Multiple warnings have gone unheard in Taiwan as the island chose Lai Ching-te as its next President. Beijing had said choosing the Democratic Progressive Party leader would mean choosing war, but it still failed to sway voters. Taiwan says China has to face the reality, but China remains stern in its stance as it continues to remind the World that reunification is inevitable. Watch in for more details!

China warns Taiwan of reprisals as Beijing slams new President Lai Ching-Te's inauguration speech

Russia's President Vladimir Putin landed in Beijing on Thursday for a two-day state visit to China, in a show of unity between the authoritarian allies as Moscow presses forward with a new offensive in Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russian President Putin arrives in China for state visit in a show of unity

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in the China on his first foreign visit after being re-elected and sworn in as Russia’s president. The Russian president has brought a large delegation consisting of five deputy prime ministers, heads of economic, diplomatic and security agencies - along with a number of CEO's. There will also be a closed door meeting with Xi - in the ‘1+4 format’ - what to expect? What's on the cards? WION's Shivan Chanana discusses with Dr. Gilbert Doctorow Historian, Author and Political Commentator from Brussels.

Putin Meets Xi in China | Tactical nuclear deployment being discussed in closed door meet?

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a 2-day state visit to China this week on 16-17 May. This will be Putin's second visit to Beijing in seven months. This visit comes before he resumes office in his fifth-term as President of Russia.

Putin to visit China: Putin & Jinping to discuss international regional issues

Russia: Putin to sign a joint statement after their meeting, to discuss comprehensive partnership

Putin to visit China: Russia-China to identify key areas for practical cooperation

Putin-Xi to discuss comprehensive partnership | Putin's second visit to Beijing in 7 months

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia - AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines - Brazil floods leave 150,000 homeless - Students protests spread to Europe

Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia | AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines

Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade and as Beijing seeks to deepen its polical and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

China President Xi Jinping visits Serbia for talks to boost economic ties

After an unusual delay of 18 months, China President Xi Jinping has appointed senior diplomat Xu Feihong as the new Ambassador to India while there is no official announcement by Beijing. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the news of the appointment.

Xu Feihong: China names new envoy to India amid strained ties with the country

Following reports that a Chinese fighter jet fired flares in the path of an Australian navy helicopter over international waters, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia criticised Beijing for 'completely unacceptable' conduct.

According to Australia's Department of Defence, late on Monday (May 6) evening, a Chinese Air Force J-10 jet dropped flares above and several hundred metres ahead of the MH60R Seahawk helicopter on Saturday while it was flying over the Yellow Sea as part of the UN's efforts to enforce sanctions on North Korea.

Following Australia's accusation, China said on Tuesday that its armed forces had taken action to warn and notify an Australian aircraft.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Australia's Nine Network on Tuesday, "We've just made it very clear to China that this is unprofessional and that it's unacceptable."

Albanese stated that Australia had conveyed its concerns through diplomatic and military channels, but Beijing had yet to reply.

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The members of the Australian Defence Force were "within international waters, international airspace, and they're doing work to ensure that the sanctions that the world has imposed through the United Nations on North Korea, due to their intransient and reckless behaviour, are enforced. They shouldn't have been at any risk," he stated.

This is the second such incident in six months. In November, Canberra reported that divers from the Australian Navy were hurt by a Chinese destroyer intentionally damaging them with sonar pulses when they were in Japanese seas. Beijing's foreign ministry denied using the sonar and said no harm had occurred.

Albanese said that Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to visit Australia next month. "We will make our position clear as well in discussions," he added.

According to Defence Minister Richard Marles, on Monday, the pilot had to "take evasive action in order to not be hit by those flares" since they were 300 metres (986 feet) in front of the helicopter and 60 metres (197 feet) above it.

The minister stated that the consequences of being hit by the flares would have been serious. In the event, no injuries or damage were reported. The minister stated that the consequences of being hit by the flares would have been serious. There were no reports of casualties or property damage. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Following reports that a Chinese fighter jet fired flares in the path of an Australian navy helicopter over international waters, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia criticised Beijing for 'completely unacceptable' conduct.

