This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 16th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 15th, 2019

Paypal has gained Beijing's approval to buy controlling stake in Chinese payment firm GoPay. According to the experts, the profit path is going to be tough for Paypal.

WION Wallet: Tough path ahead for Paypal in China

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 14th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 13th, 2019

Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and&nbsp;signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relations last month.

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relationship is a&nbsp;sign&nbsp;of&nbsp;China's growing influence in the Pacific and a setback for self-ruled, democratic Taiwan. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-has-switched-relations-to-china-our-diplomatic-relations-terminated-taiwan-249995">The&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;severed&nbsp;ties&nbsp;with Taiwan when it established them with Beijing.</a>

"I am pleased to recognize the one-China&nbsp;policy ... We are pleased to be on the right side of history and normalise relations with the People's Republic of&nbsp;China," Sogavare said ahead of a meeting with Li and a Chinese delegation.

China&nbsp;has in recent years been expanding its influence in the Pacific to the alarm of the United States and its main regional ally, Australia.

China&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;signed an agreement to work together on President Xi Jinping's flagship foreign policy initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as others on economic and education strategies.

After the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;recognised Beijing, US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence declined a request from the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;leader to meet to discuss cooperation.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen said last month the end of its&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relations with the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;was further evidence of Chinese efforts to meddle in Taiwan's January elections.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established diplomatic relations last month.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established diplomatic relations last month. The new diplomatic relationship is a sign of China's growing influence in the Pacific and a setback for self-ruled, democratic Taiwan. The Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan when it established them with Beijing. "I am pleased to recognize the one-China policy ... We are pleased to be on the right side of history and normalise relations with the People's Republic of China," Sogavare said ahead of a meeting with Li and a Chinese delegation. China has in recent years been expanding its influence in the Pacific to the alarm of the United States and its main regional ally, Australia. China and the Solomon Islands signed an agreement to work together on President Xi Jinping's flagship foreign policy initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as others on economic and education strategies. After the Solomon Islands recognised Beijing, US Vice President Mike Pence declined a request from the Solomon Islands leader to meet to discuss cooperation. Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen said last month the end of its diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands was further evidence of Chinese efforts to meddle in Taiwan's January elections.

China, Solomon Islands sign deals under new diplomatic ties

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 9th, 2019

Pak PM rushes to Beijing for 3rd meet with China's Xi Jinping in a year. Watch this video to know more in detail.

Pak PM rushes to Beijing for 3rd meet with China's Xi Jinping in a year

Most metro stations and shops in Hong Kong opened for business on Tuesday (October 8) after a violent weekend of protests and a public holiday.

Hong Kong reopens most metro stations, shops after weekend protests

As violence flares in Hong Kong, a look at controversial anti-mask ban

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday Hong Kong leader<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-invokes-emergency-powers-to-quell-escalating-violence-253684"> Carrie Lam</a> should step down following months of protests against her government and he predicted China would take action to end the demonstrations.

Growing opposition to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-government-to-meet-today-to-discuss-face-mask-ban-at-protests-253612">Hong Kong government</a> has plunged the financial hub into its biggest political crisis in decades and poses the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Speaking at a conference in Kuala Lumpur, Mahathir, referring to Beijing, said Lam "has to obey the masters and at the same time she has to ask her conscience."

"I think best thing is to resign," Mahathir said, according to a recording of comments, heard by Reuters, that he made when asked what advice he might give Lam.

Watch Video: Carrie Lam invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-carrie-lam-invokes-emergency-powers-to-try-to-quell-escalating-violence-253702/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Mahathir also said he expected China to take action against the protesters, drawing a parallel to student protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peoples-republic-of-china-celebrates-70th-anniversary-in-beijing-253107/amp">Tiananmen Square</a> in 1989.

"Yes, they allowed you to demonstrate and all that but eventually in a system that is authoritarian they will come back and do what they have to do," he said.

Mahathir, 94, is one of Asia's most experienced and outspoken leaders. He was prime minister for 22 years from 1981, only to come out of retirement last year to head a government after an opposition election victory.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-protests-as-hong-kong-government-mulls-face-mask-ban-253638">protests </a>in Hong Kong began over a now-withdrawn extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial, and have intensified markedly since June. They have also evolved into wider calls for democracy, among other demands.

Demonstrators are angry at what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in their city's affairs despite a promise of autonomy in the "one country, two systems" formula under which Hong Kong returned to China in 1997.

China dismisses accusations it is meddling and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up the anti-China sentiment.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam should step down following months of protests against her government and he predicted China would take action to end the demonstrations.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam should step down following months of protests against her government and he predicted China would take action to end the demonstrations. Growing opposition to the Hong Kong government has plunged the financial hub into its biggest political crisis in decades and poses the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Speaking at a conference in Kuala Lumpur, Mahathir, referring to Beijing, said Lam "has to obey the masters and at the same time she has to ask her conscience." "I think best thing is to resign," Mahathir said, according to a recording of comments, heard by Reuters, that he made when asked what advice he might give Lam. Watch Video: Carrie Lam invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence × Mahathir also said he expected China to take action against the protesters, drawing a parallel to student protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989. "Yes, they allowed you to demonstrate and all that but eventually in a system that is authoritarian they will come back and do what they have to do," he said. Mahathir, 94, is one of Asia's most experienced and outspoken leaders. He was prime minister for 22 years from 1981, only to come out of retirement last year to head a government after an opposition election victory. The protests in Hong Kong began over a now-withdrawn extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial, and have intensified markedly since June. They have also evolved into wider calls for democracy, among other demands. Demonstrators are angry at what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in their city's affairs despite a promise of autonomy in the "one country, two systems" formula under which Hong Kong returned to China in 1997. China dismisses accusations it is meddling and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up the anti-China sentiment.

I think best thing for Hong Kong's Carrie Lam is to resign: Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;&nbsp;awoke to widespread damage on Wednesday&nbsp;and calls for more&nbsp;protests&nbsp;following some of the most violent clashes in nearly four months of unrest, including the shooting of a teenage demonstrator by police.

Anti-government&nbsp;protests&nbsp;turned violent early on Tuesday&nbsp;and continued into the night, with intense cat-and-mouse skirmishes marring celebrations in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October&nbsp;1.

Images of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-of-live-rounds-was-lawful-and-fair-hong-kong-police-defends-use-of-live-ammunition-253181">police</a> firing tear gas and water cannon at petrol bomb-throwing protesters were beamed live to the world in areas spreading from the popular shopping district of Causeway Bay to the Admiralty area of government offices, over the harbour to Kowloon and beyond to the New Territories.

Watch Video: Hong Kong Protest&nbsp;Video shows&nbsp;Police shooting protester

<ul>
</ul>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protest-video-shows-police-shooting-protester-253158/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Secondary schools in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sit-in-at-school-of-hong-kong-protester-shot-by-police-253170">Hong&nbsp;Kong</a>&nbsp;were planning a mass class boycott on Wednesday&nbsp;in response to the point-blank shooting of an 18-year-old man that was captured in dramatic video footage.

Protesters have previously been hit with bean bags rounds and rubber bullets and officers have fired live rounds in the air, but this was the first time a demonstrator had been shot with a live round.

Police said the officer involved was under serious threat and acted in accordance with official guidelines. The man was conscious when taken to hospital, police added, but his condition was not immediately available on Wednesday.

MTR Corp shut nearly 50 stations to stop protesters moving around on Tuesday, making the rail operator once again a target of vandalism. Demonstrators have stepped&nbsp;up&nbsp;attacks on the MTR, which has been blamed for closing stations at the government's behest.

By early Wednesday, all metro stations were open although some lines were running slower than normal as MTR workers tried to repair damage to ready the service for the nearly 6 million people who use it every&nbsp;day.

Many stores and businesses had closed on Tuesday&nbsp;after&nbsp;demonstrators vowed to seize the opportunity on China's&nbsp;National&nbsp;Day&nbsp;to propel their calls for greater democracy onto the international&nbsp;stage.

The&nbsp;protests&nbsp;have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose the gravest popular challenge to President Xi Jinping since he came to power.

The demonstrations have also taken a growing toll on the city's economy as it faces its first recession in a decade and comes as the central government is already grappling with a US-China trade war and a global slowdown.

Protesters are angry about what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in their city's affairs despite a promise of autonomy.

China dismisses those claims and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of fanning anti-China sentiment.

Hong Kong awoke to widespread damage on Wednesday and calls for more protests following some of the most violent clashes in nearly four months of unrest, including the shooting of a teenage demonstrator by police.

Hong Kong awoke to widespread damage on Wednesday and calls for more protests following some of the most violent clashes in nearly four months of unrest, including the shooting of a teenage demonstrator by police. Anti-government protests turned violent early on Tuesday and continued into the night, with intense cat-and-mouse skirmishes marring celebrations in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1. Images of police firing tear gas and water cannon at petrol bomb-throwing protesters were beamed live to the world in areas spreading from the popular shopping district of Causeway Bay to the Admiralty area of government offices, over the harbour to Kowloon and beyond to the New Territories. Watch Video: Hong Kong Protest Video shows Police shooting protester × Secondary schools in Hong Kong were planning a mass class boycott on Wednesday in response to the point-blank shooting of an 18-year-old man that was captured in dramatic video footage. Protesters have previously been hit with bean bags rounds and rubber bullets and officers have fired live rounds in the air, but this was the first time a demonstrator had been shot with a live round. Police said the officer involved was under serious threat and acted in accordance with official guidelines. The man was conscious when taken to hospital, police added, but his condition was not immediately available on Wednesday. MTR Corp shut nearly 50 stations to stop protesters moving around on Tuesday, making the rail operator once again a target of vandalism. Demonstrators have stepped up attacks on the MTR, which has been blamed for closing stations at the government's behest. By early Wednesday, all metro stations were open although some lines were running slower than normal as MTR workers tried to repair damage to ready the service for the nearly 6 million people who use it every day. Many stores and businesses had closed on Tuesday after demonstrators vowed to seize the opportunity on China's National Day to propel their calls for greater democracy onto the international stage. The protests have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose the gravest popular challenge to President Xi Jinping since he came to power. The demonstrations have also taken a growing toll on the city's economy as it faces its first recession in a decade and comes as the central government is already grappling with a US-China trade war and a global slowdown. Protesters are angry about what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in their city's affairs despite a promise of autonomy. China dismisses those claims and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of fanning anti-China sentiment.

Hong Kong mops up, braces for fresh protests after National Day violence

China staged a military parade and mass pageantry in Beijing on Tuesday to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC)

China marks 70th National Day with military parade

Hong Kong authorities start arrests after violent clashes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bianca-andreescu-not-done-yet-after-grand-slam-breakthrough-248802">Bianca Andreescu</a> said that she has "forgotten how it feels to lose" after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canadian-teen-bianca-andreescu-topples-record-chasing-serena-williams-in-us-open-final-248338">US Open</a> champion reeled off her 14th victory in a row on Monday in Beijing.

