Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng held bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Beijing on Friday.

Mohammed also presided over a China-Saudi cooperation forum and the two leaders signed and witnessed a series of bilateral cooperation documents.

The Saudi delegation, including top executives from Aramco, arrived on Thursday (February 21) after visiting Pakistan and India on an Asia tour. Sources said Aramco plans to sign preliminary deals to invest in two oil refining and petrochemical complexes in China this week.

Later on Friday, the crown prince will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has made stepping up China's presence in the Middle East a key foreign policy objective.

China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that Beijing sees "enormous potential" in Saudi Arabia's economy and wants more high-tech cooperation.

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng held bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Beijing on Friday. Mohammed also presided over a China-Saudi cooperation forum and the two leaders signed and witnessed a series of bilateral cooperation documents.

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng held bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Beijing on Friday. Mohammed also presided over a China-Saudi cooperation forum and the two leaders signed and witnessed a series of bilateral cooperation documents. The Saudi delegation, including top executives from Aramco, arrived on Thursday (February 21) after visiting Pakistan and India on an Asia tour. Sources said Aramco plans to sign preliminary deals to invest in two oil refining and petrochemical complexes in China this week. Later on Friday, the crown prince will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has made stepping up China's presence in the Middle East a key foreign policy objective. China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that Beijing sees "enormous potential" in Saudi Arabia's economy and wants more high-tech cooperation.

Saudi crown prince meets Chinese vice premier in Beijing

India on Saturday slammed China for its comment on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-inaugurates-and-lays-foundation-of-projects-worth-rs-4000-crore-in-arunachal-pradesh-196172">Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh</a>, reiterating that the "state of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India".

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of India. This consistent position has been conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions."

China had strongly reacted to Prime Minister's Arunachal Pradesh visit on Saturday calling on the Indian side to "cherish the momentum" in ties and "refrain from actions" that may lead to "escalation of disputes".

In a statement on Chinese foreign ministry website, spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "China urges the Indian side to bear in mind the common interests of the two countries, respect the interests and concerns of the Chinese side, cherish the momentum of improvement in bilateral relations, and refrain from any action that may lead to the escalation of disputes or complicate the boundary question."

Hua added, "the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh' and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader's visit to the East Section of the China-India boundary". "China's position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut," the Chinese spokesperson added.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-lays-foundation-of-greenfield-airport-inaugurates-another-airport-in-arunachal-pradesh-196217">PM Modi is in Arunachal Pradesh today</a>. He laid the foundation stone for the construction of Greenfield Airport at Hollongi and Sela Tunnel. He also dedicated a new DD Channel for Arunachal Pradesh - DD Arun Prabha at IG Park, Itanagar. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a permanent campus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) at Jote, Arunachal Pradesh.

China and India have been trying to reset the ties after the two-month-long Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis had impacted the relationship between the two nations.&nbsp;

Chinese forces had tried to build a road on the Doklam plateau in Bhutan in 2017 which was stopped by the Indian Army leading to a two-month long standoff between both the countries.

Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the four times, starting with the informal summit in Wuhan in April. The Chinese President is set to visit India this year for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

India on Saturday slammed China for its comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating that the "state of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India".

India on Saturday slammed China for its comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating that the "state of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India". Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of India. This consistent position has been conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions." China had strongly reacted to Prime Minister's Arunachal Pradesh visit on Saturday calling on the Indian side to "cherish the momentum" in ties and "refrain from actions" that may lead to "escalation of disputes". In a statement on Chinese foreign ministry website, spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "China urges the Indian side to bear in mind the common interests of the two countries, respect the interests and concerns of the Chinese side, cherish the momentum of improvement in bilateral relations, and refrain from any action that may lead to the escalation of disputes or complicate the boundary question." Hua added, "the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh' and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader's visit to the East Section of the China-India boundary". "China's position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut," the Chinese spokesperson added. PM Modi is in Arunachal Pradesh today. He laid the foundation stone for the construction of Greenfield Airport at Hollongi and Sela Tunnel. He also dedicated a new DD Channel for Arunachal Pradesh - DD Arun Prabha at IG Park, Itanagar. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a permanent campus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) at Jote, Arunachal Pradesh. China and India have been trying to reset the ties after the two-month-long Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis had impacted the relationship between the two nations. Chinese forces had tried to build a road on the Doklam plateau in Bhutan in 2017 which was stopped by the Indian Army leading to a two-month long standoff between both the countries. Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the four times, starting with the informal summit in Wuhan in April. The Chinese President is set to visit India this year for the second informal summit.

Arunachal Pradesh is integral, inalienable to India: New Delhi slams Beijing's comments on PM Modi's visit to state

Between the hustle and bustle of the railway station and the quiet, narrow Hutong streets, all was quiet in Beijing on Sunday in the last few hours of the Lunar calendar before the start of the Year of the Pig.&nbsp; 
 
A time for family gatherings and reunions, this period witnesses a massive upturn in the number of trips across the country. Authorities expect 2.99 billion trips between January 21 to March 1, 0.6 per cent more than last year. 
 
During the Lunar New Year holiday, the big Chinese cities, which have been a magnet for internal migration for decades, empty out, and millions of people travel to their hometowns to catch up with their loved ones. 
 
But not everyone is that lucky and the frenzied pace of the capital forces several of its inhabitants to postpone their holidays.&nbsp; 
 
Meng Xiangtian, a 21-year-old waiter, is one of the souls who will not be able to return to her native province over the festival period. She told EFE there is no rest as people keep coming in to eat. The restaurant's employees will meet and dine together on the night of the New Year. 
 
Her restaurant, which is located near the iconic Lama Temple, shares the sidewalk with dozens of small shops, which take advantage of the Spring Festival, as the Lunar New Year is also known, to down their shutters and enjoy one of the most symbolic celebrations for the Chinese, besides their national day on October 1. 
 
There are those who dedicate the festive period to resting without leaving Beijing, like in the case of Leng Mei, who will close her clothing store for eight days after visiting her relatives in Shenyang, the capital of the northeastern province of Liaoning. 
 
Leng's husband has to work during the New Year week so she will stay back to dine with him on February 4, on the eve of Chinese New Year. 
 
The Hutong streets dotting the surroundings of the temple are adorned with bright lanterns and red-colored signs at the entrances of houses, decorated with good luck messages. 
 
The silence in these alleys is a contrast to the crowds thronging the suburban commuter trains heading for one of the railway stations of the capital. 
 
Trains continue to be the preferred mode of transport during Lunar New Year. Some 10.47 million train trips are expected on Sunday alone, 16.9 per cent more than in 2018. 
 
Couple Nian Jiali and Yi Wan, both 20, would take the train to visit some friends in Tianjin (150 kilometers east of Beijing). Both would meet their families on February 4 to eat Chinese dumplings and watch the traditional program on television. 
 
Yi told EFE that on New Year's eve she will watch a program called "Bai Nian Ji" (Memories of the Chinese New Year), which is designed for young people to interact and write to each other online. 
 
But modern trends like this have caused some to rue that the essence of New Year has been lost. One such person is Liu Guoying, a grandmother in Beijing, for whom the festival is no longer what it used to be. 
 
Liu said relationships between family, friends and neighbours are not as close-knit as they used to be and as the standard of living has improved and people can buy and eat everything, people do not look forward to the New Year's eve dinner as much. 
 
Liu said her generation was the last to enjoy the real flavour of the New Year.

Between the hustle and bustle of the railway station and the quiet, narrow Hutong streets, all was quiet in Beijing on Sunday in the last few hours of the Lunar calendar before the start of the Year of the Pig.

Between the hustle and bustle of the railway station and the quiet, narrow Hutong streets, all was quiet in Beijing on Sunday in the last few hours of the Lunar calendar before the start of the Year of the Pig. A time for family gatherings and reunions, this period witnesses a massive upturn in the number of trips across the country. Authorities expect 2.99 billion trips between January 21 to March 1, 0.6 per cent more than last year. During the Lunar New Year holiday, the big Chinese cities, which have been a magnet for internal migration for decades, empty out, and millions of people travel to their hometowns to catch up with their loved ones. But not everyone is that lucky and the frenzied pace of the capital forces several of its inhabitants to postpone their holidays. Meng Xiangtian, a 21-year-old waiter, is one of the souls who will not be able to return to her native province over the festival period. She told EFE there is no rest as people keep coming in to eat. The restaurant's employees will meet and dine together on the night of the New Year. Her restaurant, which is located near the iconic Lama Temple, shares the sidewalk with dozens of small shops, which take advantage of the Spring Festival, as the Lunar New Year is also known, to down their shutters and enjoy one of the most symbolic celebrations for the Chinese, besides their national day on October 1. There are those who dedicate the festive period to resting without leaving Beijing, like in the case of Leng Mei, who will close her clothing store for eight days after visiting her relatives in Shenyang, the capital of the northeastern province of Liaoning. Leng's husband has to work during the New Year week so she will stay back to dine with him on February 4, on the eve of Chinese New Year. The Hutong streets dotting the surroundings of the temple are adorned with bright lanterns and red-colored signs at the entrances of houses, decorated with good luck messages. The silence in these alleys is a contrast to the crowds thronging the suburban commuter trains heading for one of the railway stations of the capital. Trains continue to be the preferred mode of transport during Lunar New Year. Some 10.47 million train trips are expected on Sunday alone, 16.9 per cent more than in 2018. Couple Nian Jiali and Yi Wan, both 20, would take the train to visit some friends in Tianjin (150 kilometers east of Beijing). Both would meet their families on February 4 to eat Chinese dumplings and watch the traditional program on television. Yi told EFE that on New Year's eve she will watch a program called "Bai Nian Ji" (Memories of the Chinese New Year), which is designed for young people to interact and write to each other online. But modern trends like this have caused some to rue that the essence of New Year has been lost. One such person is Liu Guoying, a grandmother in Beijing, for whom the festival is no longer what it used to be. Liu said relationships between family, friends and neighbours are not as close-knit as they used to be and as the standard of living has improved and people can buy and eat everything, people do not look forward to the New Year's eve dinner as much. Liu said her generation was the last to enjoy the real flavour of the New Year.

All quiet in Beijing on eve of Chinese New Year

Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday.

A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings.

"There's been a lot of anticipatory work done but we're miles and miles from getting a resolution and that shouldn't be too surprising," Ross told CNBC.

As the world economy comes under increasing strain, the possibility of failure in the US-China talks has rattled global stock markets repeatedly over the last year.

Wall Street futures fell during his remarks, which came a day after the White House contradicted reports the trade talks had hit serious obstacles. His comments also coincided with pessimistic policy remarks from the European Central Bank.&nbsp;

US stocks bounced in and out of the red during the day and finished mixed.

Washington accuses Beijing of a host of unfair trading practices, especially theft of American technological know-how.

Ross said there was still "a fair chance" of reaching a deal with Beijing, but much work remains to be done since the dispute involves issues difficult to address in a short timeframe.

'Mutually indispensable'&nbsp;

"I believe China would like to make a deal. I believe we would like to make a deal but it has to be a deal that works for both parties," he said.

"I'm trying to say people shouldn't think the events of next week will be the solution to all of the issues between the United States and China."

Washington and Beijing last year exchanged tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, slowing the economies in both countries.

Top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Wednesday helped right Wall Street stock prices, denying media reports that US officials had called off a preparatory meeting this week due to a supposed lack of progress.

Kudlow told reporters on Thursday that next week's meeting would be "very important" but "not the end of the game."

The US message to China, he said, was "open up your economy. We'll export like crazy."

Earlier at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Wednesday, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan said,&nbsp;"neither side can do without the other."

"The Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win," Wang said.

Despite President Donald Trump's hard line tactics, the US trade deficit with China has continued to grow, underscoring the extent to which American industry has come to rely on the Asian giant's manufacturing base.

Last year, China posted its slowest growth in nearly three decades, and economists say the trade war is sapping the strength of the world's second-largest economy.

Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday. A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings.

Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday. A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week for talks to resolve the dispute by March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply, but Ross tried to tamp down expectations to those meetings. "There's been a lot of anticipatory work done but we're miles and miles from getting a resolution and that shouldn't be too surprising," Ross told CNBC. As the world economy comes under increasing strain, the possibility of failure in the US-China talks has rattled global stock markets repeatedly over the last year. Wall Street futures fell during his remarks, which came a day after the White House contradicted reports the trade talks had hit serious obstacles. His comments also coincided with pessimistic policy remarks from the European Central Bank. US stocks bounced in and out of the red during the day and finished mixed. Washington accuses Beijing of a host of unfair trading practices, especially theft of American technological know-how. Ross said there was still "a fair chance" of reaching a deal with Beijing, but much work remains to be done since the dispute involves issues difficult to address in a short timeframe. 'Mutually indispensable' "I believe China would like to make a deal. I believe we would like to make a deal but it has to be a deal that works for both parties," he said. "I'm trying to say people shouldn't think the events of next week will be the solution to all of the issues between the United States and China." Washington and Beijing last year exchanged tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, slowing the economies in both countries. Top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Wednesday helped right Wall Street stock prices, denying media reports that US officials had called off a preparatory meeting this week due to a supposed lack of progress. Kudlow told reporters on Thursday that next week's meeting would be "very important" but "not the end of the game." The US message to China, he said, was "open up your economy. We'll export like crazy." Earlier at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Wednesday, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan said, "neither side can do without the other." "The Chinese and US economies are mutually indispensable, so their relations must be mutually beneficial and win-win," Wang said. Despite President Donald Trump's hard line tactics, the US trade deficit with China has continued to grow, underscoring the extent to which American industry has come to rely on the Asian giant's manufacturing base. Last year, China posted its slowest growth in nearly three decades, and economists say the trade war is sapping the strength of the world's second-largest economy.

US, China 'miles and miles' from resolving trade conflict: Official

The White House on Tuesday said high-level trade talks with Beijing were proceeding uninterrupted, quickly rebutting media reports that progress toward resolving their trade war had faltered.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He is to meet his US counterparts in Washington next week as the two sides work to resolve their trade disagreements by March 1, when a 90-day truce is due to expire, allowing US import duties on Chinese goods to increase sharply.

Washington and Beijing imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on more than $360 billion worth of goods in two-way trade last year.

Trump initiated the trade war because of complaints about unfair Chinese trade practices -- concerns shared by the European Union, Japan and others.

The Financial Times and CNBC both reported Tuesday afternoon that Washington had cancelled a preliminary meeting set for this week ahead of Liu's visit.

American officials had reportedly cited a lack of progress on the most difficult issues in the trade dispute -- including allegedly forced technology transfers and far-reaching structural reforms to China's economy.

The reports sent Wall Street even further into the red. US stocks had already opened lower on downgraded forecasts for global economic growth.

But, shortly before the close of trading in New York, top White House economic aide Larry Kudlow flatly denied the reports during an appearance on CNBC.

"With respect, the story is not true," Kudlow said.

"There was never a planned meeting that was cancelled."

Stock prices recovered some of their losses following his remarks but still finished substantially lower for the day.

Kudlow said the United States continued to press the Chinese on the subject of intellectual property and state intervention in markets, among other matters.

He also said American officials were insisting that any agreement have teeth to ensure Beijing's compliance.

"Enforcement is absolutely crucial to the success of these talks," Kudlow said.&nbsp;

"Will it be solved at the end of the month? I don't know. I wouldn't dare predict and want to make sure people understand how important that is to put it on the table."

If both sides fail to reach a resolution to the trade war, US duty rates on $200 billion in Chinese goods are due to rise to 25 per cent from their current 10 per cent, a prospect that has shaken markets in recent months.

Last year, the Chinese economy posted its slowest annual growth in nearly three decades, according to official figures published Monday in Beijing, underscoring concerns the trade conflict with the United States could sap the strength of the world's second-largest economy and harm global growth in the process. 
&nbsp;

The White House on Tuesday said high-level trade talks with Beijing were proceeding uninterrupted, quickly rebutting media reports that progress toward resolving their trade war had faltered.

