The coronavirus has sent China scrambling yet again. Beijing, the Chinese capital, is battling its second virus outbreak.

This has sent anxious residents flooding to clinics for voluntary tests, putting the healthcare system under massive strain. So far, over 350,000 people have been tested.

For two months, the Chinese capital did not report a single case, and then the city saw a surge of over 150 infections in a week. Most cases are linked to Beijing's huge Xinfadi wholesale food center.

It seems despite repeated and urgent warnings, China has failed to take care of the hygiene in wholesale food markets. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-finds-heavy-coronavirus-traces-in-seafood-meat-sections-of-beijing-food-market-306858">Also Read: China finds heavy coronavirus traces in seafood, meat sections of Beijing food market</a>

The Communist Party’s top disciplinary body has swung into action as they want to avoid the global shame that followed the Wuhan outbreak. In its report, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said, " The epidemic is a mirror that not only reflects the dirty and messy aspects of wholesale markets but also their low-level management conditions."

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The first major cluster of infections was traced to the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan through which over 8.4 million people were infected.

China has realised that it must improve hygiene in its markets after a repeat of the same mistake in Beijing. Since May 30, over 200,000 people have visited the Beijing market. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijings-coronavirus-outbreak-under-control-chinese-expert-says-306810">Also Read: Beijing's coronavirus outbreak under control, Chinese expert says</a>

Now, authorities are tracking down all of them. As many as 80,000 test samples were taken in and around the market alone.10 areas in Beijing are under lockdown and in many districts, buildings have been completely sealed.

Travel restrictions have been put in place and residents now require a negative result on a nucleic acid test to travel. But, these measures may have come too late.

Neighbouring provinces -Hebei, Liaoning, Sichuan, and Zhejiang have also reported new cases, all linked to travellers arriving from Beijing.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The coronavirus has sent China scrambling yet again. Beijing, the Chinese capital, is battling its second virus outbreak. This has sent anxious residents flooding to clinics for voluntary tests, putting the healthcare system under massive strain.

The coronavirus has sent China scrambling yet again. Beijing, the Chinese capital, is battling its second virus outbreak. This has sent anxious residents flooding to clinics for voluntary tests, putting the healthcare system under massive strain. So far, over 350,000 people have been tested. For two months, the Chinese capital did not report a single case, and then the city saw a surge of over 150 infections in a week. Most cases are linked to Beijing's huge Xinfadi wholesale food center. It seems despite repeated and urgent warnings, China has failed to take care of the hygiene in wholesale food markets. Also Read: China finds heavy coronavirus traces in seafood, meat sections of Beijing food market The Communist Party’s top disciplinary body has swung into action as they want to avoid the global shame that followed the Wuhan outbreak. In its report, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said, " The epidemic is a mirror that not only reflects the dirty and messy aspects of wholesale markets but also their low-level management conditions." The first major cluster of infections was traced to the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan through which over 8.4 million people were infected. China has realised that it must improve hygiene in its markets after a repeat of the same mistake in Beijing. Since May 30, over 200,000 people have visited the Beijing market. Also Read: Beijing's coronavirus outbreak under control, Chinese expert says Now, authorities are tracking down all of them. As many as 80,000 test samples were taken in and around the market alone.10 areas in Beijing are under lockdown and in many districts, buildings have been completely sealed. Travel restrictions have been put in place and residents now require a negative result on a nucleic acid test to travel. But, these measures may have come too late. Neighbouring provinces -Hebei, Liaoning, Sichuan, and Zhejiang have also reported new cases, all linked to travellers arriving from Beijing.

Beijing's second coronavirus wave puts wet markets back in focus

The morale of the world community is now at a very low level due to the COVID-19 crisis, with no one knowing when it would end, and the consequent shattered economy of most countries in the world. The Chinese government under the dictatorship of Xi Jinping appears to have decided that present is the best time for the Chinese government to achieve its long-cherished ambition of dominating the world in all respects and emerging as the undisputed superpower of the world.

It is very obvious that the Chinese government has concluded, after all, its calculation or miscalculation, that its strategies towards total domination of the world should start now by confronting and weakening India and even humiliating it, if possible. A large populated country like India, if it were to decisively weaken under the pressure of China, then probably the Chinese government thinks that there would not be many insurmountable hurdles to “conquer the world”.

While the 1962 war with China left India humiliated and it is yet to recover from the shock of Chinese deceit, the Chinese government has consistently applied pressure on India in various ways in multiple forums.&nbsp;

With this game plan of weakening India, the Chinese government has directly and indirectly encouraged Pakistan to maintain hate relationship with India and prejudiced leadership of Pakistan has just considered China not wisely as 'all-weather friend'. In this process, today Pakistan has virtually become an extended territory of China and Pakistan government is in no position to refuse any dictates from China. With huge debts and several infrastructure projects under the Chinese companies, China can any time make Pakistan open a bigger military front against India than what it has been doing so far.&nbsp;

The appeasement of China by India started when Jawaharlal Nehru misread the motives and game plan of the then Chinese government. The recent visit of Xi Jinping to India when Prime Minister Modi went out of the way to extend a glamorous welcome to the Chinese President, made many think whether Modi also has misread the game plan of the Chinese government, just as Jawaharlal Nehru did several decades back.

When China occupied Tibet after the massacre of thousands of Tibetan protestors and India simply recognised the Chinese occupation of Tibet, in spite of the fact that Tibet under Chinese control could be a threat for India’s security interests, the world virtually lost faith that India has the will power to confront Chinese government.

Now, the tragic news that at least 20 Indian army men lost their lives in the border clash with the Chinese military, has shocked entire India, with people wondering how Modi would handle the situation. Will he try to buy peace with China in spite of the provocation or gather courage and work out plans to resist the Chinese government.

In any case, it is obvious now that India has no option other than resisting China in every possible way and make it realise that India is not a country that China can take for granted.

The terrorist attacks by militants from Pakistan in Kashmir which has been steadily increasing in recent times, the government of Nepal creating border dispute with India and Chinese military creating border tension, clearly indicate that China has worked out its strategic game plan to encircle India.

In all probability, it is likely that Pakistan will intensify its conflict with India in Kashmir and Nepal government would become more belligerent against India and &nbsp;Chinese military provocation in the border will intensify. Just as China killed Indian military personnel on June 15, the Nepal government too shot down an Indian a few days back at its border with India.

The scheme behind the well-coordinated plan of the Chinese government with support from governments of Pakistan and Nepal is to force India to resist the incursions on the border with China, Nepal and Pakistan using its military force. This will give an opportunity for the Chinese government to send its force to Pakistan and Nepal to “defend their border”. Then, the Chinese military will not go back at all from these territories of Pakistan and Nepal.

The news that China has asked Nepalese government to teach its students Chinese language Mandarin and has promised to meet the expenses for teaching the Mandarin language clearly indicates that China has a deep interest in controlling Nepal and possibly even occupying Nepal in one form or the other. It is disturbing to think whether Nepal too would go the Tibet way.

What options for Indian government now?

India has to stop import from China. This will be a matter of concern to China and effectively reveal the present Indian government’s mindset to the Chinese government. Certainly, India would suffer a little by suddenly curbing imports from China but this will be a very small price that India can afford.

India has to develop a relationship with Taiwan in a more open way and strengthen trade relations with Taiwan. China should be given the impression that India would not hesitate to give recognition to Taiwan, if necessary.

India must&nbsp;seek cooperation from countries like the US, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Israel and others, which&nbsp;are equally concerned about Chinese greed and territorial ambitions.

It appears that military confrontation with China and its allies Pakistan and Nepal is possible in the coming days, in a small or big way. Possibly, India needs to have an understanding with the US to face the situation, in the event of attacks from these three neighbouring countries.

Above all, Prime Minister Modi has to clearly realise that China has to be paid in the same coin and the appeasement policy has lost its value once for all. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The morale of the world community is now at a very low level due to the COVID-19 crisis, with no one knowing when it would end, and the consequent shattered economy of most countries in the world.