The 19-year-old Canadian beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in the China Open first round despite a second-set wobble.

But Simona Halep became the first major casualty in the Chinese capital, beaten by Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova, with the Romanian appearing to struggle with a back injury.

Andreescu's run of victories has brought her the US Open and her home Canadian Open in recent weeks, propelling her into the limelight.

"I wanted to just keep the momentum going," said the teenager, after her first match since stunning Serena Williams in the final at Flushing Meadows in early September.

"I'm on a roll right now, hopefully, I can just keep it up because I think it gives me a lot of confidence," added the world number six, who has qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals.

"I don't want to sound cocky or anything, but I kind of forgot how it feels to lose, which I think is a good thing."

Andreescu looked all set to carry on her blistering form against Sasnovich and emphatically captured the first set.

But she struggled with her serve in the second, totting up six double faults and was in danger of losing her cool in the Beijing heat and haze.

Normal order was restored in the deciding set, Andreescu breaking Sasnovich's first service game and then holding her own to take a 3-0 lead and an advantage she refused to surrender.

In round two the Canadian plays Elise Mertens, the world number 23 from Belgium.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fight-for-your-dreams-bianca-andreescu-embraces-path-to-us-open-joy-248384">Andreescu</a> said that her stunning victory at the US Open had yet to fully sink in, even three weeks on.

"But I think I've learnt a lot from the past couple of weeks, during the tournament, even after the tournament with all the media, all that," she said.

"I think I'm managing it really well. I think that's why I feel good coming into this tournament."

There was no such joy for the reigning Wimbledon champion Halep, who lost 6-2, 6-3 in 64 minutes to bring her China Open to an early end.

Halep, fifth in the world, was far from her best as she went down meekly to the 38th-ranked Alexandrova in the second round.

The 28-year-old was also forced out of last week's Wuhan Open because of her troublesome back, which she says has plagued her for more than a decade.

China Open title-holder Caroline Wozniacki swatted aside Lauren Davis of the United States, 6-1, 6-3, to give her the perfect start to the defence of her crown.

Bianca Andreescu said that she has "forgotten how it feels to lose" after the US Open champion reeled off her 14th victory in a row on Monday in Beijing. The 19-year-old Canadian beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in the China Open first round despite a second-set wobble.

Bianca Andreescu said that she has "forgotten how it feels to lose" after the US Open champion reeled off her 14th victory in a row on Monday in Beijing. The 19-year-old Canadian beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 in the China Open first round despite a second-set wobble. But Simona Halep became the first major casualty in the Chinese capital, beaten by Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova, with the Romanian appearing to struggle with a back injury. Andreescu's run of victories has brought her the US Open and her home Canadian Open in recent weeks, propelling her into the limelight. "I wanted to just keep the momentum going," said the teenager, after her first match since stunning Serena Williams in the final at Flushing Meadows in early September. "I'm on a roll right now, hopefully, I can just keep it up because I think it gives me a lot of confidence," added the world number six, who has qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals. "I don't want to sound cocky or anything, but I kind of forgot how it feels to lose, which I think is a good thing." Andreescu looked all set to carry on her blistering form against Sasnovich and emphatically captured the first set. But she struggled with her serve in the second, totting up six double faults and was in danger of losing her cool in the Beijing heat and haze. Normal order was restored in the deciding set, Andreescu breaking Sasnovich's first service game and then holding her own to take a 3-0 lead and an advantage she refused to surrender. In round two the Canadian plays Elise Mertens, the world number 23 from Belgium. Andreescu said that her stunning victory at the US Open had yet to fully sink in, even three weeks on. "But I think I've learnt a lot from the past couple of weeks, during the tournament, even after the tournament with all the media, all that," she said. "I think I'm managing it really well. I think that's why I feel good coming into this tournament." There was no such joy for the reigning Wimbledon champion Halep, who lost 6-2, 6-3 in 64 minutes to bring her China Open to an early end. Halep, fifth in the world, was far from her best as she went down meekly to the 38th-ranked Alexandrova in the second round. The 28-year-old was also forced out of last week's Wuhan Open because of her troublesome back, which she says has plagued her for more than a decade. China Open title-holder Caroline Wozniacki swatted aside Lauren Davis of the United States, 6-1, 6-3, to give her the perfect start to the defence of her crown.

'Forgot how it feels to lose,' says Bianca Andreescu after 14th win on spin

Missiles and pyrotechnics: China set to celebrate 70th anniversary

China's armed forces are expected to roll out an array of new weapons at a military parade in Beijing next week as President Xi Jinping shows off his ambitious military modernization programme.

China's advanced missiles will be a main attraction at the October 1 parade to mark seven decades of Communist China. Many of them are designed to attack the aircraft carriers and bases that undergird US military strength in the region.

Among them are the so-called "carrier killer" Dongfeng-21D (DF-21D), unveiled at a parade in 2015, which China says can hit warships at a range of up to 1,500 kilometres, and the DF-26 intermediate-range missile, dubbed "Guam killer" in reference to the US Pacific island base. &nbsp;

Attention in state media has focused on the DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, which can carry several nuclear warheads and reach the United States, forming the backbone of China's nuclear deterrent.

China has also made rapid strides in developing hypersonic missiles, known as the DF-17, which theoretically can maneuver sharply at many times the speed of sound, further bolstering the reach of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Sam Roggeveen, director of the Sydney-based Lowy Institute's International Security Program, said there was no real workable defence against hypersonic missiles, aside from attacking the launcher, which would mean striking the Chinese mainland. That carries the risk of a nuclear response.

"The missiles, particularly the medium-range and intermediate-range missiles, are critical to the anti-access and area-denial strategy, which is at the heart of the PLA's strategy to counter American air and maritime power in Asia," Roggeveen said.

'Stealth Drones'

Analysts are particularly interested in the potential unveiling of two models of stealthy drones during the parade.

China has a practice of only displaying systems in parades it says are operational, suggesting that if the drones are shown they most likely have already entered some form of service.

Analysis of leaked photos and prototype models leads experts to believe one of them, the Sharp Sword, which resembles the United States' X-47 series carrier-launched stealth drone, has weapons bays. State media has said the drone had its first test flight in 2013.

Military watchers spotted the second Chinese drone, most likely a supersonic or hypersonic reconnaissance aircraft, possibly designated the DR-8, undercover during parade rehearsals. The shape is said to resemble the US D-21 reconnaissance drone of the 1960s, which could travel at more than three times the speed of sound. &nbsp;

But experts add it will be hard to know how effective the uncrewed aircraft will be or how well the PLA can fit them into its network of other platforms.

"It is difficult to be too serious about some of the equipment that the Chinese might be showing off. Some of them could be experimental or prototypes," said Richard Bitzinger, a visiting senior fellow with the Military Transformations Program at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

'Old Fashion Thinking'

China has said about 15,000 personnel and more than 160 aircraft will be in the procession, making it larger than the last mass parade in the capital in 2015 celebrating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

Officials say Tuesday's parade is not meant as a "muscle-flexing" exercise.

But China is facing a tricky strategic situation, boxed in by US allies and military bases near the Chinese coast, including US-armed Taiwan, and repeated challenges to its claims of sovereignty in the disputed South China Sea.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang on Thursday said the world was not a safe place and that the PLA "must be fully prepared and bide its time for battle."

Many western military officials and experts say China's spending on such parades, with their visually stunning choreographed marching, has almost no value for war.

The saber-rattling may also contradict Beijing's efforts to project a benign image of China's growing military, experts say.

"It shows some old fashioned thinking within China's armed forces," one Western diplomat in Beijing said on condition of anonymity.

China's armed forces are expected to roll out an array of new weapons at a military parade in Beijing next week as President Xi Jinping shows off his ambitious military modernization programme.

China's armed forces are expected to roll out an array of new weapons at a military parade in Beijing next week as President Xi Jinping shows off his ambitious military modernization programme. China's advanced missiles will be a main attraction at the October 1 parade to mark seven decades of Communist China. Many of them are designed to attack the aircraft carriers and bases that undergird US military strength in the region. Among them are the so-called "carrier killer" Dongfeng-21D (DF-21D), unveiled at a parade in 2015, which China says can hit warships at a range of up to 1,500 kilometres, and the DF-26 intermediate-range missile, dubbed "Guam killer" in reference to the US Pacific island base. Attention in state media has focused on the DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, which can carry several nuclear warheads and reach the United States, forming the backbone of China's nuclear deterrent. China has also made rapid strides in developing hypersonic missiles, known as the DF-17, which theoretically can maneuver sharply at many times the speed of sound, further bolstering the reach of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Sam Roggeveen, director of the Sydney-based Lowy Institute's International Security Program, said there was no real workable defence against hypersonic missiles, aside from attacking the launcher, which would mean striking the Chinese mainland. That carries the risk of a nuclear response. "The missiles, particularly the medium-range and intermediate-range missiles, are critical to the anti-access and area-denial strategy, which is at the heart of the PLA's strategy to counter American air and maritime power in Asia," Roggeveen said. 'Stealth Drones' Analysts are particularly interested in the potential unveiling of two models of stealthy drones during the parade. China has a practice of only displaying systems in parades it says are operational, suggesting that if the drones are shown they most likely have already entered some form of service. Analysis of leaked photos and prototype models leads experts to believe one of them, the Sharp Sword, which resembles the United States' X-47 series carrier-launched stealth drone, has weapons bays. State media has said the drone had its first test flight in 2013. Military watchers spotted the second Chinese drone, most likely a supersonic or hypersonic reconnaissance aircraft, possibly designated the DR-8, undercover during parade rehearsals. The shape is said to resemble the US D-21 reconnaissance drone of the 1960s, which could travel at more than three times the speed of sound. But experts add it will be hard to know how effective the uncrewed aircraft will be or how well the PLA can fit them into its network of other platforms. "It is difficult to be too serious about some of the equipment that the Chinese might be showing off. Some of them could be experimental or prototypes," said Richard Bitzinger, a visiting senior fellow with the Military Transformations Program at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. 'Old Fashion Thinking' China has said about 15,000 personnel and more than 160 aircraft will be in the procession, making it larger than the last mass parade in the capital in 2015 celebrating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two. Officials say Tuesday's parade is not meant as a "muscle-flexing" exercise. But China is facing a tricky strategic situation, boxed in by US allies and military bases near the Chinese coast, including US-armed Taiwan, and repeated challenges to its claims of sovereignty in the disputed South China Sea. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang on Thursday said the world was not a safe place and that the PLA "must be fully prepared and bide its time for battle." Many western military officials and experts say China's spending on such parades, with their visually stunning choreographed marching, has almost no value for war. The saber-rattling may also contradict Beijing's efforts to project a benign image of China's growing military, experts say. "It shows some old fashioned thinking within China's armed forces," one Western diplomat in Beijing said on condition of anonymity.