Following reports that a Chinese fighter jet fired flares in the path of an Australian navy helicopter over international waters, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia criticised Beijing for 'completely unacceptable' conduct. According to Australia's Department of Defence, late on Monday (May 6) evening, a Chinese Air Force J-10 jet dropped flares above and several hundred metres ahead of the MH60R Seahawk helicopter on Saturday while it was flying over the Yellow Sea as part of the UN's efforts to enforce sanctions on North Korea. Following Australia's accusation, China said on Tuesday that its armed forces had taken action to warn and notify an Australian aircraft. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Australia's Nine Network on Tuesday, "We've just made it very clear to China that this is unprofessional and that it's unacceptable." Albanese stated that Australia had conveyed its concerns through diplomatic and military channels, but Beijing had yet to reply. Also read: China hospital attack: At least 2 killed, 21 injured in knife rampage The members of the Australian Defence Force were "within international waters, international airspace, and they're doing work to ensure that the sanctions that the world has imposed through the United Nations on North Korea, due to their intransient and reckless behaviour, are enforced. They shouldn't have been at any risk," he stated. This is the second such incident in six months. In November, Canberra reported that divers from the Australian Navy were hurt by a Chinese destroyer intentionally damaging them with sonar pulses when they were in Japanese seas. Beijing's foreign ministry denied using the sonar and said no harm had occurred. Albanese said that Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to visit Australia next month. "We will make our position clear as well in discussions," he added. According to Defence Minister Richard Marles, on Monday, the pilot had to "take evasive action in order to not be hit by those flares" since they were 300 metres (986 feet) in front of the helicopter and 60 metres (197 feet) above it. The minister stated that the consequences of being hit by the flares would have been serious. In the event, no injuries or damage were reported. The minister stated that the consequences of being hit by the flares would have been serious. There were no reports of casualties or property damage. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian PM slams China over fighter jet incident; China says its forces warned Australia

China on Wednesday launched sea trials for the Fujian, its third and most advanced aircraft carrier. The start of tests by the Chinese navy came nearly two years after the aircraft carrier was first unveiled in June 2022. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan braces for potential Chinese invasion as recent Chinese incursions raise fear

The incumbent prime minister of Solomon Islands was set to fall short of an outright election majority Monday, forcing the pro-Beijing Pacific leader to woo an unwieldy mix of potential coalition partners. Watch in for more details!

Pro-China Solomon Islands PM out of race, says 'not competing for new term'

China is at it, again. Beijing is provoking India at Siachen, the world's highest battleground, by building a road in the Indian territory. Is this road meant for troops and tanks? How will India respond to the development?

China building roads near India's Siachen; new road in Shaksgam Valley, part of PoK

Amid reports of back channel talks going on between Tibetan government in exile and the Chinese authorities Beijing has now said it will only talk with the representatives of The Dalai Lama and not the officials of the Tibet government in exile. Watch in for more details!

Beijing slams Tibet's government-in-exile as a separatist bloc

China says ready to discuss Dalai Lama's personal future

Top American diplomat Antony Blinken has departed for China for three days the visit comes at a time when Washington-Beijing ties at a critical point over numerous global disputes.

Antony Blinken in China: US Secretary of State to discuss key issues with top Chinese officials

Top American diplomat Anthony Blinken has departed for China for three days the visit comes at a time when Washington-Beijing ties at a critical point over numerous global disputes.

US' Antony Blinken in China: Peace in South China Sea on agenda?

In a show of strength, Beijing has showcased its nuclear second strike capability or the ability to hit back after an enemy launches an initial nuclear attack. Interestingly this comes just two days before the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's Beijing and Shanghai visit.

China's JL-2 missile: Nuclear second-strike capability

The highly anticipated 14th Beijing International Film Festival kicked off in the Chinese Capital late last evening. A total of 159 films from 118 countries and regions applied to the competition this year.

