve hope of resolving border disputes, weakening China’s ties with Pakistan, and harness the strengths of civilizational-cultural ties. In 2015, India extended the privilege of electronic visas to Chinese citizens on arriving in India and removed China from the list of the “countries of concern” to attract more Chinese investment. It resulted in massive dumping by Chinese firms doubling the trade surplus to $60 billion per year. In 2018, Delhi refused an official contact with Dalai Lama and Tibet’s India-based government-in-exile. However, Chinese intrusions continued. In 2013, the Chinese made incursions in Depsang valley, indulging in provocative military action. In 2014, during Xi Jinping India-visit, PLA made incursions in Ladakh’s Chumar area and in 2017, in Doklam plateau, resulting in a 73-day long stand-off between the two armies. &nbsp;

Lessons from the Past&nbsp;

After 22 rounds of special-representative level meetings to settle the boundary dispute, the CCP shows no intent to resolve the border dispute. The flare-ups in Doklam, Depsang, Chumar, Ladakh, and intensifying pressure on Nepal and Arunachal Pradesh clearly suggest that CCP is still chasing Mao’s dream of occupying the five fingers. &nbsp;

On the Indian side, it appears that there is a deep-rooted policy ambiguity about China. Whether China is an adversary or a friend continues to remain an unanswered question at the policy level? India’s powerful foreign ministry mandarins have advocated the policy of positive engagement with China, over the last 30 years. India’s dominant left-wing academic and journalistic community, many of whom are now baying for Chinese blood, have consistently held that India and China have an economic interdependence, and India cannot economically grow without China. &nbsp;

The recent skirmishes have once again proved that both groups are living in a fool’s paradise. After decades of written agreements and CBMs, China still encroaches into Indian territory, making a complete mockery of goodwill and appeasement shown by India. In the economic realm also, Delhi’s foreign policy mandarins preferred engaging China either through BRICS or by joining the AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank). However, it hardly brought any favorable change in China’s strategic behaviour. &nbsp;The trade, investment, and economic relationship have mostly hovered around India importing cheap consumer goods from China. China has not transferred any technology to India. It has had a detrimental effect on the local innovation and entrepreneurship and increased India’s dependence manifold. Even though India has a trade deficit of $60 billion, it has failed to leverage it on the strategic front.&nbsp;

Over the Chinese side, the strategic thought has been consistent, i.e., to keep the borders vague and make continuous inroads laying sovereign claims to more and more territory. Chinese have deliberately continued with the policy of keeping LAC vague and widening the military and economic gap with India so that it can negotiate on its terms in the future. &nbsp;

It is not hard to discern the pattern of “two-steps forward and one-step backward” in Chinese policy. Moreover, China agreed to a range of things in the bilateral agreements with India; however, they continued to misinterpret them and change the goalposts when it suits them. As recently as 2018, China agreed to Delhi’s offer of an annual informal bilateral summit. However, such goodwill gestures had no impact on China’s intrusions. After the Doklam standoff, China built permanent structures and enhanced its deployments gaining control of most of the barren plateau claimed by India’s ally, Bhutan. Interestingly, China agrees to the bilateral summits and diplomatic engagements because it aligns well with its “engagement with containment” strategy with India. &nbsp;

India has to learn from Tibet’s and its own experience that deception, surprise, and concealment is a fundamental aspect of CCP’s strategic thought, diplomacy, and military policy. The reason lies in the devious expansionist intent, the essence of the CCP’s strategic thought process. It originates from the genesis of CCP, its inherent ideological totalitarianism, deterministic approach, and the revanchist attitude, rooted in historical grudges and frustrations. Also, China’s expansionist intent is not merely India-specific and confined to the political domain. China’s bullying and arm-twisting in the South China Sea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Eastern Turkestan also emanates from the same imperial DNA of CCP.&nbsp;

In the economic sphere, China’s torturous loans sending nations into debt-trap, demographic engineering in Gilgit-Baltistan to secure CPEC, violation of environmental norms in African countries, and supporting dictators, oppressors, and human rights violators in Central Asia strengthens its expansionist credentials. On the home front, extreme levels of information control, suppression of religious and cultural minorities, in particular, the treatment meted out to Uighurs in the reeducation camps of Xinjiang and the lunatic mission to homogenize China with Han Chinese population remind one of the fascist regimes of Hitler and Mussolini and the horrors of the holocaust. Perhaps a little digression, but the author believes that if the world powers do not unite against the racist and fascist regime of CCP led by Xi, humanity may witness another holocaust. &nbsp;