Missiles, drones may steal the show at Beijing military parade

Benny Tai, a leading Hong Kong activist who was jailed for his role in the 2014 pro-democracy "Umbrella" movement, says that the campaign "revolutionized" youngsters and set the stage for the current protests on the streets of the China-ruled territory.

Speaking to Reuters ahead of the fifth anniversary of the start of the Umbrella, or "Occupy" movement, Tai said he watched from jail in disbelief as one million people thronged the streets of Hong Kong on June 9 to launch the latest bout of pro-democracy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-trap-carrie-lam-for-hours-in-stadium-after-open-dialogue-252281">protests</a>.

"The young people, in some ways, they have been changed by the Umbrella movement," said Tai, a law professor.

"We have revolutionized, in some ways, the hearts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-to-hold-first-talks-in-a-bid-to-end-crisis-252148">Hong Kong </a>people in preparing them for fighting for democracy in a more persistent way."

To mark the anniversary on Saturday, thousands of people are expected to rally at Tamar Park near government headquarters.

Tai, who was released on bail in August, said while leaders of the Umbrella movement were in some ways unprepared for the massive response at the start of the rallies that paralyzed parts of the financial hub for 79 days, they helped to sow the seeds for future protests.

The Umbrella sit-in protests, also known as the Occupy Central with Love and Peace campaign, were first suggested by Tai in 2013 and were later led by a core group, some of who remain in prison. It became known as the Umbrella movement after activists used umbrellas to shield themselves from tear gas and pepper spray.

Hong Kong returned to China from British rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland but many activists accuse Beijing of tightening its grip on the city and eroding those freedoms.

The Umbrella protests blocked major roads in the Asian financial hub for more than two months in a push for full democracy, although they failed to wrest concessions from Beijing.

Colourful tents, art installations, and music created an almost carnival atmosphere at times, in stark contrast to the current anti-government protests that have increasingly degenerated into running battles between activists and police.

"I think the tension now is how far we should go, especially the more radical protesters, how far they should go," said Tai.

Tai said he doesn't think the current movement will last forever, although that won't mean people have given up.

"Maybe after a few months the streets will become more quiet and when another triggering point (comes), you will rise again and the scale will be even bigger than the 'Water-Revolution'," he said. In the current campaign, activists are using what they call a "Be Water" strategy that encourages them to be flexible or formless.

The current protests have no discernible leaders or structure, which Tai believes is a better strategy than the "top-down" order of the Umbrella Movement.

"It's a more decentralized network way of co-ordinating action and it seems to be much more effective than the Umbrella movement," Tai said.

The softly-spoken professor, who said he read around 20 books during his three months in prison, said he was hopeful about the future, although he expects more suppression from the government.

"Some protesters, think this is the last battle but I would say this may not be the last battle because we have a long war to fight and no matter what happens to this particular battle if we could not have democracy, the war will continue."

Benny Tai, a leading Hong Kong activist who was jailed for his role in the 2014 pro-democracy "Umbrella" movement, says that the campaign "revolutionized" youngsters and set the stage for the current protests on the streets of the China-ruled territory.

Benny Tai, a leading Hong Kong activist who was jailed for his role in the 2014 pro-democracy "Umbrella" movement, says that the campaign "revolutionized" youngsters and set the stage for the current protests on the streets of the China-ruled territory. Speaking to Reuters ahead of the fifth anniversary of the start of the Umbrella, or "Occupy" movement, Tai said he watched from jail in disbelief as one million people thronged the streets of Hong Kong on June 9 to launch the latest bout of pro-democracy protests. "The young people, in some ways, they have been changed by the Umbrella movement," said Tai, a law professor. "We have revolutionized, in some ways, the hearts of Hong Kong people in preparing them for fighting for democracy in a more persistent way." To mark the anniversary on Saturday, thousands of people are expected to rally at Tamar Park near government headquarters. Tai, who was released on bail in August, said while leaders of the Umbrella movement were in some ways unprepared for the massive response at the start of the rallies that paralyzed parts of the financial hub for 79 days, they helped to sow the seeds for future protests. The Umbrella sit-in protests, also known as the Occupy Central with Love and Peace campaign, were first suggested by Tai in 2013 and were later led by a core group, some of who remain in prison. It became known as the Umbrella movement after activists used umbrellas to shield themselves from tear gas and pepper spray. Hong Kong returned to China from British rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland but many activists accuse Beijing of tightening its grip on the city and eroding those freedoms. The Umbrella protests blocked major roads in the Asian financial hub for more than two months in a push for full democracy, although they failed to wrest concessions from Beijing. Colourful tents, art installations, and music created an almost carnival atmosphere at times, in stark contrast to the current anti-government protests that have increasingly degenerated into running battles between activists and police. "I think the tension now is how far we should go, especially the more radical protesters, how far they should go," said Tai. Tai said he doesn't think the current movement will last forever, although that won't mean people have given up. "Maybe after a few months the streets will become more quiet and when another triggering point (comes), you will rise again and the scale will be even bigger than the 'Water-Revolution'," he said. In the current campaign, activists are using what they call a "Be Water" strategy that encourages them to be flexible or formless. The current protests have no discernible leaders or structure, which Tai believes is a better strategy than the "top-down" order of the Umbrella Movement. "It's a more decentralized network way of co-ordinating action and it seems to be much more effective than the Umbrella movement," Tai said. The softly-spoken professor, who said he read around 20 books during his three months in prison, said he was hopeful about the future, although he expects more suppression from the government. "Some protesters, think this is the last battle but I would say this may not be the last battle because we have a long war to fight and no matter what happens to this particular battle if we could not have democracy, the war will continue."

Hong Kong's 'Umbrella' protests sowed seed for future: Freed activist Benny Tai

Over 15,000 military personnel are participating in the training for the military parade for the upcoming gala National Day celebrations, which will take place in China's capital city Beijing on Oct. 1.

Chinese troops have training for National Day parade in Beijing

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi revealed the truth about northwest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-in-the-life-of-uighurs-251734">China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region</a> on Tuesday, refuting rumours made by anti-China forces about the situation in the remote Chinese region.

Addressing a dinner co-hosted by the National Committee on US-China Relations, US-China Business Council, US Chamber of Commerce and Council on Foreign Relations on in New York City, Wang said that what happens in Xinjiang is purely China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-watch-report-on-uighurs-full-of-prejudice-says-china-164872">internal affair</a>, which, however, has been deliberately discredited and attacked by some anti-China forces in the world.

Wang said the Chinese government values the protection of religious freedom in Xinjiang.

He said the number of religious sites has grown tenfold in the last five decades. Now, an average of 530 Muslims in Xinjiang have a mosque, which is higher than that in many Islamic countries, he noted.

Wang said the major tasks of fighting terrorism and violence have been largely successful, adding Xinjiang has not seen any terrorist attack in three years.

"Rumors find no market among the fair-minded and are pale in face of facts. What the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has done is for the sake of the happiness of the 25 million people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. It also makes a greater contribution to the international counter-terrorism cause. So we are open and aboveboard about this," said Wang.

The Chinese foreign minister said that over 1,000 foreign diplomats, scholars and media representatives have visited the region and that they agree some reports from Western media are misleading. He pointed out that 50 countries have jointly submitted a notice not long ago in support of China to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-aim-to-persuade-others-to-call-out-china-over-uighurs-at-un-mike-pompeo-248164">UN Human Rights Council</a>.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi revealed the truth about northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on Tuesday, refuting rumours made by anti-China forces about the situation in the remote Chinese region.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi revealed the truth about northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on Tuesday, refuting rumours made by anti-China forces about the situation in the remote Chinese region. Addressing a dinner co-hosted by the National Committee on US-China Relations, US-China Business Council, US Chamber of Commerce and Council on Foreign Relations on in New York City, Wang said that what happens in Xinjiang is purely China's internal affair, which, however, has been deliberately discredited and attacked by some anti-China forces in the world. Wang said the Chinese government values the protection of religious freedom in Xinjiang. He said the number of religious sites has grown tenfold in the last five decades. Now, an average of 530 Muslims in Xinjiang have a mosque, which is higher than that in many Islamic countries, he noted. Wang said the major tasks of fighting terrorism and violence have been largely successful, adding Xinjiang has not seen any terrorist attack in three years. "Rumors find no market among the fair-minded and are pale in face of facts. What the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has done is for the sake of the happiness of the 25 million people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. It also makes a greater contribution to the international counter-terrorism cause. So we are open and aboveboard about this," said Wang. The Chinese foreign minister said that over 1,000 foreign diplomats, scholars and media representatives have visited the region and that they agree some reports from Western media are misleading. He pointed out that 50 countries have jointly submitted a notice not long ago in support of China to the UN Human Rights Council.

What happens in Xinjiang is purely Beijing's internal matter: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi

A futuristic<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijings-new-multi-billion-dollar-starfish-airport-set-to-open-in-september-231977"> new airport </a>in Beijing, which is expected to become one of the busiest in the world, was opened by President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.

Xi declared the starfish-shaped airport open in brief remarks at a ceremony inside the huge terminal, days before the country holds a grand celebration to mark 70 years of Communist rule.

Located 46 kilometres south of Tiananmen Square, the Beijing Daxing International Airport will operate at full capacity in 2040, with eight runways and the potential to receive 100 million passengers per year.

The airport is seen as a fitting embodiment of the "Chinese dream" Xi has offered his fellow citizens.&nbsp;

Both foreign and domestic carriers have announced plans to move their operations to the new airport.

British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Finnair have already announced their new routes to Daxing to tap the potential of the&nbsp;new aviation hub.

The SkyTeam alliance, which includes Delta, Air France, and Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), was expected to move over to the new airport, along with their partners Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines.&nbsp;Delta and Air France said that the decision to whether move airports had not yet been made.

The third-largest Chinese airline, Air China, is expected to keep flying the bulk of its flights from Beijing Capital International Airport.

"Switching airports can be a complex decision for airlines," said aviation analyst John Strickland.&nbsp;

"Airlines would prefer to see a new airport open and overcome teething problems before moving services from another well tried and tested airport", he added.

The maiden flight from the airport is scheduled at 0730 GMT, according to Chinese flight tracking app Umetrip.

Soaring Growth

At 700,000 square metres - about the size of 100 football pitches - the new structure will be one of the world's largest airport terminals.

The building was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, who died in 2016.

Inside, it stands out for its flowing, curved lines and the use of natural light that filters down to the lowest levels of the building through the openings on the roof.

Underneath the terminal is a train station and a metro line that will allow travellers to reach the city centre in 20 minutes.

The project cost $17.5 billion.

At full capacity, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/beijing-new-airport-starts-test-flights-on-monday-218368">Daxing</a> would be the world's largest single terminal in terms of traveller capacity, according to its designers.

Atlanta airport in the United States -&nbsp;the world's busiest airport - can receive more than a hundred million passengers but across two terminals.

The current Beijing Capital International Airport - the world's second-largest -&nbsp;is already overflowing, with just over 100 million passengers annually.&nbsp;

"Daxing is an extension of the phenomenal growth of the aviation market in China," said Shukor Yusof, head of Malaysia-based aviation consultancy Endau Analytics.