The White House on Tuesday said high-level trade talks with Beijing were proceeding uninterrupted, quickly rebutting media reports that progress toward resolving their trade war had faltered. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He is to meet his US counterparts in Washington next week as the two sides work to resolve their trade disagreements by March 1, when a 90-day truce is due to expire, allowing US import duties on Chinese goods to increase sharply. Washington and Beijing imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on more than $360 billion worth of goods in two-way trade last year. Trump initiated the trade war because of complaints about unfair Chinese trade practices -- concerns shared by the European Union, Japan and others. The Financial Times and CNBC both reported Tuesday afternoon that Washington had cancelled a preliminary meeting set for this week ahead of Liu's visit. American officials had reportedly cited a lack of progress on the most difficult issues in the trade dispute -- including allegedly forced technology transfers and far-reaching structural reforms to China's economy. The reports sent Wall Street even further into the red. US stocks had already opened lower on downgraded forecasts for global economic growth. But, shortly before the close of trading in New York, top White House economic aide Larry Kudlow flatly denied the reports during an appearance on CNBC. "With respect, the story is not true," Kudlow said. "There was never a planned meeting that was cancelled." Stock prices recovered some of their losses following his remarks but still finished substantially lower for the day. Kudlow said the United States continued to press the Chinese on the subject of intellectual property and state intervention in markets, among other matters. He also said American officials were insisting that any agreement have teeth to ensure Beijing's compliance. "Enforcement is absolutely crucial to the success of these talks," Kudlow said. "Will it be solved at the end of the month? I don't know. I wouldn't dare predict and want to make sure people understand how important that is to put it on the table." If both sides fail to reach a resolution to the trade war, US duty rates on $200 billion in Chinese goods are due to rise to 25 per cent from their current 10 per cent, a prospect that has shaken markets in recent months. Last year, the Chinese economy posted its slowest annual growth in nearly three decades, according to official figures published Monday in Beijing, underscoring concerns the trade conflict with the United States could sap the strength of the world's second-largest economy and harm global growth in the process.

White House denies reports of cancelled trade meeting

As much as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-rejects-advance-trade-meeting-with-china-reports-192094">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

Offering to buy more American goods is unlikely by itself to overcome an issue that has bedeviled talks between the two countries. Those talks are set to continue when Chinese Vice Premier Liu He visits Washington at the end of January.

The United States accuses China of stealing intellectual property and forcing American companies to share technology when they do business in China. Beijing denies the accusations.

With a March 1 deadline approaching to reach an agreement or risk an escalation of tariffs on another $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, the two sides are still far apart on key, structural elements critical for a deal, according to sources familiar with the talks.

"We're not yet in a position where our concerns have been addressed sufficiently," one US&nbsp;official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official said the Trump team, led by hardline US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, was focussed on such structural issues as well as trade imbalances.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Reuters that forced technology transfers, IP theft and ownership restrictions remained a top priority for Trump.

"The president's said many times how crucial that is, and he's not going to back down," Kudlow said.

Lack of progress led the Trump administration to decline an in-person meeting with a lower-level Chinese delegation for preparatory talks ahead of Liu He's visit, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters.

The Financial Times also reported that an offer for preparatory meeting was rejected, but White House officials pushed back on the suggestion that any meeting was cancelled.

"With respect, the story is not true," Kudlow told CNBC, referring to the FT report.

"The teams remain in touch in preparation for high-level talks with Vice Premier Liu He at the end of this month," said White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a ceasefire in their trade war at the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires last year, setting a 90-day period to discuss differences and agree a deal.

Those talks have yet to produce anything on paper.

"There's progress in that the two sides are talking. But I look at it like this: there's still nothing agreed on in writing," said one source familiar with the discussions.

Trump has painted developments in the US-China trade talks as largely positive, aware of the effect that the tensions have had on stock markets.

The S&amp;P 500 registered its biggest four-week percentage gain since 2011 on Friday after dropping nearly 20 per cent from its record September close on Christmas Eve. The benchmark index lost ground on Tuesday after a national holiday on Monday.

"We've really had a very extraordinary number of meetings, and a deal could very well happen with China. It's going very well," Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday.

China has offered more than $1.2 trillion in additional commitments on trade, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said last month.

That is not sufficient for Trump or his team.

"To think that this is going to end with simple 'commitments,' I think, is overlooking the historical experience that we've had," the US&nbsp;official said.

Chinese officials pledged to buy enough US&nbsp;products to wipe out the US-China trade deficit at talks in Beijing earlier this month but also hedged its position, saying it depended on the demands of Chinese companies, said Scott Kennedy, director of the Project on Chinese Business and Political Economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Chinese have indicated they feel they already addressed US&nbsp;concerns about intellectual property rights through a new law and other actions, Kennedy said.

"These weren't sufficient to satisfy the US negotiation team. So we'll see if the Chinese give any more on those or if they still try to focus on sweetening the purchases side, and hoping that Trump bites on the potential big numbers," he said.

Barring progress at the end of the 90-day period, the Trump administration is scheduled to increase tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from the current 10 per cent to 25 per cent.

"All I'll say is the meetings coming up at the end of the month with Liu He are very important," Kudlow said.

As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say.

As much as US President Donald Trump wants to boost markets through a trade pact with China, he will not soften his position that Beijing must make real structural reforms, including how it handles intellectual property, to reach a deal, advisers say. Offering to buy more American goods is unlikely by itself to overcome an issue that has bedeviled talks between the two countries. Those talks are set to continue when Chinese Vice Premier Liu He visits Washington at the end of January. The United States accuses China of stealing intellectual property and forcing American companies to share technology when they do business in China. Beijing denies the accusations. With a March 1 deadline approaching to reach an agreement or risk an escalation of tariffs on another $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, the two sides are still far apart on key, structural elements critical for a deal, according to sources familiar with the talks. "We're not yet in a position where our concerns have been addressed sufficiently," one US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official said the Trump team, led by hardline US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, was focussed on such structural issues as well as trade imbalances. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Reuters that forced technology transfers, IP theft and ownership restrictions remained a top priority for Trump. "The president's said many times how crucial that is, and he's not going to back down," Kudlow said. Lack of progress led the Trump administration to decline an in-person meeting with a lower-level Chinese delegation for preparatory talks ahead of Liu He's visit, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters. The Financial Times also reported that an offer for preparatory meeting was rejected, but White House officials pushed back on the suggestion that any meeting was cancelled. "With respect, the story is not true," Kudlow told CNBC, referring to the FT report. "The teams remain in touch in preparation for high-level talks with Vice Premier Liu He at the end of this month," said White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a ceasefire in their trade war at the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires last year, setting a 90-day period to discuss differences and agree a deal. Those talks have yet to produce anything on paper. "There's progress in that the two sides are talking. But I look at it like this: there's still nothing agreed on in writing," said one source familiar with the discussions. Trump has painted developments in the US-China trade talks as largely positive, aware of the effect that the tensions have had on stock markets. The S&P 500 registered its biggest four-week percentage gain since 2011 on Friday after dropping nearly 20 per cent from its record September close on Christmas Eve. The benchmark index lost ground on Tuesday after a national holiday on Monday. "We've really had a very extraordinary number of meetings, and a deal could very well happen with China. It's going very well," Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday. China has offered more than $1.2 trillion in additional commitments on trade, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said last month. That is not sufficient for Trump or his team. "To think that this is going to end with simple 'commitments,' I think, is overlooking the historical experience that we've had," the US official said. Chinese officials pledged to buy enough US products to wipe out the US-China trade deficit at talks in Beijing earlier this month but also hedged its position, saying it depended on the demands of Chinese companies, said Scott Kennedy, director of the Project on Chinese Business and Political Economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The Chinese have indicated they feel they already addressed US concerns about intellectual property rights through a new law and other actions, Kennedy said. "These weren't sufficient to satisfy the US negotiation team. So we'll see if the Chinese give any more on those or if they still try to focus on sweetening the purchases side, and hoping that Trump bites on the potential big numbers," he said. Barring progress at the end of the 90-day period, the Trump administration is scheduled to increase tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from the current 10 per cent to 25 per cent. "All I'll say is the meetings coming up at the end of the month with Liu He are very important," Kudlow said.

Trump will not soften hard line on China to make deal: Advisers

Hong Kong on Wednesday presented a controversial bill to lawmakers that prescribe jail terms of up to three years for disrespecting the Chinese national anthem, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression in the city.

Chinese authorities have strived to instil greater patriotism in the former British colony at a time of heightened tension between democracy activists and forces loyal to Beijing, with some in Hong Kong even advocating independence from China.

Besides imprisonment, the measure would fix a maximum fine of HK$50,000 ($6,370) for those who publicly and intentionally disrespect the anthem, the "March of the Volunteers".

It also extends to schoolchildren, including pupils of international schools, who would be legally required to learn the anthem.

"I think teachers would feel worried about this proposal, because if we allow this government to pass a law to instruct the teachers what to teach, well, this time it is for the national anthem, maybe next time it could be other things," said secondary school teacher Simon Hung, 36.

Small groups of pro-democracy and pro-Beijing protesters taunted each other outside the Legislative Council, shouting and chanting through loud hailers.

Waving the red Chinese flag, pro-Beijing demonstrators held up banners that read: "Safeguard national dignity" and "Support the national anthem law," while democracy activists held placards that said: "Unsung freedom."

Booing the anthem at soccer matches in Hong Kong has emerged as a form of political protest in the past few years, seized upon by young people keen to demonstrate their frustration at Beijing's perceived creeping influence.

The global financial hub returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that promises the city a high degree of autonomy, including freedom of expression.

The anthem proposal is expected to pass easily when it comes to a vote - probably before the summer - as the opposition does not have enough seats to block routine legislation.

Hong Kong has already outlawed the desecration of national flags and emblems, which can attract jail terms of three years.

Calls for outright independence are a red line for China's Communist Party leaders, who deem Hong Kong an inalienable part of the nation.

But many young people in Hong Kong have become increasingly angered by what they see as China's encroachment on the city's culture and autonomy, with some advocating "localism", or a Hong Kong identity, rather than a Chinese one.

"We have no sense of belonging to China at all," one football supporter told Reuters. "Even people I know who are born since 1997, they still think they are Hongkongers, but not Chinese."

In 2017, mainland China adopted a law banning disrespect for the anthem. A similar measure is being reviewed in Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to Chinese rule in 1999.

Hong Kong on Wednesday presented a controversial bill to lawmakers that prescribe jail terms of up to three years for disrespecting the Chinese national anthem, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression in the city.

Hong Kong on Wednesday presented a controversial bill to lawmakers that prescribe jail terms of up to three years for disrespecting the Chinese national anthem, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression in the city. Chinese authorities have strived to instil greater patriotism in the former British colony at a time of heightened tension between democracy activists and forces loyal to Beijing, with some in Hong Kong even advocating independence from China. Besides imprisonment, the measure would fix a maximum fine of HK$50,000 ($6,370) for those who publicly and intentionally disrespect the anthem, the "March of the Volunteers". It also extends to schoolchildren, including pupils of international schools, who would be legally required to learn the anthem. "I think teachers would feel worried about this proposal, because if we allow this government to pass a law to instruct the teachers what to teach, well, this time it is for the national anthem, maybe next time it could be other things," said secondary school teacher Simon Hung, 36. Small groups of pro-democracy and pro-Beijing protesters taunted each other outside the Legislative Council, shouting and chanting through loud hailers. Waving the red Chinese flag, pro-Beijing demonstrators held up banners that read: "Safeguard national dignity" and "Support the national anthem law," while democracy activists held placards that said: "Unsung freedom." Booing the anthem at soccer matches in Hong Kong has emerged as a form of political protest in the past few years, seized upon by young people keen to demonstrate their frustration at Beijing's perceived creeping influence. The global financial hub returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that promises the city a high degree of autonomy, including freedom of expression. The anthem proposal is expected to pass easily when it comes to a vote - probably before the summer - as the opposition does not have enough seats to block routine legislation. Hong Kong has already outlawed the desecration of national flags and emblems, which can attract jail terms of three years. Calls for outright independence are a red line for China's Communist Party leaders, who deem Hong Kong an inalienable part of the nation. But many young people in Hong Kong have become increasingly angered by what they see as China's encroachment on the city's culture and autonomy, with some advocating "localism", or a Hong Kong identity, rather than a Chinese one. "We have no sense of belonging to China at all," one football supporter told Reuters. "Even people I know who are born since 1997, they still think they are Hongkongers, but not Chinese." In 2017, mainland China adopted a law banning disrespect for the anthem. A similar measure is being reviewed in Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to Chinese rule in 1999.

Hong Kong moves to make disrespecting Chinese national anthem a crime

A former leader of Hong Kong's student-led Umbrella Movement protests has been refused entry to Macau as a "public security" threat in what critics said was a new escalation in Beijing's drive to curb the movement of dissidents.

Yvonne Leung, 25, was a prominent leader of the 2014 pro-democracy movement and the only female student leader to meet with senior government officials at the height of the rallies.

But in recent years she has retreated from the political frontlines.

She was refused entry to Macau on Wednesday, a decision that took some by surprise because of Leung's less prominent public profile.

Leung told AFP that the reason provided to her from authorities in Macau was "strong references that you intend to enter to participate in certain activities which may jeopardise the public security or public order".

She declined to provide further comment, including the purpose of her visit.

Like Hong Kong, Macau is a semi-autonomous part of China. Both cities have freedoms unseen on the mainland thanks to a temporary handover agreement struck by Beijing with the cities' colonial powers.

But activists and observers in both cities say Beijing's increased determination to assert control has led to an erosion of those freedoms and a widening array of movement restrictions on critics.

Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said Macau's refusal to allow Leung entry represented a "step up" in those tactics and sent "a chilling message that you have to pay your price for being disobedient, being a government critic".

"They try to have this cloud hanging over you," she told AFP.

Authorities in Macau did not reply to requests for comment.

Some prominent pro-democracy activists and Hong Kong journalists have in the past been barred from entering Macau, where the partially elected local government is loyal to Beijing.

Three writers, including bestselling "Wild Swans" author Jung Chang and investigative journalist Suki Kim, dropped out of the Macau Literary Festival last year after authorities there said they were likely to be barred.

Hong Kong has also ramped up the frequency and variety of people banned from entering. Recent examples include a Western journalist and a Taiwanese heavy metal band.

A former leader of Hong Kong's student-led Umbrella Movement protests has been refused entry to Macau as a "public security" threat in what critics said was a new escalation in Beijing's drive to curb the movement of dissidents.

A former leader of Hong Kong's student-led Umbrella Movement protests has been refused entry to Macau as a "public security" threat in what critics said was a new escalation in Beijing's drive to curb the movement of dissidents. Yvonne Leung, 25, was a prominent leader of the 2014 pro-democracy movement and the only female student leader to meet with senior government officials at the height of the rallies. But in recent years she has retreated from the political frontlines. She was refused entry to Macau on Wednesday, a decision that took some by surprise because of Leung's less prominent public profile. Leung told AFP that the reason provided to her from authorities in Macau was "strong references that you intend to enter to participate in certain activities which may jeopardise the public security or public order". She declined to provide further comment, including the purpose of her visit. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a semi-autonomous part of China. Both cities have freedoms unseen on the mainland thanks to a temporary handover agreement struck by Beijing with the cities' colonial powers. But activists and observers in both cities say Beijing's increased determination to assert control has led to an erosion of those freedoms and a widening array of movement restrictions on critics. Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said Macau's refusal to allow Leung entry represented a "step up" in those tactics and sent "a chilling message that you have to pay your price for being disobedient, being a government critic". "They try to have this cloud hanging over you," she told AFP. Authorities in Macau did not reply to requests for comment. Some prominent pro-democracy activists and Hong Kong journalists have in the past been barred from entering Macau, where the partially elected local government is loyal to Beijing. Three writers, including bestselling "Wild Swans" author Jung Chang and investigative journalist Suki Kim, dropped out of the Macau Literary Festival last year after authorities there said they were likely to be barred. Hong Kong has also ramped up the frequency and variety of people banned from entering. Recent examples include a Western journalist and a Taiwanese heavy metal band.