China: 14th Beijing International Film Festival kicks off

In a bid to strengthen ties between the two nations, China's top lawmaker Zhao Leji on Saturday (Apr 13) met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and expressed Beijing's willingness to work towards boosting cooperation and deepening trust, said Chinese state media reports.

Zhao's official tour to North Korea marks the first visit by the highest-ranking Chinese official since the year 2018 when Li Zhanshu attended the 70th anniversary of North Korea's founding.

"No matter how the international situation changes, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK, created and nurtured by the older generation of leaders from both parties and countries, remains deep-rooted and strong over time," Zhao said in a speech, according to China's Xinhua news agency.

At the end of Zhao's three-day visit to Pyongyang, he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday.

The meeting between the top Chinese diplomat and North Korean leader came as China kickstarted a "friendship year" with DPRK and is willing to make efforts for the diplomatic ties to reach a "higher level".

Kim Jong Un underlined that North Korea and China have a "deep historical tradition" and added that China-DPRK relations are "constantly developing to a new and higher stage," reported CCTV.

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<h2>North Korea test-fires new hypersonic missile</h2>

Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un on Wednesday (Apr 10) said that unstable geopolitical situations surrounding the country meant now was the time to be more prepared for war than ever.&nbsp;

"Outlining the complicated international situation ... and the uncertain and unstable military and political situation around the DPRK, he said that now is the time to be more thoroughly prepared for a war than ever before," state media quoted Kim on Thursday.&nbsp;

His remarks came after Pyongyang on Tuesday fired a new hypersonic missile.&nbsp;

Overseeing the launch of the Hwasong-16B missile, the supreme leader called it a strategic weapon showcasing the "absolute superiority" of Pyongyang's defence technology, KCNA reported.&nbsp;

He said that the launch would provide North Korea with the capacity for "rapidly, accurately and powerfully striking any target in the enemy side worldwide".

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to strengthen ties between the two nations, China's top lawmaker Zhao Leji on Saturday (Apr 13) met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and expressed Beijing's willingness to work towards boosting cooperation and deepening trust, said Chinese state media reports.

In a bid to strengthen ties between the two nations, China's top lawmaker Zhao Leji on Saturday (Apr 13) met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and expressed Beijing's willingness to work towards boosting cooperation and deepening trust, said Chinese state media reports. Zhao's official tour to North Korea marks the first visit by the highest-ranking Chinese official since the year 2018 when Li Zhanshu attended the 70th anniversary of North Korea's founding. "No matter how the international situation changes, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK, created and nurtured by the older generation of leaders from both parties and countries, remains deep-rooted and strong over time," Zhao said in a speech, according to China's Xinhua news agency. At the end of Zhao's three-day visit to Pyongyang, he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday. The meeting between the top Chinese diplomat and North Korean leader came as China kickstarted a "friendship year" with DPRK and is willing to make efforts for the diplomatic ties to reach a "higher level". Kim Jong Un underlined that North Korea and China have a "deep historical tradition" and added that China-DPRK relations are "constantly developing to a new and higher stage," reported CCTV. Also read: US blacklists four Chinese companies for supplying AI chips to Chinese military North Korea test-fires new hypersonic missile Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un on Wednesday (Apr 10) said that unstable geopolitical situations surrounding the country meant now was the time to be more prepared for war than ever. "Outlining the complicated international situation ... and the uncertain and unstable military and political situation around the DPRK, he said that now is the time to be more thoroughly prepared for a war than ever before," state media quoted Kim on Thursday. His remarks came after Pyongyang on Tuesday fired a new hypersonic missile. Overseeing the launch of the Hwasong-16B missile, the supreme leader called it a strategic weapon showcasing the "absolute superiority" of Pyongyang's defence technology, KCNA reported. He said that the launch would provide North Korea with the capacity for "rapidly, accurately and powerfully striking any target in the enemy side worldwide". (With inputs from agencies)

China’s top legislator meets Kim Jong Un, says Beijing willing to deepen trust

In a bid to de-escalate tensions in the West Asian region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and urged Beijing to assert its influence to dissuade Iran from launching an offensive against Israel.