Air transport is booming in China as living standards increase along with peoples' desire to travel.

It is expected to surpass the US to become the world's biggest aviation market by the mid-2020s, according to the International Air Transport Association.&nbsp;

By 2037 the country will have 1.6 billion plane journeys each year -&nbsp;a billion more than in 2017, the organisation estimates.

A futuristic new airport in Beijing, which is expected to become one of the busiest in the world, was opened by President Xi Jinping on Wednesday. Xi declared the starfish-shaped airport open in brief remarks at a ceremony inside the huge terminal, days before the country holds a grand celebration to mark 70 years of Communist rule.

A futuristic new airport in Beijing, which is expected to become one of the busiest in the world, was opened by President Xi Jinping on Wednesday. Xi declared the starfish-shaped airport open in brief remarks at a ceremony inside the huge terminal, days before the country holds a grand celebration to mark 70 years of Communist rule. Located 46 kilometres south of Tiananmen Square, the Beijing Daxing International Airport will operate at full capacity in 2040, with eight runways and the potential to receive 100 million passengers per year. The airport is seen as a fitting embodiment of the "Chinese dream" Xi has offered his fellow citizens. Both foreign and domestic carriers have announced plans to move their operations to the new airport. British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Finnair have already announced their new routes to Daxing to tap the potential of the new aviation hub. The SkyTeam alliance, which includes Delta, Air France, and Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), was expected to move over to the new airport, along with their partners Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines. Delta and Air France said that the decision to whether move airports had not yet been made. The third-largest Chinese airline, Air China, is expected to keep flying the bulk of its flights from Beijing Capital International Airport. "Switching airports can be a complex decision for airlines," said aviation analyst John Strickland. "Airlines would prefer to see a new airport open and overcome teething problems before moving services from another well tried and tested airport", he added. The maiden flight from the airport is scheduled at 0730 GMT, according to Chinese flight tracking app Umetrip. Soaring Growth At 700,000 square metres - about the size of 100 football pitches - the new structure will be one of the world's largest airport terminals. The building was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, who died in 2016. Inside, it stands out for its flowing, curved lines and the use of natural light that filters down to the lowest levels of the building through the openings on the roof. Underneath the terminal is a train station and a metro line that will allow travellers to reach the city centre in 20 minutes. The project cost $17.5 billion. At full capacity, Daxing would be the world's largest single terminal in terms of traveller capacity, according to its designers. Atlanta airport in the United States - the world's busiest airport - can receive more than a hundred million passengers but across two terminals. The current Beijing Capital International Airport - the world's second-largest - is already overflowing, with just over 100 million passengers annually. "Daxing is an extension of the phenomenal growth of the aviation market in China," said Shukor Yusof, head of Malaysia-based aviation consultancy Endau Analytics. Air transport is booming in China as living standards increase along with peoples' desire to travel. It is expected to surpass the US to become the world's biggest aviation market by the mid-2020s, according to the International Air Transport Association. By 2037 the country will have 1.6 billion plane journeys each year - a billion more than in 2017, the organisation estimates.

Beijing futuristic airport opens ahead of China's 70th anniversary

Hong Kong reduced rail and bus links to the city's airport on Sunday and police stepped up security checks in a bid to scupper plans by pro-democracy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-protesters-clash-in-16th-weekend-of-rallies-251060">protesters to disrupt the bustling transport hub</a>.

The airport -- the world's eighth busiest -- has become a frequent target for a protest movement pushing for greater democratic rights and police accountability.

Online forums used by the largely leaderless movement had called for a "stress test" of the airport on Sunday, code for disrupting travel links or occupying buildings.

But in a bid to stop large numbers of protesters making their way to the airport, transport operators on Sunday reduced the number of stations the city's Airport Express train would stop at and also pared down bus services.

Millions of pro-democracy supporters have taken to Hong Kong's streets for the past three months in the biggest challenge to China's rule since the city's handover from Britain in 1997.

With few protester demands met, violent clashes have become more intense and frequent.

Watch:&nbsp;Hong Kong still remains on the boil

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-still-remains-on-the-boil-251078/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Early on in the movement protests at the airport were peaceful, with good-natured crowds of activists using the arrival hall to educate travellers about their goals.

Protesters then took a more hardline approach in a bid to ramp up pressure on Beijing and city leaders by denting Hong Kong's reputation as a stable business destination.

In late August, flights were severely disrupted for two days after crowds occupied the arrival and departure halls, physically halting passengers from taking flights and later beating two men they accused of being Chinese mainland spies.

A third major disruption occurred on September 1 when road and rail links to the airport were blocked, forcing many travellers to abandon vehicles and drag their luggage for kilometres.

Mall singing

In recent weeks police have shown a better ability to stymie attempts to disrupt the airport.

A promised "stress test" on September 7 failed to materialise when riot police fanned out across major stations, and train and bus services were reduced.

It is the 16th consecutive weekend Hong Kong has seen rallies or clashes.

The protests were ignited by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to authoritarian mainland China, but after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line the movement snowballed and became much wider.

Core demands from protesters include an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and universal suffrage -- all rejected by authorities and Beijing.

Earlier this month city leader Carrie Lam abandoned the extradition bill and called for dialogue but the concessions was viewed as too little, too late by many.

As a result, the protests show little sign of abating.

On Saturday police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hardcore activists throwing rocks and petrol bombs in two towns near the border with mainland China.

On Sunday afternoon hundreds gathered in a mall in the district of Sha Tin to sing a popular protest anthem.

Protesters are aiming to draw out large crowds next weekend -- the fifth anniversary of the start of a previous round of failed democracy protests -- and on October 1, the 70th anniversary of the founding of communist China.

Hong Kong reduced rail and bus links to the city's airport on Sunday and police stepped up security checks in a bid to scupper plans by pro-democracy protesters to disrupt the bustling transport hub.

Hong Kong reduced rail and bus links to the city's airport on Sunday and police stepped up security checks in a bid to scupper plans by pro-democracy protesters to disrupt the bustling transport hub. The airport -- the world's eighth busiest -- has become a frequent target for a protest movement pushing for greater democratic rights and police accountability. Online forums used by the largely leaderless movement had called for a "stress test" of the airport on Sunday, code for disrupting travel links or occupying buildings. But in a bid to stop large numbers of protesters making their way to the airport, transport operators on Sunday reduced the number of stations the city's Airport Express train would stop at and also pared down bus services. Millions of pro-democracy supporters have taken to Hong Kong's streets for the past three months in the biggest challenge to China's rule since the city's handover from Britain in 1997. With few protester demands met, violent clashes have become more intense and frequent. Watch: Hong Kong still remains on the boil Early on in the movement protests at the airport were peaceful, with good-natured crowds of activists using the arrival hall to educate travellers about their goals. Protesters then took a more hardline approach in a bid to ramp up pressure on Beijing and city leaders by denting Hong Kong's reputation as a stable business destination. In late August, flights were severely disrupted for two days after crowds occupied the arrival and departure halls, physically halting passengers from taking flights and later beating two men they accused of being Chinese mainland spies. A third major disruption occurred on September 1 when road and rail links to the airport were blocked, forcing many travellers to abandon vehicles and drag their luggage for kilometres. Mall singing In recent weeks police have shown a better ability to stymie attempts to disrupt the airport. A promised "stress test" on September 7 failed to materialise when riot police fanned out across major stations, and train and bus services were reduced. It is the 16th consecutive weekend Hong Kong has seen rallies or clashes. The protests were ignited by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to authoritarian mainland China, but after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line the movement snowballed and became much wider. Core demands from protesters include an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and universal suffrage -- all rejected by authorities and Beijing. Earlier this month city leader Carrie Lam abandoned the extradition bill and called for dialogue but the concessions was viewed as too little, too late by many. As a result, the protests show little sign of abating. On Saturday police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hardcore activists throwing rocks and petrol bombs in two towns near the border with mainland China. On Sunday afternoon hundreds gathered in a mall in the district of Sha Tin to sing a popular protest anthem. Protesters are aiming to draw out large crowds next weekend -- the fifth anniversary of the start of a previous round of failed democracy protests -- and on October 1, the 70th anniversary of the founding of communist China.

Hong Kong curbs airport links as protesters vow 'stress test'

A Taliban delegation met China's special representative for Afghanistan in Beijing on Sunday to discuss the group's peace talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgency said.

The meeting comes after US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-says-taliban-talks-dead-us-military-to-ramp-up-afghanistan-operations-248707">Trump's eleventh-hour cancellation </a>earlier this month of the negotiations between his country and the Taliban, which many had hoped would pave the way to a broader peace deal with the Afghan government and ending a 17-year war.

The Taliban's nine-member delegation travelled to Beijing and met Deng Xijun, China's special representative for Afghanistan, said Suhail Shaheen, the Afghan group's spokesman in Qatar, on his official Twitter account.

Qatar was where the Taliban and the United States held peace talks over the past year.

"The Chinese special representative said the US-Taliban deal is a good framework for the peaceful solution of the Afghan issue and they support it," Shaheen wrote.

Mullah Baradar, the Taliban delegation's leader, said they had held a dialogue and reached a "comprehensive deal", Shaheen tweeted.

"Now, if the US president cannot stay committed to his words and breaks his promise, then he is responsible for any kind of distraction and bloodshed in Afghanistan," Baradar said, according to Shaheen.

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to an e-mail requesting comment, sent outside its usual operating hours. Chinese officials in Kabul also did not immediately respond to a messaged request for comment.

Afghanistan will this coming week hold its fourth presidential elections since US-led forces toppled the Taliban from power in 2001.

Those elections have gained importance since the collapse of the peace talks, as the negotiations could have led to the creation of an interim government, now a more distant prospect.

In June, before the peace talks fell apart, another Taliban team went to China to meet with the government.

At the time, a foreign ministry spokesman said China supports Afghans resolving their problems themselves through talks, and the visit was an important part of China promoting such peace talks.

China's far western Chinese region of Xinjiang shares a short border with Afghanistan.

China has long worried about links between militant groups and what it says are Islamist extremists operating in Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur people, who speak a Turkic language.

China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been deepening its economic and political ties with Kabul and is also using its influence to try to bring the two uneasy neighbours closer.

A Taliban delegation met China's special representative for Afghanistan in Beijing on Sunday to discuss the group's peace talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgency said.