Macau denies entry to Hong Kong's former activist leader

A former Polish security official arrested by Polish authorities has been charged with spying for China while still working for Polish government institutions, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Piotr Durbajlo, who was working for Orange Polska at the time of his arrest on January 10, had previously worked for Poland's Internal Security Agency and the Office of Electronic Communications, among other state institutions between 2000 and 2017, according to a LinkedIn profile in his name.&nbsp;

Spokespeople from Poland's national prosecutor's office and security services declined to comment on the Journal's report when contacted by Reuters. Reuters was not able immediately to determine the identity of Durbajlo's lawyers.

On January 11, officials said Durbajlo was arrested along with Chinese national Weijing Wang, an executive of telecommunications equipment maker Huawei, on allegations of spying, in a move that fuels Western security concerns about the Chinese company. The officials did not disclose details of the alleged espionage.&nbsp;

Both men heard charges in a Polish court last week.

Poland's government could consider limiting the use of Huawei products by public bodies in the wake of the arrests, a government official told Reuters on Sunday.

Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecommunications equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with China's government and US-led allegations that its devices could be used by Beijing for spying.

Piotr Durbajlo, who was working for Orange Polska at the time of his arrest on January 10, had previously worked for Poland's Internal Security Agency.

A former Polish security official arrested by Polish authorities has been charged with spying for China while still working for Polish government institutions, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. Piotr Durbajlo, who was working for Orange Polska at the time of his arrest on January 10, had previously worked for Poland's Internal Security Agency and the Office of Electronic Communications, among other state institutions between 2000 and 2017, according to a LinkedIn profile in his name. Spokespeople from Poland's national prosecutor's office and security services declined to comment on the Journal's report when contacted by Reuters. Reuters was not able immediately to determine the identity of Durbajlo's lawyers. On January 11, officials said Durbajlo was arrested along with Chinese national Weijing Wang, an executive of telecommunications equipment maker Huawei, on allegations of spying, in a move that fuels Western security concerns about the Chinese company. The officials did not disclose details of the alleged espionage. Both men heard charges in a Polish court last week. Poland's government could consider limiting the use of Huawei products by public bodies in the wake of the arrests, a government official told Reuters on Sunday. Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecommunications equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with China's government and US-led allegations that its devices could be used by Beijing for spying.

Polish man arrested over spying for China while working in government: Report

Twenty children were wounded in an attack at an elementary school in Beijing Tuesday with three suffering serious injuries, local authorities said, as state-run media reported that the assailant used a hammer.

A male suspect was brought "under control" and the wounded pupils were admitted to a hospital, the Xicheng district government said, without elaborating on how or why the man carried out the attack.

According to a tweet by state-run tabloid Global Times, the suspect used a hammer to carry out the assault.

Beijing police did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-attacker-goes-on-stabbing-rampage-outside-school-kills-9-133365">Violent attacks targeting schoolchildren are not uncommon in China</a>, which has seen a slew of deadly incidents over the past few years, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-man-stabs-11-children-at-kindergarten-school-10907">usually involving knives</a>.

In April last year, a 28-year-old man killed nine middle-school students as they were returning home in one of the country's deadliest knife attacks in recent years.

The killer, who said he had been bullied when he attended the school in northern China's Shaanxi province, was executed in September.

Later in 2018, a knife-wielding woman injured 14 children at a kindergarten in Sichuan province.

The 39-year-old assailant slashed students while they were returning to the classroom after morning exercises.

And in January 2017, a farmer armed with a kitchen knife stabbed and wounded 12 children at a kindergarten in southern Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. He was executed on Friday.

Such incidents have forced authorities to increase security around schools and led to calls for more research into the root causes of such acts.

'Death and destroy'&nbsp;

Violent crime has been on the rise in China as the nation's economy has boomed in recent decades and the gap between rich and poor has widened rapidly.

Studies have also described a rise in the prevalence of mental disorders, some of them linked to stress as the pace of life becomes faster and support systems wither.

In November, a driver rammed his car into a group of children crossing a street in front of an elementary school in northeastern Liaoning province, killing five people and injuring at least 19.

The man had been contemplating suicide "due to quarrels" with his spouse before the tragedy occurred, according to a report by official news agency Xinhua.

Earlier that month, at least 13 people died when a bus plunged off a bridge in Chongqing municipality after the driver got into a fist-fight with a passenger who had missed her bus stop.

In June 2017, a bomb blast that killed eight people and injured dozens outside a kindergarten in Fengxian, eastern China, was blamed on a 22-year-old introvert with health problems who had written the words "death" and "destroy" on the walls of his apartment. 
&nbsp;

Twenty children were wounded in an attack at an elementary school in Beijing Tuesday with three suffering serious injuries, local authorities said, as state-run media reported that the assailant used a hammer.

Twenty children were wounded in an attack at an elementary school in Beijing Tuesday with three suffering serious injuries, local authorities said, as state-run media reported that the assailant used a hammer. A male suspect was brought "under control" and the wounded pupils were admitted to a hospital, the Xicheng district government said, without elaborating on how or why the man carried out the attack. According to a tweet by state-run tabloid Global Times, the suspect used a hammer to carry out the assault. Beijing police did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. Violent attacks targeting schoolchildren are not uncommon in China, which has seen a slew of deadly incidents over the past few years, usually involving knives. In April last year, a 28-year-old man killed nine middle-school students as they were returning home in one of the country's deadliest knife attacks in recent years. The killer, who said he had been bullied when he attended the school in northern China's Shaanxi province, was executed in September. Later in 2018, a knife-wielding woman injured 14 children at a kindergarten in Sichuan province. The 39-year-old assailant slashed students while they were returning to the classroom after morning exercises. And in January 2017, a farmer armed with a kitchen knife stabbed and wounded 12 children at a kindergarten in southern Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. He was executed on Friday. Such incidents have forced authorities to increase security around schools and led to calls for more research into the root causes of such acts. 'Death and destroy' Violent crime has been on the rise in China as the nation's economy has boomed in recent decades and the gap between rich and poor has widened rapidly. Studies have also described a rise in the prevalence of mental disorders, some of them linked to stress as the pace of life becomes faster and support systems wither. In November, a driver rammed his car into a group of children crossing a street in front of an elementary school in northeastern Liaoning province, killing five people and injuring at least 19. The man had been contemplating suicide "due to quarrels" with his spouse before the tragedy occurred, according to a report by official news agency Xinhua. Earlier that month, at least 13 people died when a bus plunged off a bridge in Chongqing municipality after the driver got into a fist-fight with a passenger who had missed her bus stop. In June 2017, a bomb blast that killed eight people and injured dozens outside a kindergarten in Fengxian, eastern China, was blamed on a 22-year-old introvert with health problems who had written the words "death" and "destroy" on the walls of his apartment.

Beijing: Man attacks schoolchildren with hammer, wounds 20

Fresh misconduct allegations brought by Tokyo prosecutors against ousted Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn centre on the use of company funds to pay a Saudi businessman who is believed to have helped him out of financial difficulties, two company sources with knowledge of the matter said.

Prosecutors arrested Ghosn for a third time on Friday, accusing him of aggravated breach of trust in transferring personal investment losses to the automaker.

The prosecutors' statement said they believe that around October 2008, Ghosn was trying to deal with losses on paper of 1.85 billion yen ($16.6 million) incurred on a swap contract he had with a bank which it did not name.

A person helped arrange a letter of credit for Ghosn and a company run by the person later received $14.7 million in Nissan funds in four installments between 2009 and 2012, the statement said, adding that the payments were made in Ghosn's and the person's interests.

"By doing so, (Ghosn) behaved in a way that breached trust, and inflicted damage on the property of Nissan," the statement said. The statement also said Ghosn had earlier sought to have Nissan shoulder the appraisal losses directly.

According to the Nissan sources who have knowledge of the company's probe into its former chief, the person who helped Ghosn is Khaled Al-Juffali, vice chairman of one of Saudi Arabia's largest conglomerates, E. A. Juffali and Brothers, and a member of the board at the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority.

He is also majority owner of a company called Al-Dahana which owns half of a regional joint venture called Nissan Gulf with the other half held by a wholly owned unit of Nissan Motor.

Sheikh Khaled Juffali has no comment on this subject, according to an emailed statement from E. A. Juffali and Brothers.

Ghosn's Tokyo-based lawyer, Motonari Otsuru, was unavailable for comment on this article, according to a person who answered the phone at his law office. A representative for the Ghosn family declined to comment.

Other media have said Ghosn has through a lawyer denied that he shifted losses to Nissan and has told investigators that the four payments were for legitimate business purposes, including a reward for handling problems at Nissan dealers in Saudi Arabia.

Tokyo prosecutors declined to comment. Asked about Ghosn's reported comments, a Nissan spokesman said: "We cannot comment on matters related to Ghosn's arrest for breach of trust. Nissan's own investigation is ongoing, and its scope continues to broaden."

'Prosecutors know more'

Ghosn's re-arrest – the latest twist in a saga that has jolted Nissan' alliance with France's Renault SA – came a day after a Tokyo court unexpectedly rejected a request from prosecutors to extend Ghosn's detention.

Unlike his previous arrests on allegations of under-reporting his compensation which he faced together with former representative director Greg Kelly, prosecutors have levelled these latest accusations against Ghosn only.

The Nissan sources with knowledge of the matter said the automaker's investigators concluded that Ghosn was unsuccessful in his attempt to have Nissan shoulder the losses directly.

Japan's Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission had at some stage flagged Ghosn's attempt to have Nissan directly shoulder the losses as illegal, one of the sources said. It was not immediately clear what the SESC deemed illegal. A SESC spokesman said he could not comment on specific cases.

The sources declined to be identified as the results of Nissan's internal investigation have not been made public yet.

Ghosn then gained help from Al-Juffali who used his personal assets to provide collateral for a bank to issue a letter of credit that Tokyo-based Shinsei Bank had required of Ghosn, the sources said.

A spokesman for Shinsei said he could not comment on specific cases. Reuters was not able to determine the identity of the bank which issued the letter of credit.

The four payments arranged by Ghosn were made through a Nissan internal discretionary fund, known within the company as the 'CEO Reserve', to a Nissan unit which then paid a company owned by Al-Juffali, one of the sources said, without specifying the names of the companies.

The first payment of $3 million was made in fiscal 2009, followed by payments of $3.6 million, $3.9 million and $4.2 million in the three subsequent years, the sources added.

The sources said the Nissan investigators initially had not been looking at the transactions with the urgency prosecutors displayed last week.

"Prosecutors know more about this than we do," one of the sources said.

E. A. Juffali and Brothers was founded in 1946. The company set up electric power supply and telecommunications to some of Saudi Arabia's major cities and expanded into construction, insurance, vehicle manufacturing and distribution.

Established in October 2008, the Nissan Gulf joint venture was originally responsible for Nissan's marketing and sales strategy and dealer development in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Bahrain but the scope of the business has since been reduced to Kuwait and Bahrain for reasons that weren't immediately clear, one of the sources said.

Kelly was released on bail late on Christmas day but Ghosn remains in detention. After the latest allegations, prosecutors were granted permission to hold him for 10 days on Dec. 23 and will typically ask for another 10 days, which is usually approved.

Japanese prosecutors often arrest individuals repeatedly on different allegations linked to the same case. The practice allows them to hold suspects while they pursue their investigation and also means they can continue interrogations without the presence of a lawyer.

Fresh misconduct allegations brought by Tokyo prosecutors against ousted Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn centre on the use of company funds to pay a Saudi businessman who is believed to have helped him out of financial difficulties, two company sources with knowledge of the matter said.

Fresh misconduct allegations brought by Tokyo prosecutors against ousted Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn centre on the use of company funds to pay a Saudi businessman who is believed to have helped him out of financial difficulties, two company sources with knowledge of the matter said. Prosecutors arrested Ghosn for a third time on Friday, accusing him of aggravated breach of trust in transferring personal investment losses to the automaker. The prosecutors' statement said they believe that around October 2008, Ghosn was trying to deal with losses on paper of 1.85 billion yen ($16.6 million) incurred on a swap contract he had with a bank which it did not name. A person helped arrange a letter of credit for Ghosn and a company run by the person later received $14.7 million in Nissan funds in four installments between 2009 and 2012, the statement said, adding that the payments were made in Ghosn's and the person's interests. "By doing so, (Ghosn) behaved in a way that breached trust, and inflicted damage on the property of Nissan," the statement said. The statement also said Ghosn had earlier sought to have Nissan shoulder the appraisal losses directly. According to the Nissan sources who have knowledge of the company's probe into its former chief, the person who helped Ghosn is Khaled Al-Juffali, vice chairman of one of Saudi Arabia's largest conglomerates, E. A. Juffali and Brothers, and a member of the board at the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority. He is also majority owner of a company called Al-Dahana which owns half of a regional joint venture called Nissan Gulf with the other half held by a wholly owned unit of Nissan Motor. Sheikh Khaled Juffali has no comment on this subject, according to an emailed statement from E. A. Juffali and Brothers. Ghosn's Tokyo-based lawyer, Motonari Otsuru, was unavailable for comment on this article, according to a person who answered the phone at his law office. A representative for the Ghosn family declined to comment. Other media have said Ghosn has through a lawyer denied that he shifted losses to Nissan and has told investigators that the four payments were for legitimate business purposes, including a reward for handling problems at Nissan dealers in Saudi Arabia. Tokyo prosecutors declined to comment. Asked about Ghosn's reported comments, a Nissan spokesman said: "We cannot comment on matters related to Ghosn's arrest for breach of trust. Nissan's own investigation is ongoing, and its scope continues to broaden." 'Prosecutors know more' Ghosn's re-arrest – the latest twist in a saga that has jolted Nissan' alliance with France's Renault SA – came a day after a Tokyo court unexpectedly rejected a request from prosecutors to extend Ghosn's detention. Unlike his previous arrests on allegations of under-reporting his compensation which he faced together with former representative director Greg Kelly, prosecutors have levelled these latest accusations against Ghosn only. The Nissan sources with knowledge of the matter said the automaker's investigators concluded that Ghosn was unsuccessful in his attempt to have Nissan shoulder the losses directly. Japan's Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission had at some stage flagged Ghosn's attempt to have Nissan directly shoulder the losses as illegal, one of the sources said. It was not immediately clear what the SESC deemed illegal. A SESC spokesman said he could not comment on specific cases. The sources declined to be identified as the results of Nissan's internal investigation have not been made public yet. Ghosn then gained help from Al-Juffali who used his personal assets to provide collateral for a bank to issue a letter of credit that Tokyo-based Shinsei Bank had required of Ghosn, the sources said. A spokesman for Shinsei said he could not comment on specific cases. Reuters was not able to determine the identity of the bank which issued the letter of credit. The four payments arranged by Ghosn were made through a Nissan internal discretionary fund, known within the company as the 'CEO Reserve', to a Nissan unit which then paid a company owned by Al-Juffali, one of the sources said, without specifying the names of the companies. The first payment of $3 million was made in fiscal 2009, followed by payments of $3.6 million, $3.9 million and $4.2 million in the three subsequent years, the sources added. The sources said the Nissan investigators initially had not been looking at the transactions with the urgency prosecutors displayed last week. "Prosecutors know more about this than we do," one of the sources said. E. A. Juffali and Brothers was founded in 1946. The company set up electric power supply and telecommunications to some of Saudi Arabia's major cities and expanded into construction, insurance, vehicle manufacturing and distribution. Established in October 2008, the Nissan Gulf joint venture was originally responsible for Nissan's marketing and sales strategy and dealer development in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Bahrain but the scope of the business has since been reduced to Kuwait and Bahrain for reasons that weren't immediately clear, one of the sources said. Kelly was released on bail late on Christmas day but Ghosn remains in detention. After the latest allegations, prosecutors were granted permission to hold him for 10 days on Dec. 23 and will typically ask for another 10 days, which is usually approved. Japanese prosecutors often arrest individuals repeatedly on different allegations linked to the same case. The practice allows them to hold suspects while they pursue their investigation and also means they can continue interrogations without the presence of a lawyer.