Wang further urged the United States to play “a constructive role” in the Middle East during the telephonic conversation, the US State Department released a statement saying.

After the phone call, China said that Wang also expressed China's "condemnation" of the strike on an Iranian consulate building in Syria's Damascus.

“China will continue to play a constructive role in the resolution of the Middle East issue… and contribute to cooling down the situation,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said as per The Times Of Israel report.

“The United States side in particular should play a constructive role.”

<h2>Blinken speaks to Turkish, Chinese, Saudi Arabian counterparts&nbsp;</h2>

Blinken also spoke to his Turkish, Chinese and Saudi Arabian counterparts emphasizing that escalation in the Middle East is not in anyone's interest, said the US State Department said on Thursday (Apr 11).

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"He (Secretary of State Antony Blinken) talked to the Turkish foreign minister last night. He talked to Wang Yi this morning and then early this morning then talked to the Saudi foreign minister later this morning," said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a regular news briefing.

"We have been engaged in a series of contacts, not just to his level, but other levels, too, to talk to foreign counterparts, to send this very clear message to Iran that they should not escalate this conflict," he said.

Escalation of conflict in Middle East

This comes after the United States issued concerns saying that an Iranian attack on Israel is imminent. US-based media outlets claimed that the strike could involve high-precision missile and drone attacks at military and government sites in Israel.&nbsp;

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also said on Thursday that Israel would respond directly to any attack by Iran. "A direct Iranian attack will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran," Gallant told US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, according to remarks issued by his office.&nbsp;

Tehran has already issued a warning as supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said this week that Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for attacking the Iranian embassy compound in Syria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to de-escalate tensions in the West Asian region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and urged Beijing to assert its influence to dissuade Iran from launching an offensive against Israel.

In a bid to de-escalate tensions in the West Asian region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and urged Beijing to assert its influence to dissuade Iran from launching an offensive against Israel. Wang further urged the United States to play “a constructive role” in the Middle East during the telephonic conversation, the US State Department released a statement saying. After the phone call, China said that Wang also expressed China's "condemnation" of the strike on an Iranian consulate building in Syria's Damascus. “China will continue to play a constructive role in the resolution of the Middle East issue… and contribute to cooling down the situation,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said as per The Times Of Israel report. “The United States side in particular should play a constructive role.” Blinken speaks to Turkish, Chinese, Saudi Arabian counterparts Blinken also spoke to his Turkish, Chinese and Saudi Arabian counterparts emphasizing that escalation in the Middle East is not in anyone's interest, said the US State Department said on Thursday (Apr 11). Also read: Middle East crisis: Indians advised not to travel to Iran and Israel "He (Secretary of State Antony Blinken) talked to the Turkish foreign minister last night. He talked to Wang Yi this morning and then early this morning then talked to the Saudi foreign minister later this morning," said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a regular news briefing. "We have been engaged in a series of contacts, not just to his level, but other levels, too, to talk to foreign counterparts, to send this very clear message to Iran that they should not escalate this conflict," he said. Escalation of conflict in Middle East This comes after the United States issued concerns saying that an Iranian attack on Israel is imminent. US-based media outlets claimed that the strike could involve high-precision missile and drone attacks at military and government sites in Israel. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also said on Thursday that Israel would respond directly to any attack by Iran. "A direct Iranian attack will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran," Gallant told US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, according to remarks issued by his office. Tehran has already issued a warning as supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said this week that Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for attacking the Iranian embassy compound in Syria. (With inputs from agencies)

Middle East crisis: Blinken asks China to assert influence to dissuade Iran from striking Israel

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday (Apr 10) held talks with the pro-China former president of Taiwan in Beijing. The meeting comes ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new leader in the island state. Ma Ying-jeou, who remained president of Taiwan from 2008 to 2016, is on an 11-day tour across China. The meeting is highly significant as it’s the first time that a former president of Taiwan, which China sees as its own territory, has been hosted by China’s top leader. Previously, the two leaders met in Singapore in 2015.