A Taliban delegation met China's special representative for Afghanistan in Beijing on Sunday to discuss the group's peace talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgency said. The meeting comes after US President Donald Trump's eleventh-hour cancellation earlier this month of the negotiations between his country and the Taliban, which many had hoped would pave the way to a broader peace deal with the Afghan government and ending a 17-year war. The Taliban's nine-member delegation travelled to Beijing and met Deng Xijun, China's special representative for Afghanistan, said Suhail Shaheen, the Afghan group's spokesman in Qatar, on his official Twitter account. Qatar was where the Taliban and the United States held peace talks over the past year. "The Chinese special representative said the US-Taliban deal is a good framework for the peaceful solution of the Afghan issue and they support it," Shaheen wrote. Mullah Baradar, the Taliban delegation's leader, said they had held a dialogue and reached a "comprehensive deal", Shaheen tweeted. "Now, if the US president cannot stay committed to his words and breaks his promise, then he is responsible for any kind of distraction and bloodshed in Afghanistan," Baradar said, according to Shaheen. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to an e-mail requesting comment, sent outside its usual operating hours. Chinese officials in Kabul also did not immediately respond to a messaged request for comment. Afghanistan will this coming week hold its fourth presidential elections since US-led forces toppled the Taliban from power in 2001. Those elections have gained importance since the collapse of the peace talks, as the negotiations could have led to the creation of an interim government, now a more distant prospect. In June, before the peace talks fell apart, another Taliban team went to China to meet with the government. At the time, a foreign ministry spokesman said China supports Afghans resolving their problems themselves through talks, and the visit was an important part of China promoting such peace talks. China's far western Chinese region of Xinjiang shares a short border with Afghanistan. China has long worried about links between militant groups and what it says are Islamist extremists operating in Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur people, who speak a Turkic language. China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been deepening its economic and political ties with Kabul and is also using its influence to try to bring the two uneasy neighbours closer.

Afghanistan's Taliban meets Chinese government in Beijing

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-signals-veto-in-the-standoff-with-us-over-afghan-un-mission-diplomats-250192">China and the United States</a> have formed highly complementary, deeply integrated and mutually beneficial relations, as reflected by the statistics in a report recently released by the US-China Business Council (USCBC), Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Geng said that China hopes the US&nbsp;could give ear to more rational voices in the country.

"We have noticed the report issued by the US-China Business Council. The views in the report are representative to some extent, and show that in the past period of time, US&nbsp;commercial and industrial fields and regional districts have been worried about the escalation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-talks-seen-as-unlikely-to-mend-us-china-divide-250119">China-US&nbsp;trade frictions</a>, and expecting the two sides to solve the trade frictions properly through negotiations," Geng said.

Geng said the report indicated that concerning the goods trade, 265 US&nbsp;electoral districts saw a decline in the export volume to China in 2018, 157 of which saw a double-digit drop. The central and western US&nbsp;and the plain area, where soybeans and other agricultural products were exported, have been most severely affected; as to the service trade, the export volume to China declined in 100 electoral districts in 2017, while in 2016, the volume in 380 electoral districts showed a double-digit or even faster growth.

Geng said that against the backdrop of the China-US&nbsp;trade dispute, the US&nbsp;exports to China in 2018 increased by only 0.75 percent, while in the meantime, the growth rates were respectively 15.3 percent, 14.3 percent and 11.7 percent from South Korea, Japan and European Union.

"The statistics quoted in the report once again prove that the US&nbsp;and China have formed highly complementary, deeply integrated and mutually beneficial relations. The escalating trade dispute is accelerating the market shares loss by the US&nbsp;It damages the interests of the US&nbsp;commercial and industrial fields at first and ultimately damages the interests of the ordinary Americans. In general, trade dispute damages both the US&nbsp;itself and others, and the loss outweighs the gains. We hope the US&nbsp;can give ear to domestic rational voices and work together with China to reach a mutually beneficial and win-win deal through negotiations based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, which not only agrees with the interests of the two countries and their peoples, but is also a common expectation of the international community," Geng said.

The USCBC recently issued the report to analyze the changes of the US&nbsp;voting districts’ goods and service exports to China in the past 10 years, and concluded that China remains a major destination for the US&nbsp;manufacturing and service industries, but the escalating US-China tensions and the uncertainty of the trade dispute would have a negative impact on the US&nbsp;enterprises to expand their markets in China.

China and the United States have formed highly complementary, deeply integrated and mutually beneficial relations, as reflected by the statistics in a report recently released by the US-China Business Council (USCBC), Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday.

China and the United States have formed highly complementary, deeply integrated and mutually beneficial relations, as reflected by the statistics in a report recently released by the US-China Business Council (USCBC), Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday. Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Geng said that China hopes the US could give ear to more rational voices in the country. "We have noticed the report issued by the US-China Business Council. The views in the report are representative to some extent, and show that in the past period of time, US commercial and industrial fields and regional districts have been worried about the escalation of the China-US trade frictions, and expecting the two sides to solve the trade frictions properly through negotiations," Geng said. Geng said the report indicated that concerning the goods trade, 265 US electoral districts saw a decline in the export volume to China in 2018, 157 of which saw a double-digit drop. The central and western US and the plain area, where soybeans and other agricultural products were exported, have been most severely affected; as to the service trade, the export volume to China declined in 100 electoral districts in 2017, while in 2016, the volume in 380 electoral districts showed a double-digit or even faster growth. Geng said that against the backdrop of the China-US trade dispute, the US exports to China in 2018 increased by only 0.75 percent, while in the meantime, the growth rates were respectively 15.3 percent, 14.3 percent and 11.7 percent from South Korea, Japan and European Union. "The statistics quoted in the report once again prove that the US and China have formed highly complementary, deeply integrated and mutually beneficial relations. The escalating trade dispute is accelerating the market shares loss by the US It damages the interests of the US commercial and industrial fields at first and ultimately damages the interests of the ordinary Americans. In general, trade dispute damages both the US itself and others, and the loss outweighs the gains. We hope the US can give ear to domestic rational voices and work together with China to reach a mutually beneficial and win-win deal through negotiations based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, which not only agrees with the interests of the two countries and their peoples, but is also a common expectation of the international community," Geng said. The USCBC recently issued the report to analyze the changes of the US voting districts’ goods and service exports to China in the past 10 years, and concluded that China remains a major destination for the US manufacturing and service industries, but the escalating US-China tensions and the uncertainty of the trade dispute would have a negative impact on the US enterprises to expand their markets in China.

Beijing, Washington hold deeply integrated, mutually beneficial ties: China

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asia-stocks-gain-as-china-rates-tweak-lifts-investor-mood-243985">China</a>'s new home prices grew at their weakest pace in nearly a year in August as a cooling economy and existing curbs on speculative buying put a dent on overall demand.

Wary of property bubbles, Chinese regulators have vowed to refrain from stimulating the real estate sector as they roll out measures to boost the broader economy hit by the Sino-US trade war and slowing consumer demand.

Average new home prices in China's 70 major cities rose 8.8 per cent in August from a year earlier, compared with a 9.7 per cent gain in July and the weakest pace since October 2018, Reuters calculated from official <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-factory-prices-fall-faster-as-weak-demand-hits-economy-248722">National Bureau of Statistics</a> (NBS) data on Tuesday.

Monthly basis, average new home prices rose 0.5 per cent in August, less than July's growth of 0.6 per cent and the smallest increase since February. However, it still marked the 52nd straight month of gains.

Most of the 70 cities surveyed by the NBS still reported monthly price increases for new homes, though the number was down to 55 from 60 in July.

The property sector has held up as one of the few bright spots in the world's second-largest economy.

China's property investment grew at its fastest pace in four months in August, data showed on Monday, in contrast to a protracted slowdown in industrial output and investment.

But some analysts said the rebound in investment was likely due to developers rushing to meet government requirements before they can start sales on growing financing pressure and worries about the market's prospects as regulators have made clear that supervision is only set to tighten.

Yang Yewei, a Beijing-based analyst at Southwest Securities, noted some developers have opted to cut prices, although the government's tight control over new launches suggests they may not tolerate large discounts.

A resilient real estate market has provided some cushion for the world's second-largest economy as policymakers try to revive the ailing manufacturing sector and restore flagging consumer confidence amid an escalating trade war with the United States.

But regulators are walking a tightrope, as rapidly-growing household debt and ever-rising home prices have also deepened fears about a sudden market correction and concerns over housing affordability.

In a sign the government has turned more hawkish on its housing policy as it manoeuvres to pump more credit into other areas of the economy, top Chinese leaders said in July they will not resort to using the housing market as a form of short-term stimulus.

"The policy impact of this meeting was in full play in August," said Xia Dan, an analyst with China's Bank of Communications.

Slower price increases may give the authorities breathing room as they refrain from stimulating the property sector but economists at Nomura expect some tightening measures to be eased around end-2019 as weakness in the economy becomes more pronounced.

"Any attempt to stabilise growth by choking credit to the property sector could backfire," they said, noting the sector comprises about one-quarter of China's GDP.

Price trends have been mixed lately, with some cities showing signs of rapid cooling while others are still plagued with overheating risks.

In August, softer prices were mainly in tier-2 cities, which include most of the larger provincial capitals.

Property prices there increased by 0.5 per cent on average monthly, easing from a 0.7 per cent gain in the previous month, the statistics bureau said in a statement accompanying the data.

However, Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, was the top price performer in the month, with prices surging 2.3 per cent on a monthly basis.&nbsp;

China's four top-tier cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, had an average gain of 0.3 per cent from a month earlier, unchanged from July's.

Out of the 70 major cities the government tracks, price growth in the smallest tier-3 cities rose the most on a monthly basis, though their increase of 0.7 per cent was also in line with July's pace.

China's average residential property prices are estimated to rise 6 per cent in 2019 from a year earlier, according to a Reuters poll published in August.

The forecast was slightly higher than the 5 per cent projected in the last poll conducted in March but is significantly slower than the 9.7 per cent gain seen in 2018. &nbsp;

China's new home prices grew at their weakest pace in nearly a year in August as a cooling economy and existing curbs on speculative buying put a dent on overall demand.