New allegations against Ghosn concern payments to Saudi businessman

China has astounded the world with the speed and scale of its creation of artificial islands and military infrastructure in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

The first Chinese dredger initiated land reclamation in December 2013. Five years later, China has completed building its manmade islands and is now steadily ramping up its military assets in the South China Sea.

Even after an international arbitral tribunal invalidated its claims in the South China Sea through a ruling in 2016, China continued with the frenzied expansion of its frontiers. Yet, it has incurred no international costs for pushing its borders far out into international waters.

Today, China has consolidated its hold in a strategically crucial body of water through which $5.3 trillion in global trade flows every year. It has set up an interconnected array of radar, electronic-attack facilities, missile batteries and airfields there.

And by turning its manmade islands into military bases, it has virtually established permanent aircraft carriers, whose role extends to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific.&nbsp;

The South China Sea, in fact, highlights that Beijing’s favoured frontier strategy is pivoted on “salami slicing”. This involves — as witnessed in the Himalayas since the 1950s — a steady progression of small actions, none of which serves as a casus belli by itself, yet which over time lead cumulatively to a strategic transformation in China’s favour.

And by camouflaging offence as defence, China presents a targeted state with a Hobson’s choice: endure the territorial loss or face a dangerous and costly war with great power.

As other Asian nations are discovering, including India in the Himalayas and Japan in the East China Sea, the China challenge centres on Beijing’s lack of respect for existing frontier lines. China is still working to redraw political boundaries, almost 70 years after communists seized power there and began expanding the frontiers.

China clearly has been emboldened by America’s muted response to its expansionism. The US has focused its concern merely on safeguarding freedom of navigation through the South China Sea, not on ratcheting up pressure on China to stop its territorial revisionism.

In fact, the US has refused to take sides in the territorial disputes between China and the other claimant-states in the South China Sea. The US has similarly stayed neutral on disputes elsewhere between China and its neighbours, including in the East China Sea and the Himalayas.

For example, President Donald Trump’s administration did not issue a single statement in India’s support, but stayed neutral during the 73-day military standoff between Indian and Chinese forces on the remote Himalayan plateau of Doklam in mid-2017.&nbsp;

The Trump administration also stayed silent when Chinese military threats forced Vietnam in March 2018 to halt oil drilling within its own exclusive economic zone.

To be sure, the Trump-led US has stepped up the so-called freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPS, in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

However, while the US has yet to provide strategic heft to its much-publicized strategy to ensure a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region, China has embarked on robust initiatives, such as the twin Silk Road projects, with the aim of changing the regional geopolitical map.&nbsp;

ASEAN disunity has also aided Beijing’s aggression. The South China Sea has emerged as ASEAN’s Achilles heel. ASEAN’s reluctance to take a unified stance may have delighted Beijing — its largest trade partner — yet, by conveying weakness, it allows China to do as it pleases.

China’s strategic aim in the South China Sea is to legitimise its control over this critical corridor. Through various actions, China is etching a lasting presence in the claimed areas. For example, to create an administrative base, including setting up a local civilian government in the South China Sea, Beijing has established “Sansha City” on Woody Island. Woody Island was in the news recently when China, for the first time, landed the nuclear-capable H-6K heavy bomber aircraft there.

There is a distinct possibility that, like it did in the Paracel Islands in 1996, China might declare “straight baselines” in the Spratly Islands. Such baselines, connecting the outermost points of the island chain, would seek to turn the sea within, including features controlled by other nations, into China’s “internal waters”.

Against this background, the South China Sea has emerged as the symbolic centre of the international maritime challenges of the 21st century.&nbsp;

The developments in the South China Sea — the world’s main maritime hotspot — hold the potential of upending the current liberal world order by permitting brute power to trump rules.

For India, the South China Sea, which connects the Indian and Pacific oceans, is of central importance. About 60 per cent of India’s seaborne trade passes through the Strait of Malacca, the link between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. China’s expansionism in the South China Sea directly impinges on India’s vital interests.

In fact, China’s establishment of a naval hub in Djibouti — its first overseas military base — and its increasing submarine forays into the Indian Ocean draw strength from its aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

Given the South China Sea’s centrality to the wider geopolitics, balance of power and maritime order, like-minded states must work closely together to shape developments there, including ensuring that aggressive unilateralism is no longer cost-free. Failure to do that will create a systemic risk to Indo-Pacific stability and the world order. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-china-and-the-critical-corridor-2700381">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China has astounded the world with the speed and scale of its creation of artificial islands and military infrastructure in the South China Sea. The first Chinese dredger initiated land reclamation in December 2013.

China has astounded the world with the speed and scale of its creation of artificial islands and military infrastructure in the South China Sea. The first Chinese dredger initiated land reclamation in December 2013. Five years later, China has completed building its manmade islands and is now steadily ramping up its military assets in the South China Sea. Even after an international arbitral tribunal invalidated its claims in the South China Sea through a ruling in 2016, China continued with the frenzied expansion of its frontiers. Yet, it has incurred no international costs for pushing its borders far out into international waters. Today, China has consolidated its hold in a strategically crucial body of water through which $5.3 trillion in global trade flows every year. It has set up an interconnected array of radar, electronic-attack facilities, missile batteries and airfields there. And by turning its manmade islands into military bases, it has virtually established permanent aircraft carriers, whose role extends to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. The South China Sea, in fact, highlights that Beijing’s favoured frontier strategy is pivoted on “salami slicing”. This involves — as witnessed in the Himalayas since the 1950s — a steady progression of small actions, none of which serves as a casus belli by itself, yet which over time lead cumulatively to a strategic transformation in China’s favour. And by camouflaging offence as defence, China presents a targeted state with a Hobson’s choice: endure the territorial loss or face a dangerous and costly war with great power. As other Asian nations are discovering, including India in the Himalayas and Japan in the East China Sea, the China challenge centres on Beijing’s lack of respect for existing frontier lines. China is still working to redraw political boundaries, almost 70 years after communists seized power there and began expanding the frontiers. China clearly has been emboldened by America’s muted response to its expansionism. The US has focused its concern merely on safeguarding freedom of navigation through the South China Sea, not on ratcheting up pressure on China to stop its territorial revisionism. In fact, the US has refused to take sides in the territorial disputes between China and the other claimant-states in the South China Sea. The US has similarly stayed neutral on disputes elsewhere between China and its neighbours, including in the East China Sea and the Himalayas. For example, President Donald Trump’s administration did not issue a single statement in India’s support, but stayed neutral during the 73-day military standoff between Indian and Chinese forces on the remote Himalayan plateau of Doklam in mid-2017. The Trump administration also stayed silent when Chinese military threats forced Vietnam in March 2018 to halt oil drilling within its own exclusive economic zone. To be sure, the Trump-led US has stepped up the so-called freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPS, in the South China Sea. However, while the US has yet to provide strategic heft to its much-publicized strategy to ensure a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region, China has embarked on robust initiatives, such as the twin Silk Road projects, with the aim of changing the regional geopolitical map. ASEAN disunity has also aided Beijing’s aggression. The South China Sea has emerged as ASEAN’s Achilles heel. ASEAN’s reluctance to take a unified stance may have delighted Beijing — its largest trade partner — yet, by conveying weakness, it allows China to do as it pleases. China’s strategic aim in the South China Sea is to legitimise its control over this critical corridor. Through various actions, China is etching a lasting presence in the claimed areas. For example, to create an administrative base, including setting up a local civilian government in the South China Sea, Beijing has established “Sansha City” on Woody Island. Woody Island was in the news recently when China, for the first time, landed the nuclear-capable H-6K heavy bomber aircraft there. There is a distinct possibility that, like it did in the Paracel Islands in 1996, China might declare “straight baselines” in the Spratly Islands. Such baselines, connecting the outermost points of the island chain, would seek to turn the sea within, including features controlled by other nations, into China’s “internal waters”. Against this background, the South China Sea has emerged as the symbolic centre of the international maritime challenges of the 21st century. The developments in the South China Sea — the world’s main maritime hotspot — hold the potential of upending the current liberal world order by permitting brute power to trump rules. For India, the South China Sea, which connects the Indian and Pacific oceans, is of central importance. About 60 per cent of India’s seaborne trade passes through the Strait of Malacca, the link between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. China’s expansionism in the South China Sea directly impinges on India’s vital interests. In fact, China’s establishment of a naval hub in Djibouti — its first overseas military base — and its increasing submarine forays into the Indian Ocean draw strength from its aggressive actions in the South China Sea. Given the South China Sea’s centrality to the wider geopolitics, balance of power and maritime order, like-minded states must work closely together to shape developments there, including ensuring that aggressive unilateralism is no longer cost-free. Failure to do that will create a systemic risk to Indo-Pacific stability and the world order. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China’s expansionism in South China Sea impinges on India’s interests

China will adopt more efficient and targeted measures during its campaign against pollution next year, but will not relax the targets or ease the crackdown on violators, the environment ministry said in a statement on Monday night.

The push for new measures follows an annual meeting of top leaders last week which noted that the world`s second-largest economy is facing downward pressures.

"We will coordinate environmental protection with economic development and avoid simple and brutal forces to deal with violations," the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) said in a statement.

The ministry urged local environmental bureaus to help companies set pollution treatment solution plans and to pay attention to reasonable appeals of companies during environmental inspections.

Beijing has ditched blanket production cuts on heavy industry as part of its anti-pollution campaign and allowed local authorities to adopt measures based on regional emission levels. However, declining air quality in the past two months in northern China has stirred concerns that the government is easing up on violations.

The ministry did not disclose the air quality situation across 169 monitored cities in November.&nbsp;

However, Hebei province found that the average concentration of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), dangerous, because it can penetrate deep into the lungs, in all of its 11 cities, rose in November compared to a year earlier, according to a statement from the Hebei Environment Protection Bureau on Monday.

"China`s environmental protection campaign is facing multiple pressures...Some regions have weakened their cognition of the significance of the environment amid economic downstream pressure and we have seen imbalanced work progress in different places," said the MEE.

The MEE has scheduled a second round of national environmental inspections in 2019, and vowed to win the war against air pollution and promote water and soil protection.

In a separate statement on Tuesday, the MEE said it has issued 166,210 notices of penalty decisions to environmental regulation violators, with fines totalling 13.6 billion yuan ($1.98 billion) in the first 11 months this year. ($1 = 6.8783 Chinese yuan renminbi)

China will adopt more efficient and targeted measures during its campaign against pollution next year, but will not relax the targets or ease the crackdown on violators, the environment ministry said in a statement on Monday night.

China will adopt more efficient and targeted measures during its campaign against pollution next year, but will not relax the targets or ease the crackdown on violators, the environment ministry said in a statement on Monday night. The push for new measures follows an annual meeting of top leaders last week which noted that the world`s second-largest economy is facing downward pressures. "We will coordinate environmental protection with economic development and avoid simple and brutal forces to deal with violations," the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) said in a statement. The ministry urged local environmental bureaus to help companies set pollution treatment solution plans and to pay attention to reasonable appeals of companies during environmental inspections. Beijing has ditched blanket production cuts on heavy industry as part of its anti-pollution campaign and allowed local authorities to adopt measures based on regional emission levels. However, declining air quality in the past two months in northern China has stirred concerns that the government is easing up on violations. The ministry did not disclose the air quality situation across 169 monitored cities in November. However, Hebei province found that the average concentration of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), dangerous, because it can penetrate deep into the lungs, in all of its 11 cities, rose in November compared to a year earlier, according to a statement from the Hebei Environment Protection Bureau on Monday. "China`s environmental protection campaign is facing multiple pressures...Some regions have weakened their cognition of the significance of the environment amid economic downstream pressure and we have seen imbalanced work progress in different places," said the MEE. The MEE has scheduled a second round of national environmental inspections in 2019, and vowed to win the war against air pollution and promote water and soil protection. In a separate statement on Tuesday, the MEE said it has issued 166,210 notices of penalty decisions to environmental regulation violators, with fines totalling 13.6 billion yuan ($1.98 billion) in the first 11 months this year. ($1 = 6.8783 Chinese yuan renminbi)

China plans more nuanced anti-pollution measures in 2019: Ministry

The CFO of Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is set to be back in a Canadian courtroom on Monday, fighting for her freedom with the help of pressure from Beijing, while prosecutors argue she cannot be trusted.

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested by Canadian authorities December 1 at the request of the United States.

Meng, 46, faces US accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran. This deception put the banks at risk of violating US sanctions and incurring severe penalties, court documents said US officials allege that Huawei was trying to use the banks to move money out of Iran.

Canadian prosecutors argued against giving her bail while she awaits extradition to the United States.

Meng argued that she should be released on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing due to severe hypertension and fears for her health while incarcerated in Canada, court documents released on Sunday showed. In a sworn affidavit, Meng said she is innocent of the allegations and will contest them at trial in the United States if she is surrendered there.

She was detained while transferring flights in Canada and appeared in a British Columbia court on Friday for her bail hearing. After nearly six hours of arguments and counter-arguments, the hearing was adjourned until Monday.

China has strongly criticized her detention and demanded her immediate release. Her arrest has roiled global markets as investors worry that it could torpedo attempts to thaw trade tensions between the United States and China.

Meng, the daughter of Huawei's founder, has been held in custody since her arrest. Her lawyer argues that this situation is untenable due to her health. Meng said in the sworn affidavit she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being detained.

Meng also has sleep apnea and was treated for a carcinoma, lawyer David Martin told court on Friday.

At issue is whether Meng should be set free while her extradition case proceeds. The US&nbsp;has 60 days to file a formal request; if its evidence convinces a judge the case has merit, Canada's justice minister will decide whether to extradite Meng.

On Monday a judge could decide to set Meng free on any number of conditions, including high-tech surveillance, or to keep her in jail, according to some legal experts.

According to local media reports, Meng is being kept in Alouette Correctional Centre for Women, a Vancouver-area jail. Reuters could not independently verify these reports.

Meng's wealth and power are undeniable as the financial chief of one of the biggest telecommunications companies in the world, which builds everything from networks to handsets and is seen as one of China's best chances to change the global technology landscape.

Huawei is now China's largest technology company by employees, with more than 180,000 staff and revenue of $93 billion in 2017.

The CFO of Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is set to be back in a Canadian courtroom on Monday, fighting for her freedom with the help of pressure from Beijing, while prosecutors argue she cannot be trusted.

The CFO of Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd is set to be back in a Canadian courtroom on Monday, fighting for her freedom with the help of pressure from Beijing, while prosecutors argue she cannot be trusted. Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested by Canadian authorities December 1 at the request of the United States. Meng, 46, faces US accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran. This deception put the banks at risk of violating US sanctions and incurring severe penalties, court documents said US officials allege that Huawei was trying to use the banks to move money out of Iran. Canadian prosecutors argued against giving her bail while she awaits extradition to the United States. Meng argued that she should be released on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing due to severe hypertension and fears for her health while incarcerated in Canada, court documents released on Sunday showed. In a sworn affidavit, Meng said she is innocent of the allegations and will contest them at trial in the United States if she is surrendered there. She was detained while transferring flights in Canada and appeared in a British Columbia court on Friday for her bail hearing. After nearly six hours of arguments and counter-arguments, the hearing was adjourned until Monday. China has strongly criticized her detention and demanded her immediate release. Her arrest has roiled global markets as investors worry that it could torpedo attempts to thaw trade tensions between the United States and China. Meng, the daughter of Huawei's founder, has been held in custody since her arrest. Her lawyer argues that this situation is untenable due to her health. Meng said in the sworn affidavit she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being detained. Meng also has sleep apnea and was treated for a carcinoma, lawyer David Martin told court on Friday. At issue is whether Meng should be set free while her extradition case proceeds. The US has 60 days to file a formal request; if its evidence convinces a judge the case has merit, Canada's justice minister will decide whether to extradite Meng. On Monday a judge could decide to set Meng free on any number of conditions, including high-tech surveillance, or to keep her in jail, according to some legal experts. According to local media reports, Meng is being kept in Alouette Correctional Centre for Women, a Vancouver-area jail. Reuters could not independently verify these reports. Meng's wealth and power are undeniable as the financial chief of one of the biggest telecommunications companies in the world, which builds everything from networks to handsets and is seen as one of China's best chances to change the global technology landscape. Huawei is now China's largest technology company by employees, with more than 180,000 staff and revenue of $93 billion in 2017.