Reportedly, the recent Ladakh incursions were planned months ago after India abrogated article 370. Also, it is pertinent to mention that there is a strong likelihood of China-Pakistan working in tandem preceding the recent incursions. During his field visit to Kashmir for a research project on terror financing, the author’s interlocutors informed that PLA cadres and officers were moving with Pakistan’s patrol parties near the LoC. They were assisting the Pak army in installing advanced air defence systems and missiles near the LoC. Also, departing from the past, the PLA officers were meeting the militant commanders of Lashkar and Jaish in the training camps in PoK. China and Pakistan’s intelligence and security establishment has evolved into an intricate and robust network cooperating and collaborating at multiple levels and on multiple fronts. Further, India’s appeasement and meek response to its intrusions ended up whetting China’s voracious appetite for grabbing more territory, instead of placating it. Also, since it feels secure that India is unlikely to retaliate strongly, frequent incursions in India help in whipping up the nationalist sentiment on the home front where CCP faces increasing unpopularity and resentment.&nbsp;

The Road Ahead

As long as CCP continues to exist, China will be India’s adversary, and it would be irrational for India to trust China in the future. Under the Mao’s reincarnate Xi Jinping, CCP has long-term imperial ambitions of world domination, and hence China’s errant behaviour is likely to abate in the future unless India abandons Dalai Lama, accepts a completely subordinate status and act accordingly, willingly surrenders Arunachal and whatever new claims of sovereignty that will float from Beijing, as per their strategic interests. &nbsp;The policy of engagement or a long era of appeasement since 1988, in Brahma Chellaney’s words, has proved to be a Himalayan blunder and a monumental disaster. &nbsp;Now the question arises- what should be India’s future course of action? Certainly, no engagement &nbsp;!! Beyond that, Delhi needs a multi-pronged and a long-term strategy to contain China.&nbsp;

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China’s recent intrusions in Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso, once again prove that after years of bending over backwards to accommodate or somewhat appease China, India has not yet learned any meaningful lessons about the Chinese strategic mindset.