China's new home prices grew at their weakest pace in nearly a year in August as a cooling economy and existing curbs on speculative buying put a dent on overall demand. Wary of property bubbles, Chinese regulators have vowed to refrain from stimulating the real estate sector as they roll out measures to boost the broader economy hit by the Sino-US trade war and slowing consumer demand. Average new home prices in China's 70 major cities rose 8.8 per cent in August from a year earlier, compared with a 9.7 per cent gain in July and the weakest pace since October 2018, Reuters calculated from official National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data on Tuesday. Monthly basis, average new home prices rose 0.5 per cent in August, less than July's growth of 0.6 per cent and the smallest increase since February. However, it still marked the 52nd straight month of gains. Most of the 70 cities surveyed by the NBS still reported monthly price increases for new homes, though the number was down to 55 from 60 in July. The property sector has held up as one of the few bright spots in the world's second-largest economy. China's property investment grew at its fastest pace in four months in August, data showed on Monday, in contrast to a protracted slowdown in industrial output and investment. But some analysts said the rebound in investment was likely due to developers rushing to meet government requirements before they can start sales on growing financing pressure and worries about the market's prospects as regulators have made clear that supervision is only set to tighten. Yang Yewei, a Beijing-based analyst at Southwest Securities, noted some developers have opted to cut prices, although the government's tight control over new launches suggests they may not tolerate large discounts. A resilient real estate market has provided some cushion for the world's second-largest economy as policymakers try to revive the ailing manufacturing sector and restore flagging consumer confidence amid an escalating trade war with the United States. But regulators are walking a tightrope, as rapidly-growing household debt and ever-rising home prices have also deepened fears about a sudden market correction and concerns over housing affordability. In a sign the government has turned more hawkish on its housing policy as it manoeuvres to pump more credit into other areas of the economy, top Chinese leaders said in July they will not resort to using the housing market as a form of short-term stimulus. "The policy impact of this meeting was in full play in August," said Xia Dan, an analyst with China's Bank of Communications. Slower price increases may give the authorities breathing room as they refrain from stimulating the property sector but economists at Nomura expect some tightening measures to be eased around end-2019 as weakness in the economy becomes more pronounced. "Any attempt to stabilise growth by choking credit to the property sector could backfire," they said, noting the sector comprises about one-quarter of China's GDP. Price trends have been mixed lately, with some cities showing signs of rapid cooling while others are still plagued with overheating risks. In August, softer prices were mainly in tier-2 cities, which include most of the larger provincial capitals. Property prices there increased by 0.5 per cent on average monthly, easing from a 0.7 per cent gain in the previous month, the statistics bureau said in a statement accompanying the data. However, Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, was the top price performer in the month, with prices surging 2.3 per cent on a monthly basis. China's four top-tier cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, had an average gain of 0.3 per cent from a month earlier, unchanged from July's. Out of the 70 major cities the government tracks, price growth in the smallest tier-3 cities rose the most on a monthly basis, though their increase of 0.7 per cent was also in line with July's pace. China's average residential property prices are estimated to rise 6 per cent in 2019 from a year earlier, according to a Reuters poll published in August. The forecast was slightly higher than the 5 per cent projected in the last poll conducted in March but is significantly slower than the 9.7 per cent gain seen in 2018.

China's home price growth at weakest in nearly a year, developers seen cutting prices

Fights erupted in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-hills-shine-with-protest-lights-in-festival-themed-rally-249521">Hong Kong</a> on Saturday with political rivals trading blows <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-plan-shopping-mall-sit-ins-after-hill-top-human-chains-249585">in a mall and Beijing supporters using Chinese flags to assault</a>&nbsp;opponents on a street, deepening the city's polarisation after months of pro-democracy protests.

The once-stable international hub has been convulsed by weeks of huge, sometimes violent rallies calling for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability.

The movement is the biggest challenge to China's rule since the city was handed back by Britain in 1997 and shows no sign of ending, with city leaders and Beijing taking a hard line.

Fights have begun breaking out with increased frequency after pro-democracy supporters began holding impromptu singalongs of a popular protest anthem&nbsp;and as pro- Beijing supporters have held rival gatherings to sing China's national anthem.

In the district of Fortress Hill on Saturday, a group of men, many waving Chinese flags and wearing blue t-shirts declaring "I love HK police", attacked people perceived to be pro-democracy protesters.

Multiple videos posted online showed the group of men assaulting largely younger victims with large flags on poles and with punches and kicks as terrified onlookers ran away.

Hong Kong police did not respond to a request for comment on the incident.

Fortress Hill is next to North Point, an area of the city where similar mob attacks by government supporters have occurred this summer and which has long been a bastion of pro-Beijing sentiment.

Shortly before the assaults, the men were filmed tearing down post-it notes and posters on a nearby "Lennon Wall", pro-democracy billboards which have sprung up across the city.

Within hours, the wall was back up as crowds put up new slogans and messages.

"It makes me so angry," a 37-year-old local pro-democracy protester, who gave her first name as Ed, told AFP.

"These walls are a form of emotional support, it shows the movement is still alive. But even if they destroy it, we will just build it again."

Bloody mall brawl

Fights later broke out between pro-China and pro-democracy supporters in Amoy Plaza, a shopping centre on the other side of the harbour.

An AFP photographer at the scene said some two hundred people had gathered to wave Chinese flags and sing the national anthem.

Violence erupted after pro-democracy supporters arrived on the scene with several people on both sides visibly bloodied and bruised.

Police with shields and helmets later rushed into the mall, ending the fights.

Some young pro-democracy supporters were seen being detained outside and inside the mall by police.

The South China Morning Post said fights also broke out between ideological rivals in a subway station.

Democracy protesters have accused police of taking sides, clamping down harder on their camp than violent government supporters accusations the force has strongly denied.

An attack by pro-government men with sticks in the town of Yuen Long in July which left more than 40 people hospitalised sent anger soaring after police were accused to taking too long to get to the incident and failing to arrest the aggressors on site.

Hong Kong has been battered by nearly 100 days of protests, sparked by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the mainland.

But with few concessions won so far the movement has snowballed into wider calls for democracy and a halt to sliding freedoms under Beijing's rule.

Millions have taken part in huge, largely peaceful demonstrations.

But smaller groups of hardline protesters have fought increasingly violent battles with riot police and vandalised subway stations in scenes that have sent shockwaves through the once-stable financial hub.

Under a deal signed with Britain ahead of the city's 1997 handover to China, Hong Kong is allowed to keep its unique freedoms for 50 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-seeks-trump-us-congress-support-249535">Democracy activists</a> accuse Beijing of reneging on those promises by ramping up political control over the semi-autonomous territory.

Activists and analysts say the movement will only end when some other key demands are met, such as an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for the nearly 1,400 people arrested and universal suffrage.

But there is little sign of Beijing agreeing to those demands.

Plans by demonstrators to hold a large rally on Sunday have been rejected by the police.

Previous bans have simply been ignored by the masses and clashes with police have quickly followed.

Protesters have also called for rallies the next two weekends and a general strike starting in October.

Fights erupted in Hong Kong on Saturday with political rivals trading blows in a mall and Beijing supporters using Chinese flags to assault opponents on a street, deepening the city's polarisation after months of pro-democracy protests.

Fights erupted in Hong Kong on Saturday with political rivals trading blows in a mall and Beijing supporters using Chinese flags to assault opponents on a street, deepening the city's polarisation after months of pro-democracy protests. The once-stable international hub has been convulsed by weeks of huge, sometimes violent rallies calling for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability. The movement is the biggest challenge to China's rule since the city was handed back by Britain in 1997 and shows no sign of ending, with city leaders and Beijing taking a hard line. Fights have begun breaking out with increased frequency after pro-democracy supporters began holding impromptu singalongs of a popular protest anthem and as pro- Beijing supporters have held rival gatherings to sing China's national anthem. In the district of Fortress Hill on Saturday, a group of men, many waving Chinese flags and wearing blue t-shirts declaring "I love HK police", attacked people perceived to be pro-democracy protesters. Multiple videos posted online showed the group of men assaulting largely younger victims with large flags on poles and with punches and kicks as terrified onlookers ran away. Hong Kong police did not respond to a request for comment on the incident. Fortress Hill is next to North Point, an area of the city where similar mob attacks by government supporters have occurred this summer and which has long been a bastion of pro-Beijing sentiment. Shortly before the assaults, the men were filmed tearing down post-it notes and posters on a nearby "Lennon Wall", pro-democracy billboards which have sprung up across the city. Within hours, the wall was back up as crowds put up new slogans and messages. "It makes me so angry," a 37-year-old local pro-democracy protester, who gave her first name as Ed, told AFP. "These walls are a form of emotional support, it shows the movement is still alive. But even if they destroy it, we will just build it again." Bloody mall brawl Fights later broke out between pro-China and pro-democracy supporters in Amoy Plaza, a shopping centre on the other side of the harbour. An AFP photographer at the scene said some two hundred people had gathered to wave Chinese flags and sing the national anthem. Violence erupted after pro-democracy supporters arrived on the scene with several people on both sides visibly bloodied and bruised. Police with shields and helmets later rushed into the mall, ending the fights. Some young pro-democracy supporters were seen being detained outside and inside the mall by police. The South China Morning Post said fights also broke out between ideological rivals in a subway station. Democracy protesters have accused police of taking sides, clamping down harder on their camp than violent government supporters accusations the force has strongly denied. An attack by pro-government men with sticks in the town of Yuen Long in July which left more than 40 people hospitalised sent anger soaring after police were accused to taking too long to get to the incident and failing to arrest the aggressors on site. Hong Kong has been battered by nearly 100 days of protests, sparked by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the mainland. But with few concessions won so far the movement has snowballed into wider calls for democracy and a halt to sliding freedoms under Beijing's rule. Millions have taken part in huge, largely peaceful demonstrations. But smaller groups of hardline protesters have fought increasingly violent battles with riot police and vandalised subway stations in scenes that have sent shockwaves through the once-stable financial hub. Under a deal signed with Britain ahead of the city's 1997 handover to China, Hong Kong is allowed to keep its unique freedoms for 50 years. Democracy activists accuse Beijing of reneging on those promises by ramping up political control over the semi-autonomous territory. Activists and analysts say the movement will only end when some other key demands are met, such as an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for the nearly 1,400 people arrested and universal suffrage. But there is little sign of Beijing agreeing to those demands. Plans by demonstrators to hold a large rally on Sunday have been rejected by the police. Previous bans have simply been ignored by the masses and clashes with police have quickly followed. Protesters have also called for rallies the next two weekends and a general strike starting in October.

Mall brawls and street fights as Hong Kong polarisation deepens

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to China but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist Party rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone.

"Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in Hong Kong on September 11," the Hong Kong edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page on Tuesday alongside a picture of the attacks on the twin towers in New York.

"The 9/11 terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires," it said.

The Facebook post said, "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical protesters in their online chat rooms".

The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system, triggering the anger over the extradition bill.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she will withdraw the bill but many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding the city's autonomy. 
China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest.

"We don’t even need to do a fact check to know that this is fake news," protester Michael, 24, said of the China Daily post.

"The state media doesn’t care about its credibility. Whenever something they claimed to have heard on WhatsApp or friends’ friends, they will spread it right away," he said.

The protesters called off action on Wednesday.

"In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in Hong Kong will be suspended on September&nbsp;11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement.

Protester Karen, 23, said the China Daily report was worrying.

“When they try to frame the whole protest with those words, it alarms me. They are predicting rather than reporting," she said. "I think people calling it off today is a nice move.

The protests spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many football fans defied Chinese law to boo the national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran.

Several peaceful protests are planned for the coming days, combining with festivities marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city. Hong Kong has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to China but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist Party rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone. "Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in Hong Kong on September 11," the Hong Kong edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page on Tuesday alongside a picture of the attacks on the twin towers in New York. "The 9/11 terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires," it said. The Facebook post said, "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical protesters in their online chat rooms". The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system, triggering the anger over the extradition bill. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she will withdraw the bill but many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding the city's autonomy. China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest. "We don’t even need to do a fact check to know that this is fake news," protester Michael, 24, said of the China Daily post. "The state media doesn’t care about its credibility. Whenever something they claimed to have heard on WhatsApp or friends’ friends, they will spread it right away," he said. The protesters called off action on Wednesday. "In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in Hong Kong will be suspended on September 11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement. Protester Karen, 23, said the China Daily report was worrying. “When they try to frame the whole protest with those words, it alarms me. They are predicting rather than reporting," she said. "I think people calling it off today is a nice move. The protests spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many football fans defied Chinese law to boo the national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran. Several peaceful protests are planned for the coming days, combining with festivities marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong protesters hit pause to mark September 11 attacks

China announced exemptions for 16 types of US&nbsp;products from additional retaliatory duties, in a move that comes as trade negotiators from the two countries prepare to meet later this month to try and de-escalate their protracted tariff row.