<h2>Xi opposes ‘Taiwan’s independence’</h2>

In his remarks during the meeting, Xi Jinping praised Ma for opposing ‘Taiwan’s independence’ and promoting “cross-strait exchanges and agreeing that both sides of the strait belong to one China.”

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese people. There is no grudge that cannot be resolved, no issue that cannot be discussed and no force that can separate us,” Xi said. “External interference cannot stop the historic trend of the reunion of the family and the country,” he added.

In response, Ma agreed that both people belonged to the Chinese nation, despite the other side of the strait developing under different conditions.

“If a war breaks out between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, it will be an unbearable burden for the Chinese nation,” Ma said. “I sincerely hope that both sides respect the values and way of life treasured by the people and maintain peace across the strait,” the ex-Taiwan leader added.

<h2>Anti-China sentiments in Taiwan</h2>

Even as Xi Jinping doubles down on the idea of reunification with Taiwan, anti-China sentiments in the island state have risen significantly.

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Beijing’s threatening posture has turned more and more Taiwanese away and reinforced their belief in the democratic lifestyle.

Meanwhile, the Ma-Jinping summit in Beijing comes at a time when Washington DC is set to host leaders from Japan and the Philippines. Both nations have grown concerned about China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday (Apr 10) held talks with the pro-China former president of Taiwan in Beijing. The meeting comes ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new leader in the island state.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday (Apr 10) held talks with the pro-China former president of Taiwan in Beijing. The meeting comes ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new leader in the island state. Ma Ying-jeou, who remained president of Taiwan from 2008 to 2016, is on an 11-day tour across China. The meeting is highly significant as it’s the first time that a former president of Taiwan, which China sees as its own territory, has been hosted by China’s top leader. Previously, the two leaders met in Singapore in 2015. Xi opposes ‘Taiwan’s independence’ In his remarks during the meeting, Xi Jinping praised Ma for opposing ‘Taiwan’s independence’ and promoting “cross-strait exchanges and agreeing that both sides of the strait belong to one China.” “Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese people. There is no grudge that cannot be resolved, no issue that cannot be discussed and no force that can separate us,” Xi said. “External interference cannot stop the historic trend of the reunion of the family and the country,” he added. In response, Ma agreed that both people belonged to the Chinese nation, despite the other side of the strait developing under different conditions. “If a war breaks out between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, it will be an unbearable burden for the Chinese nation,” Ma said. “I sincerely hope that both sides respect the values and way of life treasured by the people and maintain peace across the strait,” the ex-Taiwan leader added. Anti-China sentiments in Taiwan Even as Xi Jinping doubles down on the idea of reunification with Taiwan, anti-China sentiments in the island state have risen significantly. Also read: Stable, peaceful ties between India and China are important: PM Modi Beijing’s threatening posture has turned more and more Taiwanese away and reinforced their belief in the democratic lifestyle. Meanwhile, the Ma-Jinping summit in Beijing comes at a time when Washington DC is set to host leaders from Japan and the Philippines. Both nations have grown concerned about China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

‘No force can separate us’: China’s Xi Jinping holds meeting with pro-Beijing ex-president of Taiwan

United States President Joe Biden is set to warn China this week over its growing belligerent movements in the South China Sea during his scheduled summits with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

According to the Financial Times report, two high-ranking US officials said that Biden is expected to voice grave concerns over the ongoing situation surrounding the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed submerged reef within the Spratly Islands.

The officials stated that Biden would emphasise that the Sierra Madre is covered under the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty and that the US president expressed “deep concern” when he had a telephonic conversation with Xi last week.

“China is underestimating the potential for escalation. We’ve tried to make that clear in a series of conversations . . . that our mutual defence treaty covers Philippine sailors and ships and by extension . . . the Sierra Madre,” the Financial Times quoted one of the officials as saying.