Huawei CFO bail hearing to resume in Canada as Beijing piles pressure

A Hong Kong legislator has been barred from standing in a local election after being accused of supporting independence from China, sparking fury Monday among the city's pro-democracy camp who warn of tightening ideological control.

The disqualification of popular lawmaker Eddie Chu is the latest blow to the democratic movement as room for an opposition in semi-autonomous Hong Kong shrinks under an assertive China.

Chu is the first person to be blocked from standing in rural village elections after poll officials decided he is pro-independence a red line for Beijing.

While he has supported self-determination for Hong Kong, he maintains he does not advocate its separation from China.Voices for self-determination emerged from the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests, and believe in the right of Hong Kongers to decide their own fate, including how the city should be governed.

Chu said the decision to ban him reveals a Cultural Revolution-style approach that everyone has to be "thought police".

"Not only must a person in Hong Kong not advocate independence themselves... But if you didn't oppose the right of others to advocate it, then your own political rights will be taken away," he said.

Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo told reporters Monday the decision to bar Chu from rural elections "makes a mockery of Hong Kong in the international community."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We express our fury and our strongest condemnation."

She was one of a group of Democratic legislators who accused the government of destroying the constitutionally protected right to free speech.&nbsp;

"Now they've literally, practically put a noose around our necks," Mo said.

Though Hong Kong democrats or self-determination activists do not themselves campaign for independence, many including Chu have defended others' rights to express their support or freely discuss the subject.

Chu earlier told an election official that "the peaceful proposition for Hong Kong independence" was "a right of the Hong Kong people as protected by the Basic Law", referring to the city's mini-constitution.

The official said in a letter to Chu late Sunday that his views "could be understood as implicitly confirming that he supports that independence could be an option for Hong Kong people."&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on a high-profile visit to the semi-autonomous city last year that any threat to China's sovereignty is "absolutely impermissible". Authorities have since turned the screws on pro-independence advocates.

The Hong Kong government said Sunday it supports the decision not to let Chu run and that it was not a case of political censorship.

Democracy lawmakers also warned Monday that Hong Kong's special economic status and participation in global trade as a "separate customs territory" could be undermined as the city's autonomy comes under "severe attacks".

A Hong Kong legislator has been barred from standing in a local election after being accused of supporting independence from China, sparking fury Monday among the city's pro-democracy camp who warn of tightening ideological control.

A Hong Kong legislator has been barred from standing in a local election after being accused of supporting independence from China, sparking fury Monday among the city's pro-democracy camp who warn of tightening ideological control. The disqualification of popular lawmaker Eddie Chu is the latest blow to the democratic movement as room for an opposition in semi-autonomous Hong Kong shrinks under an assertive China. Chu is the first person to be blocked from standing in rural village elections after poll officials decided he is pro-independence a red line for Beijing. While he has supported self-determination for Hong Kong, he maintains he does not advocate its separation from China.Voices for self-determination emerged from the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests, and believe in the right of Hong Kongers to decide their own fate, including how the city should be governed. Chu said the decision to ban him reveals a Cultural Revolution-style approach that everyone has to be "thought police". "Not only must a person in Hong Kong not advocate independence themselves... But if you didn't oppose the right of others to advocate it, then your own political rights will be taken away," he said. Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo told reporters Monday the decision to bar Chu from rural elections "makes a mockery of Hong Kong in the international community." "We express our fury and our strongest condemnation." She was one of a group of Democratic legislators who accused the government of destroying the constitutionally protected right to free speech. "Now they've literally, practically put a noose around our necks," Mo said. Though Hong Kong democrats or self-determination activists do not themselves campaign for independence, many including Chu have defended others' rights to express their support or freely discuss the subject. Chu earlier told an election official that "the peaceful proposition for Hong Kong independence" was "a right of the Hong Kong people as protected by the Basic Law", referring to the city's mini-constitution. The official said in a letter to Chu late Sunday that his views "could be understood as implicitly confirming that he supports that independence could be an option for Hong Kong people." Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on a high-profile visit to the semi-autonomous city last year that any threat to China's sovereignty is "absolutely impermissible". Authorities have since turned the screws on pro-independence advocates. The Hong Kong government said Sunday it supports the decision not to let Chu run and that it was not a case of political censorship. Democracy lawmakers also warned Monday that Hong Kong's special economic status and participation in global trade as a "separate customs territory" could be undermined as the city's autonomy comes under "severe attacks".

Hong Kong democrats 'furious' over new election ban

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-presdent-xi-takes-part-in-brics-meet-as-g20-summit-begins-180549">Chinese President Xi Jinping </a>has arrived in Panama which broke ties with Taiwan last year and switched its allegiance to Beijing for a visit aimed at extending his country's political and economic influence in Latin America.

Xi is set to meet Monday with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, and sign an array of cooperation agreements. He will also meet with business leaders and visit the Panama Canal's new Cocoli Locks.

In a column written for the Estrella de Panama, a local newspaper, Xi said he had "high expectations" for the visit, the first ever by a Chinese leader to the country.

"We must be cooperative partners of mutual benefit and shared profits," wrote Xi, who arrived in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uss-pompeo-to-visit-panama-mexico-to-discuss-venezuela-other-issues-171979">Panama </a>late Sunday from Argentina, where he attended the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-g20-summit-in-2022-pm-modi-announces-in-argentina-180796">G20 summit</a>.

Beijing hopes that Panama can be a logistics hub for the expansion of trade in Latin America and the Caribbean an idea that the business community here has fully embraced.

"Panama usually generates a lot of interest because of its strategic location in the region and because of the canal," Severo Sousa, president of the National Business Council (Conep), told AFP.

These factors along with Panama's political stability, growing economy and deep financial network are "very attractive" to China, Sousa added.

China is the second-biggest user of the Panama Canal after the United States.

Varela's government is hoping that Beijing will make multi-million-dollar investments in infrastructure projects. The two countries are negotiating a free trade agreement.

In June 2017, Panama established diplomatic relations with China, breaking off ties with Taiwan.

China and Taiwan have been governed separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949, but Beijing sees the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification.

Beijing and Taipei have been engaged for years in a diplomatic tug-of-war in developing countries, with aid and economic support often used as bargaining chips to gain diplomatic recognition.

Washington, which has accused the Chinese of trying to use aid to drive a wedge between Taipei and its Western Hemisphere partners, recalled its envoy to Panama City in September this year.

Varela, who visited China last year, promptly asked the US to respect his country's sovereignty.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Panama which broke ties with Taiwan last year and switched its allegiance to Beijing for a visit aimed at extending his country's political and economic influence in Latin America.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Panama which broke ties with Taiwan last year and switched its allegiance to Beijing for a visit aimed at extending his country's political and economic influence in Latin America. Xi is set to meet Monday with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, and sign an array of cooperation agreements. He will also meet with business leaders and visit the Panama Canal's new Cocoli Locks. In a column written for the Estrella de Panama, a local newspaper, Xi said he had "high expectations" for the visit, the first ever by a Chinese leader to the country. "We must be cooperative partners of mutual benefit and shared profits," wrote Xi, who arrived in Panama late Sunday from Argentina, where he attended the G20 summit. Beijing hopes that Panama can be a logistics hub for the expansion of trade in Latin America and the Caribbean an idea that the business community here has fully embraced. "Panama usually generates a lot of interest because of its strategic location in the region and because of the canal," Severo Sousa, president of the National Business Council (Conep), told AFP. These factors along with Panama's political stability, growing economy and deep financial network are "very attractive" to China, Sousa added. China is the second-biggest user of the Panama Canal after the United States. Varela's government is hoping that Beijing will make multi-million-dollar investments in infrastructure projects. The two countries are negotiating a free trade agreement. In June 2017, Panama established diplomatic relations with China, breaking off ties with Taiwan. China and Taiwan have been governed separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949, but Beijing sees the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification. Beijing and Taipei have been engaged for years in a diplomatic tug-of-war in developing countries, with aid and economic support often used as bargaining chips to gain diplomatic recognition. Washington, which has accused the Chinese of trying to use aid to drive a wedge between Taipei and its Western Hemisphere partners, recalled its envoy to Panama City in September this year. Varela, who visited China last year, promptly asked the US to respect his country's sovereignty.

China's Xi in Panama on mission to bolster clout in Latin America

Heavy smog envelops Beijing again

State-run Pakistan TV has apologisied for saying Imran Khan was "begging" in China.&nbsp;

The Pakistani prime minister had been in China on a three-day visit. Khan had also been hoping for a bailout. Pakistan is currently undergoing a balance of payments crisis and China is one of Pakistan's staunchest allies.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Imran had been giving a speech at the Central Party School in Beijing. The speech was shown live on PTV (Pakistan Television Corporation).&nbsp;

Somebody however made a blooper and instead of writing "Beijing" — which is where Imran was — on the screen, that somebody wrote "Begging" (see pic below).&nbsp;

<img alt="Imran Khan 'begging' in China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4b12b78-bc79-4258-97d1-3895af7aa3fd" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/imran%20khan%20begging.JPG" />

The blooper stayed on, on the top left-hand side of the PTV screen, for about 20 seconds, which was more than enough for social media to pick it up. &nbsp;

Expectedly, the blooper soon went viral.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PTV sources have confirmed that for the ‘Begging - Beijing’ dateline typographical error during PM <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> speech in China, PTV’s Director News, Director Current Affairs, Director IT and 3 panel-personnel have been suspended and orders came directly from the PM <a href="https://t.co/YRwJVt6Gz3">pic.twitter.com/YRwJVt6Gz3</a>
— Pakistan Media Watch (@PakPressWatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakPressWatch/status/1059445220469886976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

PTV apologised later.&nbsp;

"Today, during a live address of the Prime Minister during his ongoing visit to China, a typographical error took place, which remained on screen for 20 seconds &amp; later removed. This incident is regrettable. Strict action has been initiated under rules against concerned officials," PTV tweeted from its official handle.&nbsp;

Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry meanwhile has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

State-run Pakistan TV has apologisied for saying Imran Khan was "begging" in China. The Pakistani prime minister had been in China on a three-day visit. Khan had also been hoping for a bailout.

State-run Pakistan TV has apologisied for saying Imran Khan was "begging" in China. The Pakistani prime minister had been in China on a three-day visit. Khan had also been hoping for a bailout. Pakistan is currently undergoing a balance of payments crisis and China is one of Pakistan's staunchest allies. On Sunday, Imran had been giving a speech at the Central Party School in Beijing. The speech was shown live on PTV (Pakistan Television Corporation). Somebody however made a blooper and instead of writing "Beijing" — which is where Imran was — on the screen, that somebody wrote "Begging" (see pic below). The blooper stayed on, on the top left-hand side of the PTV screen, for about 20 seconds, which was more than enough for social media to pick it up. Expectedly, the blooper soon went viral. PTV sources have confirmed that for the ‘Begging - Beijing’ dateline typographical error during PM @ImranKhanPTI speech in China, PTV’s Director News, Director Current Affairs, Director IT and 3 panel-personnel have been suspended and orders came directly from the PM pic.twitter.com/YRwJVt6Gz3 — Pakistan Media Watch (@PakPressWatch) November 5, 2018 × PTV apologised later. "Today, during a live address of the Prime Minister during his ongoing visit to China, a typographical error took place, which remained on screen for 20 seconds & later removed. This incident is regrettable. Strict action has been initiated under rules against concerned officials," PTV tweeted from its official handle. Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry meanwhile has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

PTV apologises for saying Imran Khan was 'begging' in China

China on Friday reportedly agreed to provide $6 billion in aid to Pakistan, which is going through a "low point", to minimise the cash-strapped country's dependence on an IMF bailout package as Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Khan, who is here on his maiden visit, met Xi in the Great Hall of People where the two leaders also held one-on-one meeting besides delegation-level talks, Pakistani media reports said.

Pakistan is expected to receive $6 billion economic package from China during the visit, Geo TV quoted sources as saying.

A loan of $1.5 billion is also expected to be offered, along with an additional package of three billion dollar for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the report said.

The loan and the investments were reportedly part of the $6 billion package. However, there was no immediate official comment from Beijing on the report.

In his meeting with Xi, Khan, the cricketer-turned-politician, said: "my party (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf) has only been in power for two months. Unfortunately, we have inherited a very difficult economic situation.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EB5z1946l0w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
"Countries go in cycles. They have their high points, they have their low points. Unfortunately, our country is going through a low point at the moment with two very big deficits, a fiscal deficit and a current account deficit. And so we, as I've said, have come to learn".

Xi assured Khan that China considers its relations with Pakistan a diplomatic priority.

"China has always supported Pakistan's safeguarding of national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the new Pakistani government's smooth running of the government and advancement of national construction," he said.

Xi told Khan that he highly valued the two country's relations, reaffirming they were "all-weather" friends.

Earlier Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, told Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a separate meeting that China would not let Pakistan down.

"The Chinese side will continue to provide support and help to the best of its ability for Pakistan's economic and social development and national construction," China's Foreign Ministry cited Wang as saying.

China's expected assistance is the second $6 billion package which Khan has managed to obtain in the last few weeks as Pakistan reeled under severe financial crisis.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia last month, Riyadh committed $6 billion funding which included $3 billion deferred payment for oil imports.

Finance Minister Asad Umar, who is accompanying Khan, earlier told media in Islamabad that Pakistan's strategy was to seek loans from multiple sources instead of asking the International Monetary Fund (IMF) alone to plug the entire gap in the country's financing needs.

He said Pakistan faced a deficit of $27 billion which included $9 billion debt repayment this year.

"After taking monetary and fiscal measures, in my opinion, our financing gap for this year will be around $12 billion," he said.

According to a report in the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on Friday, Pakistan borrowed $6 billion from China last year to increase its dwindling foreign reserves.

Pakistan has already approached the IMF for a bailout package which it apprehends will come with stringent conditions of austerity besides scrutiny of $60 billion

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects whose terms till now remained confidential.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has expressed opposition to using IMF money to repay Chinese loans.

An IMF delegation is due to visit China next week and the Khan government wants to minimise the bailout package it seeks from the international lender.

"Khan has posited that Chinese and Saudi financial assistance will reduce the amount Pakistan needs to borrow from the IMF, mitigating Pakistan's susceptibility to the US demands that its CPEC debt be transparent.

"China wants to avoid such transparency because exposing the terms of the CPEC project agreements could validate the US criticism of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a debt trap for emerging economies," the Post report said.

Khan is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Umar, Advisor on Commerce and Trade Abdul Razzak Dawood, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed among others.

He would hold talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday after which both the countries would sign several agreements.

His visit here was regarded as significant as it is taking place amid critical remarks made by some ministers in Khan's Cabinet on the CPEC which had caused consternation among Chinese leaders considering the "all-weather" relations.

While Commerce Minister Dawood said some of the CPEC projects were unfair to Pakistani companies and should be put on hold for a year, Railways Minister Rasheed said Pakistan wants to cut the size of the $8 billion Karachi-Peshawar rail line, the biggest project of the CPEC, by $2 billion.