The exemptions will apply to US&nbsp;goods including some anti-cancer drugs and lubricants, as well as animal feed such as whey and fish meal, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement on its website on Wednesday.

China has imposed several rounds of duties on US&nbsp;goods in retaliation against US&nbsp;Section 301 tariffs, beginning last year in July and August with a 25% levy on about $50 billion of US&nbsp;imports.

In all, the world's two largest economies have slapped tit-for-tat tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods in a bitter trade war that has dragged on for well over a year and hurt business investment, profits and global growth.

The items on the two tariff exemption lists - posted on the ministry's website - will not be subject to additional duties imposed by China on US&nbsp;goods "as countermeasures to US&nbsp;Section 301 measures", the ministry said in its statement.

The exemption will take effect on September 17 and be valid for a year through to Sept. 16, 2020, it said.

However, the exempted list includes only a small quantity of items in comparison to over 5,000 types of US&nbsp;products that are already subject to China's additional tariffs. Moreover, major US&nbsp;imports, such as soybean and corn, are still subject to hefty additional duties.

Wednesday's announcement comes before Chinese trade deputies are expected to meet with their US&nbsp;counterparts in mid-September in Washington. That will be followed by minister-level meetings in early October in the US&nbsp;capital, involving Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

China announced exemptions for 16 types of US products from additional retaliatory duties, in a move that comes as trade negotiators from the two countries prepare to meet later this month to try and de-escalate their protracted tariff row.

China announced exemptions for 16 types of US products from additional retaliatory duties, in a move that comes as trade negotiators from the two countries prepare to meet later this month to try and de-escalate their protracted tariff row. The exemptions will apply to US goods including some anti-cancer drugs and lubricants, as well as animal feed such as whey and fish meal, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement on its website on Wednesday. China has imposed several rounds of duties on US goods in retaliation against US Section 301 tariffs, beginning last year in July and August with a 25% levy on about $50 billion of US imports. In all, the world's two largest economies have slapped tit-for-tat tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods in a bitter trade war that has dragged on for well over a year and hurt business investment, profits and global growth. The items on the two tariff exemption lists - posted on the ministry's website - will not be subject to additional duties imposed by China on US goods "as countermeasures to US Section 301 measures", the ministry said in its statement. The exemption will take effect on September 17 and be valid for a year through to Sept. 16, 2020, it said. However, the exempted list includes only a small quantity of items in comparison to over 5,000 types of US products that are already subject to China's additional tariffs. Moreover, major US imports, such as soybean and corn, are still subject to hefty additional duties. Wednesday's announcement comes before Chinese trade deputies are expected to meet with their US counterparts in mid-September in Washington. That will be followed by minister-level meetings in early October in the US capital, involving Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

China exempts 16 types of US goods from additional tariffs

The centre of Beijing was under lockdown early Sunday for a nighttime parade rehearsal by the Chinese military which is preparing for October 1 ceremonies to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary.

The enormous Avenue of Eternal Peace, which leads to Tiananmen Square and runs east-west, was closed to traffic for about a dozen kilometres (seven miles) to allow troops to parade around Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of Chinese power.

It is where Mao Zedong in 1949 proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China.&nbsp;

The official news agency Xinhua said about 90,000 people were "involved in the rehearsal and related supporting services", and organisers said the run-through "reached the expected results".

Areas around the Avenue of Eternal Peace were gradually closed to traffic from late Saturday afternoon and were expected to stay off-limits until Sunday morning, causing traffic jams.

Security forces blocked access to residences with views of the avenue, ordering several foreign media outlets in the area to leave their offices for the weekend.

"We warmly celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China," proclaimed immense signs being transported by trucks heading towards Tiananmen Square.

Other rehearsals are expected each weekend leading up to October 1, leaving residents facing the same restrictions, a guard told AFP.

Every 10 years Beijing traditionally marks the republic's anniversary with a giant military parade.

The army said at the end of August that the next parade would be larger than those in 1999 and 2009, and even bigger than one in 2015 which commemorated the end of World War II 70 years earlier.&nbsp;

On that occasion, 12,000 soldiers marched -- far fewer than the number of people involved in Sunday's rehearsal.

The parade is expected to showcase some of the most advanced weaponry of the Chinese army, in an effort to drum up patriotic fervour.

But it will not be targeted "at any countries or districts," General Cai Zhijun, a member of the Chinese Army General Staff, said last month. Cai said the size of the military parade was not a sign of aggression and the Chinese army was "committed to safeguarding world peace and regional stability."

This year's anniversary comes at a sensitive time for Beijing. It is in a trade war with the United States, Hong Kong is rocked by demonstrations, and it faces criticism over the treatment of Muslims in the western Xinjiang region.

China's two-million-member armed forces is the world's largest and its military budget is the second-biggest, though still far behind that of the United States.

The centre of Beijing was under lockdown early Sunday for a nighttime parade rehearsal by the Chinese military which is preparing for October 1 ceremonies to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary.

The centre of Beijing was under lockdown early Sunday for a nighttime parade rehearsal by the Chinese military which is preparing for October 1 ceremonies to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary. The enormous Avenue of Eternal Peace, which leads to Tiananmen Square and runs east-west, was closed to traffic for about a dozen kilometres (seven miles) to allow troops to parade around Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of Chinese power. It is where Mao Zedong in 1949 proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China. The official news agency Xinhua said about 90,000 people were "involved in the rehearsal and related supporting services", and organisers said the run-through "reached the expected results". Areas around the Avenue of Eternal Peace were gradually closed to traffic from late Saturday afternoon and were expected to stay off-limits until Sunday morning, causing traffic jams. Security forces blocked access to residences with views of the avenue, ordering several foreign media outlets in the area to leave their offices for the weekend. "We warmly celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China," proclaimed immense signs being transported by trucks heading towards Tiananmen Square. Other rehearsals are expected each weekend leading up to October 1, leaving residents facing the same restrictions, a guard told AFP. Every 10 years Beijing traditionally marks the republic's anniversary with a giant military parade. The army said at the end of August that the next parade would be larger than those in 1999 and 2009, and even bigger than one in 2015 which commemorated the end of World War II 70 years earlier. On that occasion, 12,000 soldiers marched -- far fewer than the number of people involved in Sunday's rehearsal. The parade is expected to showcase some of the most advanced weaponry of the Chinese army, in an effort to drum up patriotic fervour. But it will not be targeted "at any countries or districts," General Cai Zhijun, a member of the Chinese Army General Staff, said last month. Cai said the size of the military parade was not a sign of aggression and the Chinese army was "committed to safeguarding world peace and regional stability." This year's anniversary comes at a sensitive time for Beijing. It is in a trade war with the United States, Hong Kong is rocked by demonstrations, and it faces criticism over the treatment of Muslims in the western Xinjiang region. China's two-million-member armed forces is the world's largest and its military budget is the second-biggest, though still far behind that of the United States.

Central Beijing locked down for overnight army parade rehearsal

Beijing karaoke bars are closing, toy weapon sales are banned and every delivery package is being scanned: the capital is taking no chances weeks ahead of a massive military parade to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary.

Beijing has been preparing for the big celebration well ahead of the October 1 event, with several large screens installed at Tiananmen Square, where tanks and other army hardware will be shown off.

Security was already tighter than usual to enter Beijing's massive square as guards sifted through every bag in the long line of local tourists heading for a visit on Thursday. An AFP journalist was not allowed to go through.

Several kilometres away, the Workers Stadium has been closed off, with temporary high walls covered in fake grass surrounding the facility normally used by Chinese football team Beijing Guoan.

A security guard told AFP that the government "wants to use the stadium for the 70th-anniversary preparations."

All businesses inside the stadium, including a gym and restaurants, have been told to close between September 5 and the October 1 national day.

"The government has notified us to close up," said Joey Xu, manager of Puerta 20, a restaurant inside the stadium.

"Our staff will be offered paid vacation. But the government isn't compensating businesses for their losses," he said.

Other businesses near the stadium are also closing up from mid-September.

"Authorities fear that businesses around the stadium that operate late into the night, especially ones with loud patrons like ours, could cause disturbances," said a manager at Mei Karaoke bar who only offered his last name, Zhang.

The parade comes as a trade war between Beijing and Washington threatens to drag down the global economy and follows three months of anti-government civil unrest in Hong Kong.

The parade is expected to showcase some of the most advanced weaponry of the Chinese army, in an attempt to drum up patriotic fervour.

Other plans for the anniversary celebration include an awards ceremony, fireworks, souvenir stamps and coins, an official documentary, and a musical.

Roads around Tiananmen Square and Changan Avenue, where soldiers will march, will be closed Saturday and Sunday for a rehearsal of the massive parade.

Slow post and no drones

Beijing's army of delivery staff who carry hot meals and other packages across the city within minutes have been told to reject parcels from anyone who cannot produce valid identity documents.

It forms part of a broader campaign to tighten postal security ahead of the 70th celebrations.

The State Post Bureau last month said all packages coming into Beijing will have to be X-rayed and individually stamped to prove they have been inspected.

Hobbyists who want to buy drones, toys with "countdown mechanisms" similar to ticking time-bombs or fake landmines that can be "detonated" with a remote-control device will also have to wait till after the October 1 event to place their orders.

Delivery of these items are "strictly prohibited" between September 15 and October 2, the postal bureau said in a statement.

And while Beijing has stepped up inspections of potentially troublesome items offline, China's Twitter-like platform Weibo has also started deleting online content that "insults" national heroes or "distorts" the history of the nation or the Communist Party.

China's biggest microblogging platform said Wednesday it has removed 14,299 posts and disabled 1,475 accounts that have "spread historical nihilism", a party euphemism for narratives that challenge the official version of events.

Weibo, which had more than 486 million monthly active users as of June, said the "cleanup" would run until the end of September.

Beijing karaoke bars are closing, toy weapon sales are banned and every delivery package is being scanned: the capital is taking no chances weeks ahead of a massive military parade to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary.