The morale of the world community is now at a very low level due to the COVID-19 crisis, with no one knowing when it would end, and the consequent shattered economy of most countries in the world. The Chinese government under the dictatorship of Xi Jinping appears to have decided that present is the best time for the Chinese government to achieve its long-cherished ambition of dominating the world in all respects and emerging as the undisputed superpower of the world. It is very obvious that the Chinese government has concluded, after all, its calculation or miscalculation, that its strategies towards total domination of the world should start now by confronting and weakening India and even humiliating it, if possible. A large populated country like India, if it were to decisively weaken under the pressure of China, then probably the Chinese government thinks that there would not be many insurmountable hurdles to “conquer the world”. While the 1962 war with China left India humiliated and it is yet to recover from the shock of Chinese deceit, the Chinese government has consistently applied pressure on India in various ways in multiple forums. With this game plan of weakening India, the Chinese government has directly and indirectly encouraged Pakistan to maintain hate relationship with India and prejudiced leadership of Pakistan has just considered China not wisely as 'all-weather friend'. In this process, today Pakistan has virtually become an extended territory of China and Pakistan government is in no position to refuse any dictates from China. With huge debts and several infrastructure projects under the Chinese companies, China can any time make Pakistan open a bigger military front against India than what it has been doing so far. The appeasement of China by India started when Jawaharlal Nehru misread the motives and game plan of the then Chinese government. The recent visit of Xi Jinping to India when Prime Minister Modi went out of the way to extend a glamorous welcome to the Chinese President, made many think whether Modi also has misread the game plan of the Chinese government, just as Jawaharlal Nehru did several decades back. When China occupied Tibet after the massacre of thousands of Tibetan protestors and India simply recognised the Chinese occupation of Tibet, in spite of the fact that Tibet under Chinese control could be a threat for India’s security interests, the world virtually lost faith that India has the will power to confront Chinese government. Now, the tragic news that at least 20 Indian army men lost their lives in the border clash with the Chinese military, has shocked entire India, with people wondering how Modi would handle the situation. Will he try to buy peace with China in spite of the provocation or gather courage and work out plans to resist the Chinese government. In any case, it is obvious now that India has no option other than resisting China in every possible way and make it realise that India is not a country that China can take for granted. The terrorist attacks by militants from Pakistan in Kashmir which has been steadily increasing in recent times, the government of Nepal creating border dispute with India and Chinese military creating border tension, clearly indicate that China has worked out its strategic game plan to encircle India. In all probability, it is likely that Pakistan will intensify its conflict with India in Kashmir and Nepal government would become more belligerent against India and Chinese military provocation in the border will intensify. Just as China killed Indian military personnel on June 15, the Nepal government too shot down an Indian a few days back at its border with India. The scheme behind the well-coordinated plan of the Chinese government with support from governments of Pakistan and Nepal is to force India to resist the incursions on the border with China, Nepal and Pakistan using its military force. This will give an opportunity for the Chinese government to send its force to Pakistan and Nepal to “defend their border”. Then, the Chinese military will not go back at all from these territories of Pakistan and Nepal. The news that China has asked Nepalese government to teach its students Chinese language Mandarin and has promised to meet the expenses for teaching the Mandarin language clearly indicates that China has a deep interest in controlling Nepal and possibly even occupying Nepal in one form or the other. It is disturbing to think whether Nepal too would go the Tibet way. What options for Indian government now? India has to stop import from China. This will be a matter of concern to China and effectively reveal the present Indian government’s mindset to the Chinese government. Certainly, India would suffer a little by suddenly curbing imports from China but this will be a very small price that India can afford. India has to develop a relationship with Taiwan in a more open way and strengthen trade relations with Taiwan. China should be given the impression that India would not hesitate to give recognition to Taiwan, if necessary. India must seek cooperation from countries like the US, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Israel and others, which are equally concerned about Chinese greed and territorial ambitions. It appears that military confrontation with China and its allies Pakistan and Nepal is possible in the coming days, in a small or big way. Possibly, India needs to have an understanding with the US to face the situation, in the event of attacks from these three neighbouring countries. Above all, Prime Minister Modi has to clearly realise that China has to be paid in the same coin and the appeasement policy has lost its value once for all. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India must stand-up to China

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.

Beijing reports spike in COVID-19 cases: 25 cases of local transmission in 24 hours

Traces of SARS-Cov-2 in meat, seafood section: 183 COVID-19 cases in 8 days

The second wave of Wuhan virus in Beijing may have emerged from an exotic meat stall at the Xinfadi market. Cases have surged over 100 in just six days. Beijing's residents are living in fear.

Gravitas: Beijing's new COVID-19 cluster grows

The US Chamber of Commerce&nbsp;has asked Beijing to step up its purchases of US goods and services&nbsp;as agreed under a Phase 1 trade deal, despite delays caused by the coronavirus.

The Chamber also&nbsp;emphasised the importance of&nbsp;functional US-China ties amid the pandemic, and the ongoing verbal spat between the two countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-no-formal-plans-to-mediate-between-india-and-china-says-us-306871">Also watch|&nbsp;WION Dispatch: 'No formal plans to mediate between India and China', says US</a>

Talking about the hiccups caused due to the pandemic, the Chamber stressed that the there is still hope, and has urged the two countries to&nbsp;initiate regular talks on implementation of purchases, intellectual property reforms and other issues covered by the trade deal.

“Implementation is critical. COVID-19 has unquestionably slowed progress for both governments, and it will be critical for the pace of implementation of purchases to accelerate markedly," it said in a statement after a virtual meeting of top US and Chinese business leaders.

The meeting was a regular first annual meeting out of the two that is&nbsp;convened each year by the Chamber and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, a Beijing-based think tank. The meeting&nbsp;focused on the Phase 1 trade deal that took effect in February, and supply chain challenges.

<a href="wionews.com/world/china-has-no-intention-to-interfere-in-us-election-306764">Also read|&nbsp;China has no intention to interfere in US election</a>

The recent spat between the two countries has raised an alarm for existing trade deal, under which&nbsp;China agreed to buy $200 billion more in U.S. goods and services over two years.

The Chamber has urged both economies to work in peace as&nbsp;China’s 1.4 billion consumers represent the fastest growing market for US companies, and US-origin companies also face challenges doing business with China.

The US Chamber of Commerce has asked Beijing to step up its purchases of US goods and services as agreed under a Phase 1 trade deal, despite delays caused by the coronavirus.

The US Chamber of Commerce has asked Beijing to step up its purchases of US goods and services as agreed under a Phase 1 trade deal, despite delays caused by the coronavirus. The Chamber also emphasised the importance of functional US-China ties amid the pandemic, and the ongoing verbal spat between the two countries. Also watch| WION Dispatch: 'No formal plans to mediate between India and China', says US Talking about the hiccups caused due to the pandemic, the Chamber stressed that the there is still hope, and has urged the two countries to initiate regular talks on implementation of purchases, intellectual property reforms and other issues covered by the trade deal. “Implementation is critical. COVID-19 has unquestionably slowed progress for both governments, and it will be critical for the pace of implementation of purchases to accelerate markedly," it said in a statement after a virtual meeting of top US and Chinese business leaders. The meeting was a regular first annual meeting out of the two that is convened each year by the Chamber and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, a Beijing-based think tank. The meeting focused on the Phase 1 trade deal that took effect in February, and supply chain challenges. Also read| China has no intention to interfere in US election The recent spat between the two countries has raised an alarm for existing trade deal, under which China agreed to buy $200 billion more in U.S. goods and services over two years. The Chamber has urged both economies to work in peace as China’s 1.4 billion consumers represent the fastest growing market for US companies, and US-origin companies also face challenges doing business with China.

Step up your purchases of US goods: US Chamber of Commerce tells Beijing

A fresh outbreak of the Wuhan virus has created an 'extremely severe' situation in Beijing. The city has reported at least 161cases. Is this a second wave? If yes, why is the W.H.O covering-up for China again?

Gravitas: A Wuhan like situation in Beijing

Is Beijing on its way to become a second Wuhan?

Beijing banned high-risk people from leaving the Chinese capital and halted some transportation services on Tuesday.

China imposes travel curbs as coronavirus cases mount

Beijing on Sunday reported a record 36 new cases of COVID-19 in China's capital, all linked to a major food wholesale market, raising concerns about the spike in a country that had sharply reduced its infections.

Beijing logs record 36 novel coronavirus cases, linked to market cluster.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-57-new-virus-cases-highest-daily-count-since-april-305692" hreflang="en">China reports 57 new virus cases, highest daily count since April</a>

The city has ordered testing of anyone linked to the Xinfadi market, after the district containing the market put itself on a "wartime" footing and Beijing banned tourism and sports events amid fears of a new wave of the pandemic in the country where it arose last year.

"Beijing has entered an extraordinary period," city spokesman Xu Hejian told a news conference on Sunday.

The new cases for Saturday and the rest of the 43 cases reported over the past three days have been linked to the market in Fengtai district in the southwest of Beijing, city health authority data showed.

Of the 36 newly infected people, 12 live in a residential compound for Xinfadi workers. Almost everyone had either worked or shopped inside the market.

One of the people is a 56-year-old employee with a Beijing airport bus company, who had shopped at the market on June 3 and developed symptoms two days later. The city-backed Beijing News reported the man had not worked at the airport for months and had no contact with travellers.

Long queues for coronavirus tests appeared outside a hospital near the market on Sunday, pictures in the state-run People's Daily showed.

City officials decided on Saturday that anyone who had been to or had contact with people who had been to Xinfadi since May 30 will be required to report to their work or residential units and be tested for the new coronavirus that causes the disease, Beijing News said.

Anyone working in the market or living nearby must also be tested, the report said.

In addition, Beijing health authority spokesman Gao Xiaojun told the news conference anyone in the city with a fever will be given nucleic-acid and serology tests for the coronavirus, a blood test and a CT scan.

Medical facilities are not allowed to turn away patients with fever symptoms, Gao said.

City officials ordered samples to be taken from the market and for it to be completely disinfected, Beijing News said.

At least 10 cities, including Harbin and Dalian, have urged residents not to travel to Beijing and to report to authorities if they have done so recently.

Authorities shut down the Xinfadi market before dawn on Saturday after seven people who had recently been to the market were found to have the virus in the preceding two days.

More than 1,500 tonnes of seafood, 18,000 tonnes of vegetables and 20,000 tonnes of fruit are traded at the market daily, according to its website.

Beijing on Sunday reported a record 36 new cases of COVID-19 in China's capital, all linked to a major food wholesale market, raising concerns about the spike in a country that had sharply reduced its infections.