The statements evoked serious concerns in China as the CPEC is the flagship project of President Xi's pet multi-billion BRI.

The CPEC has also become a major irritant in India-China relations with New Delhi voicing its opposition to the infrastructure project as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

From Beijing's point of view, Pakistan's criticism of the project was a shocker, especially after China's takeover of Sri Lanka's Hambantota port on a 99-year lease as a debt swap.&nbsp;

China on Friday reportedly agreed to provide $6 billion in aid to Pakistan, which is going through a "low point", to minimise the cash-strapped country's dependence on an IMF bailout package as Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China on Friday reportedly agreed to provide $6 billion in aid to Pakistan, which is going through a "low point", to minimise the cash-strapped country's dependence on an IMF bailout package as Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Khan, who is here on his maiden visit, met Xi in the Great Hall of People where the two leaders also held one-on-one meeting besides delegation-level talks, Pakistani media reports said. Pakistan is expected to receive $6 billion economic package from China during the visit, Geo TV quoted sources as saying. A loan of $1.5 billion is also expected to be offered, along with an additional package of three billion dollar for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the report said. The loan and the investments were reportedly part of the $6 billion package. However, there was no immediate official comment from Beijing on the report. In his meeting with Xi, Khan, the cricketer-turned-politician, said: "my party (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf) has only been in power for two months. Unfortunately, we have inherited a very difficult economic situation. "Countries go in cycles. They have their high points, they have their low points. Unfortunately, our country is going through a low point at the moment with two very big deficits, a fiscal deficit and a current account deficit. And so we, as I've said, have come to learn". Xi assured Khan that China considers its relations with Pakistan a diplomatic priority. "China has always supported Pakistan's safeguarding of national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the new Pakistani government's smooth running of the government and advancement of national construction," he said. Xi told Khan that he highly valued the two country's relations, reaffirming they were "all-weather" friends. Earlier Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, told Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a separate meeting that China would not let Pakistan down. "The Chinese side will continue to provide support and help to the best of its ability for Pakistan's economic and social development and national construction," China's Foreign Ministry cited Wang as saying. China's expected assistance is the second $6 billion package which Khan has managed to obtain in the last few weeks as Pakistan reeled under severe financial crisis. During his visit to Saudi Arabia last month, Riyadh committed $6 billion funding which included $3 billion deferred payment for oil imports. Finance Minister Asad Umar, who is accompanying Khan, earlier told media in Islamabad that Pakistan's strategy was to seek loans from multiple sources instead of asking the International Monetary Fund (IMF) alone to plug the entire gap in the country's financing needs. He said Pakistan faced a deficit of $27 billion which included $9 billion debt repayment this year. "After taking monetary and fiscal measures, in my opinion, our financing gap for this year will be around $12 billion," he said. According to a report in the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on Friday, Pakistan borrowed $6 billion from China last year to increase its dwindling foreign reserves. Pakistan has already approached the IMF for a bailout package which it apprehends will come with stringent conditions of austerity besides scrutiny of $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects whose terms till now remained confidential. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has expressed opposition to using IMF money to repay Chinese loans. An IMF delegation is due to visit China next week and the Khan government wants to minimise the bailout package it seeks from the international lender. "Khan has posited that Chinese and Saudi financial assistance will reduce the amount Pakistan needs to borrow from the IMF, mitigating Pakistan's susceptibility to the US demands that its CPEC debt be transparent. "China wants to avoid such transparency because exposing the terms of the CPEC project agreements could validate the US criticism of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a debt trap for emerging economies," the Post report said. Khan is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Umar, Advisor on Commerce and Trade Abdul Razzak Dawood, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed among others. He would hold talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday after which both the countries would sign several agreements. His visit here was regarded as significant as it is taking place amid critical remarks made by some ministers in Khan's Cabinet on the CPEC which had caused consternation among Chinese leaders considering the "all-weather" relations. While Commerce Minister Dawood said some of the CPEC projects were unfair to Pakistani companies and should be put on hold for a year, Railways Minister Rasheed said Pakistan wants to cut the size of the $8 billion Karachi-Peshawar rail line, the biggest project of the CPEC, by $2 billion. The statements evoked serious concerns in China as the CPEC is the flagship project of President Xi's pet multi-billion BRI. The CPEC has also become a major irritant in India-China relations with New Delhi voicing its opposition to the infrastructure project as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. From Beijing's point of view, Pakistan's criticism of the project was a shocker, especially after China's takeover of Sri Lanka's Hambantota port on a 99-year lease as a debt swap.

China set to give $6 billion aid to Pakistan: Report 

President Xi inaugurates world's longest sea bridge connecting Hong Kong, Macau & Zhuhai

US national security adviser John Bolton has vowed to further intensify the Trump administration's tough approach to China, saying Beijing's "behaviour needs to be adjusted in the trade area, in the international, military and political areas."

Speaking in a radio interview on the Hugh Hewitt Show recorded on Thursday and aired on Friday, Bolton said President Donald Trump believed China had taken advantage of the international order for far too long and not enough Americans had stood up to it.

"Now's the time to do it" he said.

Bolton said Trump's tough approach towards China, a country the administration saw as the "major issue this century," had left Beijing "confused."

"They've never seen an American president this tough before. I think their behaviour needs to be adjusted in the trade area, in the international, military and political areas, in a whole range of areas," he said.

"Perhaps we'll see at the G20 meeting in Argentina next month Xi Jinping willing to come to talk turkey on some of these issues," he added.

Bolton's remarks came amid a series of administration broadsides against China that goes beyond a trade war. These have included accusing Beijing of trying to undermine Trump ahead of next month's congressional elections and of taking reckless military actions in the South China Sea.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Friday Trump would go through with plans to meet Xi at the G20 summit if it looked possible to chart "a positive direction." But he said re-launching trade talks with China would require Beijing to commit to taking action on structural reforms to its economy.

Bolton called recent Chinese behaviour in the South China Sea, where a US warship had a near collision with a Chinese vessel last month, "dangerous" and said the United States was determined to keep international sea lanes open.

"This is something the Chinese need to understand," he said, adding that allies including Britain and Australia were also sailing through the South China Sea to make this point.

"We're going to do a lot more on that," he said.

"I think we could see more exploitation of mineral resources in the South China Sea with or without Chinese cooperation. They need to know they have not achieved a fait accompli here. This is not a Chinese province and will not be."

Bolton did not elaborate on his remark about mineral exploitation in the strategic waterway, which China claims almost in its entirety in spite of several rival claimants.

Bolton said China's violation of international norms in trade and business had allowed it to gain substantial economic and military strength.

"If they're put back in the proper place they would be if they weren't allowed to steal our technology, their military capabilities would be substantially reduced. And a lot of the tensions we see caused by China would be reduced," Bolton said.

He indicated that Washington was prepared to take more action to restrict sensitive high-tech exports to China.

"We did this and continue to do it in terms of dual-use technology that could affect nuclear, chemical or biological weapons or ballistic-missile development.

"I think in cyberspace, we're entitled to do the same thing ... We want to do it in ways that protect our open economy, but deny others the ability to take advantage of it."

Bolton said he expected a second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "sometime in the next couple of months," but said it remained to be seen if the diplomatic effort to persuade Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons would be successful.

"The president has held the door open for North Korea," he said. "They need to denuclearize completely and irreversibly. And if they do that and walk through the door, the future could be very different for the North Korean people.

"The future remains uncertain on the president's diplomacy. He's optimistic. He presses hard. He does not have stars in his eyes about this. Neither does Mike Pompeo, neither does Jim Mattis, neither do I," Bolton said, referring to the U.S. secretaries of defence and state.

US national security adviser John Bolton has vowed to further intensify the Trump administration's tough approach to China, saying Beijing's "behaviour needs to be adjusted in the trade area, in the international, military and political areas.

US national security adviser John Bolton has vowed to further intensify the Trump administration's tough approach to China, saying Beijing's "behaviour needs to be adjusted in the trade area, in the international, military and political areas." Speaking in a radio interview on the Hugh Hewitt Show recorded on Thursday and aired on Friday, Bolton said President Donald Trump believed China had taken advantage of the international order for far too long and not enough Americans had stood up to it. "Now's the time to do it" he said. Bolton said Trump's tough approach towards China, a country the administration saw as the "major issue this century," had left Beijing "confused." "They've never seen an American president this tough before. I think their behaviour needs to be adjusted in the trade area, in the international, military and political areas, in a whole range of areas," he said. "Perhaps we'll see at the G20 meeting in Argentina next month Xi Jinping willing to come to talk turkey on some of these issues," he added. Bolton's remarks came amid a series of administration broadsides against China that goes beyond a trade war. These have included accusing Beijing of trying to undermine Trump ahead of next month's congressional elections and of taking reckless military actions in the South China Sea. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Friday Trump would go through with plans to meet Xi at the G20 summit if it looked possible to chart "a positive direction." But he said re-launching trade talks with China would require Beijing to commit to taking action on structural reforms to its economy. Bolton called recent Chinese behaviour in the South China Sea, where a US warship had a near collision with a Chinese vessel last month, "dangerous" and said the United States was determined to keep international sea lanes open. "This is something the Chinese need to understand," he said, adding that allies including Britain and Australia were also sailing through the South China Sea to make this point. "We're going to do a lot more on that," he said. "I think we could see more exploitation of mineral resources in the South China Sea with or without Chinese cooperation. They need to know they have not achieved a fait accompli here. This is not a Chinese province and will not be." Bolton did not elaborate on his remark about mineral exploitation in the strategic waterway, which China claims almost in its entirety in spite of several rival claimants. Bolton said China's violation of international norms in trade and business had allowed it to gain substantial economic and military strength. "If they're put back in the proper place they would be if they weren't allowed to steal our technology, their military capabilities would be substantially reduced. And a lot of the tensions we see caused by China would be reduced," Bolton said. He indicated that Washington was prepared to take more action to restrict sensitive high-tech exports to China. "We did this and continue to do it in terms of dual-use technology that could affect nuclear, chemical or biological weapons or ballistic-missile development. "I think in cyberspace, we're entitled to do the same thing ... We want to do it in ways that protect our open economy, but deny others the ability to take advantage of it." Bolton said he expected a second summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "sometime in the next couple of months," but said it remained to be seen if the diplomatic effort to persuade Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons would be successful. "The president has held the door open for North Korea," he said. "They need to denuclearize completely and irreversibly. And if they do that and walk through the door, the future could be very different for the North Korean people. "The future remains uncertain on the president's diplomacy. He's optimistic. He presses hard. He does not have stars in his eyes about this. Neither does Mike Pompeo, neither does Jim Mattis, neither do I," Bolton said, referring to the U.S. secretaries of defence and state.

US vows to get even tougher on China, says Beijing's 'behaviour needs to be adjusted'

China on Thursday accused the United States of seeking to "disturb" its security policies after a US congressional report said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-anti-halal-crackdown-in-xinjiang-city-170747">Beijing's mass internment of Muslim minorities</a> may constitute "crimes against humanity".

The report by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China described the situation of human rights in China as "dire" and worsening, a trend epitomised by the internment of as many as one million Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the far west Xinjiang region.

In response, China's foreign ministry characterised reports of its policies in the region as "rumours and groundless accusations".

Chinese policies "aim to safeguard the social stability and security of Xinjiang and are supported by the people," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters during a regular press briefing.

"Relevant parties want to disturb such efforts. This is futile," he said.

Beijing has a long history of accusing the US of fomenting anti-China "separatism" in Xinjiang, alleging Washington has sponsored groups advocating for the region's independence in an attempt to weaken China.

The region -- which comprises one-sixth of China's land area -- is a jumping off point for the country's ambitious new "Belt and Road" project aimed at opening up new overland routes to increase access to markets across Asia and Europe.

Maintaining stability there has become a priority for the country's leadership, which seeks to prevent any disruptions to its economic ambitions.

Beijing has long had a strained relationship with Xinjiang's mostly Muslim minority groups, particularly the Turkic Uighurs, which make up about half of the region's population and bridle under the central government's draconian security policies.

The region experienced a brief increase in attacks following deadly riots in the regional capital Urumqi in 2009.

Beijing says its policies towards the region have effectively eliminated the problem.

But critics say that the measures are unsustainable and will stoke resentment as China seeks to assimilate Xinjiang's minority population and suppress religious and cultural practises that conflict with Communist ideology and the dominant Han culture.

China has sought to achieve that goal by detaining hundreds of thousands in a network of shadowy "re-education" centres where they are force-fed propaganda and drilled on Chinese language skills, according to rights groups.

Beijing has denied the existence of the centres, while admitting that some people accused of minor crimes have been put in correctional programmes where they receive job training.

But on Tuesday, Xinjiang updated its counter-terrorism and anti-extremism regulations to codify such centres, saying that people accused of minor crimes related to terrorism would be allowed to voluntarily enter the facilities instead of being jailed.

But there may be little difference between the two.

In July, a former teacher at one of the centres told a court in Kazakhstan that "in China they call it a political camp but really it was a prison in the mountains."

China on Thursday accused the United States of seeking to "disturb" its security policies after a US congressional report said Beijing's mass internment of Muslim minorities may constitute "crimes against humanity".

China on Thursday accused the United States of seeking to "disturb" its security policies after a US congressional report said Beijing's mass internment of Muslim minorities may constitute "crimes against humanity". The report by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China described the situation of human rights in China as "dire" and worsening, a trend epitomised by the internment of as many as one million Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the far west Xinjiang region. In response, China's foreign ministry characterised reports of its policies in the region as "rumours and groundless accusations". Chinese policies "aim to safeguard the social stability and security of Xinjiang and are supported by the people," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters during a regular press briefing. "Relevant parties want to disturb such efforts. This is futile," he said. Beijing has a long history of accusing the US of fomenting anti-China "separatism" in Xinjiang, alleging Washington has sponsored groups advocating for the region's independence in an attempt to weaken China. The region -- which comprises one-sixth of China's land area -- is a jumping off point for the country's ambitious new "Belt and Road" project aimed at opening up new overland routes to increase access to markets across Asia and Europe. Maintaining stability there has become a priority for the country's leadership, which seeks to prevent any disruptions to its economic ambitions. Beijing has long had a strained relationship with Xinjiang's mostly Muslim minority groups, particularly the Turkic Uighurs, which make up about half of the region's population and bridle under the central government's draconian security policies. The region experienced a brief increase in attacks following deadly riots in the regional capital Urumqi in 2009. Beijing says its policies towards the region have effectively eliminated the problem. But critics say that the measures are unsustainable and will stoke resentment as China seeks to assimilate Xinjiang's minority population and suppress religious and cultural practises that conflict with Communist ideology and the dominant Han culture. China has sought to achieve that goal by detaining hundreds of thousands in a network of shadowy "re-education" centres where they are force-fed propaganda and drilled on Chinese language skills, according to rights groups. Beijing has denied the existence of the centres, while admitting that some people accused of minor crimes have been put in correctional programmes where they receive job training. But on Tuesday, Xinjiang updated its counter-terrorism and anti-extremism regulations to codify such centres, saying that people accused of minor crimes related to terrorism would be allowed to voluntarily enter the facilities instead of being jailed. But there may be little difference between the two. In July, a former teacher at one of the centres told a court in Kazakhstan that "in China they call it a political camp but really it was a prison in the mountains."

China says US seeks to 'disturb' Xinjiang policies

A leading Financial Times journalist has been given seven days to leave Hong Kong as a backlash mounted Monday against an unprecedented challenge to freedom of the press in the city.

Victor Mallet, the FT's Asia news editor and a British national, angered authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong by hosting a speech at the city's press club by Andy Chan, the leader of a tiny pro-independence political party.

Chan's party has since been banned as Beijing cracks down on any pro-independence sentiment in the semi-autonomous city.&nbsp;

Last week it emerged Mallet's application for a renewal of his work visa had been rejected by Hong Kong immigration authorities.&nbsp;

On Monday the FT said Mallet had only been granted a seven-day visitor visa after returning to the city from a trip on Sunday.&nbsp;

Sources with direct knowledge of the situation told AFP that Mallet was questioned at immigration and was refused automatic entry.