Beijing karaoke bars are closing, toy weapon sales are banned and every delivery package is being scanned: the capital is taking no chances weeks ahead of a massive military parade to mark Communist China's 70th anniversary. Beijing has been preparing for the big celebration well ahead of the October 1 event, with several large screens installed at Tiananmen Square, where tanks and other army hardware will be shown off. Security was already tighter than usual to enter Beijing's massive square as guards sifted through every bag in the long line of local tourists heading for a visit on Thursday. An AFP journalist was not allowed to go through. Several kilometres away, the Workers Stadium has been closed off, with temporary high walls covered in fake grass surrounding the facility normally used by Chinese football team Beijing Guoan. A security guard told AFP that the government "wants to use the stadium for the 70th-anniversary preparations." All businesses inside the stadium, including a gym and restaurants, have been told to close between September 5 and the October 1 national day. "The government has notified us to close up," said Joey Xu, manager of Puerta 20, a restaurant inside the stadium. "Our staff will be offered paid vacation. But the government isn't compensating businesses for their losses," he said. Other businesses near the stadium are also closing up from mid-September. "Authorities fear that businesses around the stadium that operate late into the night, especially ones with loud patrons like ours, could cause disturbances," said a manager at Mei Karaoke bar who only offered his last name, Zhang. The parade comes as a trade war between Beijing and Washington threatens to drag down the global economy and follows three months of anti-government civil unrest in Hong Kong. The parade is expected to showcase some of the most advanced weaponry of the Chinese army, in an attempt to drum up patriotic fervour. Other plans for the anniversary celebration include an awards ceremony, fireworks, souvenir stamps and coins, an official documentary, and a musical. Roads around Tiananmen Square and Changan Avenue, where soldiers will march, will be closed Saturday and Sunday for a rehearsal of the massive parade. Slow post and no drones Beijing's army of delivery staff who carry hot meals and other packages across the city within minutes have been told to reject parcels from anyone who cannot produce valid identity documents. It forms part of a broader campaign to tighten postal security ahead of the 70th celebrations. The State Post Bureau last month said all packages coming into Beijing will have to be X-rayed and individually stamped to prove they have been inspected. Hobbyists who want to buy drones, toys with "countdown mechanisms" similar to ticking time-bombs or fake landmines that can be "detonated" with a remote-control device will also have to wait till after the October 1 event to place their orders. Delivery of these items are "strictly prohibited" between September 15 and October 2, the postal bureau said in a statement. And while Beijing has stepped up inspections of potentially troublesome items offline, China's Twitter-like platform Weibo has also started deleting online content that "insults" national heroes or "distorts" the history of the nation or the Communist Party. China's biggest microblogging platform said Wednesday it has removed 14,299 posts and disabled 1,475 accounts that have "spread historical nihilism", a party euphemism for narratives that challenge the official version of events. Weibo, which had more than 486 million monthly active users as of June, said the "cleanup" would run until the end of September.

Security squeeze in China’s capital ahead of communist celebration

China's central bank said on Friday it was cutting the amount of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-war-to-knock-05-points-off-global-growth-french-finance-minister-247859">cash that banks must</a> hold as reserves for the third time this year, releasing $126.35 billion&nbsp;in liquidity to shore up the flagging economy.

Analysts had expected China to announce more policy easing measures soon as the world's second-largest economy comes under growing pressure from escalating US&nbsp;tariffs and sluggish domestic demand.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) said it would cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by 50 basis points (bps) for all banks, with an additional 100 bps cut for qualified city commercial banks. The RRR for large banks will be lowered to 13.0 per cent.

The PBOC has now slashed the ratio seven times since early 2018. The size of the latest move was at the upper end of market expectations, and the number of funds released will be the largest so far in the current easing cycle.

The broad-based cut, which will release 800 billion yuan in liquidity, is effective September&nbsp;16. The additional targeted cut will release 100 billion yuan, in two phases effective October 15 and November 15.

"The move shows policymakers are increasingly worried but it’s far from enough to stabilise the economy," said Larry Hu, head of Greater China economics at Macquarie Group in Hong Kong.

"The key constraint is that everything is slowing down corporates are not willing to invest because of the trade war, a global slowdown, and weak infrastructure and property sector growth."

The latest move to spur bank lending followed a cabinet meeting on September 4 that pledged to implement both broad and targeted cuts in the RRR "in a timely manner".

The PBOC said it will maintain a prudent monetary policy and avoid a flood-like stimulus while increasing counter-cyclical adjustments and maintaining reasonable and abundant liquidity.

Analysts say China's economic growth has likely cooled further this quarter from a near 30-year low of 6.2 per cent in April-June. Morgan Stanley says it is now tracking the lower end of the government's full-year target range of around 6-6.5 per cent. 
&nbsp; 
With Washington imposing new tariffs from September 1 and threatening more measures from October 1 and December 15, some economists have recently cut their China growth estimates for next year to below 6 per cent, which would breach Beijing's longer-term development goal.

The central bank is also widely expected to cut one or more of its key policy interest rates in mid-September for the first time in four years as it works to reduce corporate funding costs.

"I think it's very likely they will cut the LPR (loan prime rate) by about 5-10 bps later this month. I also expect another RRR cut of 50 bps by the end of this year,” Macquarie's Hu said.

Despite a slew of support measures and policy easing since last year, China's economy is still struggling to get back on a firm footing.

July's data showed growth stumbled more sharply than expected as the intensifying trade war with the United States took a heavier toll, and August factory surveys pointed to continued weakness.

Prior to the latest RRR cut, the central bank had pumped out 3.63 trillion yuan in net liquidity through reserve cuts since early 2018, according to Reuters calculations based on PBOC data and analyst estimates.

The PBOC's hefty injections have helped bring down companies' borrowing costs, which had jumped early last year as regulators clamped down on riskier types of financing and debt.

But analysts have cautioned that some companies may be merely refinancing existing debt at better rates, rather than borrowing to fund fresh investments.

Analysts say the problem is not a lack of credit the PBOC has injected generous amounts of liquidity but weakening business and consumer confidence as the trade war drag on. That has weighed on activity from manufacturing and investment to retail sales.

In the latest escalation in the protracted trade dispute, the United States began imposing 15 per cent&nbsp;tariffs on a variety of Chinese goods on September&nbsp;1&nbsp;including footwear, smartwatches, and flat-panel televisions and China began imposing new duties on US crude.

The next high-level trade talks are slated for early October, but a lasting peace seems more elusive than ever.

The government has repeatedly said it will not resort to "flood-like" stimulus as it did in past economic downturns, which left a mountain of debt and sparked fears of property market bubbles.

Instead, Beijing has relied more on fiscal stimuli such as increased infrastructure spending and tax cuts, though the boost has been milder than expected so far.

The cabinet said on Wednesday China will allow local governments to issue special-purpose bonds earlier than normal next year to help steady growth, and specified for the first time that about 20 per cent&nbsp;of all special purpose bonds issued by every province could be used as project capital.

Many local governments are facing increasing fiscal strains as tax cuts and the broader economic slowdown reduce revenues, hampering their ability to implement infrastructure projects.

The OECD has estimated that China's fiscal stimulus was equivalent to 4.25 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, up from 2.94 per cent last year.

China's central bank said on Friday it was cutting the amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves for the third time this year, releasing $126.35 billion in liquidity to shore up the flagging economy.

China's central bank said on Friday it was cutting the amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves for the third time this year, releasing $126.35 billion in liquidity to shore up the flagging economy. Analysts had expected China to announce more policy easing measures soon as the world's second-largest economy comes under growing pressure from escalating US tariffs and sluggish domestic demand. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) said it would cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by 50 basis points (bps) for all banks, with an additional 100 bps cut for qualified city commercial banks. The RRR for large banks will be lowered to 13.0 per cent. The PBOC has now slashed the ratio seven times since early 2018. The size of the latest move was at the upper end of market expectations, and the number of funds released will be the largest so far in the current easing cycle. The broad-based cut, which will release 800 billion yuan in liquidity, is effective September 16. The additional targeted cut will release 100 billion yuan, in two phases effective October 15 and November 15. "The move shows policymakers are increasingly worried but it’s far from enough to stabilise the economy," said Larry Hu, head of Greater China economics at Macquarie Group in Hong Kong. "The key constraint is that everything is slowing down corporates are not willing to invest because of the trade war, a global slowdown, and weak infrastructure and property sector growth." The latest move to spur bank lending followed a cabinet meeting on September 4 that pledged to implement both broad and targeted cuts in the RRR "in a timely manner". The PBOC said it will maintain a prudent monetary policy and avoid a flood-like stimulus while increasing counter-cyclical adjustments and maintaining reasonable and abundant liquidity. Analysts say China's economic growth has likely cooled further this quarter from a near 30-year low of 6.2 per cent in April-June. Morgan Stanley says it is now tracking the lower end of the government's full-year target range of around 6-6.5 per cent. With Washington imposing new tariffs from September 1 and threatening more measures from October 1 and December 15, some economists have recently cut their China growth estimates for next year to below 6 per cent, which would breach Beijing's longer-term development goal. The central bank is also widely expected to cut one or more of its key policy interest rates in mid-September for the first time in four years as it works to reduce corporate funding costs. "I think it's very likely they will cut the LPR (loan prime rate) by about 5-10 bps later this month. I also expect another RRR cut of 50 bps by the end of this year,” Macquarie's Hu said. Despite a slew of support measures and policy easing since last year, China's economy is still struggling to get back on a firm footing. July's data showed growth stumbled more sharply than expected as the intensifying trade war with the United States took a heavier toll, and August factory surveys pointed to continued weakness. Prior to the latest RRR cut, the central bank had pumped out 3.63 trillion yuan in net liquidity through reserve cuts since early 2018, according to Reuters calculations based on PBOC data and analyst estimates. The PBOC's hefty injections have helped bring down companies' borrowing costs, which had jumped early last year as regulators clamped down on riskier types of financing and debt. But analysts have cautioned that some companies may be merely refinancing existing debt at better rates, rather than borrowing to fund fresh investments. Analysts say the problem is not a lack of credit the PBOC has injected generous amounts of liquidity but weakening business and consumer confidence as the trade war drag on. That has weighed on activity from manufacturing and investment to retail sales. In the latest escalation in the protracted trade dispute, the United States began imposing 15 per cent tariffs on a variety of Chinese goods on September 1 including footwear, smartwatches, and flat-panel televisions and China began imposing new duties on US crude. The next high-level trade talks are slated for early October, but a lasting peace seems more elusive than ever. The government has repeatedly said it will not resort to "flood-like" stimulus as it did in past economic downturns, which left a mountain of debt and sparked fears of property market bubbles. Instead, Beijing has relied more on fiscal stimuli such as increased infrastructure spending and tax cuts, though the boost has been milder than expected so far. The cabinet said on Wednesday China will allow local governments to issue special-purpose bonds earlier than normal next year to help steady growth, and specified for the first time that about 20 per cent of all special purpose bonds issued by every province could be used as project capital. Many local governments are facing increasing fiscal strains as tax cuts and the broader economic slowdown reduce revenues, hampering their ability to implement infrastructure projects. The OECD has estimated that China's fiscal stimulus was equivalent to 4.25 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019, up from 2.94 per cent last year.

China cuts banks' reserve ratios, frees up $126 billion for loans as economy slows

beijing

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