Beijing on Sunday reported a record 36 new cases of COVID-19 in China's capital, all linked to a major food wholesale market, raising concerns about the spike in a country that had sharply reduced its infections. Beijing logs record 36 novel coronavirus cases, linked to market cluster. Also read: China reports 57 new virus cases, highest daily count since April The city has ordered testing of anyone linked to the Xinfadi market, after the district containing the market put itself on a "wartime" footing and Beijing banned tourism and sports events amid fears of a new wave of the pandemic in the country where it arose last year. "Beijing has entered an extraordinary period," city spokesman Xu Hejian told a news conference on Sunday. The new cases for Saturday and the rest of the 43 cases reported over the past three days have been linked to the market in Fengtai district in the southwest of Beijing, city health authority data showed. Of the 36 newly infected people, 12 live in a residential compound for Xinfadi workers. Almost everyone had either worked or shopped inside the market. One of the people is a 56-year-old employee with a Beijing airport bus company, who had shopped at the market on June 3 and developed symptoms two days later. The city-backed Beijing News reported the man had not worked at the airport for months and had no contact with travellers. Long queues for coronavirus tests appeared outside a hospital near the market on Sunday, pictures in the state-run People's Daily showed. City officials decided on Saturday that anyone who had been to or had contact with people who had been to Xinfadi since May 30 will be required to report to their work or residential units and be tested for the new coronavirus that causes the disease, Beijing News said. Anyone working in the market or living nearby must also be tested, the report said. In addition, Beijing health authority spokesman Gao Xiaojun told the news conference anyone in the city with a fever will be given nucleic-acid and serology tests for the coronavirus, a blood test and a CT scan. Medical facilities are not allowed to turn away patients with fever symptoms, Gao said. City officials ordered samples to be taken from the market and for it to be completely disinfected, Beijing News said. At least 10 cities, including Harbin and Dalian, have urged residents not to travel to Beijing and to report to authorities if they have done so recently. Authorities shut down the Xinfadi market before dawn on Saturday after seven people who had recently been to the market were found to have the virus in the preceding two days. More than 1,500 tonnes of seafood, 18,000 tonnes of vegetables and 20,000 tonnes of fruit are traded at the market daily, according to its website.

Beijing logs record 36 novel coronavirus cases, linked to market cluster

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Faf du Plessis, all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and spinner Imran Tahir have arrived here to join the team bubble ahead of the resumption of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Du Plessis, Bravo and Tahir all participated in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2021 and hence will undergo only two-day isolation before joining the CSK bubble.

"3x the Excitement Fafulous Champion Express," CSK tweeted.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/national-commitment-continues-csk-pay-tribute-as-thala-ms-dhonis-name-crops-up-in-defence-committee-for-ncc-413681">'National Commitment continues' - CSK pay tribute as 'Thala' MS Dhoni's name crops up in defence committee for NCC</a>

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3x the Excitement 💛💛💛 
 
Fafulous Champion Express 🦁🦁🦁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> <a href="https://t.co/YE3Q921zRy">pic.twitter.com/YE3Q921zRy</a>
— Chennai Super Kings - Mask P😷du Whistle P🥳du! (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1438568034680000531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume on Sunday in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and defending champions Mumbai Indians.

After the CSK-MI clash, the action will then shift to Abu Dhabi where KKR will square off against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Sharjah will host its first game on September 24 when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Chennai Super Kings.

In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah, and 8 in Abu Dhabi.Meanwhile, IPL will welcome the fans back to the stadiums after a brief hiatus owing to the COVID-19 situation.&nbsp;

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Faf du Plessis, all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and spinner Imran Tahir have arrived here to join the team bubble ahead of the resumption of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Faf du Plessis, all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and spinner Imran Tahir have arrived here to join the team bubble ahead of the resumption of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Du Plessis, Bravo and Tahir all participated in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2021 and hence will undergo only two-day isolation before joining the CSK bubble. "3x the Excitement Fafulous Champion Express," CSK tweeted. ALSO READ | 'National Commitment continues' - CSK pay tribute as 'Thala' MS Dhoni's name crops up in defence committee for NCC 3x the Excitement 💛💛💛 Fafulous Champion Express 🦁🦁🦁#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/YE3Q921zRy — Chennai Super Kings - Mask P😷du Whistle P🥳du! (@ChennaiIPL) September 16, 2021 × The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume on Sunday in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and defending champions Mumbai Indians. After the CSK-MI clash, the action will then shift to Abu Dhabi where KKR will square off against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sharjah will host its first game on September 24 when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Chennai Super Kings. In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah, and 8 in Abu Dhabi.Meanwhile, IPL will welcome the fans back to the stadiums after a brief hiatus owing to the COVID-19 situation.

China is learning the limitations of its will to power

On 5 June 1989, the world woke up to the images of the massacre in Tiananmen. What action did the world's democracies take? What was India's stance under the Rajiv Gandhi government? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Tiananmen Massacre | How the world responded 31 years back

The Tiananmen Square massacre is something China wants the world to forget. It was an event that killed any hopes of democracy in China. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the ghost of Tiananmen still haunts Beijing.

Gravitas: 31 years since Tiananmen Massacre | What has changed in China?

On June 4, 1989, China sent tanks and military to Tiananmen Square. A pro-democracy movement was massacred under the cover of night. 31 years on, China has not released a death toll. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report on the night that changed China forever.

Gravitas: Remembering the Tiananmen Square Massacre

P.L.A troops have not moved back despite high-level marathon talks between India & China. Meanwhile, Beijing's mouthpiece Global Times is ratcheting up rhetoric with headlines & videos aimed at intimidating New Delhi. Have the talks failed to yield a breakthrough? What exactly is proving to be a roadblock?

Gravitas: India-China border standoff | No sign of de-escalation

China's propaganda megaphone Global Times has released a video that claims to show P.L.A troops preparing for battle. Does Bejing want to overwhelm India into a panic? Why is the P.L.A indulging in such theatrics? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report on China's 'psychological operations'.

Gravitas: Exposing China's mind games against India

How does the Chinese Communist Party control its media? How is Beijing fighting the narrative war? WION's Palki Sharma takes you inside China's propaganda machine.

Gravitas: Inside China's propaganda machine

China is using riots in the U.S. to push its propaganda. It is using police action in the U.S. to justify brutality in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping is busy appeasing the ethnic minorities. Is Beijing nervous after persecuting its minorities for decades?

Gravitas: Xi Jinping appeases Minorities: Is China nervous?

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Communist governments were folding one after another. When the Soviet Union collapsed, China was hit the hardest. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why the global shift towards democracy was nightmarish for Beijing.

Gravitas: Tiananmen Massacre | Geopolitical changes that rattled China

Two things scare China, the ghost of Tiananmen Square, and more importantly- meeting the same fate as the Soviet Union. Because despite years of rapid changes, the chorus for democracy is echoing in China once again. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the story.

Gravitas: Tiananmen Massacre | What China fears the most

Global Times is said to overemphasise every little perceived success of Beijing & justify all crimes committed by the Chinese regime. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a crash-course on this Chinese mouthpiece.

Gravitas: Global Times | The story of China's propaganda mouthpiece

31 years ago young protestors in China had gathered in Tiananmen Square in Beijing and were demanding freedom and individual rights like those granted to people in the west. The Chinese government chose to send troops and tanks to crush the protestors and that came to be known as the 'Tiananmen Massacre'.

31 years since Tiananmen Square massacre | 1989 | China

China has been cracking down on a growing number of officials in President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign. This time, the anti-graft watchdog has stretched its arms to the far western region of Xinjiang.

A high-level official in northwest Xinjiang region, where Muslim minorities have been held in internment camps, has come under investigation by the country's anti-corruption agency.

Ren Hua, the 56-year-old vice chairwoman of the region, is suspected of "serious violations of discipline and law", a euphemism for corruption, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-slams-taiwans-call-on-china-to-apologise-for-tiananmen-crackdown-as-nonsense-302911">Also Read: Beijing slams Taiwan’s call on China to apologise for Tiananmen crackdown</a>

Ren is the fifth senior official to be investigated this year. Ren Hua started off as a clerk in the communist party's regional office in Xinjiang in 1986.

Since the start of the year, Xinjiang's regional corruption watchdog has detained - a former deputy mayor, a former deputy director of the transport and a former deputy commissioner.

This is a crackdown on former senior officials who served in the Xinjiang province which is the most-intensely monitored region in China. Beijing&nbsp;has peddled unfounded claims of terrorist threats, and thus, these investigations don't look like an anti-corruption drive, but political vendetta - an attempt to consolidate power. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-introduce-bill-criminalising-criticism-of-traditional-medicine-302968">&nbsp;Also Read: China to introduce bill criminalising criticism of traditional medicine</a>

The power struggle seems to have reached the top and now it's a fight between President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Kequiang.&nbsp;

At a recent gathering, Li said that China must leave room for fiscal, financial and social security policies. "China now faces a daunting task in slashing absolute poverty due to the COVID-19 impact," he said.

In response, Xi is said to have criticised Li's welfare approach as such a wide-ranging poverty alleviation scheme would put more curbs on government spending on infrastructure. 
 
It would hamper China's big lending operations across the world, most importantly, it would weaken Xi's position as a leader who could not take China back to its economic heights. 
 
China''s economy contracted to 6.8 per cent in the first quarter for the first time since 1976 due to coronavirus lockdowns. Beijing has suffered a blow to its international image, with the world pointing fingers at China for the pandemic that has infected nearly six&nbsp;million people around the world while claiming over 3 lakh lives.

Beijing-backed crackdowns on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong has also sparked an international backlash.

(With inputs from AFP)

China has been cracking down on a growing number of officials in President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign. This time, the anti-graft watchdog has stretched its arms to the far western region of Xinjiang.