British citizens are usually allowed into Hong Kong without a visa and are permitted to stay for 180 days under immigration rules.

The FT said immigration officials had provided no explanation for the shortened visitor visa.&nbsp;

"We continue to seek clarification from the Hong Kong authorities about the rejection of his work visa renewal," said the paper, which has its regional headquarters in Hong Kong.

The FT's editorial board had earlier described the decision to refuse Mallet a work visa as sending a "chilling message to everyone in Hong Kong" that highlighted the erosion of the basic rights and legal protections that had drawn international firms to base themselves in the city.

There are fears that a growing disregard for rights enshrined in the handover agreement will undermine the city's standing as a business hub.&nbsp;

The American Chamber of Commerce said any effort to curtail press freedom "could damage Hong Kong's competitiveness as a leading financial and trading center", describing a free press as a "core component" of the city's success.

Lawyers hit back&nbsp;

In a strident speech in August at the city's Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), where Mallet serves as vice president, independence activist Chan attacked China as an empire trying to "annex" and "destroy" Hong Kong.

China's foreign ministry had asked the club to pull the talk, but the FCC refused, arguing that all sides of a debate should be heard and that it hosted a variety of speakers, including Chinese officials. &nbsp;

Britain and the United States have expressed concern over the visa refusal and its impact on press freedom.&nbsp;

On Monday, a group of the city's most influential lawyers also hit back.

"Such rejection calls for an explanation in light of its unprecedented nature and its profound impact on Hong Kong's press freedom," 30 lawyers said in a statement.&nbsp;

The group makes up the legal subsector of the electoral committee that chooses the city's leader.

Another legal organisation, the Progressive Lawyers Group, said: "Any forced retreat of foreign media outlets would be a tragic loss for Hong Kong and must be vigilantly guarded against".

A journalists' alliance handed over petitions with more than 15,000 signatures to the government Monday calling for an explanation of its visa rejection.

Hong Kong immigration authorities said they had no immediate comment.

China's foreign ministry has said it supports Hong Kong "in handling the related matters in accordance with law", and warned other countries not to interfere.&nbsp;

"It is indisputable that the Hong Kong government exercises its legitimate rights in accordance with China's own laws, whether it be national laws, or basic laws of the HKSAR," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing Monday.

A leading Financial Times journalist has been given seven days to leave Hong Kong as a backlash mounted Monday against an unprecedented challenge to freedom of the press in the city.

A leading Financial Times journalist has been given seven days to leave Hong Kong as a backlash mounted Monday against an unprecedented challenge to freedom of the press in the city. Victor Mallet, the FT's Asia news editor and a British national, angered authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong by hosting a speech at the city's press club by Andy Chan, the leader of a tiny pro-independence political party. Chan's party has since been banned as Beijing cracks down on any pro-independence sentiment in the semi-autonomous city. Last week it emerged Mallet's application for a renewal of his work visa had been rejected by Hong Kong immigration authorities. On Monday the FT said Mallet had only been granted a seven-day visitor visa after returning to the city from a trip on Sunday. Sources with direct knowledge of the situation told AFP that Mallet was questioned at immigration and was refused automatic entry. British citizens are usually allowed into Hong Kong without a visa and are permitted to stay for 180 days under immigration rules. The FT said immigration officials had provided no explanation for the shortened visitor visa. "We continue to seek clarification from the Hong Kong authorities about the rejection of his work visa renewal," said the paper, which has its regional headquarters in Hong Kong. The FT's editorial board had earlier described the decision to refuse Mallet a work visa as sending a "chilling message to everyone in Hong Kong" that highlighted the erosion of the basic rights and legal protections that had drawn international firms to base themselves in the city. There are fears that a growing disregard for rights enshrined in the handover agreement will undermine the city's standing as a business hub. The American Chamber of Commerce said any effort to curtail press freedom "could damage Hong Kong's competitiveness as a leading financial and trading center", describing a free press as a "core component" of the city's success. Lawyers hit back In a strident speech in August at the city's Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), where Mallet serves as vice president, independence activist Chan attacked China as an empire trying to "annex" and "destroy" Hong Kong. China's foreign ministry had asked the club to pull the talk, but the FCC refused, arguing that all sides of a debate should be heard and that it hosted a variety of speakers, including Chinese officials. Britain and the United States have expressed concern over the visa refusal and its impact on press freedom. On Monday, a group of the city's most influential lawyers also hit back. "Such rejection calls for an explanation in light of its unprecedented nature and its profound impact on Hong Kong's press freedom," 30 lawyers said in a statement. The group makes up the legal subsector of the electoral committee that chooses the city's leader. Another legal organisation, the Progressive Lawyers Group, said: "Any forced retreat of foreign media outlets would be a tragic loss for Hong Kong and must be vigilantly guarded against". A journalists' alliance handed over petitions with more than 15,000 signatures to the government Monday calling for an explanation of its visa rejection. Hong Kong immigration authorities said they had no immediate comment. China's foreign ministry has said it supports Hong Kong "in handling the related matters in accordance with law", and warned other countries not to interfere. "It is indisputable that the Hong Kong government exercises its legitimate rights in accordance with China's own laws, whether it be national laws, or basic laws of the HKSAR," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing Monday.

FT journalist given seven days to leave Hong Kong

Beijing holds flag-raising ceremony to mark 69th Chinese National Day

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday expressed his confidence in the success of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and praised Japan for its good conditions to organize the sports event. 
 
"I have been in contact with the Japanese authorities; Tokyo is a safe place, with first class construction, technology and people with experience, we are confident that the Games will succeed," Thomas Bach said at a press conference in Mexico City. 
 
When asked about whether the recent natural disasters in Japan, including an earthquake on September 25 in Hokkaido, will affect the Olympics, Bach responded no and praised Japan for its good work. 
 
On Thursday morning, the Olympic president met with the president-elect of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who told Bach of his idea about prioritising sports during his six-year mandate starting from this December.

Bach then toured the venues of the Mexico City Olympic Games in 1968 and met with Mexican Olympic athletes of that time.

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday expressed his confidence in the success of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and praised Japan for its good conditions to organize the sports event.

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday expressed his confidence in the success of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and praised Japan for its good conditions to organize the sports event. "I have been in contact with the Japanese authorities; Tokyo is a safe place, with first class construction, technology and people with experience, we are confident that the Games will succeed," Thomas Bach said at a press conference in Mexico City. When asked about whether the recent natural disasters in Japan, including an earthquake on September 25 in Hokkaido, will affect the Olympics, Bach responded no and praised Japan for its good work. On Thursday morning, the Olympic president met with the president-elect of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who told Bach of his idea about prioritising sports during his six-year mandate starting from this December. Bach then toured the venues of the Mexico City Olympic Games in 1968 and met with Mexican Olympic athletes of that time.

Thomas Bach says he is confident of the success of Tokyo Olympic Games

Investors wiped about $3 billion off embattled Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE Corp's market value as it resumed trade&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;after agreeing to pay up to $1.4 billion in penalties to the US&nbsp;government.

China's No. 2 telecommunications equipment maker was crippled when the United States imposed a seven-year supplier ban on the company in April after it broke an agreement to discipline executives who conspired to evade US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran and North Korea.

The ban, which has prevented ZTE from buying the US&nbsp;components it relies on to make smartphones and other devices, will not be lifted until ZTE pays a fine and places $400 million more in an escrow account in a US-approved bank. It was also ordered to radically overhaul its management.

"While the nightmare is now over, ZTE will likely have to deal with many changes," Jeffries said in a research report, adding that it expects significant near-term selling pressure on the company's shares.

Confirming details of the US&nbsp;deal, ZTE said late&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;it would replace its board of directors and that of its import-export subsidiary ZTE Kangxun&nbsp;within 30 days&nbsp;of the June 8 order being signed by the United States.

All members of its leadership at or above the senior vice president level would be removed within the 30-day period, with a commitment that they would not be re-hired, along with any executives or officers tied to the wrongdoing, it said.

The US&nbsp;commerce department can exercise discretion in granting exceptions.

According to a Reuters estimate based on company filings and a source with knowledge of the matter, that could result in about 40 senior executives being replaced including its 14-person board, based on its current management structure.

ZTE has more than a dozen senior vice presidents, which is a level below executive vice president, said the company source who declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

As part of the US&nbsp;order, the Commerce Department also will select a monitor, known as a special compliance coordinator,&nbsp;within 30 days&nbsp;to report on compliance by ZTE and its affiliates worldwide for 10 years. The coordinator will have a staff of at least six employees funded by ZTE.

"The compliance monitor will be on the same level as ZTE's CEO and board on compliance matters. The new governance structure will pose challenges for the company's management in the future," Zhongtai Securities said in a note.

Shares plunge

The Hong Kong-listed shares of ZTE slid as much as 41 per cent to HK$14.98, their lowest in a year, following a two-month trading suspension. Its Shenzhen shares fell by their 10 per cent limit to 28.18 yuan after it confirmed details of the agreement publicised by the US&nbsp;government&nbsp;on Monday.

Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index was down 0.6 per cent by the midday break.

During its trading halt, fund managers cut their valuations of ZTE shares, with some lowering valuations of its A-shares to 20.04 yuan per share, or a 36 per cent discount to the closing level on&nbsp;April 16.

ZTE also said in filings&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;that it would work to resume operations as soon as possible after the ban gets lifted, and would republish its first-quarter financial results after assessing the impact of the ban and the settlement agreement.

Jeffries said it expected ZTE to pay its penalty in a few days and resume operations next week.

The case has become a focus of bargaining talks as Washington and Beijing look to avert a trade war.

US&nbsp;lawmakers have attacked Washington's agreement with ZTE and plan legislation to roll it back, citing intelligence warnings that ZTE poses a national security threat.

ZTE, with a market value of about $20 billion before its shares were suspended in April, is the world's No.4 telecom equipment maker after Huawei Technologies, Ericsson and Nokia.

The US commerce department can exercise discretion in granting exceptions

Investors wiped about $3 billion off embattled Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE Corp's market value as it resumed trade on Wednesday after agreeing to pay up to $1.4 billion in penalties to the US government. China's No. 2 telecommunications equipment maker was crippled when the United States imposed a seven-year supplier ban on the company in April after it broke an agreement to discipline executives who conspired to evade US sanctions on Iran and North Korea. The ban, which has prevented ZTE from buying the US components it relies on to make smartphones and other devices, will not be lifted until ZTE pays a fine and places $400 million more in an escrow account in a US-approved bank. It was also ordered to radically overhaul its management. "While the nightmare is now over, ZTE will likely have to deal with many changes," Jeffries said in a research report, adding that it expects significant near-term selling pressure on the company's shares. Confirming details of the US deal, ZTE said late on Tuesday it would replace its board of directors and that of its import-export subsidiary ZTE Kangxun within 30 days of the June 8 order being signed by the United States. All members of its leadership at or above the senior vice president level would be removed within the 30-day period, with a commitment that they would not be re-hired, along with any executives or officers tied to the wrongdoing, it said. The US commerce department can exercise discretion in granting exceptions. According to a Reuters estimate based on company filings and a source with knowledge of the matter, that could result in about 40 senior executives being replaced including its 14-person board, based on its current management structure. ZTE has more than a dozen senior vice presidents, which is a level below executive vice president, said the company source who declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media. As part of the US order, the Commerce Department also will select a monitor, known as a special compliance coordinator, within 30 days to report on compliance by ZTE and its affiliates worldwide for 10 years. The coordinator will have a staff of at least six employees funded by ZTE. "The compliance monitor will be on the same level as ZTE's CEO and board on compliance matters. The new governance structure will pose challenges for the company's management in the future," Zhongtai Securities said in a note. Shares plunge The Hong Kong-listed shares of ZTE slid as much as 41 per cent to HK$14.98, their lowest in a year, following a two-month trading suspension. Its Shenzhen shares fell by their 10 per cent limit to 28.18 yuan after it confirmed details of the agreement publicised by the US government on Monday. Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index was down 0.6 per cent by the midday break. During its trading halt, fund managers cut their valuations of ZTE shares, with some lowering valuations of its A-shares to 20.04 yuan per share, or a 36 per cent discount to the closing level on April 16. ZTE also said in filings on Tuesday that it would work to resume operations as soon as possible after the ban gets lifted, and would republish its first-quarter financial results after assessing the impact of the ban and the settlement agreement. Jeffries said it expected ZTE to pay its penalty in a few days and resume operations next week. The case has become a focus of bargaining talks as Washington and Beijing look to avert a trade war. US lawmakers have attacked Washington's agreement with ZTE and plan legislation to roll it back, citing intelligence warnings that ZTE poses a national security threat. ZTE, with a market value of about $20 billion before its shares were suspended in April, is the world's No.4 telecom equipment maker after Huawei Technologies, Ericsson and Nokia.

Investors wipe $3 billion off China's ZTE as US settlement sinks in

China said&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would halt military exercises on the Korean peninsula shows China's "dual suspension" proposal is practical and tenable.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing, who also cautioned that the Korean peninsula issue is complicated and not likely to be resolved with a single measure.

China has proposed what it calls a dual suspension, whereby North Korea would suspend nuclear and missile tests, and South Korea and the United States suspend military exercises so they can sit down for talks.

China is by far North Korea's biggest trade partner and has been the isolated country's traditional political ally. Pyongyang has long sought an end to the joint war games conducted by US&nbsp;and South Korea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing

China said on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would halt military exercises on the Korean peninsula shows China's "dual suspension" proposal is practical and tenable. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing, who also cautioned that the Korean peninsula issue is complicated and not likely to be resolved with a single measure. China has proposed what it calls a dual suspension, whereby North Korea would suspend nuclear and missile tests, and South Korea and the United States suspend military exercises so they can sit down for talks. China is by far North Korea's biggest trade partner and has been the isolated country's traditional political ally. Pyongyang has long sought an end to the joint war games conducted by US and South Korea.

China says its proposal practical after Trump says to halt Korean drills

France is increasing its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, sending warships through the South China Sea and planning air exercises to help counter China's military build-up in disputed waters.

In late May, the French assault ship Dixmude and a frigate sailed through the disputed Spratly Islands and around a group of reefs that China has turned into islets to push back against Beijing's claim to own most of the resource-rich South China Sea.

"Our patrol involved passing close to these islets to obtain intelligence with all the sensors it is possible to use in international waters," the Dixmude's commanding officer, Jean Porcher, told reporters in a video interview.

Writing in The Wall Street Journal, a researcher from the Hudson Institute think-tank who was onboard, said that "several Chinese frigates and corvettes" tailed the French vessels.

Porcher said the ship maintained "cordial" radio contact with Chinese military vessels, "which were present in the area until we left".

So far the United States has taken the lead in confronting China over its territorial claims in the South China Sea, which are contested by several neighbours, particularly Vietnam.

But France, which along with Britain is the only European nation to regularly send its navy into the region, has also waded into the dispute, sending its ships into the South China Sea three to five times a year.

In August, the airforce will stage its biggest-ever exercises in southeast Asia as part of a strategy to mark France's presence in a region that is home to 1.5 million French citizens in the country's overseas territories.

Three Rafale fighter jets, one A400M troop transporter and a C135 refuelling tanker will fly from Australia to India, with several stop-offs along the way.

The sea and air operations follow a visit by President Emmanuel Macron last month to Australia, where he spoke of the need to protect the Indo-Pacific region from "hegemony" -- a veiled reference to Beijing's growing might.

He stressed that France, which will be the last country in the EU after Britain leaves the bloc to have territories in the Pacific, did not want to antagonise China.

But a "strong Indo-Pacific axis" was needed to ensure respect for freedom of navigation and aviation in the region, he told Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Macron appears to be "realistically assessing the growing Chinese challenge", said Jonas Parello-Plesner, a researcher from the US-based Hudson Institute who was an observer on the recent French navy voyage.