“China needs to examine its tactics or risk some serious blowback,” they added.&nbsp;

Biden held his first direct talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, since their meeting in November, where the US president emphasised "the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea," the White House said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-vows-countermeasures-against-attacks-by-chinese-coastguard-will-not-be-cowed-into-silence-705371">Also read: Philippines vows countermeasures against attacks by Chinese coastguard; 'will not be cowed into silence'</a>

Xi, after the phone call, stated that the diplomatic ties between the United States and China have started to stabilise. However, he also warned that there were chances that both countries could "slide into conflict or confrontation," as per China's official Xinhua news agency.

<h2>Beijing patrols the South China Sea</h2>

Meanwhile, China’s military conducted joint air and sea “combat patrols” in the disputed South China Sea, on Sunday (Apr 7) as the United States held its first joint military drills with the Philippines, Japan and Australia.&nbsp;

“The Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army will conduct a joint air and sea combat patrol in the South China Sea on April 7,” said Southern Theatre Command in a surprising announcement on its WeChat account, on Sunday morning.&nbsp;

The statement indicated that the patrols were conducted in response to the joint naval exercises by the US and its allies in the South China Sea. The PLA, in its brief statement, added “All military activities that disrupt the South China Sea and create hotspots are under control.”

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden is set to warn China this week over its growing belligerent movements in the South China Sea during his scheduled summits with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

United States President Joe Biden is set to warn China this week over its growing belligerent movements in the South China Sea during his scheduled summits with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. According to the Financial Times report, two high-ranking US officials said that Biden is expected to voice grave concerns over the ongoing situation surrounding the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed submerged reef within the Spratly Islands. The officials stated that Biden would emphasise that the Sierra Madre is covered under the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty and that the US president expressed “deep concern” when he had a telephonic conversation with Xi last week. “China is underestimating the potential for escalation. We’ve tried to make that clear in a series of conversations . . . that our mutual defence treaty covers Philippine sailors and ships and by extension . . . the Sierra Madre,” the Financial Times quoted one of the officials as saying. “China needs to examine its tactics or risk some serious blowback,” they added. Biden held his first direct talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, since their meeting in November, where the US president emphasised "the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea," the White House said in a statement. Also read: Philippines vows countermeasures against attacks by Chinese coastguard; 'will not be cowed into silence' Xi, after the phone call, stated that the diplomatic ties between the United States and China have started to stabilise. However, he also warned that there were chances that both countries could "slide into conflict or confrontation," as per China's official Xinhua news agency. Beijing patrols the South China Sea Meanwhile, China’s military conducted joint air and sea “combat patrols” in the disputed South China Sea, on Sunday (Apr 7) as the United States held its first joint military drills with the Philippines, Japan and Australia. “The Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army will conduct a joint air and sea combat patrol in the South China Sea on April 7,” said Southern Theatre Command in a surprising announcement on its WeChat account, on Sunday morning. The statement indicated that the patrols were conducted in response to the joint naval exercises by the US and its allies in the South China Sea. The PLA, in its brief statement, added “All military activities that disrupt the South China Sea and create hotspots are under control.” (With inputs from agencies)

Biden set to issue warning to China over its increasing belligerence in South China Sea

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is on a four-day trip to China. Yellen on Sunday told Premier Li Qiang that difficult conversations have put the two economic superpowers on "a more stable footing". During her bilateral meeting in Beijing, yellen said that two countries have a "duty" to responsibly manage a complex relationship.

Yellen: US & China have to responsibly manage complex relationship

Prior to joint military drills with its partners, the Philippines has claimed that two Chinese coastguard ships "harassed" Filipino fishing vessels within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the disputed South China Sea. Watch to know more.

Philippines accuses China of 'harassment'; Manila, Beijing trade charges over encounter

Chinese state media's use of AI reveals how Beijing is sowing divisions abroad, to manipulate voters in rival countries. Could China use AI to meddle in Indian polls?