China has been cracking down on a growing number of officials in President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign. This time, the anti-graft watchdog has stretched its arms to the far western region of Xinjiang. A high-level official in northwest Xinjiang region, where Muslim minorities have been held in internment camps, has come under investigation by the country's anti-corruption agency. Ren Hua, the 56-year-old vice chairwoman of the region, is suspected of "serious violations of discipline and law", a euphemism for corruption, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Also Read: Beijing slams Taiwan’s call on China to apologise for Tiananmen crackdown Ren is the fifth senior official to be investigated this year. Ren Hua started off as a clerk in the communist party's regional office in Xinjiang in 1986. Since the start of the year, Xinjiang's regional corruption watchdog has detained - a former deputy mayor, a former deputy director of the transport and a former deputy commissioner. This is a crackdown on former senior officials who served in the Xinjiang province which is the most-intensely monitored region in China. Beijing has peddled unfounded claims of terrorist threats, and thus, these investigations don't look like an anti-corruption drive, but political vendetta - an attempt to consolidate power. Also Read: China to introduce bill criminalising criticism of traditional medicine The power struggle seems to have reached the top and now it's a fight between President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Kequiang. At a recent gathering, Li said that China must leave room for fiscal, financial and social security policies. "China now faces a daunting task in slashing absolute poverty due to the COVID-19 impact," he said. In response, Xi is said to have criticised Li's welfare approach as such a wide-ranging poverty alleviation scheme would put more curbs on government spending on infrastructure. It would hamper China's big lending operations across the world, most importantly, it would weaken Xi's position as a leader who could not take China back to its economic heights. China''s economy contracted to 6.8 per cent in the first quarter for the first time since 1976 due to coronavirus lockdowns. Beijing has suffered a blow to its international image, with the world pointing fingers at China for the pandemic that has infected nearly six million people around the world while claiming over 3 lakh lives. Beijing-backed crackdowns on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong has also sparked an international backlash. (With inputs from AFP)

Is Xi Jinping consolidating power in the name of fighting corruption?

The war of words between China and the United States has intensified with Beijing now warning of strong countermeasures against any move that damages China's interests. Watch the WION ground report from Hong Kong.

China slams US: US drafting sanctions on Chinese firms

China is one of the five countries which share a border with the Northeast region of India (NE), increasing its strategic significance to the nation. NE has great potential for utilisation of its large amount of natural resources and tourism.

The poor connectivity, perceived isolation, insurgency in some states, growing vulnerability to terrorism, ethnic conflicts, cross-border linkages including cultural connect with countries like China, Myanmar, inter-tribal feuds for dominance, poor economic development are some of the strategic concerns which make prevailing security situation in this region extremely complex to deal with, but strategically inescapable to be tackled.&nbsp;

Impact of India-China Border Dispute on Northeast

Chinese claim of Indian sovereign territory of Arunachal Pradesh as its South Tibet, unsettled borders, trust deficit, lack of identifiable demarcation of Line of Actual Control (LAC) and frequent spoilers like Doklam incidents, pose a serious challenge to the security in&nbsp;Northeast.&nbsp;

Northeastern states remain connected to rest of India by Siliguri Corridor with a narrow width of only 17 kilometres and despite our strong defensive posture, it mentally isolates Northeast India. Although India has tried to mitigate the problem by establishing a rail route via Bangladesh, but it can hardly be termed it as a strategic alternative to the Siliguri Corridor. Let us not forget that the strategy behind the Doklam crisis was Chinese intent to get closer to the corridor.&nbsp;

The border problem is complicated as Chinese highlight the absence of any written border treaty between China and India. It is often mentioned that Beijing has resolved its border dispute with 12 out of 14 countries, however, Chinese argue that it was done on the give-and-take principle.&nbsp;

In China-India equation giving anything has a heavy political cost, as both sides interpret history as it suits them. Expecting India to give away Tawang or expecting China to give back Aksai Chin is unlikely to be accepted by domestic constituencies on both sides. It is for this reason that every time when the talks start on border resolution, it invariably ends with additional measures for border management.&nbsp;

What is doable is delimitation and demarcation of LAC, which must be tried. To my mind, this will happen only, when the political and strategic cost of not doing so will increase for China, in comparison to doing so. Till then China and India will continue with border management&nbsp;with occasional border incidents. The troops on ground will have to continue facing the problem of guarding the borders without firing, like a tug of war match, with every leader and diplomat trying to give them ‘strategic directions’ and telling them to act with maturity, without understanding what it means to the soldier on ground who wants to be clear of demarcation line, which he is expected to defend. This is the right time to strike when the US-China trade war is on and countries fear getting caught in the Chinese debt trap. Many countries seem to be getting together to counter Chinese encroachment.&nbsp;

India must also act as per our national interest, which should be beyond quick fix agreements which exist and calling it as a diplomatic success, despite the fact that Doklam like incident can explode any time if there is no demarcation. &nbsp;

It's worth mentioning that the raising of Arunachal SCOUTS and Sikkim SCOUTS&nbsp;is a positive step in the context of border management and giving the local population a feel of genuine inclusiveness besides providing jobs and economic benefits to them.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Potential to Refuel Insurgency &nbsp;

China has a few centuries old linkages with Northeast, especially tribal linkages Nagas with Yunnan Province. In past, some of these linkages were used to help insurgent groups in NE, although there has not been any direct support of China for insurgency in the region in last few years, but the old experiences of it sheltering some Indian insurgent leaders does not rule out suspicion. The bulk of the weapons with insurgent groups of NE are Chinese make, but China maintains the deniability that it sells them commercially in the world market and has no control over who buys it through conduits. Most insurgent groups can be lured with financial and material support, which can be provided by China whenever its national interest demands. It, therefore, indicates a viable potential to ignite insurgency in future. The cross-border weapon trade and smuggling of goods have greater potential as Chinese footprints in Myanmar due to infrastructure and purse diplomacy increases.&nbsp;

Water as a Strategic Tool &nbsp;

The large-scale construction of dams and river connectivity projects by China pose a serious challenge to water security, not only to NE but South Asia as well. Challenges due to the use of water as a strategic weapon by China in the absence of any worthwhile treaty loom over South Asia. India and Bangladesh also need to worry about the shortage of water which may emerge due to water diversion and hydro-power projects of China, which may indirectly strain the relations between both. I think it is high time that India, Bangladesh, as well as Pakistan, talk to China about getting into a treaty for sharing of water. The measures adopted by China to use the water resource of Tibet as its sovereign property are a cause of serious strategic and security concern. In absence of any water treaty, China retains the hydro-strategic leverages in respect of South Asia. With such storage of water, China will have some capability to release extra water when India does not need it and stop the same when it faces water shortage. Water pollution is another concern. It is, therefore, necessary that water treaty must become a crucial subject of discussion with China bilaterally

Chinese Influence on North East Periphery&nbsp;

Infrastructure developmental assistance in neighbouring countries is integral to China’s ‘Infrastructure and Purse diplomacy of South Asia’. It is part of China’s policy to project its soft power in the region. Almost all countries in the region have witnessed Chinese involvement in ongoing infrastructure projects. Chinese increasing influence in Bangladesh and Myanmar, who have joined BRI project, is also a matter of concern for India. China’s infrastructure development in Yunnan and its extension to Myanmar, besides increasing its influence in&nbsp;NE gives it access to the Bay of Bengal and brings its connectivity in close proximity to Indian borders with Myanmar.&nbsp; 
 
India needs to speed up the infrastructure development and inclusive growth of the Northeast region&nbsp;to arrest any disharmony and security risks.&nbsp; 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

China is one of the five countries which share a border with the Northeast region of India (NE), increasing its strategic significance to the nation. NE has great potential for utilisation of its large amount of natural resources and tourism.

China is one of the five countries which share a border with the Northeast region of India (NE), increasing its strategic significance to the nation. NE has great potential for utilisation of its large amount of natural resources and tourism. The poor connectivity, perceived isolation, insurgency in some states, growing vulnerability to terrorism, ethnic conflicts, cross-border linkages including cultural connect with countries like China, Myanmar, inter-tribal feuds for dominance, poor economic development are some of the strategic concerns which make prevailing security situation in this region extremely complex to deal with, but strategically inescapable to be tackled. Impact of India-China Border Dispute on Northeast Chinese claim of Indian sovereign territory of Arunachal Pradesh as its South Tibet, unsettled borders, trust deficit, lack of identifiable demarcation of Line of Actual Control (LAC) and frequent spoilers like Doklam incidents, pose a serious challenge to the security in Northeast. Northeastern states remain connected to rest of India by Siliguri Corridor with a narrow width of only 17 kilometres and despite our strong defensive posture, it mentally isolates Northeast India. Although India has tried to mitigate the problem by establishing a rail route via Bangladesh, but it can hardly be termed it as a strategic alternative to the Siliguri Corridor. Let us not forget that the strategy behind the Doklam crisis was Chinese intent to get closer to the corridor. The border problem is complicated as Chinese highlight the absence of any written border treaty between China and India. It is often mentioned that Beijing has resolved its border dispute with 12 out of 14 countries, however, Chinese argue that it was done on the give-and-take principle. In China-India equation giving anything has a heavy political cost, as both sides interpret history as it suits them. Expecting India to give away Tawang or expecting China to give back Aksai Chin is unlikely to be accepted by domestic constituencies on both sides. It is for this reason that every time when the talks start on border resolution, it invariably ends with additional measures for border management. What is doable is delimitation and demarcation of LAC, which must be tried. To my mind, this will happen only, when the political and strategic cost of not doing so will increase for China, in comparison to doing so. Till then China and India will continue with border management with occasional border incidents. The troops on ground will have to continue facing the problem of guarding the borders without firing, like a tug of war match, with every leader and diplomat trying to give them ‘strategic directions’ and telling them to act with maturity, without understanding what it means to the soldier on ground who wants to be clear of demarcation line, which he is expected to defend. This is the right time to strike when the US-China trade war is on and countries fear getting caught in the Chinese debt trap. Many countries seem to be getting together to counter Chinese encroachment. India must also act as per our national interest, which should be beyond quick fix agreements which exist and calling it as a diplomatic success, despite the fact that Doklam like incident can explode any time if there is no demarcation. It's worth mentioning that the raising of Arunachal SCOUTS and Sikkim SCOUTS is a positive step in the context of border management and giving the local population a feel of genuine inclusiveness besides providing jobs and economic benefits to them. Potential to Refuel Insurgency China has a few centuries old linkages with Northeast, especially tribal linkages Nagas with Yunnan Province. In past, some of these linkages were used to help insurgent groups in NE, although there has not been any direct support of China for insurgency in the region in last few years, but the old experiences of it sheltering some Indian insurgent leaders does not rule out suspicion. The bulk of the weapons with insurgent groups of NE are Chinese make, but China maintains the deniability that it sells them commercially in the world market and has no control over who buys it through conduits. Most insurgent groups can be lured with financial and material support, which can be provided by China whenever its national interest demands. It, therefore, indicates a viable potential to ignite insurgency in future. The cross-border weapon trade and smuggling of goods have greater potential as Chinese footprints in Myanmar due to infrastructure and purse diplomacy increases. Water as a Strategic Tool The large-scale construction of dams and river connectivity projects by China pose a serious challenge to water security, not only to NE but South Asia as well. Challenges due to the use of water as a strategic weapon by China in the absence of any worthwhile treaty loom over South Asia. India and Bangladesh also need to worry about the shortage of water which may emerge due to water diversion and hydro-power projects of China, which may indirectly strain the relations between both. I think it is high time that India, Bangladesh, as well as Pakistan, talk to China about getting into a treaty for sharing of water. The measures adopted by China to use the water resource of Tibet as its sovereign property are a cause of serious strategic and security concern. In absence of any water treaty, China retains the hydro-strategic leverages in respect of South Asia. With such storage of water, China will have some capability to release extra water when India does not need it and stop the same when it faces water shortage. Water pollution is another concern. It is, therefore, necessary that water treaty must become a crucial subject of discussion with China bilaterally Chinese Influence on North East Periphery Infrastructure developmental assistance in neighbouring countries is integral to China’s ‘Infrastructure and Purse diplomacy of South Asia’. It is part of China’s policy to project its soft power in the region. Almost all countries in the region have witnessed Chinese involvement in ongoing infrastructure projects. Chinese increasing influence in Bangladesh and Myanmar, who have joined BRI project, is also a matter of concern for India. China’s infrastructure development in Yunnan and its extension to Myanmar, besides increasing its influence in NE gives it access to the Bay of Bengal and brings its connectivity in close proximity to Indian borders with Myanmar. India needs to speed up the infrastructure development and inclusive growth of the Northeast region to arrest any disharmony and security risks. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How China impacts security dynamics in Northeast India