China’s recent intrusions in Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso, once again prove that after years of bending over backwards to accommodate or somewhat appease China, India has not yet learned any meaningful lessons about the Chinese strategic mindset. After annexing Tibet, Mao said, Tibet is the palm, and now they must get the five fingers- Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh. However, India's early leadership was perceptive enough to visualize this and act accordingly by warming up to the five fingers and in Sikkim’s case by integrating it with India in 1975. Looking Back In 1954, India and China signed the Panchsheel agreement. With it, also began, India’s implied support to the doctrine of the “One-China” policy. However, CCP’s expansionist designs continued to simmer and manifested in Chinese inroads in Tibet and later in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The betrayal and debacle of 1962 shattered Nehru, ultimately leading to his demise and sending India into a phase of what this author would prefer to call “strategic depression.” India became inward-looking, insanely skeptical of foreign powers, and obsessed with putting its own house in order. After 1962, China and India went through a long phase of uneasy silence, apart from the clashes of 1967 when the Indian army routed the Chinese in Nathula, killing hundreds of PLA soldiers and the Chinese attack on the Assam Rifles patrol party in 1975 at Tulung La in Arunachal. The Long era of Appeasement In 1988, Rajiv Gandhi’s China visit after the Sumdorongchu standoff (1986) ‘broke the ice’ and resumed bilateral ties after three decades. In 1993, PM Narsimha Rao visited China and signed the Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement. In 1996, China agreed upon a range of CBMs with India in the military field along LAC. Following it was the border trade agreement of 2003 to promote border trade through Nathu La and develop friendly ties. In 2005, India-China signed the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the Boundary Question, in 2012, the agreement on border tri-junction (India, China, and Bhutan), and in 2013, the agreement on border defence and cooperation. India continued with its policy of engaging China and accommodating Chinese concerns in the naïve hope of resolving border disputes, weakening China’s ties with Pakistan, and harness the strengths of civilizational-cultural ties. In 2015, India extended the privilege of electronic visas to Chinese citizens on arriving in India and removed China from the list of the “countries of concern” to attract more Chinese investment. It resulted in massive dumping by Chinese firms doubling the trade surplus to $60 billion per year. In 2018, Delhi refused an official contact with Dalai Lama and Tibet’s India-based government-in-exile. However, Chinese intrusions continued. In 2013, the Chinese made incursions in Depsang valley, indulging in provocative military action. In 2014, during Xi Jinping India-visit, PLA made incursions in Ladakh’s Chumar area and in 2017, in Doklam plateau, resulting in a 73-day long stand-off between the two armies. Lessons from the Past After 22 rounds of special-representative level meetings to settle the boundary dispute, the CCP shows no intent to resolve the border dispute. The flare-ups in Doklam, Depsang, Chumar, Ladakh, and intensifying pressure on Nepal and Arunachal Pradesh clearly suggest that CCP is still chasing Mao’s dream of occupying the five fingers. On the Indian side, it appears that there is a deep-rooted policy ambiguity about China. Whether China is an adversary or a friend continues to remain an unanswered question at the policy level? India’s powerful foreign ministry mandarins have advocated the policy of positive engagement with China, over the last 30 years. India’s dominant left-wing academic and journalistic community, many of whom are now baying for Chinese blood, have consistently held that India and China have an economic interdependence, and India cannot economically grow without China. The recent skirmishes have once again proved that both groups are living in a fool’s paradise. After decades of written agreements and CBMs, China still encroaches into Indian territory, making a complete mockery of goodwill and appeasement shown by India. In the economic realm also, Delhi’s foreign policy mandarins preferred engaging China either through BRICS or by joining the AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank). However, it hardly brought any favorable change in China’s strategic behaviour. The trade, investment, and economic relationship have mostly hovered around India importing cheap consumer goods from China. China has not transferred any technology to India. It has had a detrimental effect on the local innovation and entrepreneurship and increased India’s dependence manifold. Even though India has a trade deficit of $60 billion, it has failed to leverage it on the strategic front. Over the Chinese side, the strategic thought has been consistent, i.e., to keep the borders vague and make continuous inroads laying sovereign claims to more and more territory. Chinese have deliberately continued with the policy of keeping LAC vague and widening the military and economic gap with India so that it can negotiate on its terms in the future. It is not hard to discern the pattern of “two-steps forward and one-step backward” in Chinese policy. Moreover, China agreed to a range of things in the bilateral agreements with India; however, they continued to misinterpret them and change the goalposts when it suits them. As recently as 2018, China agreed to Delhi’s offer of an annual informal bilateral summit. However, such goodwill gestures had no impact on China’s intrusions. After the Doklam standoff, China built permanent structures and enhanced its deployments gaining control of most of the barren plateau claimed by India’s ally, Bhutan. Interestingly, China agrees to the bilateral summits and diplomatic engagements because it aligns well with its “engagement with containment” strategy with India. India has to learn from Tibet’s and its own experience that deception, surprise, and concealment is a fundamental aspect of CCP’s strategic thought, diplomacy, and military policy. The reason lies in the devious expansionist intent, the essence of the CCP’s strategic thought process. It originates from the genesis of CCP, its inherent ideological totalitarianism, deterministic approach, and the revanchist attitude, rooted in historical grudges and frustrations. Also, China’s expansionist intent is not merely India-specific and confined to the political domain. China’s bullying and arm-twisting in the South China Sea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Eastern Turkestan also emanates from the same imperial DNA of CCP. In the economic sphere, China’s torturous loans sending nations into debt-trap, demographic engineering in Gilgit-Baltistan to secure CPEC, violation of environmental norms in African countries, and supporting dictators, oppressors, and human rights violators in Central Asia strengthens its expansionist credentials. On the home front, extreme levels of information control, suppression of religious and cultural minorities, in particular, the treatment meted out to Uighurs in the reeducation camps of Xinjiang and the lunatic mission to homogenize China with Han Chinese population remind one of the fascist regimes of Hitler and Mussolini and the horrors of the holocaust. Perhaps a little digression, but the author believes that if the world powers do not unite against the racist and fascist regime of CCP led by Xi, humanity may witness another holocaust. Reportedly, the recent Ladakh incursions were planned months ago after India abrogated article 370. Also, it is pertinent to mention that there is a strong likelihood of China-Pakistan working in tandem preceding the recent incursions. During his field visit to Kashmir for a research project on terror financing, the author’s interlocutors informed that PLA cadres and officers were moving with Pakistan’s patrol parties near the LoC. They were assisting the Pak army in installing advanced air defence systems and missiles near the LoC. Also, departing from the past, the PLA officers were meeting the militant commanders of Lashkar and Jaish in the training camps in PoK. China and Pakistan’s intelligence and security establishment has evolved into an intricate and robust network cooperating and collaborating at multiple levels and on multiple fronts. Further, India’s appeasement and meek response to its intrusions ended up whetting China’s voracious appetite for grabbing more territory, instead of placating it. Also, since it feels secure that India is unlikely to retaliate strongly, frequent incursions in India help in whipping up the nationalist sentiment on the home front where CCP faces increasing unpopularity and resentment. The Road Ahead As long as CCP continues to exist, China will be India’s adversary, and it would be irrational for India to trust China in the future. Under the Mao’s reincarnate Xi Jinping, CCP has long-term imperial ambitions of world domination, and hence China’s errant behaviour is likely to abate in the future unless India abandons Dalai Lama, accepts a completely subordinate status and act accordingly, willingly surrenders Arunachal and whatever new claims of sovereignty that will float from Beijing, as per their strategic interests. The policy of engagement or a long era of appeasement since 1988, in Brahma Chellaney’s words, has proved to be a Himalayan blunder and a monumental disaster. Now the question arises- what should be India’s future course of action? Certainly, no engagement !! Beyond that, Delhi needs a multi-pronged and a long-term strategy to contain China. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Time for an assertive force posture against China