"This is a welcome change from his predecessors, who were enthralled by the business and investment opportunities in China," he wrote in The Wall Street Journal.

But France had already began to push back against China's expansionism before Macron took power.

Since 2014, the navy has sailed regularly through the South China Sea as part of its stated bid to uphold a rules-based maritime order.

In 2016, then French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (now the foreign minister) called on other European navies to develop a regular and visible presence in the South China Sea.

Besides protecting navigation, France has cited the need to defend the interests of its citizens scattered across five French territories in the Pacific, including New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

"This region is also our home," current Defence Minister Florence Parly said during a visit to Singapore in early June.

Valerie Niquet, an expert on the Asia-Pacific region at the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris, said France's growing assertiveness showed the US was no longer the only Western power "getting involved in the area".

"Faced with China the US obviously plays the main deterrent role, but it's not pointless or trivial for a power like France, a permanent member of the (UN) Security Council, to take a firm, principled position and carry out concrete actions," she said, predicting that it would "marginalise China's position a little bit more".

Analysts point to another factor underpinning France's growing activism in the Indo-Pacific region: the need to show buyers of French arms that Paris has their back.

In 2016, India agreed buy 36 Rafale fighter jets and Australia signed a deal worth 50 billion Australian dollars ($37 billion, 31 billion euros) for 12 next-generation French submarines.

"That is also doubtlessly pushing France to be a lot firmer on subjects that, up until recently, were broached with great care," Niquet said.

Porcher said the ship maintained 'cordial' radio contact with Chinese military vessels, 'which were present in the area until we left'

France is increasing its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, sending warships through the South China Sea and planning air exercises to help counter China's military build-up in disputed waters. In late May, the French assault ship Dixmude and a frigate sailed through the disputed Spratly Islands and around a group of reefs that China has turned into islets to push back against Beijing's claim to own most of the resource-rich South China Sea. "Our patrol involved passing close to these islets to obtain intelligence with all the sensors it is possible to use in international waters," the Dixmude's commanding officer, Jean Porcher, told reporters in a video interview. Writing in The Wall Street Journal, a researcher from the Hudson Institute think-tank who was onboard, said that "several Chinese frigates and corvettes" tailed the French vessels. Porcher said the ship maintained "cordial" radio contact with Chinese military vessels, "which were present in the area until we left". So far the United States has taken the lead in confronting China over its territorial claims in the South China Sea, which are contested by several neighbours, particularly Vietnam. But France, which along with Britain is the only European nation to regularly send its navy into the region, has also waded into the dispute, sending its ships into the South China Sea three to five times a year. In August, the airforce will stage its biggest-ever exercises in southeast Asia as part of a strategy to mark France's presence in a region that is home to 1.5 million French citizens in the country's overseas territories. Three Rafale fighter jets, one A400M troop transporter and a C135 refuelling tanker will fly from Australia to India, with several stop-offs along the way. The sea and air operations follow a visit by President Emmanuel Macron last month to Australia, where he spoke of the need to protect the Indo-Pacific region from "hegemony" -- a veiled reference to Beijing's growing might. He stressed that France, which will be the last country in the EU after Britain leaves the bloc to have territories in the Pacific, did not want to antagonise China. But a "strong Indo-Pacific axis" was needed to ensure respect for freedom of navigation and aviation in the region, he told Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Macron appears to be "realistically assessing the growing Chinese challenge", said Jonas Parello-Plesner, a researcher from the US-based Hudson Institute who was an observer on the recent French navy voyage. "This is a welcome change from his predecessors, who were enthralled by the business and investment opportunities in China," he wrote in The Wall Street Journal. But France had already began to push back against China's expansionism before Macron took power. Since 2014, the navy has sailed regularly through the South China Sea as part of its stated bid to uphold a rules-based maritime order. In 2016, then French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (now the foreign minister) called on other European navies to develop a regular and visible presence in the South China Sea. Besides protecting navigation, France has cited the need to defend the interests of its citizens scattered across five French territories in the Pacific, including New Caledonia and French Polynesia. "This region is also our home," current Defence Minister Florence Parly said during a visit to Singapore in early June. Valerie Niquet, an expert on the Asia-Pacific region at the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris, said France's growing assertiveness showed the US was no longer the only Western power "getting involved in the area". "Faced with China the US obviously plays the main deterrent role, but it's not pointless or trivial for a power like France, a permanent member of the (UN) Security Council, to take a firm, principled position and carry out concrete actions," she said, predicting that it would "marginalise China's position a little bit more". Analysts point to another factor underpinning France's growing activism in the Indo-Pacific region: the need to show buyers of French arms that Paris has their back. In 2016, India agreed buy 36 Rafale fighter jets and Australia signed a deal worth 50 billion Australian dollars ($37 billion, 31 billion euros) for 12 next-generation French submarines. "That is also doubtlessly pushing France to be a lot firmer on subjects that, up until recently, were broached with great care," Niquet said.

France challenges Beijing in South China Sea

Talks between China and Sri Lanka for a free trade agreement have hit major hurdles, mainly because Beijing will not agree to Colombo's demand for a review of the deal after 10 years, Sri Lanka's top negotiator said.

China has invested billions of dollars building ports and roads and power stations in the Indian Ocean island nation just off the southern toe of India as part of its Belt and Road Initiative to increase its trade and other connections across Asia and beyond.

But concerns have grown in recent months that such investments can drive the country of 21 million people deeper into debt and undermine its sovereignty, prompting greater scrutiny of deals with China.

China's exports to Sri Lanka dwarf the trade that goes in the other direction, leaving Colombo with a big deficit with Beijing.

Sri Lanka's chief trade negotiator K.J. Weerasinghe said this week that Colombo was insisting on a right to review the free trade pact after ten years, but China was not ready to agree that.

Ministerial-level discussions about an agreement have not been held since March last year. Lower-level discussions between officials have made little progress, according to Weerasinghe.

"The talks have come to a standstill. China wants to remove the review clause," Weerasinghe told Reuters. Beijing was opposed to such an option because it wanted longer-term stability, he said.

China’s commerce ministry did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

The review clause that Sri Lanka wants would allow it to change some of the deal terms if they were hurting the island nation’s local businesses.

ANOTHER CONTENTIOUS ISSUE

Weerasinghe said another point of contention was that China wanted zero tariffs on 90 per cent of goods the two countries sold to each other as soon as an agreement is signed while Colombo would rather it started with zero tariffs on only half of the products concerned and expanded gradually over 20 years.

China has been pushing for free trade pacts with countries in the region and last year sealed an agreement with the Maldives that drew criticism from opposition political groups in the tropical islands' nation. They said it had been rushed through parliament with less than an hour of debate.

Sri Lanka has previously said it wanted more time to negotiate the free trade deal with China as it is concerned about the economic impact of a rushed deal on its economy.

Sri Lanka imported $4.2 billion worth of Chinese goods in 2016, mostly raw materials for garments, machines and electronics, metals, transport equipment and chemicals. Its exports to the world's second-largest economy were just $211 million the same year, which included textiles, tea and vegetables, footwear and rubber.

The 2017 figures for China trade have still not been released by the Sri Lankan authorities.

The trade deficit with China accounted for nearly half of the nation's total deficit in 2016, adding pressure on the country’s current account deficit, central bank data showed.

Sri Lanka’s foreign debt rose nearly 17 per cent to 4.72 trillion rupees ($30 billion) last year, a fifth of that coming from loans from China to finance the massive construction programme across the island.

Colombo is separately negotiating a trade pact with India, but that is also moving slowly because Sri Lankan businesses fear they will face competition from a flood of cheap goods made by Indian firms. &nbsp

China has invested billions of dollars building ports and roads and power stations in the Indian Ocean island nation just off the southern toe of India as part of its Belt and Road Initiative to increase its trade and other connections across Asia and beyond

Talks between China and Sri Lanka for a free trade agreement have hit major hurdles, mainly because Beijing will not agree to Colombo's demand for a review of the deal after 10 years, Sri Lanka's top negotiator said. China has invested billions of dollars building ports and roads and power stations in the Indian Ocean island nation just off the southern toe of India as part of its Belt and Road Initiative to increase its trade and other connections across Asia and beyond. But concerns have grown in recent months that such investments can drive the country of 21 million people deeper into debt and undermine its sovereignty, prompting greater scrutiny of deals with China. China's exports to Sri Lanka dwarf the trade that goes in the other direction, leaving Colombo with a big deficit with Beijing. Sri Lanka's chief trade negotiator K.J. Weerasinghe said this week that Colombo was insisting on a right to review the free trade pact after ten years, but China was not ready to agree that. Ministerial-level discussions about an agreement have not been held since March last year. Lower-level discussions between officials have made little progress, according to Weerasinghe. "The talks have come to a standstill. China wants to remove the review clause," Weerasinghe told Reuters. Beijing was opposed to such an option because it wanted longer-term stability, he said. China’s commerce ministry did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. The review clause that Sri Lanka wants would allow it to change some of the deal terms if they were hurting the island nation’s local businesses. ANOTHER CONTENTIOUS ISSUE Weerasinghe said another point of contention was that China wanted zero tariffs on 90 per cent of goods the two countries sold to each other as soon as an agreement is signed while Colombo would rather it started with zero tariffs on only half of the products concerned and expanded gradually over 20 years. China has been pushing for free trade pacts with countries in the region and last year sealed an agreement with the Maldives that drew criticism from opposition political groups in the tropical islands' nation. They said it had been rushed through parliament with less than an hour of debate. Sri Lanka has previously said it wanted more time to negotiate the free trade deal with China as it is concerned about the economic impact of a rushed deal on its economy. Sri Lanka imported $4.2 billion worth of Chinese goods in 2016, mostly raw materials for garments, machines and electronics, metals, transport equipment and chemicals. Its exports to the world's second-largest economy were just $211 million the same year, which included textiles, tea and vegetables, footwear and rubber. The 2017 figures for China trade have still not been released by the Sri Lankan authorities. The trade deficit with China accounted for nearly half of the nation's total deficit in 2016, adding pressure on the country’s current account deficit, central bank data showed. Sri Lanka’s foreign debt rose nearly 17 per cent to 4.72 trillion rupees ($30 billion) last year, a fifth of that coming from loans from China to finance the massive construction programme across the island. Colombo is separately negotiating a trade pact with India, but that is also moving slowly because Sri Lankan businesses fear they will face competition from a flood of cheap goods made by Indian firms.

China's free trade talks with Sri Lanka hit major hurdles

China's state media on Wednesday lashed into a US&nbsp;announcement that it would press ahead with restrictions on investment by Chinese companies, saying Beijing was ready to fight back if Washington was looking to ignite a trade war.

The United States said on Tuesday that it still held the threat of imposing tariffs on $50 billion of imports from China and would use it unless Beijing addressed the issue of theft of American intellectual property.

The declaration by the White House came after the two sides had agreed earlier this month to look at steps to narrow China's $375 billion trade surplus with America, and days ahead of a visit to the Chinese capital by US&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for further talks.

China commerce's ministry reacted swiftly overnight with a short statement, saying it was surprised and saw it as contrary to the consensus both sides had reached recently.

Chinese tabloid the Global Times said the United States was suffering from a "delusion" and warned that the "trade renege could leave Washington dancing with itself".

The widely read Global Times is run by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, although its stance does not necessarily reflect Chinese government policy.

"The Chinese government will have the necessary measures in place to deal with a US&nbsp;withdrawal from any settled agreement. If the US&nbsp;wants to play games, then China would be more than willing to play along and do so until the very end," it said.

Fears of a trade war between the world's two biggest economies had also receded after the Trump administration said it had reached a deal that would put ZTE Corp back in business after banning China's second-biggest telecoms equipment maker from buying US&nbsp;technology parts.

Still hanging in the balance, however, is San Diego-based Qualcomm Inc's proposal to acquire NXP Semiconductors NV - a $44 billion deal that requires clearance from China's antitrust regulators.

State news agency Xinhua said China hoped that the United States would not act impulsively but stood ready to fight to protect its own interests.

"China's attitude, as always, is: we do not want to fight, but we are also not afraid to fight," it said in a commentary.

"China will continue to hold pragmatic consultations with the United States' delegation and hope that the United States will act in accordance with the spirit of the joint statement," it said.

Commerce Secretary Ross is scheduled to visit Beijing from June 2 to June 4 to try and get China to agree to firm numbers for additional US&nbsp;exports to the country.

Visas

The deal to reduce China's trade surplus with the US&nbsp;was separate from the US&nbsp;probe into China's alleged theft of intellectual property.

A White House official said on Tuesday that the US&nbsp;government plans to shorten the length of visas issued to some Chinese citizens as part of a strategy to prevent intellectual property theft by US&nbsp;rivals.

Citing a document issued by the Trump administration in December, the official said the US&nbsp;government would consider restrictions on visas for science and technology students from some countries to ensure "intellectual property is not transferred to our competitors."

The China Daily newspaper said the repeated US&nbsp;claim that China had forced foreign firms to transfer their technologies to Chinese businesses was without evidence and was being used as an excuse to facilitate its trade protectionism.

It said technology transfers between US&nbsp;companies and their Chinese partners were the result of normal business practices, not coercive policies.

The deal to reduce China's trade surplus with the US was separate from the US probe into China's alleged theft of intellectual property

China's state media on Wednesday lashed into a US announcement that it would press ahead with restrictions on investment by Chinese companies, saying Beijing was ready to fight back if Washington was looking to ignite a trade war. The United States said on Tuesday that it still held the threat of imposing tariffs on $50 billion of imports from China and would use it unless Beijing addressed the issue of theft of American intellectual property. The declaration by the White House came after the two sides had agreed earlier this month to look at steps to narrow China's $375 billion trade surplus with America, and days ahead of a visit to the Chinese capital by US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross for further talks. China commerce's ministry reacted swiftly overnight with a short statement, saying it was surprised and saw it as contrary to the consensus both sides had reached recently. Chinese tabloid the Global Times said the United States was suffering from a "delusion" and warned that the "trade renege could leave Washington dancing with itself". The widely read Global Times is run by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, although its stance does not necessarily reflect Chinese government policy. "The Chinese government will have the necessary measures in place to deal with a US withdrawal from any settled agreement. If the US wants to play games, then China would be more than willing to play along and do so until the very end," it said. Fears of a trade war between the world's two biggest economies had also receded after the Trump administration said it had reached a deal that would put ZTE Corp back in business after banning China's second-biggest telecoms equipment maker from buying US technology parts. Still hanging in the balance, however, is San Diego-based Qualcomm Inc's proposal to acquire NXP Semiconductors NV - a $44 billion deal that requires clearance from China's antitrust regulators. State news agency Xinhua said China hoped that the United States would not act impulsively but stood ready to fight to protect its own interests. "China's attitude, as always, is: we do not want to fight, but we are also not afraid to fight," it said in a commentary. "China will continue to hold pragmatic consultations with the United States' delegation and hope that the United States will act in accordance with the spirit of the joint statement," it said. Commerce Secretary Ross is scheduled to visit Beijing from June 2 to June 4 to try and get China to agree to firm numbers for additional US exports to the country. Visas The deal to reduce China's trade surplus with the US was separate from the US probe into China's alleged theft of intellectual property. A White House official said on Tuesday that the US government plans to shorten the length of visas issued to some Chinese citizens as part of a strategy to prevent intellectual property theft by US rivals. Citing a document issued by the Trump administration in December, the official said the US government would consider restrictions on visas for science and technology students from some countries to ensure "intellectual property is not transferred to our competitors." The China Daily newspaper said the repeated US claim that China had forced foreign firms to transfer their technologies to Chinese businesses was without evidence and was being used as an excuse to facilitate its trade protectionism. It said technology transfers between US companies and their Chinese partners were the result of normal business practices, not coercive policies.

China's state media slam US trade announcement, say Beijing ready to fight

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