The Chinese government has not left anybody in doubt about its ambitious target of dominating the world at any cost. Chinese government has been suppressing freedom of speech, taking away the rights of citizens of Hong Kong in an authoritarian manner and aggressively occupying the territory of neighbours.

China is now aggressively claiming a territorial right in the South China Sea and Senkaku island. The Chinese government says that Taiwan is part of its territory and objects to any recognition given to Taiwan by any other country.

Further, China is trying to enforce its dominance over small and weak countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and others, by extending loans, which these countries cannot afford to repay in the foreseeable future.

Viewing China’s methods and targets, one does not find much of difference between today’s Chinese government and Hitler’s Germany. Several countries in the world are gradually realizing that checking China’s ambition is as necessary, as checking Hitler’s ambition that caused World War II.

However, the supporters of China claim that US government too should be accused of trying to dominate the world and it has sent troops to several countries such as Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and others to enforce its domination. There is an element of truth in this as the American government seem to think that it has the duty to police the world.

In any case, on careful analysis of the scenario and judiciously comparing the domination desire of China and the US, one cannot but see a subtle difference between both these countries.

While China believes in ruthless elimination of opponents both inside and outside and wants to occupy territories of other countries by coercion or force, the US does not indulge in such acts of suppression of human rights or occupying territory of other countries.

The US has not concealed its desire that freedom of speech and democratic procedures should prevail in all regions in the world. On many occasions, the US has fought against totalitarian regimes, religious extremists, and terrorist groups and has paid a high price by losing American lives.

The US may have the ambition to dominate the world and ensure its authority as a superpower, but it has no ambition of territorial expansions that China has.

All said and done, if the world were to choose between US&nbsp;and China, it would inevitably come to the conclusion that world domination by the US&nbsp;is a lesser evil than the world domination by China.

Unlike China, the citizens of US&nbsp;have the right to criticise the decisions of the government, launch protests against human rights violation, if any and exercise their franchise once in four years to change the party in power, if it would act against the wishes of the people. By such a process, the conscience of the US&nbsp;largely remains intact and the US government is vulnerable to the pressure of public opinion.

On the other hand, China has a totalitarian regime and no citizen can survive in China if he would criticise the Chinese President or question the decision of the Chinese government. To this extent, it is a dictatorial regime in China which can be termed as an uncivilized form of governance.

The fact is that the USA holds the superpower status for several decades now.&nbsp;Of course, there has been criticism against the US government by some section of world opinion, but most of such critics belong to religious extremist groups and motivated communist&nbsp;forces, whose economic and administrative policies have totally failed to deliver the goods.

China achieving superpower status and establishing its authority across the world with the least consideration for value systems and sentiments of people, is the worst thing that can happen to the civilisation.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The Chinese government has not left anybody in doubt about its ambitious target of dominating the world at any cost. Chinese government has been suppressing freedom of speech, taking away the rights of citizens of Hong Kong in an authoritarian manner and aggressively occupying the territory of neighbours.

The Chinese government has not left anybody in doubt about its ambitious target of dominating the world at any cost. Chinese government has been suppressing freedom of speech, taking away the rights of citizens of Hong Kong in an authoritarian manner and aggressively occupying the territory of neighbours. China is now aggressively claiming a territorial right in the South China Sea and Senkaku island. The Chinese government says that Taiwan is part of its territory and objects to any recognition given to Taiwan by any other country. Further, China is trying to enforce its dominance over small and weak countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and others, by extending loans, which these countries cannot afford to repay in the foreseeable future. Viewing China’s methods and targets, one does not find much of difference between today’s Chinese government and Hitler’s Germany. Several countries in the world are gradually realizing that checking China’s ambition is as necessary, as checking Hitler’s ambition that caused World War II. However, the supporters of China claim that US government too should be accused of trying to dominate the world and it has sent troops to several countries such as Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and others to enforce its domination. There is an element of truth in this as the American government seem to think that it has the duty to police the world. In any case, on careful analysis of the scenario and judiciously comparing the domination desire of China and the US, one cannot but see a subtle difference between both these countries. While China believes in ruthless elimination of opponents both inside and outside and wants to occupy territories of other countries by coercion or force, the US does not indulge in such acts of suppression of human rights or occupying territory of other countries. The US has not concealed its desire that freedom of speech and democratic procedures should prevail in all regions in the world. On many occasions, the US has fought against totalitarian regimes, religious extremists, and terrorist groups and has paid a high price by losing American lives. The US may have the ambition to dominate the world and ensure its authority as a superpower, but it has no ambition of territorial expansions that China has. All said and done, if the world were to choose between US and China, it would inevitably come to the conclusion that world domination by the US is a lesser evil than the world domination by China. Unlike China, the citizens of US have the right to criticise the decisions of the government, launch protests against human rights violation, if any and exercise their franchise once in four years to change the party in power, if it would act against the wishes of the people. By such a process, the conscience of the US largely remains intact and the US government is vulnerable to the pressure of public opinion. On the other hand, China has a totalitarian regime and no citizen can survive in China if he would criticise the Chinese President or question the decision of the Chinese government. To this extent, it is a dictatorial regime in China which can be termed as an uncivilized form of governance. The fact is that the USA holds the superpower status for several decades now. Of course, there has been criticism against the US government by some section of world opinion, but most of such critics belong to religious extremist groups and motivated communist forces, whose economic and administrative policies have totally failed to deliver the goods. China achieving superpower status and establishing its authority across the world with the least consideration for value systems and sentiments of people, is the worst thing that can happen to the civilisation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Superpower marathon: Here's how China's strategy is different from the US

China was perhaps the first country to introduce a contact tracing app to contain the spread of&nbsp;coronavirus. China’s health QR code system rate a person’s likely health status with green, orange or red colours, signifying whether the individual is safe, at high risk or a carrier of the virus.

The health tracking QR codes, which have played a key part in the country’s fight against coronavirus, now look set to play a much broader role in daily life as the eastern city of Hangzhou proposed to expand the use of the health codes post-pandemic.

Calling it a firewall to enhance people’s “health and immunity”, officials in Hangzhou plan to use the codes to assign a health status to a citizen, which will be generated through digital medical records. The citizens will be ranked based on their health and lifestyle - how much they exercised, their eating and drinking habits, whether they smoked and even how much they slept the night before. 
 
<a href="Also Read: Coronavirus pandemic heightening heatwave health risks">Also Read: Coronavirus pandemic heightening heatwave health risks</a>

Hangzhou is home to Chinese tech giant Alibaba. Its affiliate Ant Financial, alongside social media giant Tencent, developed the QR code app. The health QR code was added as a feature on Alipay, one of the largest digital payments systems in China, making it the ultimate surveillance weapon.&nbsp;

According to a report in the Chinese press, authorities can track not just coronavirus infection, but also your financial and transport data. More than one billion people in China are covered by these QR codes now.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-australia-has-more-to-lose-than-china-in-trade-row-301189">Also Read: Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row</a> 
 
The southern city of Guangzhou has already expanded its health code platform to include services that help residents book online consultations with local hospitals and buy face masks. Fujian province has said it wants to expand its QR codes to encompass medical treatment and drug purchases.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the move has set off a firestorm of criticism from thousands of users on social media, fuelling debate about privacy and data security. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

China was perhaps the first country to introduce a contact tracing app to contain the spread of coronavirus. China’s health QR code system rate a person’s likely health status with green, orange or red colours, signifying whether the individual is safe, at high risk or a carrier of the virus.