Mainland China reported 26 new confirmed coronavirus cases for June 20, down from 27 a day earlier. Of the new infections, 22 were in Beijing, the National Health Commission said in a statement, the same as a day earlier.

Mainland China reported 26 new confirmed coronavirus cases for June 20, down from 27 a day earlier. Of the new infections, 22 were in Beijing, the National Health Commission said in a statement, the same as a day earlier. The city of more than 20 million people reported its first case in the latest wave on June 11. The resurgence has been linked to a wholesale food centre in the southwest of Beijing, according to a Reuters report. So far, 227 people in the city have been infected in the latest outbreak. Mainland China reported six new asymptomatic cases, those who are infected with the coronavirus but show no symptoms, down from seven a day earlier. Beijing accounted for three of the new cases. China does not count asymptomatic patients as confirmed cases and as part of the official infection tally. To date, China has 83,378 confirmed cases. The first infections were traced to Huanan seafood market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December. No new deaths were reported in mainland China for June 20.

China reports 26 new COVID-19 cases including 22 in capital Beijing

As the second outbreak of coronavirus in Beijing is registering more cases than the first one, the city officials believe they have the resources and capacity to conduct one million coronavirus tests per day.

The outbreak has happened months after the first outbreak in the city, and is registering more cases than the first one.

As the outbreak is believed to have started in the&nbsp;Xinfadi market, the officials were earlier only testing the workers and recent visitors of the market. The testing was later expanded to the neighbouring areas. However, now&nbsp;it has been expanded to include residents in many other parts of the city as well as food and parcel delivery workers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-26-new-covid-19-cases-including-22-in-capital-beijing-307371">Also read:&nbsp;China reports 26 new COVID-19 cases including 22 in capital Beijing</a>

The outbreak happened over a week ago in the city of over 20 million, and since the new outbreak, capacity has more than doubled to more than 230,000 tests daily at 124 institutions, Gao Xiaojun, spokesman for the Beijing Health Commission, told a press briefing.

The tests are done on samples collected from multiple people in one test tube, enabling the city to get results from almost 1 million people daily.

The city is also receiving manpower from few other&nbsp;provinces including Hubei and Liaoning, who have sent about 200 people to Beijing to boost staff in laboratories.

(With inputs from Reuters)

As the second outbreak of coronavirus in Beijing is registering more cases than the first one, the city officials believe they have the resources and capacity to conduct one million coronavirus tests per day.

As the second outbreak of coronavirus in Beijing is registering more cases than the first one, the city officials believe they have the resources and capacity to conduct one million coronavirus tests per day. The outbreak has happened months after the first outbreak in the city, and is registering more cases than the first one. As the outbreak is believed to have started in the Xinfadi market, the officials were earlier only testing the workers and recent visitors of the market. The testing was later expanded to the neighbouring areas. However, now it has been expanded to include residents in many other parts of the city as well as food and parcel delivery workers. Also read: China reports 26 new COVID-19 cases including 22 in capital Beijing The outbreak happened over a week ago in the city of over 20 million, and since the new outbreak, capacity has more than doubled to more than 230,000 tests daily at 124 institutions, Gao Xiaojun, spokesman for the Beijing Health Commission, told a press briefing. The tests are done on samples collected from multiple people in one test tube, enabling the city to get results from almost 1 million people daily. The city is also receiving manpower from few other provinces including Hubei and Liaoning, who have sent about 200 people to Beijing to boost staff in laboratories. (With inputs from Reuters)

COVID 19: Beijing to test one million people daily

China’s capital reported 22 new cases of the coronavirus on Sunday after a mass testing effort that has collected more than two million samples in a race to contain a new outbreak.

Millions tested as Beijing reports 22 new virus cases in last 24 hours

A second wave of Covid-19 infections has sent China scrambling yet again. An unhygienic market is once again at the centre of the story.

Gravitas: How Beijing is turning into Wuhan

Chinese authorities have discovered traces of the SARS-Cov-2 in the seafood and the meat sections of the massive Xinfadi wholesale food market in Beijing. Watch report.

China: COVID-19 traces found in Xinfadi seafood stalls

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