Gravitas: China uses AI to sow divisions abroad | Beijing using AI to manipulate voters in US, India

Reiterating that Arunachal Pradesh is an "integral and inalienable part of India," the Ministry of External Affairs said that China may repeat its "baseless claims" as many times as they want, but that will not change the position.

In response to a query during a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Our position on the matter has been made very clear on Arunachal Pradesh time and again. We have recently also issued statements in this regard. I think a couple of statements."

"China may repeat its baseless claims as many times as they want. That is not going to change the position. Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India," he added.

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Randhir Jaiswal's statement comes days after China again came up with its claim over Arunachal Pradesh.

Terming the Indian State as "Zangan--an inherent part of China's territory," the Chinese Defence Ministry said that Beijing "never acknowledges and firmly opposes" the "so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India."

Following this, India once again rejected the "absurd claims" and "baseless arguments" while asserting that the northeastern state is an "integral and inalienable part of India."

In an official statement, MEA noted that the people of Arunachal Pradesh will "continue to benefit" from India's development programmes and infrastructure projects.

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On March 23, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed on Saturday that the north-eastern state is part of India. While referring to Beijing's claims as "ludicrous", the EAM said that Arunachal Pradesh is a part of India because it is a part of the country, and not only because a foreign country says so.

During his visit to Singapore, EAM Jaishankar spoke at the Institute of South Asian Studies of the National University of Singapore on his book 'Why Bharat Matters'.

Responding to a question during the event, Jaishankar said, "This is not a new issue. China has laid claim, expanded its claim. The claims are ludicrous to begin with, they remain ludicrous today. And Arunachal Pradesh is part of India because it is part of India, not because some other country says it is part of India.""So, I think we have been very clear, very consistent on this. And this is something that will be part of the boundary discussion which are taking place," he added.

Reiterating that Arunachal Pradesh is an "integral and inalienable part of India," the Ministry of External Affairs said that China may repeat its "baseless claims" as many times as they want, but that will not change the position.

Reiterating that Arunachal Pradesh is an "integral and inalienable part of India," the Ministry of External Affairs said that China may repeat its "baseless claims" as many times as they want, but that will not change the position. In response to a query during a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Our position on the matter has been made very clear on Arunachal Pradesh time and again. We have recently also issued statements in this regard. I think a couple of statements." "China may repeat its baseless claims as many times as they want. That is not going to change the position. Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India," he added. Watch: Beijing's missile force and burgeoning arms race in Asia × Randhir Jaiswal's statement comes days after China again came up with its claim over Arunachal Pradesh. Terming the Indian State as "Zangan--an inherent part of China's territory," the Chinese Defence Ministry said that Beijing "never acknowledges and firmly opposes" the "so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India." Following this, India once again rejected the "absurd claims" and "baseless arguments" while asserting that the northeastern state is an "integral and inalienable part of India." In an official statement, MEA noted that the people of Arunachal Pradesh will "continue to benefit" from India's development programmes and infrastructure projects. Also read: China to ‘assist’ in developing strategic deep sea port, says Sri Lanka PM amid visit to Beijing On March 23, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed on Saturday that the north-eastern state is part of India. While referring to Beijing's claims as "ludicrous", the EAM said that Arunachal Pradesh is a part of India because it is a part of the country, and not only because a foreign country says so. During his visit to Singapore, EAM Jaishankar spoke at the Institute of South Asian Studies of the National University of Singapore on his book 'Why Bharat Matters'. Responding to a question during the event, Jaishankar said, "This is not a new issue. China has laid claim, expanded its claim. The claims are ludicrous to begin with, they remain ludicrous today. And Arunachal Pradesh is part of India because it is part of India, not because some other country says it is part of India.""So, I think we have been very clear, very consistent on this. And this is something that will be part of the boundary discussion which are taking place," he added.

‘Baseless’: India rubbishes China’s ‘absurd’ claims on Arunachal Pradesh

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