China was perhaps the first country to introduce a contact tracing app to contain the spread of coronavirus. China’s health QR code system rate a person’s likely health status with green, orange or red colours, signifying whether the individual is safe, at high risk or a carrier of the virus. The health tracking QR codes, which have played a key part in the country’s fight against coronavirus, now look set to play a much broader role in daily life as the eastern city of Hangzhou proposed to expand the use of the health codes post-pandemic. Calling it a firewall to enhance people’s “health and immunity”, officials in Hangzhou plan to use the codes to assign a health status to a citizen, which will be generated through digital medical records. The citizens will be ranked based on their health and lifestyle - how much they exercised, their eating and drinking habits, whether they smoked and even how much they slept the night before. Also Read: Coronavirus pandemic heightening heatwave health risks Hangzhou is home to Chinese tech giant Alibaba. Its affiliate Ant Financial, alongside social media giant Tencent, developed the QR code app. The health QR code was added as a feature on Alipay, one of the largest digital payments systems in China, making it the ultimate surveillance weapon. According to a report in the Chinese press, authorities can track not just coronavirus infection, but also your financial and transport data. More than one billion people in China are covered by these QR codes now. Also Read: Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row The southern city of Guangzhou has already expanded its health code platform to include services that help residents book online consultations with local hospitals and buy face masks. Fujian province has said it wants to expand its QR codes to encompass medical treatment and drug purchases. Meanwhile, the move has set off a firestorm of criticism from thousands of users on social media, fuelling debate about privacy and data security. (With inputs from Reuters)

China's 'health scores' for citizens here to stay?

China’s decision&nbsp;to impose national security law on Hong Kong has triggered protests across the city. 
 
The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong.

Hong Kong&nbsp;has refused to bow to Chinese oppression, calling the proposed national security law a direct assault on their civil liberties.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decoding-the-new-national-security-law-china-is-set-to-impose-on-hong-kong-300437">Also Read: Decoding the new national security law China is set to impose on Hong Kong</a>

In a return of the unrest that roiled Hong Kong last year, crowds thronged the streets of the city on Sunday in defiance of curbs imposed to contain the coronavirus, with chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," "Stand with Hong Kong, "echoing through the streets.&nbsp;

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"We must stand up and fight, and let Beijing know that we will never surrender. And today, more than a thousand Hongkongers gathered on the street again is proof that we will fight back," said Joshua Wong, a pro-democracy activist.

After announcing its plan to impose the national security law in Hong Kong, China has unleashed its propaganda machine to defend itself. The dragon&nbsp;has revived one of the oldest conspiracy theories in its playbook - the foreign hand.&nbsp;

"The Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs and no foreign interference will be tolerated. it is the basic norm of the international relations not to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, and every country should hold to it. secondly, it is the power of the central government to safeguard the national security and no country is exception," said Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-proposed-security-law-for-hong-kong-could-lead-to-us-sanctions-says-white-house-300793">Also Read: China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions</a>

Furthermore, China has stepped up its efforts to control not just the city, but the narrative around it as well. Over the weekend, a foreign media network faced censorship in mainland China. Its broadcasts, mentioning Hong Kong were not allowed to beam to television screens.&nbsp;

This isn't the first time that Hong Kong is standing up to China. Last year, the protestors forced China to retract a controversial Extradition Law.

Meanwhile, the supporters are more assertive, more vocal this time. More than 200 parliamentarians and policymakers from 23 countries have lodged a strong protest, condemning Beijing’s move to impose an autocratic law on Hong Kong.&nbsp; 
 
The strong-worded statement says: “If the international community cannot trust Beijing to keep its word when it comes to Hong Kong, people will be reluctant to take its word on other matters.”&nbsp;

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has thrown her weight behind the people of Hong Kong.&nbsp;“In face of the changing situation, the international community has proactively stretched out a helping hand to Hong Kong’s people,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

Moreover, the White House has said China’s national security law could invite US sanctions. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called Beijing's move a “death knell” for the autonomy of Hong Kong.&nbsp;

With support pouring in from all the corners, Hong Kong is not something that China can pass off as an internal matter anymore.

China’s decision to impose national security law on Hong Kong has triggered protests across the city. The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong.

China’s decision to impose national security law on Hong Kong has triggered protests across the city. The move is being seen as a turning point, as it would allow China to garner greater control and a sense of security over Hong Kong. Hong Kong has refused to bow to Chinese oppression, calling the proposed national security law a direct assault on their civil liberties. Also Read: Decoding the new national security law China is set to impose on Hong Kong In a return of the unrest that roiled Hong Kong last year, crowds thronged the streets of the city on Sunday in defiance of curbs imposed to contain the coronavirus, with chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," "Stand with Hong Kong, "echoing through the streets. × "We must stand up and fight, and let Beijing know that we will never surrender. And today, more than a thousand Hongkongers gathered on the street again is proof that we will fight back," said Joshua Wong, a pro-democracy activist. After announcing its plan to impose the national security law in Hong Kong, China has unleashed its propaganda machine to defend itself. The dragon has revived one of the oldest conspiracy theories in its playbook - the foreign hand. "The Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs and no foreign interference will be tolerated. it is the basic norm of the international relations not to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, and every country should hold to it. secondly, it is the power of the central government to safeguard the national security and no country is exception," said Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister. Also Read: China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions Furthermore, China has stepped up its efforts to control not just the city, but the narrative around it as well. Over the weekend, a foreign media network faced censorship in mainland China. Its broadcasts, mentioning Hong Kong were not allowed to beam to television screens. This isn't the first time that Hong Kong is standing up to China. Last year, the protestors forced China to retract a controversial Extradition Law. Meanwhile, the supporters are more assertive, more vocal this time. More than 200 parliamentarians and policymakers from 23 countries have lodged a strong protest, condemning Beijing’s move to impose an autocratic law on Hong Kong. The strong-worded statement says: “If the international community cannot trust Beijing to keep its word when it comes to Hong Kong, people will be reluctant to take its word on other matters.” Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has thrown her weight behind the people of Hong Kong. “In face of the changing situation, the international community has proactively stretched out a helping hand to Hong Kong’s people,” she wrote in a Facebook post. Moreover, the White House has said China’s national security law could invite US sanctions. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called Beijing's move a “death knell” for the autonomy of Hong Kong. With support pouring in from all the corners, Hong Kong is not something that China can pass off as an internal matter anymore.

Hong Kong security law protest: China faces fierce backlash

Chinese fashion designer Zhou Li is combining fashion with function, by creating trendy silk masks embroidered with orchids, camellias and Chinese characters symbolizing good luck, as she believes there will be a long-term demand for masks to protect people's health amid ongoing concerns about the coronavirus.

Chinese designer creates fashionable masks and suits to prevent coronavirus spread

Come May 22, India will assume the lead position at the first meeting of the WHO executive board at World Health Assembly conference. Being the first global congregation of WHO after the outbreak of COVID-19, this event has for obvious reasons garnered great significance. For India, along with curating a global response to the pandemic, what has become a bigger policy question is whether or not to include Taiwan in the executive body.&nbsp;

The relentless pursuance of US and Australia in the matter has put India under the spot. Its decision, hence, will determine the ability of the “anti-China” lobby to achieve anything beyond bold press statements. It is among the first attempts of a collective global response to stop the Chinese juggernaut, it has become all the more important.

For Xi personally, if there’s any perceived cult deficit between himself and Mao, the outcome may either plug it or put a permanent dent on his carefully cultivated legacy. Aspects shadowing Xi’s political future forms the focus of this article.

Despite Xi’s strong anti-corruption drive, efforts to modernise the army and further integrate China into the global supply chain, his Presidency has been less than convincing given a host of issues that have propped up since his ascent to the top post.

China’s continuous dip in the economic growth rate since 2013 is a telling story. In 2019, even before the pandemic hit the Chinese economy, the country’s GDP grew at 6.1 per cent, the slowest rate of economic growth since 1990. Last year, it recorded its lowest industrial output since 2002. The COVID-19 has accelerated this decline and the unemployment rate, consequently, has seen a steady increase.

The official figures put unemployment rates at 6.2 per cent but private research reports cite a far higher number. One such report put the real jobless rate at 20.5 per cent with 70 million unemployed, while another suggested that the pandemic may have pushed 205 million Chinese workers into uncertain employment.&nbsp;

Chinese social media provides an insight into growing resentment among the Chinese against the party leadership. On Douyin, China’s version of Tiktok, The Internationale - a left-wing anthem known for workers’ movement has become widely used background music, highlighting growing displeasure in the worker class.

The Belt and Road Initiative, Xi’s flagship program, has run into various troubles within the first decade. As of the second quarter of 2018, China’s non-performing assets in the BRI had reached $101.8 billion, and reports suggest at least $ 200 billion of lendings that are not on paper. Some of the investments have turned out to be outright foolish with seemingly no plan for recovery of the invested money. Take for instance the rail network spanning tens of thousands of kilometres connecting China to far European cities.&nbsp;

Xi has incentivised the local governments to create bubbles of ever-flourishing railway demand while in reality most of these trains run empty to Europe and back. The neglect of economics is such that even cities on the east, having easy access to ports have joined the Eurasian rail network. With diplomatic relations with Europe at their worst, an increasing number of nations reconsidering their involvement in BRI, failure stories in pivotal areas, and ever-growing debt on Chinese central banks, Xi’s ‘legacy’ initiative has set itself for eventual death.&nbsp;

To add to the economic nightmare Xi has found himself in, corporations from across the world are trying to shift their bases outside of China. Reports have emerged that Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is in touch with at least 100 US companies looking to move out of China. German footwear company Von Wellx has already shifted entire production from China to India. China’s contemporaries, like India, have embarked on a reforms spree, while few federal governments, like Japan, have announced assistance packages to companies leaving China.&nbsp;

Domestically, the Chinese companies are either laying off employees or new recruitments have tanked post the outbreak of the pandemic. In the first quarter of 2020, the recruitment postings across all industries fell 22.6 &nbsp;per cent compared with the same period last year. A survey found that 5.4 per cent of tech firms experienced job cuts while 12.9 per cent have reduced contractors, interns and part-time employees. The situation further buttresses angst breeding in the common populace against Xi’s handling of the pandemic. 
 
The pandemic has thus cast an unmissable doubt in the attractiveness of China as an investment destination.&nbsp;

When such headwinds against the Chinese juggernaut are coming with seemingly no end, India has found itself with a brilliant opportunity to make a statement. India must shed its habit of doing balancing acts and bite the bullet by including Taiwan in the WHO body.

For Xi’s opponents, his failure to stop, or worse, creating an environment that allows the world to hand a major blow to the “One-China” principle will become the talking point. His political position as such has no immediate threat since the 2018 CCP Congress amended the constitution to remove term limits on Presidency, but the cult that is cultivated in the form of “Xi Jinping thought”, the “Papa Xi” image will surely take a hit.

Eroding social harmony between local governments as seen during clashes that took place during the opening of provincial borders between Hubei and Jiujiang, simmering secessionist voices as seen during the Hong Kong clashes, rising tensions in the South China Sea with US flying bomber aircraft over the disputed region, and to top it all, the unique soft corner that Taiwanese rights have found with world leaders, have all put an ageing Xi in a vulnerable position.&nbsp;

Taiwan's inclusion will forever subdue Xi’s supremacy within CCP and for the world, it may be the beginning of a new world order with India’s place right at the centre. Given China’s own indulgence in matters relating to Kashmir, be it blocking resolutions at the UN or disregarding India’s sovereignty in Gilgit- Baltistan, it remains to be seen if India has developed the appetite to craft what would be a defining moment in this fight against the Chinese hegemony.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Come May 22, India will assume the lead position at the first meeting of the WHO executive board at World Health Assembly conference. Being the first global congregation of WHO after the outbreak of COVID-19, this event has for obvious reasons garnered great significance.

Come May 22, India will assume the lead position at the first meeting of the WHO executive board at World Health Assembly conference. Being the first global congregation of WHO after the outbreak of COVID-19, this event has for obvious reasons garnered great significance. For India, along with curating a global response to the pandemic, what has become a bigger policy question is whether or not to include Taiwan in the executive body. The relentless pursuance of US and Australia in the matter has put India under the spot. Its decision, hence, will determine the ability of the “anti-China” lobby to achieve anything beyond bold press statements. It is among the first attempts of a collective global response to stop the Chinese juggernaut, it has become all the more important. For Xi personally, if there’s any perceived cult deficit between himself and Mao, the outcome may either plug it or put a permanent dent on his carefully cultivated legacy. Aspects shadowing Xi’s political future forms the focus of this article. Despite Xi’s strong anti-corruption drive, efforts to modernise the army and further integrate China into the global supply chain, his Presidency has been less than convincing given a host of issues that have propped up since his ascent to the top post. China’s continuous dip in the economic growth rate since 2013 is a telling story. In 2019, even before the pandemic hit the Chinese economy, the country’s GDP grew at 6.1 per cent, the slowest rate of economic growth since 1990. Last year, it recorded its lowest industrial output since 2002. The COVID-19 has accelerated this decline and the unemployment rate, consequently, has seen a steady increase. The official figures put unemployment rates at 6.2 per cent but private research reports cite a far higher number. One such report put the real jobless rate at 20.5 per cent with 70 million unemployed, while another suggested that the pandemic may have pushed 205 million Chinese workers into uncertain employment. Chinese social media provides an insight into growing resentment among the Chinese against the party leadership. On Douyin, China’s version of Tiktok, The Internationale - a left-wing anthem known for workers’ movement has become widely used background music, highlighting growing displeasure in the worker class. The Belt and Road Initiative, Xi’s flagship program, has run into various troubles within the first decade. As of the second quarter of 2018, China’s non-performing assets in the BRI had reached $101.8 billion, and reports suggest at least $ 200 billion of lendings that are not on paper. Some of the investments have turned out to be outright foolish with seemingly no plan for recovery of the invested money. Take for instance the rail network spanning tens of thousands of kilometres connecting China to far European cities. Xi has incentivised the local governments to create bubbles of ever-flourishing railway demand while in reality most of these trains run empty to Europe and back. The neglect of economics is such that even cities on the east, having easy access to ports have joined the Eurasian rail network. With diplomatic relations with Europe at their worst, an increasing number of nations reconsidering their involvement in BRI, failure stories in pivotal areas, and ever-growing debt on Chinese central banks, Xi’s ‘legacy’ initiative has set itself for eventual death. To add to the economic nightmare Xi has found himself in, corporations from across the world are trying to shift their bases outside of China. Reports have emerged that Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is in touch with at least 100 US companies looking to move out of China. German footwear company Von Wellx has already shifted entire production from China to India. China’s contemporaries, like India, have embarked on a reforms spree, while few federal governments, like Japan, have announced assistance packages to companies leaving China. Domestically, the Chinese companies are either laying off employees or new recruitments have tanked post the outbreak of the pandemic. In the first quarter of 2020, the recruitment postings across all industries fell 22.6 per cent compared with the same period last year. A survey found that 5.4 per cent of tech firms experienced job cuts while 12.9 per cent have reduced contractors, interns and part-time employees. The situation further buttresses angst breeding in the common populace against Xi’s handling of the pandemic. The pandemic has thus cast an unmissable doubt in the attractiveness of China as an investment destination. When such headwinds against the Chinese juggernaut are coming with seemingly no end, India has found itself with a brilliant opportunity to make a statement. India must shed its habit of doing balancing acts and bite the bullet by including Taiwan in the WHO body. For Xi’s opponents, his failure to stop, or worse, creating an environment that allows the world to hand a major blow to the “One-China” principle will become the talking point. His political position as such has no immediate threat since the 2018 CCP Congress amended the constitution to remove term limits on Presidency, but the cult that is cultivated in the form of “Xi Jinping thought”, the “Papa Xi” image will surely take a hit. Eroding social harmony between local governments as seen during clashes that took place during the opening of provincial borders between Hubei and Jiujiang, simmering secessionist voices as seen during the Hong Kong clashes, rising tensions in the South China Sea with US flying bomber aircraft over the disputed region, and to top it all, the unique soft corner that Taiwanese rights have found with world leaders, have all put an ageing Xi in a vulnerable position. Taiwan's inclusion will forever subdue Xi’s supremacy within CCP and for the world, it may be the beginning of a new world order with India’s place right at the centre. Given China’s own indulgence in matters relating to Kashmir, be it blocking resolutions at the UN or disregarding India’s sovereignty in Gilgit- Baltistan, it remains to be seen if India has developed the appetite to craft what would be a defining moment in this fight against the Chinese hegemony. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India’s Taiwan gamble and Xi Jinping's legacy

Dr Sun Yat Sen, physician, philosopher, and the first president of the new Nationalist Republic of China, died of natural causes in 1925 at a relatively young 53 years of age. But, this was not before mentoring and driving a revolution that gave birth to a modern independent China. &nbsp;

Starting in 1911, Sun Yat-Sen succeeded in melding the warlords that then roamed across China, into a republic. At the time, the country was nominally under a non-functioning Qing Dynasty. &nbsp;

Political power was devolved into the hands of a main political party, broadly socialist in outlook, the Kuomintang (KMT). Sun Yat-Sen became its first president. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But soon enough, the anti-monarchical Sun Yat-Sen gave up his position of administrative power to preside over the political party apparatus instead. &nbsp;

The KMT, established on the mainland in 1911, also ruled unbroken in Taiwan till 2000. Taiwan now has the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at the helm. The country was under martial law for a long time, from 1948 to 1987. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Today, Taiwan is in a process of democratic political reform to become more responsive to the wishes of its people, even as some elements do favour reunification with Communist China. But the bulk of the people regard them as infiltrators from the mainland, not to be trusted.&nbsp;

Sun Yat-Sen himself, as a world figure, is today relegated to the shadows of history. He was, in the end, the founder-mentor of the losing side in a momentous civil war. His successor General Chiang Kai Shek, who died only in 1975, was driven out of the mainland along with the Nationalists, by Mao Ze Dong and his Communists in1949. &nbsp;

The Mao era saw many excesses and miscalculations that resulted in the death of more than 30 million Chinese, but the Chairman held on doggedly to power until his death. After him, the Deng Xiaoping era was hugely successful economically for China till he, in turn, retired in 1992. And then came the turn of new strong men who pushed ahead with the economic miracle but with increasingly jingoistic and militarist overtones. It is this groundswell that raised Xi Jinping via the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).&nbsp;

But now, the time may be coming when Sun Yat-Sen and Chiang Kai Shek’s nationalist successors can return the favour to mainland China. It is already challenged internally in some of its provinces. Hong Kong and Tibet are not happy at all. Neither is Xinjiang. All this despite the use of an iron fist to curb dissent. Can China become a democracy once again nudged in that direction by America and others? We will only know once all the chips have fallen in the ongoing drama. &nbsp;

There is, first going to be a strenuous competition for world domination. But this struggle is sure to be lost by a Communist China that had hoped to win by incremental steps, without having to fight economically or militarily. But this over clever thinking of President Xi Jinping is now being openly challenged by many countries led by America. &nbsp;

Red China is globally out of favour after the havoc wreaked by the bio-warfare unleashed using the Wuhan Virus and its ham-fisted attempts at cover-up, threats, and inducements. &nbsp;

The one-man virtual dictatorship of President Xi Jinping, combined with his bizarre, anachronistic and imperial megalomania, has put a question mark over the survival of Red Chinese Communism itself. The world is coalescing to curb its excesses, and a brutal, multi-nation economic blockade of China is on the cards.&nbsp;

Chiang Kai Shek and his Nationalists were driven out of mainland China to the nearby island of Formosa, so named by the Portuguese. It is now known by its older Chinese name of Taiwan. The Nationalists, impressively enough, have never given up the dream of reclaiming the mainland one day. &nbsp;

The Nationalists, who style themselves The Republic of China (ROC), did, in the beginning, run the whole of China for 38 years. &nbsp;They were driven out to the nearby large island, just 100 miles off the mainland. &nbsp;Taiwan is 240 miles long and 60 to 90 miles wide. But this 13, 976 sq. miles has proved enough to become a prosperous country with $1.3 trillion GDP, and a per capita income of over $55,000.&nbsp;

This despite being converted, 1971 onwards, into a de jure state of 23.7 million people. Still, most countries maintain representative offices at Taipei, its capital, which acts as de jure embassies. Taiwan never stopped being recognised officially by a handful of countries. It interacts with most leading world bodies but under a pseudonym. Or as a guest/observer. Or in some other unofficial capacity. &nbsp;

But despite the best efforts of Red China to either subsume or destroy it, Taiwan has secured its independent place in the world.&nbsp;

The People’s Republic Of China (PRC) or Red China lays claim to it under its “One China” credo. America aided and abetted this assertion. First, the ROC lost its UN seat to the PRC in 1971. That was when Red China and America entered into an entente cordiale during the Nixon administration. This not only raised Red China gradually to become the manufacturer to the world but also the No.2 economic power after America itself. &nbsp;

China now plans to topple America from its pinnacle. This quest was going well according to some analysts. But only till its infliction of the Wuhan Virus on the world changed everything. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Taiwan, after losing its UN seat to Red China saw the US sever diplomatic relations too in 1978. Then the US let its defence treaty to protect the ROC lapse in 1980 as well.&nbsp;

But, all this is about to change in 2020. The US has announced it will reassess the status of not just Taiwan but a restive Hong Kong as well. This could well be followed by Tibet where the US has already questioned China’s handling of the Panchen Lama. Then will come the artificial islands and military bases on the South China Sea. The claims of territory in Bhutan, the various territorial claims and line of actual control (LAC) disputes with India. 
 
All this, in the context of acute sanctions placed on trade with China, capital flight, seizure of Chinese assets abroad, revocation of one-sided treaties and diplomatic loss of face everywhere.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the ROC keeps itself in a state of Israel-like military readiness for the ever-present existentialist threat. The size of its lean military tops half a million soldiers. It keeps most of its military machine underground, in reinforced facilities. Importantly, it is also a covert nuclear power, a status wheedled out of the US, a parting gift, to maintain the balance.&nbsp;

Today, as the sun on the ROC’s flag is shining brightly once again, that balance will help Taiwan eventually resurrect mainland China from the tyranny of a Communist dictatorship. China helped America destroy the USSR via the Nixon-Kissinger- Mao alliance. Today, as the last bastion of totalitarian Communism, China too will be destroyed by America.&nbsp;

Dr Sun Yat-Sen is secretly regarded by many Chinese as the true father of modern China. He was certainly an astute thinker. He famously let it be known that only 5 per cent of the people are capable of “Pre-seeing”, or visionary thinking. Another 10 per cent could promptly understand once they were told, the “Post-seeing”. But the bulk of people, 85 per cent of any populace, is “Unseeing”. They are incapable of understanding theoretical postulates. They must be instructed. &nbsp;

Today, the world is ready to instruct and command a regime change in China. The wheels may grind slowly but they are sure to grind fine. The direction is set. It is now only a matter of time.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Dr Sun Yat Sen, physician, philosopher, and the first president of the new Nationalist Republic of China, died of natural causes in 1925 at a relatively young 53 years of age.

Dr Sun Yat Sen, physician, philosopher, and the first president of the new Nationalist Republic of China, died of natural causes in 1925 at a relatively young 53 years of age. But, this was not before mentoring and driving a revolution that gave birth to a modern independent China. Starting in 1911, Sun Yat-Sen succeeded in melding the warlords that then roamed across China, into a republic. At the time, the country was nominally under a non-functioning Qing Dynasty. Political power was devolved into the hands of a main political party, broadly socialist in outlook, the Kuomintang (KMT). Sun Yat-Sen became its first president. But soon enough, the anti-monarchical Sun Yat-Sen gave up his position of administrative power to preside over the political party apparatus instead. The KMT, established on the mainland in 1911, also ruled unbroken in Taiwan till 2000. Taiwan now has the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at the helm. The country was under martial law for a long time, from 1948 to 1987. Today, Taiwan is in a process of democratic political reform to become more responsive to the wishes of its people, even as some elements do favour reunification with Communist China. But the bulk of the people regard them as infiltrators from the mainland, not to be trusted. Sun Yat-Sen himself, as a world figure, is today relegated to the shadows of history. He was, in the end, the founder-mentor of the losing side in a momentous civil war. His successor General Chiang Kai Shek, who died only in 1975, was driven out of the mainland along with the Nationalists, by Mao Ze Dong and his Communists in1949. The Mao era saw many excesses and miscalculations that resulted in the death of more than 30 million Chinese, but the Chairman held on doggedly to power until his death. After him, the Deng Xiaoping era was hugely successful economically for China till he, in turn, retired in 1992. And then came the turn of new strong men who pushed ahead with the economic miracle but with increasingly jingoistic and militarist overtones. It is this groundswell that raised Xi Jinping via the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). But now, the time may be coming when Sun Yat-Sen and Chiang Kai Shek’s nationalist successors can return the favour to mainland China. It is already challenged internally in some of its provinces. Hong Kong and Tibet are not happy at all. Neither is Xinjiang. All this despite the use of an iron fist to curb dissent. Can China become a democracy once again nudged in that direction by America and others? We will only know once all the chips have fallen in the ongoing drama. There is, first going to be a strenuous competition for world domination. But this struggle is sure to be lost by a Communist China that had hoped to win by incremental steps, without having to fight economically or militarily. But this over clever thinking of President Xi Jinping is now being openly challenged by many countries led by America. Red China is globally out of favour after the havoc wreaked by the bio-warfare unleashed using the Wuhan Virus and its ham-fisted attempts at cover-up, threats, and inducements. The one-man virtual dictatorship of President Xi Jinping, combined with his bizarre, anachronistic and imperial megalomania, has put a question mark over the survival of Red Chinese Communism itself. The world is coalescing to curb its excesses, and a brutal, multi-nation economic blockade of China is on the cards. Chiang Kai Shek and his Nationalists were driven out of mainland China to the nearby island of Formosa, so named by the Portuguese. It is now known by its older Chinese name of Taiwan. The Nationalists, impressively enough, have never given up the dream of reclaiming the mainland one day. The Nationalists, who style themselves The Republic of China (ROC), did, in the beginning, run the whole of China for 38 years. They were driven out to the nearby large island, just 100 miles off the mainland. Taiwan is 240 miles long and 60 to 90 miles wide. But this 13, 976 sq. miles has proved enough to become a prosperous country with $1.3 trillion GDP, and a per capita income of over $55,000. This despite being converted, 1971 onwards, into a de jure state of 23.7 million people. Still, most countries maintain representative offices at Taipei, its capital, which acts as de jure embassies. Taiwan never stopped being recognised officially by a handful of countries. It interacts with most leading world bodies but under a pseudonym. Or as a guest/observer. Or in some other unofficial capacity. But despite the best efforts of Red China to either subsume or destroy it, Taiwan has secured its independent place in the world. The People’s Republic Of China (PRC) or Red China lays claim to it under its “One China” credo. America aided and abetted this assertion. First, the ROC lost its UN seat to the PRC in 1971. That was when Red China and America entered into an entente cordiale during the Nixon administration. This not only raised Red China gradually to become the manufacturer to the world but also the No.2 economic power after America itself. China now plans to topple America from its pinnacle. This quest was going well according to some analysts. But only till its infliction of the Wuhan Virus on the world changed everything. Meanwhile, Taiwan, after losing its UN seat to Red China saw the US sever diplomatic relations too in 1978. Then the US let its defence treaty to protect the ROC lapse in 1980 as well. But, all this is about to change in 2020. The US has announced it will reassess the status of not just Taiwan but a restive Hong Kong as well. This could well be followed by Tibet where the US has already questioned China’s handling of the Panchen Lama. Then will come the artificial islands and military bases on the South China Sea. The claims of territory in Bhutan, the various territorial claims and line of actual control (LAC) disputes with India. All this, in the context of acute sanctions placed on trade with China, capital flight, seizure of Chinese assets abroad, revocation of one-sided treaties and diplomatic loss of face everywhere. Meanwhile, the ROC keeps itself in a state of Israel-like military readiness for the ever-present existentialist threat. The size of its lean military tops half a million soldiers. It keeps most of its military machine underground, in reinforced facilities. Importantly, it is also a covert nuclear power, a status wheedled out of the US, a parting gift, to maintain the balance. Today, as the sun on the ROC’s flag is shining brightly once again, that balance will help Taiwan eventually resurrect mainland China from the tyranny of a Communist dictatorship. China helped America destroy the USSR via the Nixon-Kissinger- Mao alliance. Today, as the last bastion of totalitarian Communism, China too will be destroyed by America. Dr Sun Yat-Sen is secretly regarded by many Chinese as the true father of modern China. He was certainly an astute thinker. He famously let it be known that only 5 per cent of the people are capable of “Pre-seeing”, or visionary thinking. Another 10 per cent could promptly understand once they were told, the “Post-seeing”. But the bulk of people, 85 per cent of any populace, is “Unseeing”. They are incapable of understanding theoretical postulates. They must be instructed. Today, the world is ready to instruct and command a regime change in China. The wheels may grind slowly but they are sure to grind fine. The direction is set. It is now only a matter of time. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Dr Sun Yat-Sen will ride again

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